‘Modernity’ in our societies is now limited to acquiring degrees and is just a way of enslaving one to the fruits of technology without imbibing the spirit that is central to ‘modernity’ — acknowledging the right of all citizens on this planet to co-exist as equals. Until this remains so, the same technology will also lend itself to others who are not a part of the genuine modernity project — to spread hatred.

India is no stranger to terror. We lost the Father of the Nation, two PMs and several citizens through the Punjab years, the anti-Sikh pogrom in 1984, demolition of the Babri Masjid, the turmoil in the North East, the Godhra train burning, the pogrom that followed it and the Bombay train attacks. When he met women journalists last week the prime minister said “we don’t want to create an environment where terror can take root.” So there must be vigilance and a more realistic approach to recognising the warning signs. The UK is now scoffing at its own “multi-culturalism”. This is also a knee-jerk response to the fact of terrorists flourishing in that country. Meanwhile, we await the chargesheets in the failed Glasgow bombing.