By Rina,
Mumbai: The Deeni Madaris of here and Thana have formed an organization by the name ‘Wifaqul Madaris Mumbai and Thana’. This organization yesterday held a national seminar on ‘Role of Muslim Ulema in Indian Freedom Struggle’. Apart from the Ulema several political leaders from a wide spectrum of political parties addressed the seminar. The speakers at the seminar emphasized that the contributions made by Ulema should be made part of the national syllabus so that the new generation gets aware of the role of the Ulema in liberating their motherland from the foreign rule.
Former Petroleum Minister Ram Nayak mentioned, “The war of Independence in 1857 was fought under the leadership of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Till then Hindus and Muslims were one and same. Britishers sow the seeds of hatred and divided us into two communities”. Referring to the role of Ulemas in freedom struggle Mr. Nayak emphasized that thousands of Ulema sacrificed their lives for their motherland. “The new generation is totally ignorant of the role and contributions made by the Ulema in our independence struggle. It is our duty to enlighten the next generation about the contribution of Ulema. Therefore, I strongly recommend that it be made an essential part of the national curriculum”.
Speaking on the occasion Spokesman of Congress Sanjay Nirupam (M.P.) was of the view that it’s a matter great shame that the new generation is not being made aware of the sacrifices of Ulema. “Those who target Deeni Madaris and Darul Uloom Deoband, it appears that they are not aware of the role played by them in liberating our nation from foreign rulers. The Ulema contributed their lot as do leaders of other communities for independence”. Nawab Malik of Nationalist Congress Party noted, “As part of the conspiracy the Deeni Madaris are being targeted as the breeding ground for terrorists. Although, it is clear that the graduates of these Madaris are no less than any other university graduate. The success of a Madrasa graduate in the civil services is a glaring example for those who denigrate Madaris”.
Historian Amresh Mishra opined, “As soon as the role and contribution of Ulema is included in the national syllabus the brotherhood and love would automatically emanate in the new generation”. Giving examples from history Mr. Amaresh Mishra proved, “The freedom movement was started by the Muslim only and Ulema initiated this process. In fact all throughout they were at the forefront of the movement”. He called upon the authorities of Deeni Madaris “spread and propagate the contributions of Ulema among the other communities of India”. President of BJP Minorities Front Haider Azam also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to Ulema for their sacrifices.