In the bustling market of Sector 7, Gurgaon, I had a conversation with a Muslim fruit vendor at his shop. I wanted to understand why he did not oppose the new order requiring shop owners to display their names and community labels, while some others were protesting. His response left me stunned and disturbed, as if a light bulb had suddenly turned on in my mind.
He said, “Lala Ji (a respectful address for a businessman), what difference does it make if we put our name up? It only matters if Hindus and Sikhs actually protect their own interests. But you see, these two communities always end up supporting those who are eager to fight against them.”
- Example of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti:
“Take our Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Sahib, for instance,” he continued. “He was the one who orchestrated the public rape of Prithviraj Chauhan’s daughters. And look at the Hindus today; they are eager to kiss his shrine and offer their respects. Isn’t it ironic?” This statement was a critique of those Hindus who seem to forget their own historical grievances and instead venerate figures associated with their ancestors’ suffering. - The Ram Temple Controversy:
“Look at the Ram Temple case,” he said. “If your own Hindus hadn’t opposed the temple, do you think any Muslim would have dared to stand up for the Babri Masjid? ItтАЩs your own people who fight our battles for us.” He pointed out how internal divisions and political interests within the Hindu community have weakened their religious and historical claims. - Attitude Towards Sikhs:
“Our ancestors killed Guru Gobind Singh Ji and even entombed his children alive,” he said coldly. “But today, the same Sikhs are ready to serve us. They invite us to offer Namaz in their Gurdwaras and host Iftar dinners for us. Isn’t this the greatest irony?” He referred to instances where the Sikh community extended gestures of goodwill towards Muslims, despite the historical atrocities committed against their forebears. - Political Behavior of the Sikh Community:
“You must have seen the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where Congress orchestrated a massacre of Sikhs. And today, the same Sikhs stand with Congress, eager to align with Muslims as well,” he remarked. “ItтАЩs surprising how quickly people forget their memories and their self-respect.” - Example of Mulayam Singh Yadav:
“Mulayam Singh had his police fire upon the Hindu Kar Sevaks in Ayodhya,” he reminded me. “And today, look at the HindusтАФthey are eager to praise his son Akhilesh Yadav and lay out carpets for him. IsnтАЩt that the height of irony?” - Hindu SocietyтАЩs Greed and Consumer Behavior:
“Lala Ji,” he smiled, “Even if our shop has a ‘Muslim’ nameplate, and a Hindu customer finds that he can save тВ╣5 on a kilo of fruit here, he will still buy from us. The HinduтАЩs behavior is such that to save тВ╣5, he forgets everythingтАФwho spat where, who disrespected whomтАФhe will forget it all and buy from us. That is his biggest weakness.”
My Reaction and Thoughts:
Listening to him, I was left speechless. I couldnтАЩt stop wondering whether the real cause of the Hindu community’s downfall was their own internal divisions or the influence of others. Is it really the Muslims, or is it the Hindus themselves, with their selfishness and disunity, who are responsible for losing their cultural and religious identity?
Analysis and Conclusion:
This statement reflects not just the thoughts of one trader, but a harsh reality: the weakening thread of unity within the Hindu community, the tendency to forget their own values and history, and their selfish political behavior pose a serious threat to their own existence and identity. If the Hindu society does not recognize its mistakes in time, it may face even greater challenges┬аin┬аthe┬аfuture.
