Dhaka, Bangladesh

  This year due to a coincidence of the lunar calendar, Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja, two major religious festivals of India, were celebrated within a week of each other in late September. After twenty-two years, I was able to witness both in my birth city of Kolkata. One common thread between the Pujas and Eids is the propensity amongst the faithful to shop for new clothes and gifts with the same fervor and joy as Christmas shoppers in my adopted homeland of United States. The area colloquially called New Market is the nexus of this buying spree in Kolkata. I had a few things to shop for my family and quite naturally gravitated towards where all Kolkata roads seemed to meet.

Fighting the heat and humidity of a late September afternoon and amidst the crushing crowds, I could not help but notice that the overwhelming majority of the signs strewn across the myriad of shops were Puja greetings, well-wishing those celebrating Durgautsov. Conspicuous in their absence were well wishes to the Muslim community on the occasion of their Eid. Muslims who make up over twenty percent of the population in Kolkata, have become its invisible minority, increasingly squeezed out of the public square in Kolkata and beyond.

After India’s bloody and tragic partition many Muslims, particularly the elites, migrated to Pakistan leaving behind a political and social vacuum. Those who chose to remain Indian outnumbered those who opted for Pakistan. Yet Indian Muslims have been stigmatized as India’s fifth column. The subsequent rise of the Hindu political identity marked by the Hinduvta movement, the lack of creative ideas in the Muslim community towards self-empowerment, the post-independence educational curriculum depicting Muslims as outsiders, Islamophobia, and violence in the name of Islam; all have contributed to marginalize India’s Muslims.

Writing a book review in The Hindu, A.G. Noorani commented, “It (the Muslim problem) must be treated urgently and seriously as one of the national problems. Discrimination against Muslims has been a blot on India's record as a democracy. That blot must be erased with determination and speed by all Indians who cherish the Great Indian Ideal.” Thus, the idea behind empowering Muslims in India should not be viewed as either appeasement to a voting block or solely an altruistic program to uplift one of India’s most downtrodden socio-religious communities.

Persistent religious discrimination and recurring communal violence have marred India’s ideals and values. It has diminished India’s narrative of a secular state where multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities can safely and freely reside. The erosion of the constitutionally protected fundamental rights has been especially disillusioning for India’s Muslim youth. The repeated failure of governments, both local and national, to take appropriate measures to protect the rights of minority citizens has prompted the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to put India on its 2009 Watch List.

Despite the obvious need to correct the problem, religious fanatics and fundamentalists have espoused the notion that Muslim empowerment is a zero-sum game. In particular the Hinduvta movement has cultivated a mistaken notion that any gain to the Muslim community is a loss for the Hindus. But in today’s globalized society, power resides not so much in unilateralism (shown to be glaringly ineffective by George W. Bush) but rather in effective mutuality and sharing between all who have a stake in a nation’s future. Thus, the issue of Muslim empowerment should be as much a Hindu concern as it is a Muslim aspiration.

Empowering Muslims in India requires a three pronged effort with all of the parts working together in a holistic manner to convert today’s challenge into tomorrow’s opportunities. The first prong undoubtedly lies on the shoulders of India’s Muslim community. Instead of succumbing to the political rhetoric being espoused by self-appointed leaders, Muslims must leave aside their cynicism and engage in the Indian political, social and cultural life with vigor and positivity. The Civil Rights movement in America can serve as an inspirational model. Integration will be more effective if Indian Muslims harmonize their Islamic identity and with their Indian one.

Such integrative steps can happen only if India’s state, local and central governments come forward with bold new proposals to correct the glaring deficiencies pointed out by the Sachar Committee Report. Although much of the grievances in the report were well known to Muslims, the Sachar Report is an eye opener to those who assumed away the Muslim problem or blamed it on some foreign conspiracy. The Sachar Report is poignant in its pathos that the disempowerment of India’s Muslims is an Indian problem created by decades of neglect and abuse, which hangs as an albatross on India’s otherwise vibrant democracy. Quite ironically, states like West Bengal and Kerala that boasted the most liberal governments were just as culpable in their lack of attention to Muslim empowerment as regions that hosted more religiocentric governments, like Gujarat. I was shocked to learn that in my birth state of West Bengal, Muslim representation in state public sector undertakings is exactly zero percent!

Other statistics are equally grim - less than 4 percent Muslims graduate from school; 1 in 25 undergraduate students and 1 in 50 post graduate students in premier university and colleges are Muslims; although Muslims are nearly 14 percent of India’s population their share in government employment is 4.9 percent; in India’s security agencies, Muslim representation is 3.2 percent; only 2.1 percent of Muslim farmers own tractors; just 1 percent own hand pumps for irrigation; if Muslims do outnumber majority Hindus in anywhere, it is predictably as a proportion of the prison population (much like Blacks in America).

It will be a mistake to leave the task of Muslim empowerment to the goodwill of governments alone. As India transforms itself into a market economy, it is the private sector that will play a bigger role in both the economic and social transformation of India. India’s big-business community can, if they choose to, play a positive role in empowering India’s Muslim minority. One mechanism for creating an Indian corporate workforce that is reflective of India’s socio-religious communities is through the voluntary adoption of the UN Global Compact. Launched in the year 2000 the Global Compact is an effort by the United Nations to usher-in a more sustainable, just and inclusive global economy.

To achieve this goal, the Global Compact outlined ten principles broadly classified in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. If the business community takes the necessary steps to apply these principles, it will inevitably lead to not only preserving the profit margins for the businesses but to a general well being of the society. By ending all overt and covert discriminations in labor practices, businesses can assist in empowering India’s minorities. By adhering to higher environmental standards businesses can also help the poor (including but not limited to Muslims) who are usually the disproportionate victims of environmental degradation.

The issue of Muslim empowerment is not so much about the Muslim community as it is about India’s future. A more educated Muslim community will constitute a more enlightened Indian work force leading to better business opportunity and a more sustainable growth for India’s economy. The next step in India’s economic evolution will likely not come on the backs of call centers and outsourcing. Rather it will come as result of higher paying service oriented jobs that require a large educated work force. An empowered Muslim community will also mean fewer security headaches and lesser social tension.

The Sachar commission recommends that 15 percent of all government funds be allocated to Muslim welfare and development. While this may work in the short run, in the long run Muslims need equal opportunities not quotas or handouts. This can come about via the establishment of “Equal Opportunities Commission” much like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the United States. Such a commission, armed with judicial powers, can greatly aid in empowering India’s Muslim much like the EEOC continues to do for America’s minority communities. These suggestions, among the many made by the Sachar report, are not difficult to implement provided governments and citizens alike make a commitment to change their mindset that for too long has regarded the issue of Muslim empowerment as a zero-sum game relegating them to become India’s invisible minority.

(Photo: thaths)

...Muslims need equal opportunities not quotas or handouts. This can come about via the establishment of “Equal Opportunities Commission” much like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the United States.
- from the article

The USEOC has hardly been a model for success.

What HAS been a success is the Chinese community on the west coast of the U.S. The immigrant Chinese were anything but accepted by the local white residents. Having no work or other prospects in the white community, they started working and trading with each other, and provided their own schooling. They have now gone from the slant-eyed Asian stereotype to the rich Asians who are good at math stereotype.

The U.S. Chinese model seems to be more worthy of emulation.

...except I don't often run into Chinese in Cali who are freindly nor inviting to outsiders. Other than that, I agree thier model deserves to be studied, while keeping in mind that walling ourselves off is likely to be isolating, and perhaps not as possible as it was for 19th century Chinese immigrants.

Also, what about converts like me or the several million Blackamerican Muslims? I may be an edge case, but I've found very little appeal in only dealing with other Muslims both in terms of acquiring knowledge, skills, common sense, wisdom and prosperity. They're not very sharing of thier success with people outside thier small family clans.

They're not very sharing of thier success with people outside their small family clans.
- Posted by OmarG

Perhaps true, however, the U.S. Chinese model was born of a combination of necessity, the whites wouldn't accept them, and an unwillingness to depend upon others to achieve their own dreams.

I agree with Dr. Parvez's analysis and recommendations. Any business savvy leader (political or corporate head) should know that if India is to claim its right share as an economic power in the world, it cannot push 150 million citizens against the wall. I also agree that Muslim leaders in India and elsewhere must not use this as an excuse just to sit and do nothing. They must rise above this rhetoric and make a genuine attempt in India and elsewhere to change the condition of their people by assimilating in the general society at large, becoming contributing members towards social, political and economic fabric. It clearly states in the Quran "Verily never will Allah change a condition of a people until they change what is within their souls [Ra'd 13:11]

I agree with Dr. Parvez's analysis and recommendations.....I also agree that Muslim leaders in India and elsewhere must not use this as an excuse just to sit and do nothing.
- Posted by Syed1994

Your second statement, as I quoted it, is not part of Dr. Parvez's analysis and recommendations. Do you agree with Dr. Parvez or not?

It is part of his analysis. I am quoting from his article below. I am just elaborating on what he said in a concised form. He is asking them to integrate with the society at large which implies he is asking them NOT to do the opposite..which is what I am saying i.e just sit and do nothing.
Yes I agree with him...

"The first prong undoubtedly lies on the shoulders of India’s Muslim community. Instead of succumbing to the political rhetoric being espoused by self-appointed leaders, Muslims must leave aside their cynicism and engage in the Indian political, social and cultural life with vigor and positivity."

I am just elaborating on what he said in a concised form.
- Posted by Syed1994

'Elaboration' is the opposite of 'concision", I hope you understand my confusion.

Since you chose not to listen to anyone from the opposing (Hindutva) camp and have quoted Noorani and Sachar as if that is "Hindu" point of view (both haters of Hindu mainstream), let me butt in and put here the Hindu point of view.

Indian Muslims in undivided India basically said they are a completely different people than Hindus and would have nothing to do with Hindus and will pursue their community life completely separately. When Hindus under the leadership of Gandhi disagreed and said we are one people, Muslims resorted to violence and declared "Direct Action" which meant violence and rape against Hindus. That is how Pakistan was formed. Majority of those who stayed back in India were at the forefront of Pakistan movement and committed the most violence during those direct action days.

Hindus still instituted laws which did not discriminate against Muslims. No word of thanks from Muslims for the same. In fact there have been persistent demands from Muslims (progeny of Pakistan movement supporters) to dilute India's constitution in ways that enables Muslims to live a completely separate life !

Every muslim majority area on the subcontinent is either partially or completely cleansed of Hindus. This is again done through "direct action" like brutalities. Muslims in Hindu majority areas still can rise to any position in life if only they depend on their hard work and talents rather than demand material benefits as a sort of right. But perhaps a community that has lived for centuries on booty (right from "prophet" days) cannot start working to earn a living. It must either be able to get jiziyah or live with less material wealth.

Even after all that the writer has observed, you will likely find that Muslims' per capita income in India is more than that in Pakistan or Bangladesh !!! Hindus should not expect any thanks for that. Islam does not allow any gratitude towards Kaafirs. If Muslims get anything from Kaafirs, it is theirs by right. If they don't, they have been denied their natural rights !

Sanjay: As I recall from the days of Pakistan's formation, there was plenty of blame for everyone.

Fester - Muslims always blame others for everything including their most personal problems. So there is always enough blame for everyone in all incidents involving Muslims.

The fact of the matter is - Muslims demanded a separate state saying they won't live with Hindus and they were the ones to call for violence openly. The geographies where the muslims were the most virulent are in India now (UP and Delhi)

How do you explain the fact that Hindus have been completely cleansed out of Pakistan and reduced drastically in Bangladesh. In India, they have been the fastest growing religious group since independence !

clarification to previous post: Last line should read "In India, MUSLIMS have been the fastest growing religious group since independence !"

@Sanjay: I'd appreciate it if you can tone down your frustration with Muslims and not use negative blanket statements similar to "Muslims only take..." etc.

>>No word of thanks from Muslims for the same.

How exactly would Muslims do that? And whom would they thank, specifically?

As far as Muslims living separately, I think this is exactly what the article says Muslims already do, but must change this and integrate into mainstream Indian society. Naturally, name-calling as you have done chills people from wanting to integrate with a society which insults them. Do you get it?

@Omar: If a community consistently shows violent and aggressive behaviours, pointing it out is not name calling.

There are hundred ways to show gratitude for something positive done for a community. I am yet to see a prominent Muslim personality in India's public life who says they have a great environment in India to grow themselves and that Hindu leadership never reciprocated murderous behaviours by pre partition Muslim League.

Muslims did not integrate into Indian society when India's leadership was in the hands of Gandhi and Nehru so comments by the likes of me cannot be the REAL reason for not integrating in Indian (or any other kaafir society).

I am right now reading the biography of Prophet Mohammed, written by Ibn Ishaq translated by Alfred Guillaume. It is easy to see the source of Muslim violence and separatism. Anybody here feels otherwise, I will quote from muslim texts and prove my point. (I strongly suspect Muslims reading my comment know in their hearts of hearts I am right too !)

I am convinced after reading most of Koran and the prophet's Sira - long term solution of this entire global muslim problem is abolition of Islam. There is no other solution.

Given that more than 1 billion people profess this faith, it may seem far fetched today. However, many things have appeared far fetched in the history of mankind. But they did happen. I can go on listing examples.

Thoughtful, timely and enlightening.

>>this entire global muslim problem is abolition of Islam. There is no other solution.

I think this is where our conversation ends. All you have done is turn an Italian-American Muslim into someone who is now highly suspicious of Hindus and thier own homegrown hatred and fanaticism. I suspect your bias is the same as many Hindus in India and perhaps elsewhere as well.

See ya; BTW, the Ganges stinks like a toilet and beef tastes awesome with tomatoes and oregano; you should try it. Also, polytheism is bad for your spiritual health; try monotheism for a change.

You know buddy, when two Chinese have an argument, the first one to raise his hand on the other is considered to be in the wrong. The one who maintained his calm till the end is believed to be right.

With your abuse about Ganges etc, you have once again proved this point.

Ganges water does get polluted a lot before it enters the sea. I wish we had the resources to clean it up more. A lot of people in the world do enjoy eating beef and we Hindus won't indulge in murder and arson for that reason. As for polytheism, one can be a monotheist, criticize polytheism and yet be a good Hindu. A muslim mind will probably never understand that sort of thing.

A muslim mind will probably never understand that sort of thing.
>>>

So, 1.8 billion Muslims all have the same mind. Fascinating. The world is in a fascinating place right now. Old models are collapsing and being threatened, globalization and corporate hegemony is spreading over the world like moss, and everybody is threatened by someone. Certain whites believe the perfect world will be achieved when all tiresome little brown, black, and yellow primitives are eradicated. Some folks believe the heaven on earth will be achieved when all evil sex-dripping females are kept in bunkers and only visited when they need to be inseminated to continue the race. A lot of Americans nowadays feel that their economic prosperity will return when India gets wiped off the map and stops taking "all our jobs." And on and on .... There are hundreds of these formulae predictaed on 3/4 of the planet disappearing. I don't think anybody should hold their breath. So, baring that and giving in to the orgiastic lust of indulging our racist and nationalistic fetishes, what do we do? It may feel good to spit annonymously at your enemies from behind a computer screen, but nobody's going away unless God says so. So far, He seems still firmly committed to us working through the formulae and trials He has given us. Whiteys like me do have a hard time understanding some of this. I don't have the racist gene some of my "fellow Americans" and a lot of Europeans do, so I don't get all hot and sweatly with joy every time I catch a glimpse of my white skin in the mirror, nor do I vicariously assume responsibility for all achievements of people who look like me. But then I didn't grow up surrounded by hereditary enemies like the proverbial Hatfields & McCoys so my identity is not predicated on those issues. Maybe that's the problem. I think globalization has moved to eradicate social and cultural boundaries in its desire for us to all pant and swoon over the same Nikes and blue jeans. Why should people the world over be robbed of their identity just so somebody in an office on the 110th floor can sell product? I've been asking that for decades. But why should someone's identity be confined to who they hate? We all have a lot of work to do. I personally have lost over 3/4 of the yearly income I have enjoyed for the last 10 years to Indian outsourcing. Oh well. I can sit here and hate and get all fumed up, or I can find another way to make money, and transcend to a new place in life. It's all about transition. America is screwed. And I believe getting excited about new possibilites and addressing our problems in new ways, exciting ways, is way cooler than sitting around chanting for India to get blown off the map. What do ya say Sanjay?

OmarG- My friend, you are not suppose to make fun of other religions. Quran clearly forbids faithful from doing so, as much as Sanjay (my other brother in humanity) would want us to beleive otherwise)

Mr. Sanjay-Your quote about first chinese who raises hand is wrong is implying you were WRONG since you started ridiculing Islam, Prophet (peace be upon him) before anyoen said anything about any religion.

Let's not talk about the holy books, any book's verses can be taken out of context and mean to imply entirely something else. You can do it with Quran, Bible, Vedas or any book of any other religion. So lets not get into that. I have utter respect for all religions although I follow only one. The murderer of Gandhi was not a Muslim, murderer of Indira Gandhi was not a Muslim, murderer of Rajiv Gandhi did not profess Islam...so we all have our share of bad apples.

The murderer of Gandhi was not a Muslim, murderer of Indira Gandhi was not a Muslim, murderer of Rajiv Gandhi did not profess Islam...so we all have our share of bad apples.
>>>

And let me add this. I have been taking a very close read of some of the works of various Islamic ideologues who crafted political manifestos for the use of Islam as a bulwark against colonialism. I find these men and their ideas fascianting from a historical perspective. Many of their biographies and their own private writings and letters reveal that they understood Islam to be a useful tool to mobilize the masses. Some of them, some of the big names in the late 19th and early 20th century, did not even believe in Islam as a personal religion and scoffed at it in their private letters. Bear that in mind. Now, I also find their work often brilliant and am as staunch an anti-colonialist as anyone reading this, I assure you. But often, their works have been slanted away from their original ideas and in fact minimized the power and effect they could have had in strengthening the self determination of states all throughout the Middle East. I can tell you right now Jamal al-din al-Afghani would be mortified to see what was made of his works and how his genius was marginalized to a few people blowing themselves up and ultimately doing nothing but wasting lives in the process.

@Akenanubis: I honestly did not get your point at all.

@Syed1994: Thanks for calling me a brother. I hope you meant it.

There is difference between a) arguing against a religion / prophet and b) ridiculing the same. I have taken care to study Islam myself. I have studied the primary texts of Islam and then have reached the belief that Islam is inherently brutal and violent. Stating that with backup argument is not ridiculing it.

The thing about "taking out of context" is old hat. Still, it had to be answered. So, after reading Koran (which it was impossible to quote to a muslim because pat would come the reply "ah, but you are quoting out of context"), I decided to go through the Sira which is THE context.

Interesting that you say that Islam forbids disrespecting others' religion. I am at the part of Sira (reading it second time, mind you) where the prophet is ridiculing pagan religion and thereby inviting the ire of the Arab pagans ! Muslims say the kinds of things you have said thinking the kaafir won't go back and check the texts himself. Well, in many cases you are right. Kaafirs don't check things. But since I take this issue seriously and aim to be authentic, I ALWAYS go back and check primary texts of Islam.