GHAZIABAD: Madrassas in Ghaziabad responded to the UP government 's diktat, to celebrate Independence Day in a manner prescribed by it, by saying it was 'business as usual' and this was how they had always marked the day.The UP government had prescribed hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem and paying tributes to freedom fighters at all educational institutions, with special emphasis on madrasas, who were asked to videograph the event as proof.When this correspondent visited Hayatul-Uloom madrassa in Badka village of Noorganj, one of the 34 in Ghaziabad, celebrations were in progress. Mistaking this correspondent as a government official on a surprise check, Habibur Rehman, a teacher, said, "As you can see, everything is in order here. We've just sung the national anthem. The cultural programme is under way now. The whole event is being videographed and if you want we can ask students to sing the national anthem in your presence as well."Once this correspondent revealed his identity, Rehman looked more relaxed. He added, "We didn't receive any government order but we came to know through media reports the government wants I -Day to be celebrated in a prescribed manner in madrasas."Eight kilometres away, at madrasa Darul-Uloom Sadia in Muradnagar, girl students in hijab holding the Tricolor competed with boys while singing patriotic songs. Noor Jahan (12), who was part of the choir, said, "It was fun participating in the Independence Day programme. We all loved it."Students as young as five, holding the Tricolor and sporting skullcaps, could be seen singing patriotic songs with enthusiasm. "It's a special occasion for us. Every year, we hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem," said Mohammad Karim, a Class V student.Asked about the UP government's order, Khalil Ahmed, manager of the madrassa, said, "We've not received any government order, but I know there was some direction for madrassas on the way I-Day should be celebrated, which was a bit odd." He added, "With or without any government order, we have been celebrating Independence Day for years in the same way, which includes singing of the national anthem and organising other programmes."District minority officer Son Kumar said, "There was a letter from Rahul Gupta, registrar of Arabi-Farsi Siksha Parishad, which governs madrassas in the state. But it was a routine notice which every government department issues."

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