The death of around 800 people in the recent riots in Gujarat state was a sobering reminder of the primeval passions and tribal savagery that can be unleashed so ferociously at a moment's notice in India. They were an antidote to the unbridled optimism that saw only an emerging information-technology powerhouse and a modern, democratic and secular state finally taking its rightful place in the family of nations.
The mask of sophistication had slipped to show the ugly face of Hindu India. Yet there was a silver lining.
The initial provocation was the death of over 50 Hindu pilgrims returning from their latest affront to Muslim sensibilities in Ayodhya, the legendary seat of the Hindu god Rama. At a train station in Gujarat they were locked in their carriages and burned to death by a large group of Muslims.