The Kerala Story- Why deface the State of Kerala.

How would you perceive someone who claims to have 32,000 children when they actually have only three? This exaggeration is comparable to the scale at which the state of Kerala is defamed because its people refuse to succumb to the hate-driven and divisive political strategies employed by certain political parties. Before forming opinions, take a moment to reflect on the Keralites you know personally. Look beyond the political games played by parties and strive to understand the motives behind such statements.

In today's digitally connected world, information is readily available and often unverified. We tend to believe what aligns with our interests, prejudices, biases, insecurities, or personal experiences. This selective perception shapes our understanding of the world. Consider the instances where you received information through social media channels from friends or relatives, only to realize later that it was incorrect. Numerous strategies are employed to deceive people, including manipulative advertisements by large corporations, businesses, and political entities. Such tactics have been employed for years.

To make the world a better place, there are three fundamental and straightforward actions one can take: to better oneself, to think critically, and to ask questions. By embracing these practices, we can navigate through the information overload and seek the truth beyond the surface. It is essential to be vigilant and discerning in an era where misinformation and manipulation are prevalent.

During Hitler's time, he employed a strategy to spread hate and falsehoods by disseminating enormous lies through various channels. By constantly repeating these lies, eventually lead some to believe them. Hitler also incorporated fragments of truth within these larger lies, making it appear credible when researchers discovered some accurate information. A similar phenomenon is occurring in the portrayal of the Indian state of Kerala.

Kerala is actually one of the most advanced and developed states in the Republic of India. However, due to the some political parties lack of success in the state, numerous false narratives about Kerala have been propagated. One recent example is a movie promoted by several party workers and leaders, which seeks to defame Kerala, the Muslim religion, and the women of Kerala. This film falsely portrays a phenomenon called "love jihad" and claims that around 32,000 women have been converted to Islam and recruited by ISIS, which is an absolute fabrication.

In reality, the official records show that only six women from Kerala joined ISIS, of which three were born Muslims, two converted from Christianity, and one from Hinduism. While the issue of recruiting individuals to ISIS is a grave concern and demands attention, the movie's plot wrongly depicts these conversions as forced. Instead, as a nation, India should unite to protect its citizens. It is essential to highlight the significant achievements of Indian intelligence agencies in preventing vulnerable youth from being radicalized, rather than promoting hate stories for political reasons. Compared to other countries, including European and American nations, India has been successful in curbing such recruitments, considering the size of its Muslim population. Several factors contribute to this success, including India's culture of unity in diversity, the values and teachings within individual Muslim households, and the perception of Indian Muslims by extremist groups, who view them as less rigid and more adaptable.

eyond political motivations, there are individuals who struggle to comprehend how people of different religions can peacefully coexist in Kerala and in several other states where the focus is on development and human well-being rather than divisive factors. This phenomenon extends beyond Kerala; it can be observed in numerous states where progress and human indices take precedence.

Kerala, along with other such states, serves as a prime example of harmonious living among people of diverse religious backgrounds. The region's longstanding history of communal harmony and tolerance has fostered an environment where individuals from various religions have peacefully resided together for generations. The state's unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare has contributed to its high human development index and overall societal advancement. By prioritizing the betterment of society as a whole, people naturally emphasize cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect, irrespective of religious affiliations.

It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of these states in cultivating inclusive communities. Their emphasis on shared values, common goals, and the welfare of all citizens serves as a shining example for others to follow. By nurturing understanding and promoting harmonious coexistence, these states demonstrate that people of different religions can not only live together peacefully but also thrive. Such inclusive practices are not only possible but also essential for the growth and prosperity of any society.

It is natural for some states to lag behind others, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that. What's important is to acknowledge this reality and look to the states that are excelling as sources of inspiration and learning. States that are progressing at a faster pace can offer valuable insights and support to those that are relatively less developed, encompassing strategies, education, healthcare, psychological well-being, and social progress. However, the current practice we witness is that leaders of the less developed states often hinder their citizens from seeing the reality or may not even grasp it themselves.

It is disheartening to witness the plight of people in these states, who are being underutilized and left behind by at least 10 to 40 years compared to the advancing states. Another concerning issue is that leaders of these states frequently criticize the progressing states, only to later adopt their advancements. They expect other states to replicate what has been accomplished elsewhere while disparaging policies, food habits, culture, socio-psychological practices, and even the education system.

Instead of fostering a culture of constructive engagement and learning, this approach often perpetuates a sense of resentment and stagnation. It is crucial for leaders to encourage openness, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt and implement successful models from other states. By embracing progressive ideas and practices, all states can work together to bridge the development gap and uplift the entire nation.

When someone defames a state like Kerala and its women, they fail to recognize that women, regardless of religion, possess inner strength and agency. They cannot be forcefully converted through any form of so-called "love jihad." Women are capable individuals who can think critically and act according to their own wishes. It is important to stop underestimating the psychological resilience of women, not just in Kerala but worldwide.