Rising intolerance drove me away from India
Divisive rhetoric a sharp contrast to situation in Canada, writes
Relocating to a new country is a decision fraught with emotional turmoil and uncertainty. As someone deeply rooted in India, I did not take the decision to move to Canada lightly.
However, the increasingly charged atmosphere in my homeland affirmed the necessity of this decision. I will share why, despite the heartache of leaving, the growing intolerance and systemic discrimination against minorities like myself made the move essential.
The climate of intolerance in India has been escalating, driven by policies and statements from the highest levels of government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent portrayal of Muslims as “infiltrators” is not merely a political statement. It reflects a broader, more alarming trend toward religious polarization and nationalism that prioritizes one religion over others.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, for example, explicitly excludes Muslims from neighbouring countries from receiving fast-tracked citizenship — a move viewed by many as discriminatory and undermining India's secular constitution.
Modi's latest remarks have sparked significant controversy and concern among minorities in India.
By claiming that the opposition party, Congress, if elected, would “snatch resources from Hindus and give them to people with more children” (a veiled reference to Muslims), Modi fuelled fears of further communal divisions and discrimination.
This rhetoric not only exacerbates fears among Muslims but also deepens the sense of alienation among those advocating for a secular and inclusive India.
The continuous exposure to divisive rhetoric and discriminatory policies significantly impacts the mental health of Muslims, minorities, and all conscientious citizens. The atmosphere of fear and tension leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation among targeted groups.
This stress affects not only individuals' mental peace and daily functioning but also the collective mental health of the community, undermining social cohesion and perpetuating cycles of fear and prejudice.
Deciding to leave involved immense emotional turmoil. It meant bidding farewell to friends of 12 years, severing ties with loved ones, and abandoning the dreams I had nurtured of contributing positively to my country's future. The societal polarization, fuelled by divisive rhetoric and policies, made it increasingly difficult to envision a safe and inclusive future for myself and others in my community.
Canada stood out as a beacon of hope due to its global reputation for valuing diversity and safeguarding human rights. This became apparent as I settled into a society that not only tolerated but celebrated differences. Here, I found a community where fear did not taint my daily existence — a sharp departure from the growing hostility I had experienced in India.
Dear Prime Minister Modi, the repercussions of your actions and words reach far beyond economic metrics or international diplomacy.
On a personal level, you are responsible for displacing your own citizens, for the loss of their homes, dreams, and contributions to our society. The divisive climate your leadership fosters has forced many like me to seek refuge far from the land we love.
Reflecting on my journey, the decision to move to Canada, while difficult, reaffirms itself each time I hear of new instances of discrimination and violence against minorities in India.
This move was not just about seeking a better life
— it was about finding a safe space to continue living as who I am, without fear.
My story is a plea for awareness and change, urging leaders and communities worldwide to cherish and protect the diversity that enriches us all.