AT THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY ... 2

AT THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY ... 2

Conversion is followed by cultural imposition and that is where communities split apart socially and, in retrograde consequence, politically. Change in faith ought not to be compulsorily followed by cultural coercion of sorts. Let indigenous culture flourish within the ambit of altered faith wherever voluntary conversion takes place. Marriage of a Hindu with a Muslim leads either to the Hindu converting to Islam as per the latter's scriptural directive or, if not, the progeny being brought up as Muslims. This is the sad general fate of Hindu-Muslim marriage. This ought not to be. Let such marriages be conducted as per civil laws and no conversion be brought about of the Hindu to Islam. Let the children grow up to inherit the rich dual religious culture of the parents and, so, emerge enlightened citizens of future India who through the fusion of the two religious cultures in their lives will enhance communal harmony in the country and lend solidarity to the nation thus.

Written by Sugata Bose