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`Sufism has great significance'

Staff Reporter

Censor Board chief, Sharmila Tagore

NEW DELHI: Expressing anguish over the killing of innocent people in the Gujarat riots, the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Sharmila Tagore, on Tuesday said Sufisim, that teaches people of different faiths to live together in peaceful co-existence, was of great significance today.

"Since historical times it has been the endeavour of Sufi saints to keep people of different religions united. Sufism is actually about detachment and accepting everything. It transcends all religious barriers and is not contrived. Of course, listening to legendary musician late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or enjoying fashion that are connected with Sufism is not a bad idea," said Ms. Tagore, while releasing a book "In Search Of Faith Unconquered" written by two college students Manasa Patnam and Sahir Raza here.

Ms. Tagore said even though the 45-page book was a quick read it nevertheless focuses on the unity between Hindus and Muslims living in Gujarat, which was witnessing increasing polarisation.

``For the casual reader, `In Search Of Faith Unconquered will be a travelogue, but for the discernible reader it is obviously much more. To go back in time, in an earnest search of values, a lot of effort has gone. The book is a roadmap for the future. The book definitely looks beyond the politics of religion,'' added Ms. Tagore.

Manasa, who has graduated from Miranda House, said the underlying objective behind visiting 18 Sufi dargahs across Gujarat was to popularise secularism so that people do not discriminate on the basis of religion. ``Sufism is not a religion but a movement. I have embraced Sufism with all my heart," said Manasa.

The function, organised by ANHAD (Act Now For Harmony And Democracy), culminated with light Sufi music.

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