Former child actress Zaira Wasim has sparked a controversy by questioning the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board's decision to feature young girls dancing in an Independence Day event, calling it a violation of religious values.
- Zaira Wasim criticized the J&K Waqf Board for organizing dance performances by schoolgirls.
- She argued that children are being used as 'props' rather than being encouraged to think critically.
- Questioned the Waqf Board's commitment to upholding Islamic values.
- Highlighted the decline of Kashmir's rich intellectual and educational heritage.
A fresh controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after a video surfaced showing young schoolgirls dancing to a Kashmiri song during an Independence Day celebration organized by the Waqf Board. Zaira Wasim, the actress known for her role in Aamir Khan's 'Dangal', has voiced her strong disapproval of the event.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Wasim questioned the fundamental role of the Waqf Board. She pointed out that as a religious body entrusted with serving the Muslim community, the board should ideally uphold Islamic values. She expressed bewilderment at how an organization built on religious and communal foundations could seamlessly permit activities that contradict those very values.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident reflects a growing tension between institutional governance and conservative religious expectations in the region. By framing the issue as a lack of intellectual stimulation for children, Wasim is shifting the narrative from a purely religious debate to one about the quality of education and empowerment of girls in Kashmir.
Wasim lamented that the default method of involving girls in public functions is often reduced to making them dance to irrelevant songs. She questioned why institutions fail to provide opportunities for students to create, discuss, build, or contribute to meaningful intellectual discourse.
"The reduction of students to mere performers in institutional events signifies a systemic failure in fostering genuine intellectual curiosity."p>
The actress further invoked the rich intellectual history of Kashmir, reminding the public of the great scholars who viewed education as a means to illuminate the mind and build character. She urged the Waqf Board to embrace its deep responsibility to strengthen the community spiritually, morally, and intellectually.
Despite the viral nature of the criticism, the head of the Waqf Board and BJP leader Darkshan Andrabi has yet to issue a response. The video in question, featuring students dancing to a song by Abdul Rashid Hafiz, has also been circulated by several pro-government social media handles, adding a political layer to the dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Zaira Wasim criticizing the Waqf Board?
She believes that organizing dance performances for young girls contradicts the Islamic values that the Waqf Board is supposed to uphold.
2. What is the role of the Waqf Board in Jammu & Kashmir?
The Waqf Board is responsible for managing Islamic religious endowments and properties, as well as overseeing community welfare activities.
