Tripti Nath/New Delhi

The bad weather news in New Delhi and surrounding areas was overtaken on Tuesday by super refreshing messages of communal harmony and unity in diversity by the visiting Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

A large number of diplomats, retired judges, religious leaders, scholars, academicians and doctors turned up at the India Islamic Cultural Centre to listen to the speeches of these two highly respected men. While the former is rated a leading global voice on moderate Islam and a reformist, the latter who has been NSA since 2014, is considered to be one of Modi's most powerful and trusted advisors.

The event organised by the Khusro Foundation and the India Islamic Cultural Centre, was all the more exciting as this was Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa's maiden visit to India. The visit will last six days.

India’s former Chief Election Commissioner, Dr S.Y. Quraishi who attended the gathering, told Awaz-The Voice. “ Any initiative to bring peace and harmony in India and the world is most needed and welcome.’’

Among the prominent persons who could be spotted at the gathering were the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Dr Najma Akhtar, former personal physician to three Presidents, Dr Mohsin Wali  besides academicians Tanvir Ejaz and Sheba.

Dr Akhtar said, “ I was very impressed by Dr Issa’s speech as it has given a lot of Indians a ray of hope. I can see everybody welcoming him- all sections of society. His visit has generated a lot of happiness. What he was speaking was almost like what our Prime Minister was speaking.’’

Faizur Rahman, a noted scholar on Islam who came all the way from Chennai in Tamil Nadu to attend the large gathering at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, observed, ‘’It is an excellent initative. Both Mr Doval and Mr Issa spoke about dialogue, unity and diversity. The Secretary General of the World Muslim League talked about the need to have initiative along with initiation. Therefore, we need to work towards that. We must take inspiration from Mr Issa’s speech and ensure that all communities derive the benefits and protection of the Constitution.’’

Rahman who has been a researcher on Islam for two decades, further said, “ The point made by the National Security Advisor, Mr Ajit Doval about India having the second largest population of Muslims in the world, is equally noteworthy. Mr Doval said that the population of Muslims in India is more than the combined population of Muslims of 33 countries out of the total OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries. Therefore, the well-being and  progress of the Muslim community along with all other communities is very important for the progress of the country.’’

Dr Mohsin Wali, who is presently working in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, described the conference as a bridge to remove doubts especially in the minds of the Muslim community.’’

Dr Wali said that an article published in a prominent Indian English daily on Tuesday said that the Arab world wants to adopt the model of Indian Muslims. “ Over the decades and centuries, Indian Muslims have demonstrated that Islam is brotherhood and means no harm. Today’s message by Mr Doval was – Rise above the ground, work and be positive and take part in national issues. Actually, the government wants to remove fears in the minds of the people.’’

Dr Wali added that the minorities are always focused on their objectives but third parties are always creating disturbance. All religions preach brotherhood. Terrorism has nothing to do with religion.’’

Ali Akhtar Amanullah, a teacher of Jamia Riyazul Uloom in Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, really enjoyed listening to the speeches of Mr Issa and Mr Doval. “It was a chance of a lifetime to join many others in saying ‘Salaam’ to the visiting Islamic scholar and reformist who has also been minister in Saudi Arabia.  Since I have studied Islamic Law in Mecca University in Saudi Arabia 30 years back and had a chance to live there for six to seven years and teach the Holy Quran, it was a joy to hear him speak in Arabic. His personal interpreter, Dr Akhlaque  who travels with him everywhere, did a great job.''

Like many others, Amanullah said that the programme was very well organized.