Developing A Culture Of Education And Social Harmony In India

By Husain Sherani 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 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism