Lesson from India

It's time a conscious effort is made by all here to break growing religious barriers, writes Nabanita Sircar.

While many parts of India is reeling under the scorching heat, we poor souls in Britain are waiting patiently for an Indian summer, but being promised more rain an storm. Yet nothing can take away the nostalgia of monsoons in India. Yes, Indians who are here flood the streets of London in the summers, enjoy the cooler temperatures here, but ask us Indians here who wish for that torrential monsoon and the beautiful smell of wet earth that is unleashed with the first showers back home.

It's strange, but that is a feeling that most Indians, never mind, how long they have lived here, yearn for. It is difficult to explain that ecstasy to any English person here. But then, no place on the planet is perfect. Britain may never enjoy the gush of an Indian monsoon. But anything else that is Indian is here in a big way.

Indian food has come a long distance from being a typical 'take-away curry' dish to becoming a sophisticated cuisine. New, elite Indian restaurants are propping up everywhere. Indian chefs, apart from winning awards, are trying to 'evolve' Indian cuisine. Specialist Indian cuisine is on the rise and so are the prices of dishes served. But in all this evolution process, too much experimentation is driving Indians away from some of these restaurants. It's cool to dupe a novice but the same sales pitch cannot be used on those who know their food, and definitely not at the prices they are marked with, some much higher than prices at landmark hotels in London. Lunch for one with just one glass of house at a newly opened restaurant in central London will make you poorer by around £60. Another serves a lobster dish at £45. I am sure anyone who reads this will be able to guess the names of a few of such restaurants in London!

On a much serious note though, it is the latest threat by some religious groups that needs to be debated. Last week's threat by Al-Muhajiroun to hold a rally at Trafalgar Square and invite Hindus and Sikhs to convert to Islam, is a dangerous sign. Thankfully the members of the group did not go ahead with it, and the efforts of Hindus and Sikhs to avoid a dangerous, violent confrontation paid off.

Some Muslim leaders also came forward and dissociated themselves from the group. But such ideologies, however small a group, can result in serious upheaval in a society. It is disgusting to think that in today's day and age, people get away with such proclamations. They shamelessly abuse a country which has welcomed them and a society where they live. Why can't religion be left as a private business for every individual? Isn't there enough tension with parties like the BNP stoking racist fears? Do we really need extremist religious groups raising their heads?

Such shameful events makes one appreciate a country like India. Yes, there have been religious riots, which Indians themselves have condemned effusively, but for a country as large and as diverse as India, it is commendable that the country is holding together so well. Growing up in India we never think of our religious differences. Yes, there are religious extremists in every country, but by and large, an average child has Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian friends. A Hindu child in an average city, goes to a Catholic or Protestant school, eats and plays with Muslim mates. Isn't that how a society should be. It's time a conscious effort is made by all communities here to break these growing religious barriers. Britain is a multicultural country and that is the truth all immigrants should embrace. May be it is time to pick a leaf from India's multicultural book.

Talking about multiculturalism, it is nice to know some amount of National Lottery's £20 million will be spent on festivals celebrating Indian cinema over the next two years, apart from theatre, dance projects and jazz. Of the nineteen areas that have been awarded grants through the Urban Cultural Programme, Birmingham City Council will receive £2.1 million. Basere se dur, it's time to be truly multicultural!