Prominent Muslim sociopolitical leaders in India have voiced their appreciation for the government led by PM Narendra Modi, emphasising how the inclusive policies of his government have fostered religious freedom and paved the way for unparalleled development within the Muslim community nationwide.
The Muslim leaders said that they will not tolerate any terrorism activities against India and they will give befitting response to the enemies of the nation as proud Indians. The gathering passed the Mumbai Resolution demonstrating unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047 and pledging support and active contribution in achieving this dream.
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| Source: Chandigarh University. Chancellor Chandigarh University & IMF Convener Satnam Singh Sandhu along with Abdul Sattar Abdul Nabi, Minister of Minority Development Maharashtra and prominent Muslim leaders announcing the Mumbai resolution during the Sadbhavna event on November 27, 2023. |
Delegates included Mansoor Khan, National President, Sufi Islam Board; Zafar Sareshwalla, Founder, Parsoli Group of Companies & Educationist; Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, President, Shia Ulama Board Maharashtra and VP, All India Shia Personal Board; Asif Bhamla, Founder, Bhamla Foundation and Environmentalist; Sohail Khandwani, Principal Secretary, Managing Trustee (Haji Ali Trust & Makhdoom Shah Baba Trust); Iqbal Memon, President, All India Memon Jamat; and Dr. Zahir Kazi, President, Anjuman-I-Islam.
Indian Minister of Minority Development and Aukaf, Abdul Sattar, said that the welfare schemes have reached the Muslim community and have empowered them at an unprecedented level during the last nine years.
"Equal opportunities have been provided to the members of Muslim community as envisioned in our constitution and their welfare has been prioritised. Their equal representation has been ensured in policy making and law making in the country, be it in the parliament and any other institution in the country," he said.
The minister further said that the contribution of Muslims has been acknowledged and has received recognition from the government at the highest level. This can been seen in the increase in the Padma awards given to Muslims in the last nine years.
Sareshwalla said: "Whatever our religion might be, we are Indians first, and will always be. A Muslim is not a Muslim because of the type of food he consumes, but he is a Muslim because he has certain values. The true religion of a Muslim is to ensure that no one is suffering because of him, and the entire Muslim community in India has been working towards the welfare of humanity."
Dr Zahir Kazi, President, Anjuman-I-Islam, said, "(The) Muslim community of India has not only contributed for the independence struggle of the nation but is currently contributing in making India a global power in the fields of education, science and technology, entrepreneur, business and commerce."
Chancellor of Chandigarh University
(CU) and IMF Convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu stated that the event was held aimed to celebrate the contribution of Muslims in the development of India. "(The) Muslim contribution is remarkable in India's growth and their significant contribution should be celebrated at every level. The contribution of every minority community in India's growth is immense and their nation-building initiatives have been the cornerstones of the nation's strength and resilience.
"However, it is more important that every minority community resolutely make their contribution during the next 25 years as the India is dreaming to become a developed nation," he said.
Sandhu further announced that a centre for research on minority
communities will be established at CU in collaboration with other
likeminded organisations, with the first partnership with Anjuman-I-Islam. This is the first of its kind in India.
Additionally, Sandhu proposed a collaboration to publish a book on the contribution of Muslims to the development of India. He requested Dr Kazi to author it.