6-yr-old Firdaus says she believes in the maxim 'live and let live', and that human beings are members of an extended family
A six-year-old from the Muslim community of Kendrapara district in Odisha has taken everyone by surprise by topping a Bhagvad Gita recitation contest.
Firdaus, a Class 1 student who for the first time participated in such a competition in the sub-junior category, has learnt the Hindu religious scripture by heart.
"Firdaus is an exceptional talent and she stood first in the Gita recital competition for the sub-juniors in the 6-14 years category," said Biraja Kumar Pati, one of the judges at the competition.
"A Muslim girl here has set an example of communal amity and tolerance by topping a Bhagwad Gita recitation contest," said Aryadatta Mohanty, a local resident.
Firdaus was miles ahead of her competitors. She recited the Gita at one go with consummate ease.
Reportedly, when the organisers came across the news of a Muslim girl taking part in the Gita recitation competition, they sought the consent of her parents. To their surprise, not only did Arifa Bibi, Firdaus' mother, grant her consent, but also remained present throughout the competition held in the premises of a temple.
"My teachers have taught me moral education and have inculcated in me the spirit of 'live and let live'. I believe that all human beings are members of an extended global family. This is what my dear teachers tell us in the classrooms", said the little girl with a tinge of pride.
Proud of her daughter, Bibi said, "It has given me immense satisfaction to know that my daughter has stood first at reciting Hindu religious scripture. Credit for my daughter's success goes to the school teachers".
Stating that they belonged to Damarpur village in Pattamundai block, Bibi said communal amity always prevails in their village, and the majority community members treat others like their brothers and sisters.
"This harmonious social coexistence has impacted our children. I always tell my children that all human beings have the same blood, though they may come from different religious faiths," she added.
Urmila Kar, the head mistress of Sovaniya residential school where Firdaus studies, praised her saying she was a bright student. "She has a sharp memory. Boys and girls from both the Hindu and Muslim communities study here. Apart from text books, we also teach them the finer points of all religions as part of their moral education," she said.
Earlier this month, 22-year-old Suhana Sayed from Karnataka was trolled and abused for singing the Kannada version of a song which is in praise of Lord Balaji in her audition for the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa reality show. A Facebook group called 'Mangalore Muslims' accused her of tarnishing the community's image. The group, in a post on their page, deprecated her achievements saying that she has not achieved any great feat by winning appreciation from judges by singing a song in front of men belonging to other religions. However, the post was later removed.
(with agency inputs)
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