TCN News
Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who also the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, on March 11 praised India’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (inclusive culture), emphasising the role of iftar gatherings and Ramadan fasting in fostering communal harmony.
Addressing an iftar event organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Bihar, at a hotel in the state capital of Patna, Yadav stated, “India is a model of the Ganga-Jamuni culture, where people of different religions live together in harmony. Ramadan fasting and iftar are crucial in strengthening social bonds.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and harmony for Bihar’s and the nation’s progress. “Only in a peaceful environment can Bihar and the country progress.”
He also referred to the message of Islam, saying that it ensures equal opportunities for the weak and poor, and urged the attendees to uphold these principles. He highlighted the approaching festival of Holi and called for unity and brotherhood during the celebrations.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Kumhrar, Arun Kumar Sinha, said that his inspiration for organising iftar gatherings came from the late former BJP MP and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi. “I accepted the invitation from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and rushed to attend the iftar here,” Sinha said.
He expressed his joy at seeing leaders from various political parties and religious backgrounds unite for the event.
Jamaat’s Ameer-e-Halqa Maulana Rizwan Ahmad Islahi talked about the country’s diversity, stressing the need for love, empathy and mutual support. “In a country of 1.4 billion people, where 1,700 languages are spoken and over 6,000 castes and communities exist, all religions coexist. Only by fostering brotherhood can India prosper. Hatred and discrimination will weaken the country,” he said.
He further noted that occasions like Eid, Ramadan, Holi, Diwali and iftar gatherings help bring people together.
On the significance of iftar, Ahmad stated, “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said fasting brings two moments of happiness — one at iftar.” He described Ramadan as a time for joy and emphasised that the holy Quran, revealed in this month, belongs to all humanity. “No single community should claim exclusivity over it,” he said.
He also addressed the root causes of conflict, attributing them to hunger and unrestrained desires. He noted that fasting curbs these issues and, if observed sincerely, could bring peace to the world. “Ramadan is a month of compassion, where empathy for the suffering of others is cultivated,” he added.