Pre-Marital Sex and Freedom of Speech

Pre-Marital Sex and Freedom of Speech
Syed Ali Mujtaba

The five year old statement of Tamil film actress Kushboo on premarital sex and virginity after making rounds in lower courts and Madras High Court has reached the Supreme Court of India.


The actress’s appeal on January 21, 2010 to the Supreme Court, challenging the defamation complaints filed against her in various places in Tamil Nadu has invited the wrath of the Chief Justice K.G Balakrishnan who is hearing this case.

Hearing this case as whisper of obscenity and against Indian culture, Chief Justice observed; ‘it is a wide statement, slightly difficult to digest.’ The CJI called for production of the full transcript of the actress’s statement for considering this case and posted it for future hearing.

The aging siren of Tamil cinema found herself in the eye of the storm in 2005 for her opinions favoring pre-marital sex. She stated in an interview to a magazine; ‘our society should liberate itself from such ideas that brides should all be virgins at the time of marriage. No educated man will expect his bride to be virgin at the time of marriage. But when indulging in pre-marital sex, the girl should guard herself against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.’

This statement stirred a hornet’s nest in Tamil Nadu. As many as 23 defamation complaints were filed against the actress and the Madras High Court ordered them to be bunched together for its speedy trial. The actress challenged this in the Supreme Court.

Notwithstanding the Supreme Court’s judgment on this issue, the fact remains that Kushboo’s statement focuses on few societal issues, particularly those related to gender, and certain developments that are taking place that are bringing out the hard realities of the Indian society.

There is no denying the fact that under the onslaught of the new forms of media, and sweeping societal and life style changes, the psychological distance between childhood and adulthood is shrinking in our country.

Many youngsters at an unbelievable age are indulging into sexual experimentation playing out the adult fantasies in grown up ways. This could be illustrated pointing out a news report that emanated from one of India’s prosperous state Gujarat. A shocking news, revealed that many young girls are queuing up before the clandestine medical clinics for hymenoplasty, the surgical procedure that restore their virtue intact in the eyes of their future husbands.

The trend for the restoration of woman's technical virginity has started some eight years ago in Gujarat, but now is fast catching up in other parts of India. Just like sex determination clinics that operate secretly, the clinics doing hymenoplasty is also secretly mushrooming in the big cities of the country.

The price for the restoration of the hymen is about Rs.20, 000 ($500) and doctors describe the surgery as simple and not too painful that’s made comfortable in the ambiance of corporate clinics.

Chastity is cherished value in the Indian society and girls turn up to such clinics with the sole intention of keeping their future husbands happy that they are virgins.

The plastic surgeons who are making a killing out of this thought out fancy says, there were only few such cases earlier. Mostly those who use to come before were inquisitive youngsters wanting to know the details of such surgery but never volunteered for the same. The trend has changed now. Of late hymenoplasty surgeries are on the rise.

It seems the new age woman is warming up with the idea of an arranged marriage, but not before she has had her fill of fun and flings. The case history of hymenoplasty ranges from those who want to get married but did not like their husband to know they had premarital sex. Others want their future husbands to tell their parents that their daughter in law is a virgin.

Astonishingly, it is not just young women from India who are going for such procedure; Indian girls settled abroad too are longing for it because the Indian value system remains intact in their households. Moreover compared to the western countries, such surgeries are cheap in India.

In India many plastic surgeons are cashing on this trend. However, there are some alarming signals coming out of this fascination. It looks, this is going the sex selection way where only the doctors are flourishing.

The doctors instead of educating the society spreading information about sex are making a killing out of it. Their conspiracy of silence is also providing Indian patriarchal set-up a more conducive environment to retain the old mindsets.

Those involved in such activity scoff of the theory that they are not acting responsibly. They feel this is a transitory phase and the day is not far off when the claims of marring a virgin, will be the box news in a newspapers.

Now if we link this news to the Khusboo’s statement, then we can draw our own conclusions. What the actress did was to take a liberal stand on a subject that’s kept in wraps. She spoke her mind about the changing value system that is taking place in our society.

However, there are some people who feel offended about such ideas and have raised the voice of protest against the actress. Can’t this be construed as gagging of the freedom of speech and putting restrictions on airing personal views?

There is another angle to Khusboo’s episode. Her statement provided fodder to the cultural police in the country. Such people prey on this sort of things to occur and raise voice of protest to gain mileage and popularity. They are joined by those who are entrenched in the old value system and take this as personal offence.

Unfortunately, such people find strong political backing and do every possible thing to stop liberal voices to gain an upper hand. It is hoped that with changing times people will learn to adopt themselves to hard realities and do not make fuss over such statements.

This brings to a larger question where parents are struggling to strike the right balance between being relaxed, being liberal and still others drawing a line on such issues. Again these are personal choices and can not be generalized. However, when one has to choose between light and darkness, black and white, true and false, right and wrong, the choices are limited.
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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based on Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com

Celebration of Valentines Day for People living with HIV/AIDS

Celebration of Valentines Day for People living with HIV/AIDS
Syed Ali Mujtaba

Chennai: As elaborate arrangements are being made to ensure a hassle free celebration on the Valentines Day, a day before that special event was organized by ICWO, a NGO, working for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Ten real life HIV positive couples from four districts and volunteers from different walks of life participated in the day long event and shared their real life experiences to the general public.

“When each one of us becomes aware on how to protect himself/herself from the virus and has the freedom and access to services then we can be confident that we have started to overcome the epidemic. Till that time our work continues,” said a volunteer working in the field of STI/HIV /AIDS prevention among high risk population.

Around ten indoor games were conducted for contestants and they were; picking up the red rose, musical chair, for your eyes, know your partner, needle and thread, undo the knot, count the pebbles, head the ball, boom the city, tail the monkey. Prizes, shields, mementos, gifts were given to the winners at the conclusion of the games.

The objective of the event was to create hope among people living with HIV/AIDS who are not open about their status and to express the true love within such couples. This was also to demonstrate healthy living among people living with HIV/AIDS and to create awareness about usefulness for healthy living among such people across the country.

Inaugurating the event Ms. Sarah Clymer, Vice Consul, from US Consulate, said; “The challenge was to reach out aggressively with HIV prevention messages to marginalized communities and back them with adequate services. The need is to forge a multi-sectoral approach to deal with the issue and each one should show its concern for such marginal communities,” she added. .

Speaking at the occasion A J Hariharan, Secretary ICWO, said “the event will create an opportunity to discuss about stigma, discrimination, violence, marginalization, ill treatment, denial of treatment, privacy, quality of life, access to the ARV treatment and nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS. “

Giving the vote of thanks Ms. Arth Tarun said such program may reduce the stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/ AIDS and may create new volunteers to work among people living with HIV/ AIDS.

Elsewhere in the city, some 2000 policemen were deployed for incidents free Valentine’s Day celebrations. Police teams are constituted and deployed at public places. Marina Beach, Elliots beach, City Centre Plaza, various parks and cinema theatres police personnel are deployed to maintain constant vigil. Cinema halls screening ‘My name is Khan’ are also seeing unprecedented security.

The city police have warned that it will not tolerate hooliganism and anyone involved in eve teasing or any vulgar act will not be spared, and it applied to moral police taking law into their hands as well.

‘Those celebrating Valentine’s Day should not cross the limits and this applies to the moral police,’ said a senior police official.

Meanwhile, youth of Chennai are lapping up the wide variety of Valentine Day paraphernalia, and the new entrant in the market this year is 'love capsules.' The red and white love capsules come with a tiny scroll to carry such messages.

The buzz in the city is every one is getting ready to join the celebration of love. But what is love? According to William Shakespeare; ‘Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.’

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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a working journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com

Reactions on Muslim first Indian First Debate

Reactions on Muslim first Indian First Debate

Ganesh Nambiar nambloos@yahoo.co.in

Dear Janab Mujtaba,

I happened to read your column on the above subject in the Indian Muslims blog. Till date there have been no comments about your views to know the reader's reaction. I will come back to it later. Meanwhile may i know some more details about the above subject from your learned self? I have a few lingering doubts after reading your column.

First of all you have dismissed a country as a mere geographic entity. But have you ever thought of something called nation. A country with its people, its culture, its government etc which has more life than just a piece of land called country. If a country is just a geographic entity, why do people who have settled abroad and become citizens of other countries with entire family ,still read about their own mother country, why is there a longing in them to come here at least once in their lifetime if not more often. If someone does not have these feelings then he or she must be made of clay. This is what we call nationhood. It is an emotional entity and not a physical geographic entity called country.

Next comes religion. You are right, it is a harmless private matter. It becomes a dangerous curse when it assumes a public posture. Your answer to the question 'whether you are an Indian first or a Muslim first 'made for a very comical relief. I grant you that you cannot take liberties with your known target audience. You must definitely look for a moral high ground, without displeasing anyone. But can you eat the cake and have it too by saying that you belong to both India and Islam at the same time. At an academic level your statement may find acceptance. Loyalty towards a nation and a faith at the same time is a rank contradiction. If it is not so could you pls explain to me how you would react in the following situation.

1.If a Muslim is a soldier in the Indian army with the responsibility to defend it and if you are faced with an enemy of the country who happens to be a Muslim too(all our enemies in the neighbourhood unfortunately belongs to this faith)and if your commander gives you an order to fire at them. What would you do?. As per your stated position you should fire at the commander as well as the enemy. What is your way of doing justice to both sides?

2.If you were the security officer of an airport and if you find a Muslim terrorist sneaking in with a explosive to fulfill his religious agenda. How will you do justice to both sides. (Do not say that Islam does not prescribe killing of Kafirs).

These are just two examples that came to my mind since they concern security of the citizens. In the above cases you must answer with a definite one sided answer. You can no more play a balancing act. As far as sports with Pakistan is concerned I can write pages about the partisan behavior of Muslims which is far from sport jingoism.

You have compared the response of a child to a question whether he belongs to his father or to his mother. I have a backbone and I will give you an answer that is expected of one with a backbone. If i were given the choice to defend one of them only, I will defend my mother any day. Can you give an answer like this. You wont I guess, going by the mindset of an average Muslim. Please do not compare yourself with Abdul Kalam. He is the only true secular intellectual in this unfortunate country. Holding a national flag and wearing a scull cap cannot go far in a practical world. The cat will soon be out of the bag.

Coming back to my reference to the lack of reader comments to your column, I must say your target audience are those who are used to pontification by mullas and are not allowed to think or ask anything back. But if you could write the same in a mainstream newspaper you would have seen in black and white the reaction of nationalist readers.

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On Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 11:15 AM, megan mills wrote:

Dear Mr. Nambiar

I'm intrigued by your impression of Indian Muslims, or Muslims, at large, and particularly your remarks on those serving in the Indian Armed Forces.

If you examine the communities of those who fought in the Border Wars, or the Liberation of Bangladesh, you will indeed find Indian Muslims present as should help you to move past the notion that a Muslim will not fire upon another Muslim. Your reference to Muslims as unsuitable for airport security posts shows much other assumption of a kind that can only be countered by ensuring that you come to know Indian Muslim individuals well.

I can only wonder what impressions you have formed of Christians or other minority members.

For example, it it bothersome that an officer when asked states that he is a Roman Catholic? Do you ask Sikhs if they are Indians, or Sikhs?

If I were you, I would wonder whether Hindus were Indians given extremely high rates of emigration, in this generation, and a strong tendency to depart from what has been considered Tradition. Is a person truly Indian who lives out his productive, earning years in a different country? Is he a Hindu, or an Indian?

I grow very tired of the mistaken idea that a Muslim is to kill 'kaffirs' because a text of old, read out of context, states that this is so. As you know well, plenty of religious texts involve references to war, metaphors to do with battle, and in one ancient example, even Taking Place on a battlefield.

Obviously, MOST Muslims ignore this matter of 'kaffirs' -- they do live beside or amongst other Indians as everyday members of the social wallpaper, by the million.

I notice especially strong anti-Muslim sentiment among NRIs in North America and the UK. I know where they obtain their ideas, not how they accept them. It seems a very frequent question, these days, this matter of whether Indian Muslims are Indians 'or' Muslims, and you might ask when this matter came to interest you, and if you are able to distinguish Muslims from the minority who May be less than patriotic, as compared to the millions who most certainly are.

In the past, I've noticed much said about the Muslim community by persons having no direct familiarity with Muslims, in kinds of persons Never to visit a minority area or actually speak with the human beings who live in them.

Are you an Indian, if having to ask a decent Indian Muslim 'what' he is, or if believing such a 'quandary' exists between Islam and serving one's country?


Yours Sincerely
Megan S. Mills


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"megan mills"
Sadly, our friend who wrote to SAM has been influenced by an ideology floating about India and across the world. That he should feel the wish, or need, to question SAM indicates a great deal.

Any of us could spend many hours posing polite questions, as seems the only way to encourage Thinking, as is not what the politicised media and a good deal of Education have done for a generation.

A convenient way of Dividing the population towards evil results, implying the non-membership or disloyalty of particular groups, as is meant to produce suspicion and assumption, for fear that people Think, or take steps to mix with Indian Muslims or for that matter the also demonised Christians.

There is indeed an Indian Muslim 'identity' that is found across a very diverse Indian Muslim population of different origins and locations, classes, and philosophies. The parents of the person who wrote to SAM would see this in a matter of fact manner, as do sensible, aware Indians of every kind.

Polarisation will continue until people realise they are being Used, those who'd like to take power in India actually rather indifferent to community or origin, and if they achieve it, one can expect a liquidation of various members of the majority community.

Scapegoats of different kinds are essential to the goals of those intent upon driving wedges between communities as happen to be made up of ordinary struggling Indians, in the main.

There is Hope -- the last general election did indicate that the most ordinary of Indians, by the million, as stood to gain nothing of importance to them, were not to be conned by a cheap sectarian card. The new and other middle classes more worrisome, given what have become something near articles of faith on the subject of minorities and particularly, Indian Muslims.

As for Mother Theresa, though born in Albania and reaching India by way of Ireland, a generation of has now 'learned' to ask if she wasn't an agent of the Vatican and the CIA -- what else. Were it not this way, she would be discussed as an agent of Beijing, given that India's greatest problems are not of poverty, food prices, public health or integration but the socialist menace, the Indian Muslim menace, the Christian (always CIA) scourge; then, the aspirations of Pakistan to which 'all' Muslims are so loyal they will not do the logical thing and shift to PK, millions toughing out lives in India that no one need think about too long.

Socialists are the natural friends of Muslims and Christians, according to this psychedelic view of India, and one should question the loyalty of Sikhs too. All very fishy, as compared to the unanimously patriotic majority whose civilisation was Perfect before the appearance of others, & a collection of Brits to inflict a comparatively brief regime equivalent to Stalinist Russia. ahem.

As Hitler knew well, if one glorifies the past, and promises a glorious future, human beings don't care much what goes on around them, if getting what's needed in the present. Employed and relatively well fed persons aware of adversity are those to prey upon; the half-educated most useful. Literate, but unable to fathom how the media are shaped, not up to spotting biases or why issues are presented in the ways that they are. Above all, there is a reliable absence of Thinking such as illiterate persons manage better, in many cases.

A small corner of the Indian Muslim population has its clerics who do not recognise one of India's national anthems, or so we are told. No matter that more than one Protestant Christian sect will not sing the national anthem of any country in the world. What clerics say, as ignored by most, is important to 'know' about the Indian Muslims in a secular shining India. No need to question what this might have to do with arsenic in ground water, or rural suicides. In fact, if one thinks about this quite a lot, as intended, one need not ponder what is going on in Bihar where ever patriotic youths hold up and sometimes destroy trains, or ask just why with every sign of growth and prosperity the urban poor present malnutrition or die of treatable disease.

Primordialism -- very helpful, indeed -- will continue in references to an Ideal civilisation, as completely negates a secular India that does happen to be a nation. One might ask what a billion people have been doing through the last 60+ years if not participating in a nation-state. We know that this entity is said to be weakening across the world, only Indian nationalism has risen, but of a most destructive, and just plain counter-productive kind. In good measure, it relies upon scapegoating the Indian Muslims among other 'unpatriotic' elements.

It is all very Simple -- & it all may backfire yet.



Megan S. Mills

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Fused identities are also possible. As the RSS et al will never concede, plenty of people on this earth view themselves as, and are, Indian Muslims.

Megan S. Mills

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From: mirza.a.beg@ gmail.com

Dear SAM and Megan:

Notwithstanding Mr. Ganesh’s view of the audience of this group, he has no inkling of what the Indian nation is. The Republic of India is a nation under the constitution and all its provisions as adopted and ratified in 1950.

Thus though many citizens of India may have stupid views, sectarian views, and even think of committing minor or major crimes. They can not be prosecuted for thinking. Actions and seditious (strict definition) are the proof of guilt

I am sure he is right that some Muslims do have thoughts he accuses them of, as many Hindus and people of other religions are also guilty of thoughts that are against the ideas of the Indian nation enshrined in the constitution, from what he writes, perhaps he himself is one of them.


To people like him Indian-ness is some idea that corresponds to the emotional sectarian understanding. That is his right under the constitution but it is as un–Indian as those he is so cavalierly accusing. Regards,

Mirza

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From: Ekane98@aol. com

As noted on our list serve by another participant, we are all capable of multiple identities. I myself am Roman Catholic, female, Irish-Italian (ethnically) , American, New Yorker (don't mess with my city), mother, daughter, wife. Can they sometime contradict each other depending on cultural messaging, social assumptions and questions of self-identification ? Yes. As an American, we deal with multiple identities all the time and when you marry, since we don't necessarily marry by caste, race or even class, our children end up with further mixing of basic identity. I think most people are mixtures and if the writer thinks about who he is, could come up with quite a few identities also which matter to him and guides how he acts. At the minimum, think of the differences imparted by the mother's family and the father's family.

One can only reconcile the dissonances personally, but I believe that most people fuse their patriotic, ethnic and religious views into themselves. In our case, since the U.S. absorbs so many immigrants, these folks add a new identity as Americans.

Do Indians regard Mother Teresa as a Catholic more than Indian? She was both and we know she wasn't native born...and this year, the U.S. postal service is planning to put her - a non-U.S. citizen - on one of our stamps to recognize her as a hero.

Eileen Kane
Washington DC
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From: "hamid shahul" hamidshahulavm@hotmail.com>

Thank you for a very clear and concise position on Identities. Our children are settled abroad. My son and daughter in the US and the youngest in London. Their children are Americans and British. As you said the US absorbs so many immigrants and takes considerable pride to add a new identity as Americans,or to that matter British..

Having said so in India, frankly speaking this is a mischievous question and heavily loaded? Why am I to justify whether or not I am Indian or Muslim First? To the best of my understanding, no one ever asked these questions till the emergence of strong reactionary forces. In the Armed Forces we are all Indians, and we defend our country to the last drop of blood. Armed Forces have multi cultural and multi religious identities. Our training fuses us one, though we respect traditions, and religions, to an extent that there is a Temple, Mosque, Church, and Gurdwaras in the Army units. Officers attend all congegrations. Not a big deal. Armed Forces therefore are class by themselves. I understand the reasoning and value of multi cultural and multi dimensional identities and still be proud to belong to India.

You have given an excellent example of Mother Teresa, and she worked amongst destitutes, sick including lepers and those who have been forsaken by the same society. She never asked about any identity or caste or religion when she helped and helped till her last breath. I see her as a Greatest of Great Indians besides being a strong world citizen. No wonder America is giving her the honour that she deserve the most. May God, the Merciful Bless her Soul, Amen.

Regards, HMS.

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Dear SAM,

I did not participate in this debate as I felt it is insane. If I have to offer some clarifications, - they are the following:

First and foremost is patriotism. It has different meanings. In sociology and social anthropology we usually use "caste patriotism" which started from the British period. In its simplest sense, it is loyalty of each sub-caste to one's own sub-caste first, then to other cognate castes and so on. A case of loyalty running in concentric circles.

The second is geographic. This is particularly true of India where majority of the people live in villages. There was a time when each village used to be the universe of its denizens. Even now we can see any number of people such as writers and actors, using village name as their pen names or first names, thereby indicating that they are proud of their geographic roots. This trend is slowly changing.

The third is religion. In understanding the importance of the use of this one has to have some sense of scale. People seldom ask Hindus "are you a Hindu first or Indian first". Only the Hindutva nuts will get into this trivia. Religion assumes importance in the case of minorities. In their case, those knowledgeable will also keep in mind that religions are often intertwined with culture; and culture transcends geographic boundaries. Religious identities assume greater importance in the case of minorities because of insecurity feeling.

The fourth is language. Ask Karunanidhi if he is a Tamilian first or an Indian first. He will wriggle out. Ask the same to Jayalalithaaaa, she will bluff you. How do you explain Tamil Nadu's struggle for linguistic nationalism which was also interpreted as cultural nationalism? How do you explain the diasporas and the politics and cultures of them?

The fifth is both national, though not strictly geographic, and political, in the context of sovereignty of nations. But this is getting weakened because of globalisation which has undermined geography, sovereignty, and territoriality, and overrun and overturned the traditional notions of nations - as cultures, religions, belief systems, values, related practices, and what have you - all now transcend boundaries, thanks to the Internet the world wide webs, and the media.

In my view, as Bernard Shaw said, patriotism is extended selfishness. Asking someone are you a Muslim or an Indian first, is an aberration devoid of elementary human courtesies and civilities.

As an aside, go to any lawyer in India for getting a petition or an affidavit prepared, after S/o, the fellow will write the religion. I had changed this trend in a number of cases and tried to educate the nuts. Instead of religion, I have always insisted that Indian should be written; and instead of father's name mother's name should be written, as in sociology there is both pater (sociological father) and genitor (biological father), whereas motherhood is a certainty. Forget about the DNA.

So much for the present.

P Radhakrishnan

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Dear Professor Sahib,

"Asking someone are you a Muslim or an Indian first, is an aberration devoid of elementary human courtesies and civilities".

Thank you for an intellectual discussion on a very critical subject. I value your analysis very much. Frankly most Indians are simple and only a few mischief mongers are there to create these aberrations.

Air Vice Marshal Hamid Shahul.

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Dear Mujtabaji,

Salam,

Your Article on Am i Indian first or Muslim first? is a wonderful article, and very clearly you have given examples and explained.

I liked the way you have addressed the issue, which is an issue not only for you, but for all the muslim citizens of India, right from the day we got independence and probably before that.

On other side i and my colleague have written an article in similar way on Indian Constitution, fundamental rights etc.
I am forwarding a link to it.
Please go through it.

With Regards

Kaneez Fathima

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Twocirclesnet-IndianMuslim/~3/ozoVKODDME8/60_some_queries_about_rule_law_india.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

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From: Abdul Desai" abduldesai@gmail.com

Assalamu-alaikum,Thanks and it is very thought provocative write-up.

I do not know much about Australians or Australian Indians or Australian Muslims, but like to talk about Indians who are naturalized American citizens and some are living in USA since early sixties and still alive and active for India and Indian causes.
American identifies them, South Asian Indian Americans (Indian American or American Indians are confusing because they are already here, for centuries and centuries, way before white people.)

They call themselves Indians or Desi. They have gazillion associations name after or before India or Indian, their relegion, their states, their cities and towns, their cast and ethnic group, etc, etc. And they have Independent Day Parade on 15th August, in every major city of USA. Oh, always, Indian dance party on the eve of Independent Day.

What else! Yes, 40% association made by Guajaratis and connected to Gujarati people of India, only, including some Muslim associations for Gujaratis, such as Gujarati Muslim Association of America, Muslim Patel Association of America, Muslim Vohra Association, Muslim Dowoodi Vohra Association, etc.

When you tell Gujaratis, Hindu or Muslims that there is a Gujarat in Pakistan, too, they give you bad look.

I love to say that I an American Muslim and always do, but they are saying that I am Indian or Desi, Some are saying that I'm Indian Muslim and ask to get in their association and other are saying that I am Gujarati Muslim and trying to get in their association.
I didn't born in Gujarat, but Ahmedabad, Bombay State and my mother tongue is Urdu. When I was born, there was no Gujarat.

Here is mind-boggling. Hyderabadis calling me Gujarati, instead Ahmedabadi. When I call them Andhra Pradeshi, instead Hyderabadi, they get really pissed. Pretty soon, they will be Telangani.

I hope that I did not confuse you, here.

Abdulghani Desai

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From: "viswanathan ammasaiyappan" visurakk@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Mujtaba,

It is really reasonable article many Indian Muslims are facing because of politics. Congrats for your article. Mean time please do not mention Mr. Shah Ruk Khan' name. In my opinion he is not at all Indian Muslim. He is just a business man minting money in all possible way may be one among he will tell he is Indian Muslim.

Regards,

Viswanathan

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From: Anit Arora"anitarora29@yahoo.co.in

Hi Syed,

How are you doing?

I really want to appreciate your work for writing such an interesting article.

My name is Anit Arora and I am a graduate student in International Business major in Southeast Missouri State University in United States. I have been asked to give a presentation on Hinduism and culture of India by one of my professors. Since I was surfing the internet to collect information on Hinduism, I got hold of your article.

I think that India is not only a country of Hindus but all the religions of the world. The way India shows its pluralism and secularism makes our country unique in the whole world. I came to US last year and started my MBA in a business school in Cape Girardeau which is a small city in Missouri state. I never cared about my religion (Hinduism) in India because we were never taught about any difference among other religions (though there are some quarters and political parties which have a motive of creating religious differences) in India. But after coming to this part of US I realized that creating differences and people telling that their religion is superior is the primary job of some of the people.

I am from Delhi and have been brought up with my lots of Muslim friends. Since I am an International Business major I have been staying with students from other countries to learn more about their country and culture and most of them are Muslims. But one thing that I have realized after staying with those people is that Muslims from India are unique and they show to the world the pluralism and diversification in the society.

Coming back to your question: Am I Indian First or Muslim First? It is really easy to answer this question who is from India. I can't say about other Muslims that I have met from other countries.

Regards
Anit
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From Saif Editor saif.editor@gmail.com

Assalam wa alaikum,

Brother Syed,

Congratulations on writing a beautiful post on Indian Muslims.

It is really a nice & most often asked question and eminent theologian & Islamic preacher Dr.Zakir Naik has attempted to answer this in his own way upholding the supremacy of being a Muslim as we are obliged to our Creator , though we consider ourselves Indians as we are born in it.

Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, an inspiration for TwoCircles.net said "I belong to two circles of equal size, but which are not concentric. One is India, and the other is the Muslim world."

Also by virtue of being born in this great nation India, faith & religion do not contradict nor are

I have been thinking on this perspective as many of us do & I have started to realize it is time for a paradigm shift.

If someone asked me(I hope not) , if I were a Muslim or an Indian first , I would say neither. I am a "Human" first as that is how Allah created us & then bestowed upon us the mercy of Imaan or faith and Allah (SWT) knows the best.

JazakAllah for your interesting post & seek mercy and guidance from Allah (SWT) in these trying times.May Allah (SWT) give us the HIkamath & Baseerath .

Wassalam ,
Saif


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From: Ganesh Nambiar
Subject: reply
To: syedalimujtaba@ yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, 4 February, 2010, 6:56 PM

dear friend,

Thanks for your prompt reply.But I am not happy with your answers which are as usual, obfuscation. You are quoting the role played by muslims in the war of the sixtees and seventees.I even remember the exploits of one Abdul Hamid in the 1965 war.No body denies that.But havent times changed. How deep and wide spread was Islamic terrorism those days.How many terrorist organisations were there then?How many bombs were planted in public places those days.?Even Kashmiri pandits were living in Kashmir valley those days.How much of indoctrination was going on then?.I do not ask a Hindu or a Christain the same question as whether they are indians first because fortunately we do not share borders with any other Hindu or CHristian country that are a threat to us.BUt I would certainly ask a communist the same question because we have a border with a communist country and communists have extra border loyalities.Moreover dont you feel fundamentalism in all relegions have increased in the last three decades.Fundamental ism of one relegion feeds fundamentalism in other relegions.What percentage of Muslim womens were using the veil those days and what is the percentage now in spite of increased education.For all terror activities in the country you blame RSS and BJP and for all international terror you blame USA and Israel.I have given you my view about being the son of my father or my mother without any reservation. Can you give an answer like that. I still doubt very much.You blame all terror acts in the world as done by those who have not understood Koran.Isnt there anybody in the world who understands it.WHy do relegious heads in UK like Anjem Choudhury maintian that the london tube rail bombing was justified and that he cannot blame the terrorists because they are muslims.Do you claim that you know Koran better than him.Name one islamic leader who you believe has understood Koran correctly.DO you believe that Pandits had to be driven out of kashmir?If you do not think so why have you not written a column against that act. Are you afraid of fatwas?I have also lived a large part of my life in a muslim locality and I am witness to banners praising Osama Bin laden and saddam hussain on the streets with the 'sickular'govts turning a blind eye to these anti national acts.
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Dear Mr. Nambiar

Further to what I wrote earlier, I am happy to see that you can distinguish between Indian Muslims and a relatively tiny proportion of persons given to political Islamism.
You are correct, there is a great deal of religious fundamentalism in our world, in every faith, as can combine with politics towards the unhappy phenomena to which you referred.

It makes me most sad that some Indians confuse the Indian Muslim community with Islamists -- as in my own country -- whose ideology, as opposed to religion, can give Muslims, at large, a bad name. A similar mistake is made if assuming that all Hindus support or act upon the thinking of the RSS and its companions, as are Not indicative of the greater Hindu community.

There are plenty of Indian Muslims serving India who are just as concerned as yourself about persons or groups with ulterior motives.

No progress is made if lumping the entire population that happens to be Muslim under the same heading. However, if you examine media reportage carefully, the impression is given of a single Muslim population of shared agenda and beliefs. Imagine how it is to live amidst this barrage of Stuff. Upsetting to say the least, and particularly, when shown small bits of prejudice or just ignorance. The greater Indian Muslim community is not the problem... how other Indians have come to discuss Muslims, again, at large, does promote polarisation just as much as an ideology arriving through various countries with Muslim populations.
Rather than attempting to accuse Indian Muslims of this or that, far better to see that bridges are built immediately with those near to one.

As it stands, too many youths are picked up by virtue of being Indian Muslims, when the authorities should be tracking down Islamists. The kind of law and procedure used where terrorism takes place is notoriously crude and Will affect the wrong persons now and then.
Notice that the authorities do not fully enjoin the public in fighting terrorism. Much good work could be done by simply instructing everyone to ensure that they have cordial relations with the Muslims near them that are not by any stretch of the imagination involved in activities against the state; to ensure that they receive a broader picture of the Indian Muslim position.

What upsets you is just as upsetting, if not more, for Muslims who wish to get on in life, build harmonious relationships with other communities, and as many do, get on with building and serving India.

Where there is some mistrust, important to work against it. It occurs to me that the questions you've posed earlier could be asked of a good many Indians with regard to the present state, what should happen, or where their allegiances are. The gap created between one community and another is quite ominous, as everyone does not have your wish to ask questions directly, preferring to assume or take their opinions from elsewhere.

From what I can make out, studying the situation in India over some years, many Indians are not quite aware of how the media tend to refer to the Muslim population. There would seem far too many people 'in the dark' regarding the majority versus the SMALL minority that are cause for apprehension. A gross error is made in referring to Indian Muslims as akin to those of Pakistan, or presuming that all have affinity with Pakistan.

For every article appearing in a newspaper, it is helpful to ask how one might feel reading the same piece if belonging to Community A, or B, or C.

Your letter inspired me to reflect on Indian Muslims known well through my life. In India, I have known persons of 11 different backgrounds, and abroad, several more. They have hailed from different corners of the country, different philosophies and memberships, levels of education and classes. Not one has had the time of day for Islamism. In fact, they have expressed the same apprehensions as other Indians, and the feeling that their voices have been ignored when pointing out the arrival of Saudi influence in South Asia.

If were you, I would be more concerned at the political ambitions of NRIs with regard to India and its different communities; the people showing no respect whatsoever for any institution. Encouraging the public to focus on the Indian Muslims is a now time-honoured approach that has caused much harm, and promises to cause more.

I suppose the question is one of what can a person like yourself do to obtain direct opinion on the Indian Muslim community that is honest. You've made a start by contacting our friend in Chennai. I wonder who you might speak with locally? or what you could do to help others develop their own view of the community, and what Hindus, Muslims and others can do to oppose terrorism?
This may be the very work that will remove the divisions put in place by persons who do not wish India well.

Yours sincerely
Megan S. Mills

Megan S. Mills PHD
198 St Helen's
Toronto CDA M6H 4A1
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Sorry SAM, this gentleman is hell bent on throwing muck on a community which by and large remains calm and peaceful in India. His geographical knowledge also needs to be brushed up. He has forgotten about Nepal, being a Hindu kingdom. He is talking about one cleric Chowdhary in London, and having spent long time here I see such a strong movement to build a civil society which will help the likes of Chowdhury and the Interfaith dialogue has brought communities together. I see the PM, Gordon Brown meeting the community leaders and having a chat once in a while.

Let us be clear that the Terror in India is not perpetuated by one community and many Groups are under investigation. The media and police have to play their role so that there is fairness and transparency.

It is fortunate that on your blog no body has popped up, equally zealous to take this guy with opposing views. Usual behaviour on the blogs. That would be messing up too much. Our Group has maintained decorum and carry the discussions with concern for each other, however we may have differing views.

It is time we closed his chapter, while I notice that we cannot argue with these cemented views.

Regards, HMS.

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From: "Sampath"

Close the thread alright. But, as an amateur historian, I'd fault Mujtaba for some basic flaws in the original piece this gentleman colligates to. Let me quote from Two Circles article: (1) "If we look at India's canvass, Hinduism welcomed all religions with equal zeal . . ." and (2) "Southern shores of India welcomed Judaism, Christianity, and Islam."

With (1), the author fell into the majority-minority trap set by the political party spearheaded by the questionable "father of the nation." History records that British rulers were keen to leave their colonies that were getting unremunerative in the post WW-I era. They wanted to transfer power. That was the time when numerous tribal groups across British India and whole communities oppressed by the high-bred ruling classes were bundled and projected as the majority community.

It is obvious that hereditary serfs branded 'Sudras' by the other three categories of Hinduism formed the true 'majority'. However, Indian National Congress, dominated by lawyer-politicians belonging to the other three strata (combinedly comprising hardly 10 per cent of the lot) faked itself as the sole representative of the 'majority'. It claimed and got monopoly in governance. The question, "Egg first, or chick first?" will cease to be asked only when people dare to reject concocted history of the independence movement and the false gods it has projected.

As for (2), Hinduism (based on tantric-based rituals originating in Aryans) was just another faith welcomed by the societies south of Vindhyas. Though indulging in idolatry and grave-worship, Dravidian faiths were essentially philosophy-based.

{This brings to the question who is Indian first?}

Indian Republic at 60- Am I Indian First or Muslim First?

Indian Republic at 60- Am I Indian First or Muslim First?
Syed Ali Mujtaba

On the 60th anniversary of Indian Republic someone asked me a question; are you a Indian first or a Muslim first? The first thing I did was to thank him for asking this. Answer to this is sought by many "prominent" Indian Muslims and I am indeed honored to inadvertently sneak into this category. The latest ones in the list before me were APJ Abdul Kalam and Sharukh Khan!

I know it’s a very philosophical question 'who am I'? However, without going any further, let me try to handle this. It’s like seeking answer to; are you child of your father first or your mother first? The answer is both. I am born in India and I am an Indian and it’s a geographical term. I am born in Islamic faith and so I am a Muslim, and it’s a religious term. I am an "Indian Muslim" is the short answer. Now let me elaborate my point.

Khan Abdul Wali Khan, the Pukhtoon leader was asked similar question; are you Pukhtun first or Muslim first? He replied; “I have been a Pukhtun for six thousand years, a Muslim for thirteen hundred years, and a Pakistani for twenty-five years. I am the one who is contained with all of these features."

Now let me take you back to the history of this question that reverberated in the entire debate during the run up of India’s Independence and Partition. Many Indian Muslims were asked to clarify their position. They took pains to explain that religious and national identity is like two wheels of a cycle and both are essential for a ride. Multiple identities are inevitable and the individual, the society, and the polity have to adjust to such realities.

As per my knowledge this question was first asked to Maulana Mohmmmad Ali, one of the siblings of "Ali brothers" fame, who spearheaded the Khilfat movement in 1920 and credited to have imported Gandhiji to India from South Africa. Later, on when he fell out of the Congress, he was asked the same question; are you Indian first or Muslim first? What a sad commentary on one of the illustrious sons of India.

After independence this debate was suppose to have settled down with the creation of Pakistan and Bharat, that’s India. However, this has not. It continues to be tossed up to embarrass ordinary Indian Muslims and to create unnecessary tension in the society.

This question continues to be one of the smartest arrows in the quiver of the RSS establishment. They equate religion with national identity and by that token being a Hindu alone is an Indian and the people adhering to other religious faith are not second class Indian citizens and should not enjoy equal rights as those of the Hindu brethren.

My take on this is, for thinking people, nation is a political temporal realm and religion is spiritual realm. In a democracy there is no problem with it. In religiously governed dictatorship of many forms, such as the bigoted wing of Hindutva, Islamists and similar trends in other religions the religion and state is one and the same. Of course in that state no one of a differing view is tolerated.

For thinking people, nation is a political temporal realm and religion is spiritual realm. In a democracy there is no problem with it. In religiously governed dictatorship of many forms, such as the bigoted wing of Hindutva, Islamists and similar trends in other religions, the religion and state is one and the same. Of course in that state no one of a differing view is tolerated.

My take on this is to retort back; are you a Hindu first, or a Brahmin first, or an Indian first? If you move to Australial will you be a Hindu first, a Brahmin first, an Indian first or an Australian first?” How does a Hindu and an Indian reconcile to one’s religious and national identity if he or she is not living in the geographical boundary of India?

Religion is very personal thing to an individual. I am a Muslim and so also my other country men. They are Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Zorashtrians, and many others in our plural society. I owe loyalty to my country India and its constitution and yet I practice my religion very freely and without prejudice to others' views or faiths.

If we look at India's canvass, Hinduism welcomed all religions with equal zeal when they knocked our shores and because of its openness, one finds a beautiful spread in terms of art, culture, architecture and music. The southern shores of India welcomed Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with open arms. We have a first synagogue, first church and first mosque in Kerala, a synthesis that is difficult to see in any other country. India therefore stands tall among the communities of nations where pluralism has come to stay. Even the most evolved societies of Europe are still grappling with the plural values.

I have always maintained, we could discuss any thing particularly religion with open mind and with sobering affect. But when we mix other agenda, a conflicting situation arises.

Look at the passion that India- Pakistan cricket matches generated some time back. It was an unfortunate Muslim who had the audacity to clap when Pakistanis scored, and a quick label was fixed on him that he was anti India and a Pakistani. At the same time when a Indian who is settled abroad backs India in sports certainly, the people of those countries do not even pause or think this as an aberration to their citizenship or loyalty.

When Pakistan President Parvez Musharaff clapped and appreciated Indian Cricketers victory in Pakistan, no one raised any hue and cry. In fact he went a step further to quip that the Indian Captain MS Dhoni looked cute in his long hair. His comments did not made him pro Indian and anti – Pakistani but it did made a difference to mellow down the debate; Indian first or Muslim first?

So folks at the end, it’s all in our heads. how we look at the glass of water, whether it’s half empty or half full. The only way for a decent survival in a plural society like India is to steer the path of secularism and democracy and strive for peaceful coexistence.

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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a working journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com

India: Living Islam Exhibition Drawing Large crowd

India: Living Islam Exhibition Drawing Large crowd
Syed Ali Mujtaba

Chennai: In order to create awareness and education about Islam, “Peace – Vision of Islam 2010,” a five day Islamic exhibition cum conference opened up here on January 13, 2010.

The event is a regular feature in the city from last several years and coincides with the harvest festival ‘Pongal,’ when there is long and extended holidays. People of all faiths flock to this event and over 4 lakh visitors so far have benefited from the previous events.

The event promises to provide an exciting window of knowledge to explore, discover and understand the true message of Islam. The exhibition showcases the rich culture and heritage of Islam. There are beautiful big charts that display the holy Quranic verses and Ahadees (sayings of Prophet Mohammed) with their translations in Urdu, Tamil and English. The volunteers explain the subjects of the displayed Quranic verses and Ahaadees in their proper perspective.

One exhibit said: "O people! Behold, we have created you from a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware." [Qur'an 49:13]

The exhibition has specially designed stalls exclusively devoted to several aspects of Islam. Islamic Banks, Islamic book, Halal Food Products, Educational Islamic Audio-Video CDs, Health Products, Hajj and Umrah Organizers, Islamic Da’wah Centre, Garments: Hijab, Abaya, Caps, etc. are some of the exhibits at the venue.

Some other activities going on at the venue are: seminars, workshops, inter-faith dialogue, matrimonial services, distribution of Qur’an and Islamic literature etc.

Many schools and colleges have also setup stalls where inter-school and inter-college competitions, career guidance and counseling are being done. There are also food courts where food stalls sell different vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

People from all walks of life were visiting the exhibition and showing keem interest in all the activities going on there. I asked one of the visitors what he felt about being there; "let’s consider this as a good experience,” he said.

Another reaction was, “This event offers a unique interactive opportunity to learn about Islam from the original sources” said Vasudevan, a bank employ visiting the exhibition with his family.

One of the important features of the event is the public lecture delivered by eminent Islamic speakers on various subjects. The lectures are held in English, Tamil, Urdu and Malayalam. Some of the eminent speakers this year are; Dr Zakir Naik, Abu Usaamah At Thahabi, Assim Al Hakkem, Saeed Rageah, Hussain Yee, Fariq Naik and others.

“Peace – Vision of Islam is a humble effort to spread the true message of Islam” says Syed Zakir Ahmed, the brain behind this concept, and owner of Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Private Limited (www.zakgroup.com)

"Every one may agree that Islam is one of the most misunderstood religions in the world today. There exist deep rooted prejudices against this faith, but without going into the reasons for it, there is an urgent need to work towards changing this misplaced concept,” Zakir said.

“Many international Ulema have endorsed this concept and its being replicated in other cities like Bangalore, Calicut and Mumbai” he added.

'The Vision of Islam 2010’ even though this time is being organized at Injmbakam on East Coast Road, that’s bit far away from the city, it has been successful in attracting people interested in exploring the intricacies of divergent faith.

The event no doubt is a bold attempt to showcase what it stands for and the patronage from the people tells the story that the vision of secular and democratic India is still alive and kicking.
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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com

Indian Court: Freedom of Expression Cannot be taken for Granted

Indian Court: Freedom of Expression Cannot be taken for Granted
Syed Ali Mujtaba

The controversy about banning a book has been raging in India for long. Every time a controversial book is written the cacophony for and against the ban raises its ugly head.

The aggrieved party, complain of malicious writing that hurt their sentiments and demand ban of the book. At the same time, there are voices that raise the bogey of freedom of expression and demand the fundamental right to expression should not be curbed.

So far there is no clear direction on this issue and opinion remains divided. Sometime, politics steps into such controversy and a mountain is made out of such mole. In such a controversy, while those are in favor of ban hardly benefit anything except perhaps self esteem and the right to live with dignity, the allegation of ‘pandering to vote bank politics’ makes martyrs of those opposing the ban.

Recently, in a landmark judgment, the Bombay High Court has tried to address such controversy, giving a direction for future cases of such nature. Notwithstanding, the High Court’s judgment is being challenged in the Supreme Court, the fact remains that the justice delivered upholds the plurality of Indian society and smacks of forbearance, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, the corner stones of Indian culture.

The center of controversy this time is a book written by a Supreme Court advocate and a former Air Force Officer, R V Bhasin entitled; 'Islam – A concept of Political World Invasion by Muslims.'

In this book Bhasin argues that the philosophy of Islam encourages terrorism, and does not tolerate those of different faith. There are several passages in the book including passages about Jihad, the Quran, Prophet Mohammed, Indian Muslims, and religious conversions that depicts Islam and Muslims in poor light and were found objectionable by the Muslims.

The book that was published in 2003 was banned in 2007 by the Maharastra government on the ground that it contained derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Mohammad and insulted sentiments of the Muslims in the country.
Bhasin, challenged the ban saying it violated his right to freedom of expression and contended that the book is an historical analysis that throws light on lesser known facets of Islam. He further said the book was published in 2003 but the ban was imposed in 2007 with its copies being confiscated after raiding his office in Mumbai.

A three member bench of the High Court judges comprising Justice Ranjana Desai, Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, and Justice RS Mohite, after hearing the arguments upheld the ban of the book and wrote a landmark judgment that deserves to be reproduced in some detail.

The judgment begins with generalities and says; “In our constitutional set up, everything is open to criticism and religion is no exception to it. Every religion, whether it is Islam, Hinduism, Christianity or any other religion, can be criticized...

“While we have the right to criticize, the criticism has to be healthy and not malicious. It must not lead to creating ill-will and hatred between communities...”

“The freedom of expression granted by the Constitution should not be used to trigger senseless destruction of lives and property and breach of public order”…

While upholding the ban, the bench said; “If a book reeks of hatred for a community and stirs communal passions, it has to be determined if its circulation would be in public interest”...

Commenting on the book, 'Islam – A concept of Political World Invasion by Muslims' the court observed that authors criticism of Islam is done with deliberate and malicious intention to outrage religious feelings of the Muslims, particularly Indian Muslims and such criticism is not permissible even under the right of freedom of expression.

Bhasin in his book argues that philosophy of Islam encourages terrorism, and does not tolerate those of different faith. He quotes few Quranic verses to substantiate this point.

To this the court observed, in the case of religious scriptures, several interpretations are possible and therefore Quranic verses must be "correlated” and historical background must be kept in mind when interpreting them.

"Some of the Quranic verses are indeed strongly worded and appear to have been directed against idol worshippers but having read the commentaries we feel that perhaps it is possible to urge that they relate to an era when the Muslims were attacked by the Pagans..."

Bhasin has written that Prophet Mohammad had 11 wives, “married and otherwise”. To this the bench observed; “the lurid details allegedly of Prophet Mohammad’s life, the authenticity of which may be challenged by some, could have been avoided by the author. We feel that the attempt is to show Prophet Mohammad in poor light and thereby attempt is made to hurt the sentiments of the Muslims.”

The court found the author’s view that all Muslim youth are misguided and terrorists, objectionable. "It cannot be denied that misguided Muslim youth have indulged in acts of terrorism. But misguided youth are in every religion."

The court observed “India is an amazing mix of people coming from different social and cultural background. Indian Muslims are part of the mainstream of the nation’s life and are contributing to India’s development in all fields.

Upholding the ban, the bench observed; “the author by writing such book has insulted a large section of Indian Muslims. He has tried to create ill-will and hatred between communities and used this means to trigger senseless destruction of lives and property and breach of public order”…

Commenting on the judgment, Bhasin reportedly has said that he will challenge the order in the Supreme Court even though he feels happy to join the ranks of Salman Rushide and Taslima Nasreen.

Bhasin was earlier in news for filing a public interest litigation petition against United States in Indian court for cancellation of US visa to Gujarat Chief Minster Narendra Modi. The petition filed in Baroda purports to hold the United States accountable to the Government of India, State of Gujarat and Narendra Modi as he claimed damages to the tune of $201 million from the US government.

It would be interesting to wait and watch the Supreme Courts ruling on this issue as its only then this story will play itself out.

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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted t syedaimujtaba@yahoo.com

Why Indian Females Prefer Men without Moustaches

Why Indian Females Prefer Men without Moustaches
Syed Ali Mujtaba

Remember, if you like to kiss your girlfriend then first thing you got to do is to shave your moustaches. The hairs above your lips may epitomize a macho persona but it does not appeal the Indian females. Most Indian females like their men clean-shaven.

The mustaches may no way come in way of lip locking, but then females have their own preferences to mooch. A survey found though 36% of men nationwide sport moustaches, but 27% of women find that style of facial hair old-fashioned.

A survey conducted by AC Nielsen with more than 1,000 men and women in eight Indian cities revealed while Indian men love their mustache, women in urban India prefer clean shaven men.

Women in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bangalore and Patna have spoken on how they prefer their men. A whopping 72% women respondent in Mumbai and an even greater 83% of female respondents in Chennai are more likely to kiss a shaved man. The majority of respondents in Delhi and Kolkata concur with this idea.

However, women don’t seem to mind stubble. In Mumbai, 64% of women say stubble increases the sex appeal of a man, revealed the survey.

As far as shaving is concerned though 90% men prefer to be clean-shaven, only 55% actually shave. A greater number of men in Mumbai (72%), Delhi (82%) and Ahmedabad (79%) shave than in other cities.


The most quoted reason for shaving in urban India is that the face looks clean. However in Chennai, as many as 56% men have a moustache. Men in Chennai and Bangalore say moustaches looks well on them. South Indian customs makes it mandatory to sport moustaches till the persons father is alive and can be shaven only once he is no more.

Indians’ shaving frequency is less than thrice a week. While the average shaving time is between six and 15 minutes, men in Chennai and Bangalore are the slowest shavers, taking at least 30 minutes while those in Lucknow finish the same job in 25 minutes.


The frequent shaver also has his reasons. In Delhi, Chennai and Ahmedabad, men shave to look younger; in Lucknow and Patna men do so for good hygiene. Gujaratis and Tamils do it to fit in with their peers.

More men in Ahmedabad and Bangalore cut themselves each time they shave, majority of men in Mumbai and Kolkata do not hurt them while shaving.

Across Asia, men and women frown on the full-bearded look. Indian and men favor moustaches and stubble, but the most desired style in India is the clean-shaven look or a goatee.

Historically the handlebar moustache has been part of Indian culture. Before the 18th century, when the caste system was prevalent in India, only high caste men were allowed to keep moustaches. Lower caste men were either clean shaven sported a beard.


During the period from 1850 to 1950, men kept moustaches as a symbol of power and to display of their robust personality. During the 1930s, Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi Movement against British rulers advised Indians to have beards so that imported shavers and blades could be stopped.

As a college student at AMU, Aligarh I have seen its Chancellor Nawab of Chattrari, the first Indian to be Governor of the United Provinces and the Prime Minister of erstwhile Hyderabad princely state, with his majestic grey mustaches that covered half his face. His grand mustaches provided an aura to his personality and remained unparallel in those times.

A book "Hair India - A Guide to the Bizarre Beards and Magnificent Moustaches of Hindustan" says that India's extravagant beards and moustaches - proudly sported by generations of Indian men - are being trimmed as the country becomes more clean-shaven and urban.

Its author Richard McCallum says that clean chins are becoming more commonplace among younger people who no longer have role models sporting beards or moustaches.

He points out most well-known Indian cricket players no longer have facial hair, while many in Bollywood have opted instead for token designer stubble.

The book categorizes beards according to bristle-design. There is the "the chin strap", "the soup strainer", "the wing commander" and "the walrus".
'Out of favour'

What is claimed to be the world's longest beard, measuring 1.6 meters (five ft) and the world's longest moustache also feature in the book.

But the emphasis is on ordinary stall-owners and rickshaw drivers displaying moustaches and beards that are cut, dyed, waxed and preened in various shapes and sizes. One of the few professions where it remains a mandatory requirement is among doormen of five-star hotels.

The book says beards and moustaches tell the story of modern India - how it is becoming a more westernized, homogenised place, but also how the great traditions and the love of display still exist.

In spite the fact that that clean-shaven men stand to score more then who sport a mustache, eighty percent of south Indian men prefer to sport moustaches while their counter parts in north India refer to be clean shaven.

There is no doubt that trend of keeping moustaches is on decline in India but its more to do with hygiene and cleanliness than to pander to the preferences of the women folk. Majority of those in teen and twenties prefer to sport moustaches but as they add on to years may like to shave it off. Its individual choice and that’s hard to generalize.

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Syed Ali Mujtaba is a working journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com