My journey as a Pakistani-Hindu

[Devil Soul]

My journey as a Pakistani-Hindu
By Raj Kumar 3 hours ago

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and co-existence. PHOTO: REUTERS

When I went to the United States for a semester abroad, I was frequently asked a rather bothersome question,

“How are you treated, being a minority in your country?”

My answer has always been very simply, I am treated just like anyone else; one of their own. But if one were to believe the media, then we are victims of discrimination, brutal killings and part of the largest migration in human history.

For the last four years, I have been living with a Muslim family as a paying guest and I have never felt discriminated on the basis of my religion, or any other basis for that matter, in their home. The only form of prejudice I have ever faced is when I went to Islamabad for higher education. As I introduced myself in class, the mere mention of my name made the other students and teacher question if I was Indian. I couldn’t understand how they failed to know that the Pakistani population constituted 1.2% Hindus.

However, that wasn’t the last of it. During a cricket match between India and Pakistan, one that we were watching in class, and I was supporting the Pakistani team, much to the astonishment of some of my classmates. In fact, a friend of mine even asked why I was not supporting the Indian team. In that moment, I wish I had a Pakistani copy right patent next to my name, so I didn’t have to give any explanations. Did I have to support the Indian team simply because of my name or religion?

As far as my identity is concerned, there are many times that I have had to show my NADRA identity card to ensure people that I am a Pakistani, be it the local merchant or the traffic police. But I don’t believe a Muslim feels any differently in the US. I am sure s/he has to prove his/her identity as an American-Muslim too.

Unlike what everyone seems to think, for me, it has been a blessing to be born into a Hindu family in a Muslim state; I have been treated with nothing but respect, care and love. From schooling to university, I was always surrounded by Muslim friends. I have studied Islamiat like every other student in Pakistan, and furthermore, I was extremely appreciated by my teachers.

I was the first Hindu to get admission in the Army Public School Chhor Cantonment in Mirpur Khas, Sindh. I remember the days when I used to fast during Ramazan as a respectful gesture to my Muslim friends. On the first day of my fast, the warden of the hostel offered me a seat near him and we opened our fast together. I also remember the days when I participated in Muharram procession in the small town of Dhoronaro.

Even though the common notion is that minorities in Pakistan need to be pitied, I have never felt that way. Most of the blame I would set for such a deplorable reputation would be at the media; it has portrayed the situation of the minorities living in Pakistan as third-class citizens. Yet, I have never been treated anything remotely close to that. Last month, I travelled to India for the first time as I had to attend a conference in Chandigarh. Even though I was in a country that was home to millions belonging to the same religion and caste as me, I missed my country, my home, my identity and my people.

I won’t deny that I was bombarded with questions regarding the status of Hindus in Pakistan. But being a Pakistani Hindu, I was unbiased and precise with my answers. I told them that I have always felt like a star of my country and I feel safe, which is why I am as loyal as any Muslim in the country. Pakistan doesn’t just belong to Muslims; it belongs to all the residents of its soil. Furthermore, there is good and bad everywhere in the world, but one should stay positive and if it’s about the security, then the Muslims themselves are not safe either. So why single out a particular community based on what is being portrayed to the world?

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and coexistence. I have been sharing my religious festivals (Holi, Diwali, and Raksha bandhan) with my Muslims friends and I tend to participate in their festivals (Eidul Fitr) with the same zeal.

I even took my friends to Katas Raj Temple, which is the national heritage, just so they realise that it doesn’t just belong to Hindus.

We are a happy family with different identities. As a nation, we share the same food, clothes, buildings, laws, and events. All these elements are what bring us together under the same umbrella, then why do we look for reasons to hate each other?

Besides, living here as Raj, my name has provided me quite a unique edge over everyone else; according to one of my female friends, my name is easy to remember (I believe I have Shahrukh Khan to thank for that), and makes me easy to fall in love with! Well, there we have it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Surprised?

on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook

Raj Kumar
The author is an educationist and a freelance trainer.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.

 

[happycanuck]

My journey as a Pakistani-Hindu
By Raj Kumar 3 hours ago

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and co-existence. PHOTO: REUTERS

When I went to the United States for a semester abroad, I was frequently asked a rather bothersome question,

“How are you treated, being a minority in your country?”

My answer has always been very simply, I am treated just like anyone else; one of their own. But if one were to believe the media, then we are victims of discrimination, brutal killings and part of the largest migration in human history.

For the last four years, I have been living with a Muslim family as a paying guest and I have never felt discriminated on the basis of my religion, or any other basis for that matter, in their home. The only form of prejudice I have ever faced is when I went to Islamabad for higher education. As I introduced myself in class, the mere mention of my name made the other students and teacher question if I was Indian. I couldn’t understand how they failed to know that the Pakistani population constituted 1.2% Hindus.

However, that wasn’t the last of it. During a cricket match between India and Pakistan, one that we were watching in class, and I was supporting the Pakistani team, much to the astonishment of some of my classmates. In fact, a friend of mine even asked why I was not supporting the Indian team. In that moment, I wish I had a Pakistani copy right patent next to my name, so I didn’t have to give any explanations. Did I have to support the Indian team simply because of my name or religion?

As far as my identity is concerned, there are many times that I have had to show my NADRA identity card to ensure people that I am a Pakistani, be it the local merchant or the traffic police. But I don’t believe a Muslim feels any differently in the US. I am sure s/he has to prove his/her identity as an American-Muslim too.

Unlike what everyone seems to think, for me, it has been a blessing to be born into a Hindu family in a Muslim state; I have been treated with nothing but respect, care and love. From schooling to university, I was always surrounded by Muslim friends. I have studied Islamiat like every other student in Pakistan, and furthermore, I was extremely appreciated by my teachers.

I was the first Hindu to get admission in the Army Public School Chhor Cantonment in Mirpur Khas, Sindh. I remember the days when I used to fast during Ramazan as a respectful gesture to my Muslim friends. On the first day of my fast, the warden of the hostel offered me a seat near him and we opened our fast together. I also remember the days when I participated in Muharram procession in the small town of Dhoronaro.

Even though the common notion is that minorities in Pakistan need to be pitied, I have never felt that way. Most of the blame I would set for such a deplorable reputation would be at the media; it has portrayed the situation of the minorities living in Pakistan as third-class citizens. Yet, I have never been treated anything remotely close to that. Last month, I travelled to India for the first time as I had to attend a conference in Chandigarh. Even though I was in a country that was home to millions belonging to the same religion and caste as me, I missed my country, my home, my identity and my people.

I won’t deny that I was bombarded with questions regarding the status of Hindus in Pakistan. But being a Pakistani Hindu, I was unbiased and precise with my answers. I told them that I have always felt like a star of my country and I feel safe, which is why I am as loyal as any Muslim in the country. Pakistan doesn’t just belong to Muslims; it belongs to all the residents of its soil. Furthermore, there is good and bad everywhere in the world, but one should stay positive and if it’s about the security, then the Muslims themselves are not safe either. So why single out a particular community based on what is being portrayed to the world?

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and coexistence. I have been sharing my religious festivals (Holi, Diwali, and Raksha bandhan) with my Muslims friends and I tend to participate in their festivals (Eidul Fitr) with the same zeal.

I even took my friends to Katas Raj Temple, which is the national heritage, just so they realise that it doesn’t just belong to Hindus.

We are a happy family with different identities. As a nation, we share the same food, clothes, buildings, laws, and events. All these elements are what bring us together under the same umbrella, then why do we look for reasons to hate each other?

Besides, living here as Raj, my name has provided me quite a unique edge over everyone else; according to one of my female friends, my name is easy to remember (I believe I have Shahrukh Khan to thank for that), and makes me easy to fall in love with! Well, there we have it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Surprised?

on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook

Raj Kumar
The author is an educationist and a freelance trainer.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.

If all minorities are treated without any prejudice than the question arises, why the Hindu population has gone down from over 11% to 1.2%.? What took you so long to express your thoughts in MSM?

 

[SMC]

If all minorities are treated without any prejudice than the question arises, why the Hindu population has gone down from over 11% to 1.2%.? What took you so long to express your thoughts in MSM?

Your 11% is the combined figure of West Pakistan and Bangladesh, the latter formerly known as east Pakistan. West Pakistan, now just known as Pakistan, never had more than 3% of its minority being non-muslim even at the time of partition, and now its 4%.

I'll assume you asked this question in mistake, due to lack of knowledge about the history. Lot of Indians knowingly spread these lies without giving the full historical context.

 

[waz]

Your 11% is the combined figure of West Pakistan and Bangladesh, the latter formerly known as east Pakistan. West Pakistan, now just known as Pakistan, never had more than 3% of its minority being non-muslim even at the time of partition, and now its 4%.

I'll assume you asked this question in mistake, due to lack of knowledge about the history. Lot of Indians knowingly spread these lies without giving the full historical context.

Spot on! The figure included Bangladesh's large population. Our Hindu kin have grown in actual fact.

My journey as a Pakistani-Hindu
By Raj Kumar 3 hours ago

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and co-existence. PHOTO: REUTERS

When I went to the United States for a semester abroad, I was frequently asked a rather bothersome question,

“How are you treated, being a minority in your country?”

My answer has always been very simply, I am treated just like anyone else; one of their own. But if one were to believe the media, then we are victims of discrimination, brutal killings and part of the largest migration in human history.

For the last four years, I have been living with a Muslim family as a paying guest and I have never felt discriminated on the basis of my religion, or any other basis for that matter, in their home. The only form of prejudice I have ever faced is when I went to Islamabad for higher education. As I introduced myself in class, the mere mention of my name made the other students and teacher question if I was Indian. I couldn’t understand how they failed to know that the Pakistani population constituted 1.2% Hindus.

However, that wasn’t the last of it. During a cricket match between India and Pakistan, one that we were watching in class, and I was supporting the Pakistani team, much to the astonishment of some of my classmates. In fact, a friend of mine even asked why I was not supporting the Indian team. In that moment, I wish I had a Pakistani copy right patent next to my name, so I didn’t have to give any explanations. Did I have to support the Indian team simply because of my name or religion?

As far as my identity is concerned, there are many times that I have had to show my NADRA identity card to ensure people that I am a Pakistani, be it the local merchant or the traffic police. But I don’t believe a Muslim feels any differently in the US. I am sure s/he has to prove his/her identity as an American-Muslim too.

Unlike what everyone seems to think, for me, it has been a blessing to be born into a Hindu family in a Muslim state; I have been treated with nothing but respect, care and love. From schooling to university, I was always surrounded by Muslim friends. I have studied Islamiat like every other student in Pakistan, and furthermore, I was extremely appreciated by my teachers.

I was the first Hindu to get admission in the Army Public School Chhor Cantonment in Mirpur Khas, Sindh. I remember the days when I used to fast during Ramazan as a respectful gesture to my Muslim friends. On the first day of my fast, the warden of the hostel offered me a seat near him and we opened our fast together. I also remember the days when I participated in Muharram procession in the small town of Dhoronaro.

Even though the common notion is that minorities in Pakistan need to be pitied, I have never felt that way. Most of the blame I would set for such a deplorable reputation would be at the media; it has portrayed the situation of the minorities living in Pakistan as third-class citizens. Yet, I have never been treated anything remotely close to that. Last month, I travelled to India for the first time as I had to attend a conference in Chandigarh. Even though I was in a country that was home to millions belonging to the same religion and caste as me, I missed my country, my home, my identity and my people.

I won’t deny that I was bombarded with questions regarding the status of Hindus in Pakistan. But being a Pakistani Hindu, I was unbiased and precise with my answers. I told them that I have always felt like a star of my country and I feel safe, which is why I am as loyal as any Muslim in the country. Pakistan doesn’t just belong to Muslims; it belongs to all the residents of its soil. Furthermore, there is good and bad everywhere in the world, but one should stay positive and if it’s about the security, then the Muslims themselves are not safe either. So why single out a particular community based on what is being portrayed to the world?

I believe religion is not the cause of tension between us, as religion itself teaches us tolerance and coexistence. I have been sharing my religious festivals (Holi, Diwali, and Raksha bandhan) with my Muslims friends and I tend to participate in their festivals (Eidul Fitr) with the same zeal.

I even took my friends to Katas Raj Temple, which is the national heritage, just so they realise that it doesn’t just belong to Hindus.

We are a happy family with different identities. As a nation, we share the same food, clothes, buildings, laws, and events. All these elements are what bring us together under the same umbrella, then why do we look for reasons to hate each other?

Besides, living here as Raj, my name has provided me quite a unique edge over everyone else; according to one of my female friends, my name is easy to remember (I believe I have Shahrukh Khan to thank for that), and makes me easy to fall in love with! Well, there we have it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Surprised?

on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook

Raj Kumar
The author is an educationist and a freelance trainer.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.

Great article Kumar jee. Now you should marry a Rajput princess from India and bring her back, like one of our royal family did.

Oh and grow your moustache!

 

[SamantK]

So Pakistani Hindus have been lying that they are facing a lot of persecution and that is the reason many want to come to India.

ok.

 

[Nilgiri]

I am sure not all Pakistani Hindus are being discriminated against. Money talks....just like it does in India. The rabid anti-Muslim forces end up picking on the poor and weak....just like the anti-Hindu forces do vice versa. They are the easy targets.

The Hindus that come over to India (in recent times) for refuge mostly are the poor...so they are naturally in a position to be exploited/oppresed by whomever to begin with....their religion just makes them even easier targets.

As to why there is no appreciable counter-wave of the poor muslims from India to Pakistan....well that is probably another topic for another day.

So relatively rich Hindus in Pakistan and Muslims in India writing articles from their limited perspective does not really gain much currency in my eyes. It's fine in theory and all but I care more about the reality on the ground among the poor, weak and vulnerable.

Like I know personally some of the most pro-Pakistan people out there....and they are from wealthy trader communities in Sindh/Karachi...and they are Hindu! When you have a comfortable economic livelihood and prosperity tied to a country (either current or former)....of course you are not going to be likely to start dissing it and trashing it. But painting/implying the situation as one that is milk and honey for all minorities is a disservice to the sections of the minorities that are truly being oppressed....often to the level where they have to pack up and leave.

Thats why I am a firm believer in that the core problem in South Asia is an economic one. Once people are at a minimum threshold of guaranteed livelihood/welfare with a reasonable margin to prosper and enjoy life more.....the voices of division and extremism will automatically die down since fewer people have nothing to lose.

 

[Raja.Pakistani]

So Pakistani Hindus have been lying that they are facing a lot of persecution and that is the reason many want to come to India.

ok.

Indian dalits also have been lying that they are facing a lot of discrimination, abuse and social inequality in India on daily basis..India surely take few cases of Pakistani Hindus for political point scoring

Your 11% is the combined figure of West Pakistan and Bangladesh, the latter formerly known as east Pakistan. West Pakistan, now just known as Pakistan, never had more than 3% of its minority being non-muslim even at the time of partition, and now its 4%.

I'll assume you asked this question in mistake, due to lack of knowledge about the history. Lot of Indians knowingly spread these lies without giving the full historical context.

There is no point of any explanation as it has been explained dozen times.. they will keep coming again with these statistics taken from Hinduvata sources..just accept this fact that Pakistan Muslim are Hindu khor who reduced the number of Hindus from 20% to 4 percent by butchering all Hindus

 

[SamantK]

Indian dalits also have been lying that they are facing a lot of discrimination, abuse and social inequality in India on daily basis..India surely take few cases of Pakistani Hindus for political point scoring


There is no point of any explanation as it has been explained dozen times.. they will keep coming again with these statistics taken from Hinduvata sources..just accept this fact that Pakistan Muslim are Hindu khor who reduced the number of Hindus from 20% to 4 percent by butchering all Hindus

I agree more than 5000 cases are few and the rest who have not been given visa are a*sholes

As per data put out by the Union Home Ministry, 3,753 Pakistani nationals were given long-term visas over 2013 and 2014 (up to June 30) and 1,854 granted citizenship between 2011 and 2014.

158 Pakistani Hindus get Indian citizenship 3,733 get Long Term Visa - timesofindia-economictimes

 

[jad albert]

Your 11% is the combined figure of West Pakistan and Bangladesh, the latter formerly known as east Pakistan. West Pakistan, now just known as Pakistan, never had more than 3% of its minority being non-muslim even at the time of partition, and now its 4%.

I'll assume you asked this question in mistake, due to lack of knowledge about the history. Lot of Indians knowingly spread these lies without giving the full historical context.

No doubt equality matters a lot!

 

[Lion-King]

If all minorities are treated without any prejudice than the question arises, why the Hindu population has gone down from over 11% to 1.2%.? What took you so long to express your thoughts in MSM?

Because the population of Muslims has increased enormously thanks to pashtoons ;-) Hindus and other minorities don't have large families. Secondly most of Hindus were residing in East Pakistan at the time of partition.

 

[I S I]

No doubt equality matters a lot!

congratulations for popping up a year old thread.