By Jasim Mohammad,
India Islamic Culture Centre (IICC) is a well-known focal point and a land mark in Delhi. There are chances that if anyone visits it, he will rub shoulders with who is who of Indian Muslims. It is a centre where intellectuals, writers, politicians, artist and all the other creative people meet. There is a history behind its establishment which also indicates the Indian government’s desire to harmonies the social and political sector of the country.
It may be recalled that the end of 14th Hijra was an important event in the history of the Muslims world. India is the home of Muslims too and population-wise it is second largest Muslim concentrated country in the world. Hence, no doubt large scale celebrations were held in India too on the completion of 14th Hijra. Being a democratic country, the government of India also took keen interest in the celebration on various levels. It formed a high level Committee under Chairmanship of the Vice-President of India Justice M. Hidaytullah which did a commendable job and organized a number of events highlighting the importance of the occasion. Even the then Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi released a commemorative stamp on it on 3rd November, 1980. Some other programmes like an international seminar on “Islamic Contribution to the Culture and Civilization of the World, with special reference to India and an International Qiraat Competition were also held.
[TCN file photo]
During the centenary celebrations, some eminent persons in national capital, New Delhi, Opined for the need of a centre to highlight Islamic Culture. Some of the old boys of the Aligarh Muslim University and many renowned personalities played a positive role in establishing the centre.
India Islamic Culture Centre was registered as a “Society” in April 1981. Original signatories to the Memorandum of Association of the Society (IICC) were Janab Hakeem Abdul Hameed as the first President, Mufti Atiqur Rehman as Vice-President, Mr. Badr-ud-din Tyabji, ICS as Director, Mr. Syed S. Shafi, Joint Director, Chaudhary Mohd Arif, secretary, Mr. MWK Yusufzai as Treasurer and Begum Abida Ahmad as member.
The government of India allotted a land on Lodhi Road measuring approx. 8000 meters to IICC and the Institute of Islamic studies donated Rs. 10,5000 towards the cost of land. The department of Culture of Government of India granted Rs. 10 Lacs towards building construction. After the approval of buildings plan by the New Delhi Municipal Council, the construction of the present building of IICC began in January, 1996.
Mrs. Indira Gandhi paid much attention to the establishment of IICC as she was convinced that the centre will promote communal harmony and understanding among the followers of different religions and thus will be helpful for the national integration. It was Mrs. Gandhi who laid the foundation stone of IICC on 24th August 1984.
In 1994, a new Board of Trustee was elected under the chairmanship of Begum Abida Ahmad. Mr. Mohd Fazal a member of the Planning Commission of that time became the first Director General of IICC. Afterwards Mr. Moosa Raza, former secretary to the government of India took over as Director General. For further strengthening its financial position, IICC obtained sanction under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 and registration under 80 G (5) (VI) of Income Tax Act 1961.
After its establishment and becoming fully functional IICC began a new chapter of service to the community and nation. One of its prime aims was and is presenting principles and concept of Islam in its true form and highlights the contribution of Islamic Culture in the Indian civilization as a contributory factor.
With the passage of time, IICC galloped to excellence. During the present administration, led by Sirajuddin Quraishi IICC registered new achievements and has done much for the benefit of the students of economically weaker sections and its plans to establish vocational colleges may become a boon for the community. Sirajuddin Quraishi not only devoted his time but paid attention to improve the things through his personal contacts. He succeeded in making IICC viable for Muslim masses too.
Though the centre is being admired for its architectural beauty and hospitality but the centre is yet to meet the expectations of its founders. For fulfilling the dreams of the founders the IICC should take up some more important steps.
It is suggested that it should promote India’s composite culture and undertake projects to highlight it we must note that the present era is of media and if the centre began publishing a monthly magazine on its activities, it will not only become document of the activities but the public as well as policy makers will remain aware about it. Presently the condition of the Coffee House is much poor which urgently needs improvement. Meeting of the IICC members should be called bi-annually to discuss the activities of centre and also to analyse Muslim problems.
IICC may institute awards to people who make achievement which will not only encourage them but also will provide an opportunity to centre itself for using their talents. Making young people aware about Islamic teaching is the need of time.
IICC should take upon itself the task of promotion of educational and culture advancement of Muslims of India. Large number of businessmen is associated with the Centre and the centre may constitute a Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Audit and publishing its yearly report is must for removing any misunderstanding. Regular audit of all the expenditure incurred by centre should be undertaken. Conditions of hostels require improvement and dormitories should be contracted for staying divers and gunmen who often accompany the members.
There is a need to promote younger generation and younger member of the centre. It is not the demand of the present era but also necessary for making them assure about Islamic heritage, culture and social contributions of the IICC takes up the promotion of youngest then the centre will become more meaningful and viable.
IICC has travelled a lot and still has to go to miles. It is the time when its administration and all concerned people ponder over its growth and progress and review its functioning it is necessary because we are only its trustee and have to pass on it to next generation. History will record that the centre has given much to the Indian composite culture or just, the negative. What historian will document is in our hands. So it is time for all of us to review the situation and act and act fast.
(Author is editor of The Aligarh Movement monthly. He can be reached at [email protected])