The Exodus of Dharmic Practitioners in the Indian Subcontinent: A Call to Unity and Accountability

Who took the Kashmiri Pandits out of Kashmir? The answer, as unsettling as it might be, lies in the collective responsibility of those who have historically relied on others to protect their own. This article explores the broader issue of the exodus of Dharmic practitioners in the Indian Subcontinent and calls for unity, accountability, and a reevaluation of our historical understanding.

The Role of Islam, Terrorists, and Politicians

The departure of Kashmiri Pandits from their ancestral homeland is not a one-time event but a consequence of a long-standing pattern of persecution by various forces. These include militant groups inspired by Islamic extremism and local politicians who have at times either colluded with or even initiated acts of violence against non-Muslim minorities.

In a poignant statement, a Muslim politician in the United Kingdom claimed that the exodus was part of an internal freedom struggle driven by fear for their lives. This views the situation through a lens of self-preservation rather than as a responsibility on the part of the broader community.

Why 'We'?

The collective responsibility for the exodus can be summed up in one word: WE. This doesn't just apply to Kashmiri Pandits but to all practitioners of Dharmic religions in the Indian Subcontinent who have faced similar tribulations.

We, as a society, have institutionalized a dependency on external forces to protect and preserve our religious and cultural identities. We have lost our ability to stand up for ourselves and have historically relied on others to shield us from threats.

The Devolution of Heroic Abilities and the Caste System Myth

From ancient heroes like Nayaki Devi, Prithviraj Chauhan, and Lalitaditya of the Karkota Dynasty, to the chivalrous Cholas, we have seen a decline in our capacity to produce and maintain heroic leaders. The Caste System, often misrepresented as a fixed hierarchy, is a manipulation that has been used as a governing tool dating back to the medieval period.

The Vedas describe a system of Varnas and Jatis, where individuals could ascend to a higher Varna based on their actions and not birth. Yet, over time, this system was perverted to serve political and social control, ultimately leading to the rigid caste system we see today.

Accountability and Trust Misplacement

Our lack of accountability and misplaced trust in political leaders has led to a significant societal challenge. We have often voted for short-term benefits rather than progress, resulting in a flawed and predominantly quota-based reservation system.

Many of my friends, including Dalits and Muslims from affluent families, can access reserved quotas for education, whereas those from non-reserved backgrounds must prove their merit at every step. This inequality is a stark reflection of the systemic failure to ensure equal opportunities.

Belief and Historical Understanding

We must also re-evaluate our historical narratives. Many Western historians and their sources often have an agenda that divides and rules, creating a distorted picture of our past. The discovery of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro is a prime example, where British historians took credit for findings that were actually discovered by Indian scholars.

We must trust our own historians and move away from the influence of Western interpretations that have often served colonial and missionary interests.

The Lack of Organized Approach and Political Dysfunction

Our society is fragmented and lacking in cohesive action. We often exhibit the characteristics of keyboard warriors, running away from trouble instead of standing firm. Our political system is a mere copy-paste job, lacking indigenous adaptation for Indian democracy.

Until we unite and elect leaders who prioritize long-term progress and security over short-term gains, we will continue to suffer from the same cycle of political dysfunction. The current government, despite my hopes, may not return in 2024, but until then, we must look internally for the leaders who can bring about meaningful change.

In conclusion, the exodus of Dharmic practitioners in the Indian Subcontinent is a result of our collective failure to protect and stand for our identities. Answering the question of who took them out leads us to an introspection of why we need to change. The call to unity, accountability, and a reevaluation of our historical understanding is not just for the sake of a marginal community, but for all of us who call the Indian Subcontinent home.