Religious education in schools.

Religious Education in schools.

Najma Kazi, principal of Anjuman Islam's Saif Tyabji High School in Byculla, should be congratulated on introducing religious education to the students ( DNA, 29/3/11). The religious course will explore major religions of the world and their role in history and society. The religious literacy increases religious tolerance and secular outlook, as she rightly points out. Her observation that omission of facts about religion can give students the false impression that religions have not played an important role in shaping our history is also relevant.

Understanding ones own religion makes one a better practitioner of his religion and understanding other religions makes one a better human being and promotes brotherhood. Mahatma Gandhi said that a Hindu should be a better Hindu, a Muslim, a better Muslim and a Christian, a better Christian as all religions are based on human values such as love, charity, non-violence and brotherhood. These are the values of our Constitution as well – liberty, equality and fraternity. All schools should follow the example of Saif Tyabji High School to promote brotherhood and secularism.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_byculla-school-to-impart-religious-education_1525697

March 29, 2011.

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Dr.Manmohan Singh - A prisoner of the Congress party ?

Dr.Manmohan Singh : A prisoner of the Congress party ?

The Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh has not only soiled his reputation and record but that of his high office as well when he selected P.J.Thomas, who has a case pending against him, while the other two on the panel had no such blemish. He persisted with his choice even after the leader of the opposition in the Loka Sabha raised the issue of the pending case. It is a deliberate choice rather than 'an error of judgement' and 'a willful move on his part to appoint a complaisant babu with a deep sense of gratitude towards the Congress in one of the most important offices of the country' as has been pointed out by Kanchan Gupta. (DNA, 11/3). Gupta even says that Thomas as the telecom secretary tried to block the CAG's inquiry into the 2G spectrum scam. This is another black mark for both Thomas and Dr.Manmoan Singh.

Assessment of Ashok Mitra of Dr.Manmohan Singh may be true when he said that 'His timidity is the product of his civil servant's mind, which many mistake as humility'. Dr.Singh has been appointed as the PM by Congress to serve its interest rather than that of the country. He is the prisoner of the Congress party and the party is hiding behind his reputation for integrity. The Congress wants to be in power at any cost. Late Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri had resigned for just a railway accident and here Dr.Singh has derailed an office of 'impeccable integrity' crucial for good governance willingly.

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx

March 11, 2011.

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