“Satanic forces always have division on agenda”

I am very happy to know that ‘Life Watch’ is bringing out a special issue on the subject of ‘Co-Existence’. I have been told that the issue is related to Almustafa University’s two-day seminar on the subject of peace and co-existence in various religions, to be held in IICC, Delhi.
The subject you have chosen is extremely important in the present day context. Like minded people, feeling the need of the hour, have started working on re-propagating the forlorned context and values related to Peace and Co-Existence. Sane voices are coming together and those on the wrong are themselves getting exposed; it is a good sign and beginning.
Peace and co-existence have been a legacy that we Indians have always been proud of. Indian society has always been peace-loving. Innumerable faiths and believes have co-existed at one and the same time, since times immemorial. Various religions, cultures, languages and races have been living amicably, even when such concepts were unheard of in Western countries.
Lately, a small section of society, due to its own vested interests, be it political or otherwise, have tried to create a wedge between various communities not only on the basis of religion, but also on the basis of sects, regions, languages, castes and creeds. If you look deeply, it is not only a Hindu-Muslim issue. Satanic forces always have division on agenda in contrast to the forces of unity, referred to in Quran, as the followers of Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (the straight path).

Saiyed Hamid
IAS (Rtd.) and Former VC-Aligarh Muslim University