Illusion of division: Seeing beyond the manufactured narrative

The divisions we see are not organic; they are not born out of genuine religious conflict.

We live in a society where the beautiful tapestry of diverse religions intertwines, a testament to our shared humanity. Look around—in our neighbourhoods, workplaces and even places of worship, we see people of different faiths coexisting, interacting and building communities together. This everyday reality paints a vivid picture of interfaith harmony. Yet, a discordant narrative often dominates the headlines, suggesting deep divisions and animosity between religious groups. This manufactured discord is not an accurate reflection of our lived experiences; it’s a carefully crafted illusion and it’s an illusion that has been perpetuated for centuries.

The truth is, the divisions

we see are not organic; they are not born out of genuine religious conflict. Instead, they are meticulously engineered by a select few who cynically exploit religion as a tool for personal advancement. These individuals, driven by ego and a thirst for power and recognition, have used religion as a stepping stone in their climb to prominence throughout history. They manipulate religious sentiments, twisting sacred tenets to suit their agendas, fostering an “us vs them” mentality that serves only their ambitions. This is not a new phenomenon; it’s a tactic as old as time.

Religion is not the sole domain of these self-proclaimed guardians who seek to divide us. Religion belongs to all of us. It is a personal connection to the divine, a source of comfort, guidance and inspiration. And above all, humanity is the religion we all should preach. Kindness, compassion, empathy—these are the universal values that transcend all faiths and unite us as human beings. These manipulators understand the power of faith. They know that religion holds a special place in the hearts of millions and they exploit this devotion for their own selfish purposes. They sow seeds of discord, amplifying differences and inciting fear and mistrust. They paint caricatures of “the other,” dehumanizing entire groups of people in the name of religious purity. And as a result, the common man, the everyday person who simply wants to live in peace and harmony, gets caught in their sinister web of manufactured hatred. We must not fall victim to their false narratives and misinformation.

We, the people, become pawns in their game of power. We are pitted against each other, distracted by manufactured conflict, while the true beneficiaries of this division remain hidden in the shadows. We must recognize this manipulation for what it is: a calculated strategy to consolidate power and maintain control, a strategy that has been employed for centuries.

True religious harmony exists not in the pronouncements of politicians or religious leaders, but in the everyday interactions of ordinary people. It exists in the shared laughter, the helping hand extended across faith lines, the mutual respect that characterizes our daily lives. It’s time we reclaim this harmony, refusing to be manipulated by those who seek to divide us. This reclaiming of harmony, this refusal to be manipulated, must be a collective effort. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian and people of all faiths—we must all stand together against those who seek to divide us. We must see through the illusion of division and recognize our shared humanity. Only then can we truly build a society where people of all faiths can live together in peace and understanding. We must believe in what we see and feel around us—the genuine connections, the shared experiences, the common humanity that binds us together.

* Khushbu Jain is a practicing advocate in the Supreme Court and founding partner of the law firm, Ark Legal.