Back to Dallas from a conference at Aligarh Muslim University, India

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I am back in town now.

Briefly

1. I spoke in the plenary as well as the closing session at Aligarh Muslim University’s conference on, “Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions” between April 6-7, 2015. It was good to chair two panels and make presentations. Count on AMU to be in the forefront of necessary reforms in creating cohesive societies.

My talk on “Engagement with Civil society” and focusing on “the present rather than hereafter (Akhira)” went very well. More at: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html


AMU They had several bill boards in town and on the campus… it was a humbling experience to see them include me among the top scholars. 
2. Met with General Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor of AMU and was pleased to see his commitment and vision. He is determined to resuscitate Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s Vision. I am sure, he and the Pro-VC Dr. Ali will make AMU, one of the top ten universities in India, and the Islamic world.

3. AMU is offering bridge courses to students out of Madrasas and getting them to see the larger world of Aalameen and presenting the inclusive Islam rather than a narrow version of it. 


4. Gave a talk at Asim Siddqui Memorial college in Badaun with the greetings from Bahai to Zoroastrian and every one – spoke about the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum in dharmic and abrahamic traditions. If you visit UP, I would suggest you to visit this college, what an inspiration to see an India in making.  

5. Met with Girish Karnad (no introduction is needed) and talked to him about appearing on a Cameo role in the film “sacred”  we are making, he is interested in it for its message and the reform it brings. No commitment yet. 

6. We hope to make a documentary on Tippu Sultan, the secular ruler of an Indian State. I met with several researchers, prominent among them is Dr. Range Gowda (not related to Deve Gowda). He has written two books on Tipu Sultan  and has solid documentation on his credentials.

 Girish Karnad is also interested in it, and he has written plays about it and wrote the book “The Dreams of Tipu Sultan” The book takes you back to that era as the fall of Mysore took place.

 It is such a joy to hear so many positive things from fellow Indians and Kannadigas, not only they are writing but actively seeking a prominent place for Tippu. Several years ago, Bangalore was ready to install statutes of Tippu Sultan, the Muslim community opposed it, what a shame – to deny our own history and contribution through symbols.

Dr. Shakeel Samdani of AMU is also working on keeping Tipu Sultan’s contribution alive and has gotten a designation to house Tipu Library at AMU. He needs all the support he can.   


7. Held several mini discussion groups at AMU, I have come out very optimistic about India and Indian Muslim’s efforts to make a better India. 

8. Spoke with the Human rights group and talked about my upcoming book about human rights.

9. Indians in India are far more pluralistic than some of the Indians in America.

10. I hope to work with a few scholars from AMU in taking on the role of civic engagement and dialogue with the likes of Subrmanian Swamy, Taslima Nasreen and others who throw things at every one. It is time for all of us to focus on India’s development rather than endless bickering. 



11. Spoke at the NRI Film producers and actors guild in New York, a new organization with aa growing membership. Thanks to Professor Saluja.

12. Spoke at a Desi interfaith group in NY at Kwality Restaurant, amazing food and great discussion, again thanks to Professor. Saluja.

Thank you

Summary (notes will be added to each item):

  1. Plenary Session – Spoke on Commitment and Muslim puzzle of misplaced focus on Aakhira while ignoring the Hazira.
  2. Chaired the panel on “Islamic perspective for the future” – notes will be added soon.
  3. Panel speaker on “Who speaks for Islam today” – Can Muslims lead the world?
  4. Chaired the panel on “Gender Issues” – notes – http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/05/dignity-of-women-in-islam-conference-at.html
  5. Valedictory Session – spoke on the power of engagement.
  6. General Notes – http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html
  7. Summary remarks – http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/back-to-dallas-from-conference-at.html
  8. Speech at Indian film producers and actors guild
  9. Speech at the interfaith dinner
 
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Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam,India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film “Sacred” to be released on 9/11 and a documentary “Americans together” for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com – Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. 

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