' Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — A number of Indian community leaders from the southern state of Kerala observed that the biggest challenge facing Muslims, the largest minority of the country, is the absence of sincere and charismatic leaders like Ebrahim Suleiman Sait. Speaking in a seminar on “Indian minorities after the death of Suleiman Sait” at Tasty Restaurant's auditorium here recently, they said that India desperately needs leaders like Sait who served the country and people without vested interests. They recalled that Sait, as a champion of India's weaker sections and minorities, especially Muslims, fought selflessly and tirelessly to protect their rights until his death. The function was organized by the Indian Muslim Cultural Center (IMCC) Jeddah Chapter on the occasion of the eighth death anniversary of Sait. Addressing the gathering, K.M. Sharif Kunju, general secretary of Overseas Indian Cultural Congress Global Committee, commended the courageous decisions taken by Sait during critical times. Kunhavutty a Qader, president of the Saudi National Committee of IMMC, said that Sait who had an unblemished public track record devoted fully to safeguard the interests of the weaker sections in the country. In his speech, T.M.A. Rauf, president of Indo-Arab Friendship Forum, drew attention to thousands of Muslims who are behind bars without being charged or tried. “It is unfortunate that Indian Muslims do not have any powerful leaders like Sait ‘to lead a struggle and to ensure release of these innocent victims,'” he said. Hamza Pallikkara was the moderator. Prof. Reinold, V.K.A. Rauf, P.P. Raheem, Hassan Cheruppa, Kabeer Kondotty, Mahboub Pathappiriam, and P.A. Muhammad also spoke on the occasion.
A.P.A. Ghafour welcomed the gathering while Mansour Wandoor proposed the vote of thanks. Sait was a towering Indian leader, who served the community of 170 million Muslims in various capacities. He was president of the Indian Union Muslim League and the Indian National League, and was one among the founders of major Indian Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Majlise Mushawara, Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee, and All India Milli Council.
