Muslims And Hindus Find Common Ground In College

November 18, 2009

Author: Courtney Bowerman

Source: United Press International

http://www.upi.com/Features/Culture_Society/2009/11/18/Muslims-and-Hindus-find-common-ground-in-college/12584872894928/

Despite a long history of political and religious strife in India, Hindus and Muslims studying at Michigan State University say ethnic similarities are helping them overcome traditional differences.

Shipra Gupta, a Hindu from New Delhi, said the experience of leaving home for a new country helped both Hindu and Muslim students.

“When they come to the U.S., it’s more important to know another Indian,” the research assistant said. “Whether you’re a Hindu or Muslim is a minor issue.”

As the British empire collapsed, the 1947 partition that separated India and Muslim Pakistan left India 80 percent Hindu, with Muslims comprising less than 15 percent. Sectarian tensions have never abated, as illustrated by violence between Hindus and Muslims in southern India this year.