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‘Visiting Churches in Goa is nonsense’: Read Darul Uloom’s interesting Fatwas before NCPCR shuts down their website

OpIndia Staff
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‘Visiting Churches in Goa is nonsense’: Read Darul Uloom’s interesting Fatwas before NCPCR shuts down their website

The name of Darul Uloom Deoband has surfaced again after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sent a letter to the Saharanpur District Magistrate requesting that action be taken against Darul-Uloom Deoband for issuing controversial fatwas and making illegal assertions about the rights of children under Indian law.

The move followed after a complaint was lodged against the Islamic seminary over their often problematic and even illegal opinions on subjects related to children and their education.

Darul Uloom Deoband has a lengthy history of releasing contentious Fatwas. Deobandi Islam is reported to be the most prevalent kind of teaching in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, with many prominent Afghan and Pakistani Taliban leaders having attended Deobandi seminaries. A huge number of inquiries on the website of Deoband’s Darul Uloom seek answers from the Deobandi school on queries regarding family, health, marital relationship and others. Here are some of the most often asked and followed questions on the website. One should take a look to find out what the Muslims across are most concerned about.

Visiting abandoned Churches as tourist is ‘non-sense’

source: Darul Uloom website

A person has asked if he can visit Churches in Goa that are abandoned and holding no Christian prayers at present. He was answered that it is nonsense to visit such places. “It is mentioned in hadith that the good effect of one’s Islam is that he gives up nonsense things.” the last sentence of the answer read.

‘Honesty and piety have no value if the person with such virtues does not follow Islam’

A person sought a response to his question regarding the lifestyles of non-Muslims who are devout and honest in character. He was told that if one’s honesty or piety does not have Islamic roots, it lacks credibility. Also, it is due to people’s ignorance that they do not convert to Islam despite knowing about it. Everyone must believe that Islam is the sole religion and that Allah is the one God, the replay said.

Cadbury chocolate is Haram!

A very minor but intriguing topic arose: is it legal to eat Cadbury chocolate knowing that it lacks Halal certification? The answer was straightforward: avoid consuming anything that does not have confirmation of being Halal.

Sin bigger than Kufr and Shirk

Another inquiry was, ‘Is there any sin that will take a Muslim to hell other than kufr and shirk. In response, it was mentioned that there can be no bigger sin than Kufr and Shirk. Kufr in Islam refers to ‘non-faith’ and Shirk refers to ‘allegiance to multiple gods.’

Eating with a Hindu allowed in Islam?

The question here needs to be quoted verbatim. “Is eating with a Hindu (office colleague) allowed in Islam? (1) Sitting on one table eating own food (2) Food cooked by a Hindu (I am sure not allowed to eat as I heard it from Dr Zakir Naik) But my friends still want to re-confirm from the authentic scholars.” The person was answered that one will be rewarded if one eats own food in a way that the Hindu is attracted to Islam. Furthermore, he was advised not to eat anything prepared in a Hindu household because it may have been prepared with ‘haram’ ingredients and may have been ‘offered to their gods’.

source: Darul Uloom website

Difference between Islam and Hinduism

A query came up on the difference between Hinduism and Islam if both Worship black stones, the Hindus – the Shivling and The Muslims – the black stone in Kaba. The query was responded admonishing that one should never equate these two things together. The stone in Kaba is in the periphery and is not worshipped the way Shivling is worshipped. “You are wrong; Hajr Aswad (the Black Stone) is installed on the outer wall of Ka’ba, not inside it. The inside look is just like a room of masjid. The Hindus worship Shiva Ling while Muslims neither worship the Ka’ba nor of Hajr Aswad (the Black Stone), rather they worship only Allah and consider Him alone worthy of worship.” the answer read.

‘Women reading news is un-Islamic‘

A question that most people would term misogynistic came up on the website that whether one can listen to news dictated by women through radio. The answer was that women have been prohibited to speak loudly and with men who are not their ‘mehram’ and it is not right for them to speak on public broadcast. The Darul site further says that a woman’s voice is something that should be ‘hidden’ and it is wrong for her voice to be heard by men who are not her ‘mehram’.

source: Darul Uloom website

Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic seminary (Darul Uloom) in India that is the birthplace of the Sunni Deobandi Islamic movement. It is situated in Deoband, a town in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district.

The NCPCR has raised objection to Deoband’s content regarding the issues of child rights, adoption and education of children. Over several issues, Deoband has been found to be propagating views that are illegal under Indian law and negatively affect the safety and wellbeing of children.

NSUI’s Nadeem Khan throws Congress flag on Rahul Gandhi’s convoy, watch video

OpIndia Staff
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NSUI’s Nadeem Khan throws Congress flag on Rahul Gandhi’s convoy, watch video

On February 6, National Student Union of India (NSUI) member Nadeem Khan threw a Congress Party flag on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy in Punjab. Khan was detained by the police. At the time of the incident, Congress leader Sunil Jakhar was driving the car while Navjot Singh Sidhu and CM Charanjit Singh Channi were sitting in the back seat. Gandhi was going to Ludhiana by road.

The incident happened when Gandhi rolled down the window to greet the party workers cheering from the roadside. Suddenly, a worker, identified as Nadeem Khan, threw a flag at him. Gandhi then rolled up the window. When the police questioned the worker, he alleged that he got swayed by emotions and threw the flag at Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking to OpIndia, the officer-in-charge, Gurvinder Singh, of Dakha Police station, said the reports of attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi are misleading. No such incident happened. He said, “I was on duty near the spot where the incident occurred. It was not an attack on the Congress leader, but NSUI workers tried to give their flag to Gandhi.”

Security breach in PM Modi’s convoy

There was an incident of a security breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy when he was travelling to Hussainiwala, Punjab, to address a rally. His convoy had to stop for 20 minutes on a bridge because of the alleged farmers protesting at one end of the bridge. Later, his convoy turned back, and PM’s address was cancelled. Reports revealed Punjab Police was aware of the possible protestors blocking the road but did not take appropriate action to clear the path.

Meet Dr Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University

OpIndia Staff
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Meet Dr Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University

After the successful tenure of M Jagadesh Kumar, Dr Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has been appointed as the next Vice-chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Pandit is a professor of politics and public administration at Savitribai Phule University, Pune and holds a doctorate in International Relations from JNU.

Dr Santishree started off as a brilliant student born to Dr Dhulipudi Anjaneyulu, Author, Journalist and retired civil servant and Prof. Mulamoodi Adilakshmi, a Professor of Tamil and Telugu at the Leningrad Oriental Faculty Department in (then) USSR. In her higher secondary Std. 12th examinations, she stood first in the state of Tamil Nadu.

She holds a bachelors degree in History and Social Psychology as a Gold Medallist from Presidency College, Madras and Masters in Political Science from the same college. Her stint with the Jawaharlal Nehru University started when she obtained her pre-doctoral degree in M.Phil in International Relations from JNU in 1986, securing the first rank in the university. Her Doctorate in International relations was a thesis on “PARLIAMENT AND FOREIGN POLICY IN INDIA – THE NEHRU YEARS” which she completed at the young age of 28. Further, she went on to study Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University in Sweden.

Dr Santishree has also served as a member of think tanks, government departments and advisory boards in the country. In 2005, she was elected as a member of the National Committee on Reconciliation. She has also served as a member of the Global India Foundation, a national-level Think Tank. She was a member of the UGC Committee on Higher Education and Indicators from 2006-2008 and an Executive Committee member of the Indian Association for American Studies [IAAS] between 2010-2013. In her academic career spanning thirty years, she has guided around 29 PhDs while also serving as an external advisor to many universities across India.

Pandit has taught many papers on International Politics, Political Sociology with reference to India and Peace and Conflict Studies at Goa University.

Over her long years in the academic circle, Dr Pandit has been honoured with the Woman Educator Award from Youth Forum For Gandhian Studies in 2003, Veer Savarkar Award in Pune, 2010 and Wisetex award for Women leaders in the next decade for Education in 2004. As a well-travelled academician, the multilingual professor is fluent in six languages including Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi and English and can understand Kannada, Konkani and Malayalam as well. Pandit has also been a resource at the military intelligence training school, Pune on the Asia Pacific region and India’s security perceptions since 1995.

As an author, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has written four books – Parliament and Foreign Policy in India (1990), Restructuring Environmental governance in Asia-Ethics and Policy(2003) and two books co-authored with Dr Rimli Basu – ‘Cultural Diplomacy: Buddhism and India’s Look East Policy’ and ‘Retreat of the State: Implications of Drug Trafficking in Asia in 2012’.

Retiring VC Jagadeesh Kumar in an official statement has said, “It gives me pleasure to inform you that Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, department of politics and public administration, Savitribai Phule Pune University has been appointed as the next vice-chancellor of JNU. She is the first female vice-chancellor of JNU. My hearty congratulations to Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. I am handing over the charge to her today and wish her success in her new role.”

Centre had already provided security to Owaisi which he refused to accept, he even refused to accept upgraded security: HM Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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Centre had already provided security to Owaisi which he refused to accept, he even refused to accept upgraded security: HM Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha

Days after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was allegedly targeted in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh during an election campaign, Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah spoke about the matter in the Rajya Sabha.

He informed, “Two unidentified people had fired on the carcade. He came out safe but there were 3 bullet marks on the lower portion of his vehicle. The incident was witnessed by three witnesses. An FIR has been registered.”

Amit Shah stated that Asaduddin Owaisi had no pre-scheduled event in the Hapur district on the day of the firing incident. He added that no information was provided to the District control room by the Parliamentarian about his movement.

The Union Home Minister pointed out that Owaisi managed to escape unhurt and returned safely to Delhi. “Taking quick action two accused were arrested, two unauthorised pistols and an Alto car were recovered from them. Forensic team is doing a minute investigation of the car and the incident site, evidence being collected,” he said.

Amit Shah underlined that the government will re-assess the security threat to Asaduddin Owaisi. He added that Z category security and a bulletproof vehicle will be provided to the AIMIM chief. The Home Minister pointed out that Owaisi had refused to accept security provided by the Central government.

While urging the Hyderabad MP to accept security protocol, Shah concluded, “Home Ministry took report from State Govt immediately. On basis of earlier inputs from central security agencies,Centre had ordered to provide him security. But due to his unwillingness to avail security,Delhi & Telangana Police’s efforts to provide him security didn’t succeed.”

The attack on Asaduddin Owaisi

On Thursday (February 3), AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had alleged that four rounds of bullets were fired at his car. Images posted by him showed two holes on the two doors of his car, apparently created by the bullets fired at the car. He also said that the tyres of his vehicle were also punctured in the alleged attack.

Prashant Kumar, ADG (Law and Order) informed that an illegal 9 mm pistol, which was used in the crime, was recovered. Five teams were formed to probe the case. Two accused were nabbed by the cops. Superintendent of Police (Hapur), Deepak Bhuker, stated that the assailants attacked Asaduddin Owaisi because they were offended by his “anti-Hindu” statements.

#BoycottHyundai trends in India after South Korean car maker’s unsatisfactory statement on ‘Kashmir solidarity’ post

OpIndia Staff
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#BoycottHyundai trends in India after South Korean car maker’s unsatisfactory statement on ‘Kashmir solidarity’ post

Hours after Hyundai failed to provide a satisfactory response for the ‘Kashmir solidarity’ message uploaded on social media platforms by its dealer in Pakistan, Indian netizens initiated a social media campaign to boycott the South Korean automotive manufacturer.

‘#Boycott Hyundai’ began trending on Twitter as lakhs of people displayed their angst against the automobile manufacturer for posting a pusillanimous clarification after outrage swept the micro-blogging platform over social media posts that undermined India’s territorial integrity.

One CA Ashutosh Soni informed that he had cancelled the booking of Hyundai Verna after witnessing the anti-India stance of the company. He wrote, “I booked Hyundai Verna a month ago & it was due to be delivered this month but after seeing #HyundaiPakistan post, supporting separatism in #Kashmir, India, cancelled the Verna & called the Honda outlet and taken the delivery of Honda City today itself. #BoycottHyundai, that’s it!”

Another Twitter user stated, “That’s why Make in India is necessary. My next car will be Tata Motors. Bye Bye Hyundai India. #BoycottHyundai”

IPS Arun Bothra, who commands a sizeable following on Twitter, said, “In my personal capacity and with limited reach, I request everyone not to buy a #Hyundai vehicle. First time supporting a boycott call. Lets #BoycottHyundai. They have no respect for our national sentiments. The half-hearted statement below tells that they have no remorse also.”

“We have sacrificed Brave Soldiers and innocent unarmed Civilians … Their sacrifice is more precious to us Indians. Say NO to खटारा. Be Indian Buy Indian,” wrote retired Army General KJS Dhillon.

Author Neeraj Atri pointed out that he was initially confused between a Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. The boycott campaign has solved his problem, he added.

Host Richa Anirudh emphasised that the statement of Hyundai India did not serve any purpose. “Be clear and apologise for PakistanHyundai tweet and make them apologise too or else we Indians shall continue to #BoycottHyundai! You decide!” she said.

The Background of the Controversy

On Saturday (February 5), automobile manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company courted controversy after the firm’s Pakistani dealership called for the disintegration of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India.

It all started when in a tweet, Hyundai Pakistan Official (@PakistanHyundai) wrote, “Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom.” The tweet was accompanied by a picture of a boat in Dal lake and the word ‘Kashmir’ juxtaposed with a barbed wire.

Contentious social media post by Hyundai Pakistan

A similar message was posted by Hyundai Pakistan, both on its official Facebook and Instagram pages. Interestingly, Hyundai Pakistan demanded the secession of Indian territory on the occasion of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ when the Pakistan government extends support to jihadi elements operating from Kashmir.

Indian netizens were miffed at the brazen interference in India’s geopolitical affairs and dissemination of Pakistani government propaganda by the South Korean automotive manufacturer. However, on questioning Hyundai India whether it endorsed the stand of Hyundai Pakistan, the firm responded by blocking the Indian netizens.

Hyundai suffers boycott calls on Twitter after its Pakistani dealer posted Kashmir solidarity message
Hyundai India blocks netizens after being quizzed over its pro-terrorism stand

Several users are reaching out to the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking stringent action against Hyundai India. In order to save its face, the automotive manufacturer put out a clarification on social media. Far from apologising to Indian citizens, Hyundai India’s statement reeked of arrogance.

In a statement, Hyundai India said that it has been committed to the Indian market which has been its second home for over 25 years now and alleged that the ‘unsolicited’ social media post linking Hyundai Motor India ‘offends’ it commitment and service to India. The company said that they have a zero-tolerance policy for insensitive communication and ‘strongly condemned’ such view.

However, it is not yet clear why they blocked Indian citizens on Twitter for questioning its stand and asking for accountability on the contentious social media post by its Pakistani counterpart. On not getting a proper response from the South Korean company over its pro-terrorism stand, Indian social media users vowed to boycott the firm and look for alternate options.

‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’: Pakistani propaganda of keeping the Kashmir pot boiling

Every year on 5th February, Pakistan tries to reinforce its propaganda on Jammu and Kashmir by observing ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’, under the guise of which it continues to extend support to the Kashmiri separatist movement that is funded and supported by the Pakistan state. It was launched by Nawaz Sharif as the Pakistani Prime Minister in 1991.

Since then, anti-India groups and individuals and Pakistani dispensation have used the day to convince Kashmiris to incite violence. So-called solidarity ‘rallies’ are held in Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Unlike the past, there were no public processions/rallies, special prayers in mosques, or marches on the streets of Kashmir this year. The situation in the valley has improved as this narrative has failed to elicit any output from the general public or separatist movements, both of which have been considerably weakened since the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019.

Karnataka Edu Minister debunks media reports on separate classrooms for Muslim students, says students must follow dress code

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka Edu Minister debunks media reports on separate classrooms for Muslim students, says students must follow dress code

On February 7, BC Nagesh, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and Sakala, Govt of Karnataka debunked the reports that suggested the Government PU College provided separate ‘classrooms’ for Muslim girl students that refused to remove hijab while attending classes.

In a tweet, Quoting ANI’s tweet, Minister Nagesh said, “This is not correct fact. Students protesting outside campus were allowed inside the campus as a courtesy. They were asked to wear uniforms & attend classes. They, however, chose to sit in a separate room & continue the protest. Students must adhere to dress code to attend classes.”

Speaking to OpIndia, BC Nagesh said, “The reports of providing separate classrooms is fake and misleading. The students were sitting outside. As a courtesy, the college administration provided them with a room to sit and instructed them if they wanted to attend classes, they had to remove the hijab. However, the students continued to protest and refused to attend classes.”

The minister added as per the 1983 Karnataka Education Act, the institutions have the right to decide the dress code. “There are over 100 Muslim students in that class. All of them are attending classes peacefully. Everything was running smoothly until 15 days ago when a few students demanded they should be allowed to attend classrooms in hijab. Some organizations are brainwashing them. I am not sure why they are behaving like this.”

When asked if the Education Ministry will stick to their stand about dress code, BC Nagesh said, “Yes, there is no reason change our stand. The petition is pending in court as well. If the court gives any directions, we will adhere to them, but till then, the Education Ministry is not changing its stand.” The minister further said media should be careful while reporting such cases and added, “There are a lot of rumours going around in North Indian media. The media houses should understand their responsibility and avoid misleading reports.”

‘We are not attending classes’

In an update, ANI reported that the students claimed they would not remove the hijab until the court passed orders.

The news agency quoted one of the protesting students saying, “Won’t remove our hijab until High Court orders. They (administration) won’t allow us in classrooms with hijab, so we’ll sit outside in halls. Classes not going on for us, we are just sitting here.” Another student said, “College Principal and faculty met us and asked if we want to go to classes by removing hijab, they also took our attendance.”

The hijab controversy

The controversy first erupted in January 2022. Several Muslim students were denied entry to classes in a Udupi college because they were wearing hijab. Social media platforms were rife with videos of college authorities refusing to allow burqa-clad students inside their institutions. The college authorities had then argued that the hijab was not a part of the uniform dress code suggested to the students. Management under the new state guidelines had asked girl students to skip wearing hijab while in college. Eight girl students have constantly refused to follow the guideline as they claimed it prevented them from practising their faith.

The Karnataka High Court has agreed to hear a plea arguing that Muslim women wearing hijab should be permitted to attend classes. The petition was filed by a Muslim student, asking the High Court for a direction to allow wearing a hijab in college, stating that it is her “Fundamental Right” granted under Article 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution and “integral practise of Islam”.

Hindu students have jumped into the controversy as well. They have registered their protest against hijab by donning saffron scarves. In a Government Junior College in Kunadapur, around 100 Hindu students came to the college with saffron scarves around their necks to protest against Muslim girls continuing to wear hijab to the college. On Saturday, in solidarity with their classmates, girl students also hit the streets by wearing saffron shawls to protest against the attempts of Muslim students to vitiate the secular atmosphere in the college by deliberately violating the rules and regulations.

Punjab: Family of Faridkot firing victim awaits justice, says neither Captain nor Channi did anything

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: Family of Faridkot firing victim awaits justice, says neither Captain nor Channi did anything

A man named Sukhraj Singh has been sitting in a protest demanding justice for his father. Singh is the son of Krishan Bhagwan Singh, who died in a police firing case of October 14, 2015, in Behbal Kalan during a protest against an alleged sacrilege incident of Shri Guru Granth Sahib that had happened some days prior.

According to a report in News18, Singh has been waiting for justice since 2015 against the police personnel who opened fire at the protesters leading to the death of his father.

Around 50 days ago, Sukhraj realized there was no hope left for getting justice from the outgoing Congress government for his father. He put up a tent alongside Faridkot highway and sat in protest of the state government. He told News18, “Neither Captain Amarinder Singh nor Charanjit Singh Channi gave us justice. Captain was removed for inaction in sacrilege and police firing cases. Channi did nothing too.”

In 2017, then-Congress’s CM face Captain Amarinder Singh, had met Mohinder Singh, father of the late Krishan Bhagwan Singh. He said, “Captain Amarinder Singh came to me and told me that when his government is formed, he will put the culprits in jail in 20 days. Rahul Gandhi had also come. Arvind Kejriwal also came. No one gave us justice.” He said Congress came to power with the promise to punish the culprits of the sacrilege and police firing cases, but they did not take strict action.

Death of Krishan Bhagwan Singh

In 2015, Ang (pages) of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were found scattered outside Gurudwara Sahib in Bargari. Demanding action against the culprit, people of the Sikh community sat on protests. At Kokkapura and Behbal Kalan, police opened fire against the protesters. Two protesters, Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Gurjeet Singh Bittu had died on the spot at Behbal Kalan.

The state government formed several Special Investigation Teams to investigate the police firing case of Behbal Kalan. Sukhraj Singh said, “The SIT led by Kunwar Pratap Singh charge-sheeted some accused, but the court has not framed charges against them yet. A new SIT was formed by the High court last year to do a time-bound probe into the conspiracy, but that the SIT has not even visited us or done any probe here.”

Sukhraj had met Captain Amarinder when he was CM. He also met CM Charanjit Singh Channi and raised the matter. However, neither Capt Amarinder nor CM Channi acted strictly on the sacrilege and police firing incidents. Sukhraj claimed the Channi government did not do anything in the matter, the family stated. Calling the elections meaningless for his family, he said the governments are useless, and the system has not changed.

‘Krishan was sitting peacefully when he was shot’, says family

Mohinder Singh said his son was sitting peacefully on the protests against the Bargari sacrilege incident. However, the police opened fire all of a sudden resulting in his death. He said, “Police had ‘langar’ with us at the incident spot. I was present there. But on the SSP’s instructions, they suddenly opened fire and told me to run away, but they had already shot my son by then. Another boy from a nearby village was also shot dead. No one came to us later. On our name, Captain (Amarinder) became the CM. But he never came back to us. Our hope is now only on the people to get justice, not the government. We have no hope for elections or parties — the real culprits of the incidents have not been punished.”

The political atmosphere around sacrilege cases

It is notable that Congress came to power claiming they would take strict action against the culprits of sacrilege cases. The inaction from the government mixed with instigation by the religious leaders has led to four murders in alleged sacrilege cases in 2021 alone, six in total since 2015.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, chief of the Punjab State Congress, has been a frontrunner demanding action from the Badal government when they were in power in 2015. Congress came to power, and SITs were formed one after another but did not result in any concrete action. When Capt left the post of CM, he had dared now-CM Channi to act against Badals and said the matter had to be solved legally rather than politically.

Did Lata Mangeshkar refuse to sing Ambedkarite songs? Here is what we know

Gopal Tiwari
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Did Lata Mangeshkar refuse to sing Ambedkarite songs? Here is what we know

Within hours of her demise, the name of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar got dragged into a controversial-cum-malicious discussion wherein it was being claimed that she had refused to sing Ambedkarite song. Lata Mangeshkar was a Bharat Ratna in every sense of what it means to be one. She has left behind her, a legacy of thirty thousand songs in many different languages. Therefore it becomes necessary to address this malicious gossip being shared on social media after her death.

A strong nationalist, believer, and supporter of Hindu culture and identity, Lata Mangeshkar had always been a personality that usually stayed away from any controversy. She did not need any cheap tricks to become popular. She never took shortcuts to success and toiled hard to attain excellence in the art she is known for. That is why she stands tall as an inspiring figure for any upcoming artist. Proficient in every genre of music, she had inherited music from her father Master Deenanath Mangeshkar. Her father was a Konkani Saraswat while her mother was Gujarati. With a family believing in unity, and not in differences, she carried a feeling of harmony in her blood.

After her death, a particular section of so-called activists of the neo-Ambedkarite cum Naxalite movement have claimed that she was a symbol of Brahminical thought doctrine which is one of the so-called oppressive thoughts.

It is a common rumour that Marathi Dalit artists and poets had approached Lata Mangeshkar to sing a song on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Bhim Geet) and she had refused to sing any such song. The names of the poets and artists start from Waman Dada Kardak who is very well known for the Vidrohi songs he wrote. The list includes stalwarts of the Dalit Panther movement Namdeo Dhasal and Raja Dhale. Often a reference of an alleged informal talk by Waman Dada Kardak is given to base this theory on. In this so-called memoir, Waman Dada Kardak had reportedly said that he went to Lata Didi’s house to request her to sing a Bhim Geet. Waman Dada Kardak is further quoted to have said that she offered him a delicious meal but refused to sing a Bhim Geet.

Words are put into her mouth as “Tya Mahardyache gaane mi ganar nahi” which means I will not sing a song of that Mahar (it is a caste) person. This whole theory does not have any concrete base except for such hearsay things. Lata Mangeshkar lived for 92 years. In these many years, there has not been any credible interview of any artist who has repeated such allegations. Even after her demise, while making such claims, no concrete proof as such is being presented by the so-called Dalit activists to support their claim. Even when she was alive, such claims were being made in programs organized by educational campuses like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.

Lata Mangeshkar has been a voice that united the nation in the toughest of the times like the 1962 war against China. It was her voice that made Nehru shed tears, most probably realizing the blunders he had committed, rather than just in memory of the brave soldiers. Terming classical music, which Lata Mangeshkar had inherited from her father Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, as Brahminical is also a fashion among these neo-Ambedkarites. This is why any classical singer is termed as the carrier of so-called oppressive Brahminical notions. But the only probable fact in this matter, if at all it is true, is that either she never had any such offer or she would be waiting for better lyrics in the offered Bhim Geet if any, as she was very keen on the poetry inherent in the songs she chose.

It must be noted here that another talented singer from the current generation Adarsh Shinde who too hails from a so-called Dalit background sings Bhim Songs as well as commercial songs in mainstream films too. He is trained in classical music under the guidance of his Guru Pandit Suresh Wadkar. Will these neo-Ambedkarites abandon him too, for following the traditions of a so-called Brahminical art of classical music?

Lata Mangeshkar proudly wore her Hindu identity on her sleeves time and again. If she was so much under the influence of the so-called fanatic Hindu song, then how did she go on to sing a song like “Hey Ishwar Ya Allah” in a film named ‘Pukaar’ composed by A. R. Rahman? It is possible only in a parallel universe in the imaginations of some sober-pretending woke Naxalite who claims himself to be the savior of the constitution, democracy, brotherhood, and whatnot. Moreover, Lata Mangeshkar had publicly expressed her respect towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

On Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary in 2017, she had put up a tweet remembering him and paying respects.

Jharkhand: Violence erupts in Hazaribagh-Koderma after Muslim residents protest against Saraswati Visarjan procession, one minor dead

OpIndia Staff
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Jharkhand: Violence erupts in Hazaribagh-Koderma after Muslim residents protest against Saraswati Visarjan procession, one minor dead

On February 6, violence erupted in different parts of Jharkhand during Saraswati Puja and Moorti Visarjan. A minor lost his life in Naitand village, Hazaribagh, eight people got injured as Muslims stopped the Saraswati Visarjan procession that was allowed only after the police’s intervention.

Minor died in Hazaribagh

A 17-year-old boy identified as Rupesh Pandey went to attend a procession going for Murti Visarjan after Saraswati Puja. It is unclear how the scuffle broke between Rupesh and members of the other community. He got severely injured during the scuffle, after which he was rushed to a hospital in the Barhi region. Rupesh, who was the only son of his parents, was declared dead on arrival by the medical officer at the hospital.

When the locals learned about his death, violence broke out between the two communities. Hundreds of Police personnel have been deployed to control the situation. Vehicles were burnt during the violence. Four people have been arrested by the police in the case. the police had to fire several rounds to disperse the crowd.

Violence in Koderma

Violence erupted in Markacho, district Koderma during the Sarawati Visarjan procession. As per reports, the violence erupted when members of the Muslim community objected to overplaying DJ during the procession. Eight people, including a child, were injured during the violence. The police said the situation was under control.

Saraswati procession stopped by protesters in Jamtara

In another incident, some local Muslims allegedly stopped the procession of Saraswati Murti Visarjan in Firkoria village, Karmatand Police Station area, Jamtara. The police were informed about the incident. SHO Raushan Kumar reached the spot with the heavy police force and cleared the path for the procession.

Reports suggest the same path was being used for such procession for years, but nothing of this sort had happened earlier. The police tried to convince people of the particular community, but they did not allow the procession to move further. Mohammad Gulzar Anjum, CO, Karmatand, tried to pacify the situation and argued that as the road and lake were government properties, no one could stop the procession. However, the mob refused to budge from their position.

Speaking to OpIndia, CO Anjum said it was a minor scuffle between the two communities. The administration laid down several proposals, but none of the sides was ready to agree to the proposals. In the end, he had to take a stand. He offered to take the idol himself on his shoulders and dared them to stop him. It was only then the path was cleared for the procession.

Mass conversions and problem of Islamic fundamentalism on the rise in Jamtara: BJP functionary Sumit Sharan

OpIndia also spoke to Sumit Sharan, District General Secretary (Jamtara), BJP Jharkhand, who said such incidents of scuffle between the two communities have increased in the recent years. He said, “Small children were carrying out the procession. It was heartbreaking to see them being stopped by Muslims.”

Elaborating about the mass conversions and the problem of fundamentalists in the region, Sharan said, “There are some villages that have been completely converted to Islam in the last few years. Many residents have turned fundamentalist resulting in communal tension.”

Sharan also accused the local MLA Irfan Ansari of turning a blind eye to the entire episode where Muslims objected to Hindus carrying out Saraswati processions. “Local MLA Irfan Ansari has not spoken a word about the incident. Such matters should be above politics. The dual nature is not going to work. He often goes to the temple to show he is with Hindus too, but when such incidents happen under his nose, he is not saying a word,” Sharan said.

Internet services down

The administration barred internet services in all three districts where the violence erupted are Hazaribagh, Kordema and Giridih. The internet service was barred at around 4:30 PM on Sunday for 24 hours. The administration said they took the step to control the spread of fake news that might have amplified the violence.

Kishan Bharwad case: 26 people were on target of Islamists, Maulvis including Yati Narsinghanand, Jitendra Narayan Tyagi alias Wasim Rizvi

OpIndia Staff
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Kishan Bharwad case: 26 people were on target of Islamists, Maulvis including Yati Narsinghanand, Jitendra Narayan Tyagi alias Wasim Rizvi

Shocking revelations have come to the fore in the Kishan Bharwad murder case. As per a report by News18 Gujarati, investigating agencies have uncovered profiles of as many as 26 people including Yati Narsinghanand of Dasna temple in Ghaziabad and Jitendra Narayan Tyagi, formerly known as Wasim Rizvi.

As per the report, one of the 26 names is also of an Editor of a news channel. Multiple investigative agencies including Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad, Telangana Police and others have joined the probe in Ahmedabad. Earlier, Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested Delhi-based maulana Qamar Ghani and seized the electronic gadgets in his office. The bank accounts are being investigated for the same.

As per an Indian Express report, ten of the 26, whose profiles were found on the phone are BS Patel, Pankaj Arya, Pushpendra Kulshreshtha, Mahendrapal Arya, Rahul Arya, Radheshyam Acharya, Updesh Rana, Upasana Arya, Sajan Odedara and RSN Singh. 

As per the report, from Maulana Ayyub’s mobile phone, about 26 profiles have been obtained. Investigation is being carried out to find out whether these people were also on the target. Maulana Ayyub was arrested from Ahmedabad’s Jamalpur and is accused of providing the gun to the killers of Bharwad. Police is investigating whether these people were also on the radar of assassination like Kishan Bharwad.

Earlier on Saturday, a magisterial court in Dhandhuka sent three main accused to 10 more days of police remand.

Kishan Bharwad murder case

On 25th January 2022, Dhandhuka youth Kishan Bharwad was shot dead by two bike borne assailants after he had shared a social media post that contained visual depiction of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims find the image of Prophet Muhammad offensive and killing those who commit such a ‘blasphemy’ is allowed and encouraged by Islamists.

Following Kishan Bharwad’s murder, at least 6 clerics have been arrested from across India. A total of 8 people have been arrested in the case till now. Multiple agencies are investigating the case and they suspect a larger conspiracy in the murder case.

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