Salim Khan on Ayodhya verdict: We need better schools not mosques
The octogenarian film writer said Premier Modi is laying stress on the peace that we really need today to focus on our objectives
Salman Khan's father and legendary scriptwriter cum film producer Salim Khan said on Saturday that a school should be built on the proposed 5-acre land given to Muslims in Ayodhya.
Reacting to Supreme Court's verdict on Ayodhya dispute, Salim Khan (83) said Muslims in India desperately need schools, not a mosque, India Today reports.
Welcoming Supreme Court's historic verdict on Ayodhya dispute, Salim Khan mentioned two virtues of Islam, as described by Prophet Muhammad, are love and forgiveness.
"So now after 'The-End' of this story (Ayodhya dispute), Muslims should adhere to the virtues of showing love and forgiveness. Do not rewind such issues now...just move ahead from here," said Salim Khan, father of three Bollywood stars Salman, Sohail and Arbaaz.
The renowned story writer, who in the early seventies formed the iconic Salim-Javed duo along with his friend Javed Akhtar, is of the view that in the past couple of decades, the Indian society has matured.
"The manner in which peace and harmony is being maintained, after the announcement of such a sensitive verdict, is commendable. Let's accept...a a very old dispute has been settled. From the core of my heart, I welcome the decision," Salim Khan told IANS.
"Muslims should not discuss this (Ayodhya dispute). Instead, they should discuss their basic problems and try to find out solutions. The reason why I am saying we need better schools and hospitals is that we can perform our prayers anywhere, be it in train, plane or on the floor. If 22 crore Muslims get a good education, then many problems of this country would be solved)" he added.
The octogenarian film writer who pioneered the Bollywood blockbuster formula said Prime Minister Modi is laying stress on peace. "I agree with the PM, we really need peace today. We need peace to focus on our objectives. We have to think about our future. We should realize that a better future exists for those who are educated in a better way. The real issue is that Muslims have not advanced well in education. So I would repeat that let us say 'The-End' for Ayodhya issue and make a new beginning."
