India's victory over archrivals Pakistan in the March 1 World Cup game had the entire country in an extended celebration. But the day after that fantastic win, questions posed by my six-year-old son left me confused. I was surprised when he asked me in his earnest manner, “To which country do we belong?” Thinking it to be an innocent query, I told him about our country India and our nationality as Indians.The little boy was not satisfied with my answer. He said that if we are Indians, then why did one of his classmates tease him for losing the cricket match. I had to explain to him that he was an Indian and followers of different faiths live together in our country. Giving the example of Muslim players in our Indian cricket team, I told him that all players — irrespective of colour, creed or caste — play for their country. I also reminded him that two members of India’s World Cup squad belong to Chandigarh, where he too was born.But this left me wondering. Where are we heading? Anti-Pakistan slogans were raised and a dargah was stoned at Panipat while, in Ahmedabad, Muslims celebrating the victory of their own country were stopped from doing so, leading to a communal riot and the death of a person.The vicious attempts by some elements to paint the large Muslim community living in the country as “traitors” and “Pakistanis” with an aim to gain political capital are on the rise. In Dehradun some Muslim labourers returning home after a hard day’s labour and distinguished by their skull caps were slapped by a few youngsters out to “celebrate” the victory of the Indian cricket team.Despite these depressing incidents, there are some encouraging signs, particularly so within the Muslim community. The celebrations after the match in Muslim neighbourhoods in small towns and cities across the country surprised even the “Hindutva brigade”. As the entire Doon valley erupted in joyous celebrations on that Saturday night, the mood was no different around the Inamullah building area, a Muslim neighbourhood.Attempts by vested interests to paint them “black” at moments when national emotions run high could prove to be counter-productive. Muslims are coming forward to be part of the joys and sorrows of the entire country. They are looking out for their new heroes.Will they get a chance to succeed? I am satisfied with the answers given by my young son.
