Book to identify oneself

A book by the name ‘Muslim Identity and Hindutva Rajakiyam’ (Muslim Identity in Hindutva Politics) penned by late K Balagopal was launched at the Press Club, Basheerbagh on Saturday. The event was endorsed and organised by the Human Rights Forum.

The book was launched by renowned writer M T Khan. Also present at the event were S Jeevan Kumar, official , Human Rights Forum; Prof Amit Sen Gupta, assistant professor, IIMC Delhi, Mir Ayub Ali Khan, deputy editor, Times Of India and Khader Mohiuddin, poet.

After launch of the book, M T Khan said it’s a great privilege that Hyderabad and Muslims have a very good relationship, which dates back to decades. The event was moderated by Jeevan kumar who said, “Hindutva is similar to fascism which is slowly deteriorating the society.

Hindutva doesn't implicate only religions, it crosses borders and corrupts society too.” Khader Mohiuddin, who gave a brief introduction about the book said, “Writing on such a topic is a courageous feat. Nowadays we have stereotypes taking precedence over the actual truth. One needs to delve into the depth or magnanimity of a subject and K Balagopal has done the very same thing in this book.

He has explored the Muslim community as a whole and then written this book. Though this book is roughly 300 odd pages, it has research done worth 1000 odd pages. This book is an open minded discourse for anyone who reads it.” Mir Ayub Ali Khan then gave a talk on the history of Hyderabad and Muslims, in which he says, “Hyderabad has always had a composite culture.

And, all groups have had identities. But, Muslim identity has always been perceived as a monstrous concept. When a group of people living in this country for a 100 years have had a native identity, there is no reason for a religious factor to play an indicator. We have a shared identity.”

Lastly, Amit Sen Gupta gave a foray into the current political scenario and the book’s importance. He said, “In today’s world, the RSS or Hindutva agenda is coming into power slowly and it is picking up pace. The worst of massacres have become a legitimate thing.”