Rajouri, Nov 26: Reacting to the ongoing row of admissions in the newly-started Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said religious discrimination in education undermines the spirit of the Constitution.
“Unfortunately, now even education is being given religious colour and admission-related issues in a medical college are in front of us,” he said, addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration of Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom Group of Institutions in Poonch.
Drawing a line between the constitution and the SMVDIME admission row, CM Omar said, “The people making this an issue are also teaching us the constitution.”
He said that the Constitution Day must inspire a daily commitment to uphold the values of equality and justice enshrined in the country’s founding document, cautioning that rising religious discrimination in education undermines the very spirit of the Constitution.
The CM said the Constitution Day should not be reduced to a symbolic observance.
“Today, Constitution Day is being celebrated. The meaning of Constitution Day is not that we remember the Constitution for an hour. Its meaning is that every day of the year, we must keep it alive,” he said, noting that the Preamble grants equal status to all religions, ensures democratic rights for every citizen and guarantees protection under the law.
CM Omar expressed concern that the country was witnessing a trend where even educational institutions were being viewed through a communal lens.
“Today, in one of the medical colleges, it is being said that Muslims and non-Hindus should not study here. If we set aside merit and start making decisions on the basis of religion, then where will the Constitution go?” he said.
The CM was referring to the BJP’s demand for revocation of the first list of admissions in the SMVDIME and reserving the seats for those who have faith in the deity.
The controversy was sparked by rightwing groups who protested the selection of 42 students in the first list of 50 MBBS candidates, pointing out their faith.
Inviting the attention of people to the national anthem and patriotic songs presented by the students of the Jamia, CM Omar said, “I wish those people who spread venom against such religious institutions had a chance to sit here and watch this programme. They are not tired of spreading this propaganda that in these institutions, nothing is taught other than hatred and sectarianism, and in these institutions, nothing is given attention other than religion.”
He said those who are propagating against religious schools should come and meet these children and understand what kind of education is given in these institutions.
“Religion is not forgotten. Religion is taught. But along with religion, what is it that is not being taught to children here?” the CM said.
Referring to the programme organised by the school, he said this was not a government function, and if they wanted, they would not have done it, as there was no compulsion to read out the Preamble of the Constitution.
“I wish those who spread hatred would come here and spend a day. Maybe, they will understand that the propaganda and poison being spread against us by peddling lies, they are not being loyal to the country,” CM Omar said.
He said that those who lecture others on constitutional values should look at the institute’s contribution to harmony.
The CM praised the students, teachers, and administration, particularly Jamia’s founder, Maulana Ghulam Qadir, for consistently upholding brotherhood and supporting peace during delicate situations.
“Whenever the situation became sensitive, or there was a natural calamity, Qadir Sahab and this institute were among the first to stand up and come in support of the government,” he said.
CM Omar said that institutions like Jamia Zia Ul Uloom have become trademarks, establishing a legacy.
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