AToday, being an Indian Muslim, I am watching the reconciliation of Pakistan. Earlier, whenever there was talk of Pakistan and Partition, there was a feeling of sadness and longing. However, given Pakistan’s continuing cycle of crises, whether related to democracy, Muslim identity, minority rights, women’s rights, or sponsoring terrorism, I am grateful that my family supported the newly formed Muslim nation in 1947. chose not to migrate to the U.S. and instead embraced India. As a proud Indian Pasmanda Muslim woman, I enjoy the freedom to dress, sing, speak, pray, eat, write and express my opinion in India.
And the nostalgia of Partition is fast becoming irrelevant today.
I find it commendable that in India, despite some problematic mindsets among sections of the Muslim population, a successful democratic government has managed to prevent these issues from dominating society at large. While instances of sectarian conflict may exist within the Indian Muslim community, it is worth noting that most Indian Muslims co-exist harmoniously. Ahmadiyya Muslims in India also face discrimination from certain sections of the Muslim community. However, unlike in Pakistan, they are not required to declare themselves as non-Muslims in order to obtain a passport or face legal consequences based on their religious identity. India’s pluralistic ethos and commitment to secularism has fostered an environment conducive to diverse communities living together peacefully.
The examples mentioned earlier only scratch the surface when it comes to understanding the deeper issues plaguing Pakistan. The country is grappling with a myriad of complex challenges, including an identity crisis stemming from a reluctance to acknowledge its Indian roots. Pakistan’s search for an Islamic identity has created an environment where even minor differences in religious practices can lead to exclusion and persecution. Sectarian conflict continues, and minorities face various forms of oppression, such as the abduction of non-Muslim girls, abuse of Ahmadiyya Muslims, and countless other examples.
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thanks india
Indian Muslims are fortunate to live in a secular and democratic nation that upholds progressive values. They enjoy the privilege of actively participating in the country’s development, reaping economic benefits, receiving secular education, contributing to scientific progress, and experiencing good governance. The Indian democratic system lays significant emphasis on social justice while implementing several policies for the welfare of the Muslim community. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the internal adoption of social justice within the Muslim community, especially in meeting the needs of Pasmanda (low-caste) Muslims, pales in comparison to the strides made by the Hindu community.
As an Indian Muslim woman, I cherish the right and freedom to make my own choices regarding wearing the hijab. The state does not engage in moral policing, granting me the autonomy to decide whether to wear it or not. Additionally, I have access to various women-centric laws and policies designed to protect and empower women. However, Muslim personal laws in India are discriminatory towards Muslim women. Furthermore, unlike Pakistan, Indian Muslim women are not subject to the Zina Hudud Ordinance, which has received criticism for its discriminatory treatment of rape victims. Indian laws do not require the production of eyewitnesses in rape cases, reducing the burden of proof for survivors. The list of disparities seems endless.
I consider myself fortunate that my forefathers chose India as their home despite the partition on the basis of religion. This choice has given me the opportunity to grow up in a diverse, multicultural and secular nation with a Hindu majority.
1947 split into two roads
Since partition, India and Pakistan have followed different paths. India has seen stable parliamentary democracy, substantial economic growth and global influence, while Pakistan continues to grapple with political instability and developmental challenges. Currently, Pakistan’s per capita GDP is about one-tenth the size of India’s. The rich linguistic, religious and cultural diversity in India provides better opportunities and equal treatment for Muslims than their counterparts in Pakistan. Pakistani Muslims often face scrutiny for being linked to terrorism, leading some to pose as Indian Muslims to reduce suspicion. In contrast, Indian Muslims are recognized for their liberal and peaceful nature.
Indian Muslims are well aware of the differences between their lives and that of their Pakistani counterparts in various aspects. They are witness to hostility emanating from Pakistan, which not only affects them but also poses a threat to other Indian citizens. Over time, Indian Muslims have evolved within a democratic framework adopting a more liberal and adaptable outlook. This is in stark contrast to the limited progress in Pakistan. The nostalgia industry of Partition is slowly losing relevance in present times, as society moves forward and shifts its focus towards addressing contemporary issues and challenges. This raises an intriguing question: If the Muslims of 1947 had the knowledge and foresight to understand the opposite trajectories of India and Pakistan, would they have made the same choice to migrate to Pakistan?
Amana Begum Ansari is a columnist, writer, TV news panelist. She also runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amaana & Khalid’. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)