It is not a surprise that Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad always finds itself in the middle of controversies. This time it is being bashed for celebrating the Hindu festival Holi on campus. Videos of the festival and Holi celebrations were uploaded on social media and the viewers had negative reactions to them.
Whereas some also appreciated the step and called it an encouragment for Hindu students on campus.
Keeping in mind that this is not the first time that QAU is being bashed for celebrating Holi. Earlier in 2019, The institution hosted the Holi festival (also known as the festival of colors) to encourage religious tolerance and peace among all faiths in Pakistan. As per the university administration, “The students wanted to spread the message of peace and love.”
Someone wrote on Twitter, “Those who were responsible for training this young generation, who are unaware of their values and traditions, should be trained first”. It also said that the media, educational institutions, political institutions, government, and family all have a role to play in bringing their new generation here.
Another user wrote, “I fail to understand this too. How can a Muslim university inside a Muslim country celebrate Holi with such extravagance? I’m in for religious tolerance and inclusion but this, being overboard, shows a serious disorientation of religious compass.”
Others, however, asserted that this negative backlash is in stark contrast to the praise given to Jacinda Ardern, the ex-prime minister of New Zealand, when she wore a hijab to show support for the families of the victims of the deadly mosque shooting in Christchurch that claimed the lives of 50 Muslim worshippers, including men, women, and infants. It is also dissonance with the appreciation Duchess of Cambridge Katrine gained for wearing hijab in Badshahi Mosque in Pakistan.
