New Delhi:
Several Muslim institutions on Tuesday defied the diktat issued by Uttar Pradesh government which had asked staff and students at Islamic educational institutions to sing national anthem and videograph Independence Day celebrations. Many muslim institutions hoisted the national flag but did not sing the national anthem. In many institutions ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’, a 20th century patriotic song penned by poet Mohmmad Iqbal was sung in spite of the national anthem. Many teachers and students of several institution said that they don’t need to prove their nationality. The Yogi Adityanath government had passed a circular last week stating that all Islamic educational institutions should celebrate Independence Day, sing national anthem at 8 am sharp and video-record the event. Many prominent clerics openly opposed the order. According to a press release issued by Barelivi clerics they said, “Singing the national anthem belittles the struggle of our freedom fighters.” The clerics also alleged that the national anthem was written in praise of George V, the then king of England.
