Muslims’ outfit in Ahmedabad honours Gita champion girl Maryam Siddiqui

Ahmedabad: An organization of Muslims in the city, Ahmedabad Welfare Society today felicitated Maryam Siddiqui, the Ahmedabad born and Mumbai-based 14-year-old Muslim girl, who had won a contest on the Bhagwad Gita organised by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) two years ago in Lucknow and had donated the Rs 11 lakh prize money for the betterment and education of underprivileged children.

After being felicitated during the function organized to honour and encourage meritorious students, Maryam, who had earlier also been hounoured by the President and the Prime Minister among others, said that her study of various religious scriptures has taught her about humanity. ‘ I have read Gita, Bible and scriptures of other religions including Buddhism and Jainism. What I have notice is that all these scriptures give the message of humanity,’ she said.

Maryam was born in Shahpur area of Ahmedabad.

An organizer of the event said that Maryam was a symbol of a real achiever and her presence at the function was an encouragement for others.

Class VIII student Maryam had stood first in the Bhagwat Gita contest which had more than 3,000 participants and what was more that she returned the Prize money of Rs 11 lakh to the Uttar Pradesh government so that it could be used for the “betterment of children in need”.

On the occasion Maryam had touched many hearts by saying, ” I have the means to lead a reasonable life because the Almighty has been kind to my parents. But there are many children who are not as lucky as me. So, I have decided to return the cash award to the government so that it can be used for the betterment of children in need.”

She said that she has always been intensely curious about religions. “I have always been inquisitive about religions and I often read up on them during my free time,” she said.

Maryam’s father, Asif Siddiqui, says he is proud of his daughter’s achievements.He said that he had started teaching her Geeta six years ago after her innocent queries about Hindus. She has also read other religious books.

DeshGujarat