What is true for the world is true for India as well, just in a slightly different context. Anything Islamic is seen with skepticism, especially if it has the appearances of jihadi clichés.

Muslims are the second largest community in the country and religious sentiments are often on the edge. While the tensions have boiled over into full-blown riots in the past, the issue has had specific significance under the new government. With Hindu origins, the political party in power has created a precarious social climate.

The unpredictable situation in Kashmir and our historically strained relationship with Pakistan adds to the general sense of paranoia against Muslims. Indian media has become more and more sensationalist over the last few years. At the smallest instance, social media explodes with right-wing commentary.

Even the educated middle and upper middle class seem to be losing objectivity and are getting easily swayed.

You fear what you don't understand.