Dear Sir/Madam,
Are you interested to understand what it means to be an Indian Muslim? Where does the Indian Muslim stand in comparison with his/her fellow countrymen? Are you anxious about the present and future of the Indian Muslim society? Where does the solution lie? In particular, what lessons can be learned from the Kerala Muslim example?
If you have something to say, a golden opportunity is waiting for you to be part of a serious discussion at the
KERALA ISLAMIC SEMINAR, a two-day event to be conducted by the Calicut (Kozhikode)-based Academy for Studies and Research at the historical town of Tellicherry (Kerala) on 25th and 26th August 2007 on the theme:
KERALA MUSLIM MODEL OF MUSLIM DEVELOPMENT: FEATURES, FAULTS AND FUTURE
The Academy
The Academy is working under the auspices of ISM Kerala, the youth wing of long-established socio-religious renaissance movement, the Kerala Nadwat ul-Mujahidin (KNM), founded in the early 20th century by such great social reformists and freedom fighters as Vakkom Maulawi, Muhammad Abdu Rahman Sahib and KM Maulawi.
The Theme
The 'Kerala model' of development is well-known around the globe and has been appreciated by world bodies like the UN and its agencies. It made Kerala unique among the Indian states in areas such as literacy, public health, education, etc..
Likewise, Kerala Muslims, who form roughly a quarter of the state's population, are unique among the Indian Muslims. Modern education, health care, women's rights, a well-organised system for religious education and many other factors differentiate them from Muslims in the rest of India. Kerala Muslims also cherish their long historical tradition of good relations with people of other faiths with whom they live.
It is time for the entire nation to look at the Kerala Muslim model of development as a role model for the Indian Muslims.
However, even in the midst of this glory, one cannot deny the socio-educational problems among Kerala's Muslims. The gap between the rich and the poor is growing in an uncontrollable way. We thus also have to look into the faults and defects of the Kerala Muslim model of development.
These and other related issues will be discussed at the seminar.
The Event
The two-day seminar will consist of presentation of papers, discussions and debates, in which eminent social activists and academicians will also participate. There will also be a public meeting.
The Faculty
The faculty of the seminar would consist of noted Kerala Muslim intellectuals. The team would be led by Kancha Ilaiah of Osmaniyyah University, Hyderabad.
Members of the faculty include:
Dr. NA Kareem, leading educationist and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
Dr. K Basheer of Vakkom Foundation, Thiruvananthapuram
Prof. U Mohammed, former principal, Farook College, Calicut
Dr. Umer Tharamel of School of Letters, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Dr. EK Ahmad Kutty, formerly head of the Department of Arabic, University of Calicut
Ashraf Kadakkal of University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram and
Dr. Ilyas
The Venue
The event is to be held at the port town of Tellicherry (or Thalassery) in the northern Kerala district of Kannur (Cannanore). Tellicherry has a rich cultural and historical heritage, in both secular and Muslim contexts. It is near the former French territory of Mahe.
On the Mangalore-Shoranur railway route, Tellicherry is also well-connected by road. The nearest airports are Calicut and Mangalore.
How to Register
Limited seats are available for delegates. If you are Interested in participating as a delegate, apply, along with a detailed bio-data, to the following address before 7th August 2007. Delegate fee is Rs. 100/-
Convener, Academy for Studies and Research, Markaz ud-Da'wah, Raman Menon Road, Kozhikode, Kerala 673 002. EMAIL:[email protected] ph:0495 2701812/ 2700172