AMU - Aligarh Muslim University Conference Summary report

Summary: The Aligarh Muslim University held a conference, "First high profile conference. Intellectual crisis of the Muslim Ummah; Rethinking traditions solutions" on April 6 and 7th this year.

Conference pictures http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/

I believe,  AMU was looking for critical thinkers who can challenge the prevailing practices and take the Ummah forward to live the God given life on this earth to the fullest without compromising it for the Akhira (hereafter), which is a natural consequence of the good we do here.   Sir Syed Ahmed took dauntless steps to establish the institution despite the opposition and hurdles, his vision was bold at that time, and it is perhaps the first "Muslim" university in the world where Muslims were taught subjects other than memorizing Quran and Hadiths. 

We have got to thank Sir Syed for that vision and thank the VC General Shah, Pro-VC Brig Ali and professor Shaz for having the courage to resuscitate that vision and bring critical thinking to AMU. We have admire the staff and volunteers who supported them without any reserve. I pray that AMU will become one of the high profile Muslim Universities and I hope you as a Muslim, would also wish it to go further. I am not an Alumni of AMU, but my spirit has been with AMU since I learned about Sir Syed in my school days. Now, I feel that I belong to the Alumni of AMU without taking away anyone's assets. 

I have started writing about different aspects of the AMU conference where I was involved. Insha Allah, I will complete that in the next few weeks.

1. Plenary Session - The Muslim puzzle of misplaced focus on Aakhira while ignoring the Hazira - I spoke about the need to refocus on Hazira instead of dying for Akhira. We cannot cheat on the God given Amana of life. We have to live this life to the full and not sacrifice an ounce of it for Aakhira, which is a consequence of Hazira. This is a major flaw in our thinking and we need to invest our time in learning about it and change the future of Muslim Ummah. Thanks to Pro VC Ahmed Ali Sahib, who acknowledged on the thought and expanded further. I will be writing the full outline of my speech.
2. Chaired the panel on "Islamic perspective for the future" - notes will be added soon.
   
3. Panel speaker on "Who speaks for Islam today" - Can Muslims lead the world?
   
4. Chaired the panel on "Gender Issues and Gender Pluralism"  -http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/05/dignity-of-women-in-islam-conference-at.html
   
5. Valedictory Session -  I spoke about "the power of engagement" with the civic society to change things for common good, and I have three of the attendees ready to take on Subramanian Swami, Taslima Nasreen and their likes - to get them engaged in discussion and let them silence themselves as I have done with many here in the United States. I will add the notes soon.
   
6. General Notes -http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html
   
7. Summary remarks -http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/back-to-dallas-from-conference-at.html
   
8. Official Conference pictures: http://futureislam.com/conference/2015/ 
   
9. Personal pictures:https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157651704661377/

Thank you
Mike Ghouse,
World Muslim Congress
Dallas | Washington
(214) 325-1916 text/talk
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Mike Ghouse is a public speaker, thinker, writer and a commentator onPluralism, 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.

Back to Dallas from a conference in Aligarh India

I am back in town now.

Briefly

1. I spoke in the plenary as well as the closing session at Aligarh Muslim University's conference on, "Intellectual Crises of the Muslim Ummah: Rethinking Traditional Solutions" between April 6-7, 2015. It was good to chair two panels and make presentations. Count on AMU to be in the forefront of necessary reforms in creating cohesive societies.

My talk on "Engagement with Civil society" and focusing on "the present rather than hereafter (Akhira)" went very well. More at: http://www.worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2015/04/congratulations-to-aligarh-muslim.html

AMU They had several bill boards in town and on the campus... it was a humbling experience to see them include me among the top scholars. 

2. Met with General Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice-Chancellor of AMU and was pleased to see his commitment and vision. He is determined to resuscitate Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's Vision. I am sure, he and the Pro-VC Dr. Ali will make AMU, one of the top ten universities in India, and the Islamic world.

3. AMU is offering bridge courses to students out of Madrasas and getting them to see the larger world of Aalameen and presenting the inclusive Islam rather than a narrow version of it. 

4. Gave a talk at Asim Siddqui Memorial college in Badaun with the greetings from Bahai to Zoroastrian and every one - spoke about the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbukum in dharmic and abrahamic traditions. If you visit UP, I would suggest you to visit this college, what an inspiration to see an India in making.  

5. Met with Girish Karnad (no introduction is needed) and talked to him about appearing on a Cameo role in the film "sacred"  we are making, he is interested in it for its message and the reform it brings. No commitment yet. 

6. We hope to make a documentary on Tippu Sultan, the secular ruler of an Indian State. I met with several researchers, prominent among them is Dr. Range Gowda (not related to Deve Gowda). He has written two books on Tipu Sultan  and has solid documentation on his credentials.

 Girish Karnad is also interested in it, and he has written plays about it and wrote the book "The Dreams of Tipu Sultan" The book takes you back to that era as the fall of Mysore took place.

 It is such a joy to hear so many positive things from fellow Indians and Kannadigas, not only they are writing but actively seeking a prominent place for Tippu. Several years ago, Bangalore was ready to install statutes of Tippu Sultan, the Muslim community opposed it, what a shame - to deny our own history and contribution through symbols.

Dr. Shakeel Samdani of AMU is also working on keeping Tipu Sultan's contribution alive and has gotten a designation to house Tipu Library at AMU. He needs all the support he can.   

7. Held several mini discussion groups at AMU, I have come out very optimistic about India and Indian Muslim's efforts to make a better India. 

8. Spoke with the Human rights group and talked about my upcoming book about human rights.

9. Indians in India are far more pluralistic than some of the Indians in America.

10. I hope to work with a few scholars from AMU in taking on the role of civic engagement and dialogue with the likes of Subrmanian Swamy, Taslima Nasreen and others who throw things at every one. It is time for all of us to focus on India's development rather than endless bickering. 

11. Spoke at the NRI Film producers and actors guild in New York, a new organization with aa growing membership. Thanks to Professor Saluja.

12. Spoke at a Desi interfaith group in NY at Kwality Restaurant, amazing food and great discussion, again thanks to Professor. Saluja.

Thank you
............................................................................................................................... 
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.