Why make girls dance to irrelevant songs? Dangal-fame Zaira Wasim criticises Independence Day event

SRINAGAR: Young girls dancing during Independence Day celebrations at a school seems fine for many, but Dangal-fame Zaira Wasim seethes at such a sight. The former actress questioned the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, under which the school functions, for allowing such a practice, which she mentioned was not in adherence to the Muslim religion. Meanwhile, Zaira said her criticism was not directed at the children.

Zaira said that the Kashmir Waqf Board is expected to uphold religious values and serve the Muslim community, but criticised that the Independence Day event seemed contradictory to what they were entrusted to perform.

Zaira questioned the need to bring children, particularly girls, to dance to irrelevant songs.

Zaira Wasim

“Why is the default way of involving children- and particularly girls-in public celebrations to make them dance to irrelevant songs? Why aren't our institutions giving them something to think about, create, learn, discuss, build or contribute?

Especially in a place like Kashmir. Which has had a remarkable legacy of people who understood education as a means to enlighten minds, cultivate character and equip people with knowledge and spirituality.

What about the intellectual and cultural legacy of wonderful scholars of the past?

So if it's an institution whose very existence is tied to religious purpose, you are tasked with deeper work of strengthening the communities spiritually, morally, intellectually.

And to be clear: the point is not the children. Children are often simply made to participate in whatever schools and institutions put before them.

Perhaps that is the real tragedy here.”

The incident led to online debate, with many calling out the former actress for trying to radicalise children and desperately trying to instil theocratic principles in society.