In what can be described as a fitting response to Anders Breivik’s brutal assault on Norwegian multiculturalism, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg appointed a 29-year-old Muslim woman of Pakistani origin the new Culture Minister. Hadia Tajik is the first Muslim and youngest Minister ever in Norwegian political history. Ms. Tajik, who has degrees in law and journalism and has been a career politician in Norway’s Labour Party, was appointed in a Cabinet reshuffle.
‘Courageous move’
“This is a very courageous move on the part of the Prime Minister. She is an extremely intelligent person and has been an activist all her life. I would describe this as an important decision for Norway that will go a long way to prove that we are a truly multicultural society,” Dag Herbjornsrud, editor of the influential paper Ny Tid told The Hindu in a telephone conversation. “It was important that Norway proved this to the world, but it’s even more important that we proved this to ourselves.”
Ms. Tajik has already declared that cultural diversity should become more integral to the life of her fellow citizens. She said her programme would focus on how this reflected on Norwegian society as a whole. The programme will delve into the protection of minority rights, whether cultural or racial.
Conservative elements
However, she will have to watch her step. Conservative elements in Norway believe that a very rapid influx of foreigners and foreign cultures has destabilised the steady and stable pattern of Norway’s essentially Christian society.
Last year, Anders Breivik randomly shot 69 people at a summer camp organised by the Workers' Youth League (AUF) of the Labour Party after blowing up a Norweigan state building. During his trial, Breivik reasoned that multi-cultural policies were harming Norway, adding that he considered Islam his enemy.
“Hadia is not a foreigner. She was born here, on the West coast of Norway in a small village or district which is home to 600 people. She might have done degrees from Oslo and from the U.K. but she remains very rooted and even speaks the West country dialect from Strand. We hope she will be a peacemaker, especially during the troubled times we are currently witnessing, Dr Herbjornsrud said.
The right message
Carima, a young woman of Moroccan descent, told The Hindu: “I am really happy and I think this is an excellent appointment. She is Norwegian and at the same time she is a Muslim and a woman. She is educated and forward looking. Right now Norway has gone through a very difficult period with the killings on Utoya Island by Anders Breivik, followed by his trial. That re-opened many wounds. This sends out the right message that Norway has opted for an open, multicultural democracy and people like Breivik will not be able to push us off that path.”
This article has been re-edited for clarity.
Shahid makes some important observations that show that the world is not so stark and that even though parts of the Muslim world are in more turmoil today. Historically decent people of all faiths have lived with and even helped each other. Norway has set a great example here for all countries. Of course, Ms. Tajik seems to be a highly qualified person. We are all better off by working together in mutual interest and we have lot to learn from each other.
Cogratulating Hadia Tajik for her intellegensia and for appointing Culture minister by norwagian prime Minister.No doubt credit goes to PM just i want to drap your attention towards that if west gives muslim world opportunity,the muslim world can prove theire honesty to them as muslim world has very long history of it's multicalturims to harmonise the mixed societ.
Hi Shahid, I dont agree with You at all. Show me any muslims or
muslims majority nations which give asylum to muslims or non muslims.
Dubai, Saudi, Qatar these nations do not give citizenship or aslyum to
any muslims or non muslims. Also the situation of Muslims from
different countries are worst in these countries. Indonesia, Malaysia
were a part of a Indian Empire during BC. You can find a huge non
Muslims specially Hindu populations in these countries. Hence these
countries are very well in international scenarios. Saudi Arabia do
not even allow non muslims to enter Kabba or Mecca and Madina.
Let this example show the Muslim world and the Muslim population how the other cultures and religion are more tolerant, forgiving, provide equal opportunity regardless of religion. It is not the same treatment exists when you go to Islamic countries.
This is 21st century and the the Muslim world should wake up and change instead of burning the buildings and inflict destruction in the name of religion.
Shahid,
Muslims all across the world should take leesons from Libya. Libyan population rose up and showed the world that terrorists are not wanted in their country and they are civilized nation and want to part of the world while practising Islam. That is exactly what rest of the world wnats to see. Simply proclaiming Islam is peacful while the rank and who are peaceful not opposing the ridiculous Mullah's doesn't give any one any confidence as to Islam being a peaceful religion.
You cannot blame every one else and the media for showing the brutual acts occuring daily.
Shahid you are right, however the positives of Islam that you just highlighted dont form a motivation or inspire appreciation among the muslims.What comes out to the non muslim world is the fundamentalism.Just check on the rising following of Zakir Naik in India.
Well done. I consider her of Indian origin too and I am proud of her.
Miss Aritra, I know you dislike Muslims but in saying that Muslims who are residents of western countries are not grateful to host nations ,aren't you endorsing Anders Breivik's line of view? Some people get agitated because of some incidents of terrorism in Western nations by Muslims,but they can't cite from any credible source the incidents of terrorism in 1960s or 70s or 80s or even 90's as Muslims are immigrating to those materialistically advanced nations since 50s?? No they can't !!these so-called terrorist incidents have at least some sort of connection to Colonial,hegemonical tendencies of a few western nations and some certain Political injustices. We are not taught to be ungrateful to those who host us. Stop this stereotyping!
Hello RKSharma!!There have been and are multiple examples of NonMuslims holding high positions in Muslim nations,however media constantly bombards our minds with only negative news from Muslim world(as if nothing positive takes place at all!) We have a Christian head of Pakistan's Aviation authority,Hindu ministers in Bangladesh's Government, Hindu and Buddhist officials in Indonesia and Malaysia. Christian officials in many if not most Arab nations (Iraq had a Christian VP under Saddam!!!) , Syrian Bloodthristy dictator has Christians in his power circles. Even Aurangzeb had a hindu Army chief.I concede that right now the Communal situations in M.E and many other Muslim nations are not good with persecution of minorities at an all time high especially in uncivilized nations like Pakistan,but Muslim world has had,for the OVERWHELMING part of its history cordial relations with Christains and even Jews(not after 1948,I agree)and relations with christians worsened only during 20th century.
It's all very well the western countries becoming more liberal and magnanimous and giving opportunities to everyone, but the opposite is happening in Islamic countries. Countries like Pakistan, Iran and various middle-eastern Arab states are becoming more anti-minority, more fundamentalist and right wing. Their tolerance of other religions is 'zero'. These are the countries that need to be highlighted and shamed and the UN needs to start taking action against these countries in order to improve their human rights.
While the whole world is fair, even kind, to Muslims, there is no such example in all 60 or so Muslim countries.
Shouldn't the Muslims who have found refuge and opportunities for a
better life in non-Muslim countries bear all these facts in mind
before assuming confrontational attitudes on everything? They should
remember that it was the same people that they are challenging and
foul-mouthing who passed and enforce the laws that allowed the Muslims
to settle on those countries and "even speak the West country dialect
from Strand." (although I think this is a foolish argument to support
them) AND to shout "I want Lars Vilks dead" without suffering any
serious prosecution? Shouldn't the concerns of these people (which are
founded on facts, not fiction; all that I stated are easily verifiable
from credible sources) be addressed and by more concrete steps than
the usual "these don't represent true Islam" statement?
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