‘Living together separately’ is the answer to communal violence for Mushirul Hasan, one of the noteworthy academicians of India and the vice-chancellor of Delhi’s Jamia Milia Islamia university. He is the proud winner of a Padma Shri this year and also the author of several books on Indian history.

In an interview with Archana Masih, he talks about ‘Goondagardi‘ being the primary impetus in Indian Student Politics at present, which he sees as a major drawback in the country’s political scenario. About India he is optimistic, and his notion of development in this country includes the need for a classless society. He speaks about the leaders who shaped India, as well as about the reasons behind his concerns for the future of this country.

About the progress India has made Mushirul Hasan is certainly not ‘euphoric’, but satisfied. He describes it as a ’slow but steady’ progress, looking at the tough competition that the country has faced with the some of the most advanced and industrially progressed nations. Nevertheless, he mentions the problem of poverty in India, the lack of education, water and civic amenities among more than 40% of the population, which according to him are some of the basic issues still existent.

He thoroughly points out the need for a classless society in India, and a ‘place for the poor’ in this society. ‘The poor must have equal access to whatever opportunity exists‘, - said Mushirul Hasan, - ‘and that the rich do not get richer and the poor don’t get poorer‘. The huge impoverished population of India is his greatest concern.

Speaking of the great leaders who shaped India, Mahatma Gandhi is the one, feels Professor Hasan. According to him, Gandhi is the ‘the architect of India’s independence‘, and the ‘blueprint’ he has left behind is something to be looked through time and again. Jawaharlal Nehru on the other hand, has offered us a ‘vision’ according to Professor Hasan, - a vision which is time-tested in more than one sense. About the recent leaders, Professor Hasan mentions Indira Gandhi, Jyoti Basu and some other regional leaders who he feels have made - ‘ a very significant contribution’.

On Gujarat, Professor Hasan sees a journey towards communal harmony, rather than estranged communal relations.

It’s not as if the Muslims perceived the Hindus as the enemy. It is not as if the entire Hindu community rallied around the VHP and the goons of Narendra Modi. That was not the case

- he comments.

He feels that Gujarat has added a sensitive touch to the Hindu - Muslim relations across India, and has also made ‘living together separately’ (in a positive sense) possible and necessary for Indians. The loss of money, trade, opportunities and investments is too acute to ignore in this case, he thinks.

Also about the question of faith in Islam after 9′11, Professor Hasan is optimistic. A death in the family doesn’t shake your belief in the almighty god if you are a believer - is his stand on this matter. He also sees no necessity of Muslims having to proclaim their secularity repeatedly just to prove that they are really secular.

Being a teacher himself, Mushirul Hasan was asked for his opinion on the youth of today and the resources available in India to fulfill their aspirations. Professor Hasan sees the Indian Youth as - sharp, have access to much greater information, are much more ambitious, competitive, and desirous of making it good. However, he is concerned about their lack of ideology . The fact that ‘goondagardi‘ is being nourished and flourished in terms of student politics is something he is deeply concerned about. Nevertheless, he feels that the existence of student unions are a positive factor, if used correctly.

Referring to the incident of the death of Professor Sabharwal, Mushirul Hasan felt it was one of the - ‘ instances of lumpenisation of politics‘.

The optimism of Professor Mushirul Hasan is definitely something to treasure in a country thriving on doubts and dilemma. The future is bright - we might love to believe, but to make it true we must really work hard to clean the dark patches.

Via : Rediff News