Secular groups should join hands for struggle against communalism: AISF UP convention organized by PVCHR

Secular groups should join hands for struggle against communalism: AISF UP convention

Submitted by admin4 on 18 December 2012 - 3:11pm

• Indian Muslim

By TCN News,

Varanasi: Fifth state level convention of Uttar Pradesh chapter of All India Secular Forum (AISF) was held in Varanasi on Dec 13th.

Speakers at the convention emphasized the importance of secularism for the future of democracy in India. Convention also took note of the deteriorating communal situation of Uttar Pradesh.

Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Dr. Prithvish Nag in his presedential address said that if all educational institutions help in inculcating secular values among the students then only we can have a strong secular nation. He also talked at the importance of joint action by political and social organizations in fighting against the communal forces.

Dr. Ram Puniyani’s book “Samajik Nyay” and “Quest for Social Justice” were released on this occasion.

National convener of AISF Dr. L.S. Hardenia observed that secular forces are not united and therefore communal forces are gaining strength as they go unchallenged.

Dr. Ram Puniyani in his keynote address gave historical context of communalism in India. He lamented that even educated people get caught in the baseless communal propaganda. “Capital of our country is our joint heritage which we got in the struggle of 1857 and the Independence Movement. We all have to work to preserve it’ said Dr. Puniyani.

AISF state convener Dr. Mohammad Arif gave account of activities of AISF in Uttar Pradesh. He also talked about the recent riots in the state. He asked all the volunteers to be vigilant about the communal forces in their area.

Director of Peoples’s Vigilance Committee for Human Rights (PVCHR) Dr. Lenin opined that growth of communal forces also impact dalits. He also emphasized the importance of joint struggle that will protect the human rights for all.

Dr. Rajiv Singh, Advocate Jahangir Alam, Prof. Shahina Rizvi also spoke on the occasion.

Convention saw representatives from Aligarh, Moradabad, Sonbhadra, Ambedkar Nagar, Mirzapur, and Varanasi.