EmpowerIndia Trust organized a national convention titled “Strategies and Planning for Educational Renaissance” at India Islamic Cultural Centre on Saturday evening.
Mohammed Khalid Khan, Founder Trustee and Chairman of EmpowerIndia, emphasized the transformative power of education, stating that it elevates, develops, and enlightens individuals while empowering them to fight for their rights, honour, and survival. He expressed concern that India is not ranked among the top 10 most educated countries in the world, and highlighted the need to prioritise education to empower both the community and the nation.
As part of its efforts, EmpowerIndia Trust has launched a pilot project, establishing a vocational training centre offering various paramedical courses such as Diplomas in Hospital Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Lab Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Radiology and Imaging Technology, Physiotherapy, Electrocardiogram, and Emergency Treatment. The trust also aims to establish a Law College of excellence.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, Chairman of Zakat Foundation of India, who urged the utilisation of state and central government schemes, noting that many students are unaware of these beneficial programmes. He stressed the importance of making students aware of such schemes through proper counselling and information sharing.
Prof. Rehan Khan Suri, Director of Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Jamia Millia Islamia, highlighted that education is not a charity but a responsibility. He pointed out that Right to Education Act, 2009 provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, yet the educational attainment among minorities remains below 6%. He called for focused collaboration and support from organisations at the district level to improve educational outcomes.
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Exile Government of Tibet, emphasized the importance of a learning environment at home, blending classical and modern holistic education to cultivate kindness and enlightenment in children.
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi, Senior Advisor at Ministry of Education, stressed that education brings global recognition and reiterated the adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Dr. MM Ansari, a scholar and former interlocutor for J&K, raised concerns about the Muslims’ lag in educational attainment, falling 10 years behind the national average. He advocated for affordable education, teacher training programmes, and a collaborative approach to address high dropout rates in higher education.
Mohammad Talha Hanfi, Group Chairman of FuGen Group of Companies, highlighted the need to address core issues at the grassroots level for the underprivileged. He emphasized capacity building and shared his vision of converting beneficiaries into benefactors by using profits from IT sector projects and donations to support education for needy students.
The event also featured addresses from several prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. Vipin Kumar Tripathi of IIT, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, a JDU leader, social activist and educationist Sameen Adeeb, Supreme Court advocate ZK Faizan, and other notable scholars and educators.
Naushad Ahmed Khan, Advocate at Supreme Court and Joint Secretary of EmpowerIndia Trust, extended a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / October 20th, 2024
Saleem Baig has spent 18 years filing 20,000 applications under RTI to root out corruption. His efforts have earned him the wrath of many but resulted in correcting a few wrongs.
RESILIENT: Saleem Baig has file 20,000 applications under the RTI Act.
Saleem Baig has been using the RTI (Right to Information) Act as a sword against corruption and irregularities for the last 18 years. He has filed around 20,000 applications in states and Union Territory departments, as well as, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
While his applications have often resulted in forcing authorities to change their decisions, and punishing the officers, Baig’s journey as an RTI activist has hardly been ‘a bed of roses’.
He has paid a heavy price for it as his life has turned private and he is hardly seen in public, living in complete secrecy nowadays.
“I have faced different kinds of problems [as an RTI activist]. I have been harassed for asking questions to police and anti-social elements. I was underground for around three and half years, jailed for 20 days and changed residence many times due to fear of arrest, fear or threat,” says Baig, who hails from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district.
BIG RESPONSE: The reply from the Prime Minister’s Office
But peace of mind isn’t the only thing affecting him adversely.
“I have lost my earnings, business and have had to leave my hometown too.”
Earlier, he owned a business dealing with brass products and also practiced Ayurveda medicine in his hometown of Moradabad, which is famous for its intricate brass-work and is called Peetal Nagri (city of brass). But his dispensary and business shut down and his newspaper became defunct after he was sent to jail in 2008.
Although Saleem started filing RTI immediately after the act came into force in 2005, harassment started in 2007 when he filed an RTI seeking to unearth caste-based recruitment in Moradabad police.
“In February, 2007, I had filed an RTI application at the Moradabad Police office seeking details about recruitment of police constables in the district. I suspected that the jobs had been sold. We challenged it to the RTI watchdog body UP State Information Commission, which found an illegal process in this recruitment and slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on SP, rural Moradabad.”
The order put him in the bad books of police and others associated with them.
“This order was enough for the police officials to start harassing me and my family. I was pressured and threatened too not just by the police but also by acquaintances who were affected by it, as well as brokers. They wanted me to withdraw the case. But I didn’t and informed it to the commission,” he says.
He says he had to pay a heavy price for it.
“The SO (Station Officer) Police implicated me in fake cases of theft and extortion, among others. So, I went underground for six months,” reveals Saleem.
“When I returned after six months, the police first arrested me in June, 2008, in connection with fake cases and then filed an FIR before sending me to jail. I was released after 18 days. After my release, the police filed a fake FIR against me again.
“Finally, I left my hometown and moved to Lucknow and remained underground for two and a half years. My lawyer told me that the police wanted to impose NSA (National Security Act) and arrest me. They are all bogus cases, which have been quashed by the court now,” said Baig.
The RTI is an act of the Parliament of India which sets rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information. Right to Information Act, 2005, mandates timely response to citizens’ requests for government information and empowers every citizen to seek any information from the government, inspect any government document and seek certified photocopies thereof.
FRUITS OF LABOUR: Some of the responses that Baig has got from his applications
During this entire period, Saleem’s personal life has been badly affected. Not only Baig, but his family has also paid a huge cost.
“I am unable to complete my regular work — related to authorities — easily. For example, if I want to admit my child to school and if there is any requirement or difficulty, I cannot even approach any politician, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) or a Member of Parliament (MP). Other people can do, but I can’t because of the bad rap due to our RTI queries,” he adds.
“If we ask for any information like road, water, electricity from local, state or central government-level officers, then we enter their ‘bad book’. When we reveal information, politicians and officers feel upset. So, our general work from block level to Centre, which is our right, anyway, doesn’t happen easily,” he complains.
Baig feels that the lives of most of the RTI activists are at risk.
“I have personally faced this. People need to realise that while filing applications under RTI, we are helping the state and Centre by bringing in awareness. But RTI activists are being killed in the country because no government or officer wants to back them.”
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative data shows that 28 activists have been threatened, assaulted, or killed every year on an average since the Right to Information Act came into effect in 2005 in India.
“When I went underground for over three years, everything – my brass goods business and ayurvedic shop — was crushed. Sab chopat ho gaya (Everything ended).We barely survived. I was not as rich. My earnings got reduced drastically but expenses increased due to travel or lawyer’s fees. Our belongings were sold. My children’s education had come to a halt for two years. So, I had to shift them to my father-in-law’s home,” Baig says before breaking down.
“My younger son often asks his mother, ‘Ammi (Mother), why do the police come to our home again and again’. My heart would tremble when my wife would tell me over phone that our son is asking, ‘Ammi hum school kab jayenge (Mother, when would we go to school). I faced a lot of problems, which I can’t explain,” he says.
Some relief had come in the form of some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which helped Baig.
“Some big NGOs offered me fellowships after that. In 2011-12 ‘Dalit Foundation’ gave me a fellowship of Rs 7,000 per month for highlighting atrocities on Dalits and minorities. In 2012, another funding agency gave me a fellowship of Rs 15,000. That was a big support for me to survive that time.”
Baig has won many awards for his courageous work, including a lifetime achievement award by the Delhi State Minorities Commission. Also, his RTI reference was used by the court and published in international media. He was a member of the fact-finding team of the 2020 North-East Delhi riots too.
“Presently, I work as a RTI trainer. Some NGOs invite me to train their people and also, I work as a researcher with a prestigious organisation. Currently, these two are the only sources of my income. But during Covid, my condition went bad again, because my job as a trainer came to a halt. Then I went into debt, which I haven’t been able to pay as yet,” he says further.
For the last 5-6 years, Baig has been living in Delhi with his family.
“I want to appeal to the citizens to use the RTI Act for public’s benefit. The usage of RTI is very low at present because many state and even Central governments have shrunk power of this act. Especially since 2014,it has gone from bad to worse. But we can use this act as a tool or sword to stop corruption. We should fight for our rights. If we don’t have awareness, then we are like dead people. Aap mare hue hain, aur mara hua aadmi hi harkat nahi karta (You are a dead man, as it is only a dead man who doesn’t react).”
source: http://www.thepatriot.in / Patriot / Home> Community / by Muhammad Tahir / March 06th, 2023
Amidst the joy of the Durga Puja festival, the news of an Assamese young researcher in the United States hitting a major success had doubled the happiness of the people across the State.
Rahul Islam a researcher at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, has developed a mobile app that can identify people suffering from depression. The app can scan a person’s face and eyes to decode the state of his brain.
Rahul Islam, a native of Assam, is an important part of the research led by a senior professor at the university. He hails from the Radhakuchi village in the Karra area of Baihata Chariali in the Kamrup district.
Rahul Islam graduated in Computer Science Engineering from the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and left for the USA. received a scholarship to fulfill his dream of pursuing higher studies. Rahul Islam is researching under Senior Professor Sang Won Bae at one of the oldest universities in the United States established in the 1870s.
Rahul Islam, son of Golmahmud Ali and Sulema Begum, spent his childhood and adolescence outside the home.
Golmahmood Ali was a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier.
Rahul attended several Kendriya Vidyalayas in India till higher secondary due to his father’s job that took the family across India. Rahul Islam passed his matriculation and higher secondary examinations from Dimapur Kendriya Vidyalaya.
Rahul topped the North East with 97% marks in the 2010 High School Leaving Certificate Examination.
In an interview with Awaz-The Voice, Rahul Islam’s father Golmahmood Ali said; “Rahul was a keen reader since childhood. He spent most of the day reading books. As a father, I am very happy and proud today. I have a daughter. Rahul is older, my daughter is younger Every year, Rahul comes home in December and returns to the United States in January.”
It is worth mentioning that depression is currently recognized as a silent killer of human society and a serious threat to mental stability. Identifying depressed people at an early stage is essential to free them. This can be done to identify such patients at an early stage. However, in reality, it is difficult to identify such patients in the early stages.
This is because people who suffer from depression do not want their inner turmoil to be expressed and do not allow it to be reflected on their faces.
Researchers at the Stevens Institute of Technology have developed two mobile apps that can scan a person’s face and eyes to detect depression. Both apps use artificial intelligence (AI). The first app detects brain functioning by scanning subtle changes in the size of the eyeballs that happensto a patient suffering from depression.
A second app, FacePsy, identifies such patients by studying the person’s emotional state through changes in facial muscle movement and brain posture. The innovative discovery of the son of Assam has already been published in various scientific journals in the United States as well as in the national media of India.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ariful Islam, Guwahati / October 19th, 2024
Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital honoured Prof Dr U T Ifthikar Ali, chairman of the Allied & Healthcare Council Karnataka, with the prestigious “Star of the Year” award during the 4th International annual conference on “Innovation in Rehabilitation Practice and Medicine” held at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman.
Dr Ifthikar, a distinguished educationist, healthcare professional, sports enthusiast, and social activist, has played a vital role in overseeing allied and paramedical colleges across Karnataka. His remarkable efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people, were particularly highlighted during the ceremony.
Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group, commended Dr Ifthikar for his unwavering commitment to the fields of education and healthcare. He stated, “Dr. Ifthikar Ali embodies the spirit of hard work and compassion, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. His contributions have not only enriched the education sector but have also significantly improved healthcare delivery in Karnataka. We are confident that he will continue to be a catalyst for positive change in society.”
The felicitation ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Sheikh Dr Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, chairman of the ruler’s court, Ajman, further emphasising the importance of the occasion.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Ifthikar expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It serves as a motivation to continue my efforts in enhancing healthcare and education in our community. Together, we can create a better future for the next generation.”
The 4th international annual conference on “Innovation in Rehabilitation Practice and Medicine”, held at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, served as a pivotal platform for discussing advancements in rehabilitation and healthcare. Esteemed healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders gathered to share insights and explore innovative practices that enhance patient care.
The conference featured talks focused on emerging therapies and technologies, including the integration of holistic approaches in rehabilitation. This year’s event highlighted Thumbay Healthcare’s commitment to leading the way in healthcare innovation, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing the evolving needs of patients, particularly the elderly population.
The conference not only celebrated achievements in the field but also nurtured networking and knowledge-sharing among participants dedicated to improving rehabilitation practices.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / October 19th, 2024
Watch | With over 14 years of service left, Wing Commander Akhtar chose to invest his time in nurturing the next generation, recognizing the importance of instilling confidence and resilience.
Former Wing Commander gives ‘soft skill wings’ to students’ dream
source: youtube.com / eNewsRoom
Kolkata:
Wing Commander Shamim Akhtar (Retd) made a remarkable decision to take voluntary retirement from the Indian Army, not to rest but to serve a higher purpose: grooming the youth for careers in the army and beyond. Presently stationed in Kolkata, he dedicates his time to training students from diverse educational backgrounds in essential soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and resilience.
His students, hailing from far-flung areas, converge to attend his sessions, spanning disciplines like engineering, law, and literature. What sets the army veteran apart is not just his dedication but his altruism—he offers these sessions free of cost, a gesture aimed at empowering the youth irrespective of their financial background.
Beyond imparting soft skills, Akhtar serves as a conduit between aspiring youth and Indian Army vacancies, often bringing to light opportunities that students were previously unaware of. For him, retirement wasn’t an end but a new beginning—a chance to inspire and mold future leaders.
“When I took premature retirement, my 14 years of service was left. But I wanted to groom youth and help build future leaders, so it was the right time to quit and start something to motivate students,” the ex- Air Force Officer shared with eNewsroom.
His philosophy is simple yet profound: to instill confidence and uniqueness in his students, empowering them to make a mark in their chosen fields. Through his mentorship, he not only imparts skills but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental strength and physical fitness, essential for navigating the challenges of the future.
Akhtar’s mission extends beyond the classroom; it’s about fostering holistic development and nurturing well-rounded individuals. By encouraging his students to prioritize quality time with family and friends, he underscores the significance of balance in life—a lesson as valuable as any technical skill.
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Audio-Video / by Staff Reporter / March 24th, 2024
The Razack family, renowned for their legacy of generosity, has donated Rs 5 crore to St Joseph’s Boys’ High School (SJBHS) to support the institution’s ongoing projects.
The unveiling of the ‘Razack Family Block’ plaque in September 2024 marked a significant moment for the school. Present at the event were prominent alumni, including Irfan Razack, Managing Director of Prestige Estates Projects (Batch of 1968), along with his brothers Rezwan Razack (Batch of 1970) and Noaman Razack (Batch of 1974).
The generous contribution will fund crucial developments at the school, including the construction of a playground with a double basement and additional classrooms. These infrastructure upgrades aim to align with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and address longstanding challenges such as parking limitations in Bengaluru’s Central Business District.
During the ceremony, Irfan Razack expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a privilege to give back to my alma mater, which has shaped me into who I am today. Your recognition of my efforts is humbling, and I am deeply grateful.” The sentiments were echoed by Rezwan Razack and other family members, all underscoring their continued commitment to supporting the school’s growth.
Jayashree Prince Jacob, a teaching faculty member at SJBHS, highlighted the deeper meaning of the Razack family’s donation, stating, “This contribution represents more than just financial support. It is a testament to the lasting bond between the school and its alumni, inspiring future Josephites to uphold the tradition of giving back.”
In a statement, the school reflected on its cherished motto, “Fide et Labore” (Faith and Toil), emphasizing that the values imparted through the years continue to resonate with the alumni. “Once a Josephite, always a Josephite” remains more than a saying—it embodies the unyielding love and loyalty of the Josephite community.
The Razack family’s contribution serves as a lasting example of dedication to the school’s mission, ensuring that St Joseph’s Boys’ High School continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 12th, 2024
Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani laying foundation of the Millat Urdu High School, Malegaon
Malegaon:
The educational journey of the Ahmed Naseem Meena Nagri Education Society is set to become a defining milestone for New Malegaon, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Shakir Sir. In honour of his legacy, Shakir Sir has been instrumental in establishing new educational institutions including the Abdul Shakur Pre-Primary and Primary School and Junior College, Millat Urdu High School, Insha Paramedical College and Diploma Courses. The inauguration ceremony of these institutions was held near Labbaik Hotel in the Malda area of New Malegaon. The residents of Malegaon are expected to benefit greatly from these new facilities.
The foundation stone ceremony of Millat Urdu High School was conducted by General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani. Maulana Rahmani acknowledged the significant contributions of Shakir Sir, saying, “He has been a dedicated teacher, and with the establishment of this institution, he has gifted the community a place of learning that will endure even after him.”
Maulana Rahmani also highlighted that the late Maulana Syed Wali Muhammad Rahmani had close ties with Shakir Sir.
Inaugurating Insha Paramedical and IT College, Dr. Saeed Farani remarked, “This campus offers education from primary levels to medical training. Paramedical services are now indispensable, serving as the backbone of healthcare without which medical care cannot function.”
Dr. Farani stressed that medicine ensures success in both this world and the hereafter if pursued with sincerity. Highlighting Malegaon’s rise as a medical hub, attracting patients from a 150-200 km radius, he noted the growing presence of hospitals and increasing interest from corporate healthcare. However, these hospitals will need qualified paramedical staff, now mandated by the government. He urged residents to enrol in paramedical courses to boost their employment prospects.
Dr. Ayub Khan Poonawala, speaking on the significance of paramedical education, noted that the era of paramedical and IT training has begun. “This is the sixth paramedical college being established after Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Paramedical students have a 100% job placement rate. Malegaon, known as a city of skilled workers, will now benefit from this initiative.”
Headmaster Al-Haj Qureshi Mukhtar also addressed the gathering saying, “In an era where educational institutions are becoming commercial enterprises, establishing such a purposeful campus in the suburbs is truly commendable.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / October 04th, 2024
The book Kasb-e-Maash Ka Islami Tasawwur (Islamic Concept of Livelihood) by Maulana Muhammad Anas Falahi Madani was launched at the Indian Center for Islamic Finance (ICIF) on Saturday. This publication was made possible through the collaboration and financial support of ICIF and Rafah Chambers of Commerce, along with the coordination of Tasneefi Academy.
In his introduction, the author discussed two prevalent attitudes towards wealth in Muslim society: one driven by inflation and the other by extravagance. He noted that some individuals disregard ethical boundaries in their pursuit of wealth, often ignoring whether their means are halal or haram, driven solely by the desire to accumulate more.
“Islam recognizes wealth as a vital necessity of life. While individuals are encouraged to earn as much as they wish, it is imperative that they do so through legitimate means and adhere to the limits set by Allah,” he emphasized.
Dr. Razi-ul-Islam Nadvi, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, expressed his appreciation for the book’s detailed exploration of this balanced perspective of Islam. He outlined the book’s structure, noting that it consists of six chapters: the first examines the nature of worldly life through the lens of the Qur’an and Sunnah; the second highlights motivational aspects of earning a living as described in the Qur’an and Hadith; the third discusses legitimate versus illegitimate sources of income; the fourth reflects on the economic life of the Prophet Muhammad; the fifth covers methods of earning and spending; and the sixth analyzes the consequences of Islamic and non-Islamic approaches to wealth accumulation.
Dr. Nadvi expressed hope that the book would be well received in both academic and religious circles, clearing up many misunderstandings in the process.
Professor Mohsin Usmani Nadvi praised the author for illustrating Islamic principles of earning through various examples from the Qur’an and Hadith.
In his closing remarks, Professor Jawed Ahmad Khan, Chairman of ICIF, pointed out the abundance of literature focused on spending, contrasting it with the scarcity of works aimed at wealth creation. He urged young students and researchers to engage in research that meets the demands of our rapidly evolving economic landscape, where the focus increasingly lies on wealth generation and investment. H. Abdur Raqeeb, General Secretary of ICIF, concluded by emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by admin indiatomorrow / October 07th, 2024
In a landmark effort to uplift the educational aspirations of Muslim minority students across India, the Kalam Learning Centre has announced the launch of a substantial Rs.50 crore scholarship fund.
This ambitious initiative, which stands as one of the largest scholarships programs specifically targeting Muslim minority students, aims to provide essential financial support to deserving students, helping them achieve their academic dreams without the burden of economic constraints.
The scholarship program is open to students from Class 5 to Class 12, as well as recent 12th-grade graduates who are preparing for their next academic steps. The initiative covers a wide spectrum of students, making it accessible to a large segment of the Muslim minority population. To qualify, students will need to participate in a scholarship examination conducted by the centre, ensuring that the scholarships are awarded based on merit and need.
By offering these scholarships, the Kalam Learning Centre aims to empower young students with access to quality education, removing financial hurdles that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing higher studies. The centre’s vision aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the educational landscape for minorities in India, especially at a time when educational inequalities persist across different sections of society.
The `50 crore scholarships fund represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education. It is set to play a pivotal role in the academic journeys of thousands of students, allowing them to focus on their studies, reach their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative will not only benefit the students but also strengthen the foundation of India’s future workforce by nurturing young minds through education.
In addition to this, the scholarships program resonates with the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned advocate for education. Several scholarships across India bear his name, each dedicated to advancing his dream of a fully literate nation. These scholarships, offered by various state governments, educational institutions, and organizations, aim to provide deserving and financially struggling students with the necessary resources to complete their education. Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire efforts like the Kalam Learning Center’s initiative, which seeks to build a more inclusive and educated India, one student at a time.
Through this scholarship, the Kalam Learning Centre is not only supporting individual students but also contributing to the broader mission of promoting literacy, equality, and opportunity for the underrepresented and marginalized sections of society. This initiative sets a precedent for other organizations to follow, encouraging more efforts to bridge the educational gap for minorities in India.
For more information or registration, you may click here, or download Kalam Learning Centre App, or call KLC helpline number +91-9335004071.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / October 15th, 2024
Articles 29 & 30; Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan highlights lesser-known articles protecting minority rights
NUJS’ Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed speaks on World Minorities Rights Day | eNewsroom
Kolkata:
December 18, holds great significance, as it marks the World Minorities Rights Day. The day serves as a reminder to those in power of their pledge to safeguard the rights of religious, racial, linguistic and ethnic minorities residing in their country.
In Kolkata, the day extended beyond Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tweet and was celebrated across the city.
So, if a section of Jan Bazar had been cordoned off to allow the Congress Party to address the rights of minorities in India, then a little away from their location, Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim was addressing another group of people at a symposium on the ‘Inclusion of minorities is vital for sustainable democracy’ and little further away in Central Kolkata, All India Milli Council’s Kolkata chapter called for a yet another discussion on the road ahead for the minorities in India.
The panelists comprising Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Associate Professor, National University of Juridical Science, Kolkata; Maulana Shafique Qashmish, VP AIMC, West Bengal, Rafay Siddique, convenor AIMC, Kolkata and Amaan Ahmed of AIMC.
The two-hour-long session aimed to raise awareness about December 18 and its significance. “The event is to raise awareness, promote understanding, and actively champion the rights of minority communities in India,” informed Maulana Qashmish.
Adding to that Dr Khan, spoke at length about the significance, evolution and the need for ‘The World Minority Rights Day’. “The whole idea of safeguarding the minority rights stems from the fact that no society can progress, if it is not inclusive,” Dr Khan.
“Our constitution was being drafted around the time the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared,so those drafting it took care of incorporating clauses to safeguard minority rights. It was to create an inclusive India,” he said.
Speaking about the Indian Constitution and its safeguards, he made the audience aware of two lesser-used but vital articles that protect minority rights. “Article 29 of the Constitution states that any section of Indian citizen having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same. Also, no citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.”
He elaborated on Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which grants all minorities, whether based on religion or language, the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. And the second clause of this article states that the State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.” However, he lamented over the fact that Muslims till date have been unable to use these two articles for their best.
“We the people of India, is a right given to the people of India by those drafting the Constitution. No government is going to put your rights on a platter before you. It’s upon the citizens on how they make sure that their rights and provisions are given to them,” said Maulana Qashmish.
Siddiqui mentioned, “Creating awareness about minority rights has become even more important today. Today, minority communities are facing a lot of issues right from the arrest of activists spearheading the CAA-NRC movement, the houses of those speaking against the government being bulldozed, drafting laws that are discriminatory among many other issues.” He added, “Hence, we have reached a point when we need to be aware of our rights and also the legal recourse to get them.”
On being asked what the panelists had to say about Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi being behind bars even today, Dr Khan said, ‘What has happened is unjust. The prosecution team may struggle to present substantial evidence and in the end, they are likely to be acquitted. Sadly, by the time they are released their prime years will have been spent behind the bar.”
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom / Home> Bengal> Inclusive India / by Staff Reporter / December 20th, 2023
