Kashmir and its Governance

Kashmir and Governance | www.TheGhouseDiary.com

No nation should be formed on the basis of religion anymore.  We have seen the ugly results of it, and any nation that is formed now should be democratic in governance, where all people's rights are protected.

There should never be an Islamic, Christian, Hindu or Jewish state, as religion is practiced by humans, and they may not live up to its highest principles. I would rather have a bad democracy over a theocracy, in a democracy we have a chance of correcting the course, and peacefully replacing the corrupt guys with good guys,  you cannot do that in a theocracy. Then the question is whose theocracy will it be?  

Shia, Ahmadiyya, Hindu, Christian and Sikh minorities live in apprehension in Pakistan, and in Bangladesh, you can add the Buddhist Minorities who are equally harassed.  The current but short-lived Hindutva wave in India is also causing apprehensions among Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and other minorities. 

 The authentic Islam that respects the otherness of others, honors dignity of every human, and believes in living your own life and letting others live theirs is part of the individual Muslim psyche, but it has not reached in governance of many a Muslim nations. As a Muslim, I invite fellow Muslims to stand against the brand of Islam practiced in Pakistan,  Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan and.... others. There is no respect for other traditions within Islam in these nations, let alone others.  They claim to follow Islam, but they don't.

Islam is my religion and I love it, most of us want it to remain a personal guidance to continue to make us good humans and good citizens with no political ambitions to rule others, but to serve others as fellow beings.  The idea of ruling others in the name of a religion, corrupts that religion, any religion for that matter.

God honors caring people over religious people who do not care, caring is emphasized here. There are numerous examples - if someone gives water to a thirsty cat, God is willing to forgive his or her shortcomings, and such is the value places on caring for others.  God loves the man who shares his food with hungry fellow being, even if that person has committed sin over a guy who prays all day long. God only knows what is in your heart and you are reminded not to judge other people's faith.  God says in Quran, whether you are Jewish, Christian or Pagan, if you take care of fellow humans, he or she need not worry, as he would earn God’s grace.  Similar thoughts are in Hinduism, Christianity and other faiths – do the followers of all faiths follow their religion to the full? Then, why do we need a religion in governance?

An Independent Kashmir is not good for Kashmiris, Indians or Pakistanis. The extremists loaded with guns will swallow it and terrorize everyone, but most certainly Muslims for not following their brand of Islam. They will be coming from around the world to establish a false Islamic Caliphate in the likes of Islamic state, where they rape women, make them slaves and sell them, completely against the principles of Islam.

Islamic Caliphate should be consistently discouraged, what we need is democracies, which is Islamic in nature, you elect your representative who is trustworthy, but there will be a contest with other trust worthy individuals. That is how it was done during the first four Caliphs of Islam, and after that it was always run by  dictators and kings and together they have messed up what Islam is all about to suit their whims, Islam is a system designed for individuals to create cohesive societies where no human has to live in fear of the other with justice, mercy and equality to all.

Kashmir and Kashmiris are better off with a Pluralistic India, where they can choose who governs them freely. You can fix the problems in a democracy, but not in a theocracy.

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, news maker, and a speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, politics, terrorism, human rights, India, Israel-Palestine and foreign policy. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Visit him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and a bulk of his writings are at TheGhousediary.com and several blogs listed there in.

Save Bharat | Growing intolerance in India

When a few Indians hear the following phrases;

Growing intolerance,  

Modi has failed India, 

RSS is emboldened with extremism

Hindutva...

They go ballistic and busy themselves with hating, cursing and throwing insults, at Muslims and moderate majority of Hindus with common sense.

 I know for sure they are not getting this from Hinduism, but they may be getting it from the RSS ideology of Hindutva, which has nothing to do with Hinduism just as the Islamists have nothing to do with Islam; Neocons to Christianity or Violent Zionism to Judaism.

As Indians of all faiths, traditions and political affiliations, we need to come together and discourage what is divisive and encourage what is inclusive.

The attacks on Aamir Khan, Girish Karnad and other intellectuals show the growing intolerance among a few fellow Indians.  What hurts us is the Indian Americans, a few of whom are more intolerant than the ones in India. I read comments that make me puke at some of them, they have lived in America for a long time, and yet they have not grown up to accept the inclusivism of America. What did they learn here?  Hamare Bhai waisay ke waisay he Rahe!

These very men criticized the UPA government to the hilt, and now they cannot tolerate criticism of Modi’s government, does not amount to criticizing India. It's pathetic that they equate India with Modi, it does not enter their minds that Modi's come and go, but India remains an eternal society. 

We cannot let a few among us tear apart our motherland and hurt her togetherness.  We cannot become a divisive crazy nation like some of the nations we don't appreciate.

I seek your help in writing a white paper, and compile all the intolerant statements made by our leaders and public leaders, as well as the Indian Americans.  

Pull the statements made by Girish Karnad, Amir Khan, Arundhati Roy, and the intellectuals across the spectrum. 

Let this be a document for us to refer to,  and our next generation to see what we have done in preventing destruction of our motherland. We owe it to our motherland to protect her pluralistic ethos.

Please send the links with precise comments and quotes to : MikeGhouseforIndia@gmail.com  

Thank you,

Mike Ghouse, 

(214) 325-1916

Dallas, TX | Washington, DC 

http://MikeGhouseforIndia.blogspot.com

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a community consultant, social scientist, thinker, writer, newsmaker and a professional speaker on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam,  politics, human rights, and foreign policy.  Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com 

Is Hinduism a religion of violence?

Where are the moderate Hindus? If the moderate Hindus don’t speak up, shamefully Hinduism will be slapped with the label of religion of violence.  In the last year and half, India has witnessed relentless harassment of the Dalits, Muslims and Christians. This week a man is mercilessly beaten to death by a mob with bricks for supposedly eating beef, which he did not per the police.

India had a glorious civilization and the extremist among Hindus cannot mess with it, unless we let them.  Our past was made up of respecting the otherness of others, but today, we are going in the opposite direction.

Was our civilization bad? 

Eating beef has been made a crime in India now. If unchecked, India will regress and the glorious past will be equated with stupidity for forcing and harassing people to obedience as the ISIS brutes do.   Our civilization was a great civilization and we cannot let a few misguided ones ruin India's pluralistic ethos. 

I like to see an India where one has the freedom to eat, drink, breath, wear or believe whatever the hell he or she wants.

I do expect Americans of Indian origin to speak up, hoping that they have learned the value of freedom in America, where we mind our own business and eat whatever we want to. 

Mike Ghouse
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/30/a-mob-in-india-just-dragged-a-man-from-his-home-and-beat-him-to-death-for-eating-beef/?tid=sm_fb

Thank you

Mike Ghouse, Consultant
(214) 325-1916 text/talk

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a social scientist, thinker, writer and a speaker on Islam, Pluralism, Interfaith, politics, foreign policy and building cohesive societies. Mike offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More about him in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at TheGhousediary.com   

United Voices for America - Saudi Gazette by Tariq Al-Maeena

Note: At this blog, only articles written by me are published, but when others write about me, I include them as well. This article is based on our press release, thanks to Tariq A. Al-Maeena and Saudi Gazette - Mike Ghouse

Last updated: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 5:04 PM

Tariq A. Al-Maeena

The United States of America recently celebrated its 239th birthday on July 4.  What is not so well known is that Muslims have been an integral part of American heritage. With the declaration of American independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslims.

Morocco, a Muslim country, was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America, signing the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, the first of its kind. Next came Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, followed by the Muslim king Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State now in India. Sultan’s congratulatory letter to America remains preserved in a French library. He celebrated America’s independence by bursting firecrackers in his home state of Srirangapatna.

So what does July 4th mean to Muslims?  Mike Ghouse a dynamic human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day through the NGO World Muslim Congress, says that “it means everything and the biggest thing is freedom. Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty."

He adds that the Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most cherished statements for Muslims: "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There are several verses in the Holy Qur’an that assert those values, so it’s like coming home for Muslims.

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered the following words in his last sermon: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action." Muslims hold this declaration close to their hearts.

America’s founding fathers had a vision and laid the groundwork for a sustainable cohesive America for centuries to come: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

However, that has not always played well with some racist elements and opportunists.  As Mike reminds us, Donald Sterling, the basketball billionaire, and Don Imus, the popular American radio host, and several others faced severe retribution for racial slurs.

In recent years, American Muslims have become an easy target for abuse without any consequence. Some US presidential candidates top the list for bigotry, having said that they would not hire a Muslim in their cabinet.

Last week, Congressman Peter King (R-NY), whom I suspect to be a closet AIPAC card-carrying member, took to the airwaves to send a message to American-Muslims ahead of the 4th of July weekend.  His message is so offensive that if it was said to or about any other American minority group, there would have been an uproar. But because the targets of his bigotry were Muslims, there was not much of a reaction or waves of condemnation.

In a radio interview Congressman King, who serves on the Homeland Security Committee, warned of an imminent attack by a terrorist from within the Muslim community during the Independence Day celebrations. Playing down the terrorist actions of Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who killed nine people in a church in Charleston, SC, King also disregarded new research by the think tank New America and the New York Times which found that white supremacists and non-Muslim homegrown extremists have killed far more Americans than Muslim radicals.

Why do Peter King and other lawmakers feel that it is acceptable to lie about and attack Muslim communities in the USA?  Because they think that American Muslims will not fight back, they think Muslims cannot hurt them on election day, and they think Muslims will just sit back and take it.

United Voices for America, another NGO operating in the US is dedicated to defeating political bigotry and the anti-Muslim movement. And they have taken an issue with this racial stereotyping by Peter King. They should be supported for their stance.

As Mike says: “America is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to Muslims. As American Muslims, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the US Constitution.”  And to do that, American Muslims should not continue to be slurred by racists such as Peter King and make their voices heard on election day.

— The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena

Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage

Happy 4th - Muslims are an integral part of American Heritage
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/07/happy-4th-muslims-are-integral-part-of.html

Upon declaration of our independence on July 4, 1776, two of the first three heads of states who recognized the sovereignty of the United States were Muslims and one of them was a Muslim from India.

Americans, Indians and Muslims have a connection since the very beginning of our independence. We were all opposed to colonial rule, and fought them and chased the British out of America, but they continued to rule India through divide and conquer for another 150 years.

Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America, signing the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, the first of its kind. Friesland, one of the seven United Provinces of the Dutch Republic, was the next to recognize American independence (February 26, 1782) and Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore State (India) was the third. According to Dr. Range Gowda, Tippu Sultan's historiographer, the congratulatory letter to America is preserved in a French Library. Tippu celebrated America's independence by bursting fire crackers in Srirangapatna.

What does July 4th mean to Muslims and Indians?

It means everything and the biggest thing is freedom. Islam is indeed about freedom of conscience, justice and liberty.

The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most cherished statements for Muslims, "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." There are several verses in the Quran that assert those values, so it's like coming home for Muslims.

The concept of equality is etched and nurtured in the Muslim psyche in every ritual and spiritual practice of Islam. Prophet Muhammad delivered the following words in his last sermon, "All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action." Muslims hold this declaration close to their hearts and as American Muslims, "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."

The raging battle among Americans to keep the state and church apart resonates with Muslims living in America as the Quran speaks out to them, 49:13- "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in the sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware." Indeed, knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others and appreciate a different point of view without having to agree with it.

Honoring merit appeals to Muslims: you can be who you want to be and Muslims bpast about their ability to rise on the basis of their merit. The Prophet tells his own daughter that she will not get a free pass to paradise because she is a daughter of the prophet; she has to earn it on her own through good deeds to fellow beings, such is the emphasis placed on merit and individual responsibility. That is what capitalism, democracy and America are all about.

Every immigrant in general and a Muslim in particular loves the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty. They see the wholesomeness of justice in America and they love America for it. An observant Muslim recites at least 17 times a day that God alone is the judge and we must refrain from judging others.

On July 4, 2015 we will be celebrating the 239^th birthday of America. It is time to reflect upon our journey from the historic declaration of independence on July 4^th, 1776 to July 4^th, 2015.

Our Founding Fathers had a vision and laid the ground work for a sustainable cohesive America for centuries to come, " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

We have come a long way, and still have miles to go to realize the above truths, and to fulfill the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed, the last two months have packed an incredible amount of events in our history. The pulling down of the confederate Flag in several states after the tragic events in Charleston, South Carolina gives us a lot of hope, the Supreme court's landmark decision to make same sex marriage legal brings freedom to the GLBT community; yet another decision by the Supreme Court brought freedom to those who were vulnerable, the sick and the poor Americans. Thanks to President Obama for making health care a reality for all Americans. The affordable care Act is the law of the land now.

First, I pray for the spirit of that freedom to be born again, again and again every year, for eternity. Indeed, we are the land of the free and the brave. The whole world looks up to America with admiration, although we still have a few more milestones to achieve.

Donald Sterling, the basketball billionaire and Don Imus, the popular American Radio host and several others faced severe retribution for racial slurs. Rick Sanchez and countless Senators and Congress persons were taken to task for making Anti-Semitic comments. Now thank God for the Supreme Court, no one will dare abuse the freedom of these three communities: African Americans, Jews and the LGBT community.

Two more communities, among many need such freedom; women are still not getting equal pay, and I hope the Republicans will join the Democrats and pass that bill.

Who is left behind? Hispanic Immigrants and Muslims!

In 1986, President Reagan brought relief to 3 million undocumented aliens through his amnesty program. Now President Obama is working on freeing 11 million aliens from the tension of separation with their family members. As a nation we need to collectively reflect on the issue and do the right thing; legalize those here with agreed upon conditions.

In recent years, American Muslims have become an easy target for abuse without any consequence. Some US presidential candidates top the list for bigotry, having said that they would not hire a Muslim in their cabinet.

The problem is two-sided: we the Muslims are not connected enough with mainstream society for a vast majority of Americans to stand up for us, empathize with us, or even understand the truth about us that we are no different than them in our endeavors and aspirations of life. We need to get out of our shells and be part of American society.

We must however express our gratitude to the millions of Americans who have stood up for us, compelled by their sense of justness and fair play after 9/11 and as recently as the Phoenix and Garland rallies.

As Muslims we are making serious efforts to be fully participating and contributing members of American society for the security, peace and prosperity of our homeland. We have unequivocally stood up for free speech.

As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution. Our faith reinforces the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

We at America Together Foundation, will take bold congenial steps on behalf of Muslims to get ourselves on a par with the other communities who had previously endured abuse, and with the support of all Americans, we will shame them for their bigotry.

I urge every Muslim to reach out to their fellow Americans to share the joy of July 4^th God willing, Muslims will be celebrating July 4^th2016 en masse all over the nation. We are going to be unfurling big plans soon. The more integrated we are, the safer it is for every one of the 318 million plus Americans.

What does July 4^th mean to me?

The very first step on American soil puts a smile on an immigrant's face; if not you, it has happened to your parents, grand or great grandparents. It's the exuberance you witness on a baby's face when she stands up for the first time, it is the exhilaration you see when a toddler eats the food on his own for the first time, or the relief written all over the face of a student when he or she graduates. Indeed, it is an expression of freedom I felt upon arrival in New York some thirty five years ago. My journey continues as I get ready to celebrate another July 4^th.

America is one of the most beautiful things that has happened to Muslims. As American Muslims we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in the U.S. constitution.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, pluralist, TV-Radio commentator and a human rights activist committed to building cohesive societies and offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His info is in 63 links at MikeGhouse.net -- Mike is also president of America Together Foundation.

Ghouse Weekly Bulletin #25 | Ramadan | Don't Mess with Quran | Rick Perry | Sharia | Father's day

Ghouse Bulletin # 25 | www.TheGhousediary.comSaturday, June 20, 2015

What does it take to change the perceptions about Muslims? Myths about us will not disappear by themselves, we have to take the initiative and make an effort to bring about the change. Nothing will happen by itself. 

What are your thoughts? Can you support such initiative? Please let us know.

I am pleased to share this week’s items,
please feel free to share and give the feedback.

1. Ramadan Mubarak
2. Father's Day

3. Situation in South Carolina

4. Sharia-ism

5. International Yoga day

6. Rick Perry and Muslims

7. Muslims for freedom of speech

8. Don't mess with Quran.

9. McKinney police brutality

0. Speech at Aligarh Muslim University

Thank you.

Mike Ghouse
(214) 325-1916

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1. Ramadan Mubarak

May this Ramadan be blessings to the Aalameen, Amen!  Since 2010, God has blessed me to visit a mosque a day for Iftaar, and Alhamdu Lillah I have visited every Mosque of every denominations in Dallas including Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The purpose of visiting different Mosque was to learn about each others' varied traditions - to respect the otherness of others as God has guided and get rid of the Takabbur in us. It was also to knock out the ignorance about others. You can read some of the articles about Ramadan - the spirit, rituals, politics and traditions of Ramadan on the left panel atwww.RamadanExclusive.com

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2. Father's Day

On father's day, I will be dutifully meditating for about half an hour to reflect on my father; Mohamed Abdul Rahman. I will perform special prayers to express my gratitude to him. He is one of my mentors, and an affectionate and caring father who opened many windows of knowledge for us. If you are one of the parents who teach your children to .....

Full story at: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/06/happy-fathers-day-tribute-to-my-father.html

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3. Situation in South Carolina

On June 18, 2015, a terrorist barged in to a Church in Charleston and killed 9 innocent people.  A place of worship is a universal sanctuary of peace and we must all be conditioned to believe and practice it. These acts of terror are perpetrated by individuals from every tradition; in no case the religion authorized them to do the harassment or killing.  The criminals are there in every region, religion and race. http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2015/06/south-carolina-massacre-terrorist-kills.html
 

Jon Stewart on South Carolina - he speaks justice for all. This video is worth watching, he has touched on the causes of ISIS and terrorism.  http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/06/no-jokes-jon-stewart-captures-the-depravity-of- charleston-massacre.html/
 

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4. Sharia-ism

There is indeed a genuine Sharia that God has given in Quran, but is not practiced by Muslims as they have created their own man made Sharia. For example - a man can shout the ugly word Talaq three times in one breath, or even text it to the wife, bringing an abrupt chaos and distress in a woman's life, women live in eternal fear and that practice is not coming from a just God or a Merciful  Prophet.  Ironically God's Sharia is followed by America and other democracies and not by Muslim Nations. The documentary is produced by Hasan Mahmud based on existing Sharia laws. If we get the funding we hope to dub it in Urdu, Pushtu or whatever languages we can make it as a part of education.  Video - http://hasanmahmud.com/index.php/movies/sharia-ism-movie

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5. International Yoga day

Yoga is best thing that has happened to humans. It is a good thing for human body; and it increases the cohesive functioning of mind, body and the soul. What messes our body is what we consume; food, water and air, and its regulator in the form of exercise.

The Indian Government has announced an International Yoga Day making it compulsory for everyone to observe. However, it should have been introduced as an option, giving complete freedom to choose, rather than making it compulsory.  When people are given choices, it will increase acceptability with least resistance; I mean any change for that matter, it goes thru the same process.

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6. Rick Perry and Muslims

Addison, Texas -- June 4, 2015 -- It takes guts, a lot of guts for a Presidential candidate to embrace Muslims from the word go! Perry has got that. Given the unabashed bigotry displayed by a number of Presidential candidates against Muslims, Rick Perry took the bold step in paving the way for inclusionary politics in the GOP, and of course Sean Hannity was there at the event and asked me if I supported Perry? The answer is in Full article at http://www.opednews.com/articles/Rick-Perry-embraces-Muslim-by-Mike-Ghouse-Anti-islam_Islamaphobia_Islamophobia_Rick-Perry-150613-757.html

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7. Muslims for freedom of speech

Freedom is a God given gift that we should cherish! God could have stopped Iblees from tempting Adam and Eve, he could have stopped Adam from consuming the forbidden fruit, and he could have saved Jesus to continue his mission. Moses did not have to speak up against Pharaoh; Muhammad (pbuh) did not have to endure persecution. God Almighty could have stopped everyone, but he did not, he gave us the freedom to choose how we (the people) deal with conflicts and restore harmony. Indeed Freedom of speech is a Muslim value and there is no compulsion in the matters of faith - full article at http://www.opednews.com/articles/Freedom-of-speech-is-an-Is-by-Mike-Ghouse-CIVILIZATION_Conviction_Fatwa_Freedom-Of-Speech-150616-29.html

 

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8. Messing with Quran

How wrong was I to believe that almost all Muslims were aware of the mis-translations of Quran. It came as a big surprise to me to know that there are Muslims `

Who innocently believe that everything they read "about" Quran is divine without ever questioning it. Please be aware that there are two translations of Quran that are not only wrong, but bad. They have attempted to mess with Quran, but failed.
http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2015/06/dont-mess-with-quran.html
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9. McKinney Police Brutality

It was good to have two Muslims present at the protest, and I was able to lead and moderate the protest in front of McKinney Police Head Quarters. To those men and women who are biased towards the others, please wake up, and don’t live in fear and pass that on to your children. Don’t mess with their future, and don’t make them unfits to live in a pluralistic society. Very soon, you will find people of different faiths, cultures, ethnicities, races, nationalities and social backgrounds working, eating, playing, marrying, and doing things together. Prepare them for it, rather than prison them in your own tiny silos. 

http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2015/06/police-brutality-in-mckinney-texas-is.html 

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0. Speech at Aligarh University

Vice Chancellor Zameeruddin Shah, Pro-VC Brig Syed Ahmad Ali and Dr. Shaz are committed to resuscitate the tradition of critical thinking at AMU, that Sir Syed Ahmed khan initiated. I was pleased to be a speaker, and included here is one of my 4 speeches. What buoyed me up was when Pro-VC acknowledge my talk about Akhira in his speech and expanded upon it.  

Here is the speech  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDMuE4bdYW4 

mike
Mike Ghouse, Speaker
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
........................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator on Pluralism, Islam,India, Israel-Palestine, Politics and other issues of the day. He is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon | He is producing a full feature film "Sacred" to be released on 9/11 and a documentary "Americans together" for a July 4 release.  He is a frequent guest commentator on Fox News and syndicated Talk Radio shows and a writer at major news papers including Dallas Morning News and Huffington Post. All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com - Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Mike Ghouse to speak at Aligarh Muslim University

PRESS RELEASE

Aligarh Muslim University has organized a two day International conference with the theme -“Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions”

The speakers from around the world will speak on a variety of subjects focused on the theme and Mike Ghouse with the World Muslim Congress, a think tank will be presenting a paper on “Does Islam need a Reform or we just need new interpreters? He will be participating in a few other panels, including “Can Muslims lead a conglomeration of faith communities?And is United Islam Possible?

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Mike Ghouse
Speaker Mike Ghouse

Mike Ghouse added, “I am pleased to see the efforts of Muslims in India, United States and elsewhere to hold these conferences and advance the idea of an inclusive world, where all of God’s creation is respected as members of one family. We all came from a single couple Adam and Eve, and were made into many communities and nations, as the Abrahimic religions put it, and the Dharmic traditions have its equivalent wisdom in Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum” meaning the whole world is one family.”

Ghouse defines pluralism in action as “if we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge to create a cohesive world, where no human has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.” Mike plans to release soon on YouTube a 45 Minutes video on Pluralism and Islam.

Mike has written over 2500 articles on Pluralism in religion, politics, society, work place and Islam. Readers can Google search “Pluralism speaker”, “Interfaith speaker” or “Muslim Speaker” for his articles. Dallas Morning News has published over 225 articles and Huffington post over 125 pieces with publication in myriad of other news and media outlets, including The Indian Panorama.

# # # 

India bans "India's daughters" a documentary about Rape. Shame on the leaderhsip

This documentary is about the shameless culture of rape and the courage of ordinary Indians to take a bold stand against it. The leadership thinks it is made to defame India and has banned the documentary. Those who are concerned about the honor of India, should defend the victims of rape rather than the rapists, and work on changing the ugly misogynistic culture than blaming and banning the documentary.

Shameful details at:

http://foundationforpluralism.blogspot.com/2015/03/indias-daughter-educational-documentary.html

Mike Ghouse

Happy Holi Celebrations

Holi is a Hindu festival of radiance and celebration of spring with colors that nourish one’s joyous moods and complements the function of respective elements in the atmosphere. The essence of Holi is liberation and breaking the barriers between adults and children, family members and friends, and the festivity opens up to each other. 

It is celebrated through out India, and in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, British Guyana, Suriname and other places.   

Although Holi is part of the Hindu tradition, most Indians participate in it, it presents unity of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians and of course, Jains, Zoroastrians, Baha’i, Jews, Buddhist and native traditions

Legend has it, that Lord Krishna is believed to have complained to his mother about his dark complexion while Radha's had a lighter skin. Krishna's mother decided to apply color to Radha's face (Reverse Make up?) The celebrations officially usher in spring, the celebrated season of love.

Several years ago, my son, daughter and I were drenched in Holi colors at the Hindu Temple festivities and were driving home. At a stop light, people in others cars on either side stared at us and looked scared and drove off screeching on the green light... the three of us laughed and looked at each other…  it dawned on us that we looked bloody, green, yellow and mellow.......colors in our hair, face and clothes…

Prasad's daughter, Prasad Thotakura | Jasmina, Mike and Jeff Ghouse

My kids thoroughly enjoyed throwing the colors in liquid and dust forms on me, they loved it. I would also call it friendship festival as it removes inhibitions
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The picture below reflects that sentiments - all colors coming together to create oneness, thus the phrase Vasudaiva Kutumbukum; the whole world is one family. Similar expressions are a staple in every faith.

Radiant Colors of Holi

Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna which usually falls in the later part of February or March.

Since 1993, I have been writing about every festival on the earth, have done a weekly Radio program called "Festivals of the world" and shared about each festival.  Make it simple enough that most people can get the essence of it. For Hindus there is lot more depth and meaning to it, but for the non-Hindus, this gives them an idea about the festival. It is a part of the Pluralism education, so we all can know each other and appreciate our own uniqueness. Each one of is a model of our own.

Happy Holi and please enjoy the songs;

From the movie Lagaan, Radha Kaisay na Jalay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwe7PwZqpLI

Another one that reflects unity -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NocV6jsegVY

Top ten Holi songs - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEkZddiPP7g&feature=related

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, and cohesive societies.www.ProfessionalSpeakerMikeGhouse.com and current articles atwww.TheGhousediary.com