Welcome to India — a country where hypocrisy is not just a character trait, but a celebrated national pastime.
Let’s begin with a paradox wrapped in irony and served hot with a side of denial:
Nearly 40% of expats in the UAE are Indians. Yes, UAE — a Muslim-majority, Sharia-practicing, monarchy-led country. And what do these Indians say about their life there?
“It’s clean, it’s peaceful, and it’s safe. So safe.”
Now cut to the same Indian, landing back in his hometown, standing in a locality where 15% of the population is Muslim.
Suddenly, he feels “unsafe,” starts locking doors faster, glances sideways suspiciously, and whispers things about “demographics.”
Why this kolaveri, bro?
Is it that the Muslims in India are somehow more dangerous than the Muslims in UAE?
Or is it that your perception is designed to panic only when your neighbour wears a lungi and votes in Indian elections?
Or could it be that your fear isn’t of Muslims, but of equality?
You’re fine with Muslims being monarchs or oil-rich kings who give you jobs and build metros — but when they become your political equals, when they share your voting booth, when they demand representation — that’s when your spine starts tingling and your WhatsApp forwards start flying.
So does zero per cent tax, free roads, and gold ATMs cure religious hatred?
Apparently, yes.
Money can silence hate. Infrastructure can erase fear. And legal consequences in a foreign country can teach even the most venomous bigot how to behave like a civilised human.
But in India, where outrage is free and prejudice comes with political loyalty points, the same Indian suddenly becomes brave again.
Brave enough to say, “I don’t trust them.” Brave enough to scream “Love Jihad.”
Brave enough to forget that his child’s school in Dubai had Arabic prayers and Islamic holidays — and yet, he slept like a baby.
The truth?
Hatred in India isn’t instinct. It’s domestically manufactured.
It needs no real threat — only a good script, a willing audience, and an election nearby.
So the next time an Indian tells you he feels safe in UAE, just remind him gently:
“Ah yes, because in the UAE, Muslims are in power. But in India, they vote.”
And that, apparently, is the real problem.