The worst crisis that India is facing today is the “possible collapse of the nation”, Nobel laureate and economist Amartya Sen said.
Amartya was speaking at the inauguration of the Amartya Research Centre in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area.
He stated that Indian people should work towards “maintaining unity” and that divisions should not be created along religious lines.
“I think if someone asks me if I’m scared of something, I would say ‘yes’. There is a reason to be afraid now. The current situation in the country has become a cause for fear,” Amartya Sen said.
“I want the country to be united. I don’t want division in a country that was historically liberal. We have to work together,” Sen added.
Sen further said, “The world came to know of Upanishads because of a Muslim Prince. Dara Sikhoh, Shah Jahan’s son, learned Sanskrit and translated some of the Upanishads into Persian.”
Asserting that India cannot belong only to the Hindus or to the Muslims, he stressed the need to stay united in line with the country’s traditions was dire.
“India cannot be (a country) of Hindus only. Again, Muslims alone cannot make India. Everyone has to work together,” Sen added.