Karnataka’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, U.T. Khader, paid a goodwill visit to the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Karnataka at Shanti Sadan, Bengaluru,where he was received by Ameer-e-HalqaDr. Mohammed Saad Belgami, Secretary Akbar Ali Udupi, Riyaz Ahmed Ron, and other office-bearers.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Akbar Ali Udupi, Secretary of JIH Karnataka, who welcomed the Minister and briefly highlighted his political journey. He expressed the hope that Khader would continue to play a constructive role in serving both the state and the community.
Introducing Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Dr. Mohammed Saad Belgami said that the organisation is committed to promoting communal harmony, humanitarian service and the universal message of Islam across India in various regional languages. He highlighted the role of Shanti Prakashana, Sanmarga, and Anupama in disseminating Islamic teachings and promoting social harmony in Kannada. He also outlined several initiatives of the organisation, including Qur’an Pravachana programmes, Masjid Darshan, Seerah campaigns, Sadbhavana Manch, the dialysis centre at HBS Hospital, and Shama Clinic, describing them as examples of JIH’s integrated approach to Dawah, public service and communal harmony.
Dr.Belgami expressed concern over the growing trend of communal polarisation in the state and stressed the need to strengthen a positive discourse rooted in secularism, democracy and the constitutional idea of India. He urged the government to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of all citizens, particularly vulnerable sections of society, and appealed to the Minister to serve as a bridge between the government and the community.
Addressing the gathering, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said that maintaining peace, communal harmony and the rule of law remains a top priority of the Karnataka Government. He reiterated that the Congress government continues to function in accordance with its secular principles and its commitments to the people.
Appreciating the work of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Khader said that the organisation has been making valuable efforts to build positive relations with people of different communities, present Islamic teachings in a constructive manner and nurture Muslim youth to become responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society through social service. He also expressed his resolve to work collectively with all sections of the Muslim community, including its organisations and leadership, for the educational, social and economic upliftment of the community.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of the Minister through a ceremonial shawl presentation. Among those present were the office-bearers of JIH Karnataka, including Mohammed Yusuf Keni, Abdul Ghaffar Hamid Umri, Maulana Waheeduddin Khan UmriMadani, LabidShafie, Mohammed Bilal, heads of various departments and members of the organisation.