Aug 11: “No my writing’s have never caused catastrophic tragedies like riots. Whatever happens, happens only to me.The consequent punishment for my writings has to be borne only by me. It is my house that catches fire. I am the one who has to lose every home.” This was Tasleema Nasreen’s statement when her voices are made silent again and again.
The so called custodian of religious faith has chosen the path of extremism to disturb the very fabric of our society. United Nation in a study says “there is a significant rise in religious extremism and intolerance throughout the world, no religion is free from religious extremism.”
Self acclaimed “character building organization” RSS, Bajrang Dal, various Islamic Fundamentalist organizations, and the Christian extremism speak on our behalf for hurting our religious sentiment.
Who gave them the onus? Who gave them right to be self appointed custodian of culture and religion? Had they ever asked?
Fatwas, moral cleansing has become too much in vogue that it is creating furor in the mind of common people. The recent Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen activist who attacked Taslima and threatened to behead her if she visits Hyderabad again. Is not it a shame on our country to keep mum and remain silent spectator to such outrageous remarks?
But things are not as dark as it seems as various organizations have come forward to oppose such move by religious extremism.
Chandramohan the young student artist at reputed Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda was beaten by Hindu Communal Forces, instead of coming for his help police arrested him for disturbing religious sentiment through his vulgar depiction of Gods and Goddesses. Thanks to social activism which is born as an avatar to protest for those who are treated disproportionately at the hand of law.
‘Come what may I will never be silent’, said Tasleema Nasreen who was given fatwa for her book ‘Lajja’ in 1993, and her other novels and autobiographies, ‘Amar Meybala’, Utal Hawa, Ko, Dwikhandita and Sei Sob Andhakar faced the same fate….BANNED IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH AND PARTIALLY IN WEST BENGAL.
The most atrocious fatwa till date by Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini on Salman Rushdie, which made him virtual prisoner and a threat to his life .Satanic Verses made him run for his life till today he is changing addresses for his alleged blasphemy. Several talks to ease this fatwa but all gone unheard for they say divine rule are irrevocable. In 2005 Khomeini’s successor renewed the fatwa saying Rushdie’s killing would be authorized by the Islam.
It was rekindled when Britain conferred Knighthood on Salman Rushdie in recognition for his contribution to literature. Again Islamic Country went to rampage and asked apology from British government
Every day the media flashes such news of few people advocating moral cleansing, thrashing people if they do not confirm to their norms and they are doing so to protect their religion or culture. Be it Valentine’s Day or attacking inter-caste or inter- religion marriage, on every such occasion they give bruises to our emotions.
There may be thousands of Chandramohan, thousands of Tasleema and thousands of Rushdie never being heard.
Who will stand on their behalf? Yes it takes guts to say……
The paradox will remain …the paradox that some strive forward and some backward, the paradox that we have freedom of speech and expression…the paradox that we are awake with our eyes closed……
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