Introduction:
The ability of an individual to freely practice their religion is a fundamental human right.
Religious intolerance is intolerance of another’s religious beliefs, practices, faith or lack thereof. It is often expressed in discrimination, repression and religious rivalry.
Impact:
People say it is very important to respect all religions to be “truly Indian.” And tolerance is a religious as well as civic value: yet, despite sharing certain values and religious beliefs–as well as living in the same country, under the same constitution–members of India’s major religious communities often don’t feel they have much in common with one another.
More than 75+ years after India became free from colonial rule; this perception of difference is reflected in traditions and habits that maintain the separation of India’s religious groups.
Instances:
For example, marriages across religious lines–and, relatedly, religious conversions–are exceedingly rare.
Fewer Indians go so far as to say that their neighborhoods should consist only of people from their own religious group. Still, many would prefer to keep people of certain religions out of their residential areas or villages.
We had seen hateful, racist, and violent incidents rising year after year, and the COVID-19 crisis made things even worse. The pandemic had caused a flare-up in existing religious intolerance in many countries.
Online hate has become more prevalent as hateful chaos has spread and made its way into the mainstream.
In other words, Indians’ concept of religious tolerance does not necessarily involve the mixing of religious communities. While people in some countries may aspire to create a “melting pot” of different religious identities, many Indians seem to prefer a country more like a patchwork fabric, with clear lines between groups.
Solution:
When it comes to real, concrete actions that we can all take, there are many resources to turn to. These actions apply to everyone — from individuals and families, to institutions and governments.
Committing to self-learning is a powerful way to combat religious intolerance.
Engaging with community religious and spiritual leaders is a good way to expand our knowledge.
Ensuring a diverse and inclusive organization is key.
Promoting Culture Diversity and emphasizing dialogue development is essential.
Conclusion:
As has often been said, no one is free until we are all free. Many societies, including our own, have been constructed in a way that places value on certain traits or identities to the exclusion of others. It is important that we understand it. We need to understand how it persists, in what kinds of structures or practices it shows up, and how it affects people’s lives. Most importantly, we need to listen to and amplify the voices of people with lived experience.
KNOW YOUR AUTHOR – The Life of Ashreeta Mohanty
Ashreeta Mohanty is a distinguished Indian ITES professional, acclaimed author, dedicated environmentalist, and fervent sports enthusiast based in Gujarat, India. Renowned for her multifaceted talents and impactful contributions across diverse domains, she is celebrated for her literary prowess, focusing on critical socio-economic issues, gender equality, women empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Born and raised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Ashreeta excelled in her academic pursuits, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering. Her academic foundation provided her with a robust platform to thrive in her chosen fields, blending technology expertise with a passion for societal discourse. Transitioning from engineering to literature, Ashreeta embarked on a transformative journey as an author, blogger, and advocate.
