Hindustan Times brags about the "huge response" it received on a series it published. Entitled the New Muslim, the series is a series of profiles about ordinary Muslims who it says, "are proud of being Muslims, and do not hesitate to go back their religion to get ahead in life, make money, get educated and change their lot."

The series by itself is interesting. Unfortunately, the intent behind it isn’t too noble. At the outset, it sounds apologetic. It sounds like it is one large exercise from HT to "clear up" the "misconceptions" the world has about Muslims.

Then there is thing about the Madrassa education versus "English" education. The former is considered regressive, even dangerous especially after Sept 11. This series shows people who "balance" the two systems of education. A specially-noteworthy article shows how:

"A for Allah, B for Bismillah, D for Doomsday, E for Eid, H for Heaven…"go the alphabets on posters in the carpeted, air conditioned classrooms of the Al-Jamiatul Fikriya Islamic International School for boys. A giant signboard atop the school declares: "We are Proud to be Indian."

"Twinkle, twinkle little star, Allah made you what you are," recite little girls at the Al-Muminah school…

The same piece also hints at how deeply Abrahamic religions brainwash their followers.

Shamin Ansari (37), B.Com, an unshaven construction contractor said he was uncomfortable with the mixed society at his son’s old school. "Dua padta tha ghar mein (He prayed at home), but it didn’t seem nice, prayers from other religions in school, going to birthday parties."

But I’m on a different point: Identity exploitation. It’s about how Hindustan Times–like its brethren in the media–spares no opportunity to highlight their Muslim identity. We thought they were Indians, too…