Author Archives: Naim Naqvi

Oct
21
2014

The Cost of Courage

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In my articles in ‘Merinews’ ‘IndiaOpine’, ‘NewsKick’ “All Voices’ and other news portals I had described the complex barbaric situation developing in middle east where Kurds are murdered, terrorized and forced to flee from their homelands by Arab ISIS, double speak and double deed Turks, and this is happening with the connivance of West. What is happening in Iraq, Syria and their border areas is not clearly known and shown to the world. Aerial bombardment by US and other forces are not alleviating the situation for the hapless victims ISIS terrorists. The pother and the dust is helping clouding more than stopping the ISIS in their merciless march ahead.
Apart from ISIS, the dictatorial regimes in middle east and Turkey also have a history of suppression of Kurds. The earlier dictatorships in the region also had tried to silence those brave media-men and women who dared to expose the atrocities on ground.

Press TV’s correspondent, Serena Shim, is the latest martyrs of freedom of press. She was killed on this Sunday in a suspicious car accident near the Turkey-Syria border. A US national of Lebanese origin, she was working on a mission to cover the ongoing war in the Syrian town of Kobani (The Eye of Arabia). Serena Shim was going back to her hotel from a report scene in the city of Suruç in Turkey’s Urfa Province when their car collided with a heavy vehicle. The identity and whereabouts of the truck driver remain unknown. She was an American citizen of Lebanese origin. She has also covered Ukraine in past.

Turkey is only country that has the temerity to openly support ISIS despite its heinous crimes against humanity. As the bold coverage undertaken by Serena didn’t go well along the Turkish government shameless plank to support ISIS, its intelligence agency had accused her of spying. As here stories were exposing the nexus between ISIS and Turkey, she had expressed fear, a few days back that she might be arrested. She was among the few journalists who succeeded in obtaining the stories of militants infiltrating into Syria through the Turkish border. She had probably managed to capture images from ISIS militants crossing the Turkish border into Syria in World Food Organization and other NGOs’ trucks.

The city of Kobani and its surroundings have been under attack since mid-September, with the ISIL militants capturing dozens of nearby Kurdish villages. According to Press TV news director Hamid Reza Emadi “Serena told the stories how Ankara collaborated with those terrorists,” and blocked Kurdish fighters from entering Kobani.”Emadi called the “car accident” version of Shim’s death an “infantile argument” by Turkey. “We are not going to buy that. We believe that the Turkish government has to be held accountable before the international community. It has to find out exactly what happened. Shim will not return to her children in Lebanon just because she criticized a certain country that is creating chaos in the region by supporting terrorists both inside Syria and Iraq.”

In 2012, Press TV lost another correspondent, Maya Nasser, who was shot in the neck and the chest by a foreign-backed sniper in the Syrian capital Damascus. Mr. Emadi decried news blackout on Press TV correspondents’ death “by those who control mass media” saying, “That’s how they’re sending a signal to independent journalists like Serena Shim.”

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Oct
17
2014

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan – A Gift of God

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Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was born on 17 October 1817 in Delhi when the Moghul Empire’s has begun to decline. Sir Syed’s father, Mir Muhammad Muttaqi, was the personal adviser of Akbar Shah II (reign: 1806–1837), one of the last Mughal emperors of India. At the time of Sir Syed’s birth, the grand Mughal empire had shrunk within the territory of Delhi that included little outside areas also. A known proverb of the time was – “Saltanat-e-Shah Alam, Az Delhi ta Palam.” The rein of Shah Alam, the emperor is from Delhi to Palam. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor was a nominal king and India had literally become a British subject.

There are warriors, scholars and politicians to boast on record but the Muslim community in India has no one to match the vision and selfless devotion of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He was a social reformer, an educationist, a statesman and the most important voice among Indian Muslims of the latter half of the 19th century.
Today, we are suffering from a drought of statesmen and there is a flood of politicians. A politician follows the crowd; a politician debates the cost of a plan but a statesman questions the wisdom of the plan. A politician tells his constituents what he did for them. A statesman doesn’t worry about what he can do for his constituents, because he’s too busy trying to guarantee a future for his constituent’s grandchildren.

With the pathetic collapse of Mutiny 1857, the Muslim Power in the Indian subcontinent had almost eclipsed. The year marked the formal end of the remnants of central Muslim rule in India. Sir Syed was intellectual and historian also who studied the reason of Muslim’s fall and produced an objective analysis in form of a book Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind (The Causes of the Indian Revolt) in 1859. In his work he blamed point blank the British for their policies of aggressive territorial ambitions. He boldly stated that the Colonial rulers had little knowledge about the sensitivities of Indian culture and traditions. Initially the rulers didn’t take the book kindly but were compelled to look it in the positive spirit once the deep contents were appreciated in England also.

Sir Syed’s father had died in 1938 and he had to join the British Civil Service as means of livelihood. No jobs were available at the Moghul court. He became a munshi, and in 1858 he was promoted as a senior official at the Moradabad court. His first step in the service of his community was the founding of a modern madrassa in 1859 in Moradabad. It was a unique religious school that had scientific education as part of its curriculum.
In 1864, he was transferred to Aligarh and there he founded the Scientific Society of Aligarh. It was modelled after the Royal Society and Royal Asiatic Society to introduce the Western science and technology to orthodox Muslim society of India. In 1869 Sir Syed visited England and was deeply impressed by the traditions of learning in great institutions of Oxford and Cambridge. On his return to India he set up a modern school in Aligarh and laid the foundation of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in May 1875. The college later became the Aligarh Muslim University.

Sir Syed had realized that the feelings of hate against British were harming the general interests of Muslim Community. Muslims were unwilling to learn English and they were lagging behind their countrymen in every sphere. He took it upon himself to fill the gap between the British and the Muslim community. There was a need for reforms if Muslim community had to progress. Particular emphasis on education was sine qua non. Sir Syed’s greatest gift to his community was his emphasis on education.

It is the fact of history that Sir Syed was critical of Indian National Congress. He was afraid that Muslims would be marginalized in country life if they joined Congress. In one his lectures he strongly exhorted his community in these words:

“When you (Muslims) shall have fully acquired education, and true education shall have made its home in your hearts, then you will know what rights you can legitimately demand of the British Government. And the result of this will be that you will also obtain honorable positions in the Government, and will acquire wealth in the higher ranks of trade.”

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Sep
25
2014

Racial Pride vs Racial Blindness

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“Garve se kaho hum Hindu hain”, Say with pride I’m a Hindu – was a slogan that was given currency by RSS in 2006. I can’t recall if it really worked their way and attracted some more votes for BJP in past. All the same, it was a slogan I really liked. It still resonates well in my memory. I respect my Hindu friends who are proud to be Hindu. And with a nuance, with a subtle difference, I’m also proud to be a ‘Hindi’. When I asked some of my well-informed and well-meaning Muslim, Christian and Parsi friends about this RSS slogan GSKHHH, they affected ignorance; they were neutral and some rather enjoyed the tone of call.
For the new reader of my pen, I’m a practicing, middle class Muslim who has rarely faced any personal discrimination of sorts ever at any station of my life. Wherever, I failed, it happened on merit and didn’t afford much chance to complain about my position in life. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for many of my brothers with the same confidence and conviction. In fact, since the formative years of Independent India, my community as a cohesive whole, is facing discrimination and it is the festering wound on Indian democracy. We have faced genocide; our language and culture was decimated. We are facing hate that is written not on paper but in every act that takes away our due rights in the progress of country. Today, with the exception of 3 or 4 private companies, 14 per cent of Indian population with a Muslim tag can’t claim a national presence. We are at the bottom of all government services. The only saving grace are Khans of film industry. List of grievances is long and not relevant to support this article. The pertinent questions here are – Are we a racial society and racism is rampant here? As minority do we feel oppressed? Is racism that bad?
The history of the dominant world civilizations reveals that they reached the pinnacle of glories when they were practicing RACISM, often negative racism. It didn’t stop them from shaping the course of history. Their warriors were proud of their kings, regions, races and traditions. Their farmers were producing most, their artisans were at their creative best and their scientist and technologists were churning out monumental researches and inventions. For them life was smooth rather cozy. It was roses roses all the way. I also cannot help but feel with some understanding of their grim pride of their accomplishments. So, when a German pot valiant food technologist on Dutch courage, at Dachau – the biggest Nazi Camp city in Bavaria, thumping the table near the beer-fountain declared to me – “We’re the best; we were the best and would remain so even though we still have a large number of ..you know,, among us. My people had accomplished a great deal.” He smiled and concluded with,”……..Good and ill”. I knew what he meant.
Honestly, whenever any man of any race claims proud at the achievement for his people, I support him. However, I always go for a rider – let us move past the age when a race accomplished something, add a new dimension of nation instead of ethnicity. I am looking forward to the day when even those tricky provocative lines have been erased, when the entire human race has brought all the world’s nations into one power – the power of sanity, the spirit of Universal Brotherhood. We begin to care for humanity as one race.
But so long as these divisions exist, we carry that grim pride of race and religion with us both as a comfort and a warning. Till the realization of dream, I can’t detach myself from my past. I do feel proud about the accomplishments of your ancestors and mine.
All races attribute a lot of what they are to their unique culture, religion, traditions and style of living. A recent study undertaken by ‘AFRICANGLOBE’ revealed that African American teenagers performed better academically when their parents instilled in them a sense of racial pride. ‘Racial Pride’ is a positive inspiration while ‘Race Blindness’ instigated shunning, promotes hate, mistrust and discrimination. Race blindness encourages negative peer treatment that results in getting into fights, being bullied and affliction of lasting psychic wounds.
The study is concluded with the empirical evidence that the longstanding practice in the African American community of cultivating racial pride and preparing children to face racial bias in society should be considered among appropriate and beneficial practices in parenting Black children.
The study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Sep
15
2014

Welcome “No Entry” in Garba Dance

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Mrs. Usha Thakur, a legislator from Indore and the BJP’s and state vice president of the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh had warned or suggested sometimes ago that Muslims should be barred from the “Garba.” For the benefit of uniformed reader anywhere, Garba is a traditional dance in which boys and girls enjoy the body gyrations spiritually with the approval of religion, parents and society. It originates from Gujarat and it quite popular in Maharashtra and sundry other places. The Garba Dance Festival runs for weeks and it is to be held in several northern states in October this year. According to the legislator, the decision is based on a meeting of “intellectuals” – including doctors, engineers and a senior police officer – during the festival season last year.

And here is her unsubstantiated claim made on TV: “We have got data that during the Garba, on an average, four lakh girls convert to Islam every year. So we have started this awareness drive. It has been seen that people who have no faith or devotion to the festival put tilak and wear sacred thread and practice Garba and during that time woo our girls. To stop this alleged “Love Jihad”, festival organisers must check IDs at the gates.”
The BJP has distanced itself from Ms Thakur’s controversial move, which has been condemned by the opposition Congress.

And now we have firebrand VHP leader Pravin Togadia promulgating a Firman that Muslims must not be allowed inside the Garba events and insisted identity cards of each and every person be checked for participants in and visitors to such events. “”We must be alert so that not a single Muslim person can enter in our Garba festival. Identity cards of each and every person must be checked at every Garba event. Navratri is the festival of Mother Amba’s prayers and worship, so we cannot allow beef-eating Muslims to enter into Garba places.” Togadia said in Amreli town n Saurashtra.

Thank you RSS, Mr Togadia, Mrs. Usha Thakur and every Tom, Harry and Dick who wants to advance his / her opinion about ‘Love Jihad’ and Muslim’s attitude in regard to ‘Mix Sex Celebration.’ In fact, as parents, are grateful to them. It is a blessing in disguise for us. Part of my argument I’ve already presented in my article “Love Jihad’ in ‘IndiaOpine’ a few weeks passed. Let the RSS know, if it is not already informed, that as a general principle, Muslim men and women are ordained to minimize casual mixing of the sexes in society, emphasizing strong adherence to the marital bond. Dating, mixed sex dancing, or any form of premarital intimacy are not allowed in Islam. Consequently, conscientious Muslim students are likely not to participate in proms and dances or similar events. In terms of mixing in physical education classes, segregated sports and activities are preferred. Islam places great emphasis on modesty in dress and behavior for both sexes. Men and women are expected to dress in clothing that does not reveal the features of the body. Muslims of both sexes are required to be modest even in front of persons of the same sex. Therefore, situations requiring nudity in front of others, such as swimming in a public pool or taking showers in an open area devoid of partitions or curtains is disallowed.

Now, let us consider the the specific issue of ‘Dance’ – Garba Tango, Waltz and, Gallopade. Can’t include Belly where the dancer gives a solo performance. Men and Women could mix freely enjoying dance without inhibitions.

No Sir, we are not the partner of any of these activities, according to my religion. Any individual taking part does it on his / her volition. Islam is a religion of moderation and does not approve of either extremism or negligence. It does not prevent people from having entertainment; however, it provides the rules that regulate this entertainment. At the same time, Islam does not tolerate any kind of entertainment that contains haram (unlawful) or even leads to haram behavior.

Dancing can be either between women, between men, or mixed between both sexes. It is allowed for women to dance together unless it involves revealing any of the woman’s `awrah – that is, the parts of the body between the navel and the knee – in front of other women. It is also allowed unless the dancing means that mandatory obligations will not be carried out or if it coincides with unlawful acts.

In this regard, Dr. Su’ad Salih, professor of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at Al-Azhar University , states,

Islam does not prevent singing and dancing, but it forbids anything that stimulates people’s desires, whether it be among men or women. Women are supposed to observe good manners if they dance in front of other women. They should not exceed the limits by doing anything that stimulates desires and incites evil. There are many cases where women are tempted by other women.

However, if a woman dances in front of her husband, then there is no restriction, as it is a way of cementing relations between spouses – and this a key pillar of establishing the Muslim family.

Moreover, Dr. Salim Ahmad Salamah, Dean of the Faculty of Usul Ad-Deen at the Islamic University, Gaza , adds, “It is permissible for women to dance and sing as long as there are no males around. In addition, the words of the song should be free from any foul words or vulgarity. Thus, as long as the words of the song are pure and clean and there are no males, there is nothing wrong in dancing.

By analogy, men are allowed to dance together as long as they cover their `awrah (the parts of the body between the navel and the knee) and there is no fear of temptation.

Men and women dancing together is absolutely haram in all cases, except when a wife dances in front of her husband. The reason behind this prohibition is that with mixed dancing bodily contact is close and improper sexual desires are aroused. This has been strictly forbidden by Islam in an attempt to block the way against evil. If men and women were permitted to dance together, a lot of haram acts could occur. That is why mixed dancing is not allowed.

We’re not offended all. Instead we are delighted and obliged. Please check with the Indian Constitution and do the needful. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution gives the right to equality, irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. We’re with you!

Sep 15th, 2014

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Sep
10
2014

Yeh Ummat Khurafat Men Kho Gayee

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Modern Science is mapping the human brain waves today and we, the Muslims, are put to sound sleep. Alas, our sleep has been stretched too long and too deep. ‘The story of Seven Sleepers’, in our context is transmuted into a pathetic narrative. We are meandering down a slope that is leading to an abyss of ignorance. But why it is happening? Some facts of negative progress or retrogress are simple to parody but hard to comprehend; some realities are too stubborn and stare directly into our faces; some lapses and misfortunes compel us to look back into retrospect and some chapters of our own history inspire to brood why the darker nights of ignorance have so horribly enveloped the believers of ‘Towheed’? What has happened to our faculties of observation, analysis and our perceptions? Why are we rendered so intellectually numb and why are we failing to envision for the new dawn? The tragedy that the cohesive whole of our Ummah is highlighted in the following paragraph that I had picked from some periodical long ago:
“In 2005 Harvard University produced more scientific papers than 17 Arabic-speaking countries combined. The world’s 1.6 billion Muslims have produced only two Nobel laureates in chemistry and physics. Both moved to the West: the only living one, the chemist Ahmed Hassan Zewail, is at the California Institute of Technology. By contrast Jews, outnumbered 100 to one by Muslims, have won 79. The 57 countries in the ‘Organization of the Islamic Conference’ spend a puny 0.81% of GDP on research and development, about a third of the world average. America, which has the world’s biggest science budget, spends 2.9%; Israel lavishes 4.4%.”

The chasm between a Muslim and Knowledge, especially in the field of the applied Sciences, is too wide. However, it would be a futile effort if we keep crying over the split milk. Let us try to explore the causes and remedies.”

The Islam as introduced by the Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (PBUH) was a doctrine that was concomitant of Progress. Progress is fruition of Knowledge and Science is nothing but Knowledge.

What is Science?

To define it in nutshell – “Science is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.”
The word science comes from the Latin “SCIENTIA,” meaning knowledge. How do we define science? According to experts of diction and philosophy, science is “knowledge attained through study or practice covering general truths that are obtained and tested through reliable and repeat processes. These methods are purely concerned with the physical world.” What does that really mean? Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena.

Science as defined above is sometimes called ‘Pure Science.’ The application of research evolved from science in relation to human needs is known as ‘Applied Science’ It could be further classified into Natural Sciences which cover the study of natural world and Social Science that encompass the systematic study of human behavior and society.

The pertinent question challenging us today – Is Islam inimical or hostile to Science?

If you could afford to forget the blood curdling and gun trotting fanatic terrorists with black tunics and hoods and imagine the clear advice our Prophet (PBUH) had delivered more than fourteen hundred years ago, we would realize that he had emphasized that the material world can only be understood through scientific inquiry. Islamic culture is a knowledge based culture. He valued science over extensive worship and declared: ‘An hour’s study of nature is better than a year’s prayer’. He had directed his followers to ‘listen to the words of the scientist and instill unto others the lessons of science’ and ‘go even as far as China in the quest of knowledge’.

Today it might sound odd to our westernized generation but Islam had actually encouraged the pursuit of scientific knowledge right from its inception. The Holy Book places immense emphasis on scientific knowledge. The first Quranic word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is ‘Read’. It refers, amongst other forms of readings, to reading the ‘signs of God’ or the systematic study of nature. It is a basic tenet of Muslim belief that the material world is full of signs of God; and these signs can only be deciphered through rational and objective inquiry.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Sep
06
2014

The Return of ISIS Frankenstein

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Say ‘fly in the face’ and the ISIS did it again! The Islamic militant group released a video on Tuesday showing the second beheading of an American hostage in two weeks and blamed President Obama for the killing. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria had posted a video earlier that showed the beheading of James Foley, an American journalist who was kidnapped in Syria nearly two years ago. The video was concluded with the masked fighter threatening to kill Steven Sotloff, another American freelance journalist, who was being held alongside Foley. The hostage, Steven J. Sotloff, is shown in the video kneeling like the Foley as a masked figure stands besides wielding a knife. Prisoner Sotloff is forced to speak before the camera and described himself as “paying the price” for Mr. Obama’s decision to strike the group, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, in northern Iraq. The US administration has not yet authenticated the video. However, it is believed by members of Sotloff’s family that he had been killed. Mr. Sotloff appeared almost completely bald and had only stubble on his face. He was made to wear the same Orange Uniform put on Foley and the Prisoners of barbed American Detention Camp at Cuba.

A masked fighter speaking in British-East London accented, similar to Foley video, declared, “I’m back, Obama, and I’m back because of your arrogant foreign policy towards the Islamic State. Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.” The video, titled “A Second Message to America.” The ISIS was threatening to behead another captive, a Briton it identified as David Cawthorne Haines. ISIS is currently holding two Americans and three Britons, most of them aid workers.

The all times so-sure Americans in most of the matters are confused and have not yet formulated a clear strategy – Use military force against the militants in Syria or not? How long it will take for Pentagon to take a precipitated action against ISIS after appearance of these harrowing images of Americans with knives to their throats? According to Mr. Daniel J. Benjamin, a former State Department Counterterrorism Coordinator : “That pressure is often the enemy of good policy. There will be a clamor for the president to take military action, which may not be effective. If he conducts airstrikes and does not get the desired effect, there’ll be pressure for more airstrikes, and then to put boots on the ground.”

Mr. Sotloff, had been writing for ‘Time’ magazine and other publications, He had also covered the stormy days of the Arab Spring and his capture by ISIS was largely kept a secret for months at the request of his family. Last Thursday, Mr. Sotloff’s mother, Mrs. Shirley, appealed to the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed Caliph of the Muslim world, to grant amnesty to her son. “I ask you to use your authority to spare his life.”

Behind all this blood-letting in the Middle East, lies the hazy politics of the West. They want to induct Democracy and simultaneously they want to retain the most brutal dictatorships upon plant earth to serve as their vassals. They want to eat the cake and have it also.

Any student of recent history of Middle East knows well that the virtual inventor of the “ISIS” is none other than former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In 2006, during the peak of the U.S.–Iran conflict, she prompted all Sunni states to set up a “Sunni belt” in response to the alleged “Shia belt” that Iran had supposedly created against Arab Sunnis. The Lebanese government was offered military to crush ‘Hezbollah’ in Lebanon. Then the Secretary-General of the Saudi National Security Council, the infamous Prince Bandar bin Sultan was assigned the task to create the brutal groups such as Al-Nusra Front and “ISIS” to fight the Assad regime in Syria.

The credibility of the humanitarian motives of the West can be measured by the fact that the same governments did not say a word about the atrocities of the Israeli government in Gaza against innocent kids and women. There is an absolute silence about the suffering of the Palestinians !

It is interesting to note that the U.S. neoconservatives have long been talking about a policy of “creative chaos” in the Middle East. The “creativity” of this chaos consists of the consolidation of U.S. hegemony in the region by causing area-wide instability and generating more “failed states” to keep their controls over BENZENE and Iron dome protection for their protégé – Israel.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Sep
06
2014

To hang our heads in shame

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An evil act of an individual calls the behavior of the whole community in question; a mistake of one member of the family forces the entire family to mourn and repent for years and generations; a lapse of a moment hangs as sword all through the journey of life and one fish spoils the pond. Pick up what suits for a situation. However, the ghastly news that a 61-year-old local Shiv Sena leader had been arrested for allegedly raping a minor, who studied in a school run by him has shaken the roots of sacred relationship between teacher and taught – a relationship almost parallel or equal to between human being and God..

According to inspector Anil Kadam of Kashmira polics station, Thane, Maharashtra, Vasudeo Nambiar, the district deputy chief of Shiv Sena who also owns a school and a temple in Kashimira township of Thane has been arrested on Friday in connection of rape. The girl was studying in class IX at the school run by the accused, who took her out several times with him on the pretext of visit to the temple and then allegedly raped her repeatedly at a place in Thane district’s Mira village in February this year. He had also threatened the girl with dire consequences if she revealed about the offense to anybody. The girl became pregnant and delivered a premature baby earlier this week. Following the birth of the child, the hospital authorities reported the matter to police who booked Nambiar on Thursday and arrested him on Friday..

The accused has been charged under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC and section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was produced before a local magistrate on Friday who remanded him in police custody till September 11.

It is a sad commentary upon our insensitive society, careless parenthood and a different kind of Modern Culture we extol for progress; where the holy tenets of all of our religions also bursting at the seams. There is no ‘Love Jihad’ here and Party Politics. It has happened to innocent girl who is my daughter, my sister and an unfortunate mother today. Shame on me ! I’m sorry Mother India !

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Aug
27
2014

Z – Security. For Whom?

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World is a very strange place. Often you see what you can’t and you do what you shouldn’t. You talk and practice what you don’t believe and you accept what you shouldn’t – and all it’s in the name of pragmatic thinking or demand of situation in National Interest.

When Pakistan is firing and killing our soldiers at border and ordinary villagers living near border are exposed to danger of enemy’s bullet, we are ready to go extra mile to glorify a riot accused – Sangeet Singh Som. He is the BJP MLA from Sardhana in Meerut. He has the distinction of a politician who had been booked under the National Security Act for allegedly instigating riots in Muzaffarnagar, after a controversial video uploaded by him went viral and he is a leader who was also booked for inflammatory speeches which were among the reasons that led to communal violence leaving 65 people dead in September last year. And now he was granted Z Security Status as the nation caught in surprise. Our lopsided priorities brought to fore and ridicule. Only few days ago  we had put the most harmless non-violent Human Right activist Sharmila Irom  under arrest again. A high-level security committee under the home ministry decided to grant Sangeet Som the security status of VVIP.

Now, one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be assigned the responsibility of Some’s protection. At any given point of time, the person is Z protectee, a security ring of not less than 22 personnel would be at his disposal. The person can also avail security cover by the ITBP, CRPF and the local police. Last but not the least, the protectee is also given an escort car.

According to Government sources, “This is one of the cases where we have decided to accord security purely on merit and not due to any political intervention. Intelligence agencies have several phone intercepts wherein extreme outfits and individuals are making plans to kill Som. We are not going into the legal cases slapped on him by the UP police. Irrespective of that, he has a threat to his life.”

Several political leaders have questioned the NDA government’s move to provide Z+ security cover to BJP MLA Sangeet Som, who is an accused in the Muzzafarnagar riots case. The Congress Party leader Rashid Alvi said “See, I am surprised at how a person against whom there is an FIR for communal violence is provided with Z+ security. Those who are the reason for the riots are being provided security and those who are the victims are without shelter. I condemn this.”

According to Manish Tewari, the former IB Minister: “This is very uncanny about this government that the people who actually suffered in the riots do not have a shelter above their heads, and those who are supposed to be responsible for these riots, are being provided Z+ security. What can be more painful than this for the sufferers of the riots”. Even the Samajwadi Party said that the decision to provide security to a riot accused is ‘unfortunate’

Tariq Anwar of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said, “How can a person who plays with the feelings of a community, and thereby, creates communal tension, be provided with Z+ security. This kind of thing can only happen during the rule of the BJP.”

, and is an accused in the Muzzafarnagar riots case. He was jailed after he was booked under the National Security Act for allegedly circulating a fake video on social media that fuelled tension before the riots. Som was also accused of giving communally-charged speeches.

That takes me back to another World War – II episode and the miscarriage of Justice or connivance of World Powers. Emperor Hirohito of Japan, as commander in chief of the Imperial military, was deeply involved in the day to day management of Japan’s military aggression between 1937 and 1945. He was depicted by the Japanese as a powerless figurehead following the surrender in 1945. Hirohito had participated directly in the planning of Japan’s military aggression and guide its progress.

Following the Japanese surrender, the Australian government wanted to prosecute Emperor Hirohito as a war criminal, but this was opposed by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur believed that administration of a defeated Japan would be greatly facilitated if the emperor appeared to be cooperating with the occupying Allied powers. This could not happen if the emperor was charged and convicted of war crimes. President Truman backed MacArthur against Australia, and Japan’s leading war criminal escaped prosecution solely on the ground of political expediency.

So, one has to accept the reality on the face of it. Sangeet Som has helped BJP in Western UP to add its strength in forming the government at the Center. Favors are favors and normal polity requires to return them ASAP. This is reality of today and norm of political polity of present administration.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Aug
14
2014

Indian Muslims and Independence Day

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For the first time since India’s Independence in 1947, there is no palpable Muslim representation in the majority party. Of the 283 Bhartiya Janata Party members elected to India’s new Parliament, there’s not a single Muslim representative. The lack of representation, combined with Mr. Modi’s image as a hardliner Hindu politician, has caused fear and concern in the Muslim community. You talk to any informed Muslim and he feels a sort of ostracized from the main stream. Never before a whole community felt so isolated and confused.

Following is the gist of reports gathered from several confirmed reports at different times by different organization:

It is a well-known fact that since independence, the Indian Muslims are being systematically and increasingly marginalized in the affairs of  their own homeland. Soon after the independence, various states and territories were reorganized splitting the minority dominated areas in parts and absorbing them in different states with a view to reducing their influence and making it difficult for them to win in any election. In Jammu and Kashmir is the only state where Muslims are in majority. India is a vocal advocate of secularism but nowhere else in the world secularism was so blatantly betrayed. It was expected that in an independent India, Hindu fanaticism will completely evaporate. Long before independence, Moulana Azad had said, “I firmly hold that it (communal frenzy) will disappear when India assumes the responsibility of her own destiny.” In so-called secular India, Azad’s hope was not only belied but Hindu fanaticism gained enormous strength and that also under the direct patronage of the government. The Congress party, which ruled India for over six decades, instead of making any effort to contain Hindu fundamentalism, did everything for its nourishment. Just after becoming the first President of independent India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad removed from the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) all the Muslims who were working there. There are thousands of examples which show how secularism is being betrayed in India. Secularism was betrayed by the federal State government by covertly becoming a party to the demolition of the Babari Masjid.

The socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community of India present a dismal picture. The Muslims are deprived of due representation in public employment even at the lowest level. The representation of the Muslims in various Ministries is approaching to zero. Muslims are also failing to avail the equal opportunity in the private sector. The literacy level of the Muslim community is much below the average level of India. The school enrolment level of the Muslim children is also very low. Because of the hurdles at the lower level of education, the share of Muslim students at higher and professional level is also much below the national level of India.

In ‘secular’ India, schools and other educational institutions are being systematically saffronized with Hindu culture incorporating glorification of Hindu mythological characters. Collective singing of Vande Matram of Bankim Chaterjee is almost an established tradition. Urdu is the language of about 62 per cent of the Indian Muslims and has the richest Islamic literature among Indian languages in all fields of learning. As a part of their efforts to obliterate the cultural entity of the Muslims, both the Central Government and the Governments of the States seem to do whatever is possible to strangle this language and deny it all opportunities of existence and growth. It is virtually banished from all the schools run by the Government.

There are symptoms that space of Free Speech is shrinking in the democracy of Nehru and Gandhi. Not long ago, the famous book ‘The Hindus: An Alternative History’ by the academic Wendy Doniger was declared offensive towards their religion by a small hardline Hindu group and , forcing the mighty conglomerate publisher ‘Penguin’ were forced withdraw and pulp the book. In the aftermath of this episode two authors asked the publisher to cancel contracts and pulp their books, too, a move called “unprecedented” by one Indian newspaper. In the same period, a mob calling itself the Hindu Sena (Hindu Army), burnt copies of Caravan, the Delhi-based magazine, over an interview with a Hindu extremist.

The famous brave writer activist Arundhati Roy, an intellectual with a conscience, declared the withdrawl of the book as an act of succumbing to “fascists” forces. Liberals in India feel under strain and than ever before about the right to expression as religious groups increasingly are flexing their muscles. Many fear that Hindu Fundamentalists are further emboldened as Modi, their most demagogic leader is elected prime minister.

Hindu fundamentalism has been given a new name – Hindutva. Their concept of  “Hindu nationalism is built on the idea that India is a Hindu majoritarian nation, with Muslims and Christians cast as the minority, ‘other’.” RSS’ Hindutva says that India should be an exclusive Hindu nation state.

Today, Narndra Modi is the elected Prime Minister of India and he is a firm believer in RSS ideology. He did never hide his commitment to RSS ideology. A large part of Modi’s popularity comes from his message that Gujarat can be a beacon for India’s economic development. He talked tirelessly about his Gujarati pride. I don’t know how to recall my Muslim Pride.

So, while we celebrate the Independence Day with gusto in company of our countrymen, we have a lot of reasons to feel  estranged in our own house.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Jul
28
2014

Eid Mubarak

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Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramazan. This joyous day is celebrated to give thanks for the blessings of Ramadhan. Muslims attend the congregational Eid prayer service which is held in the morning. They wear new clothing, cook delicious food and invite friends and neighbors to celebrate with them. Fasting during Ramazan inspires sympathy for the hungry and needy, and encourages Muslims to donate generously to the poor. It is also an occasion for prayers when the Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder, to demonstrate the equality and equity which is the inherent feature of Islamic society all over the world.

It is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar (Muslim Holiday). It is interesting to know that this day does not mark any historical event or episode. It is just a thrilling joyous day that provides the Muslims an occasion to offer thanks to Allah for having given them the strength and the will to observe fast during the holy month of Ramadan.  The greatest significance of this day of rejoicing lies in the fact that on this day every Muslim is enjoined to give the needy food at the rate of the prescribed weight per every member of his household, including servants and guests who were sheltered under his roof the preceding evening. It is called FITRA. Based on this deed, the day is called Eid-ul-Fitr. In nutshell we can say – It is the day for the haves to share a portion of what they have with the have-nots.

This day also offers an opportunity of spiritual stock-taking. We ponder over the strength of our will or the weakness of our character. For those who disobeyed the commands of Allah in past, this is the finest chance to confess the pangs of their conscience, inner struggle and continuous realization of the feebleness of their character. We fast the 30 days of Ramazan and avail and enjoy the spiritual, social, scientific and medical benefits from fasting. We are supposed to obey Allah, unquestioningly, without complaint, without regret, in humility and in charity.
We ask this day to Allah to forgive our sins and we believe that Merciful and Beneficent God confers His favors with a promise,”Oh My subjects, it is now for thee to ask for Me to give.”

It is the day to show, to express and demonstrate the measure of a man’s love for his Creator is his unquestioned obedience to the commands of the Creator.
On this day, we pray for the good of our neighbors irrespective of their caste, creed and religion; we pray for the bright future of our Mother Land and for the eternal happiness, prosperity, good will and unity in diversity of whole mankind.
Here I’m quoting the messages of few world leaders on this auspicious holy day:

Ayatullah Rouhani of Iran –The message reads, “I congratulate all Muslim governments and nations on Eid al-Adha which is manifestation of sincerity and faith in God Almighty. I hope that we will witness restoration of peace in the international community and friendship among the nations and the Muslim Ummah in particular, by taking advantage of teachings of divine prophets.” In the messages, he wished success, good health for his counterparts and dignity and happiness for the Muslim nations and governments.

In his Eid Greetings President Obama says: “Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world as they celebrate Eid-al-Fitr. For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate — a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other. In the United States, Eid-al-Fitr speaks to the truth that communities of faith — including Muslim Americans — enrich our national life, strengthen our democracy and uphold our freedoms, including the freedom of religion. That is why we stand with people of all faiths, in the United States and around the world, in protecting and advancing this universal human right. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world on this joyous day. Eid Mubarak.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has released a message wishing Muslims “a very happy and peaceful Eid ul Fitr” – the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan:

“I want to send all Muslim families in the United Kingdom and around the world my best wishes for this very special time of Eid. The ending of the Holy month of Ramadan is a joyous time as families and friends join to together in celebration. This year many of you will come together to contemplate the appalling scenes we have witnessed on our streets and how our communities have been affected. Community spirit however remains strong in this country. I was particularly moved by the scenes of a united community coming together in Birmingham, not only to mourn the deaths of three young friends, but also to issue a strong message of unity and cohesion with people of other faiths. Peace, forgiveness and unity are the spirit of Eid. They are important messages now and will remain so long into the future. I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Eid ul Fitr. Eid Mubarak.”

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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