Urdu most beautiful language; Hindu-Muslim harmony vital for progress: Kiren Rijiju
New Delhi (PTI): Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday described Urdu as "the most beautiful language in the world" and said harmony between Hindus and Muslims is essential for the country's progress and unity.
Speaking at the 105th Foundation Day celebrations of Jamia Millia Islamia, he praised the university for reflecting India's composite culture and democratic spirit.
"The university's motto song beautifully reflects the values of our nation. I would like to remind you that Mahatma Gandhi and great luminaries such as Sarojini Naidu supported this university when it was being established," the minister said.
Lauding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the university, Rijiju said he was "highly impressed" with its academic record and national ranking.
Emphasising the importance of open debate in a democracy, he said, "In our democracy, people express their views aggressively, which sometimes creates polarisation. But that is not necessarily bad so long as it does not harm the country."
Rijiju noted that while Parliament often witnesses noisy debates, it remains the best platform for diverse opinions to be expressed.
"As Parliamentary Affairs Minister, it is sometimes tough to run the House; but chaos in Parliament is a sign of a vibrant democracy," he said, adding that despite disruptions, crucial legislation is eventually passed "in the interest of the nation".
The minister also underlined India's constitutional strength and diversity. "Because of the Constitution, we will be safe, as it covers every aspect of a problem and provides a solution for it," he said.
Rijiju added that maintaining social harmony is a collective responsibility.
"Of the six recognised minorities, Muslims form about 80 per cent. It is the responsibility of the larger communities -- Hindus and Muslims -- to ensure harmony. If they live in peace, then all other smaller communities will also continue to contribute to the growth of the country. Jamia Millia Islamia is the best symbol from where such a message can go out," he said.
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NEET student hangs self in Rajasthan's Sikar
Jaipur (PTI): A student preparing for the NEET examination allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in a rented room in Rajasthan's Sikar on Friday, police said.
According to the police, the student allegedly hanged himself from a ceiling fan using his sister's scarf while one sister was attending coaching classes and the other was in the bathroom.
He had appeared in the NEET UG exam 2026, which was cancelled due to paper leak, they said.
Udyog Nagar SHO Rajesh Kumar said that the deceased, identified as Pradeep Meghwal, was a resident of Kanika ki Dhani village in Jhunjhunu's Gudha Gaudji area.
He had been living in a rented room in Sikar's Jaldhari Nagar area with his two sisters while preparing for NEET over the last three years.
His elder sister later found him hanging and informed the landlord and police after bringing him down, officials said.
The SHO said the body was kept at SK Hospital mortuary, and a postmortem had not been conducted.
The student's father, Rajesh Kumar Meghwal, told police that Pradeep's NEET examination had gone well and the family was expecting him to score around 650 marks.
Former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot expressed grief over the incident and linked it to anxiety among students after reports of irregularities and paper leaks in NEET 2026.
Pilot said repeated paper leak incidents and cancellation of examinations were affecting students' mental health and demanded a time-bound investigation and strict action against those responsible.
