RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE is the basic necessity of pluralistic society. Theological fundamentalism generates intolerance and source of continuing clash even today between monotheistic and polytheistic societies in our country. The clash mostly is to protect his or her God - strange as He is supposed to protect His followers and not visa versa. This reverse process had derailed secularism many times - Babri masjid, MF Hussein, Bangladeshi writer Ms. Taslima Nasreen, Darul Uloom Deoband Vice Chancellor episode and killing of Christian pastor in Odisha are just the tip of iceberg with thousands such cases lies buried under cover.

Politics is another of client of religious fundamentalism. In Islam religion and politics are two sides of same coin. Muslims vote for religion and not on issues and vote en block, which is an ideal tool to grab power, which in democratic set up comes through election process. Though only 18% of total population, they can swing the balance in favour of candidate of their choice. It forces all parties go all hog to appease Muslims particularly at times of election and in process negates concept of secularism.

Political leaders of sub continent have vital interest to keep the two divided. It is they who by their actions directly or indirectly encourage fundamentalism and counter reaction in other groups. Salman Rushdie episode appears to be part of this strategy with impending elections particularly in important state of UP. However, few Muslims voices have openly condemned the action of the party in power. They feel Rushdie should have been allowed to participate in JLF or at least through satellite link.

It is well known that rift between Hindus and Muslims goes back to Islamic occupation of India which is dotted by extreme atrocities on non-believers. Mass murder, loot, rape forcible conversion is well documented in various documents of the ruling establishment of the period. Muslims tried conversion via jihad. Hindus still consider Muslims as tyrants though their rule had ended long back. They must realize that Muslims who indulged in these heinous crimes were not of Indian origin. They were mostly from Arab, Mesopotamia or Central Asia. Muslims of Indian origins were themselves victims of these atrocities. Their roots lay buried with basic Indian culture of peaceful coexistence depicted by Hindu society. Blood relationship between our two communities cannot be refuted. Even the roots of MA Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan can be traced to Hindu origin.

A middle way has to be discovered where religious gurus teach only religion and society itself rejects fundamentalism and creates true secularism. Modern education particularly of girls must be made compulsory. Madersas, fountainhead of fundamentalism, need to be banned. Interaction of urban middle class families from all religions needs to be encouraged. It is well known that urban middle class is harbinger of change in mental perception. All actions or acts that differentiate between various societies should be done away with and common code for all segments be implemented. Sufi type movement will go long way to create brotherhood between various religions.