Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata (SR)
Kolkata, Jul 2: ISKCON has invited newly elected MP Nusrat Jahan as special guest for the inaugural ceremony of the 48th edition of Kolkata ISKCON Rathayatra, that will take place on Thursday.
The Rathayatra is being organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) since 1971 and will be inaugurated by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Nusrat Jahan was criticized recently for wearing vermilion and sporting a 'mangalsutra' at her oath-taking ceremony. The MP had then said that she represents an 'inclusive India, which is beyond the barriers of caste, creed and religion'.
ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das said the newly elected TMC MP's stand on religion and inclusiveness is 'in sync' with the ISKCON's spirit of 'social harmony'. Thanking Nusrat Jahan for accepting the invitation, Das said, the actor represented an 'all inclusive India' and was 'really showing the road forward'.
Das told PTI, "Nusrat Jahan represents new India... an all inclusive India. Respect for others religious beliefs and participation in their festivities will make India great again. This is what India stands for and youth like Nusarat Jahan are showing the path forward. A society where there is freedom for all to choose responsibly is a happy society. That freedom has been given by God to all. So, we the people should not be one to snatch that freedom from anyone," he added.
A section of Deoband-based clerics has reportedly issued a 'fatwa' (diktat) against the Trinamool Congress lawmaker. Refusing to budge to the pressure by hardline Muslim clerics, the first-time MP from West Bengal said, "I still remain a Muslim and none should comment on what I choose to wear. Faith is beyond attire."
Coming out in support of the MP, Das said, "Everyone has the freedom to preach and others have the freedom to accept it or reject it. All kinds of fundamentalism and manufactured supremacy should be condemned. God preaches love for all. This is what the festival of Rathayatra represents. The lord comes out to bless everyone and not only Hindus. Iskcon Kolkata Rathayatra is example of that social harmony where the Lord's chariots are also built by our Muslim brothers. Some of the most beautiful Lord's dresses are also made by our Muslim brothers and they have been doing it for decades in some of our temples." Das added.
Nusrat Jahan's husband Nikhil Jain will accompany her for the inauguration ceremony and Nusrat's friends from the film industry will also be present.
I represent an 'inclusive' India: Nusrat Jahan on 'fatwa'