community to stood by the secular forces and do not fall in the trap of small secratarian parties

PRESS RELEASE

ALIGARH 30-12-2012

Muslims do not support personality based small political outfits and reject the trap of political wilderness. This fact emerged in the joint meeting held by Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC) & Forum for Muslim Studies & Analysis (FMSA) Aligarh at Media Centre Aligarh to analyze political scenario after the announcement of the assembly elections.

Presiding over the meeting former Dean & Controller of Aligarh Muslim University Prof. Humayun Murad said that Maulana Syed Salman Nadwi’s initiative to unite some political outfits under over all leadership of the Peace Party has compelled us to re-think over the political situation and the status of the Muslims within its parameter. He pointed out that before every election some political groups emerge from nowhere. This time also it has happened. Some are rebellious, some craving for fame while others are centered on particular people. But they lack trustworthiness and aim. So Muslims should draw their political lines on secularism and nationalism only to be in mainstream.

Secretary of Forum for Muslim Studies & Analysis, Jasim Mohmmad pointed out that there are some political groups which contest elections just for creating nuisance and cutting secular votes which becomes advantageous for the communal parties. He cited the example of 2007 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election when Delhi Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmad Bukhari raised alarm bells for Muslims identity and formed UDF which collapsed even before elections begin. Jasim Mohammad strongly called upon the community to stood by the secular forces and do not fall in the trap of small secratarian parties.

Aligarh Muslim University’s Executive Council member Dr. Mohammad Shahid said that we must remember to be in forefront and mainstream and should not be part of whatever communal forces are doing. Former President of AMU Students’ Union Dr. Naseem Ashraf said that small religion based parties cannot deliver goods as their resources, over of influence and moreover philosophy is limited. Muslims should not take them seriously.

Analyzing and elaborating on the burning issue Professor & former Chairman, Department of Civil Engg., Aligarh Muslim University Prof. Razaullah Khan pointed out that exclusive Muslim politics has limited space as is evident from the experiences of Muslims league in Karala and the Majlis Itteha-ul-Muslmeen in Andhra Pradesh. He said earlier Muslims dissatisfied with the failure of Jamat Uloma-e-Hind to secure concession from the Congress formed Muslims Majlis-e-Mushawarat in 1967 but Mufti Atiqur Rahman despite community’s support failed and then A. J. Faridi launched Muslim Majlis which also faded away. So Muslims need only secular base.

AMU’s Polytechnic Principal Prof. Syed Iqbal Ali said that in Indian political context established a parallel Muslims system is totally out of question because that will be only communal rhetoric and Manufactured anger and these two do not add up to electoral success. Coordinator of Central University’s Research Scholar Association (CURS) Dr. Fatima Zehra Said that we must take up national interest before communty’s interest.

Apart from large number of intellectuals, teachers and well wishers of community Dr. Raza, Dr. Sabri, Nusrat Jamal Ansari, ware also present in the meeting which appealed to community to support secular parties of national character in the forthcoming elections.

[Jasim Mohammad]

9997063595

Invitation

Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India

PRESS RELEASE

ALIGARH 29 JANUARY 2011: Millat Bedari Muhim Committee [MBMC] Aligarh organized a two day national seminar on “Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India” in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language [NCPUL], Jamia Urdu Aligarh, CCSILC AMU & the Aligarh Movement (Bilingual Monthly Magazine) at Arts faculty Lounge, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

Secretary of MBMC & Chief Convener of the National Seminar Jasim Mohammad welcomed eminent scholars and intellectuals who had come to participate the seminar from far flung areas. He dwelled upon the qualities of Urdu in detail and hoped that this two day seminar will certainly address the problems faced by Urdu language. He pointed out that though Urdu is the language of love and unity some people have denigrated it and the government is failing in discahraging its responsibilities.

Taking over the conduction of the seminar Dr. Mohammad Shahid called upon to link urdu with employment. He said that it is very unfortunate that UP and Bihar lacks Urdu medium schools though these states have large number of Urdu speaking people whereas Kerala, which has meager Urdu speaking population, has large number of Urdu medium schools and urdu is treated there in a dignified way.

Chief Guest of the national seminar Sahitya Akademi Awardee Prof. Abul Kalam Qasmi said that whatever we are witnessing with Urdu today is the result our own behavior in yesteryears with those who were not well versed in Urdu. He said that a glorious language has shrunken so much that presently it is of only Muslims. He praised Israel and said that Hebrew language had died but after Israel became a reality, they worked hard to develop it. Prof. Qasmi said that today forty percent words of Hindi are in fact from Urdu. He said that if we identify our own shortcomings then one bad person will become good one.

Guest of Honour Eminent Journalist, Critic and grandson of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Firoz Bakht Ahmad Congratulated Jasim Mohammad for holding meaningful seminar. He criticized those who weep for Urdu but do nothing. He said that I learnt Urdu from my mother. He said that I appeal to those Professors who travel to Tronto and England for promoting Urdu for taking interest in teaching Urdu at home.

Internationally renowned Urdu Critic and Writer of Patna, Prof Wahab Ashrafi discussed the word ‘secular’ during delivarence of key-note address and said that the first book of Urdu “kadam rao padam rao” authored by Nizami was based on that conception of secularism. He said that gulf between urdu and Hindi was made in Fort William College by inducing Lallu Lal ji to write partial books. He said that we have kicked out Urdu from our homes. First we should re-establish it in our own homes then launch the movement to save it.

Secretary of Hazrat Ameer Khusro Education Society Prof. Syed Iqbal Ali while discussing political history of India said that in fact since the very beginning of independence Urdu is being ill treated. He cited the names of Parsuram Tandon, Raj Bihari Tondon and Govind Vallabh Pant who left no stone unturned to finish Urdu language from Indian canvas. He said that it was only Sir Syed who not only made efforts to save the language but also worked had to develop it. Visiting Professor & Scholar V.P. Mohammed Kunju Metharu of Kerala said that Urdu has provided sweetness to all Indian languages.

Presiding over the Prof. Razaullah Khan pointed out that Urdu is linked to Deen and Muslims. He said that we must sacrifice for Urdu.

In the end of the first day, Mohammad Farooq Khan extended thanks of the delegates for constructive and meaningful participation.

Thank you.

Jasim Mohammad

Secretary, MBMC

Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India

PRESS RELEASE

ALIGARH 29 JANUARY 2011: Millat Bedari Muhim Committee [MBMC] Aligarh organized a two day national seminar on “Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India” in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language [NCPUL], Jamia Urdu Aligarh, CCSILC AMU & the Aligarh Movement (Bilingual Monthly Magazine) at Arts faculty Lounge, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

Secretary of MBMC & Chief Convener of the National Seminar Jasim Mohammad welcomed eminent scholars and intellectuals who had come to participate the seminar from far flung areas. He dwelled upon the qualities of Urdu in detail and hoped that this two day seminar will certainly address the problems faced by Urdu language. He pointed out that though Urdu is the language of love and unity some people have denigrated it and the government is failing in discahraging its responsibilities.

Taking over the conduction of the seminar Dr. Mohammad Shahid called upon to link urdu with employment. He said that it is very unfortunate that UP and Bihar lacks Urdu medium schools though these states have large number of Urdu speaking people whereas Kerala, which has meager Urdu speaking population, has large number of Urdu medium schools and urdu is treated there in a dignified way.

Chief Guest of the national seminar Sahitya Akademi Awardee Prof. Abul Kalam Qasmi said that whatever we are witnessing with Urdu today is the result our own behavior in yesteryears with those who were not well versed in Urdu. He said that a glorious language has shrunken so much that presently it is of only Muslims. He praised Israel and said that Hebrew language had died but after Israel became a reality, they worked hard to develop it. Prof. Qasmi said that today forty percent words of Hindi are in fact from Urdu. He said that if we identify our own shortcomings then one bad person will become good one.

Guest of Honour Eminent Journalist, Critic and grandson of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Firoz Bakht Ahmad Congratulated Jasim Mohammad for holding meaningful seminar. He criticized those who weep for Urdu but do nothing. He said that I learnt Urdu from my mother. He said that I appeal to those Professors who travel to Tronto and England for promoting Urdu for taking interest in teaching Urdu at home.

Internationally renowned Urdu Critic and Writer of Patna, Prof Wahab Ashrafi discussed the word ‘secular’ during delivarence of key-note address and said that the first book of Urdu “kadam rao padam rao” authored by Nizami was based on that conception of secularism. He said that gulf between urdu and Hindi was made in Fort William College by inducing Lallu Lal ji to write partial books. He said that we have kicked out Urdu from our homes. First we should re-establish it in our own homes then launch the movement to save it.

Secretary of Hazrat Ameer Khusro Education Society Prof. Syed Iqbal Ali while discussing political history of India said that in fact since the very beginning of independence Urdu is being ill treated. He cited the names of Parsuram Tandon, Raj Bihari Tondon and Govind Vallabh Pant who left no stone unturned to finish Urdu language from Indian canvas. He said that it was only Sir Syed who not only made efforts to save the language but also worked had to develop it. Visiting Professor & Scholar V.P. Mohammed Kunju Metharu of Kerala said that Urdu has provided sweetness to all Indian languages.

Presiding over the Prof. Razaullah Khan pointed out that Urdu is linked to Deen and Muslims. He said that we must sacrifice for Urdu.

In the end of the first day, Mohammad Farooq Khan extended thanks of the delegates for constructive and meaningful participation.

Thank you.

Jasim Mohammad

Secretary, MBMC

‘Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India’

National Seminar

on

‘Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India’

January 29-30, 2011

at

Media Centre, Aligarh

Organized by:

Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC), Aligarh in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language [NCPUL], Ministry of HRD, Government of India, New Delhi, Jamia Urdu, Aligarh and The Aligarh Movement [National Bilingual Monthly]

Theme Paper

India became a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic on January 26, 1950 and the Constitution that we gave to ourselves assured us sustainable growth of our languages as well as their preservation. Urdu is one of the languages which have always attracted attention of not only common man but scholars, poets and freedom fighter.

Urdu had a unique place in pre-independence India when our freedom struggle was going on and it was commonly used for the purposes of propagation and communication during freedom movement. No one can forget “sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai” rendered by Ram Prasad Bismil.

The condition of Urdu deteriorated and a section of society put emphasis on Hindi after independence. Slowly but surely, the status of Urdu went down. However, India was still moving ahead with Urdu in arms. Our theatres, films, songs, cultural traits all have directly supported Urdu and they use Urdu as their medium.

If we deeply analyse history of Urdu, we will find that the language is the end product of liberalism, secularism and broadmindedness. It is a mixture of Arabic, Persian, khari boli etc. Urdu has always united people. It has been used in slogans to arouse passions.

Another unfortunate angle of the Urdu debate is that some people try to associate it with partition. They fail to assert that during the period Urdu was a common language. All languages have their own culture. Urdu has enhanced Indian culture in various ways.

Our governments, both Central as well as State, have formulated policies to improve the status of Urdu but the efforts have failed to produce the desired results. The Urdu language has provided a secular and democratic base to Indian society. A large number of people has avowed that Urdu is the best medium to secularise the society.

While there is no doubt that Urdu as a language has played a great role in pre and post independence India, there is a dire need of assessing its role and provide it a meaningful sustainable direction for realizing the concept of a better and strong India and to translate constitutional secularism into ground realities.

The Sachar Committee in its report also expressed its views on the issue and recommended that the government must adopt concrete and positive attitude towards growth of Urdu. It has been documented that the government has done whatever it thought to be necessary but today we must reanalyze the whole issue and decide the direction to which we wish to carry it in a free and powerful India.

To ponder over, debate and draw a thoughtful programme, the Millat Bedari Muhim Committee (MBMC), Aligarh in collaboration with National Council for Promotion for Urdu Language [NCPUL], Ministry of HRD, Government of India, New Delhi, Jamia Urdu Aligarh & The Aligarh Movement [National Bilingual Monthly] has decided to hold a two-day national seminar on “Role of Urdu Language in Secular Independent India” on Saturday & Sunday, January 29-30, 2011 at Media Centre, Muzammil Manzil Complex, Dodhpur, Aligarh.

Sub-Themes of the seminar as under:

ü Urdu in Media

ü Role of Urdu in multi-religious society and polity

ü Urdu for sustainable peaceful Indian society based on co-existence.

ü Role of Urdu in Politics and society.

ü Relationship of Urdu with other Indian languages.

ü Urdu and National Integration

ü Role of Urdu in International Diplomacy

ü Conflict management and Urdu in India

ü Urdu linked to professionalism and employment

ü Possibilities of Urdu in Higher Education

ü Relationship of Urdu with Administration and Judiciary in India.

Everyone who has concern for the Urdu language and development of the nation must fight and think about whole issue. You are requested to submit your paper before 20^th January, 2011.

Details Contact:

Jasim Mohammad

Seminar Coordinator

MEDIA CENTRE

16 [1^st Floor], Muzammil Manzil Complex

Dodhpur, Aligarh- 202002

Call: 099970 63595, 87555 47603

Religious Discrimination of Another Shade

Religious Discrimination of Another Shade
Jasim Mohammad*


Maharashtra state Minorities Commission heard the case of Emraan Hashmi on 13th August, 2009 and made certain observations. In its decision , the commission noted that; (i) Prime facie, one cannot deny the possibility that Mr. Emraan Hashmi had been discriminated on religious grounds in the sale of flat, (ii) considering the facts mentioned in the above paragraph as well as taking into consideration the positive assurances given by the Nibana Co. Hsg. Society, the application is disposed off. etc. in its recommendations, the commission said, “state government should constitute a special cell under the House department for monitoring the cases of discrimination like this and government should amend all the concerned legislation related with sale or lease of flats so as to check discriminations in such matters.

Though the controversy over denial of NOC to Emraan Hashmi has died down but Maharashtra state Minorities Commission decision and recommendations have threw some important questions. No doubt that Muslims are facing discrimination on account of their religious identity in several sectors. Some cases come to light others may not. For example even in the Capital of India, Delhi, Muslims are unable to find a room or house on rent and if they find, the police harasses them by heaping upon inconvenient questions. By all practical means, it seems that India is going out of democracy. For the health of the nation such questions should be addressed as early as possible otherwise they may damage peaceful co-existence.
Delivering a lecture [19.08.2009] in Aligarh Muslim University Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shashee Tharoor said that, “Muslims face such discrimination everyday”. Though he was commenting on Shah Rukh Khan episode but the comment is also right within India. It is for the government itself to see that the discrimination is not heaping upon Muslims only in foreign countries but also in their own country. It is the total failure of secular governance. Internal bickering of the political parties and fixed minds have contributed in this latest phenomenon.
On the eve of independence, large number of Muslims decided to stay back in India. They were not responsible for the creation of Pakistan. They had nothing to do with the politics of the sub-continent of those days. Present generation of Muslims is above guilt of partition. Moreover with the passage of time, it has been closely established that many other groups and people played role in partition other than Muslims. Recent book of Jaswant Singh is the prove. But there is a section which is bent upon to spread rumors and does not recognize facts. Such forces are not in interest of the nation.

India is a land of contradictions and contrasts. People belonging to every religion may be found here. Thousands of rituals and customs exist. In this scenario it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that no section of society is discriminated. We have to analyze why over governance failed despite our tall claims about surviving democracy. It failed because we did not took actions on right moments. Gandhi was not killed by one man only. He was killed by one ideology. We allowed that ideology to develop and flourish. That result in Gujarat Genocide 2002 and post Babri Mosque demolition riots in Mumbai. Sri Krishna Commission was appointed by government itself and it shied away from acting on its recommendations. What stopped the government? Soft corner for Hindutva or hard Hindutva? We have to deal with secular ideals which are core base of the constitution of India. Mind it; if the administration or government is not following constitution in letters and spirit, they are violating it. Is it right?
I must point out the attitude of civil administration in such cases. When Emraan Hashmi faces the awkward situation, he alongwith noted film Director and Humanist Mahesh Bhatt addressed a press conference which was their legitimate right. Instead of addressing the issues raised by then, Maharashtra police heaped upon them cases. The police cannot act on its own. There most be some one behind and, mind, Maharashtra is ruled by the Congress which is supposed to be a secular party. I am strongly concerned on this negative attitude which must be discontinued.
The government has established National Commission for Minorities. Every state has State Minorities Commission but they are toothless. They have no power to prosecute. They can only make recommendations which are often not implemented by the government. Indian National Congress had promised in its manifesto to arm Minorities Commission with prosecution powers before the Lok Sabha Election 2009. it is time that they are equipped with powers to prosecute. I am sure that it will change much more.
The issue is not the case of Emraan Hashmi. This issue is discrimination not only with Muslims but all section of the Indian society. If discrimination exists, so that injustice and if injustice will continue, the progress and development of the nation will be hollow because no meaningful peace may exist. It is in the larger interest of the country that our policy makers immediately arrest trend of discrimination of all shades.

*The writer is Research Scholar of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh


[Jasim Mohammad]
Research Scholar
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

Contact: Jasim Mohammad, Centre for Comparative Study of Indian Languages & Culture [CCSIL&C], AMU, Aligarh-202002 [UP]
Email. jasimmd@gmail.com Mobile: 0- 9997063595