India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters. I love my country.

Ring a bell ? Anyone ? This is our pledge.
When I was a child I used to wonder why should I repeat this day after day till I finally understood the meaning and history of it. Now it seems this pledge has been tightly secured and sealed off to an unknown place. And all we are left with is a debate on intolerance.

First of all I’m a common man and fail to understand the word intolerance itself. Is it your actions being curtailed against your wish ? Is it imposing a ban over the expression of opinion ? The greater subject is – is it so difficult that people are willing to leave their own country ?

India has always been a country with a slight so ever intolerance. But we have been fighting it off or at least trying to keep it at bay. But then a country with more than 8 major religions and 700 languages is bound to have its own share of difference of opinion. And maybe a clash of thoughts too. That has not made us leave our birthplace. Instead stand our ground and fight for the righteous. That’s the spirit of a true Indian.

Then again I forget this country is place where politicians are considered as selfish individuals counting the notes in their pockets more than the needs of the people. And the sad part is some are trying so hard to not let us change our perception. And then some have a way of dragging subjects to a word called as minority. Unconcerned topics end up with politicians accusing govt. of religious intolerance.

All this happens in a country where people like Col. Mahadik continue to fight for us. An inspiring hero who was willing to die for his motherland serving in uniform. And yet the mother wants her son to join the military forces. Ask her about intolerance. She deserves to be heard.

My views might not be in sync with yours but I’m willing to discuss this, because it means everything to me.
Jai hind.