Intellectuals and Social Leaders calls for National Unity

Intellectuals and Social Leaders Calls for National Unity Against Communalism

 

Unite at Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Event  

 

New Delhi, August 19, 2023: A significant gathering of eminent intellectuals and social leaders from across the nation convened today at the Madani Hall of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind headquarters in New Delhi presided over by Maulana Mahmood Asa’d Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the event aimed to discuss the challenge of communalism, social division and strategies to counter it. Participants unanimously stressed the necessity for collaborative ground-level efforts to counteract this divisive trend.

While acknowledging that the majority of the country favors unity and harmony, the gathering recognized that positive voices have either remained silent or struggled to reach the masses. Consequently, those advocating for a polarizing agenda appear more influential than they truly are.

The reality, however, stands in contrast to this perception. Thus, the collective call emerged for the broader society to actively engage, renouncing silence in favor of a concerted effort to safeguard India’s unity and inherent diversity.

In his opening statement, Maulana Mahmood Asa’d Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i- Hind, extended a warm welcome to the intellectuals and social leaders. He raised pertinent questions about the alarming trend of religion-based hatred perpetuated against a particular community.

Highlighting the historical commitment of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind to national unity, he emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to weave together the threads of the nation’s diverse fabric.

Renowned social thinker Mr. Vijay Pratap, while sharing his perspective, underscored the importance of dialogue (Sanwad). He lauded the meaningful contributions of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, highlighting that their sacrifices have left a lasting impact.

Notably, even within a sectarian context of partition, India’s constitution was crafted on the bedrock of secularism. The nation served as a fertile ground for the growth of Islamic ideas and intellectual thoughts, nurturing remarkable Islamic thinkers whose absence from the discourse would render any discussion of global Islam incomplete.

Moreover, Muslims, akin to their fellow citizens, play a substantial role in the nation’s progress. Thus, there’s no need for despondency in the face of current challenges. Such situations are universal and a testament to a nation’s resilience and sagacity. India, with its remarkable ability to adapt, stands as a living testament to this principle.

Addressing the audience, Economist Professor Arun Kumar emphasized that the propagation of right-wing ideologies thrives on the backdrop of economic inequality in the nation. He stated that the government’s assertion of over 130 million people having transcended the poverty threshold is entirely without merit.

Prominent Supreme Court Senior lawyer Sanjay Hegde noted the current precarious time, emphasizing the importance of upholding and defending the Constitution against those who seek to undermine it. He stressed that the Constitution must be practiced in its true spirit and conveyed to those working against its principles.

Dr. Saurabh Bajpai, a historian at Delhi University, addressed the gathering in the second session, lauding Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s historical stance against partition. He highlighted that the majority of Indian Muslims opposed the partition, aligning themselves with the broader Indian identity rather than divisive ideologies. He emphasized that meaningful dialogue requires ideological clarity from all sides.

Renowned Author Ms. Rajni Bakshi advocated for non-violence as a response to the prevailing situation. She emphasized that non-violence doesn’t mean acquiescence to injustice but calls for finding goodness in everyone and cultivating self-awareness.

Mr. Ramashankar Singh, Founder Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, urged the formation of a unified federation across social classes to combat present challenges. He called for the dissemination of messages from saints, sufis, and freedom fighters to the new generations, countering the organized efforts of divisive elements.

Christian leader John Dayal highlighted the growing sectarianism and oppression of minorities, emphasizing that the constitutional rights of minorities must be protected, rendering dialogue futile if these rights are eroded.

Sardar Daya Singh, a member of Sikh International Forum, pledged support for the Muslim community while standing against oppression as a whole.

The event concluded with heartfelt vote of thanks from General Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi and warm hospitality extended by Ovais Sultan Khan and Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Deoband.

This gathering of perspectives exemplified a unified call against communalism, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, historical resilience, and collective efforts to safeguard India’s pluralistic ethos.

Noteworthy attendees included Dr. Indu Prakash Singh, Vijay Mahajan, Prof. Ritu Priya JNU, Prof. MMJ Warsi Aligarh Muslim University, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi Founder PVCHR, Kailash Meena RTI Activist, Bhai Tej Singh, Tabssum Fatima, Mritunjai Singh Researcher, Pushpa Raj Deshpande, Father Nicholas, Jayant Jagiyasuji, Anupam Ji, Avi Kathpalia, Harish Mishra Banaraswale, Dr. Heera Lal MLA, Father Nicholas Barala, Mohanlal Panda, Advocate Satish Timta, Father Vijay Kumar Naik, and Abhishek Shrivastav.