Divide and Rule

• Hindus...Muslims....Sikhs...Christians.....
• Upper Class....Lower Class....Backward Class....'Other' Backward Class....
• Upper Caste....Lower Caste....Scheduled Class....Scheduled tribes....
• South Indian.....North Indian.........
• Marathi 'Manus'...........Bihari 'Babu'.............UP 'ke Bhaiya'..........
• Literates........Illiterates..............

I grew up talking about and listening to people describing 'India' as the land of a variety. We were and continue to be an ensemble of cultures, religions, tribes, races, languages , dialects, lifestyles, architecture and a lot more.....These combinations made us unique and worthy of Awe.....

As kids we learnt that the Britishers ruled over us by using a divide and rule policy......Now after ALL these years I wonder if it was them or US who caused the divide & rule...........Our politicians have done a much better Job than the British could have ever imagined.

The combinations & variety amongst people of our country  - something we should be proud of is NOW the greatest topic for collecting votes............. and that scares me....

We live in a country today where being a convicted criminal with a prison record is worth putting on your resume if you want to 'serve the people'.

At this point I believe I should make it clear that I AM PROUD to be an Indian and Love my country. This write up is not because I am losing faith but more because I am concerned about the direction we as a country and as Indians are moving in. 

The recent events in Mangalore make me wonder....when Islamic extremists take violent steps to 'protect' their 'culture' and 'way of life' - we label them terrorists.......When Hindu extremists do something similar - we discuss 'Culture' on our 'news' channels............

Does your love for your religion & culture come above your love for humanity ?.......If it does - you must be from a different planet cause on planet earth - NO religion or culture that I have ever heard of teaches it.

Does your love for your language or state come above your love for your country & the pride of being an Indian ? -- I hope not.

I don't know 

if I am righteous.....

If I am on the right path..........

If I am cultured.....

If I follow ANY religion.......

I don't even know what the term 'GOD' really means to me.......

But I do know this........

I am a PROUD INDIAN & I believe in the religion called HUMANITY.