The BJP government seems to have determined to undermine all the Muslim institutions by hook or by crook. The NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) has recently submitted a report to the Supreme Court that Madrasas are “unsuitable or unfit” places for children to receive proper education. There is no gainsaying that the curriculum in Madrasas needs to be devised with a holistic approach to integrate with mainstream education system, so as to make the students employable. This task should be assigned to the managements of the Madrasas without any overt intervention of the government.
The idea that the Madrasas should be closed and that the children there needed to be sent to mainstream schools is neither desirable nor workable. They will add-up to the huge number of children who are already not attending schools in the country. The Minister of State for Education Subhas Sarkar had informed in Rajya Sabha in February 2023 that over 1.2 million children under the age of 14 years had not attended schools during the year 2022-23.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin
Kadapa (A.P)
SC Must End Discriminatory ‘Bulldozer Justice’
The Supreme Court’s stance against ‘bulldozer justice’ was a much-needed intervention and will hopefully bring to an end the much-hated practice, which has been adopted by several BJP-ruled states. There have been instances where members of a particular religious community were punished in this manner by demolishing their constructions.
It is disheartening to see how this practice has been normalized, turning the bulldozer into a weapon of retribution. Such actions are no doubt driven by prejudice and point to state-sanctioned discrimination. One hopes the top court’s observations will help address this injustice and ensure that such discriminatory actions are completely brought to a stop.
Ameena Ahmed
Bengaluru, Karnataka
India, a Sunshine Paradox
Despite being a tropical country bathed in sunlight year-round, India faces a widespread problem of vitamin D deficiency. This paradox is primarily attributed to factors such as cultural practices, air pollution and inadequate sun exposure. Many people, particularly women and children, spend significant time indoors, shielding themselves from the sun’s rays. Additionally, air pollution can block ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
To address this deficiency, it is crucial for individuals to incorporate regular sun exposure into their daily routines. Spending 15-20 minutes in the early morning sun, when UVB rays are strongest, can significantly boost vitamin D levels.
Khadija Ahmed
Pune, Maharashtra
Respected Mr. A.G. Noorani Saheb
Read an article titled “A.G. Noorani’s Demise” by Ms. Uzma Ausaf vide issue No. 23 dated: 14th September 2024 of Radiance.
Respected Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Majid Noorani Saheb, who expired on 29th August, 2024 at the ripe age of 94, was born in CutchhiMemon family in 1930.
Late Noorani Saheb has written on a variety of subjects ranging from politics, jurisprudence, religion, history and on many more. He did not write without any concrete proof. He wrote extensively in various periodicals including Radiance. His writings always called a spade a spade.
Hundreds of articles, letters to the editor have been published in print and electronic media, paying him glorious tribute. I would suggest that someone should compile all these articles in book form. It is one of the ways to keep his memory forever.
Let me conclude by quoting Mr. Danish Khan, a journalist, “Arrangements should be made to house his library, papers and correspondence in a scholarly institution. That would be the most fitting tribute to this rare scholar.”
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India