The initiative taken by veteran RSS Pracharak Shri Indresh Kumar to bring both the Hindus and Muslims closer has started attracting the attention of people at international level too. Organiser senior correspondent Pramod Kumar spoke to him in New Delhi to discuss various aspects of this initiative. Excerpts:
What is so special about Indian Muslims that they do not support the radicalism as is seen in other countries?
Islam came to India in two forms—invaders and Sufis. Undoubtedly, a big section joined the invaders, a good number of them remained patriotic. When Babur invaded, one of the principle army chiefs of Rana Sanga was Hasan Khan Mewati who along with thousands of Muslim soldiers fought against Babur at the battle of Khanwa. Equally, Hakim Khan Suri fought for Maharana Pratap in Haldi Ghati battle against Akbar. The man who played a key role in saving the life of Shivaji from Aurangzeb’s jail was a Muslim called Madari. The first Guruwani was sung by Bhai Mardana who was a Muslim. The Artilery Incharge of Rani Jhansi was Gosain Khan who openly challenged the Britishers and sacrificed his life for protection of Jhansi. The man who saved the child of Rani Jhansi was Khuda Baksh. Begum Hazrat Mahal united people against the Britishers. There are many unsung Muslim heroes even in rural areas who fought for the country against British. The chief security officer of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was Capt Abid Hasan and the slogan of ‘Jai Hind’ was suggested by him. Equally, we see a galaxy of Muslim saints in Raskhan, Rahim, Jayasi, Dara Shikoh, Kale Khan, etc. The largest number of songs on Sri Krishna have been written by Raskhan. Apart from a cruel inhuman face, Islam presented a humane face too. We thought if we supported the patriotic Muslims, a new way of restoring peace could emerge. The methods of hatred, rejection and sycophancy also failed to resolve the problem. Therefore, a middle way was needed.
When this idea clicked in your mind?
It clicked to me when I was in Jammu & Kashmir and terrorism was at its peak. The terrorists were exploiting Islam. I thought of countering the radicalism through the Muslims only. When I started efforts in this regard I found a lot of people were thinking on the similar lines. We thought if we supported the nationalist people and once they get stronger the anti-India elements will automatically get weak. The then RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri KS Sudarshan also supported it as an alternate way of uniting the society.
Is Islam already Indianised or you are Indianising it?
Islam does not accept any idol. Therefore, when the Islamic invaders entered India they demolished the Hindus worship places. But at the same time the tradition of building dargah of Sufis also began among Muslims. It was not the original Arabic tradition. Since 99 per cent of the Muslims in India converted from Hinduism and they used to worship the God in any form before conversion, they started worshiping those Dargahs. They even started celebrating Eid of Nabi, which is observed nowhere in the Arab countries. This is how their Sanatani values survived.
Condemnation of terrorism in the name of Islam and issuance of fatwas against cow slaughter are beginning of the Indianisation of Islam. Now the Muslims organise cow milk parties and oppose beef consumption. They hoist tricolour during Independence Day or Republic Day even in madrasas and sing the national anthem. By and large a psychological change is clearly visible.
The MRM is educating Muslim youth against wrong interpretations of Quran. What basically is being conveyed through this campaign?
The imperialist Muslims call Mecca as their holiest place and Arab as their motherland. Similarly, they justify terrorism in the name of jihad. We say Mecca is the holiest place for you and do whatever you wish for its development, but when it comes to show commitment or sacrificing life to the motherland it should be India. The idea is appealing. We tell the Muslim youth to think whether the ISIS is giving lives or taking lives, giving employment or killing employment opportunities, it is for development or destruction, it leads to peace or restlessness.
What is the objective of International Iftar party to be organised in Delhi on July 2?
Some Muslims last year suggested that the information about the positive initiatives by MRM should go outside India also. That is why this event has been organised.
What is being done to curb the practice of oral triple talaq?
An awareness campaign against it is being conducted through Muslim women. In Islam, talaq has been described as ‘an offence disliked by the Prophet’. The agitating women have described it as anti-Islam and cruel. The Manch activists are also educating the Muslims to limit the number of marriages and children.
What is being done to spread the modern education?
It is must to get jobs. We also tell them to include the education of ‘tehzeeb’ and love to the motherland.
Muslims arrested in connection with Malegaon case have been freed. Why the Hindus are still behind the bars?
It was a political conspiracy. First the Government saw the role of Muslims in it. Then it blamed the international organisations. Then it turned to the Hindus. The whole conspiracy was to defame and isolate the nationalist Hindus and the RSS. That conspiracy now stands exposed. I still say, hold an open court, call judges and officers of investigative agencies, both Muslim and Hindus and interrogate in public. The previous government did not do that because its intention was malacious. The Hindus are not being released because the previous government framed them in many other cases also. Until they are cleared in all the cases they will not be freed. I appeal to the court to at least grant them bail immediately.
What is the impact of the pledge taken by a group of Maulvis in Lucknow to make Bharat ‘Danga Mukt’ and ‘Nafarat Mukt’?
Good impact. During the Ramzan this year, the Manch has appealed to its leaders to organise at least one Roza Iftar party in their locality inviting people of all communities and discuss to make the society riot-free. If we are able to make our localities riots-free, the entire country and then the entire world will be riots-free. Many such function are being held.
What are the political implications of these activities?
Political implications are obvious. Muslims in India are realising now that they were taken for ride in the name of ‘secularism’. They are reinventing themselves with Indian cultural ethos, so they do not feel threatened by the political ploy of pseudo-secularists. Naturally, they are coming closer to BJP, they appreciate the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Modi. These are logical corollaries of cultural assimilation and dialogue. This is going to increase day-by-day.
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