By Arshad Shaikh
PUNE: In the latest episode of his YouTube blog titled “What If My Name Was Rahim Sheikh?, veteran Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai delivers a powerful and heart-wrenching critique of how Muslims in India are being treated today, giving voice to the silent suffering of millions who face discrimination, violence, and marginalization solely based on their religious identity. Rajdeep’s blog resonates deeply with those who cherish love, compassion, and tolerance between the various religious communities of our country. Rajdeep’s blog is a reminder and a wakeup call for saving what Rajdeep terms as the “very essence of what makes India a great nation.”
Rajdeep Sardesai runs a weekly blog called “Straight Bat” and his newest capsule begins with a simple but profound question: “What if my name was Rahim and not Rajdeep?” Through this question, he challenges viewers to put themselves in the shoes of a Muslim and consider how their perceptions of safety, justice, and belonging might change based on nothing more than a name. Sardesai’s use of this fictional persona, “Rahim Sheikh,” is an evocative tool, symbolizing the countless Muslims across India who endure both visible and invisible prejudices daily.
In one of the most harrowing sections of the blog, Sardesai describes Rahim as a 70-year-old man on a train near Mumbai, surrounded by a group of angry young men who accuse him of carrying beef. “They won’t listen to me because my name is Rahim,” he says, capturing the fear and helplessness that has become a haunting reality for many Muslims in India. He narrates, “They are convinced that I must be taught a lesson. I have 2,800 rupees in my pocket, my hard-earned money, but they will take that too. I am defenceless. No one in that train will stop them from assaulting me. Instead, they will take videos of me being attacked and share them with their friends on WhatsApp. I have pleaded with them to stop, but since my name is Rahim Sheikh, no one, my friends, will listen to me. And yet, I forgive them. As they say, they know not what they are doing.” This chilling account serves as a microcosm of the broader social reality where Muslims are demonized, often becoming the target of mob justice with no one stepping in to help.
Sardesai’s blog underscores how hate has been normalized, particularly when directed at Muslims. Through Rahim’s experiences, he highlights the pervasive nature of anti-Muslim rhetoric, noting that even when hate speeches are delivered by politicians, “nothing usually happens.” He points out that powerful figures, including elected leaders, face no real consequences for fanning the flames of communal hatred, saying, “I live in Ahmednagar, a town near Pune. I am listening to a hate speech being given by a Maharashtra BJP MLA. The MLA is a VIP. His father, a former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister, is a VVIP. I hear the MLA spewing abuses against Muslims, saying he will enter our Masjids and break them. I quietly move away from the gathering as I see people becoming more furious by what’s being said on stage. I don’t want any trouble, because my name is Rahim Sheikh. The police have filed a hate speech case against the politician, but to be honest, I doubt anything will happen. Nothing usually happens in these hate speech cases, especially when you are a powerful politician. I mean, did anything happen to that leader who exalted a crowd a few years ago? Hate speech, my friends, has been normalized.” This normalization of hate is perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of the current environment, Sardesai argues, as it deepens the divisions between communities and erodes the very foundation of secularism that India was built upon.
Delving on the diabolical trend by Muslim-baiters who now occupy the highest echelons of power and have no qualms in dispensing “bulldozer injustice”, Rajdeep says, “I belong to a community without a single Muslim representative on the treasury benches of Parliament. Tomorrow, a bulldozer will come to break down my house. I live in Madhya Pradesh and have been accused of pelting stones at a police station. I did not throw a stone, but who will listen to me when my name is Rahim Sheikh? I saw protesters in Kolkata throwing bricks at the police, but I don’t know if anyone’s house there has been demolished. Here, because someone in my neighbourhood threw stones, we must all suffer collective punishment. Yes, those who threw stones must be charged, but what law allows our homes to be demolished by bulldozers? Or is it that the Constitution no longer offers protection—because my name is Rahim Sheikh?”
Reflecting on the social ostracism faced by Muslims, Sardesai poignantly writes, “My son goes to school, and someone in his class told him to go to Pakistan. Why? Because his father’s name is Rahim Sheikh. I’ve never been to Pakistan and do not intend to go there. My grandparents chose to stay in India in 1947, and my grandfather was a proud member of the Indian Postal Department. He hoisted the tricolour at home every Independence Day. But no one believes my story—because my name is Rahim Sheikh. Every time there is a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, I am demonized… they question my patriotism.” For many Muslims, this sentiment rings painfully true. Whether it’s the media, public discourse, or even daily interactions, Indian Muslims are often viewed through the lens of suspicion, constantly forced to prove their loyalty to the country.
Sardesai’s blog highlights this persistent stigmatization, urging Indians to reflect on the deep-rooted biases that undermine national unity. From a Muslim perspective, Sardesai’s blog is not just a commentary but a cry for justice, equality, and humanity. By using the persona of Rahim Sheikh, he illustrates how institutional and societal biases work in tandem to marginalize an entire community. His call for introspection – “All I want is to live in a great country where Rajdeep and Rahim are equal citizens” – is an appeal to the conscience of every Indian. It calls for a future where a person’s name does not dictate their rights, freedoms, or dignity.
Sardesai’s message is clear: the social fabric of India is being torn apart, and it is up to its citizens to mend it before it shreds apart completely. The treatment of Muslims, as he highlights, is not just a Muslim issue; it is an Indian issue. “In conclusion”, he says, “My friends, I hope you get my drift today. All I want is to live in a great country where Rajdeep and Rahim are equal citizens, with equal opportunities, where my name will not decide how society treats me. Because at the end of the day, I am a citizen who believes in one holy book: The Constitution of India. Think about it.”
Rajdeep asks viewers to reflect on what kind of country India will become if its citizens continue to stand by and allow hatred to flourish unchecked. For Muslims in India, Sardesai’s blog is a rare and much-needed act of solidarity from a prominent non-Muslim figure. It brings to the forefront the systemic injustices they face and urges the broader society to recognize and address them. At a time when Islamophobia is becoming increasingly entrenched in India, Sardesai’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action. He stresses that the greatness of any country lies not in its ability to marginalize, but in its capacity to treat all its citizens — regardless of their religion, caste, or creed – with dignity and respect.
Rajdeep Sardesai is a prominent Indian journalist, news anchor, and author, known for his impactful contributions to the field of journalism. He currently serves as a consulting editor and anchor at India Today Television, having previously held significant roles at CNN-IBN, where he was the Editor-in-Chief. Sardesai began his career in print journalism with The Times of India before transitioning to television in 1994 as the political editor for NDTV. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri award in 2008 and a lifetime achievement award at the ENBA Awards in 2020. Sardesai is recognized for his incisive reporting and has been a vocal commentator on various socio-political issues in India.
