It is a sad state to see that we are quickly going the way of losing our secular identity. Fundamentalists and extremists seem to be rampant on either religious denominations. I pray to the Almighty the Omniscient the Munificent that may peace and harmony prevail forever in the land that gave birth to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Mahatma, our national pride and the Late President Abul Pakir Jainalubdin Abdul Kalam, Mohammed Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, and many more who shall forever remain etched in the fabric of our nation's great history and proud heritage.
My heart grows sad for no one should feel alienated or segregated. Ghettoisation is neither wanted nor should be tolerated. Jingoism and playing to the crowd are what our nation does not ever require. What our country needs is to eradicate corruption, sectarian violence, ensure that its citizens are protected at night and in remote corners of the country at all times. Our country needs our children to grow strong, healthy and prosperous. Religion is what we turn to to keep our society from plunging into depravity and moral turpitude. Religion is not and should never be a rod to stir up issues for the sake of political mileage and economic benefit for a select few.
It is said that quotes by the Mahatma are the most frequently quoted ones on the Internet. What, therefore, could be better than using one made famous by his views on Truth and Nonviolence - "It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business."
