Dr Gharo Choudhary
The recent escalation in hostilities between India and Pakistan is often framed in terms of geopolitics or border disputes. However, to view this conflict solely as a clash between two neighboring states is to miss the deeper civilizational undercurrents shaping it. At its core, this is a continuation of a long-standing ideological conflict between radical Islamist extremism and the civilizational ethos of Hindu Dharma.
This clash has played out over centuries across the Indian subcontinent, shaping its history and geopolitics. The creation of Pakistan was not merely a political division-it was deeply influenced by an ideology that views non-Islamic ways of life, especially indigenous faiths like Hinduism, with hostility. This mindset continues to manifest in terror attacks and the targeting of civilians, as seen in the recent massacre in Pahalgam, where victims were profiled by religion.
India, or Bharat, is not merely defending its borders-it is defending a civilization, a culture, and a way of life. This defense is rooted in values that emphasize pluralism, spiritual freedom, and resilience. The ideological challenge India faces today is not from Islam as a faith, but from radical Islamist elements that seek to destabilize and dominate.
Global powers have often acted in ways that complicate India’s position. From supplying arms to Pakistan to turning a blind eye to terrorism originating in the region, countries like the USA, China, Russia, and many European nations have at various times failed to recognize the civilizational stakes for India. Nonetheless, India must chart its own course, recognizing that in the realm of international relations, permanent friends or enemies do not exist-only interests do.
Importantly, this conflict should not be seen as a “Hindu-Muslim” war. India is home to millions of Muslims who are proud citizens and who contribute significantly to its defense, culture, and intellectual life. Figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and UstadBismillah Khan symbolize this shared national ethos. Today, voices like Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Dr. Syed Rizwan Ahmed continue that legacy by standing firmly with the Indian nation.
However, it is equally true that some segments of the population have been radicalized over time. A comprehensive national effort is required to counteract radical ideologies-one that includes reforms in religious education, integration into mainstream curricula, and the promotion of critical thinking and inclusive values. It is vital to support constructive voices within the Muslim community, including those who challenge extremism from within.
India must lead with strength, clarity of purpose, and cultural confidence. As its stature rises globally, so too must its resolve to protect its civilizational foundations-not by exclusion, but through inclusive nationalism rooted in mutual respect and shared identity.
(The author is Principal Vimal Muni College of Education)
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