We need to decide something right away. Are we Muslims first and then Indians? Or the other way round? I have always considered myself an Indian first, and a proud one at that.

We've got talent, quota or no quota

We need to decide something right away. Are we Muslims first and then Indians? Or the other way round? I have always considered myself an Indian first, and a proud one at that. So this year, I celebrated International Women's Day on March 9, when the Women's Reservation Bill was finally passed, albeit after a lot of drama. Little did I know, there was more to follow.

And what followed was opposition to the Bill citing obscure reasons, such as why has the minority community been left out? Guys, the Bill to include women, who will now be part of an important decision-making process, is something to cheer about. This is not something any religion in the world, least of all Islam, will go against. The 33 per cent reservation is for women. What is the need to include religion in this debate?

Mullahs and politicians who believe we require sub-reservation need to focus their attention on larger issues
I was brought up with the belief that religion and faith are extremely personal. And I strongly stand by that.
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The sense of national pride has been instilled in me just as strongly. So, when the reservation bill has been passed for women, it is obvious that it is for the community at large. Why do we need a sub-reservation?

Simply because politicians are keen to rake up an issue? Because they feel that the ratio would lead to sending about 85 per cent women to Parliament? So, the easiest way to oppose this is to bring up the minority issue.

And of course, to further their cause is a bunch of fanatics who feel Muslim women are best left within the
confines of the four walls or behind a veil.

I am a modern Muslim woman and I am happy with the 33 per cent reservation. Honestly, we don't need a quota system. If we are educated, there won't be any obstacles in any field. Mullahs and politicians who believe we require sub-reservation need to focus their attention on larger issues.

Maybe, they could start with educating the community.

I never had to bring up the minority community card to sail through my academic or career path. If we can earn our position, we do not need the sympathy. But the reservation to include women as part of decision making process in Parliament is a welcome change. Let's not play spoilsport by holding the community card banner. And won't this Bill speak for Muslims at large? Are we not part of the same bill?

Maybe there is a flip side to all this. There should be a way to ensure that talent scores over everything. If you deserve it, you get it; quota or no quota. On second thoughts, why do we even need to be equal to men? Women who want equality to men seriously lack ambition. Cheers!

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