By Tarique Anwar, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: As India celebrated 61st anniversary of its independence yesterday on 15th August. To see how Indian Muslims, who are considered as “anti national”, “terrorist” and “lacking in national spirit”, celebrate this national festival, I rushed to Madrasa Shamsul Hoda, located by the side of the road which leads to Gandhi Maidan, the heart of the Bihar capital.
As I entered its main gate national tricolour had been hoisted and the all the students of the madrasa, in white Kurta Pajama and a cap on their heads, were singing national song ‘sare jahan se accha Hindositan hamara’, written by a great scholar, poet and philosopher Mohammad Iqbal, with full of enthusiasm and national spirit.
After completion of the national song Maulana Abul Kalam Quasmi Shamsi, principal of the madrasa, delivered an impressive speech saying that we (Muslims) condemn terrorism in its any form. “We were and are Indian, will remain Indian”, he said. He recalled sacrifices of many Muslim leaders in the freedom struggle of the country like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Tipu Sultan and many others. “But it is very disappointing we are considered as foreigner in our own country forgetting all our sacrifices for the nation”, he said.
He further added that no doubt this day is the day of celebration, joy and happiness. This day recalls all drops of blood of our brothers which this land has witnessed and also reminds us of the sacrifices in getting freedom that we are enjoying today. He appealed to maintain communal harmony for safeguard of this precious freedom.
We should come forward for the sake of our nation irrespective of caste, creed and religion. He said reciting ‘mazhab nahin sikhta aapas men bair rakhna’ that no religion preaches hate and violence instead of peace, security and brotherhood.
Seeing all these things I moved to Al-Hira School, run by a private body, located just some meters away from the madrasa at Sharif Colony. As I entered the school premises I saw a small kid named Minhaj of class III in school uniform i.e. green pant and white shirt with a tricolour on his chest looking very cute. I could not restrict myself to ask some question to him. I asked his name, father’s name and class which he is studying.
After getting introduction I asked him that why he came there so early in the morning with full preparation he said ‘aaj hamlogon ki azadi ka din hai’ (today is our independence day). I asked how he came to know this he said ‘mujhe maloom hai’ (I know it). Once again I asked what we do on this occasion he said ‘humlog jhanda fahrate hain aur humlogon ko mithai milti hai’ (we hoist flag and get sweets).
Addressing the function Md Nazir, proprietor of the school, threw light on the importance of Independence Day. He gave lesson to the students to sacrifice everything when ever needed for the country.
Seeing all this I could not draw any conclusion that despite this much love for the country, even in the heart of that child, why patriotism of Muslims is always challenged.