Should Banu Mushtaq Decline the Dussehra Inauguration Invitation?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
BJP leader Abdul Azeem has called on Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to reject an invitation to inaugurate the Dussehra festivities, emphasizing the importance of honoring Hindu sentiments in the celebration. This appeal raises questions about cultural representation and communal harmony in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
- Abdul Azeem's appeal emphasizes the importance of Hindu representation in religious celebrations.
- Banu Mushtaq's Booker Prize recognition highlights cultural pride.
- The Dussehra festival is a significant event in Hindu tradition.
- Maintaining communal harmony is crucial in diverse societies.
- Respecting religious sentiments can prevent potential conflicts.
Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) BJP leader and former Karnataka Legislative Council member Abdul Azeem has urged Booker Prize recipient Banu Mushtaq to decline the invitation from the Congress-led government to inaugurate the Dussehra celebrations. He stated that since Hindus have voiced their concerns regarding the participation of individuals from other religions in this event, she should not attend.
During a press conference at the BJP state office ‘Jagannath Bhavan’ on Friday, the former police officer-turned-politician remarked: “The Karnataka government has invited Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dussehra festival, and she has accepted it. However, Hindus across the state have expressed their wish that she should not lead the event. This is a festival dedicated to Hindu traditions and should rightfully be inaugurated by Hindus, not representatives from other faiths. Therefore, she must turn down the invitation.
“Banu Mushtaq’s achievement of winning the Booker Prize is noteworthy, as it is a prestigious global accolade. Her literature has reached millions of readers. It is indeed a source of pride for a Kannada author to gain international recognition. However, fostering peace and harmony in Karnataka is paramount. Hindus and Muslims must coexist peacefully in our state.”
Reflecting on his time in police service, Azeem stated: “For nearly a decade, I was responsible for security at Chamundi Temple, Mysore Palace, Vijayadashami, and Ayudha Puja during Dussehra. My experiences affirm that Dussehra is a Hindu festival. Just as Bakrid and Ramzan are celebrated by Muslims, we honor our own religious observances.”
He emphasized: “Hindu texts such as the Puranas, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana reference Chamundi Devi. The triumph of Goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura is commemorated as Navaratri. This is fundamentally a Hindu event. If Muslims partake in inaugurating it, it may offend Hindu sentiments, provoke disputes, and lead to discord between communities. Thus, she should respectfully decline the government’s offer.”
Azeem further advised: “If the state government genuinely respects and values Banu Mushtaq, they can recognize her in a different capacity during the Dussehra celebrations. However, allowing her to inaugurate the festival is inappropriate.”
He reinforced that “not a single Muslim in Karnataka has approached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting that a Muslim figure inaugurate Dussehra.”
“Consequently, instead of Banu Mushtaq, the government should appoint a genuine religious leader, a notable Hindu figure, a Kannada personality, or an individual who has contributed significantly to the nation to inaugurate the Dussehra festivities,” he concluded.
Point of View
This situation underscores the delicate balance between cultural representation and community sentiments. It is crucial to foster dialogue and understanding among different faiths to maintain harmony in a diverse society like India. Upholding mutual respect is vital for social cohesion.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abdul Azeem ask Banu Mushtaq to decline the invitation?
Abdul Azeem believes that the Dussehra festival should be inaugurated by Hindus, as it is a Hindu religious celebration, and that participation from individuals of other faiths could hurt Hindu sentiments.
What is the significance of Dussehra in Hindu culture?
Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the victory of Goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura.
What has been the response of the Hindu community regarding the inauguration?
Many Hindus in Karnataka have expressed their desire for a Hindu figure to inaugurate the Dussehra festivities, thus raising concerns over the invitation extended to Banu Mushtaq.
How did Azeem's background influence his viewpoints?
As a former police officer with extensive experience in security during Dussehra events, Azeem draws on his understanding of the festival's significance to argue for its traditional representation.
What alternative suggestions did Azeem provide?
Azeem suggested that the state government could honor Banu Mushtaq in a different capacity during the Dussehra celebrations rather than allowing her to inaugurate the event.
