The controversies arising out of conflicts and differences between ideological and religious faiths among communities are a universal phenomenon and are not confined to any particular region. They are ubiquitous. Communal clashes and disturbances have been occurring all over the world. Some persist for a while, some fade away. India, as we all know, is a hotspot of religio-cultural and linguistic mélange. The sparks of communal passions, now and then, light up the dormant corridors of staid existence which Indians seem to despise and sometimes, delight in, vicariously. In this context, Aamir Khan’s ‘intolerance’ intervention is a veritable example of both delight and distress.
Was there a need to create so much ruckus over what he said at an awards ceremony? I think this should be a point of debate rather than the ‘intolerance’ he referred to. For, people at various forums and times keep talking about the apocryphal ‘intolerance’ but why did it become a major issue when an Aamir Khan remarked about it? Aamir is a popular actor. His fans and finances might have grown due to his efforts in creating a different genre of films and so, have his TRPs for advertising consumer goods.
But, how much of a cultural icon is he to take his remarks so seriously on an issue that is so sensitive, serious and volatile at the same time? If Aamir thinks that he is fortunate to be born in this country and praises India for its diversity, history, integrity and the like, then why didn’t he tell his wife that India is a great place to live in and not worry about leaving this country? Instead, he chose to support what she said and even hailed her remarks as a “big statement.” Is there so much fear in this country that your children can’t be safely studying in schools? We need to ponder sometimes before we make some such statements.
Looking at these developments surrounding Aamir’s remarks and later clarification, which sound so flippant and frivolous, it raises doubts about the genuineness of one’s concerns on important issues. Such incidents also lead us to inquire whether our civil society, especially the middle class, the social media obsessed youth, and the fourth estate is heading in the right direction. Because, we are all responding to many such trivialities of late and wasting time and resources which really need to be deployed for more constructive purposes.
This is a poignant time in Indian history when the citizenry needs to have a cautious view of the present and a far-sighted vision of the future. We need to learn that our actions affect others and must be careful about what we say or do, because it’s not always about you.
In an age of unfolding rationality and demystification of the world we need to throw more light on the proliferation of new ideas and new knowledge that might help eradicate the evils of poverty, hunger and destitution. It’s not advisable anymore to harp on retrograde issues like communal passions and intolerance. They are inert and dormant but raked up for selfish ends. People like Aamir Khan should desist from such reprehensible indulgences. What end and purpose do such indulgences serve ultimately?
Except the Partition of India, which witnessed major communal disturbances, the country hasn’t gone through such a travail since then. Why raise issues that are of no consequence but merely trigger shallow debates that only lend some visibility and publicity? India’s diversity is not just terminological delight, it’s the best bastion and cushion for intolerance. Hence, no community can have the audacity to create communal or religious intolerance. Diversity drowns the sparks of intolerance. It’s time we looked at other issues ailing the country.
Everybody would appreciate people showing concern for social issues. Aamir showed concern when he sat with Anna Hazare and Medha Patkar during their rallies. But his concern didn’t go beyond getting photographed and publicised with those leaders. This is a habit with many of us. A penchant for public recognition. There is a need to show genuine concern and engagement with causes we espouse and love. Mr Khan would do better by engaging himself seriously in his profession (because he is good at it) than addressing issues about which he may have only a smattering of understanding. And this is true for every one of us.
(sureshheblikar@rediffmail.com)