In September 1924 violent Hindu-Muslim riots took place in the small town of Kohat in the NWF province of the old undivided India where unimaginable atrocities were committed on either community. The above event took place nearly seventy years ago and since then much water has flown below the bridge both in the Indus and the Ganges and the History of this sub-continent has witnessed violent upheavals. One hoped that with the creation of Pakistan, the rabid communalism of pre-Partition days, fuelled by alien rulers to perpetuate their hold, was dead forever. But alas! That was only a fond dream. Recently the Ram Janambhumi-Babri Masjid dispute took a violent turn which shook the whole nation. 6th December 1992, and its aftermath saw extensive loss of life and property and brought adverse reaction both within and the outside country. Against this background the present volume makes a careful analysis of the causes of Hindu-Muslim divide which continues to plague the nation and arrest its progress. The author begins with the hypothesis that patriotism and nationalism are never the exclusive monopoly of any community, caste, creed or region. A Muslim could be as good a patriot as a Hindu, a Buddhist, a Sikh or a Christian. All Indians bred and brought up in India are sons of Mother India and members of one family and all should act and behave as such. They must unite to defeat the monster of communalism and bring about national integration and unity. One may not agree with some of his views but all Indians should unite to preserve and protect the national unity. This is the crux of the whole problem. The book deals with a most timely theme and is capable of inspiring patriotic emotions in all Indians.
There are no reviews yet.