Georgetown University Qatar hosts conference addressing global impact of Islamophobia
Qatar: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) commenced its conference titled “Global Histories and Practices of Islamophobia” with a powerful call to unite against Islamophobia, discrimination, bigotry, and racism on a global scale. This initiative comes in response to the alarming rise in anti-Muslim bias and hate-related incidents worldwide. The conference aims to critically examine Islamophobia’s pervasive presence in political, social, educational, and other spheres.
During his opening keynote speech, H.E. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Founder of the World for All Foundation, shed light on the deep-rooted issues surrounding Islamophobia. He emphasized, “We create isms and phobias for every difference, dressing it up as an anxiety of the unknown, leading to surveillance, harsh punishments, and stringent immigration policies, as if these are normal laws to implement. These elements have evolved into what can only be described as mainstream extremism.” H.E. Ambassador Rasool highlighted the burden placed on victims of Islamophobia, stating, “When you label it a fear, a phobia, you shift the burden onto the victim. They endure discrimination and must also prove they are not the source of fear.”
Addressing the current situation, H.E. Ambassador Rasool noted the unique challenges faced by the “Muslim other” globally, especially in Western countries where nearly 10% of the population constitutes the Muslim minority. He emphasized that Islamophobia has transcended Western borders and has found a foothold in countries like India, China, Myanmar, and others with Muslim minorities. He stressed the importance of solidarity in combating all forms of bigotry, transcending religious, racial, and ethnic boundaries.
In response to inquiries about the role of diplomacy and sports in combating Islamophobia, H.E. Ambassador Rasool highlighted the effectiveness of public diplomacy, as demonstrated by Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022TM, in countering anti-Islamic sentiment.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Arian, Associate Professor of History at GU-Q and a conference co-organizer, delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasizing the dual nature of Islamophobia as a globalized yet locally rooted phenomenon. He expressed the conference’s objective to unravel the complexities of Islamophobia, explore its impact on populations worldwide, and devise strategies to address this challenge across various spheres.
The conference, scheduled until Sunday, October 1, features leading scholars and academics analyzing the contemporary drivers of Islamophobic practices and their global interconnections. In addition to informative sessions, public workshops and a student-led forum will focus on combating Islamophobia within university campuses.
For comprehensive details about the conference and its sessions, please visit [https://hiwaraat.qatar.georgetown.edu/islamophobia/]
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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