Indian Social Forum Kuwait celebrates 71st I-Day of India
Kuwait: The Indian Social Forum (ISF) Kuwait celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day with great joy and enthusiasm on August 15. The event kicked off with the Unity Song at 7:30 pm at the BBS Alumni Club Jabriya.
Safat Alam Taimi, Chief Editor, Almisbah Urdu Magazine published by Islam Presentation Committee, Kuwait inaugurated the programme. Addressing the gathering, Safat Alam enlightened the role of the Muslim community in the freedom struggle. He cherished the organizers for providing an opportunity for the expat Indian community to gather on such a joyous occasion marking the celebration.
Delivering the key note address, Alauddin Ainul Haq, Vice President, ISF Central Committee described the uncovered stories of the freedom struggle. He alleged that the role of Indian Muslims in the national movement has not been given adequate coverage in the press or books. It has either been sidetracked or referred to here and there by scholars. “Instead of factual and secular historiography, it has been communalized. As a result, the contribution of Muslim revolutionaries, poets and writers are not known today” he said.
He added that the proponents of Hindutva brand of nationalism who often demand Indian Muslims to prove their loyalty to the nation had never been a part of the freedom struggle. They not only maintained silence about the evils of foreign rule but made all attempts to sabotage the fight against British imperialism”. Criticizing those forces, he further said that, the essential elements of any sort of nationalism; equality, fraternity, justice, civil liberties and democracy have no space whatsoever in their brand nationalism, said Alauddin.
Speaking on the occasion, Khaleel Adoor, Social Activist said that freedom is a birth right of each and every individual. The purpose of freedom struggle in India or different parts of the world was not just to change the rulers, instead, it was to gain the freedom to act, speak, or think as one wants. Praising the social concern of ISF in serving Indian community irrespective of their region or religion, Adoor raised his concern over the growing communalism in India.
Mohammed Rafeeq Manchi, General Secretary welcomed the gathering while Sameer Aman compered the programme and Siccander Batcha M delivered the vote of thanks. ISF central committee member Imthiyaz Arkula was also present on the dais. The event concluded with the National Anthem.