Sirajuddin Qureshi, who is running for India Islamic Cultural Centre's presidency for the third time, addresses the gathering in Riyadh which was attended by prominent members of the Indian community. — Courtesy photo RIYADH — Renowned Indian businessman and visionary of Islamic cultural issues Sirajuddin Qureshi held a luncheon meeting with a group of affluent Indian community members and discussed various issues, including the forthcoming election of Delhi based India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC).
Qureshi is the sitting president of IICC, an apex Islamic Centre with a mandate to provide a unified platform for promoting Islamic heritage and interfaith harmony. He has been seeking third term for the highly prestigious post. Kaunain Shahidi, IICC Life Member, welcomed the guests and highlighted the main objectives of the centre, such as creating mutual understanding and amity amongst the people and depicting the true face of Islam. “Centre works on the cardinal principles of human values irrespective of faith, and projects Islam as most tolerant, liberal and forward looking religion,” said Shahidi. Former student union leader and well-known social activist Murshid Kamal said: “It was acumen and farsightedness of Sirajuddin Qureshi which helped the centre to grow many folds during his tenure.” Kamal shed light on the achievements of the centre, which had managed to successfully organize a series of important activities, programs, seminars, symposiums and interfaith dialogues on the various community welfare issues, under the creative leadership of Sirajuddin. Prominent community leader Nadeem Tarin also shared his views on his long association with the centre and praised Qureshi's humble style of functioning. Nadeem said: “The facelift of the centre and its recognition was not possible without the tireless and selfless efforts of Sirajuddin Qureshi.” He added: “As a president he and his team managed all the challenges and created a positive image of IICC which has become an icon for Muslims in India, and the centre needs his services for another term.” Qureshi, who had won last election held in January 2009 against Congress leader and present external affairs minister Salman Khursheed, thanked the audience for all the support and ensured that if given responsibility for another term, he would continue to cruise further. He promised countrywide regional chapter in other Indian states on the pattern of Delhi if got elected for the third term. “We have a plan to set up Think Tank to identify and analyze the problems of Muslim community and offer tangible solutions so that the Muslims become the part of the Indian mainstream to serve the country as proud citizens,” he said, while also speaking about issues related to Non-Resident Indians (NRI's). Answering a question of a member of the audience, Qureshi highlighted the recently concluded “Personality Development” courses through which more than 8,000 students were trained and well placed in the industries with the help of IICC. Prominent IICC members Tarique Masood and Asif Daudi also spoke on the occasion. Some senior community members Syed Muneer, Khursheed Anwar, Ghizal Mahdi, Firoz Rahman, Laique Azmi, Dr. Misbahul Arfeen, Akhtarul Islam, Syed Qasier, Ahad Siddiqui, Dr. Dilshad, Zaigham Khan, Dr. Ahmad Badshah, Obaidur Rehman and Naushad Alam were also in attendance. — SG
