Progress Through Peace.doc

Peace and Progress for All Jamaat presents the Roadmap for a Powerful India that aims at inclusive growth with peaceful coexistence and common initiatives. BENGALURU: A massive Conference on the theme "Peace and Justice" was a good attempt by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) to stir the conscious of the country with a dossier that is timely and relevant. The four-day event from 18 to 21 January 2018 conducted at Bangalore based on the Quranic premise, "..Stand firmly for Justice and as witness to Allah.." was a collective combat of mission peace and justice comprising of an array of 21 Sessions and Conferences. Retired Chief Justice of India, S. Rajendra Babu, Sri Veerabhadra Channamalla Swamiji, Peethadipathi, Nidumamidhi Matha, K.L. Ashok, General Secretary of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, and National luminaries from Hindu, Muslim, and other communities participated. Cluster of Conferences Separate Conferences and Sessions were held for Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, Youth, Women, Girl Students, Professionals, Cadre, and Journalists. There were panel discussions, Symposium, Mushaira, and Literary Sessions. The one of its kind event that can be construed as the Muslim Community's response to today's crisis-ridden India covered almost every strata of the society from Auto rickshaw drivers Dawah session to the Islamic Scholars' Ulama Conference. There was fully active participation of packed audiences in 'Youth Parliament,' 'Children's Festival,' and Girl Students session. Participants of all the sessions and conferences churned out ample food for thought to the discerning audiences with power-packed discussions on the respective themes. There was something (read many things) for everyone from children to youth and the senior citizens from Rickshaw drivers to thought leaders tapping all age groups of male and female. However, the biggest crowd pullers were: Exhibition of the Life of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Book Fair, Demo of Islamic learning by differently abled brothers, and a 'Light and Sound Show' depicting the History of Indian Muslims. Symposium on Justice and Equality Speaking in the Symposium on "Justice and Equality in Plural India, Challenges and Solutions" Justice S. Rajendra Babu said, "Justice should prevail at all cost. Justice and equality is a prerequisite for unity." Stressing on the need for Hindu-Muslim unity, he said, "During the reign of Hyder Ali, not only perfect unity existed between Hindu-Muslim communities but there was good cooperation and understanding." Justice Rajendra Babu gave the present day examples too, "Bangalore's famed Hindu festival of Karaga (major annual public procession) starts with the JIH Page 1 of 4

blessings from Muslim Saint Hazrath Tawakkal Mastan's Darga. A Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu is managed by a Muslim. India is a multi-religious and pluralistic society, it can only survive as a multi-religious and pluralistic nation." Famous Seer Sri Veerabhadra Channamalla Swamiji participating in the Symposium said, "I have known the JIH from my 15-years association with it. Many sections of people are benefiting from the JIH programmes, it is due to the efforts of the past and present office bearers of JIH. Their dedication and service makes them a role model. India’s core values of Truth, Justice, Peace, Cooperation and value of humans have been followed from centuries. India's tradition is live and let live with respect to all religious born in India or outside. All Prophets, Sufis and Saints valued all these values. Our existence and traditions are moulded by all these values. India in any manner is not built or moulded by any one religion." The pontiff pointing out the current situation in India, said, "Everywhere there is lack of peace and acts of atrocities. Today's vested activists are threatening these values and posing a threat to the very basis of India's oneness and values. Youth Conference The youth conference on "Idea of Justice in Democratic India" drew male and female audience of different age groups from Hindu, Muslim, and other communities. The panel was diverse too including: Author and Human Rights Activist Muhammad Aamir Khan, New Delhi, JIH National Vice president Sadathullah Hussaini, SIO National Secretary Thouseef Ahmad, Dr. H.V. Vasu from Karnataka Jana Shakti, and Congress MLC Rizwan Arshad, MLC. Civil Rights Activist Mrs. Teesta Setalvad's video message was played to the audience wherein she condemned the atrocities on minorities and the growing lawlessness in the country. She urged all the peace loving people to unite and promote peaceful coexistence. Rizwan Arshad said, “It is not the responsibility of the any Government or political party. What the community has done for redressal of their weaknesses? As the rot is in the society, the society to should collectively resolve the issues through open dialogue. The Muslims are an unorganised community. Collective priorities of the community must be the focus. We should invest in Human Resources. The Dalits are progressing because of priorities. Majority of converts to Islam are 80% from Dalits and Backwards etc., and 20% from Brahmans." He urged the community to priorities issues, build institutions, and invest in Human resources. Even if a Muslim becomes prime minister, nothing much can be done unless a system is built. People glorifying Mahatma Gandhi's killer Godse are ruling the country today. Muslims, Dalits and Backwards should unity to fight for their cause. We want our rights, but establishment of peace is the foremost priority. Jalaluddin Umari’s Presidential Address Jalaluddin Umari, President of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Addressing a mammoth public meeting on the fourth (culminating) day of the Conference, Jalaluddin Umari referred to the Muslim contribution to India. He said, “Muslims have inhabited India since more than a 1000 years and the world has witnessed our impeccable character and conduct. A small section of vested interests has become powerful today and is hell-bent on proving that Muslims are a threat to the JIH Page 2 of 4

nation. This group’s agenda is to seize the Economy through political power.” He said, “India failed to established equality among people, even today caste system persists. Our Creator has given guidance through the Holy Quran to establish Justice and equality in the world. Islam established justice and equality way back before the modern world started thinking of it. We do not interfere in other religions, because our tenets bind us to guide the humanity justly and to treat all humans as one family who descended from Adam and Eve. The objective of Islam is the welfare of the nation and the world.” Stressing on the Muslim unity, Jalaluddin Umari said, “We follow the word of Allah and the way of Prophet Muhammad Salal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam. On this basis all Muslims should unite and serve the humanity. We should follow the path of Allah and should not fear about the present situation. Even today, Hindus, Christians and Jews are embracing Islam. We should become more useful to the country by equipping ourselves with education and thinking. India is aspiring to become a world leader, which is not possible without providing justice to its minorities.” Previously, addressing the ‘Journalist Session’ Jalaluddin Umari said, “Those who are thinking of changing the constitution are wrong, it cannot be changed. Constitution is the binding force that keeps the country together; if Constitution is tampered with, and then there will be no other force that can unite India and keep the sovereignty intact. Politics should be governed by the morality and character.” JIH Central Secretary, Waliullah Sayeedi speaking on the occasion said, “The Muslims of India are facing many problems. The Government’s interference in Muslim’s Personal Law on the one hand and the curbing of religious freedom be vested interests is a ploy to entangle the 20 Crore Indian Muslims into routine issues of Madrasa, Masjid, Azaan and sectarian issues. The growing cooperation between Israel and Indian communal forces is a threat. Majority of non-Muslim intellectuals are protesting and writing against it.” He called upon the Muslim women to play an active role in shaping the future of children. My query in the previous day ‘Journalist Session’ about the Bangla Desh Jamaat-e-Islami found a place in his public address. He said, “a few top leaders of Bangla Desh Jamaat-e-Islami were hanged by that Government with ulterior motives. The Jamaat leaders were given the option of freedom by seeking forgiveness. The leaders declined the offer because they were innocent. They said we have not done anything wrong so there is no question of repentance or forgiveness; they preferred Shahadath (martyrdom) over life.” Dawah Sessions Parallel Dawah sessions were held in South Indian Languages—Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. General Secretary of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike K.L. Ashok discussing in the panel said, “Attempts to divide India by the communal forces cannot succeed because the very soul of India is collective in nature. The topmost four Judges of the Supreme Court publicly opined that today the democracy in India is in danger. Even the Judiciary has begun bias against Muslims.” He further said, “The JIH is struggling from many ears against corruption. The Dalith heroes in Gujarat dared to fight against threats and achieved what was impossible.” JIH Page 3 of 4

Muhammad Aamir Khan, Author and Civil Rights Activist He was jailed for 14-years for no fault of his and finally acquitted by Court. Narrating his ordeal he said, “I was innocent and came out clean but who will return by 14-years youth and the torment that his family underwent. Many Muslim youth are targeted in the same fashion, they have to undergo all this torment and languish in jails for no fault.” Aamir Khan said, “During 1984 riots, Sikh community was targeted, TADA was misused against them. They were the victims but they were jailed. Even today, Indian jails are filled Muslims, Daliths, Adivasis, and other minorities. Those who dare to speak the truth are also targeted. Gauri Lankesh sacrificed herself for the idea of India. I am proud that our ancestors chose to stay in India post independence. We are Indians by choice whilst majority community are Indians by chance.” Aamir Khan suggested, “There is no rehabilitation policy for innocents who come out acquitted. Although, the Government is keen on rehabilitating criminals or those who lay down arms and want to transform their lives as peaceful citizens. There is a policy to rehabilitate and reward them. Then why not have a policy in place for innocent persons as me?” Thouseef Ahmad speaking in the panel said, “Ambedkar placed the concept of equality as prime focus in the Constitution of India.” Jamaat Leadership The Jamaat Central Leadership has done everything to make this one of its kind successful and even more effective. The Karnataka State Unit under the leadership of Ameer-e-Halqa Atharullah Shariff has done a good job. A few outshining stars from Karnataka unit are: Dr. Muhammad Saad Belgami presented the world view plus community vision. Syed Tanveer Ahmed took a session for school children and parents emphasising the importance of ‘Training of Heart’ with ‘Training of Mind.’ Dr. Taha Mateen guided the professionals and medical doctors about the virtues of personal integrity and professional honesty with a view to help the deserving people irrespective of caste and creed. Focus with variety Without doubt it can be seen that hardly any other event by the Muslim community in India matches the might of this massive effort by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in the recent past. Thought provoking array of events for public engagement at a deeper level that is meticulously planned and painstakingly executed. The Jamaat could have done a little more to ensure big participation by different Maslaks. The operation is successful, what is its effect on the community and the country needs to be seen!

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