 "Yogendra Yadav")
Lashing out at critics of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan for questioning his patriotism, Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav today said there is an organised attempt to demolish the very concept of India by imposing a distorted form of so-called nationalism.
"It is a sad reflection on the prevailing state of affairs... Instead of trying to understand what Aamir Khan was trying to tell, a section of people have started questioning his loyalty to the country," Yadav said while delivering a lecture at the Aligarh Muslim University on 'Idea of India'.
"Instead of strengthening India by respecting diversity of opinion there is a very organised attempt to demolish the very concept of India by imposing a distorted form of so-called nationalism," the former AAP leader said.
Yadav said the "brand of nationalism" which the RSS is trying to impose on India is a total replica of the German brand of nationalism which is diametrically opposite to the idea of pluralistic India as envisaged by the founding fathers of the modern Indian state. "They seem to have no idea as to what they are trying to destroy."
"It appears that we have not learnt lessons from our neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which have suffered colossal damage by their attempts to impose a uniform rigid form of nationalism and religious parochialism," Yadav said.
Raising the issue of "rising intolerance" amongst a section of people, he said, "By questioning the right to diversity in India, these people are in fact spreading an impression that India has become so weak that it cannot accept difference of opinion."
Referring to ongoing controversy on the issue of consuming beef in the country, Yadav said, "I want to say that there is a definite way out of this tangle if we are serious about it. Beef festivals are not going to solve this matter and could only worsen the crisis.
Striking a candid note on this sensitive issue, Yadav said, "Let us accept the fact that the cow is considered holy by a large section of Indians. On the other hand, nowhere is it mandatory for Muslims to consume beef. Therefore, if we are serious, we can find a way out of this growing crisis."
Yadav said during his recent visit to drought-affected areas of Uttar Pradesh, especially Bundelkhand, he found that several cows had been let loose by villagers as they were no longer in a position to feed them.
"These cattle are dying of hunger or by consuming plastic from garbage dumps," Yadav said, adding, "We have to find a way to save these unfortunate livestock but we also cannot afford to kill human beings on this score."
He warned that UP was presently on the brink of a "very inflammable situation" because of such divisive issues and therefore, all should play a part in maintaining communal harmony, especially in the run up to the next Assembly polls.
In reply to a question as to how Indian Muslims should face the challenges posed by the present situation, he said, "The essence of India and the essence of the message of the all great religions was to accept tolerance and the right to diversity within their own religion and among those who follow different religious creeds.
