Kerala: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is often in the limelight due to his statements. He cited the social reformer-educationist and Aligarh Muslim University as saying that he too called himself Hindu. In an event organized by Kerala Hindus of North America, he said that you can call me a Hindu too. He was addressing the members of the Arya Samaj.
Quoting Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Arif Mohammad Khan said that whoever is born in India, eats its food and drinks its water can be called a Hindu. You call me Hindu too. He said that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was also invited by the Arya Samaj Mandir.
During the colonial period, when he completed his legislative term, he was given a formal welcome. He further said that during the British period they tried to divide people into Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs to deprive them of their rights. Such is the conspiracy that a wrong message is being given on being called a Hindu. Even before independence there were kings who believed that Sanatana Dharma welcomed everyone with open heart and accepted everyone.
Regarding the BBC documentary, he also said, why no documentary was made about the British state? Why wasn’t a documentary made when the artist’s hands were cut off? He said, some people were predicting that India would disintegrate and fight among itself, he is very disappointed.
The Governor said, India is working with the whole world. What saddens me is that many people are relying on documentaries instead of court judgments. This is the time when India has held the presidency of the G-20 countries. That is why this documentary has been released on this special occasion. At the time of independence, those people said that India cannot handle democracy, but today India is the largest democracy in the world.
