MUMBAI, Apr 2:
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday urged Muslims to observe Shab-e-Barat staying inside their homes and also suggested that the birth anniversary celebrations of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar be postponed to avoid a Nizamuddin congregation-like episode.
Pawar said Ram Navami, being observed on Thursday, is celebrated with fervour every year across the country.
“Unfortunately, there is this threat of coronavirus this year and we have to observe some restrictions…But I am sure people must be remembering Lord Ram staying inside their homes,” he said in his address via Facebook.
Pawar further said that congregation such as the one held last month in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area by Tablighi Jamaat could have been avoided, and urged people to ensure there is no repeat of such meetings on Shab-e-Barat.
“The Tablighi should have had avoided (organising) the event, but did not. The cost is being paid elsewhere. We should take care and see such incidents do not recur, he said.
The former Union minister said the “possibility of some people who attended the meeting carrying the disease cannot be ruled out” and pressed for maintaining discipline given the situation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
He said the Shab-e-Barat, also known as the night of forgiveness, will be observed on April 8. Muslims visit graveyards on that day to remember their relatives who are no more, the NCP chief said and called for taking precautions to avoid gathering of people given the coronavirus crisis.
“I would request them (Muslims) to remember the relatives who are no more, staying inside the home. Offer Namaz inside homes. It is not the time to visit graveyard togetherand ensure there is no repeat of the Nizamuddin-like episode,” he added.
Pawar also noted that the birth anniversary of Constitution’s architect Dr B R Ambedkar is celebrated with enthusiasm on April 14 every year.
He, however, questioned if the present time is the right occasion to celebrate the anniversary by gathering in big numbers, given the coronavirus threat.
“But, time has definitely come to think whether the celebration can be postponed. All sections of the society may have to face some (health) issue if we come together in large number (to mark the anniversary),” Pawar said.
We should remember Babasaheb, his contribution. But savant people should think if its period (of celebrating the anniversary) can be changed this time, he added.(PTI)
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