Muslim Girl Wins Bhagwat Gita Recitation Contest 

Kendrapara (Odisha): Firdaus, a five-year-old girl, from Muslim community topped the Gita recitation contest held here on Wednesday.

Firdaus is an exceptional talent and she stood first in the Gita recital competition for the sub-juniors in the 6-14 years category, said Biraja Kumar Pati, one of the judges. Firdaus is a Class 1 student of Sovaniya residential school here.

"My teachers have taught me moral education and have inculcated me the spirit of ‘Live and let live others'. I believe that all human beings are members of an extended global family. This is what my dear teachers tell us in the classrooms", Firdaus said.

Firdaus was miles ahead of her competitors. At one go, she recited the Gita with consummate ease and uninterruptedly. Her pronunciation was immaculate.

"I am a proud mother. It is giving me immense satisfaction after knowing that my daughter has stood first on reciting Hindu religious scripture Gita. Credit for my daughter's success goes to the school teachers," her mother Arifa Biwi said.

"We have read about the singing sensation of Indian Idol fame being allegedly issued Fatwa for performing in open stage. But a Muslim girl here has set an example of communal amity and tolerance by topping Bhagwat Gita contest", said a local resident, Aryadatta Mohanty.

Stating that they belonged to Damarpur village in Pattamundai block, Biwi said communal amity always prevails in their village. The majority community members live in neighbourhood and treat others like their brothers and sisters.

"Firdaus has shown spark of brilliance in academics. She has a sharp memory power. Boys and girls from both the Hindu and Muslim communities are studying here. Apart from text book teaching, we teach them finer points of all religions as part of moral education," Urmila Kar, head mistress.