Mahants, Maulvis celebrate I-day together in Rishikesh

Spreading the message of harmony and brotherhood, the students of Gurukuls and Madrasas here, along with Mahants and Maulvis celebrated Independence Day together.

Scores of Muslim and Hindu students together hoisted the flag and recited the national anthem.

As the tricolour was unfurled all raised their hands together and chanted "Hum Ek hein. Hum Bharatiya hein," ("We are one. We are Indian").

"This Independence Day, we are celebrating independence from division and derision, as all are coming together to stand together for the great nation we call home. Mother India is built on diversity, woven together by the threads of solidarity. Today, we unite for a future based solely on oneness," said Swami Chidanand Saraswati of President of Parmarth Niketan.

Imam Umer Ilyasi, President of the All-India Organization of Imams praised the initiative and said, "I come as a representative of the 500,000 Imams of India to say we are human first, then we are Indians, and then we are Muslims.