This Eid, an Aurangzeb to Remember

Mughal Emperor Muhi al-Din Mohammad, known as Aurangzeb, was laid to rest in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, in the compound of the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Burhan Uddin Garib in 1707. Nearly 300 years after his death, his legacy had once again surfaced, manipulated by people with vested interests to incite unrest, as evidenced by the riots in Nagpur on March 17, this year.

Aurangzeb, a ruler infamous for his repression, executed his brother and imprisoned his father, making him an unlikely role model. His relevance is frequently questioned in modern discourse, where his name often serves as a diversion from pressing societal issues such as unemployment and inflation. Rather than confronting these challenges, the invocation of his legacy tends to sow division and hatred, often referencing events that may only serve as a figment of someone’s imagination.

The current narrative perpetuates polarisation through the portrayal of historical grievances, particularly focusing on the so-called atrocities committed against Hindus during the Mughal era.

This venture is commonly facilitated through the "three Ms" – movies, media and the Mughals. The rhetoric suggests a sense of payback for perceived historical injustices, prompting incidents like the desecration of historical monuments, which only escalate communal tensions.

As Kabir Das wisely stated, “Boye ped babool ka, aam kahan se hoye (what you sow is what you reap)?" This timeless wisdom reminds us that our actions bear consequences, and our society must acknowledge that what goes around comes around.

If India aspires to fulfil its cherished dream of becoming a vishwaguru or teacher of the world, learning from the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Bhagat Singh, B.R. Ambedkar and Chandra Shekhar Azad is crucial. It is imperative to study and acknowledge the contributions of all fellow citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds, who were not part of the events that have bred hatred in contemporary India.

We cannot overlook the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Ashfaqullah Khan and Maqbool Sherwani, who lost their lives defending their country against external invasions. The contributions of ‘Naushera ka sher’ Brigadier Mohammad Usman, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hameed, former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, Lt Umar Faiyaz, the guide Rauf Ahmad Dar who sacrificed his life while saving tourists from drowning in the river Lidder, deputy superintendent of police Humayun Bhat and more recently, Syed Adil Shah, the pony-ride operator who was killed while protecting tourists during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Many others, who defended the integrity of our nation, should also be celebrated.

When it was time to redirect our focus away from using Mughal emperor Aurangzeb as a tool for hatred and communal division, we once again got bogged down with another Aurangzeb – Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed of the Pakistan Air Force who briefed the press on Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Pakistan’s military response to India’s Operation Sindoor.

Our media was busy deciding if he was Pakistan’s ‘national crush or embarrassment’, often mocking him for redefining the 'centre of gravity’, a term commonly used by military personnel to highlight relevance or importance. For instance, it is common to acknowledge that a local population is the ‘centre of gravity ‘ in any counter-terrorist operation.

The PAF officer, during one of his briefings, definitely taught every professional a lesson in how not to get stumped by a media googly. When asked to comment on the Indian Air Forces capabilities, he remarked, “We (the PAF) are a professional air force and the Indian Air Force (IAF) is also professional. We have an unwritten and unsaid vow that we don’t comment on each  other’s professionalism. My job is to defend my country, his (IAF) job is to defend his, perform his duties.”

However, neither the Mughal emperor nor the AVM Aurangzeb should be our role models. Instead, we should honour a different Aurangzeb – rifleman Aurangzeb Khan, a brave young Indian soldier whose loyalty to his country and unwavering dedication to duty exemplified true patriotism.

Rifleman Aurangzeb was an integral part of numerous anti-terror operations in the counter-insurgency area of Pulwama, South Kashmir. Tragically, he was abducted, torturedand murdered by terrorists while on his way to celebrate Eid with his family. In recognition of his ultimate sacrifice, a grateful nation posthumously awarded him the Shaurya Chakra. The terrorists even filmed a video in which this brave soldier was seen displayed unyielding courage and love for his country, even in the face of death.

As we embrace 'Amrit Kaal,' let us remember the right Aurangzeb, not the one buried three centuries ago or the one who ‘redefined centre of gravity’ but the one who made the ultimate sacrifice for his people and his country on June 14, 2018.

Aurangzeb's legacy serves as a beacon of love for our motherland and an example for future generations.

Rajesh Kalia, a former Colonel in the Indian Army, served as Defence Public Relations Officer in the 3 and 4 Corps of the Indian Army. His operational background includes service in Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir and Sri Lanka (as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force).

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