New Delhi: In an important development, Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) on Friday directed all madrasas affiliated to it to recite national anthem and unfurl national flag on August 15, India’s Independence Day.
In its circular, the Parishad outlined the events which should be organised on August 15 immediately after the unfurling of the national flag.
Some of the suggested activities included singing of patriotic songs by students, commemoration of martyrs of Indian freedom struggle and holding cultural activities based on the theme of national integrity.
This is the first time that the madrasas have been asked to organise cultural programmes on Independence Day.
UPMSP sent the text of the national anthem in both Hindi and Urdu to all affiliated madrasas.
“The flag hoisting and recitation of the national anthem should take place at 8am in all madrasas. Following this, tribute will be paid to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Students have been asked to sing songs on nationalism and discuss the history of August 15 and the freedom fighters,” sources in the Chief Minister’s office told Gulf News.
Interestingly, the circular also asked the madrasas to take both still pictures and videos of the programmes.
According to reliable sources, the idea behind videographing the event is to repeat well-performed cultural activities in future as well.
UP’s Minority Affairs Minister Mohsin Raza described the decision as “a good initiative” by the government.
“The Uttar Pradesh state government will review video recordings and encourage, felicitate participants. There is no other intention,” he said.
Around 8,000 madrasas in UP are recognised by the Parishad.
