The word which raises eyebrows,
gives way to concerned expressions and hushed tones.
Is greeted with either fear, hence avoided or
anger and hence ignored or confronted.
The word which attracts murmurs and threats on a regular basis.
The word which makes one look at you twice,
the second time with suspicion and distrust.
Which garners apathy and at the same time empty sympathy,
the word which almost seals your fate permanently,
condemns you to a life of living as a second-class citizen,
if at all a citizen.
A word which behaves as the harbinger of fear for you.
Limits, what you can consume, your choice of marriage,
your place of residence, your rights,
whether you get to be treated as an Indian or an outsider,
a nuisance, unwanted, not needed.
If you’re a man, invites ready violence from those
in uniform and without,
sedition, being deemed as an anti-national.
Invites trolls, unlawful arrests, laws targeted for prosecution,
hate speech and mobilization of the majority.
Your face deems to you to be a highly dangerous and
armed individual wherever you may go.
If you’re a woman, you have effectively gotten
the worst of both worlds.
You go unnoticed, and are simply overlooked.
Except however when you made your voice
and strength amply clear at Shaheen Bagh,
when you inspired and gave hope.
Sab yaad rakha jayega aur sab kuch yaad rakha ja raha hai.
Festivals that raise hostilities, slogans that incite intolerance,
taunts by politicians, ruling party and government, ,
ordinances that stifle liberties.
The openness of the exclusion, the confidence,
in the expression of hatred,
the power given to the fringe.
It took 75 years for Jinnah’s fears to become a living,
breathing reality. 75 years to go back 92.
When the nation you love and a part of,
ceases to recognize your significance or relevance,
When people in positions of authority by democracy
turn to populism to rid themselves of you,
How does one live in peace, the life they thought
they deserved, were entitled to?
How can one ever rid themselves of this mark and burden,
Atone themselves of the sin of being a Muslim in India?
Picture Credits - https://images.app.goo.gl/E3N9TLm43u35b4Vr9
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