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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'PM is scared of questions': Cong slams govt after IYC chief's arrest
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested in connection with the shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit, saying the PM is "scared" of dissent and questions being asked of him.
Chib was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the shirtless protest staged by a group of youth wing members at the AI Impact Summit here last week, officials said on Tuesday.
Police have also stepped up security across key locations in the capital in anticipation of possible protests following Chib's arrest, which took the total number of people held in the case to eight.
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Asked about Chib's arrest, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera told PTI Videos, "It is the duty of the opposition to protest in a democracy but a dictator will never understand this."
"If you hear the speech of that dictator in Meerut recently you will get to know that the word democracy does not exist in his dictionary," Khera said, in a swipe at the prime minister.
Chib as well as other colleagues are being arrested from various parts of the country, Khera, who is in Bhopal for the party's Kisan Maha Chaupal against the India-US interim trade deal, said,
"This shows that Narendra Modi is scared of dissent and questions being asked of him. Narendra Modi is emerging as the most cowardly Prime Minister in the world. He is being blackmailed, he is a coward, he is scared," Khera alleged.
"It has been the Congress' history that no matter how much oppression we face, we will continue to raise issues of the people and will keep fighting with 'Ahimsa'," he said.
Police had earlier arrested seven Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers, including three from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, for the protest at the Bharat Mandapam last Friday. They have been identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar and Ajay Kumar.
In addition, IYC's Uttar Pradesh general secretary Ritik alias Monty Shukla has been detained from Lalitpur in the state.
Senior officers said additional force has been deployed at the sensitive points, particularly in New Delhi, a hotspot for political demonstrations.
Security has been tightened around the Tilak Marg police station, where Chib is presently held, while barricades have been put up at the strategic points, with anti-riot teams on standby.
Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and additional companies of paramilitary forces have also been placed on alert to respond to any law and order situation, officials said.
Senior officers have directed the field staff to ensure that traffic movement remains smooth.
On Friday, a group of IYC workers staged a dramatic protest inside Hall No. 5 of the summit venue by removing their shirts to reveal T-shirts printed with slogans against the government and the India-US interim trade deal, before being whisked away by security personnel.
Police said the accused had registered online and obtained QR codes to gain entry into the venue.
The incident triggered a political slugfest, with the BJP calling it a "shameful act to tarnish India's image on the global stage", and the IYC defending it as a "peaceful" demonstration aimed at safeguarding national interests.
VIDEO | Delhi: On arrest of Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with 'shirtless' protest staged by a group of IYC members at the AI Impact Summit last week, Congress leader Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) says, "Protesting is the duty and responsibility of the… pic.twitter.com/2MOujnPDLX
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 24, 2026
