Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
CU Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu announces first of its kind research centre dedicated to minority community studies
Muslim leaders in Mumbai praise PM Modi for empowering Muslim community through inclusive policies
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 27, 2023: At the Sadbhavna event organised by the Indian Minorities Foundation IMF) in Mumbai's Birla Matoshri Auditorium on Monday, prominent Muslim socio-political leaders voiced their appreciation for the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing how the inclusive policies of his government have fostered religious freedom and paved the way for unparalleled development within the Muslim community nationwide.
The event was held under theme ‘Jazba-E-Hubul-Watani’ was attended by prominent figures from the all-Muslim sects – Sunni, Shia, Sufi,Ahmadiyya, Dawoodi Bohra and Pasmanda Muslims.
These leaders emphasized the government's efforts in ensuring equal opportunities in various sectors, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Muslim population. They also expressed their united stance for the nation's progress and development to achieve the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of developed India by 2047.
Muslim leaders asserted that they will not tolerate any terrorism activities against India and they will give befitting response to the enemies of the nation as proud Indians. The colossal gathering also passed a resolution ‘Mumbai Resolution’ demonstrating unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047 and pledging support and active contribution in achieving this dream.
The event was attended by Maharashtra’s Minister of Minority Development and Aukaf, Abdul Sattar as Chief Guest. The IMF delegation was led by its convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu. The delegation that participated in the event included Mansoor Khan,National President Sufi Islam Board; Zafar Sareshwalla, Founder Parsoli Group of Companies & Educationist; Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, President Shia Ulama Board Maharashtra and Vice President All India
Shia Personal Board; Asif Bhamla, Founder Bhamla Foundation and Environmentalist; Sohail Khandwani, Principal Secretary, Managing Trustee (Haji Ali Trust & Makhdoom Shah Baba Trust); Mohammed Wajiuddin, Senior Assistant Editor, Times of India; Iqbal Memon, President All India Memon Jamat and Dr. Zahir Qazi, President Anjuman Islaam.
IMF honoured Bollywood singer Shahid Mallya and Sitarist Ustad Siraj Khan by excellence award for their contribution in the field of Art & Music. As many as 27 NGOs of Muslim Community who have contributed in the field of Women Empowerment, Education, Child Welfare, Skill Development, Care for Old Age and others were also honoured on the occasion.
Minister of Minority Development and Aukaf, Abdul Sattar, said that the welfare schemes have reached the Muslim community and have empowered them at an unprecedented level during the last nine years. “Equal opportunities have been provided to the members of Muslim community as envisioned in our constitution and their welfare has been prioritised. Their equal representation has been ensured in policy making and law making in the country, be it in the parliament and any other institution in the country,” he said.
The minister further said that the contribution of Muslims has been acknowledged and has received recognition from the government at the highest level which can been seen in the increase in the Padma awards given to Muslims in the last nine years.
Zafar Sareshwalla, Founder Parsoli Group of Companies & Educationist said, “There has been no discrimination in allocation of funds under the various welfare schemes during the last nine years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The global image of India has completely changed with every visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to other nations. He has not only improved relations with the developed and developing nations but also made the world realize that India can no longer be ignored while formulating a global policy. The voice of India has got stronger due to diplomatic efforts and the strong pitching of collaborative policy on various platforms such as G-20.”
He also added, “Whatever our religion might be, we are Indians first, andwill always be. A Muslim is not a Muslim because of the type of food he consumes, but he is a Muslim because he has certain values. The true religion of a Muslim is to ensure that no one is suffering because of him,and the entire Muslim Community in India has been working towards thewelfare of humanity.”
Dr. Zahir Kazi, President, Anjuman-I-Islam said, “Muslim Community of India has not only contributed for the Independence struggle of the nation but is currently contributing in making India a global power in the field of Education, Science and Technology, Entrepreneur, Business and Commerce. There are organizations like Anjuman-I-Islam which is has 150 years old legacy of providing empowerment through education to the vulnerable section of the society. India has got a strong and decisive leadership in the form of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is not only taking the nation forward on the path of progress and development but also ensuring that the benefits of the development reach to all thesection of the society.”
IMF convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu, said that the event was held aimed to celebrate the contribution of Muslims in the development of India. “Muslim contribution is remarkable in India’s growth and their significant contribution should be celebrated at every level. The contribution of every minority community in India’s growth is immense and their nation-building initiatives have been the cornerstones of the nation’s strength and resilience. However, it is more important that every minority community resolutely make their contribution during the next 25 years as the India is dreaming to become a developed nation,” said Satnam Singh Sandhu.
“In the next 25 years our responsibility towards the nation-building should be more serious and we should be determined to achieve this goal and play our role in the nation’s journey to become a developed country,” said Satnam Singh Sandhu.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, who is also the chancellor of Chandigarh University (CU) also announced that a centre for research on minority communities will be established at CU in collaboration with other like- minded organisations, which will be first of its kind in the country.