Developing A Culture Of Education And Social Harmony In India
By Husain Sherani, News Age
Islam
Translated
from Urdu by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
24
September 2022
How
To Strengthen Social Cohesion And Inclusive Culture Of India
Main
Points:
1.
We see examples of how people
respect one another's beliefs and traditions while also knowing that there is a
malicious intention to undermine India's cultural harmony.
2.
Sometimes a Hindu appears to help
a Muslim, and vice versa, depending on the circumstance.
3.
The two Muslim students provide
as another example of India's rich, traditional culture.
4.
The Muslim leaders must focus on
taking the required actions to raise public awareness of the benefits of
education and to give the next generation in their own communities a priority
in terms of education.
------
On the one hand, political power is used to
incite social and political hatred against social harmony and national unity,
but on the other, we continue to receive news from social media platforms about
caste and religion breaking through prejudice and overcoming the divisive wall
of the region, language, or colour and dress and demonstrating acts of
solidarity as fellow humans who respect each other's beliefs and cultures. Every day, we get examples of how humankind
demonstrates its unity by respecting one another's beliefs and cultures.
Sometimes a Hindu appears to help a Muslim, and vice versa, depending on the
circumstance. Furthermore, there are so many fascinating advancements taking on
in front of our very eyes that the growing desire to understand one another's
religions just puts out the flame of hostility. These news reports, whether
they are about college and university course admissions or Islamic religious
trivia competitions, are enough to let us realise that the core religious ideal
and the inclusive Indian culture cannot be so easily undercut by hatred and
violence.
In
the same vein, there have been more than a dozen distinct instances in the past
20 years where Muslim students have not only competed in but also won
specialised competitions in the study of Hinduism. Regardless of religion or
nationality, these events have not only offered comfort to all Indians who are
going through the agony of humanity, but they have also kept the lights of love
and hope to glow in the midst of the darkness of hatred. It is distinct that
such news does not currently make headlines or become a hot topic in our
mainstream media.
The
historic harmonious culture of India was once again highlighted by the tale of
the Muslim youth of Kerala winning the state-level Ramayana Quiz held by DC
Books in Malappuram, Kerala, in honour of "Ramayana Month." The
eight-year Wafy programme at the KKSM Islamic and Arts College in Bilangeri,
north Kerala, is where the winners Baasit and Jaabir are currently in their
fifth and final year. Students claimed that although they were familiar with
the Maha Kavya growing up, they didn't start reading and studying Hinduism and
the Ramayana in-depth until they enrolled in the Wafy course, which includes
the teachings of all major religions.
This
announcement startled the entire nation because the majority of people believe
that Muslims in India don't study anything about Hinduism or any other
religion. Due to its importance to India's cultural history and heritage, this
event has demonstrated that Indian Muslims are well-versed in the Ramayana and
Mahabharata. It highlights two crucial requirements: first, obtaining a college
degree, and second, respecting India's tolerant culture. Since Islam first
engaged with other faiths on the subcontinent, Indian Muslims have admired
India's culture of harmony. Education is the key to recognising and
appreciating a culture of harmony. It is important to note that Indian Sufi
preachers did not attempt to impose any cultural changes when they were
preaching here; rather, they integrated Islam into India's multicultural
civilization, and Indian Muslims defend this harmony.
The
first condition highlighted is the importance of education among Indian
Muslims. This does not imply that Indian Muslims are ignorant of the history
and culture of their country. At contrast, it is said that Indian Muslims are
underrepresented in institutions of higher learning, including national
research universities, IITs, NITs, and IIMs. It is essential to emphasise the
necessity for policy participation in order to increase the number of Indian
Muslim students enrolled in these institutions. Muslim youth who are
knowledgeable, competent, and well-educated will highlight parts of Indian
Muslim society that have not yet been discussed. It is disappointing that
stories about Muslims winning a Ramayana quiz contest receive less attention
than problems that foster prejudice and hate toward this disadvantaged group of
the population. Indian Muslims are proud of their culture and heritage and have
goals for growth, acceptance in society and the economy, identity, and
engagement in national affairs.
A
specific arrangement and affirmative action are required for Muslims to be
treated equally in mainstream higher education. As of 2019–20, just one-third
of Muslims are enrolled in college as would be expected given their
demographics. With higher education excluded, the percentage of students rose
from 2.53% in 2010–11 to 5.45% in 2019–20, and within the same time period, the
percentage of faculty members rose from 2.95% to 5.55%. Muslims are becoming
more prevalent in absolute terms as well, showing that they are keen to blend
in when given the chance. This is concerning because Muslim enrolment in higher
education has recently grown more slowly, from 120.09% in 2010–11 to 36.96% in
2014–15 to 2019–20. The percentage of Muslim academicians likewise decreased
within the same decade, going from 110.36% to 76%.
The
enrolment ratios of centrally and government-aided recognised universities,
which are 8.41% and 14.5%, respectively, may better represent Muslims. Due to
their nature and traditions, a number of institutions, including Jamia Millia
Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and Jamia
Hamdard, have a disproportionate number of Muslim students. They do not,
however, participate very much in higher education due to their homogeneity.
Muslims make up just 1.92% of prestigious universities like NITs, IISERs, IITs,
and IIMs.
Muslims
in India must look for opportunities to spread the word on subjects that get
less attention. It is the responsibility of community-based educators to put in
place the necessary measures to raise public awareness about the importance of
education and to make educating the young a priority for themselves and their
communities. The narrative of Baasit and Jaabir shows how education can make
India known better for its peaceful cultural traditions.
Urdu
Article: A Culture of Education and Harmony تعلیم اور ہم آہنگی کی ثقافت
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/culture-education-social-harmony-india-/d/128019
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