10/09/2024
On August 31, 2024, the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) hosted a panel discussion at Jawahar Bhavan, New Delhi, on the book “Status of Freedom of Religion or Belief in India since 2014: A Report” by Irfan Engineer, Director of CSSS.
The panel featured esteemed speakers: Mani Shankar Aiyar – Former Cabinet Minister Harsh Mander – Former IAS Officer & Social Activist Ziya Us Salam – Journalist & Social Commentator Irfan Engineer – Author & Director, CSSS
The book provides a detailed analysis of the growing incidents of communal violence and rising religious intolerance in India since 2014, highlighting the erosion of constitutional rights for religious minorities. The discussion explored the need for protecting India’s secular fabric and the role of media and civil society in addressing these challenges.
“This book is a good documentation and analysis of discrimination of minorities, hate speeches targeting them and communal violence in India since 2014”, said Harsh Mander while speaking on the occasion. Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Union Minister and diplomat, linked communal violence to the rise of Hindutva political ideology. He, however clarified that Hindu religion is tolerant and accepts diversity. Ziya us Salam said that the book very well documents growing intolerance in the society. The programme was attended by Prof. Rajeev Bhargav, Prof. Zoya Hasan, Prof. Tahir Mahmood, Prof. Saral Jhingran, among many others.