Fostered by those in power, hatred 'hasn't been' part of Indian narrative

By Osman Sher* 

It is strikingly ironic that the current climate of prevalent hate in India is fostered not by a disruptive fringe of society, but by those in power—individuals entrusted by the citizens to promote their welfare and foster peace and harmony. It is their responsibility to guide and nurture the populace as if they were their flock. 

This unsettling reality compels us to delve into history to determine if cruel acts—such as mob lynching, demolishing homes, inciting animosity between different faiths, and meddling in personal affairs like marriage, romance, dietary choices, and dress—have ever been a part of the Indian narrative. 

Historically, the Indian subcontinent has exemplified love and tolerance. In this rich tapestry of pluralism, tolerance narrates a story of equality in diversity, showcasing people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds coexisting in harmony. 

Throughout history, samrats and sultans have enriched the lives of their subjects, while rishis, munis, sufis, and bhagats have inspired and governed their hearts and minds. Despite intermittent struggles for political power and the accompanying brutalities at the upper echelons, the foundational principles of love, understanding, and accommodation have typically prevailed. 

As Vincent A. Smith noted in "The Oxford History of India":

“India undoubtedly possesses a deep underlying fundamental unity, far more profound than that produced either by geographical isolation or political suzerainty. This unity transcends the countless diversities of blood, color, language, dress, manners, and sect.” 

India boasts a lineage of rulers who revered humanity, pluralism, and brotherhood. There are few, if any, who exhibited cruelty toward those of differing beliefs. Among the most notable are Ashoka and Akbar. Ashoka articulated in his Rock Edicts: 

“All men are my children. I desire for my children that they should attain welfare and happiness in both this world and the next; I desire the same for all men… The Beloved of the Gods (Ashoka) does not regard gifts of honor as significant compared to the essential advancement of all sects. The foundation of this is the control of one’s speech, so as not to praise one’s own sect or belittle another inappropriately.” 

Regarding the illustrious Akbar, H.G. Wells noted in *The Outline of History":

“Next perhaps to Ashoka, he was one of the greatest of Indian monarchs, and one of the few royal figures who approaches the stature of true greatness…. His defining trait was his open-mindedness. He sought to engage every capable individual in India—regardless of race or religion—in public service. His instinct was the true statesman’s capacity for synthesis. His empire was not to be exclusively Muslim, Mongol, Rajput, Aryan, Dravidian, Hindu, or based on caste; it was to be fundamentally Indian.” 

Regrettably, those in positions of power today derive satisfaction from fomenting hatred against certain segments of society, resulting in a populace fueled by ignorance and hatred, as well as a state apparatus that perpetuates brutality. This situation mirrors the sentiments expressed by William Hazlitt in his essay "The Pleasure of Hating," which aptly captures the current state of Indian society: 

“The pleasure of hating, like a toxic mineral, erodes the essence of religion, transforming it into bitterness and bigotry; it turns patriotism into justification for spreading fire, disease, and famine to other lands; and it leaves virtue with nothing but a spirit of scorn, and a narrow, jealous, voyeuristic scrutiny of the actions and motivations of others.” 

Both hate and love are instinctive human emotions, each providing a sense of satisfaction to those who practice them. However, only humans—unlike animals—possess the judgment to discern right from wrong and good from evil. Fortunately, the vast majority of Indians retain this sense of discernment. Thus, the spirit of resilience continues.

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*Retired  civil servant based in New York; ex-employee of CENTO, United Nations, British Commonwealth and SAARC; originally from Bihar. Books published in India: "The India of Ancient Times" (Vikas); "The Culture of Tolerance, A Study of Indian History" (Originals); "India as Seen by Early Muslim Chroniclers" (Regency);  "Religion, God, and Islam" (Regency);  "Hindustan, Ibtedai Muslim Mourekheen ki Nazaron Mein" in Urdu (Pharos Media)