#IAMTRISHA: A Voice Against Religious Intolerance

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Today we celebrate TRISHA, a VOICE against religious intolerance!

The violent segregation of the nation on the basis of sect and religion is irrefutable. To our lasting shame, many people including those in positions of authority still remain aloof. Labels of apostasy and deviance are designated to those expressing solidarity with the victimized Hindu and other religious minorities in the country. As time goes by, civilization tends to favor substantial plurality and tolerance. However, the social and economic marginalization of religious minorities is far from over.

I AM TRISHA AND I STAND AGAINST RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

I am Trisha Dhanani, a mere 21-year-old Pakistani Hindu whose origins lay in Mithi, Sindh. There is a high likelihood that my elucidation of the life of an average Pakistani Hindu girl might be a source of offense to many. In any case, I won’t keep anonymity. Somewhere, to some extent, I am struck with dejection!

Taunts of Infidelity

I can’t seem to reminisce on the good memories of when I was at school. My peers maintained ‘safe’ distance from me. You want to know why? Because I am a HINDU, an infidel– these are the taunts and jeers I have grown up listening to. I have had my share of encounters with people, including my instructors and other students, who time and again advised me to abandon my paltry religion and pledge allegiance to Islam to lead a prosperous life.

Biased Blasphemy Law

An average Pakistani Hindu also struggles to put up with the pretence of a just blasphemy law. Why is it that only Muslims have the privilege to accuse other religions of blasphemy? One will be stoned to death if they indulge in profanity against Islam. Why is it that nobody pays heed to the incinerated temples, churches, Bible, or Bhagavad Gita? Another thought to ponder over!

Forcible Conversions, Rapes and Kidnappings

I don’t have it in me to recapitulate episodes of forced conversions– cases initiating especially in the interior Sindh. Do I need to reiterate that forced conversions are prohibited by Islamic law? My heart shatters into a thousand pieces every time I hear about forced conversions, rapes, and kidnappings of girls belonging to the minority Christian, Sikh, and Hindu communities. And yet, NOBODY talks about these barbaric practices!

Early Childhood Trauma

I will now talk about the occurrence of an event whose sheer horror has left me traumatized for life. This dates back to the December of 2007- the time of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in Rawalpindi. I was in Mirpur Khas staying at my grandmother’s place, enjoying my winter break. I still remember the night when we learned about Bhutto’s assassination. A curfew had been imposed and we were fully conversant with the possibility of mob violence across the country. Sometime later that night, there was ramped-up firing at the gate. The strangers broke out into chants of “They are Hindus. They must have assassinated Bhutto. Kill them.” I was terrified to the core of my being.

We are PAKISTANIS

Lastly, I and other Hindus living in Pakistan are NOT Indians. In other words, our patriotism towards Pakistan is as true as the earth rotating on its axis.

Hindu-Muslim Solidarity

As cliché as it may sound, every negative has a positive. I’d be lying if I called myself a victim of religious intolerance because that is NOT true in any form! I’d like to express my utmost gratitude to our family friend, Uncle Yousuf, predominantly because he has stood with us through thick and thin. He is family!

My friends, instructors, and other peers at IBA accept, respect, and support me in spite of my distinct religious identity. In fact, the celebration of Diwali (the festival of lights) at the IBA Boys Hostel is a gesture of Hindu-Muslim solidarity. Similarly, my Muslim friends and I get together for the celebration of holy occasions- Holi, Diwali, Ramadan, and Eid.

While I may not be at the receiving end, I’ll defend to the death the rights to impartial treatment of those discriminated on the grounds of belief or religion.

The past three decades mark the unfortunate, drastic escalation of religious intolerance in Pakistan. It appears that a greater preponderance of people see fit to practice a narrow version of Islam preached by the religious extremists’ leaders. Hence, it can be rightly said that the religious apprehension of Islamic virtues and other social teachings is primitive for the masses. Consequently, relatively few now recognize solicitude and love for all humankind as a predominant fragment of the Islamic value system.

Many of us cannot stand a difference of opinion and have no patience for a forthcoming clarification. Moreover, we often buy into the representations of religious beliefs portrayed by extremists and ostracise people practicing other religions. Polarisation in Pakistan is on the rise and THAT MUST STOP! 

Trisha is a voice against hatred and division caused by religious diversity. She is a voice of reason and hope. Her words reflect a deep concern for the religious minorities in Pakistan who seek acceptance from compatriots.

Would you accept them? Because WE DO!