Historic Gathering in Lucknow Leads to Formation of All India Pasmanda Ulema Board
In a significant development for the Muslim community in India, more than 100 ulema, intellectuals, and organizational representatives from states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttarakhand convened in Lucknow on Sunday. This consultative and brainstorming program marked the official initiation of the All India Pasmanda Ulema Board, aimed at addressing pressing issues faced by Pasmanda Muslims across the nation.
Addressing Core Challenges: Social, Economic, and Educational Hurdles
The meeting, organized under the banner of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, delved deeply into the multifaceted challenges confronting Pasmanda ulema. Participants highlighted critical areas of concern, such as:
- Financial hardship and inadequate honorariums for religious scholars.
- Poor access to healthcare services, exacerbating community well-being.
- The declining condition of madrasas and maktabs, impacting religious education.
Discussions also emphasized the urgent need for mainstream education integration, inclusion in government welfare schemes, and fair representation in bodies like Waqf Boards to ensure equitable opportunities.
Leadership Voices Call for Empowerment and Modernization
Addressing the assembly, Parvez Hanif, national president of the Mahaz, underscored the necessity of an empowered and independent platform for Pasmanda ulema to effectively voice their concerns and advocate for their rights. He stressed that such a board is crucial for fostering dialogue and driving positive change.
Chief guest Mufti Ubaidullah Qasmi highlighted the importance of blending traditional religious education with modern learning approaches. He argued that this synergy is essential for the community's progress and adaptation in contemporary society.
National working president Shariq Adeeb Ansari urged ulema to assert their constitutional rights and recalled the historical role of Pasmanda Muslims in India's freedom struggle, emphasizing their contributions to the nation's heritage.
Unanimous Elections and Strategic Roadmap Unveiled
The meeting concluded with unanimous decisions, including the election of Mufti Ubaidullah Qasmi as the national president of the newly formed board, along with other key office-bearers. This leadership structure is expected to guide the board's initiatives and outreach efforts.
Additionally, a concept note outlining the board's roadmap was presented, detailing strategic plans to tackle the identified challenges. This document serves as a blueprint for future actions, focusing on advocacy, education reform, and community empowerment.
The formation of the All India Pasmanda Ulema Board represents a pivotal step towards addressing systemic issues and fostering inclusivity within the Muslim community, with Lucknow serving as the epicenter for this transformative movement.
