For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
SYED SHAHABUDDIN, Former
diplomat and MP, promotes Muslim causes
An Indian Muslim is someone who is substantively a
Muslim, but who happens to be born in India. While a
Muslim Indian means somebody who is basically an Indian,
who happens to profess Islam. The Indian Muslim is in the
process of transition into what I hopefully call Muslim
India.
This has come about because of a gradual disillusionment
with Pakistan. Bangladesh proved that Pakistan was not
meant for the Muslim of the subcontinent. Our problem was
in minority areas where we couldn't assert ourselves, not
in areas where we were in a majority and had the power
anyway. So there was a basic illogic in Pakistan.
There is still a section of Hindus who have not accepted
the Muslim presence in India. They want to wipe us out.
Thankfully, they don't have the upper hand yet.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
SYED SHAHABUDDIN, Former
diplomat and MP, promotes Muslim causes
