By TwoCircles.net special correspondent
Burlington, Massachusetts: American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) celebrated its silver jubilee near Boston on August 28th. The event was organized as a two-day annual convention with the theme of “Celebrating Excellent, Empowering Communities: AFMI’s 25 Years of Service.”
AFMI came into being in 1989 as federation of several different organizations viz. Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Consultative Committee of Indian Muslims (CCIM), and the Indian Muslim Relief Committee (IMRC). Dr. A. S. Nakadar was its first president. Twenty-five years later Dr. Nakadar continue to be the guiding force of AFMI and one of the trustee of the organization.
AFMI convention was attended by several speakers from the United States and India who deliberated on various ways of empowering the Muslims in India.
“It’s now time for the younger generation to come forward and take the mantle,” declared Dr. Nakadar adding, “if we don’t do that then AFMI will remain stagnant and degenerate.”
The celebration also included Pride of India award which this year was given to entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam. Award of Excellence were given to Aliya Khalidi for her work in the legal field, Dr. Shameem Ahmed for community service, Mohsin Ullah Khan for science education, author Carla Powers, and former president of AFMI Dr. Hussain Nagamia for community service.
Cambridge City Councillor Nadeem Mazen, President of Zakat Foundation of India Syed Zafar Mahmood, Philanthropist Frank Islam, Author of If the Oceans Were Ink Carla Powers, and Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay are among those who spoke at the banquet.
Program ended with a Qawwali performance by Texas-based Riyaaz Qawwali Group.
Link:
http://www.afmi.org/