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New Delhi: A video of Railways Minister Piyush Goyal reciting the Kalma at an event in Kolkata has gone viral on Twitter.

The video, however, is three years old and the organiser told ThePrint that it is being taken out of context.

In the video, Goyal is heard saying, “Mein shuruat kar sakun us chotey vakya se jo humne tab seekha tha aur jo mere man mein aisa baith gaya ki roz subah jab mein puja karta hu, mein woh vakya bhi saath mein jodhta hu: La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah (I would like to start with one small sentence which we learnt, and it has settled in my mind in such a way that every morning I recite it in my morning prayers: La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah).

The literal translation of the Kalma is: There is no God except Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.

https://twitter.com/AsYouNotWish/status/1153197133928906752?s=20

The Kalma, also known as the Shahadah, is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is recited when one converts to Islam.

The controversy

The controversy began when author and consulting editor of Swarajya Anand Ranganathan shared a 30-second clip of Goyal reciting the Kalma on Twitter, followed by a YouTube link of his entire speech in a subsequent tweet.

This was retweeted by columnist and author Tavleen Singh, who wrote, “Has anyone told him that this is all you need to say to become a Muslim?”

Goyal’s speech is from a January 2016 event organised by ‘Taleem Ki Taquat’ — an initiative by Gujarati businessman Zafar Sareshwala.

‘Taleem ki Taquat’— was a conference on how education can empower and energise communities. It began in 2015 with the aim of emphasising on education to empower the Muslim community.

Also read: Why IAS officers are no fans of minister Piyush Goyal

‘Attempt to break ice with Muslims being seen out of context’

Speaking to ThePrint, Sareshwala said Goyal’s effort to break the ice with a Muslim audience at the conference is being misread and misinterpreted.

He said it is saddening that this three-year-old video clip is being taken out of context.

“Piyush Goyal was immensely forthcoming and delivered a splendid 30-minute-long speech,” Sareshwala said.

“He began his speech with the Kalma merely to help break the ice with an audience of 2,500 Muslims, some of whom may have been sceptical about the presence of a BJP leader,” he said.

Sareshwala said those suggesting Goyal has become a Muslim after reciting the Kalma are peddling “complete nonsense”.

“I can recite the Gayatri Mantra better than many Hindus, perhaps even better than a Pandit. I am also well-versed with Gita. Does that make me a Hindu?” Sareshwala asked.

‘BJP ministers have attended event in the past’

Since 2015, 38 ‘Taleem ki Taquat’ conferences in as many cities have been held so far, and every event has had the presence of some central minister, Sareshwala told ThePrint.

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley, former minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and former union minister for minority affairs Najma Heptulla have attended ‘Taleem ki Taquat’ events, besides other central leaders and chief ministers, he added.

Sareshwala also claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it very tough for them to organise the event in Kolkata.

“Not only did we struggle with permissions, she even tried to sabotage our event by inaugurating a Haj house that very day and split the audience. But, still 2,500 Muslims showed up for our event to listen to all leaders, including Piyush Goyal.”

The Kalma was merely Goyal’s way of depicting unity in diversity, Sareshwala said.

At the time of publishing this report, Goyal was not available for comment. The copy will be updated when he responds.

Also read: Indian Muslims won’t lose religion by saying ‘Bharat mata ki jai’, we have bigger battles

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