Mumbai: When some political leaders are frequently making attempts to disturb the communal fabric of the society, Mariyan Asif Siddiqui has learned from the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita that humanity is the biggest religion in this world. The Muslim girl studying in Class 6 has received the first prize in an inter-school competition for explaining the teachings of the holy book in the best possible manner.
More significantly, Mariyam was selected for the award among 4,500 students who participated in the competition from across the city. Her parents are proud to see Mariyam getting such an achievement at an early age and want her to study more about other religions.
The 13-year-old is a student of Cosmopolitan High School at Mira Road and had participated in “Shrimad Bhagwad Gita Champion League” organised by Iskcon International Society in March with an objective to spread teachings of the holy book. Around 195 schools had participated in this competition. Of them 105 were private and 90 were BMC schools.
“It was very interesting to read Bhagwad Gita as I have got a lot of information about life from it. The holy book has taught me the golden rules of life. It says that though there are many religions but humanity is the biggest religion among all,” Mariyam remarked.
The English version of the holy book was given to all the students for a month for preparation purpose. A teacher was also appointed to help the students understand the book in detail. After a month, a written examination was held with 100 questions.
Mariyam was the best in the written examinations and was awarded first prize in the competition. Her father Asif Siddiqui said he is happy as his daughter has shown a keen interest in reading a holy book of other religion is a happy man and also a proud father. Being a Muslim, he had never thought that his daughter is taking keen interest in reading a holy book of other religion. “I have never thought on such lines in my life. In fact, I have told by children to respect every religion as they show us the right path,” said Asif Siddiqui.
“I believe religion is a way of life but have been presented before the masses in a distorted manner by the preachers for their own benefits,” he added.
