Self-inflicted wounds of Islam?

January 3, 2013, 1:09 pm

≪ Previous: GUEST EDITORIAL: Delhi Gangrape Protest cannot be Ignored

By Rushdi Siddiqui

“The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.” — Navy SEAL Creed

Islam is a religion of peace, but do Muslims need anger management therapy?

We talk about brotherhood, but, say, Muslim Brotherhood, and it evokes more negative images rather than positive perceptions.

We talk about the Ummah, Muslim community, but it seems more like organised gangs along tribal lines?

A common punchline linked to Muslims is “.. put four Muslims in a room and you get five opinions...”

Many of the Friday sermons (Khutbaahs) are often “fire and brimstone” in a loud tone (even with microphone), and more about the wrath of the Creator rather than His mercy and compassion.
The trailer of the anti-Muslim/Islam video, “Innocence of Muslims”, caused much expected uproar and ensuing violence but it had an “interesting comment.” Some said the “movie” was the actual reaction in the Muslim world to the trailer. Put differently, is it easy to inflame the passions of Muslims, which raises interest in something that is/was of poor quality and incorrect, and propganda oriented?

Then you have security (suicide bombings at mosques) and safety challenges in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, etc, Muslim on Muslim killing, maiming, fear-mongering, and so on.
The world’s most popular Muslim footballer, Algeria’s Zinedine Zidane, with an outstanding international career will be immortalised with a statute of his infamous headbutt at the 2006 World Cup final on Italy’s Marco Materazzi.

The Arab Spring youth movement against entrenched leaders was actually a trailer of a work in progress movie about a revolution of enfranchisment and dignity. In it, Tunisia buckled, Yemen thundered, Libya splintered, Egypt shattered, Syria burned, Bahrain yearned, and so on.

Forget this clash of civilizations! The pre-requisite for civilized people is being civil on both sides, correct? If not, then another term needs to be introduced, say, “the best of the West versus the Beast of the East?”

It seems these challenges are a common occurrence in many of Muslim countries. Why?
Why so serious (angry)?

So, what does Islam say about anger?

In Surah Al-Imran 3:134, it states, “…those who control their anger and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loves those who do good.”

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The best of you are those who are slow to anger and swift to cool down... Beware of anger, for it is a live coal on the heart of the descendants of Adam.”—Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 133.

“When one of you becomes angry while standing he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.” Prophet Muhammed (SAW) quoted from Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 5114 narrated by Abu Dharr.

Finally, the Prophet (SAW) stated, “Anger comes from the Shaitan. The Shaitan was created from fire and fire is extinguished only with water. So when one of you becomes angry, he should perform wudu.”—Abu Dawud.

Thus, is there a divergence between words and deeds?

Expectations not met

Where is the resentment coming from?

Today, most of the world’s reported conflicts are generally not between countries over lines of demarcations, resources below the surface like the flow of water, and so on. The disturbances-cum-conflict-cum-civil war (for regime change) are linked to various “debilitating illnesses and bone diseases” of corruption, unemployment and underemployment, inflation for basic staples, political disenfranchisement, etc.

The raw numbers of Muslim youth, meaning those under the age of 25, in the 57 Muslim countries, hovers around 60 per cent, and the unemployment rate is over the average age of youth, and, in some countries double. Combine the restless youth pool (rightfully) wanting opportunities that they see their counter-parts having in other countries, via the traditional and connected social media, is the powder keg needing a spark for implosion.

The spark comes from wholesale corruption that prevents allotted moneys not reaching its destination of opportunity development. The spark comes from political and financial disenfranchisement. The spark comes form white elephant projects that benefit the accessible. The spark comes from unavailability of basic necessities resulting in deaths and illnesses.
Thus, the Arab Spring, combining the demographic bomb with communication connectivity in real time, is not an unexpected end result.

Freedom indexes

There is link between high income economies and development, and the various freedoms. I’ve taken the liberty (pun intended) of pasting from Wikipedia, the aggregation of various freedom indexes, with focus on selected Muslim countries and Israel.

The reader can make their own conclusions on:

Methodology and its robustness

Do the low numbers and “not/partly free” status means anything for almost all of the Muslim countries? Interesting to note the categorization of the three G-20 Muslim countries as “not free” (Saudi Arabia), “partly free” (Turkey) and “free” (Indonesia).

Is there a need to have a “new” freedom index to take into account the peculiarities of the Muslim country’s history, culture, religion, etc. Put differently, should there be a different definition of, say, corruption, freedoms, etc., for Muslim countries? If so, what would it be? Who would put together the methodology?

I have not included Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for countries, as the reader is suggested to make their own links and conclusions between corruption and competitiveness and development for Muslim countries.

Conclusion

Are Muslims like Russia as stated by Winston Churchill: Russia (Muslims) is (are) a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.

There is link between anger (common), corruption (leading), freedoms (work in progress) and development (lacking) in the Muslim world. Yes, it also exists in the non-Muslim (more secular oriented) world, but are standards higher for Muslims?

Today, are Muslims respected ambassadors for tolerance, compassion, and mercy towards each other and non-Muslims?

If not (yet), what is the next step to address the above question in the positive?

(Courtesy: The Malaysian Insider)

↧

The Polio Murders

January 3, 2013, 1:22 pm

≫ Next: Iran sacks first woman minister after she dared to criticise health policies

≪ Previous: Self-inflicted wounds of Islam?

From the fulminations of Swat’s polio-hobbled Maulana Fazlullah to Shakeel Afridi’s vaccination ruse to the latest attacks on health workers, Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign faces tough challenges. But all may not be lost.

By Benazir Shah and Sami Yousafzai

Sitting across from Tahseenullah Khan was the anti-polio campaign’s most vociferous critic, Maulana Fazlullah—the militant leader of Swat, who used his illegal radio transmissions to stir up propaganda against life-saving immunizations. Khan and his three colleagues from the nonprofit National Research & Development Fund had come to implore Fazlullah and his dozen or so comrades to allow health workers safe access to local children. Swat Valley, said the black-turbaned chieftain, would do no such thing. The anti-polio drive is un-Islamic, he continued, a conspiracy hatched by Jews and Christians to clip Muslim population growth.

But Khan kept at it, and the militant finally began to crack. Vaccinations will only be allowed once U.S. troops leave Afghanistan, Fazlullah offered, or if the killing of Palestinians cease. Six hours of patient presentation later, the campaigner extracted the concession he had come for. While Fazlullah refused to retract his previous statements, he did acquiesce to the government’s fresh anti-polio campaign. Fazlullah’s surrender may have had personal motivations. As Khan got up to leave Fazlullah’s madrassah, he recognized the Taliban leader’s limp. “Have you been tested for polio?” he cautiously asked, knowing the answer. Fazlullah, flanked by two gunmen, stood silent for a few moments, then hobbled away.

For Khan, this was the toughest sell in his 14 years as a mediator between rank ignorance and government-funded efforts to root out the disease. The tense exchange with Fazlullah happened in 2008, when Pakistan had 117 confirmed cases of polio, an epidemic. This year the country has had 56, according to the World Health Organization. Next year, though, could well be a different story. After last week’s attacks over two days by gunmen on motorcycles in Karachi, Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera, the latest three-day nationwide vaccination campaign has been suspended. Nine health workers, including six women, are dead.

Opposition to the anti-polio campaign is hardly new, but the deadlier dimensions it has now assumed, despite endorsement from religious leaders, will imperil the lives of countless children in Pakistan—U.N. officials estimate that 3.5 million of them missed vaccinations just as a result of the latest violence—and even abroad. To rescue the hostage anti-polio campaign, the government may have no choice but to cut deplorable deals with the militants.

“Cruel, senseless and inexcusable,” is how Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. secretary-general, described the polio murders. In their joint statement WHO and UNICEF called on the leaders of “the affected communities and everyone concerned to do their utmost to protect health workers and create a secure environment so that we can meet the health needs of the children of Pakistan.” Some 2,000 staff members of these U.N. organizations had been assisting Pakistan’s at least 225,000-strong anti-polio volunteers.

The crippling poliomyelitis virus is a waterborne disease which infects only humans, mainly children under 5. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralyzed, it is fatal to 5 to 10 percent. Polio has no cure.

Outrage in Pakistan over the polio killings crosses party lines. “We cannot allow these people to dictate what we can and cannot do,” said Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the president’s youngest daughter and ambassador for polio eradication. “The vaccine can save millions. It is not against Islam to promote healthy children.” Conservative politicians are also furious. “The killing of polio workers is outrageous,” said Imran Khan. “What kind of twisted mindset would target those fighting disease. Condemn these sick criminals.” Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has urged clerics to rally support for the annual nationwide immunization drives.

Who killed the health workers? Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan has denied the involvement of his group. But another Taliban spokesman in South Waziristan has claimed responsibility citing, according to Reuters, the health campaign as part of “a secret Jewish-American agenda to poison Pakistanis.”

Madness Without Cure

Pakistan’s eradication efforts keep encountering obstacles—sometimes in the form of superstitious fears and wild rumors and other times in the form of undisguised politics. Last summer a Pakistani Taliban leader in North Waziristan issued a decree forbidding any further vaccinations in his area until America ended its drone attacks targeting militants. Pamphlets stigmatizing the anti-polio drive as a conspiracy and an espionage exercise were littered across the federally-administered tribal areas. (Similar literature appeared in the previous two years as well, especially in Bajaur and North Waziristan.) Soon afterward an anti-polio worker was attacked in Islamabad, and gunmen in Karachi wounded a Ghanaian doctor working for WHO and his driver. Other instances of harassment, murder and kidnapping followed—in Balochistan province and in Punjab’s capital.

International agencies assisting Pakistan overcome polio have long been aware of the challenges, and their workers have persevered—often at great personal risk. Through local organizations like the National Research & Development Fund, anti-polio partners have been wooing religious leaders and highlighting the urgency of saving children’s lives, especially in areas dominated by the conservative and often roving Pakhtun population. Pakhtuns make up some 15 percent of the country’s population but account for three quarters of polio cases, according to WHO. Cricketer Shahid Afridi, a Pakhtun, was drafted by the government as an anti-polio ambassador in July to break the ethnic group’s resistance to eradication efforts. Pakhtun families, especially those damaged by war, tend to view any outside help with more suspicion than do others. They often also avoid health workers for fear of upsetting the local Taliban.

“Polio is not a priority for them,” Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, a vaccine specialist at Aga Khan University in Karachi, tells Newsweek of the Pakhtuns, “these people have seen nothing but conflict since 1979.” They are more concerned, he says, about basic civic facilities, and drone strikes. “Their priorities and those of the government just do not match.” The refusal of Pakhtun families to have their children immunized is putting others at real risk. These children are quickly becoming the main carriers for the disease. Already this year, sewage samples from cities like Hyderabad and Rawalpindi that had previously been declared polio-free showed that the virus was back.

“Certain elements we refer to as the Taliban, though it’s a very general term, feel threatened by the presence of people going around vaccinating children in their areas,” says WHO’s Dr. Guido Sabatinelli. He says that in Afghanistan—along with Pakistan one of only three countries where polio still exists. Nigeria is the third—the Taliban are “absolutely in favor” of the anti-polio campaign. But the propaganda against polio vaccination is just as vicious there. Early this month in Kapisa province, gunmen pumped six bullets into a teenage immunization-program volunteer, killing her. A Taliban spokesman denied responsibility. In many other areas, the insurgents prevent anti-polio teams from accessing at-risk children.

Disruption of the immunization campaign in Pakistan puts other countries in danger as well. “Unfortunately, this is something we may have to face,” Bhutto Zardari tells Newsweek. “If Pakistan is not free of polio, if we are unable to reach every single child, polio can go beyond our borders.” The Global Polio Eradication Initiative says polio spread internationally last year from Nigeria and Pakistan. Officials from WHO have previously warned that Pakistanis could face restrictions on travel abroad to keep the disease from spreading. Saudi Arabia already requires proof of oral polio vaccination from pilgrims coming to Mecca. Dr. Hussein A. Gezairy, an adviser to the World Health Organization, on his visit to Pakistan in September said all Haj pilgrims from the three countries where polio still exists would be immunized upon arrival in the Saudi kingdom. He also appealed to Pakistan’s militants to allow vaccinations.

“The entire Muslim world has eradicated this disease except for these three countries,” says Bhutto Zardari. “Saudi Arabia can play a key role in calling for a polio-free Muslim ummah,” she says, suggesting that the kingdom’s immunization-for-Haj condition may prove useful. “If one of the most important Muslim countries in the world, Saudi Arabia, has been able to eradicate polio with the same vaccine we use, why can’t we?”

Religion can help combat the ignorance, to some extent. Khan’s National Research & Development Fund has almost two dozen fatwas in support of the anti-polio campaign, including one issued in July from the Grand Imam of Cairo’s Islamic Research Academy of Al-Azhar. “As this disease endangers the lives of our children, causes paralysis of limbs and renders children physically disabled, and as we are ordered to avert harm, [we appeal] to all parents not to listen to rulings that ban vaccination against this noxious disease,” reads Dr. Ahmed al-Tayyib’s edict, which also cites the following Quranic verse: “Allah, exalted be Him, says losers indeed are those who kill their children foolishly without knowledge.” Khan’s organization also uses scripture in support of its work—“Saving a life is saving humanity: Al Quran,” its website prominently displays.

For some, religion, or the misrepresentation of it by rabid clerics, is not the stumbling block. “What good are fatwas if the government doesn’t provide security?” asks Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, chief of the All-Pakistan Ulema Council. It is impractical, impossible, for the state to provide protection to its entire army of unarmed anti-polio health workers. “I don’t see religion as the problem,” WHO’s Dr. Elias Durray tells Newsweek. “Muslim countries around the world [which have eradicated polio] are a good example of this.” Thanks to these anti-polio fatwas, however, fewer parents have been refusing oral drops for their children on so-called religious grounds. But even fatwas from such luminaries as Cairo’s Grand Imam can’t make any difference with people like the Quetta imam who reportedly used his Friday sermon to express joy that his son had been diagnosed with polio. The imam said his religious obligations had been fulfilled since the Quran, he alleged, shuns polio vaccinations.

As if this self-destructive and utterly specious narrative wasn’t enough, there’s the compounding fallout from the Raymond Davis and Dr. Shakeel Afridi affairs. Since CIA operative Davis shot and killed two Pakistanis on a Lahore road—in apparent self-defense—in January 2011, there has been much hysterical handwringing over U.S. spies operating in Pakistan under the garb of selfless humanitarianism. Dr. Afridi’s hepatitis—not polio—vaccination ruse to successfully pinpoint the whereabouts of the world’s most famous fugitive, Osama bin Laden, didn’t help either. To the satisfaction of the Pakistani street, Afridi has been jailed for aiding and abetting the CIA and U.S. government. Never mind that bin Laden was an enemy of Pakistan too.

After the Abbottabad operation, “people began saying strange things to us,” says Shazia Khan, a health worker in Mardan, who has devoted the past five years to the polio-eradication campaign. “Last when I knocked at one man’s door he actually asked me: ‘Are you looking for Al Qaeda in my home?’”

“The anti-polio campaign was already controversial in some parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, but Dr. Afridi’s involvement in bin Laden’s death brought even more trouble,” says Dr. Jamshed, a Pakistani health official who, for the sake of his own safety, declined to use his full name. He says polio teams soon became unwelcome even in areas where the Pakistani Taliban had previously allowed them to work.

Azhar-ul-Haq is fairly typical of parents in Pakistan who refuse to let their sons and daughters be immunized. “These dirty drops took the life of Osama bin Laden,” declares the 50-year-old father of eight. “We should not let anyone knock on our doors wanting to give polio vaccinations to our children.” He brags that he has never allowed his children to ingest what he calls the “non-halal” drops of oral vaccine—“And my kids are much stronger than the others.” Responding to reports that the Pakistani government is threatening to fine or imprison parents who refuse immunization, he says: “These are my kids; the government has no right.” He adds: “I and my father and my grandfather grew up without polio vaccinations. Allah will make sure my kids grow up the same way.” (It’s entirely possible that his children won’t become seriously ill. Polio is a stealthy infection, often producing no symptoms or perhaps a slight fever and a sore throat.)

Why Polio?

Besides disinformation that polio drops could cause infertility or that the campaign is an unholy crusade by un-Islamic forces, conspiracy-prone refuseniks also believe the drops may contain pig fat. This, also, is untrue. In fact, according to Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan uses vaccine manufactured in Muslim-majority Indonesia. In Pakistan, where malaria and hepatitis campaigns run parallel to the war on polio, why is the latter almost always singled out for violence?

“Polio has become a high-profile issue to Pakistan’s government, and extremists believe they can twist the government’s arm by attacking our workers,” says Bhutto Zardari. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, adviser to the prime minister on polio eradication, concurs. “Militants politicize the virus because they know that the eradication of polio is important,” she told Newsweek. Polio prevention has been prioritized by successive governments in Islamabad since the campaign was first officially organized in 1993—by Bhutto Zardari’s late mother, Benazir—when there were some 30,000 reported cases. “Had there been a high-profile measles campaign, the extremists would have used that for leverage,” says Ali.

The anti-polio campaign is high profile enough to have drawn the attention of the world’s richest man. His Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged “more than $85 million” for Pakistan’s fight against the disease and $1 billion overall. Besides WHO and UNICEF, the country also gets help from foreign organizations like Rotary International and myriad nongovernmental organizations (which are generally viewed with suspicion by most Pakistanis, including politicians). Riyadh-based Islamic Development Bank is providing $227 million over three years to Pakistan for eradicating the “Muslim disease” of polio. If the Taliban wanted the world’s attention, with last week’s killings they got it. They can now use the threat of continued attacks to negotiate with the government, for, say, the release of their comrades from jail. At press time the militants had issued no demands tied to the polio murders, but Islamabad may have little choice when they do.

“What happened in Karachi and Peshawar is long-term bad news for the campaign against polio in Pakistan,” says Dr. Jamshed. These killings “mean even in the cities we will have trouble.” The prognosis is bleak, the health workers sitting ducks. “In many areas our volunteers are unwilling to work anymore. They have been warned by hardline mullahs and the Taliban not to participate in anti-polio programs. We were in the final stages of the effort to free Pakistan’s children from the virus. Now it’s looking like we will fail.”

Even though Pakistan failed to eradicate polio by the end of 2011, as it had hoped, it has made strides toward eradication. In September, health workers accessed the tribal Khyber agency for the first time since 2009 and administered drops to tens of thousands of children. Four nationwide vaccination drives took place this year—in July, September, October and December—and eight smaller ones targeting high-risk areas. Overall, some 34 million children have been vaccinated this year, according to official estimates. Pakistan also has 47 vaccination posts at entry and exit points in the tribal areas, 11 at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border (including at Spin Boldak which opened this year), and one each at the borders with China and India.

“Polio can be eradicated,” says adviser Ali, “If the world can make strides in controlling diseases like AIDS and hepatitis and since polio vaccines are available, why should a child be crippled for life?” WHO’s Dr. Durray is equally determined and says Pakistan could eradicate polio within next year. “The commitment of the Pakistani government is at its highest level right now,” he said, months prior to the attacks. .

“Every day is a lost day for us. The virus does not wait for anyone,” says Ali. “Some people may have believed that killing polio workers could achieve the disgraceful aim of ending the campaign, but they are mistaken. We will not stop. We have to eliminate polio from Pakistan.” The next anti-polio drive—whenever that happens and whatever its cost in terms of security compromises—will be eerily low key. Pakistan is close to a final victory against the disease. To fail now would be sinful.

(Courtesy: Newsweek Pakistan)

↧

Iran sacks first woman minister after she dared to criticise health policies

January 3, 2013, 1:26 pm

≫ Next: ‘We are Afghanistan’s first feminist weekly’

≪ Previous: The Polio Murders

Dastjerdi questioned whereabouts of dollars allocated for importing medicine

The first woman minister in the 30-year history of Iran's Islamic republic has been sacked by its president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

No official reason has been given for the sacking of health minister Marziyeh Vahid Dastjerdi, but the dismissal is being linked to her criticism of the government for failing to budget fairly for the importation of vital medicines.

Last month, Dastjerdi said only a quarter of the $2.4billion set aside for medicine imports had been provided in 2012 and that there was a shortage of foreign currency for the shipments.
She said on state television: 'Medicine is more essential than bread.

'I have heard that luxury cars have been imported with subsidised dollars but I don't know what happened to the dollars that were supposed to be allocated for importing medicine.'

Due to international sanctions against Iran over its nuclear plans, shortages of urgent medicines for treatment of cancer, multiple sclerosis and blood disorders are understood to have become a problem.

Although the sanctions don't directly target medicines, their importation is restricted because of limitations on financial transactions.

Mr Ahmadinejad dismissed her comments, saying her budget requirements had been met.

He appointed Mohammad Hassan Tariqat Monfared as interim health minister, the Reuters news agency reported.

Appointed in 2009, Dastjerdi was the first woman government minister since the Islamic Republic's establishment in 1979.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed health minister Marziyeh Vahid Dastjerdi's comments about a lack of available finance for medicine, saying her budget requirements had been met.

Qualified in nursing and obstetrics, she has written and translated a number of books about women's diseases and calls for a greater role for women in society.

In May, 1999, she addressed a rally in Tehran to protest the ban on wearing the headscarf in the Turkish parliament. She condemned the ban as an affront to Muslims and a human rights crime.

(Courtesy: Daily Mail)

↧

‘We are Afghanistan’s first feminist weekly’

January 3, 2013, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: Poetry is the soul of a nation: Ganem

≪ Previous: Iran sacks first woman minister after she dared to criticise health policies

By Pallavi Polanki

Twenty-three-year-old Heleena Kakar is the leading force behind Afghanistan’s ‘first feminist weekly’. In India to explore social and business partnerships, Kakar is busy engineering a brave new world for Afghanistan’s next generation of women.

Kakar and her audacious team of university students and young professionals with support from a UK-based feminist funding agency and the US embassy are all set to re-launch Ruidad Weekly as quarterly magazine in January. Kakar graduated from Herat University with a degree in computer science and works in the Ministry of Narcotics.

Firstpost spoke to Kakar about life as a young feminist in Afghanistan and what the US withdrawal in 2014 will mean for her and her band of change-makers.

Excerpts from the interview:

How would you introduce Ruidad Weekly?

We launched Ruidad Weekly in 2011. It is the first feminist weekly in Afghanistan. We want to build a network. The weekly is about women’s rights, highlights violence against women, their value in society and how women can be independent in society. We started as a weekly with six-pages in Dari, Pashto and English. In April, we got a fund from FRIDA (a UK-based feminist fund) and we are all to re-launch it as a 14-page quarterly magazine. We are a 50-member group of students and young professionals drawn from different fields.

Tell us about how the idea for a feminist weekly came about.

We already have a lot of NGOs that are working for women’s rights. While I was studying at Herat University, we were involved in social activities. I am a young girl and I am aware of the difficulties in our society. We cannot accept this. The idea came from there. So we sat together and brainstormed. When we started out, we didn’t know who or what we stood for. By the end of our research and discussions, we realized we are feminists (laughs).

So we get a sense of the weekly, could you tell us about some of the articles featured in last issue?

I wrote three articles in the last issue titled, ‘Why I am a feminist’, ‘I am me’, and ‘What does the future hold for Afghan women’.

We have an article on Afghanistan and feminism that talks about the background of feminism, the situation in Afghanistan and how we can contribute. You know that Afghanistan is an Islamic country. A Muslim woman can also be a feminist.

We have articles on the problems women face, a legal perspective on women’s rights. And then we have an interview with an athlete – a young girl from Afghanistan who has won many medals – and how she can achieve her goals. We have some poetry by written by women and a sample from a novel written by a woman who barely went to school.

What kind of response has the weekly got? Have there been any controversies?

It is not easy for our society to accept us. The situation in Afghanistan is different. We have had some problems. We’ve also been threatened. We have had to change our office. We now operate from a less conspicuous office.

Earlier this year we wrote an article addressed to President Hamid Karzai’s wife, Zeenat. She is a doctor. When she was in Pakistan she was a women’s activist. But once she came to Afghanistan, she is nowhere to be seen. While Karzai talks about women’s rights, his wife has withdrawn from public life.

The reaction to that article was mixed. Some wished us luck, some said be careful and still others said we were wrong and that we shouldn’t play with danger. Even though some people told us to stop, it only motivated us more. I believe that we did a good job.

What kind of threats did you get? And from who?

Some of our members were being followed. We once got a call and were told to shut the office down. We don’t know who they were. And we are not interested in knowing either.

Who is your target reader?

The young generation. The weekly is distributed for free in universities, colleges and schools. We print about 1000 copies. In Kabul, distribution is not a problem but in Herat we’ve had some trouble. We have friends who take copies by car.

Do you have a lot of women readers? What is the literacy rate among women?

We do. But up until now we didn’t have a mechanism to assess the readership and get their feedback. In the re-launched edition, we have introduced an interactive segment and put out an email address and a phone number so that readers can communicate with us. We haven’t given our office address for security reasons. In the next 2-3 months we’ll have a better sense of how many readers we have and how they are reacting to us.

As far the literacy rate goes, according to the Ministry of Women, it is around 1o percent. I’d say about five per cent of women can read. In the last ten years, we’ve seen more women go to school and university, despite problems. The percentage of literacy is going up.

With every issue, what do you and your team set out to achieve?

We are a diverse group of students with different ideas. We brainstorm about where we are, where we were and where we want to be as a society. We have a lot meetings and discussions. We have to think about how it will affect the reader. If the reader is a man, it shouldn’t reflect him in a bad light. We take care of that.

So the idea is not to shock the readers.

No. Afghanistan is an Islamic society. In fact, we use Islamic words in our articles and talk about how our work is not against Islam. This way it is less controversial and it becomes more acceptable to them.

What does feminism mean to you? How people react when you call yourself a feminist?

We want to be recognized for our talent not our sexuality.

People have different ideas about feminism. They say it is a European ideology. They don’t accept it. A feminist can be different in different societies. In America, we have one kind of feminist. In Afghanistan, we are going to start a different school of feminism with new rules, new expectations. A feminist movement starts where there are problems. And to correct those problems one has to struggle for a movement. Feminism is not something that is distant to Islam. It is all there in our religion. If any woman works for the movement and empowers an another woman, she is a feminist. To me feminism is a political movement by women who are working for the rights of women to achieve their goals – be it political, social or cultural.

What is your vision for women in Afghanistan?

A woman should be accepted as a human being. She should be independent. Her thoughts should be respected. Every woman has a dream – to be a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer.

Rights for women in Afghanistan are only on. Although they have the right to stand for elections, it is only a minority of women can actually do that. And even those who do, are only symbolic. They are propped up by men and controlled by them.

A woman should be recognized an individual.

We have about 15 women in Afghanistan’s Parliament that has a total strength of 225. We have a new reservation law for women in government. But like I said, those who are nominated are only figureheads. We don’t want that. We want women to stand independently.

Although women have the right to study, not all women have the freedom to do so. Again, it is only a minority. My family is open-minded and therefore I have the freedom to work, to study in a university in a different city. Families like mine are very few.

Are you worried about the impact of the US withdrawal in 2014?

Of course, I am. After 2014, there will be changes in Afghanistan. NATO will leave and there will be election for a new president. These are the two big issues. We are worried about what will happen.

There are talks ongoing with the Taliban. Does that worry you? Are you afraid of the Taliban?

No. We know that efforts are on to make peace with them. They will be involved in the government system. If anyone wants to do something, they can try. We are not doing anything wrong. I’m convinced that I am right in my position as per Islam and as per the law of my country. That is why I am not afraid.

Will you be able to accept a government that is supported by the Taliban?

It depends. Talks are in progress. It is not yet clear how they will be involved. If they come with the same mindset, they will not be part of our government. If we have the freedoms and the rights that we have now, it is fine. But if they come with the same mindset, it will not be acceptable for us.

Are a lot of young people leaving Afghanistan?

Yes. A lot of young boys want to leave. They want to emigrate to Europe or the US. They are worried about situation after 2014. They are not optimistic about the future.

What about you?

I don’t want to leave. Why should I? I have everything I want. I have the support of my family. I have my friends. I have my work. I have respect.

What are your dreams?

I have lots of dreams. With every new member, comes a new idea. My goal is to build a big network of women. I want every woman to stand on her own feet and to be someone in society. A woman should be able to head a network of her own. I want members in my group who can empower other women in our society. We are the new generation. We are young and we have time to work on ourselves. In ten years, when there is an election, we will have 2-3 members from our network as members of the government, as ministers or deputy ministers.

(Courtesy: FirstPost.com)

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Poetry is the soul of a nation: Ganem

January 3, 2013, 1:42 pm

≫ Next: Why Modi cannot be a National Leader?

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By Faisal Masudi

Dubai: Emirati poet Dr Shehab Geanem said winning the Tagore Peace Prize has come as a “big surprise”.

The writer, in his 70s, became the first Arab to win the prize, named after Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is awarded once every two years to a person noted for contributions in building cultural bridges.

Dr Ganem was recognised for his achievements in poetry and its translation that helped cultural exchanges and understanding.

He told Gulf News: “It was a big surprise. I received the news on [Monday] afternoon over the phone and e-mail. I’m happy and grateful that they [the award committee] thought of me. Other people who have received this award have been heads of states and Nobel Laureates.”

He added: “I’m open to other cultures, it doesn’t mean I’m not proud of my own values and religion. But I’m willing to hear others. And this has been reflected in my poetry and other creative work.”

The prolific author, who has published some 50 books and scores of volumes of poetry, will be honoured during an award ceremony on May 6, 2013 in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata.

Dr Ganem, who has an engineering background, has translated poems into Arabic and English, including those originating in India.

He also translated Gulf (Arabic) poetry into English, which was then translated into Slovak by a top Slovak diplomat.

Dr Ganem said: “If I was an ambassador to any country, I would first say to them: ‘Who are your best poets and their best selected poems?’ This is because you can know a people through their poetry. Poetry is the soul of a nation, it’s connected with loftiness in man, which is expressed best in poetry.”

He added that poetry was “art no 1” of the Arabs, surpassing their talent for calligraphy.
“The classical, proper Arabic has given way to the more colloquial Arabic today. It’s more superficial and not so deep.”

He said he is nearly done with a 10-year project to compile English proverbs that have equivalence in Arabic -- and he has discovered over 1,000 examples.

“This dictionary is a big project, it should be out in a few weeks. The equivalence in Arabic is drawn not just from proverbs but from poetry, the Holy Quran and other sources too.

“Humans think in the same way. A proverb shaped by rural life might come to Dubai or London. It’s a very interesting subject,” Dr Ganem said.

“There’s humour, philosophy, simple matter-of-fact ideas and sophisticated thoughts in it. There are also opposites.”

He explained that, for instance, the saying “too many cooks spoil the broth” flies in the face of “more hands make light work”.

“And how do you reconcile the proverb about a ship-with-two-captains-sinks with ‘two heads are better than one?’ You can argue both ways, can’t you? I guess it depends on the situation, and on who’s saying it.”

His other main current endeavour is a book about the verses of Al Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran.

“The Holy Quran is such a vast subject, you can write a chapter on each verse. I’ll be reviewing the literature on this and discussing the meanings in depth,” he said.

Dr Ganem conceded that in today’s digital media dominated world, poetry is losing lustre with the youth.

“We have to admit we can’t make the new generation like what we liked so strongly. The social media, internet and cinema — these are fantastic tools of learning too. But I don’t want the youth to stop reading books, going only for fast pleasures and consumerism.

“You have to give time to a book — to absorb it, to meditate and ponder its meaning. It’s not about ‘take, take, take.’”

Dr Ganem retired as managing director of Mohammad Bin Rashid Technology Park in 2003 and provided consultancy services “very selectively for a while”
.
“Now I’m focusing just on my books.”

(Courtesy: Gulf News)

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Why Modi cannot be a National Leader?

January 3, 2013, 1:50 pm

≫ Next: Eighth Foundation Day of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions celebrated

≪ Previous: Poetry is the soul of a nation: Ganem

By Kaleem Kawaja

Surely BJP winning the Gujarat state Assembly election under Narendra Modi’s leadership for the third time in a row is to be recognized.

But to use that as a basis to project Modi as a national leader and a candidate for Prime Minister is a wildly exaggerated hype.

Indeed three other current chief ministers, Tarun Gogoi (Assam), Sheila Dikshit (Delhi) and Navin Patnaik (Orissa) have achieved the same feat. But no one has projected them as national leaders.

We cannot ignore the fact that despite huge money support from top industrialists, maximum polarization of the Gujarati society along the lines of religion for over a decade in a state where Hindus are 91% of the population, orchestrated by Mr. Modi, the number of seats in the state assembly won by the Gujarat BJP under his leadership has continued to decline from 127 in 2002, to 117 in 2007, to 115 in 2012.

Admittedly, during Mr. Modi’s tenure in Gujarat good development of industries and infrastructure has taken place. But a lot of credit for this goes to the entrepreneur nature of the Gujaratis per se.

Indeed wherever Gujarati people have lived in the last many decades, in Mumbai & Maharashtra, in East and South Africa, in UK, in US, they have been in the forefront of significant commercial and industrial development. It should also be noted that in Gujarat, Mr. Modi while helping the wealthy industrialists, has done very little for the backward segments of population.

In electing India’s future national leaders, can the people of India outside Gujarat ignore the severe strictures of India’s Supreme Court, the Indian Human Rights commission, the mainstream Indian media, the UN Human Rights Commission and several major international human rights bodies and governments, against Mr. Modi?

Those strictures relate to the grievous anti-minority violence in February 2002 that resulted in the killing of over 1,000 Muslim civilians all over Gujarat; the subsequent fake encounters staged under Mr. Modi’s direction that resulted in the killings of scores of innocent individuals; the total lack of state government protection to the minorities; and Mr. Modi’s lack of respect for the laws of the land.

India is a nation of 28 states representing ethnic and religious diversity. The majority population in most of these states though Hindu is largely secular and coexist with minority Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. In most states, there is little polarization along the lines of religion. Over half a dozen of the most populous states have very sizeable minority population with representation in the state assemblies and parliament through several secular and regional parties. Also poor people comprise about one-third of India’s population.

Thus the national leaders and Prime Minister have to be those who represent the inclusive values and coalition politics of the diverse nation, not those who polarize the population along the lines of religion, and who use fear to govern, as Mr. Modi has demonstrated about himself. Being for development alone is not enough.

In the last few years despite his claims of success, except for a counted few states, hardly any other states in India have invited Mr. Modi to visit there – not even states ruled by his own BJP (e.g. Bihar, Karnataka). He is also not welcome in most countries outside India.

Thus based on his social/political philosophy, style of governance and personal characteristics, it appears that Mr. Modi cannot be a leader outside Gujarat and cannot be a national Indian leader.

[Kaleem Kawajais a community activist based at Washington DC. He can be contacted at: kaleemkawaja@gmail.com]

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Eighth Foundation Day of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions celebrated

January 3, 2013, 2:00 pm

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Presented here is the Text of Speech delivered by Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Union Minister for Human Resource Development on Celebration of ‘Eighth Foundation Day’ of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) on 28th December 2012 in New Delhi

‘My Cabinet colleague Shri K. Rahman Khan, Minister of Minority Affairs, my colleague in the Ministry of HRD Shri Jitin Prasada, MOS, Chairman, NCMEI, Justice M. S. Siddiqui, Members of the Commission, officials of the Ministry and the Commission, distinguished academics, friends from the media, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am delighted to be with you on this ‘Eighth Foundation Day’ of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). Education is power. Education being the most effective instrument for social and economic empowerment and vital for horizontal and vertical mobility in the society, it is imperative to promote education among all other backward sections, especially the minorities, who have fallen far behind the national average in education. The Sachar Committee as well as other studies have found that the reason for the relative social and economic backwardness of the minorities, especially of the Muslims, is due to their educational backwardness. Therefore, in order to pull such minorities, constituting approximately 18.42% of the country’s population from the brink of marginalization and to infuse a sense of inclusiveness in the national mainstream, it is essential to enhance education of the minorities.

As you are aware, UPA Government is committed to empowerment of minorities. The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme and the recommendations of the Sachar Committee address this challenge of enhancement of education of the minorities. The XI Five Year Plan had also underlined that education is the critical factor that empowers participation in the growth process and a key element of XI Plan strategy was to provide essential education to those large parts of our population who are still excluded from these.

I am happy to share that the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) has been established by an Act of Parliament with the key objective of ensuring that the true amplitude of the educational rights enshrined in Article 30(1) of the Constitution is made available to the members of the notified religious minority communities, including the Muslims. I am happy to learn that during the short period since its establishment since November, 2004, the Commission has issued 7021 Minority Status Certificates to the educational institutions and has also disposed off 13147 out of 14908 petitions/applications. I am also informed that the Commission has proved to be a very cost effective way of providing minority status to institutions as also to grant of affiliation of minorities educational institutions which is indeed praiseworthy.

Several initiatives have been rolled out by the UPA Government to achieve the targets envisioned in the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the welfare of the Minorities and the recommendations of the Sachar Committee. To address the low participation of minorities in the national education system, particularly Muslims, my Ministry has taken several initiatives.

Under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities, Schemes amenable to earmarking of financial and physical targets for minorities, have been implemented to ensure that benefit to minority communities is beyond 15% as in case of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) where share of minorities is upto 20%. In order to enhance participation of minorities in the national education system, various initiatives have been undertaken – 121 districts with concentration of Muslim population are specifically targeted for maximising school access and eliminating infrastructure gaps through opening of 1470 new Primary Schools and 445 Upper Primary Schools; construction of 45541 additional classrooms and recruitment of 32728 teachers during 2011-12. Also, out of 3609 KGBVs sanctioned, 555 KGBVs have been sanctioned in these 121 Minority Concentration Districts.

The States have been urged to cover out of school children going to madarsas/ maqtabs. 7828 recognized madarsas/ maqtabs covering 10.1 lakh Muslim children and 4040 unrecognised madarsas/maqtabs covering 1.6 lakh Muslim children under Education Guarantee Scheme/ Alternative Innovative Education under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Due to these interventions the share of Muslim children enrolled at primary & upper primary level has gone up and those out of school have decreased. According to District Information System of Education (DISE) the enrolment of Muslim children at primary and upper primary level for the year 2010-11 was 13.04% & 11.25% respectively.

Under Elementary and Adult education, earmarking of financial and physical targets of minorities under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), coverage of children in Madarasas /Maqtabs, focus on minority concentrated districts in Sakshar Bharat and under the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme. In Secondary education, focus on minority concentration districts under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), equivalence of certificates and qualifications of Madrassa Boards with State education Boards, CBSE and COBSE. The two schemes viz. Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarasas (SPQEM) and the Scheme of Financial Assistance for Infrastructure Development for Private Aided/Unaided Minority Institutes (IDMI) carved out of the former Area Intensive and Madarasa Modernization Programme (AIMMP) during the XI Plan has shown significant outcomes in promoting minority education. Under Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarasas (SPQEM), during 2012-13, out of budget provision of Rs.175.00 crore, Rs.131.65 crore has been released and under Scheme of Financial Assistance for Infrastructure Development for Private Aided/Unaided Minority Institutes (IDMI), out of budget provision of Rs.50.00 crore, an amount of Rs.18.49 crore has been released. Due representation of minorities in selection committees, appointing teachers from minority communities, are some other initiatives.

The National Monitoring Committee on Minorities’ Education (NMCME) has been reconstituted on 23rd December, 2011 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of Human Resource Development. The Committee has representations from eminent educationists, Members of Parliament, representatives of State Governments and representatives of Minority communities, educational institutions and other stake holders. The The Committee is assisted by a Standing Committee and five Sub-Committees on (i) Vocational Education & Skill Development of Minorities, (ii) Implementation of Schemes Aimed at Minorities, (iii) Mapping of Educational Requirements of Minorities – Region & District wise, (iv) Girls’ Education and (v) Promotion of Urdu language and enhance compatibility amongst minorities through knowledge of English have also been constituted. The Standing Committee and Sub-Committees have already visited a number of States and have interacted with the representatives of the minority communities, managements of educational institutions and other stakeholders. We are expecting reports of the Committee alongwith their recommendations for furthering the cause of the minorities’ education.

In Higher Education, setting up of Women’s Hostels, establishment of Model Degree Colleges in districts with low higher education GER, setting up of polytechnics, setting up of Equal Opportunity Offices in universities, establishment of Centres for study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies in universities are some of the schemes/initiatives which have benefitted minorities/minority concentrated areas. The professional development of Urdu teachers and setting up of residential coaching academies for minorities are some other initiatives. Strengthening the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and expanding its mandate has been a significant milestone.

A new scheme to assist States for establishment of a model degree college in each of the 374 identified higher educationally backward districts having Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education lower than the national GER has been operationalised. As far as Minority Concentration Areas/Districts are concerned, 64 such areas/districts have been identified under this scheme. Approval has been granted to 15 model degree colleges in Minority Concentration Areas/Districts.

Under the Sub-Mission on Polytechnics, the Government of India provides financial assistance to the State Governments/UTs for setting up of polytechnics in the un-served and underserved districts during the 11th Plan. As per the Scheme criteria, 57 districts out of 90 Minority Concentration Districts are eligible for consideration under the Scheme. So far an amount of Rs.291.66 crore has been released as initial grants for setting up of polytechnics in 49 Districts out of 57 Districts.

The UGC has approved/sanctioned 285 Women’s Hostels during 11th Plan in Minority Concentration Districts/Areas. Out of total allocation of Rs.370.19 crore, Rs.203.69 crore have been released till 27th February, 2012. It has also approved the guidelines for establishment of centres in universities for study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy and sanctioned these centres in 35 universities. Rs.21.53 crores has been released.

Rs. 61.31 crores has been sanctioned for establishment of ‘Residential Coaching Academies for Minorities, Women/SCs/STs’’ in Aligarh Muslim University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Baba Sahib Bhimrao Ambedkar, Jamia Hamdard and Jamia Millia Islamia so far, an amount of Rs. 30.66 crore has been released by University Grants Commission.

Academies for Professional Development of Urdu Medium Teachers have been set up at three Central Universities viz. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI), New Delhi and Maulana Azad National Urdu University(MANUU), Hyderabad. The Academy at JMI has trained 1675 teachers. MANUU has trained 3083 teachers and AMU has conducted 17 Refresher Courses/workshops for Primary/Secondary school teachers and has covered 416 teachers for teaching modern subjects in Urdu medium.

It is heartening to note that we have made substantial progress during the XIth Five Year Plan in the different sub-sectors of education. The RTE Act, into force from 1st April 2010 mandating educational opportunity to all children between the age group of six to fourteen is the single most effective step taken since the independence to eradicate illiteracy in the country. I take this opportunity to call upon all the citizens, especially those who are educated, to extend their support and active participation in achieving the vision, behind this path-breaking constitutional provision.

Under the Saakshar Bharat Programme, during 2011-12, Rs.456 crore and during 2012-13, Rs.256 crore have been released as central share to various States. In Higher Education, focus on access, equity, and excellence translated into strategies for achieving expansion, inclusion and improved quality.

From my part, I assure you that our Government will do its best to promote education and overall welfare of the Minorities in general and of the Muslims, constituting major chunk of the Minorities, in particular. However, the constitutional mandate of Article 30(1) can only be achieved with the participation and co-operation of the general public. I sincerely hope of getting such participation and co-operation in our common endeavour. Let us join hands and move ahead on the path ahead of us.

With this expectation, let me end here by wishing NCMEI and its Chairman and members all success in their endeavour of educational empowerment of minorities and a very prosperous and purposeful new year to all of you.’

(Courtesy: Press Information Bureau, GoI)

↧

Central Computing Facility for Wakf Records across India inaugurated

January 3, 2013, 2:08 pm

≫ Next: The Infinite Light Contest 2012-13 on life of Prophet Muhammad to be held

≪ Previous: Eighth Foundation Day of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions celebrated

Helpful for Effective Administration of Wakf Properties, says K Rahman Khan

IMO News Service

New Delhi: K Rahman Khan, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs (MoMA) & Chairman, Central Wakf Council stressed the need for speedy computerization work at various State Wakf Boards to digitalize all information about 4 lakh Acre Wakf properties.

Mr. Khan said this after inaugurating the Central Computing Facility (CCF) at New Delhi on December 28, 2012. He also highlighted the emerging role of the Central Wakf Council in the light of the proposed amendment in the Wakf Act 1995 which provide for greater role of Wakf Institutions in protecting and developing the Wakf properties at various places. He said that Wakf assets are public properties and public is entitled to know and access the details. Computerization of the Records and Management of Data of Wakf properties spread across various states in an efficient and transparent manner will be very helpful in this, the Minister added.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Wakf in its 9th Report had recommended for a Scheme for Computerization of the Records of State Wakf Boards and Central Wakf Council during the year 2008 – 09 with a budgetary allocation of Rs.10 crores for establishment of Central Computing Facility (CCF). Under the scheme, the Central Wakf Council has been mandated to be the implementation facilitator such as providing training to the employees of the State Wakf Boards on Wakf Management System of India (WAMSI) project in co-ordination with National Informatic Centre (NIC), besides that the Council also required to liaisoning, networking and troubleshooting with the State Wakf Boards and NIC and to oversee the reconciliation of data and finally, assisting Ministry of Minority Affairs in implementation of the project.

In line with the above, the Central Wakf Council has established the Computing Facility, which was inaugurated today. The CCF is able to provide necessary guidance to the State Wakf Boards in terms of Computerization of the Records and Management of Data of Wakf properties spread across various states in an efficient and transparent manner.

Earlier speaking on the occasion Mr. Soloman, Joint Secretary (Wakf),Ministry of MA said that CCF have been set up in all the State Wakf Boards and data entry has begun. It is a small step but will make tremendous difference in serving the community. The Ministry is also moving towards strengthening State Wakf Boards, he added.

In his welcome address, Ali Ahmed Khan, Secretary, Central Wakf Council, emphasized the recent initiative undertaken by the Council for the implementation of the existing Wakf Act at different states such as completion of surveys, establishment of Wakf Boards, list of encroached properties, proper collection of Wakf income, maintaining accounts and auditing of income of the Wakfs and Wakf Boards, identification of Wakf land for development for generating higher income so as to finance various welfare programme for the economic betterment of the community. The Council has been constantly in touch with the State Wakf Boards for devising various strategies to attain the objective outlined under the Wakf Act, 1995.
Other senior officials of the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Central Wakf Council were also present on the occasion.

↧

The Infinite Light Contest 2012-13 on life of Prophet Muhammad to be held

January 3, 2013, 2:14 pm

≫ Next: India’s Cities: Idols of Goddesses in Temples and Sexual Harassment of Women on the Streets

≪ Previous: Central Computing Facility for Wakf Records across India inaugurated

IMO News Service

Indian Muslims have chosen the positive action against the provocations and insults to Islam and its Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) by organizing a contest to awaken youth about Prophet’s life.

The protests across the Middle East were sparked by a once-obscure, amateurish movie called "Innocence of Muslims," which ridicules the Prophet Muhammad. A 14-minute "trailer" for the movie, dubbed into Arabic, was posted on YouTube.

Largely violent protests has swept 20 countries and US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other embassy employees were killed after a barrage of small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire tore into the consulate buildings in Benghazi on Tuesday, setting the buildings alight.

Prominent Muslim organizations in India, like Darul Uloom Deoband, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Muslim Education Social and Cultural Organization and eminent Islamic scholars like Shaikh Salim Qasmi, Syed Rabey Hasan Nadwi, Sajjad Numani, Syed Hayderali Shihab Thangal and Maulana Hamidullah Lone have called upon all Muslims to act positively and get lessons from Holy Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) life. They formed committee to organize an all India contest on the life of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) from the book “The Infinite Light” a Prophetic Biography book which is originally in Turkish, written by Turkish Islamic Scholar Muhammed Fethullah Gulen and translated in to dozen of languages including English, Urdu and Hindi.

Now, approximately 110,000 people, mostly students in India, are preparing to enter a contest in which they will be asked questions about “The Infinite Light”. The Infinite Light Contest 2012-13 examinations will be held in two stages in all over India: In the first stage, high school and university students will answer questions on “The Infinite Light” on Jan. 15. They will move on to a final round of questions on Feb. 9 which will be held in selected state capitals.

Owner of the Adam Books Publishing Company, Sajit Ali, whose company printed 110,000 copies of “The Infinite Light” in just two months, said he is very proud to participate in such a project.

Ali said there are many books about the life of the Prophet Muhammad in India and that he had expected “The Infinite Light” to sell between 5,000 and 10,000 copies initially, but added that the entire first printing of 110,000 books has already been sold out due thanks to the promotion of the contest and the interest shown by young people. He added having printed more of the books, they continue to sell on a daily basis.

Dr. Fakruddin Muhammed, spokesperson of the organizing committee of the contest, said that “It is necessary for today’s youth to learn Prophet Muhammed’s (pbuh) character and mission to gain necessary moral values which will lead them to the straight path and success here and here after”. The committee unanimously selected “The Infinite Light” because they considered it a book that would explain the life of the Prophet to young people in the easiest way and also engender a love for the Prophet Dr. Fakruddin added.

Darul Uloom Deoband Rector Shaykh Maulana Mohammad Salim Qasmi, said he very much appreciates the contest which aims to promote Prophet Muhammed’s (pbuh) life and His character among youth, and also aims to introduce His life to younger generations. Qasmi's deputy, Maulana Sufyan Qasmi, said he and a delegation examined English, Urdu and Hindi versions of “The Infinite Light” and were very impressed with the book. Sufyan Qasmi also told that the number of the books sold till today shows the interest and love of the younger generation towards Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).

The questions for the contest have been prepared in English, Hindi and Urdu by a team of people including academics from leading universities of India, theologians and Islamic Scholars.

The winners of the contest will be presented with awards during the Week of the Holy Birth, which marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

About the Infinite Light Contest

The Infinite Light Contest is organized by seven important opinion makers, intellectuals and institution leaders of Indian Muslim Community. The organizing advisory committee:

Syed Maulana Mohammad Salim Qasmi (Darul Uloom Deoband Waqf)
Maulana Mohammad Sufyan Qasmi (Darul Uloom Deoband Waqf)
Syed Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadvi (Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama)
Sayyid Hyderali Shihab Thangal (Panakkad, Kerala)
Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani Nadwi Naqshbandi (Mumbai)
Moulana Hamidullah Lone (Kashmir)
Dr. Iftikharuddin Mohammad (MESCO, Hyderabad)

The first elimination of the exam will start by 15th January 2013 and those who have been successful in this exam will go for the final round which will be held on 9th February 2013. A distinguished group of examiners has already started preparing questions from The Infinite Light Book in English, Urdu and Hindi which will be directed to the participants in a multiple choice paper.

The Infinite Light Contest is first of its kind in India by an independent and collective initiation and the large number of the participants who has studied a single book in three different languages.

About the Book and Author

The Infinite Light Book is originally written in Turkish as “Sonsuz Nur” means Infinite Light as a Prophetic Biography on the character, daily life and time of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) by Turkish Islamic scholar Muhammed Fethullah Gulen who has been named as World’s top intellectual by an international poll conducted by Foreign Policy Magazine of US.

Fethullah Gulen, the popular Turkish author, educational activist, opinion leader, and preacher emeritus whose commitment to tolerance and altruism has inspired millions to work for peace in Turkey and abroad. He has been worldwide known with his statement in NY Times newspaper after the 9/11 attacks in US as he pointed out that ”A Muslim cannot be a terrorist and a terrorist cannot be a Muslim”. Gulen lamented that there are people who commit violence and suicide bombings, emphasizing that they don't know Islam well. He said suicide bombings are actions tantamount to barbarism and are not related to Islam.

Contest website: http://www.infinitelight.co.in/
Book website: http://www.infinitelight.org/
Author website: http://www.en.fgulen.com/

For details, kindly contact:

Bilal Acikgoz
Mobile # +91 9167132275

↧

India’s Cities: Idols of Goddesses in Temples and Sexual Harassment of Women on the Streets

January 3, 2013, 2:22 pm

≫ Next: Cross examining Islamic finance

≪ Previous: The Infinite Light Contest 2012-13 on life of Prophet Muhammad to be held

By Kaleem Kawaja

The heritage

India's civilization is very ancient, very rich and very sublime. And we are justifiably proud of that heritage. In the Indian Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses, there are many goddesses, the more popular ones being Durga and Kali (protection from evil); Lakshmi (wealth); Saraswati (knowledge); Sita (faithfulness); Parvati (kindness). Throughout India countless temples have existed for millennia in the name of these goddesses; their graceful idols have added holiness to the temples and men and women have prayed to them for the removal of their afflictions.
In India’s many ancient legends and stories that are part of our folklore and culture there is much affectionate emphasis on the female form of mother, sister, daughter, and sweetheart. All that has distinguished the Indian culture and society in a very unique way.

In the Indian society men are taught from an early age to be more respectful of women per se and especially not treat them as sexual objects. But in the last several decades as the culture in the cities has modernized and westernized and many more women are out on the streets, going to colleges, offices, public events etc. the reality has become opposite of the sanctified heritage.

The reality

Go to any major city and try to travel in trains, busses and public transport, or visit public places like entertainment complexes, sports stadiums, major public events like New Year Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid, Baisakhi, sporting events where crowds throng. You will observe all sorts of men, older and younger, trying to take sexual advantage of women. Touching women inappropriately, making obscene sexual gestures, making lewd verbal comments and taking physical-sexual advantage of women in crowded public places has become commonplace and is euphemistically termed, “eve-teasing”.

Whenever a woman or girl finds herself alone after sunset in a place where there are a few men, she worries. Even in big, world-class metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, women worry when going outside their houses alone after dark for fear of molestation.

But with much modernization and development in India’s cities, many a career-women and girl-students have to go around by themselves and return home by themselves at night. It is no exaggeration to say that they become vulnerable to molestation by praying men. The women from the upper class families generally travel by car and do not face predatory men. But most women from middleclass families who do not have cars available to them and travel by public transport face this risk every day.

In 2012 alone, in New Delhi, police reported about 600 instances of actual rape (molestation and harassment cases not being recorded by the police). And in the same year only one man was actually convicted of rape in New Delhi; the remainder being acquitted. Even those few men who are convicted of rape, receive light sentences and are out of jail in a few short years. Thus predator men are not that afraid of the consequences of raping or molesting women.
One of the major reasons for such inordinate increase of rapes of women is that the police often decline to record complaints of rape from women and in fact discourage them from even reporting the crime.

The courts follow very cumbersome and long winded procedures to try the rapists and put very difficult burden of proof on the victim women. That results in encouraging the predatory men from being fearless in their ugly pursuits of women.

The upsurge of a modern lifestyle that entails the mixing of men and women and its proliferation on TV, internet and flashy magazines in the last decade in the big cities in India, has further heightened the libido of the sexually frustrated unmarried men, in a society where most young men know females only as either mother or sister. Having no interface with women outside of their close family, but a heightened desire for physical contact with women, drives some of these men up the wall and prone to molest women whenever and wherever they can find an opportunity.

The gruesome gang rape and murder of a young college student girl in a moving bus in the suburbs of New Delhi in mid-December has shocked the conscience of India. A huge number of men and women including many youth have staged massive rallies in the heart of New Delhi and Mumbai and other big cities and the prestigious seats of the Indian government.

The remedy

So as India modernizes and westernizes rapidly, its men have to accept an equal space for women not only in professions and careers but also to stop looking at them as sex objects. Men need to resolve the contradiction between their reverence for the goddesses from the pantheon and their lack of respect for the ordinary women whom they perceive from a carnal angle.

There is an immediate need for India to change its laws on rape, molestation and sexual harassment of women by instituting harsh punishments through the court system at a fast pace. And ensure that policemen drop their casual attitude towards molestation of women and view it as a serious crime. The roles and responsibilities of policemen on the streets should be changed making them more responsive to safeguarding women from sexual harassment.

Indeed since a large number of sexual harassment of women involves powerful politicians and officials and their kin, the government should ensure that the said laws are actually applied to all men, regardless of their status in society. The Indian government needs to learn a lot in this respect from other countries where men responsible for sexual harassment of women are punished severely for their crimes.

[Kaleem Kawajais a community activist based at Washington DC. He can be contacted at: kaleemkawaja@gmail.com]

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Cross examining Islamic finance

January 9, 2013, 1:39 pm

≫ Next: 'India should look at Interest Free Banking system as a humantarian concept, and not a religious concept'

≪ Previous: India’s Cities: Idols of Goddesses in Temples and Sexual Harassment of Women on the Streets

By Rushdi Siddiqui

I wanted to share with the readers a sample of questions posed to me during the last few years of travel in Europe, GCC and Asean countries.

The questions give insights into the ‘mindsets of the landscape’ and kaleidoscope of concerns in connecting to the young, understanding the spirit and perception of Islamic finance, innovation that results inclusion of the non-bankable, etc.

Missed ‘connectivity’

Why aren’t more Islamic financial institutions sponsoring events that connect them to the young people, next generation of clients and employees, like sporting events in Muslim countries (badminton, football or cricket) or concerts like Sami Yusuf, whose lyrics are about Islamic values?

Why don’t Islamic finance conference awards sponsors include categories like: (1) Most admired Islamic financial institution; (2) Most respected Islamic financial institution; (3) Most ESG, environment, social and governance, conscious Islamic financial institution? These awards attract the best young talent and build bridges to the non-Islamic community.

Are Islamic banks and funds focusing too much on Shariah and less on the value proposition? It seems many institutions use their Shariah Board members, be it in their marketing materials or public presentations, too prominently to pitch the product sale rather than the merits of the product? I suspect scholars do not want to be positioned or viewed as part of the marketing materials.

There are many Islamic funds, about 560 plus (Lipper), but not one has a ‘green’ mandate, meaning companies that pass screening from Shariah and ESG, environment, sustainability and governance, why?

Why are exchanges where sukuk are listed, always pitching the total number of listings and total size listed, when the real issue is secondary market liquidity that attracts additional liquidity? Have any Fortune 500 companies issued a sukuk after GE?

Fees for innovation

Will Islamic finance have ‘proprietary trading’ in the near future as more instruments come into the market place? An ‘Islamic Goldman Sachs,’ where trading profits contribute much to its bottom-line? Is this innovation or catering to higher fee margin producing HNW money?
Innovation may imply increasing efficiency, new products or financial inclusion of the disenfranchised. The FT recently stated that only 12 per cent of 1.6 billion Muslims use Islamic finance, or 192 million Muslims, its a number I place with those who cheerlead Islamic finance. The actual number is close to two-four per cent, and actually Halal foods are ‘used’ by a larger percentage of Muslims, more than 12 per cent, then Islamic finance.

What are the lessons for the $640 billion Halal from the $1 trillion Islamic finance industry for establishing industry bodies, like AAOIFI, IFSB and the recently launched IILM? The Halal industry is even more fragmented with territorial issues on the certification process than Islamic finance on standardisation.

A ‘Big Mac Index’ was published by The Economist (1986) as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies, and it gave rise to the word ‘burgernomics.’ Put differently, its the amount of time that an average worker in a given country must work to earn enough to buy a Big Mac.

Should the Halal industry look to produce a similar index.

Is Takaful, Islamic ‘insurance,’ being used or positioned to mitigate risk in Islamic investing (Islamic hedge funds), transactions and structures, like sukuk issuance, hence, lowering the Islamic cost of capital? Or, is the Takaful industry not well developed to ‘insure’ complicated structures and projects?

How come no Islamic financial institutions in Saudi Arabia and Turkey have ‘Islamic’ in their title name, which is commonly found in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia, and even UK, European Islamic Investment Bank and Islamic Bank of Britain?

Why are the same people from same institution in Islamic finance interviewed by western media? Its gives the impression that Islamic finance has very few qualified people to speak on topics, developments, events, etc.

If authorities eventually decided to include Islamic finance into the mainstream education, where would it fit: Religious studies or finance/economics?

How come there are no Malaysian founding shareholders in any of the five FSA approved banks in the UK, yet there are many travelling Malaysian delegations and sponsored events taking place there, and a number of Malaysian Islamic financial institutions have won Euromoney Islamic finance awards?

Conclusion

The perception or myth of Islamic finance needs to be addressed? When will people understand that it’s not only for Muslims? Would it take a non-Muslim scholar to break this image/perception of Islamic Finance?

Today’s perception of Islamic finance is tomorrow’s reality, and the industry need to change tomorrow’s reality today.

[The writer is Global Head of Islamic Finance & OIC Countries for Thomson Reuters.]

(Courtesy: Khaleej Times)

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'India should look at Interest Free Banking system as a humantarian concept, and not a religious concept'

January 9, 2013, 1:53 pm

≫ Next: Muslim Views Beg Attention

≪ Previous: Cross examining Islamic finance

By K. Buhary

When the whole world is trying to go for Interest Free Banking System (similar to Islamic Banking), a report published in The Economic Times dated November 23, 2012 says that the Interest Free Loan system is not at all possible in India.

Please do not look at the Interest Free Banking system on a religious concept. Instead let us take it as a humanitarian concept. Also it is the timely need of the poor, depressed, downtrodden and ordinary lay men of the world, particularly for countries like India. Interest Free Banking system will be more beneficial to those self respecting poor people.

The difference between interest free banking system and Islamic banking systems are: Islamic banking system will not allow investment in liquor, gambling or any other unethical business, whereas the non Islamic bank allows all kind of quick money making ventures. Not only Muslims but all other religious groups also can make use of this interest free banking systems under the RBI’s strict controls and regulations..

In a secular and democratic country like India, the banking system must benefit all the people of the country irrespective of rich or poor. That is why our late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi boldly nationalized all banks despite the strong oppositions. I think if the Interest Free Banking system is not implemented in India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s vision of helping the poor by nationalizing the banks is not at all completed.

Bank is a public office and it has to be utilized by all. Because of the interest system, the poor people are afraid of the interest and never entered into a bank premises during their lifetime. The evidence is that why only 18% people in India is able to have their own bank account today. It is very unfortunate that our present banking system is not at all a poor friendly one.
Exorbitant interest of 100% per month for a loan of Rs.100

Above all that the Interest Free Banking is a divine concept and Interest Based Banking concept is a “greedy” concept of men. That is why rich is becoming richer and poor is becoming poorer in India. Recently Malai Malar a leading Tamil Daily report that exorbitant interest of 100% per month for a loan of Rs.100.

Why Muslims Hate Interest?

After sixty years of the Indian Independence, 13% of Indian Muslims are living in a pathetic conditions according to Sachar Report. Muslims are living in a below poverty level comparing with both ST and SC communities. Interest Free Banking is a successful banking system throughout the world. That is why we humbly request you to fulfill the need of 13% of Indian Muslims to have their own banking system? Our constitution is also supporting the minority’s rights. Whatever the case may be, Government of India is not going to invest into Islamic banking because it is a self financing system and let the investors take the risk, if any. Let it be a Government and Private partnership programme with 100% Muslims investment.

To remove poverty and make economic upliftment of India, we have to take major steps to amend the present interest system which is originated by the Jews from time memorial. We read about Shylock who was cruel and bloodthirsty Jew. Rothschild is the one who introduced the interest based banking system to widen the gap between the rich and poor. Italy was also interest free for more than 200 years which is also sabotaged by the Jewish Lobby’s interest based banking system of blood sucking.

Poverty and crime rate in the country goes side by side and spoiling the future of India.

Indeed our Indian economy is doing good but because of not allowing the poor masses to enjoy the benefits of our economic successes and developments, Indians are still poor. Interest based banking system helps those who are already rich and not the poor. I think this is the right time for the Government of India to take certain bold economic steps towards alleviating the poverty of the poor Indians. That is why our late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi once said that only about 15% of any money slated for a social welfare project actually got spent on it; the rest got siphoned off in various directions. The figure of 15% was later revised downwards by commentators to 5%.

While holding such a top job as Prime Minister and No. 1 authority of India, why Mr. Rajiv Gandhi said this so openly and boldly? His fear was right and even today we have failed his mission of removing poverty in India. We wonder who is going to fulfill Mr. Rajiv’s dream?

It has been proved beyond doubt that the interest free banking systems in Japan, US, Germany, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and throughout Gulf countries are successful. . To know more please read Encl: 4 Global Islamic assets are expected to reach $ 1.8 trillion by 2013.

That is why they are continuously expanding their banking businesses.

When the world bank itself is giving loan at the interest rate of 4.5 % why should we charge 10+ percent? Approximately 10 years before, when The World Bank gave 50 billion dollars loan to South America, they have received 70 billion dollars as interest only for a period of 20 years. In the same way the interest is killing even the poor and downtrodden as well. How do we expect a poor will be able to repay his loan plus heavy interest? Impossible!. So adding interest is always a pain whether it is a short period or long period. Hence development of interest free society is the need of the hour to India. Whenever a poor man get a small loan, the cream of his profit and efforts goes to the lender instead of the person who made all efforts to make some money for his survival.

Whenever I see a poor man or woman waiting in a queue to get a quick temporary loan from a money lender (pawn broker) at an exorbitant interest rate, I feel so sad. The money lender will not ask for audited accounts except some household utensils of gold or silver. The lender is comfortably sitting in his shop without sweating whereas the poor men and women work like anything. The deal will be over within 5 to 10 minutes time. What a shame!

Thanks to the Aadhaar which I think is a miracle cure. With the strict control of Aadhaar, I am sure that we will be able to alleviate the poverty as early as possible. An expert told me that the benefits of Aadhaar will be unbelievable and make India a great country before 2020.

Also I want to express my thanks to the current steps being taken by the Government to make banking formalities so simple and easy. I hope this move is a No.1 strategy to alleviate poverty in India. This will make the poor and innocent downtrodden to get the benefits directly from the Government without any middle men involvement.

Brazil and Argentina are naturally rich countries. They are also paying huge amount towards interest continuously and incurring heavy burden of paying huge amount towards interest. As a result, today their economy is going down day by day. India has to learn a good lesson from their experience.

But in the case of individual borrowing, the problem of repaying is very difficult. Whenever we take a loan from some one, we have lost part of our freedom. Hence poor Indians are trying to plead the so called Bank Managers as their bosses. Mr. P. Chidambaram rightly said that to take a loan of Rs.100 crores, the Bank managers are visiting the corporate whereas the poor public or students for educational loan of 2 to 3 lakhs, they have to visit the bank managers a number of times. He is also reiterates that there should not be any unlawful methods to collection of loans such as sending Rowdies and collect the loan from the poor and to behave sympathetically. Also he advice not to give any concessions for those who received crores and crores of rupees as loan. Thousands and thousands of students are benefitting because of Mr. P. Chidambaram’s support for Educational loans. We are sure that will produce a good number of additional educated youth so that India can prosper and will yield good result for the future India.

Please study carefully the interest based banking versus the Islamic interest free system with an open mind. I am aware that tones of statistics and documents evidences have been submitted to Reserve Bank of India and Government of India to prove how successful and practical that the interest free banking system.

Instead of sincerely finding solutions for the poor, we are beating around the bush again and again. Our neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Gulf countries are the best proof and we don’t have to re-invent the wheel once again.

Why people commit suicide in India?

Whenever we watch TV or reading newspapers, we see a number of suicide cases of entire family. It is due to the exorbitant interest rates which is the root cause of such mass suicides of “self respecting” farmers and common men and women. Times of India dated 19-12-2012 reports “Debt, crop loss force farmer to kill self”. Like this we see daily reports both in dailies and TVs, a number of reported suicide cases throughout India.

Whenever the inability of a father or mother who is under pressure to repay the exorbitant interest is forcing the head of the family to commit suicide. Under pressure the borrower is helpless and attempting suicide 100 times every day and he wishes that he didn’t exists.

He cannot face his own wife and children properly with honour who has been hunted by the pawn broker (lender). He cannot look at their eyes. The children are also upset when they see their father is chased by the lender. Free the loop around the neck of the borrower. Use the portion of the Charity (zakath) to save the free the robe of the noose tied around his neck. Believe me that most of the suicides today are related to exorbitant interest rates from the unethical lenders. I strongly believe the solution is within our reach. Please look once again how we can implement Interest Free banking (not an Islamic Interest Free banking).

In reality the poor is not at all committing suicide. Only interest and the greedy pawn brokers are killing the poor.

If there is an Interest Free Banking system in India, it is good for the Indian economy because the Government is not investing except strictly monitoring the process. Like the FDI, we can allow Interest Free Banking also. If Kerala alone can bring Rs.4,500 crores, what about the other states who can attract crores and crores of foreign investment into India. So unnecessarily India is loosing huge amount of foreign investment every year.

It is my humble request that RBI Governor D. Subbarao should look into the possibilities of establishing an Interest Free Banking system under your leadership. Laws are made to make the masses to live peacefully. Please remember only financial burden which is making them to commit suicide or live in poverty. Few years before there was prohibition in Tamilnadu and today the liquor business is flourishing and promoted by the Tamil Nadu Government. When laws are changing like this over night, why we are trying to following the inhuman Jewish Banking system and punishing the poorest of poor. I humbly believe that we have no right to deprive the poor and down trodden fellow Indians to lead a poverty striking pathetic life until his death.

I strongly believe that the duty of RBI is not only control and correct the Indian economy but also safeguarding the lives of millions of poverty stricken poor Indians.

I pray and wish that you must see an Interest Free Banking system (a secular and not an Islamic Interest Free Banking system) to benefit the poor while you are in office as early as possible.
Whichever political parties who think seriously for their vote banks, must use this issue of allowing Interest Free Banking opportunity focusing for their next election.

This issue should be looked into seriously with an open mind and find an out of the box solution so that our country will prosper. I hope that “let us walk with an end in mind” with a time frame to bring an Interest Free Banking System to India.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanking you once again for your kindness to read such a long appeal.

[K. Buharyis a Management Consultant. He lives at F4/226, 4th Main Road, SIDCO Nagar, Villivakkam, Chennai 600 049, Tamil Nadu. He can be contacted on his Mobile # (0)9444089331 or at greenbuhary@gmail.com]

↧

Muslim Views Beg Attention

January 9, 2013, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: SDPI to launch reservation campaign for Muslims & OBCs

≪ Previous: 'India should look at Interest Free Banking system as a humantarian concept, and not a religious concept'

By Syed Ali Mujtaba

The Central Working Committee of the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM), the umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations recently met and reviewed the situation in the country. It has come out with its observations that are significant from Muslims point of view and need to be highlighted to feel the pulse of the community.

The AIMMM holds the view that both central and state governments are directly responsible for targeting innocent Muslim youth for tackling the menace of terrorism. The modus-oprendi is to first implicate some Muslim youth on fabricated terror charges and then detain them. Such detainees are forced to make false confessions through third degree methods. This pattern has emerged out in the acquittal of several Muslim youth who have spend long years in jails as under trial.

The AIMMM cites example of the Nimesh Commission that probed into the arrest of Muslim youth in UP. The committee appointed by former Chief Minister Mayawati indicted the state government for making arrests on fabricated charges. The AIMMM demands that the UP government to release all such Muslim youth languishing in UP jails and appeals to other governments to follow suit.

The AIMMM demands that the governments responsible for such false arrest should pay adequate compensation to the acquitted "terror" victims. Their lost years, destroyed careers and defamation should be taken into account deciding the compensation. The AIMMM also demands that officers’ falsely implicating Muslim youth should be punished and summarily dismissed from service and all its benefits forfeited.

AIMMM also demands the repealing of the terrorist law POTA. AIMMM opposes new amendments to POTA that has extended the duration of a banned organization from two to five years. AIMMM also objects to another amendment that treats economic offences as "terrorism." AIMMM believes that the existing laws in the country are enough to deal with the scourge of terrorism.

The Sachar commission report on Muslim backwardness had prompted the government to announce a slew of schemes to up lift the community. These schemes are meant to be implemented in the so-called Muslim-dominated districts but so far only few schemes are executed. Even the educational scholarships scheme is not properly implemented. Sixty percent of budget of this scheme was returned unutilized last year. The AIMMM demands that the government should honor its commitment towards minority welfare schemes.

The AIMMM likes to remind the Union government for the implementation of the Mishra Commission report that has recommended reservation for the Muslims. It also wants to know why the government has not yet given its reply to the Supreme Court on including the Muslim and Christian Dalits in the SC/ST reservation list. The AIMMM feels that the exclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits from the SC/ST quota is a fraud on the Constitution of India.

The AIMMM takes serious note of the dangerous trend of the construction of illegal Hindu religious structure near Muslim shrine, Masjid, Qabristan, or monuments.

The modus oprendi is to place an idol, a picture, or a piece of stone near a Muslim structure. This is followed by Hindu rituals and puja and then the place is declared as a Hindu place of worship.

The AIMMM appeals to the Union government to wake up to such realities and handle them with the firmness it deserves. It is of the view that such development is taking place through out the country and if allowed to flourish may tar the secular credentials of India.

The AIMMM cites the recent attempt to build a full-fledged Hindu temple on the north-eastern corner of Charminar in Hyderabad. It all began with a corner milestone being placed by the municipality to save the monument from traffic damages. Some Hindu zealots painted vermillion marks on this milestone, then placed a small idol near it and quietly built a platform. Finally the structure was declared as "Bhagyalakshmi temple.”

In Karnataka, the shrine of “Baba Budhan,” is another example. Here adjacent to the Muslim shrine, a Hindu worship spot was created and was expanded, slowly the entire site was taken over.

Even in Delhi there are many cases of Hindu shrines being built next to the walls of Masjids or Muslim monuments. Such practice is common even near the protected monuments under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. Even though the laws do not permit any construction within 100 meters of such protected monuments, today temples occupy the outer walls of Purana Quila and Qutb Minar, a Sikh temple exists next to the Puran Qila.

The AIMMM appeals to the Union Government to look into all such cases and deal them according to the law of the land. It also appeals to the secular NGO’s to keep an eye on such developments and file a complaint with the authorities to take necessary action. It also appeals to the press to report such development in an unbiased manner.

Saffron Goons growing Intimidation

AIMMM takes note of the growing trend of saffron goons’ intimidation against certain section of the Muslim community traditionally engaged in the meat trade. Opening of new abattoirs and meat shops are resisted, old ones are closed down, and trucks transporting cattle are being hijacked. AIMMM looks at the creation of such hurdles an economic assault on a section of the community. It calls upon the state governments to punish the saffron goons, communal elements in the government that includes police.

Further, the AIMMM opposes the new cow protection bill passed by the BJP led government in Karnataka. The bill enlarges the definition of "cow" and enhances punishments for those in meat trade. The bill is clearly against all those whose source of income is cattle other than cows. AIMMM appeals to Government of India to reject this bill out rightly.

Building Peace in J&K

AIMMM feels that stage managed peace in Jammu and Kashmir is based on oppression. Thousands of youths are in jails on frivolous charges. Every now and then undeclared curfew is clamped in various areas of the state. Friday prayers on various occasions were not allowed in the Jama Masjid Srinagar. Muharram processions were also not allowed in the capital city. AFSPA remains in force, more than 150 persons are in jails under the draconian Public Safety Act, and 840 political prisoners remain incarcerated. AIMMM feels that the current stage managed peace is no solution to the vexed problem and urges the Union government to start the dialogue process with the separatist for establishing permanent peace.

Amarnath Trust

AIMMM shares the anxieties of the Kashmiri brothers over the increasing activities and infrastructure development by the Amarnath Trust in J&K. Such activity to cater to the ever-growing number of pilgrims to Amarnath, from a few thousand in pre-1990 days to around 6.5 lakh yatris this year, is having disastrous impact on the area's fragile ecology. AIMM urges the state government not to allot any land to Amarnath Trust. It should also stop construction of any permanent infrastructure en route to the shrine. Further it should limit the visitors only to the ecologically permissible limit. The AIMMM also feels that Kashmiri Pandits should be appointed in the Amarnath trust.

Waqf Bill

The AIMMM urges the government to hurry with the Waqf bill through the Parliament. It has to take into account the suggestions made by the Muslim organizations. One of the suggestions was to have the Waqf bill on the lines of Gurdwara Act of 1925. It will lead to the creation of a Waqf Committee that would manage the Waqf properties in the country. The committee can manage various educational institutions, hospitals and charitable organizations from the revenue earned from the Waqf properties. Its no secret that there is huge amount of Waqf properties scattered across the country that are in utter neglect, encroached upon and illegally being sold. AIMMM feels that many of the Muslim problems could be solved if Waqf properties are put into good use.

Babri Masjid

The unjust demolition of the Babri Masjid, has created a long list of litigation and the current appeals are pending with the Supreme Court. AIMMM reiterates that the judgment of the Apex court will only be acceptable to the Muslim community. It rejects any such efforts to resolve the Babri Masjid through out of court settlement.

The views of the Muslim community as expressed by AIMMM are worthy of consideration. Their exclusive narrative vouches for an inclusive growth. This is the silver lining in the wonder that is India.

[Syed Ali Mujtabais a Journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com]

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SDPI to launch reservation campaign for Muslims & OBCs

January 9, 2013, 2:14 pm

≫ Next: Gujarat Elections 2012: Feeling betrayed by Gujarat Congress leaders, a segment of Muslim voters was already with the BJP

≪ Previous: Muslim Views Beg Attention

By Pervez Bari

Mysore: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has decided to launch a national campaign for reservation of Muslims and Other Backward Classes, (OBCs) in Central Government and State Government along with in Public Sectors and Private Sectors with Parliament march in New Delhi during the Union Budget session next month in February.

This was decided in the meeting of National Working Committee, (NWC), of SDPI held here in Mysore on December 29 last wherein a resolution was adopted to this effect. In the meeting it was unanimously resolved that the said proposal will be sent to Parliamentary board, Central Government for its recommendation and bring this before the Parliament and make a law for its better implementation in the interests of the Muslims and other OBCs. The meeting was presided over by SDPI national president E. Abubacker.

According to SDPI national general secretary A. Sayeed the reservation campaign in 23 states where the party has its presence will be marked by seminars, rallies, signature campaigns, dharnas etc. He said that SDPI shall observe Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 as Social Justice Day.

At the NWC meeting it was also decided to establish a women’s wing of SDPI keeping in view the local bodies elections wherein 50 per cent reservation is earmarked for women. The internal elections of the party will be conducted between January to March from Branch level to the national office bearers. The NRC (National Representative Council) will be held in Coimbatore on March 30th and 31st where NWC will be recast which will elect the national office-bearers of the party for the next two years, Mr. Sayeed added.

Meanwhile, on December 30 a meeting of state presidents and general secretaries of SDPI was held wherein central leadership apprised itself about the activities of the party in each state. The ensuing Assembly elections in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was also discussed with profiling of candidates which will be finalized soon, he further added.

Two sub-committees were formed with one for Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections to be held in March-April this year and the other for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to identify constituencies and candidates for the polls.

At the outset SDPI’s national vice president Adv. Sajid Siddiqui welcomed the NWC members in the meeting. National president Mr. Abubacker in his presidential remarks exhorted members not to be disheartened by the recent poll debacles but continue their sincere efforts to bring marginalised people to power who have been deprived of their share in power structure of the country.

Meanwhile, the resolution on reservation was moved in the meeting by NWC member CR Imtiaz which was adopted unanimously. The resolution said that the non-implementation of recommendations of several earlier commissions and committees has made the Muslims wary of any new initiative. Everybody has lost hope in the attitude of the mindset of the state and central governments and this is not a problem of the minority community but is a national concern.

The resolution drew attention to the issue of Muslim concentration where assembly constituencies have been declared as reserved constituencies wherein only SC candidates can contest elections. Thus, Muslims are being systematically denied political participations.
The resolution said Muslims in salaried jobs both public and private sector is quite low in the aggregate. While 25 per cent of Hindu upper caste workers are engaged in regular jobs about 13 per cent of Muslim workers are engaged in such jobs. Lack of access to regular jobs in public sector in general concern among the Muslim population. It is only about 27 per cent of the Muslim workers in urban areas while SC/STs, OBCs and Hindu upper caste workers it is 40 to 36 and 49 per cent respectively.

The share of Muslims in the defence workers was found to be just 4 per cent while that of Hindu SC/STs 12 per cent, Hindu OBCs 23 per cent and Hindu upper castes were 52 per cent. The presence of Muslims was found to be only 3 per cent in the IAS and 1.8 per cent in the IFS, 4 per cent in the IPS. In the Indian Railways in about 14 lakhs people there are 64 thousand employees belongs to Muslim Community as 4.5 per cent. In the Postal department out of about 2.75 lakhs employees the Muslim community has a representation of only 5 per cent.
Meanwhile, in terms of their policy of reservation for Backward Classes, Kerala and Karnataka governments stand out for having extended the benefits of reservation to their entire Muslim population. This has been achieved by including Muslims (minus the creamy layer) as a distinct group within the broad category of Backward Classes and then provided with exclusive quota. This distinct feature of their reservation policy dates back to the colonial period.

Post-Independence, on the re-organisation of State of Mysore as Karnataka, all non-Brahmin Hindu castes and all non-Hindu minority communities like Muslims and Christians were declared as backward classes. In 1960, on the recommendations of the Nagan Gowda Committee, the category classes was bifurcated into backwards (28 per cent) and more backwards (22 per cent). Together with the quota for SC/ST, the magnitude of reservation rose to 68 per cent. The Supreme court in a landmark judgment, however, placed 50 per cent ceiling on the quantum of reservation. Muslims as a whole continued to be considered as among the backward communities.

The Havanur Commission in 1972 recommended the creation of a distinct category of minority group with reservation not exceeding 6 per cent. The State classified Backward Classes into three categories: (a) Most backward; (b) More backward and (c) Backward. All Muslims whose income is less than Rs. 2 lakh per annum have been declared backward and placed exclusively in one of the sub-categories of “More Backwards” with four per cent of the seats set for them.
While in Kerala, the reservation scheme introduced in 1952, fixed the quantum of reservation at 45 per cent (including 10 per cent for SCs and STs). The beneficiaries included the Ezhavas, Kammalas, the Nadars (Hindu and Christian), other Hindu backward castes and SC and OBC converts to Christianity. On the re-organisation of the State in 1956, the quota for Backward Classes was enhanced to 40 per cent. Later the scheme was modified to introduce sub-quotas for major backward groups. A separate Muslim share was fixed at 10 per cent that later rose 12 per cent. At present, the reservation system in Kerala is as follows: Backward Classes 40 per cent (Ezhavas 14 per cent. Muslims 12 per cent; Latin Catholics 4 per cent; Nadars 2 per cent; Christian converts from SCs 1 per cent; Dheevaras 1 per cent; Other Backward Classes 3 per cent; Viswakarmas 3 per cent) and SCs and STs 10 per cent, the resolution pointed out.

[Pervez Bariis a senior Journalist based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Madhya Pradesh). He can be contacted at pervezbari@eth.net]

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Gujarat Elections 2012: Feeling betrayed by Gujarat Congress leaders, a segment of Muslim voters was already with the BJP

January 9, 2013, 2:27 pm

≫ Next: Corner Stone Laying Ceremony Of Hyderabad Institute Of Excellence held

≪ Previous: SDPI to launch reservation campaign for Muslims & OBCs

By Abdul Hafiz Lakhani

Ahmedabad: "Ten years ago, the situation was worse. Our men used to get killed in communal clashes before 2002. But we have moved on and thanks to BJP government in state, not a single serious communal violence in all these years," says Hanifabibi, resident of Gomtipur in Ahmedabad. She told that she and some other Muslim women had made up their mind to vote for BJP well before voting day.

Rizwana Sheikh, a commerce graduate who lives with her husband at Mubaraknagar, a ghetto for Muslims in Ahmedabad, says Muslims have changed and benefited from the development under the leadership of Modi.

"The fact that Muslims are crucial voters gas been completely bypassed political parties even Congress. For this grand old party Muslims are only vote bank stuff," said Mustufa Khan of Juhapura.

Three of Ahmedabad constituencies were considered to be Congress boroughs, but the party lost two of them to BJP because of bickering that led to division of votes. Situation came to a pass and the Muslims voted for BJP candidates in all three places in significant numbers.

The party should feel lucky in scraping through with a small margin in Dariapur. Three constituencies in the city — Jamalpur, Shahpur and Kalupur — had Muslim voters in majority and Muslim candidates had been winning there on Congress symbol.

The delimitation of these constituencies changed them into Dariapur, Jamalpur-Khadia and Vejalpur. The voter composition meant that Muslims retained the edge in these constituencies. Congress in its wisdom, ignored its senior and experienced candidates and opted for new faces.

And how it boomeranged. Sitting MLAs, Farukh Shaikh and Sabir Kabliwala, were miffed and filed papers as independent candidates challenging the Congress nominees.

However, after the intervention of Ahmed Patel, Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s political adviser, Shaikh extended his support to Congress candidate Gyasuddin Shaikh in Dariyapur, but Kabliwala remained adamant.

The impact on the final tally of votes is for all to see. In Jamalpur-Khadia, BJP’s Bhusan Bhatt coasted to victory with 48,388 votes against Congress candidate Samirkhan Pathan’s 42,029. Add to Pathan’s tally Kabliwala’s 30,668 votes and it takes little genius to conclude who would have been the winner if Congress votes were not divided.

Kishor Chauhan in Vejalpur got 1,13,507 votes while Congress candidate Murtuja Khan Pathan got 58,345. Vejalpur is the largest Muslim constituency (more than 80,000 voters) in the city, yet Congress faced a rout. In Dariapur, Bharat Barot of BJP got 58,345 votes and Congress’s Gyasuddin Shaikh just about scraped past him with 60,967 votes. The division confused the Congress supporters.

A segment of Muslim voters was already with the BJP only because they felt betrayed by the Congress. Their argument: known devil is better than unknown. The remaining votes were divided, giving advantage to the BJP candidates in all three seats.

Not just the independent candidates, but others who had aspired for the ticket started working against the party. Many of the supporters began canvassing for the BJP candidates in private meetings because they wanted to teach lesson to their party high command which obviously underestimated their strength.

"Congress lost some Muslim dominated seats because of a split in the candidates' vote share. We are still to study what happened in Vagra, where we lost with a big margin. There is no question of Sadbhavana having worked its magic in these polls."

Sadbhavna surge

Muslim-dominated Congress bastions that BJP won this time

Seat Muslim voters in percentage

Khadia-Jamalpur 61.28
Vagra 44.02
Dediapada 31.25
Jambusar 24.00
Karjan 15.29

What is missing in the Congress in Gujarat that it is just not able to trump Modi? Is the absence of a leader, direction, identity crisis, ideological mismatch with the society, or just the absence of purpose? Or perhaps all of these?

A fortnight before the polling day, Congress’s high-profile maverick leader Shankersinh Vaghela announced suddenly, “I am the captain (of Congress)”. At the time the statement appeared to have come rather unprovoked and from the apparent muted reactions, the sentiment did not find much support either. As the results have come out today, Vaghela aka Bapu has actually become the veritable captain of Congress’s ship, without its reigning leaders’ support.

And that pretty much sums up the Congress’s fate in days to come after it’s yet another debacle at the hustings in last two decades. Unlike the previous polls, the party this time was proactive in setting the agenda as early as a year ago with multiple yatras across the state. Early on, Congress announced Vaghela as its poll campaign committee chairman, as well as anointing him the chairman of Indian Tourism Development Corporation with a cabinet rank. Two of AICC’s senior delegates - believed to be close to Rahul Gandhi - Mohan Prakash and CP Joshi were dispatched to Gujarat. All the multiple factions of the party had their niche defined and for a while here, Congress showed promise.

Closer to elections, a spark of brilliance emerged in the form of a promise for poor sections of the society ‘Ghar nu ghar’ scheme. The announcement had about 30 lakh women lining up to potentially take benefit of the scheme if Congress was voted to power. Apparently, those long queues did not translate into votes for the party.

This was followed by 12 other promises, including free laptops for students and reducing VAT on fuel. At the time, the promises created much hype and practically shook up the BJP. In retrospect, it becomes clear that coming about three months before polls, Modi got enough time to recover, which eventually reflected in the party’s poll manifesto promise of 50 lakh houses for poor.

By the time candidates had to be finalised, all hell broke loose. The buzz is Rahul Gandhi had a significant say through Prakash and Joshi in finalising candidates’ names, due to which Narhari Amin was chopped off and he migrated to the BJP. Congress made a tacit understanding with some GPP candidates in Saurashtra, Visavadar for instance, which led to severe heartburn.

Instead of strategising, party leaders spent precious time pacifying dissidents. Closer to elections, instead of bringing out its USPs of ‘Ghar nu ghar’ and other promises, Modi-bashing was the only agenda candidates seemed to have. They were banking heavily on anti-incumbency, which was perhaps even simmering, but the Congress summarily failed to bring it to a boil.

Several of Vaghela loyalists were denied tickets, which rendered him amongst the dissidents, but he stayed put on his Kapadvanj seat and at some other places that he had decided to focus on. Most of Vaghela’s coterie from Saurashtra and Central Gujarat has won.

Sonia Gandhi’s political advisor Ahmed Patel who belongs to Bharuch has not been able to bring home a single of the seven seats in Bharuch and Narmada – most dominated by Congress’s loyal votebank Muslims and tribals. He had camped and campaigned aggressively here for five consecutive days before Phase I polls and briefly even for Phase II. What does this say about the electorate? Did they reject Congress as a party or its regional candidates? This indicates BJP has made a severe dent in its loyal electorates not only in Central Gujarat but all over the state. Needless to say, there is scope for deep introspection.

However, the Congress’s loss of face is in fact its biggest loss this time – literally. Three of the four prominent faces of the party here have lost. The blue eyed boys of Congress high command – GPCC president Arjun Modhwadia, leader of opposition Shaktisinh Gohil and former GPCC president Siddharth Patel – were clear targets of Narendra Modi and he has succeeded in neutralising them. Ironically, Congress for a change has a leadership crisis?
Or now, does it? Because the biggest concern for Congress’s ideological loyalists and observers has been a top heavy party with too many leaders and not enough workers for societal outreach. Too many cooks have literally been spoiling Congress’s broth.

Besides, the internal churning of incumbents on key positions did not allow new leadership to emerge. “Whether this heralds a leadership crisis in the party in years to come or an opportunity depends on the high command. The clear message that should go to Delhi is not to be paranoid about self-made regional leaders and allow them to thrive.

Despite its defeats, there is young blood committed to Congress ideology which is willing to work hard. In the last two decades, Congress here has made several tactical errors by absorbing break-away factions from BJP and Janata Dal, who obviously have no ideological allegiance with Congress. It is now time to make way for Congressmen,” says a committed functionary at the party’s deserted office in Paldi, watching live coverage of the poll results on television.

[Abdul Hafiz Lakhaniis a senior Journalist based at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Gujarat). He can be reached at lakhani63@yahoo.com or on his cell 09228746770]

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Corner Stone Laying Ceremony Of Hyderabad Institute Of Excellence held

January 9, 2013, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Providing proper and modern education to Muslim community children important, says NCMEI Chairman Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui

≪ Previous: Gujarat Elections 2012: Feeling betrayed by Gujarat Congress leaders, a segment of Muslim voters was already with the BJP

IMO News Service

Hyderabad: The corner stone laying ceremony of Hyderabad Institute of Excellence (HIE) was held on Sunday, 30th December 2012 at the site of the Institute in Vikarabad. The event was attended by about 650 guests, volunteers, well wishers and 150 students of class 10th studying in the schools of the Trust around Vikarabad.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Saif Khan, grandson of Ghiasuddin Babukhan and Abdul Aleem Khan. The welcome address was provided by Ghiasuddin Babukhan which included brief details of the activities of the Trust for the past 20 years. He said that in addition to other educational development activities, the Trust has initiated a talent search programme encouraging students in 209 schools to get above 90% marks in the SSC examination, with cash awards. He also added that the same programme would be started in another 100 schools covering about 25,000 students in the next academic year, Insha Allah. The top rankers in SSC exam would be admitted in the Institute after an entrance examination, he concluded.

Khaleel Ahmed, Chairman of Karnataka Zakat and Charitable Trust, introduced the HIE project and gave the details of the vision of the project. He said that the project is conceived to achieve academic excellence and high level of moral values in the students. He also added that the project is aimed for setting up a model residential school from grade 7th to 12th with CBSE curriculum with world class amenities.

Ranga Bhashyam, IRS, our guest of honour expressed his happiness for the efforts of Ghiasuddin Babukhan, Managing Director of FEED (Foundation For Economic And Educational Development), through which meritorious students can get quality education and become leaders of tomorrow. He offered his voluntary services for the activities of the trust.

Mrs. Tasneem Osmani, our guest of honour of Educate India Fund (EIF), Chicago, said that she was very impressed with the various projects of the Trust serving the underprivileged. She assured her ongoing support through EIF and agreed to start youth leadership program in coordination with American universities to work on FEED and HIE projects. She also expressed her hope that the Hyderabad Institute of Excellence would impart leadership qualities and produce the future nation builders.

The corner stone was unveiled by Jannat Hussain Chief Information Commissioner, AP and the model of the HIE was unveiled by Mrs. Tasneem Osmani and K. Ranga Bhashyam.
Jannat Hussain commended the efforts of the Trust in achieving excellence with top quality education and contributing in making the leaders of tomorrow. He wished that the Institute would produce leaders like JM Lyngdoh, former CEC of India and other great personalities who were present at the function.

Guests from USA, Mrs. and Mr. Abdullah Khan Abid, Mrs. and Mr. Syed Kaleemuddin, Dr.Habeeb Ashruf and Dr.Viqar Khan and Mrs. Nafees Khan from Canada attended the function. Prominent personalities of Hyderabad Prof. Kanche Ailayya, Dr.Hasanuddin Ahmed IAS, G.S Rao (Care Hospital), E Damodar IPS, Omer Jaleel IAS, K.M.Arifuddin, Zafar Javed, Ilyas Rizwi, IFS, Prof. Sandeep Kayastha, and H.Srinivasulu, IRS also attended the function.
Ziauddin Nayyar, Trustee of FEED presented the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.

Contact Details:

Foundation For Economic And Educational Development (FEED)
1-8-353 to 355, Begumpet, Beside US Consulate, Secunderabad - 500 003, Andhr Pradesh, India.
Phone Nos. (0091) (40) 27907680 / 27901426
Fax: (0091) (40) 27901239.
Web site: www.feed-hyd.org.
E-mail: support@feed-hyd.org

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Providing proper and modern education to Muslim community children important, says NCMEI Chairman Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui

January 9, 2013, 2:42 pm

≫ Next: A crime beyond barriers

≪ Previous: Corner Stone Laying Ceremony Of Hyderabad Institute Of Excellence held

By Dr. Shabistan Gaffar

The Eight Foundation Day function of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, New Delhi and the release of the “Report and Recommendation on Minority Girls’ Education” prepared by the Committee on Girls’ Education constituted by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions was held at the Mavalankar Auditorium, Rafi Marg, New Delhi on the 28th of December 2012. The function witnessed a mammoth crowd of more than 1,000 people from different parts of India, particularly the stakeholders of minority educational institutions in various parts of India, bureaucrats, social activists, educationalists, journalists, teachers, lawyers etc.

Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered a splendid inaugural address; Dr. K. Rahman Khan, Minister for Minority Affairs, Govt. of India made his presence as the Special Guest and Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India presided over the entire function. Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui, Chairman, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, Dr. Mohinder Singh and Zafar Agha, Member of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, Dr. Shabistan Gaffar, Chairperson, Committee on Girls’ Education, NCMEI and Dr. Fazal Gafoor, General Secretary, Muslim Educational Society (MES), Kerala addressed the gathering and put forth their valuable suggestions and recommendations.

Eminent personalities from different parts of India, like Mr. Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities; Safdar Khan, Chairman, Delhi State Minorities Commission; Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Director, NIOS, Govt. of India; Mr. B.S. Ramoowalia, Former Member, NCMEI; Chairman and Members of the State Minority Commissions of different States; Mehbubul Hoque, Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya; Mr. Nayeemur Rehman, Director, MGR University, Tamilnadu; P.A. Hamza, Kerala State Co-ordinator, NCMEI; Members of the Committee on Girls’ NCMEI Mrs. Abeda P. Inamdar, Dr. S. Sumayaa, Prof. Dr. Qamar Rehman, Dr. Najma Akhtar, Mrs. Jowahira Tabassum, Mrs. Lovina Khan, Mrs. Aitya Mushtaque, Mrs. Farah Khan, Co-ordinator, NCMEI; and other dignitaries from all over India also participated in the function. The function was started with the lighting of lamp by the guests.

Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui addressing the gathering

Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui, Chairman, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, Govt. of India, New Delhi, welcomed all the guests. In his welcome address he highlighted the powers and functions of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions and asked the members of the minority communities to avail of the facilities. He also explained the need for providing proper and modern education to the children of the Muslim community, particularly Muslim girls. He also presented the statistical datas about the institutions to which the Commission granted Minority status certificate and also pointed out the major problems being facing by the minorities communities in India like, non-granting of NOC by the State Govt., Non-approval of the appointment of teaching and non-teaching staffs etc. and also the safeguards available under the Indian Constitution. He also urged that the minority community should also make concerted efforts to develop our country as a major educational hub.

Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, inaugurated the function. In his inaugural address he pointed out that Education is power. Education being the most effective instrument for social and economic empowerment and vital for horizontal and vertical mobility in the society, it is imperative to promote education among allother backward sections, especially the minorities, who have fallen far behind the national average in education. He said that the Sachar Committee as well as other studies have found that the reason for the relative social and economic backwardness of the minorities, especially of the Muslims, is due to their educational backwardness and therefore, in order to pull such minorities, constituting approximately 18.42% of the country’s population from the brink of marginalization and to infuse a sense of inclusiveness in the national mainstream, it is essential to enhance education of the minorities. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programmes for the welfare of Minorities.

He also appreciated the NCMEI headed by Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui that during the short period since its establishment since November, 2004, the Commission has issued 7021 Minority Status Certificates to the educational institutions and has also disposed off 13147 out of 14908 petitions/applications and it is also a very cost effective way of providing minority status to institutions as also to grant of affiliation of minorities educational institutions which is indeed praiseworthy.

He also highlighted the role and importance of minority educational institutions and Madrasas in nation building. He assured that the Governmentwill do its best to promote education and overall welfare of the Minorities in general and of the Muslims, constituting major chunk of the Minorities, in particular and at the same time stressed that, the constitutional mandate of Article 30(1) can only be achieved with the participation and co-operation of the general public.

During the end of his speech he thanked the Chairman and Members of the NCMEI and wished all the success in their endeavour of educational empowerment of minorities.

K. Rahman Khan addressing the gathering

Dr. K. Rahman Khan, Minister for Minority Affairs, Govt. of India, who was the Special Guest of the function delivered an enthusiastic and informative speech on the educational status of minorities in India. He highlighted that the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions is an effective body to protect and preserve the educational rights and privileges guaranteed to the minorities under the Constitution of India. He urged the audience to make use and avail the powers of the NCMEI like, Minority Status Certificate, granting of NOC to get affiliation/recognition, permission to get affiliation from any affiliating university, approval of the appointment of teaching and non-teaching staffs etc.

He said that the minorities are equally important to their counterpart and the educational empowerment of minorities can be the only remedial measure in this regard.

During the Programme an Award of Excellence for the Year 2012 from the National Commission for Minority Educational Institution has been presented to P.A. Hamza, Kerala State Co-Ordinator, NCMEI, for his outstanding services and contribution in the field of minorities’ education.

Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India presided over the function. In his presidential address he highlighted the importance of vocational and technical education in the minority educational institutions and the need of empowering minority women through education. He also appreciated the NCMEI for rendering outstanding services for the minorities in the last few years. He stressed that the NCMEI is playing a very positive role in the process of stabilizing of our secular fabric.

On the eve of the programme the “Report and Recommendation on Minority Girls’ Education” prepared by the Committee on Girls’ Education constituted by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions was released and the same was submitted to Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, and Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, for their favourable consideration and appropriate action.

Dr. Shabistan Gaffar speaking

Dr. Shabistan Gaffar, Chairperson, Committee on Girls’ Education, NCMEI, introduced the “Report and Recommendation on Minority Girls’ Education” and made brief Power Point presentation on Committee on Girls’Education. In her presentation she highlighted major points like; Background of the Committee on Girls’ Education, Aims and Objectives of the Committee, the work pattern of the Committee, Findings of the Committee; Regional Conferences, Suggestions and Recommendations etc. At the conclusion of the presentation she stressed that Equality, Education, Enabling environment and Empowerment are the major mantras for bringing the minority girls in mainstream, so that girls are provided with equal opportunity for survival and development, protected against neglect and abuse, and offered the enabling means to develop to their full potential and lead a productive and healthy life.

She thanked all her colleague members of the Committee on Girls’ Education, Stakeholders of Minority Educational Institutions, Bureaucrats, Social activists, educationalists and all the people who have rendered their selfless service and contribution for bringing out such an outstanding report and recommendation of Minority Girls’ Education.

The report and recommendation on Minority Girl’s Education are available in the website of NCMEI: www.ncmei.gov.in.

Dr. Mohinder Singh, Member, Commitbtee on Girls’ Education, in his address highlighted the importance of modern and mainstream education along with the Madrasa education. He highlighted that the Madrasas in India are playing a vital role in providing education to the Muslim minority communities inIndia and at the same he suggested that stress should be given for providing more job oriented and vocational education to the students.

Dr. Fazal Gafoor, General Secretary, Muslim Educational Society, Kerala also made an elegant address on the issues being faced by the minorities in India. He highlighted that his organization is running more than 100 minority educational institutions in India and abroad. He said that the Muslims in Kerala are highly educationally empowered to their counterpart and the need is to replicate the educational and social systems to other States of India.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Zafar Agha, Member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions. He thanked all the delegates who have come from faraway places and sparing their valuable time for making the function a great success.

[Dr. Shabistan Gaffaris Chairperson, Committee on Girls' Education, Nationaal Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi.]

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A crime beyond barriers

January 9, 2013, 2:49 pm

≫ Next: Women inherently dominated by men due to caste system in India, says Sharad Yadav

≪ Previous: Providing proper and modern education to Muslim community children important, says NCMEI Chairman Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui

There should be no compromises when it comes to dealing with the crime of rape

By Tariq A.Al Maeena

The brutal rape of a 23-year-old medical student on a public bus last month in New Delhi, followed by her tragic death, has not gone unnoticed in Saudi Arabia. News reports daily covered details of the crime and the subsequent moral outrage that engulfed India.

How did people in Saudi Arabia react to the events? What was their view on this sad episode and did it differ much than people elsewhere? Maha, a Saudi teacher in Sociology at a local girl’s college was horrified and saddened by the incident in which the girl found herself defenceless, save for her brave companion.

After muttering a short prayer in the deceased girl’s memory, she added: “I kept waking up at night from nightmares. What did those people do to that poor girl? Even animals show more mercy than that. It shakes my faith in humanity, but good will eventually prevail … I pray for it.”

An Indian physician working in the capital city added: “Over the years, we have become accustomed to such occurrences [in India] to the point that we [Indians] are left almost without feeling. Sad isn’t it? Women are being raped, harassed, molested or eve-teased every few minutes and many times these are not reported for fear from the perpetrators or society. Our society [in India] does not serve justice to the victims.”

Ramnaran, an accountant, felt that the new trend in Bollywood had something to do with it. “Look at the current fashion trend in our film industry. Half-naked actresses moving and shaking about seductively, as if encouraging or inciting the viewers to unrestrained excitement. Modesty has flown out of the window, replaced with sleaze and skimpiness. We were a modest culture. What is happening in our films, which, by the way, reach all small towns and villages, is an affront to our morals.”

Zamil, a trader said: “Is this what Indian culture has finally revealed to the rest of the world? We keep hearing about the economic progress in that country and their government through the media is always claiming that they have joined the first level of developed countries, but in view of the death of the poor girl, I think these are all empty words. And she is not the only victim. There are many more, except that they have not drawn as much media attention because they do not live in New Delhi, the capital.”

Gulzar, an Afghani technician claims: “There are daily reports of rapes and killings all over India; in small towns and villages too. But why there is so much publicity and media coverage in this [the Delhi rape] case? It is no different than many that go unreported. During the 2002 Gujarat riots, women were raped en masse and even the shameful actions were recorded on video. But was there a public outcry? Or is it because the victims were minorities? Yet, here the case has reached the international level. It is all politically motivated by politicians seeking an advantage.”

Sharma, a teacher adds: “Rape is often used as a political tool by opposing parties against the poor constituents. How many times has a national rape case drawn attention only for it to be quickly buried and forgotten because the rapist was an influential politician or the son of one? The guilty go scot-free while the poor victims have to shoulder that burden for their entire lives. Is this justice?”

Salma, an accountant said: “I feel for the parents and family of that poor girl. May Allah grant them the strength and patience to withstand their grief. May the victim’s soul rest in peace.”
Sumayya, a Saudi housewife, observed: “What disturbs me is how this crime could take place without any interference from the public. Were they all asleep? Or is it that they did not want to be involved? If that is so, then that is a greater crime. Someone would have surely noticed or heard the girl’s anguish. And yet, no one interfered save for her companion. It is a shameful badge of dishonour that the Delhi society must pin on their chests.”

India has had its share of such dishonour. National crime records indicate that 228,650 of the total of 256,329 violent crimes registered last year in India were directed at women and there has been an increase of more than 800 per cent in violent rapes since the 1970s. Many attribute the rising trend to apathy on the part of the politicians or the police in pursuing justice for the victims.

It would be unfair, however, to infer that India sits alone on top of the heap when it comes to such crimes. Rapists know no borders and no country is immune from such heinous activity. Even in developed countries in Europe or in the US, rape remains a scourge.

A fitting solution will be the castration of the offender once proven guilty beyond a shadow of doubt. Forget human rights! There should be no compromises when it comes to dealing with rape.

[Tariq A. Al Maeenais a Saudi socio-political commentator. He lives in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia.]

(Courtesy: Gulf News)

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Women inherently dominated by men due to caste system in India, says Sharad Yadav

January 9, 2013, 2:52 pm

≫ Next: GUEST EDITORIAL: Muslim Leaders Should Not Use Inflamatory Rhetoric In Public Speeches

≪ Previous: A crime beyond barriers

IMO News Service

New Delhi: Sharad Yadav, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and President of Janata Dal (United), has lambasted at the prevailing caste systems in India and said that women in our country inherently have been dominated by men since centuries only because of this. Mr. Yadav recently addressed mediapersons at the party office at 7, Jantar Mantar Road, here on January 7, in the aftermath of gang-rape in the capital and thereafter demonstration all over the country.
In a press release issued under his signature and received by Indian Muslim Observer, Mr. Yadav said that a new debate has started regarding change in rule of law for crimes like gang-rapes in the country. While condemning the despicable act, Mr. Yadav said that the real and main issue of the dominance of males over women due to the prevailing caste systems since centuries is missing in the debates currently going on in the media through TV channels, articles in newspapers etc.

"What happened to Draupadi in Mahabharta who had five husbands? Gender disparity manifests itself in various forms, the most obvious being the trend of continuously declining female ratio in the population in the last few decades. Social stereotyping and violence at the domestic and societal levels are some of the other manifestations. Discrimination against girl children, adolescent girls and women persists in parts of the country. We all come in the system which is in existence in our country whether it is Executive, Judiciary or Legislatures and media also. Lingayat in Karnataka is an example in our country in so far as caste system is concerned. Lingayatism, also known as Veerashaivism, is a distinct Shaivite tradition in India, established in the 12th century by the philosopher and social reformer Basavanna. It makes several departures from mainstream Hinduism and propounds monotheism through worship centered on Lord Shiva in the form of linga or Ishtalinga. It also rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. The adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats," Sharad Yadav said.

Mr. Yadav further said, "Our great spiritual leaders including political leaders like Shri Guru Nanak Dev, Daya Nand Swami, Shri Jai Prakash Narain and Ram Manohar Lohia had debated on the issue of women slavery and their status and rights in the society. We the politicians have been fighting against caste system. Because of caste system and disparity, the women in the society are slave since several decades and for giving dignified status to women in the society, the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78) onwards has been a marked shift in the approach to women’s issues from welfare to development."

Mr. Yadav expressed his desire to appear before Justice Verma Commission which has been constituted for change in the rule of law for such crimes in the country. He said, "I would present my views in which the stress would be the disparity for women in the society is due to our caste system in the country. We will have to first understand as to who is more involved in such crimes, and whether our system is faulty and whether change in law is acceptable to the society in general. In my opinion, this issue is required to be debated in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies where representatives from all sections of society are available to offer their views and traditions prevalent in different parts of our country. In the last, I would urge that the debate should be initiated and structured in such a way which incorporates the views and ideas that were debated on caste system by our great leaders since several decades due to which disparity has been widened. The main crux of the problem is caste system which has been missing in our debates which are going on in the country."

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Muslim Leaders Should Not Use Inflamatory Rhetoric In Public Speeches

January 9, 2013, 2:57 pm

≫ Next: Things that bug me

≪ Previous: Women inherently dominated by men due to caste system in India, says Sharad Yadav

By Kaleem Kawaja

Indian Muslims live in India where Muslims are 15%, Hindus are 80% of the population. Almost all power (economic, police, military, intellectual prowess, education) is with Hindus; Muslims have no more than about 4% of it. Thus in the event of a conflict between the two communities, Muslims have to depend first on God's help and then on the balanced/secular/unbiased sense of a majority of Hindus. Otherwise might is right is going to play out, as it has over last 5,000 years on earth.

Despite a few Hindu politicians (Narendra Modi, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, Praveen Togadia etc) speaking belligerently in public, if Muslims ignore that and put their case in a rational medium rather than belligerent rhetoric, there is a good possibility that majority Hindus will remain unbiased and practice secular/democratic methods, Thus Muslims can achieve human rights and development somewhat, though not entirely comparable to Hindus. Sachar Committee, Misra Commission, Srikrishna Commission, Gujarat SIT court that sentenced Maya Kodani etal to long jail term, were headed by Hindus yet gave fair judgements and recommendations on the situation of Muslims.

If the minority Muslims adopt a belligerent method of communication to insist on their demands, insist on speaking like Togadia etc, it is very likely that the Hindu dominated power structure will stop listening to Muslims' fair demands and turn a deaf ear to them. In that event Muslims can expect NO improvement in their condition or maybe a worsening of it. When that happens to whom will Indian Muslims take their case? The Arab, Persian, other Muslim countries! For 65 years these Muslim countries have totally ignored the oppression of Muslims in India. To: UN/western powers? Anti-Muslim feelings are strong in these countries after 9/11/01.

All these belligerent Muslim speakers (Shahi Imam Ahmad Bukhari, Akbaruddin Owaisi etc) speak only to Muslim audiences and in Muslim mohallas; they never venture into an audience/mohalla where Hindus are in a majority. All these fire breathing, venom spitting Urdu journalists write only in Urdu newspapers that are read only by Muslims. They never write in English or Hindi newspapers where majority of readers are Hindu. When Muslims face the Hindu reaction, all these lions & tigers of the community hide in their lanes and mohallas. So what use is all this empty/counterproductive rhetoric?

Even when you are telling the truth you have to do it n a manner that it may be received well and you may benefit from it.

The Quran tells us that when Moses went to admmonish Pharoh he asked for God's help in his being able to communicate his message well so that chances of his success are high. Everytime our prophet talked to the belligerent Kuffar of Mecca, he spoke in rational words with a persuasive tone; not in angry/harsh tone.

[Kaleem Kawajais a community activist based at Washington DC. He can be contacted at: kaleemkawaja@gmail.com]

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