Aadhar "My Story" – The Struggle Of Immigrants Over Biased Citizen

Disclaimer: The story does not mean offense to constitutional rights. It is written as fictional story claiming no real character.

“Immigrants!” they shouted at me.

It has been ages since my ancestors have lived in this country, India. Yet, I, Rounak Rahman, being questioned over many grounds as an immigrant, because I look like one, I talk like one. Bangladeshi immigrants? They call me because of a century back we migrated from the place, which was once a part of the same country.

I claim to be a true citizen of India; my grandfather served the country for its independence. Nevertheless, I am always questioned for my identity as an Indian, and there are many like me who face the same torment.

Whenever some political agenda comes up, it is thrashed to a slogan screeching “Bangladeshi hatao, Miya Bhagao” (Remove Bangladeshi, Chase Bangladeshi Muslim). Somewhere I know it points many like us, directly or indirectly. 

Yes, I am Muslim, I am Bengali Muslim, but furthermost I am an Indian.

Bangladeshi Immigrants Source: Google

I work in an MNC, but not able to own a place, because I am forbidden, for them I am Bangladeshi. I get rejected for arrange marriage proposals because I am Bangladeshi. Recently, I went out with my family, but I was interrogated for my legitimate identity because at the end of the day I am Bangladeshi.

There is a saying “If you believe in who you are, you will become what you believe” and aadhar card is what will make people believe in my legitimate citizenship. It will give me right to cast vote, pay my taxes and allows my fellow countrymen to get into my shoes.

The struggle for my aadhar card started after it was made compulsory and the most important document, required as a verification of one’s identity.

Struggled my way to 7 aadhar card centers, got turned up from all with same complications. The eighth center, I stepped in again with a hope of not being cross-questioned about same things, and it lightened up this time. Mr. Goswami, the regional officer, asked me my few documents with a happy smile. He verified those and addressed me, “Don’t worry beta, your aadhar card will come soon.”

Believe me, I felt like I won a presence in my life. I believed such people do exist, who understands the problem one might be facing.

(A month later)

Mr. Goswami called me for my presence, and said me “Jao jldi se mithai le ao!” I realized his words and rushed to get back soon. That was an answer to all those questions, who once pointed me with suspicion.

We say, “Barking dogs seldom bite.” The suspicion would never end, there are still people who talk behind. Nevertheless, I am officially and legally a citizen of India; I am not interrogated questioning my liability. However, there are questions of Aadhar card not being a valid proof of citizenship.

Aadhar card made life easy and better since then. And I am in a march to fulfilling my dreams now.

If you are legally right and believe who you are, then fight for your own cause. The country would look for you.

I am a lawful Indian. Jai Hind!