If polarisation along communal lines is a reality in India, the astonishing tale of a young Muslim girl winning a ‘Gita competition’ (one of Hinduism’s central texts) in Mumbai is the opposite reality.
Maryam Asif Siddiqui, a 12-year-old Muslim student, laid many ghosts to rest by winning the Gita Champions League’ organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
And, she beat more than 4,000 other contestants – 4,617 students from 195 schools. The students were tested on their knowledge and understanding of the Bhagwad Gita.
“I have always been inquisitive about religions and I often read up on them during my free time. So when my teacher told me about this contest I thought it would be a good chance to understand what the book is about. My parents too supported my idea of participating in the contest,” Maryam told a local Mumbai daily.
Her parents were right behind her in her quest. “Our family believes that one needs to respect and accept all religions. No religion preaches hatred or wrong. However, there are some members who have misguided us. Before these have a bad influence on the children, we need to talk to them and make them understand what is right,” said her father, Asif Siddiqui.
The social media, understandably, was agog.
Mumbai: Muslim girl Maryam Siddiqui wins "Gita" competition in school, says "Humanity is the ultimate religion" pic.twitter.com/qbujfbzbWQ
