Mohammed Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), has highlighted the organisation’s longstanding efforts to promote communal harmony in India, emphasising the importance of dialogue, cooperation and democratic values in maintaining peace in a diverse and plural society. According to him, India has historically been a land of multiple religions, cultures and traditions, where people of different faiths have lived together for centuries. This diversity, he said, is one of the country’s greatest strengths and forms the foundation of its social fabric.
Salim Engineer explained that the spirit of coexistence and mutual cooperation among communities has shaped Indian society over generations. Despite this long tradition of harmony, he noted that attempts have often been made to create divisions among communities. Even after Independence, the country witnessed several episodes of communal tension and riots that affected social harmony. Over the past decade and a half, he observed, these tensions and social distances have intensified in many parts of the country, creating an atmosphere in which mistrust and misunderstanding between communities have increased.
In such a situation, Salim Engineer stressed that organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami Hind believe it is essential to actively work towards restoring trust and strengthening bonds between people belonging to different religious backgrounds. He said that since its early years, the organisation has recognised the importance of engaging with people from diverse faith traditions and promoting constructive interaction.
Through its state and local units, JIH has consistently organised programmes and initiatives designed to bring communities closer together. These efforts have focused on encouraging dialogue and discussions on common social issues that affect all sections of society. According to the JIH leader, the organisation has tried to create platforms where individuals from different religious backgrounds can come together, share perspectives and build mutual understanding.
Salim Engineer recalled that the situation became particularly challenging in the early 1990s when communal tensions escalated in the period leading up to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. During that time, many intellectuals and social leaders felt the need to collectively respond to the deteriorating social climate and work towards restoring harmony.
In 1993, with the initiative and involvement of JIH and several concerned individuals, a national platform known as the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) was established. The forum aimed to bring together intellectuals, public figures and activists who were committed to secular values, democratic principles and communal harmony.
The first president of the forum was Justice V. M. Tarkunde, a well-known jurist and civil liberties advocate. The forum also included several prominent personalities such as Justice Rajinder Sachar, journalist and diplomat Kuldip Nayar and social activist Swami Agnivesh, among other influential figures from different professional and social backgrounds. Following the passing of Justice Tarkunde, Muchkund Dubey, a former foreign secretary of India, served as the president of the forum for an extended period.
Salim Engineer himself has been associated with the forum as its general secretary and noted that the FDCA continues to work towards strengthening democratic values and communal harmony through various initiatives and engagements.
He also spoke about another important initiative launched in 2001 known as the Dharmik Jan Morcha. According to Salim Engineer, the idea behind this platform emerged from the understanding that religion plays a significant role in the lives of a large number of Indians. Since religion often shapes people’s values and behaviour, religious leaders can play an influential role in guiding society towards peace and harmony.
At the same time, he pointed out that religion has sometimes been misused by certain groups to spread hatred or advance political interests. Recognising this challenge, responsible religious leaders felt it necessary to come together and counter such misuse.
The Dharmik Jan Morcha brought together respected religious figures from different faith traditions who shared a commitment to peace and communal harmony. Among those associated with this initiative were leaders such as Swami MadhavanandSaraswati, Swami Agnivesh, Sikh religious leader Prof. Manjit Singh, as well as Muslim scholars including Maulana Sirajul Hasan and Maulana Rafiq Ahmad Qasmi. Through this platform, these leaders worked collectively to spread the message that authentic religious teachings emphasise compassion, peace and mutual respect rather than conflict and hostility.
Salim Engineer said the initiative also sought to clarify that many communal conflicts arise not because of religion itself but because of its misuse or misinterpretation by individuals seeking political or ideological gains.
Following the establishment of the national forum, efforts were made to create similar platforms at the state level. According to Salim Engineer, such initiatives havenow been formed in approximately 12 to 13 states. These platforms bring together religious leaders, social activists and concerned citizens who collaborate to promote communal harmony within their respective regions. In states where such forums have not yet been established, efforts are underway to develop similar initiatives.
Beyond national and state-level programmes, JIH has also focused on strengthening harmony at the grassroots level. Around 2015–16, the organisation began encouraging the formation of local goodwill forums and committees in villages, neighbourhoods and cities. These committees consist of individuals committed to maintaining peaceful relations between communities and addressing tensions before they escalate.
Their primary role is to facilitate dialogue between communities, resolve misunderstandings and prevent attempts to disturb communal peace. The JIH leader noted that over the past decade a considerable number of such goodwill forums have been established across the country.
The organisation now plans to further expand this network by establishing at least 1,000 SadbhawanaManch during its current four-year plan. These forums are intended to bring together ordinary citizens who believe in peaceful coexistence and are willing to work collectively to safeguard social harmony in their local communities.
Special emphasis is also being placed on the participation of women and young people. According to Salim Engineer, efforts are being made to establish women’s goodwill forums so that women can actively contribute to peacebuilding and social cohesion. Similarly, youth forums are being encouraged to involve young people in promoting dialogue, tolerance and cooperation among communities.
Apart from these structured platforms, JIH regularly organises community programmes that encourage interaction between people of different faiths. Events such as Eid Milan gatherings and Iftar programmes during the month of Ramadan often invite members of various communities, providing opportunities for informal interaction and understanding.
Volunteers of the organisation across the country also organise seminars, symposiums, discussions and small meetings on social issues that affect all sections of society. These programmes are designed to create spaces where people can exchange ideas and address common concerns collectively.
Salim Engineer emphasised that these initiatives aim to encourage individuals from different religious and ideological backgrounds to work together on shared priorities such as social justice, education, welfare and national development. Through such activities, the organisation hopes to nurture an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and unity among communities.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic values in the current political climate. According to him, creating an environment where people can freely express their views, engage in dialogue and participate in collective decision-making is crucial for maintaining social harmony. Protecting democratic institutions and ensuring their strength is therefore essential.
The JIH leader further noted that the Indian Constitution provides a strong foundation for communal harmony through its core principles of equality, fraternity, justice and freedom. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind regularly organises programmes aimed at promoting these constitutional values.
Many of these initiatives are conducted independently by the organisation, while others are organised jointly with civil society groups, intellectuals and religious leaders through the various forums that have been established over the years.
As a result of these sustained efforts, Salim Engineer said awareness about communal harmony has grown not only within Jamaat-e-Islami Hind but also among many other Muslim organisations and communities. Over the years, several interfaith conferences, dialogues and joint delegations have been organised to respond to communal tensions and promote peace.
He concluded by emphasising that although many initiatives have been undertaken since independence to strengthen communal harmony, the challenges faced today require even greater commitment. According to him, it is essential to continue building platforms for dialogue, strengthening democratic values and spreading the message of unity so that India’s diverse society can remain peaceful, cooperative and inclusive in the years ahead.
[as told to Mohd Naushad Khan]