Singer Adnan Sami becomes Indian, says no intolerance

Singer Adnan Sami becomes Indian, says no intolerance

FPJ BureauUpdated: Friday, May 31, 2019, 07:30 PM IST
article-image

New Delhi : Pakistan-born singer Adnan Sami got Indian citizenship, calling it a “new birth” and a “beautiful gift”, as he waded into the intolerance debate, saying there is no such trend in the country. A smiling Adnan, 46, received the citizenship certificate from Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju at North Block here in the presence of his wife Roya after which he sang his famous song–“Teri oonchi shaan hai maula…Mujhko bhi to lift kara de”. “A New Beginning… A New Feeling… A New Belonging… A New Love Affair… A New Country… JAI HIND!!!,” said Adnan, who has made India as his second home for the past few years, in a series of tweets shortly after getting the certificate.

Asked about concerns expressed by actors Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan over the climate of intolerance in India, he said everyone was entitled to his or her own opinion and their remarks were perhaps based on their own experience. “Had there been intolerance, I would not have taken Indian citizenship. I have never experienced intolerance. There is no intolerance in India,” he said.

The singer said he was very happy after becoming Indian citizen and grateful to the government. “I am grateful to the government of India for giving me this beautiful gift,” he said.

Home Ministry officials said Sami has been given Indian citizenship following his request to the Centre to legalise his status in the country on humanitarian grounds.

The singer had made a representation to the Home Ministry on May 26 this year requesting that he be allowed to stay in India on

humanitarian grounds. Sami had first arrived in India on March 13, 2001 on a visitor’s visa with the validity of one year which was issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.               — PTI

RECENT STORIES

Hyderabad: Inter-Faith Couple Carrying Baby Attacked By Muslim Youths Near Charminar, Police File...

Hyderabad: Inter-Faith Couple Carrying Baby Attacked By Muslim Youths Near Charminar, Police File...

Kejriwal Personally Argues His Case Before Delhi Court, Says 'ED Ka Mission Kewal Aur Kewal Mujhe...

Kejriwal Personally Argues His Case Before Delhi Court, Says 'ED Ka Mission Kewal Aur Kewal Mujhe...

Who Was Baba Tarsem Singh, Nanakmatta Gurudwara Kar Sewa Pramukh, & Why Was He Killed?

Who Was Baba Tarsem Singh, Nanakmatta Gurudwara Kar Sewa Pramukh, & Why Was He Killed?

Liquor Policy Case: Delhi Court Extends ED Remand Of Arvind Kejriwal By 4 Days Till April 1

Liquor Policy Case: Delhi Court Extends ED Remand Of Arvind Kejriwal By 4 Days Till April 1

Kerala Lottery Result: March 28, 2024 - Karunya Plus KN-515 Live! Thursday's Draw Reveals Winners Of...

Kerala Lottery Result: March 28, 2024 - Karunya Plus KN-515 Live! Thursday's Draw Reveals Winners Of...