By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Patna: Minority department of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) has appealed to the Bihar state government to set up ‘India Islamic Cultural Center” (IICC) in Patna on the line of its already well established center in New Delhi.
The demand in this regard was made by Mr. Minnatullah Rahmani, Chairman of Minority unit of BPCC in which he has urged the government of Bihar to allot a piece of land for such center in Patna.
Minnatullah Rahmani
On 24th August 1984, late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had laid the foundation stone for such first of its kind of a prestigious organization under the name – ‘India Islamic Cultural Center’ (IICC) in New Delhi.
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 promote harmonies within the social and political sector of the country.
Mr. Rahmani asked Bihar government to allot sufficient land for such an institution and said, “The main purpose of IICC is to promote mutual understanding and amity amongst the people of this country and to depict the true face of Islam which is most tolerant, liberal, progressive, rational and forward looking religion besides being based on cardinal principles of human values irrespective of faith, caste, creed and color”.
Mr. Rahmani said that Mr. Obaidur Rahman, Chairman of state government approved ‘Bihar Foundation’ Saudi Arab Unit, has assured him of every possible help from the Bihar Muslims living in Saudi Arab for the establishment of such an esteemed and must required organization.
Journey of IICC
India Islamic Culture Centre (IICC) 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, New Delhi 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 building 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 to present principles and concept of Islam in its true form and to highlight the contribution of Islamic Culture in the Indian civilization as a contributory factor.