Science to Superstition: Controversy as presidential candidate Pratibha Patil 'speaks to spirit'

The Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil in a public function at Mount Abu on June 14, said that she spoke to a man who died 38 years ago.

Surprisingly, she had attended the function at the 70th anniversary of establishment of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ashram, in her capacity as Governor of Rajasthan

Still she went on to say that 'she had conversation with Lekhraj Baba through Daadi Hriday Mohini.

In front of a gathering, Pratibha Patil, said that Lekhraj Baba's spirit (aatma) came into the body of Hirday Mohini and spoke to her. It has only caused further embarrassment for the Congress and the UPA as Pratibha, who is all set to head the nation in 21st, seems to believe in 'occult' and spirits.

Belief in religion is a different thing but superstition and more so, airing these views in public function, from a public figure is surely alarming. Shivraj Patil was rejected as candidate also because he is a firm believer in Sathya Sai Baba (Leftists had reservations on his uncompromising belief).

Visiting shrines of various religions is not an issue in a pluralistic society but such statement coming from the Prez candidate is definitely a cause of concern. Time and again Pratibha has landed in controversy.

First, the statement over purdah, then the alleged murder allegation on her brother and two other controversies including the allegation that her sugar factory owed crores to cooperative bank in Maharashtra and another issue over land in her native town.

TV Channel Jan Mat showed the footage on Monday. Communists may also get uncomfortable with such views. And Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's chances may brighten a bit. It must have been a jolt for him when Shiv Sena decided to support Patil.

Hindutva takes a back seat for Shiv Sena, Marathi first!

So the 'Apla Manush' seems to have relegated Hindutva. After all, Uma Bharti had cautioned Bal Thackeray about Patil. She had reminded him that Patil was against the Hindutva cause as she had returned the 'anti-conversion bill' as Governor of Rajasthan. So who is the greatest champion of Hindutva? Thackeray has shown that for him regionalism is foremost.

President APJ Abdul Kalam was a practising Muslim, photos of his offering Namaz at Fatehpuri Mosque

Welcoming the President: Kalam seen wearing the skullcap

President APJ Abdul Kalam offered the 'Jume ki Namaaz' [special Friday prayer] at Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi.

It was rarest of rare visit of the President to any mosque in several years.

Until now we had brief reports about Kalam Sahab's prayers.

News agencies reported annually that he prayed at the mosque within the Rashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of Id Ul Fitr and Iduz Zuha.

Though not many are aware about the mosque that exists on the premises of the President's House.
But today he surprised everybody with the visit to the historic Fatehpuri Masjid.

The president interacted with the Namazis and also met Mufti Moazzam. Of course, there was extra security. Tens of thousands of Namazis in the mosque shook hands with arguably India's most popular president. 

In pictures here one can see the enthusiasm with which he was greeted. The visit could be symbolic. The end of his term is nearing and president is not keen on a second term. 

Avul Pakir Jainulabideen [Zainulabideen] Abdul Kalam has brought not only dignity but respect for the President's House and the highest office of the country.

He is the sort of persons who in his role as President, inspires millions of children and urges them to dream and it is this role which I salute.

His religious side has not been known to us much and there were, from some narrow-minded sections [including Muslims], questions raised on his beliefs, about being a practising Muslim [and also a rumour which I often heard in South Indian cities among Muslim that I don't want to mention].

The President's visit and prayer at the mosque not only demonstrate the unique secular nature of our country. In his personal life, he is a Muslim.He has been to religious places of other religions also.

Today he prayed at a mosque, rubbing shoulders with the common Muslim. Let me repeat the oft-quoted couplet:

ek hii saf meN khaRe ho gaye Mahmood-o-Ayaaz/ na koii bandaa rahaa, na koii bandaa nawaaz

In the past, the country has seen two Muslim presidents, first the dignified Zakir Husain and later Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad during Indira Gandhi's regime as PM. 

They came from North and were representatives of Muslim culture of Northern India. Kalam comes from Southern part of the country.

He has never been overtly Muslim during the tenure. And also, the Sadar [Rashtrapati] never seemed to have made a deliberate attempt to appear un-religious either. He has all along kept that delicate balance with perfection. Will we ever have such a President again?

PS: My friend, Pandit Ji, who saw photos of Kalam, asked me why he didn't go to Jama Masjid. And I also thought about it. Is it because there the Shahi Imam could have turned it into his show rather than just a normal visit to mosque? The Fatehpuri mosque houses a seminary also. Kalam is known to be influenced by Sufi thought.