Season of intolerance?

The recent arrest of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members in Kerala for intimidating children and teachers participating in Christmas celebrations underscores a troubling rise in religious intolerance in India—a nation celebrated for its pluralism.

Ironically, this occurred as the prime minister joined Christmas festivities in Delhi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief, just days earlier, warned against sowing discord among religious groups.

Such incidents reveal the ineffectiveness of symbolic gestures and rhetoric that fail to address deeper societal divides fueling intolerance. 

The targeting of students dressed as Santa Claus is particularly disconcerting, given that Christians form a significant 18.38 per cent of Kerala’s population. If such hostility can surface in a state with a substantial Christian presence, the situation in other regions where Christians constitute a smaller minority becomes worrying.

This incident reflects a blatant disregard for India’s legacy of religious coexistence and the constitutional guarantee of the right to freely practise, profess, and propagate their faith under Article 25. However, recurring episodes of such intolerance expose gaps in enforcing these legal protections, casting doubt on India’s commitment to religious harmony. 

Throughout centuries, diverse communities in India have celebrated each other’s festivals and participated in shared cultural traditions. This multicultural spirit is evident in the annual Christmas celebrations by the Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata, where Jesus’ teachings are honoured alongside those of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

In Madurai, the Azhagar Festival highlights the significant role that Muslims play in local cultural traditions, while in several regions across the country, Diwali is celebrated by people from various faiths, symbolising the universal theme of light winning over darkness.

Similarly, the Urs Festival in Ajmer and Guru Nanak Jayanti in Sindh further highlight India’s shared cultural heritage. These traditions demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but integral to India’s identity. 

However, incidents like the one in Kerala raises critical questions about the effectiveness of legal safeguards and the future of religious tolerance in India. While India has laws to combat hate speech and communal disharmony, enforcement is inconsistent.

Political agendas, systemic inefficiencies, and societal apathy hinder swift action against perpetrators. The National Crime Records Bureau’s data shows a worrying rise in communal incidents, eroding trust in institutional safeguards.

To rebuild confidence among minorities, a comprehensive approach is essential. Laws against hate crimes must be enforced rigorously.

Strengthening the legal system to fast-track cases related to religious violence will send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated. Promoting interfaith initiatives can help bridge divides by encouraging dialogue and collaboration between communities.

Cultural and educational programmes that facilitate interfaith interaction, particularly in schools and workplaces, foster mutual respect and understanding. Furthermore, educating citizens about India’s pluralistic heritage should be integral to the school curriculum, fostering tolerance as a core value.

Community leaders across religions must be empowered to mediate tensions, while the media  should prioritise responsible reporting, avoiding sensationalism that deepen divides. 

Religious tolerance is crucial for the social fabric of any society, and its significance is particularly pronounced in India, a nation characterised by its rich diversity. A pluralistic society thrives when its members feel valued and secure, irrespective of their faith.

Religious tolerance fosters social cohesion, economic stability, and political unity, providing the foundation for a harmonious society. Inclusive policies lead to higher levels of innovation and development, as diverse perspectives contribute to progress.

Mahatma Gandhi’s words are relevant more than ever: “The need of the moment is not one religion, but mutual respect and tolerance of the devotees of different religions.”

For India to continue its journey of progress and remain a beacon of pluralistic harmony, it must protect the rights of its minorities and ensure they can practise their faith without fear. This is not only a constitutional obligation but a moral imperative.

By addressing the roots of intolerance and celebrating its diversity, India can preserve the values that make it a shining example of religious pluralism and let this be the nation’s objective as the world is celebrating Christmas.