Qasmi Urges Pullout of Muslim Children from UP Schools Over Vande Mataram

The recent directive by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, making the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory in schools, has sparked a backlash from Muslim leaders in India. Maulana Haleem Ullah Qasmi, a prominent Muslim scholar, has urged Muslim parents to pull their children out of schools if this rule is enforced. The Modi government’s attempts to impose religious practices on minorities are increasingly seen as an attack on religious freedom and secular values in India.

Modi Government’s Religious Intolerance

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has been accused of fostering religious intolerance, especially towards Muslims. The push to make “Vande Mataram” compulsory in schools is seen as another step in promoting a Hindu-majoritarian agenda. By enforcing such practices, the government undermines India’s secular constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

♦ Imposing Religious Practices:
The Modi government is using state power to force religious practices on citizens, disregarding minority beliefs.
♦ Undermining Secularism:
This move goes against India’s secular foundation, which respects the right to practice one’s religion freely.
♦ Hindu Nationalism on the Rise:
The government’s actions reflect the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in India, sidelining religious diversity.

The Timing and Intent Behind the Directive

The timing of the directive to make “Vande Mataram” compulsory, ahead of upcoming elections, raises serious concerns. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s comments suggest that such measures may be politically motivated, aimed at consolidating Hindu votes. The Modi government’s use of national symbols to influence voter sentiment during elections is a concerning trend.

♦ Electoral Manipulation:
The push for compulsory “Vande Mataram” comes just before elections, suggesting a strategy to sway voters through emotional and religious appeals.
♦ Exploiting Religion for Political Gain:
Using religious practices as a political tool to gain support undermines democratic principles and fair elections.
♦ Creating Division:
Such policies create divisions between communities, weakening national unity and fostering distrust.

Impact on India’s Secular Identity

India’s secular identity is increasingly under threat as the Modi government pushes for the dominance of Hindu symbols. The compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” is one example of how the government is imposing a singular cultural identity on a diverse population. This policy threatens the fundamental principle of religious freedom enshrined in India’s constitution.

♦ Threat to Secularism:
India’s secular identity is being eroded by policies that impose Hindu religious practices on its citizens.
♦ Infringing on Religious Freedom:
Forcing Muslim students to sing “Vande Mataram” violates their religious freedom and their right to practice their faith without coercion.
♦ Challenging Constitutional Rights:
The imposition of religious practices directly contradicts the secular and pluralistic principles in India’s constitution.

Maulana Qasmi’s Call for Resistance

Maulana Haleem Ullah Qasmi has called on Muslim parents to keep their children out of schools if the “Vande Mataram” directive is enforced. His stance reflects growing frustration among Muslims in India, who feel their religious rights are being violated. This act of resistance underscores the importance of protecting religious identity in the face of state-imposed majoritarianism.

♦ Preserving Religious Integrity:
Qasmi’s call is a strong stand to protect religious beliefs and prevent forced participation in practices that contradict Islamic teachings.
♦ A Stand for Religious Freedom:
This resistance highlights the right of minorities to maintain their religious beliefs without state interference.
♦ Growing Discontent:
The Muslim community is increasingly alienated by such policies, which are seen as an attempt to impose a Hindu identity on the entire nation.

India’s Global Reputation at Risk

India’s image on the global stage has been damaged by these policies, as international observers criticize the country for its growing religious intolerance. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called attention to the treatment of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, under Modi’s rule. The forced imposition of “Vande Mataram” is just one example of how India’s secular democracy is being undermined.

♦ Global Criticism:
India’s treatment of its Muslim population is drawing increasing global condemnation, especially regarding the forced imposition of religious practices.
♦ Damage to India’s Image:
India’s global reputation is tarnished as its policies of religious intolerance become more evident.
♦ International Call for Accountability:
Global bodies are urging India to uphold its commitment to religious freedom and secularism, which are fundamental values in any democracy.

The Future of India’s Religious Freedom

As the Modi government continues to impose policies that favor Hindu-majoritarian views, the future of religious freedom in India looks uncertain. The compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” is a warning sign of how far the government is willing to go to force its ideological agenda onto religious minorities. The people of India, especially religious minorities, must continue to resist these divisive policies.

♦ Protecting Religious Rights:
The fight to protect religious freedoms is more urgent than ever as the Modi government continues its policies of religious imposition.
♦ Resisting Religious Coercion:
The resistance by Muslims and other minorities must be strengthened to protect the secular fabric of India.
♦ A Call for Secular Governance:
India must return to its secular roots, ensuring that all its citizens can practice their religion freely without fear of state interference.

Conclusion: A Plea for India’s Secular Identity

The compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” is just one example of the Modi government’s ongoing efforts to impose a singular Hindu identity on India. These actions undermine India’s secular constitution and threaten the rights of its religious minorities. For India to retain its democratic and pluralistic values, the government must abandon these divisive policies and respect the religious freedom of all its citizens.