Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said Constitution Day should inspire to uphold equality and justice every day. He warned that rising religious discrimination in education goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Omar was speaking at the golden jubilee event of the Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom education institute in Poonch. He said Constitution Day should not be treated as just a symbolic occasion.
“Today, Constitution Day is being celebrated. The meaning of Constitution Day is not that we remember the Constitution for an hour. Its meaning is that every day of the year, we must keep it alive,” he said. He noted that the Preamble grants equal status to all religions, ensures democratic rights for all citizens and promises legal protection to everyone.
He said he was worried that the country was witnessing a trend of viewing even educational institutions through a communal lens.
“Today, in one of the medical colleges, it is being said that Muslims and non-Hindus should not study here. If we set aside merit and start making decisions on the basis of religion, then where will the Constitution go?" he asked.
He was referring to the BJP’s call to revoke the first admission list at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). Right-wing groups had objected to the selection of 42 Muslim students out of 50 MBBS seats, demanding that only those who believe in the deity should get admission.
Pointing to the national anthem and patriotic songs performed by Jamia students, Omar said, “I wish those people who spread venom against such religious institutions had a chance to sit here and watch this programme. They are not tired of spreading this propaganda that in these institutions, nothing is taught other than hatred and sectarianism… In these institutions, nothing is given attention other than religion.”
He said people who question religious schools should meet the children and see for themselves what kind of education is being given.
“Religion is not forgotten; religion is taught. But along with religion, what is it that is not being taught to children here?” he asked.
Talking about the event hosted by the school, he said it was not a government programme. He added that the school chose to read out the Preamble even though there was no compulsion to do so.
"I wish those who spread hatred would come here and spend a day. Maybe, they will understand that the propaganda and poison being spread against us by peddling lies, they are not being loyal to the country," Omar said.
Omar further added that those who lecture others about constitutional values should look at the institute’s work in promoting harmony. He lauded the students, teachers and administration, especially the school’s founder Maulana Ghulam Qadir, for always upholding brotherhood and supporting peace in difficult times.
"Whenever the situation became sensitive or there was a natural calamity, Qadir Sahib and this institute were among the first to stand up and come in support of the government," he said.
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