According to UP Minority Welfare Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary this will inspire students and they will learn more about the contributions of freedom fighters, though the order has not gone down well with a section of Muslim clerics.
"Children can treasure the memories of Independence Day celebrations through photographs and videos which will also act as a source of inspiration for others. Unlike the previous governments, which indulged in politics of appeasement, we are a government with nationalist bent of mind," he said.
The Minister said that today is an era of technology.
"The videos made during the Independence Day can be shared among the students. They can treasure the memories of the Independence Day celebrations. Apart from this, it will act as a source of inspiration for others," he said.
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At present, around 8,000 madrassas in UP are recognised by the government body UP Madrassa Shiksha Parishad. Among these, 560 are fully aided by the state.
"Through different cultural programmes, the students will be made aware of the rich history of the freedom struggle and the heroic deeds of our revolutionaries and martyrs. They will definitely draw inspiration from their heroic tales," he said.
Taking a swipe at political rivals, he said, "Those trying to impute motives and suspecting the intention of the government, I doubt their nationalist credentials."
"What is the intention behind the order?" he wondered.
"If you (the UP government) have issued the same order and directives for all the schools, colleges and educational institutes, then we have no objection. If it is only for madrassas, then it seems to be an unusual order. If it is only in madrassas, does it mean that our patriotism is being suspected?" he said.
"This will enhance transparency and trust, and also help in removing doubts about Muslims, who are looked upon rather suspiciously. However, we feel that this directive should be for all educational institutions of other religions also. Madrassas had participated in freedom struggle," Abbas said.
UP BJP leader Romana Siddiqui, however, welcomed the UP government's move, saying "When every institute in the country celebrates the day with full patriotic fervour, why should the madrassas lag behind. If convents and missionary schools celebrate Independence Day by holding a number of events, then why not the Madrassa".
Students will sing songs on nationalism and will be told about the history of August 15 and the freedom fighters. Besides, cultural programmes will be organised on the theme of national unity, along with sports activities. Sweets will be distributed at the end of the session.
The circular asks minority welfare officers to direct all madrassas to ensure that Independence Day is celebrated with zeal and that all the programmes mentioned above are organised.
"We have asked for videography of all programmes. We can check at random as to which madrassas has celebrated it or not," he said, adding, "If any madrassa does not celebrate it, action will be taken against it.