By Ilyaskhan Pathan, for TwoCircles.net,
Ahmedabad: In the time of cut-throat capitalism that has engulfed news media with big corporate houses getting into the media business, Gujarat Today, a newspaper run by NGO named Lokhit Sarvajanik Trust, completed its 20 years on 9th October, 2011. To mark the glorious journey of two decades, the Gujarai daily organized a program at Tagor Hall in Ahmadabad on Sunday.
Various dignitaries like intellectuals, academicians and top bureaucrats of Government of India were present here to share their views on “Education in Muslims” and development of the community as well as country. The program was part of celebration programs.
Akhtarul Wasey, HoD, Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, said, “Gujarat Today is not only a newspaper but an ideology and a movement that should be replicated in other parts f the country.”
Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, appreciated Gujarat Today’s long journey of service for noble cause of awareness in the community. Describing the role of the minority commission he said, “Commission has responsibilities to facilitate minorities with their rights and save them from atrocities.” But he accepted, “Union Government has failed to implement minority welfare schemes announced under Prime Minister’s 15 point programme.”
He also informed that allotted funds are not reaching the real people and stressed that Muslims should avail modern education along with Islamic teachings.
Padma Bhushan Musa Raza, chairman of South India Education Trust – Chennai, came down heavily on the bureaucracy and said; “Only 5 percent Muslims are getting benefited from Minority welfare schemes. Muslim dominated villages are getting neglected and they don’t have access to good schools and colleges.
He appealed to Muslims to make use of RTI and inform government about the apathy of the bureaucrats.
IAS Abeda Inamdar accepted, “Among Muslims awareness towards education is on the rise even among Muslim girls but there are lots of challenges ahead and everyone should contribute.”
Noted film actor Farookh Shaikh said, “Muslims should introduce true Islam to others.”
Gujarat Today is run by NGO Lokhit Sarvajanik Trust, which apart from running this newspaper in Gujarat is also doing other charitable works such as free medical treatment camp in the slum areas for poor, free educational help to the poor, rehabilitation services to those affected by flood, earthquake, etc.
More than 1200 representatives of the community joined in the daylong celebrations.