Foundational fabrics of India being weakened deliberately: Moulana Syed Bilal Hasani Nadwi
All India Payam-e-Insaniyat Forum, Mangaluru, held an Intellectual Symposium on Saturday at Hotel AJ Grand in the city. The event was led by Moulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi, the General Secretary of the Forum, and brought together intellectuals from various faiths and religions.
The program started with a Peace Song performed by students from Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, followed by an introduction to the Forum by Moulana Farhan Nadvi.
Following the introduction, the symposium continued with a discussion featuring several social activists and intellectuals from various associations and NGOs. They shared their perspectives on the event's theme, "Towards Building a Progressive Nation with a Supporting and Empowering Atmosphere."
Parineeta, from Mangaluru University, emphasized that the growing animosity being intentionally spread in society is like a cancer that will harm everyone, not just minority communities. She urged for more dialogue between different communities and faiths to promote brotherhood and unity.
Rajaram also spoke at the event, expressing concern that while India often talks about secularism, it is not being practiced as it should be. He stressed that secularism should be treated as a public ethic, with respect for all faiths, and encouraged people to be self-critical of their own beliefs to foster constructive development.
The symposium also covered a wide range of issues related to the theme, several important topics were brought up by the participants during the discussions.
The issue of hunger was highlighted as a significant challenge that the nation must address. Speakers emphasized the need for more effective measures to ensure that everyone, especially the underprivileged, has access to basic necessities like food.
Inclusivity was another key topic of discussion. The participants underscored the importance of creating a society where everyone, regardless of their background, is given equal opportunities and respect.
The gap between the rich and the poor was also a concern. The intellectuals pointed out that the growing economic divide is a major obstacle to national progress.
The menace of drugs was discussed as a pressing issue that needs urgent attention. Participants warned about the increasing influence of drugs on the youth and its potential to derail the future of the country. They called for stronger measures to combat drug abuse and spread awareness about its dangers.
Venkatesh from the RSS praised the efforts of the All India Payam-e-Insaniyat Forum during the symposium. He commended the forum for its dedication to promoting peace and unity among various communities.
In his presidential address, Moulana Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi expressed concern over the current state of humanity. He lamented that human life has become the cheapest thing today because humanity and morality seem to have been lost from the human race.
Reflecting on India’s rich history, Moulana Nadwi emphasized that the country has always been known for its love and inclusivity. He highlighted the importance of disciplining the youth and steering them away from drugs and other harmful addictions, stating that this is crucial for the nation's future.
Moulana Nadwi warned that evil spreads when there is no one to stand against it and call it out. He also spoke about the lingering effects of British colonial rule, particularly how the academic syllabus left behind by the British was designed to create divisions within the country. He criticized how these divisions have been further nurtured and promoted by the people themselves.
He expressed concern over the weakening of the three foundational fabrics of the country: secularism, democracy, and non-violence. According to him, these core values are being eroded, posing a serious threat to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Moulana Nadwi concluded by urging people to be selfless and to take on the responsibility of the entire humanity, rather than focusing solely on individual goals and ambitions. He called for a collective effort to restore moral and ethical values in society.
Chief Editor of Vartha Bharati Abdussalam Puthige and Moulana Salim Khalifa Nadwi were present on the dias during the event.
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'Homebound' makes it to Oscar shortlist for best international feature
Mumbai (PTI): Neeraj Ghaywan's much acclaimed "Homebound" is among the 15 films shortlisted in the best international feature category at the Oscars, moving a step close to the final five nominations and maybe a win.
The movie, inspired by a true story that became the basis of a news article during the pandemic, has been creating a global buzz since its debut in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival this May.
Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese is a fan and has come onboard as an executive producer ahead of the award season.
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, "Homebound" is Ghaywan's second movie after "Masaan".
"Homebound" will compete for an Oscar nomination alongside Argentina's “Belén”, Brazil's “The Secret Agent”, French drama "It Was Just an Accident”, Germany's "Sound of Falling” and Iraq's "The President's Cake".
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The other movies in the shortlist include Japan's “Kokuho”, Jordan's “All That’s Left of You”, Norway's “Sentimental Value”, Palestine's “Palestine 36”, South Korean hit “No Other Choice”, Spain's “Sirat”, "Late Shift" from Switzerland, “Left-Handed Girl”from Taiwan and Tunisian drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced in a release on Tuesday.
The award for best foreign film, now re-categorised as best international feature, has so far eluded India.
Only three Indian films have received nominations in the category -- Mehmood Khan’s “Mother India”, Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay” and Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “Lagaan”. Deepa Mehta’s “Water”, starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, also received a nomination but it was submitted from Canada.
Gujarati film "Chhello Show" in 2023 was the last film to get shortlisted.
Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to get an Oscar, bagging the coveted prize in 1983 for the film "Gandhi". Other than her, A R Rahman, Resul Pukootty and M M Keeravani have also won individual Oscars.
Team "Homebound" celebrated the shortlist news with posts on social media.
"We made the shortlist... Way to go team Homebound'!" Johar shared in Instagram Stories.
In a post, the producer said it was difficult for him to articulate how "proud and elated" he was with the news.
"All of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography... thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true... from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film! Upwards and onwards...."
Ghaywan also shared the news on X.
"#Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we've received from around the world," he wrote on X with a special poster of the film.
Jethwa, who plays one of the two friends in the story opposite Ishaan Khatter, said the moment feels "surreal and incredibly humbling".
"To see 'Homebound' being shortlisted and progressing towards the Oscars is something I could have only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the love and support the film has received from audiences around the world," he said as he acknowledged Johar, Ghaywan and co-star Khatter and the rest of the team.
Khatter also shared the news on his Instagram stories and wrote, "Oscar ab dur nahi".
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"Homebound" is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, also titled "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway".
The film portrays the childhood friendship between a Muslim and Dalit who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied due to their surnames.
The Academy on Tuesday also announced shortlists in 11 other categories, including the newly added casting Oscars, animated shorts, cinematography, documentary feature, documentary short, original score and song, sound and visual effects categories.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Twenty-four categories will be awarded at the 98th Oscars. Each category has five nominees, except for best picture, which has 10.
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
