Xavier Rozario asked : Why are we Indians are becoming more and more intolerant towards each other? There is so much hatred on religious, caste, social and such lines. Mob lynching is increasing, moral policing is increasing, rapes are increasing, communal hatred is increasing. Even small kids as young as 5-6 years now know how to hate their peers from other religions or communities! It pains me a lot to see these degenration !

Replied by VIF : Indians are essentially tolerant people and are used to living in coexistence. The Indian pluralistic society has in general provided a base for all to understand and appreciate our diversities as well as our individual distinctiveness. But there are certain sections that has at times indulged in creating divisions within people and society at large.

The problem mentioned indeed, is actually a global phenomenon. Societies at large are becoming polarized and identity politics are assuming larger spaces than ever before. Several incidents of mindless attacks including on hapless innocent citizens including children does reveal a picture of growing hatred and intolerance.

Redressal to these problems, needs a multipronged approach from both the state and the society. First and foremost, the state’s law and order machinery has to efficiently handle such incidents. Quick and immediate redressal will send a strong message to such perpetrators. While the State has initiated many programs and drives to ensure safety of citizens much more needs to be done. The recent introduction of the concept of smart city which will include amongst others, 24 hours surveillance to keep every citizen safe is one such step in the right direction. More reforms are of course necessary including creating greater awareness of these issues as well as sensitizing the security forces as well as enabling an environment to encourage people to work closely with the security apparatus to address these issues at hand. Similarly, vigilance is essential at the different levels of the society. Initiatives by civil society including schools and colleges and other community forums are needed to examine these problems. The need for closer interactions and continued guidance of the youth and children cannot be overstressed. State and society will have to work together to offer greater avenues to share and discuss a variety of issues that todays’ youth are grappling with. Indian traditional values of respect and equality for all needs reiteration at all levels. All of us as individual responsible citizens need to identify and address any such matters that are facing us. Thus accepting there is a problem and then seeking various ways to addressing the menace can be effective only, when it is handled collectively.

Posted on July 25, 2018

Topics: Intolerance, Culture, Identity