By TCN News,
Aligarh: The Aligarh Muslim University organized a two-day National Workshop on “Minorities, Multiculturalism and Law” in collaboration with Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK), Dehradun and NALSAR University, Hyderabad.
In the opening session Justice A. K. Patnaik, Judge, Supreme Court of India highlighted the multicultural heritage of India. Justice Madan B. Lokur, Judge, Supreme Court of India emphasized upon the importance of law in ensuring the rights of the underprivileged in India.
Dignitaries during national anthem at the National Workshop on Minorities, Multiculturalism and Law
Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman, National Minorities’ Commission, said that India has always been multicultural and it is the only hope for the future of our nation. Prof. Moolchand Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Central University, Haryana, said that we need a change of mindset and only changes in law are not sufficient for creating a plural and vibrant society.
The Vice Chancellor of AMU, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah said that Aligarh Muslim University was the best example of multiculturalism in India, and we are trying to preserve our glorious traditions. The Pro-Vice Chancellor, Brigadier (Retd.) S. Ahmad Ali delved upon the diversity of India and its beautiful dimensions.
In the business sessions, there were several eminent speakers. Tapan Bose, Secretary General, SAFHR, Kathmandu, explained the various facets of multiculturalism. Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, the renowned Dalit intellectual, discussed the various problems of ‘othering’ and appropriating difference in Indian society. Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, NALSAR, discussed the role of judiciary vis a vis issues of the marginalized sections.
Prof. Mohan Gopal, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies, New Delhi spoke about the evolution of the idea of multiculturalism in India and the role of judiciary in it. Justice S. B. Sinha, former Judge, Supreme Court of India talked about inter-group differences and the ways to reconcile them. Mr. Justice Goda Raghuram, Chairman, Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, talked about the problems in determining minority identity and the ways to resolve it.
There were some speakers from AMU also including Dr. Asim Siddiqui, Dr. Aftab Alam, Dr. Sajidul Islam, Dr. Akbar Syed and Dr. Abdul Waheed. Prof. Asmer Beg was the Coordinator of the Workshop.