Pride and Prejudice in COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Social Implications on Muslims in India

Abstract: The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has overwhelmed the world with the associated morbidity, mortality, and recounted cases of scapegoating of 'the others.' This research aims to understand the psycho-social impact of COVID-19 on religious minorities in India. This paper focuses on the rise of prejudices towards Muslims in India due to restricted social interactions during the pandemic.The findings suggest that the pandemic has deepened the divisions in a society already fraught with prejudices, marred by violence fueled by myths, hatred, rumors, and fake news by complicit media which has created an uncanny rift between religious minorities and majorities. The biological understanding of hosts, vectors, and carriers of COVID-19 is in stark contrast to increased social prejudices. The findings of this study may help to identify preventive approaches using community awareness, social tolerance, and anti-stigma interventions which are vital for mental well-being.