Times of India | 1 week ago | 31-07-2022 | 07:29 am
AHMEDABAD: As part of Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav, the state education department has instructed the district education officers (DEOs) and all schools to make arrangements for the worship of Bharat Mata and lectures on it from August 1. The authorities have instructed the education officials to ensure that all students join the programme with enthusiasm and that the spirit of nationalism is underlined. On July 28, instructions to this effect were issued to principals of all government, grant-in-aid and private schools. The government's communique mentioned that the decision was taken on July 22 during a meeting between the education minister and Rajya Prathmik Sikshak Sangh on a suggestion made by the Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh. A Muslim outfit, Jamiat Ulama Gujarat, however, has taken exception to the decision and has urged the authorities to withdraw the directive, terming it "unconstitutional and unreasonable". Jamiat said that it welcomes the organisation of programmes for the celebration of 75th year of Independence and expresses keenness on participating in them. But it has taken exception to make Bharat Mata worship mandatory in schools. 'Muslims cannot worship any idol' Jamiat has asserted that the government cannot take such a decision only on the basis of a request from Rashtriya Saikshik Mahasangh and without consulting other stakeholders. Taking such a decision on the request of one outfit is not reasonable, unconstitutional and therefore illegal, it said. Explaining the ground for its objection, Jamiat stated, "Your instructions to pray to Bharat Mata is contrary to the basic principles and rights of people who believe in Islam and who do not believe in idol worship, which is prohibited in Islam. Followers of Islam can never worship an idol and if they do, they cease to be Muslims. Thus, Muslims cannot worship any idol, be it Bharat Mata or any other idol." Jamiat stated that the diktat to worship Bharat Mata in schools is against the fundamental constitutional right of a community. It has cited constitutional principles of religious freedom and secularism and stated that the government can take decisions in this regard only after consulting believers of all religions and sections. An office-bearer of Jamiat said that they would move the high court if the decision was not withdrawn. Jamiat recently challenged the state government's decision to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in schools.
Share:
Tagged: |
