Vinod Mehta steps out of Outlook

Atlast Vinod Mehta has stepped out of Outlook. He had been the moving spirit, face and symbol behind Outlook.

I like Vinod Mehta. He may be a drunkard. He may have a dog with him and call it 'Editor'. But still he fought against the fascists - Sangh Pariwar. He may have played soft hindutva occasionally. He may have sided with Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen. But still he was the one of those who pierced the Hindutva balloon. He may have sided with the congressis but still he gave the voice for the voiceless, however feeble it may be. He may have brought out dirty, pornographic content as sex specials and bollywood specials. But still he was the one who cracked the betting syndicate in Indian cricket. He may have witch hunted Azharuddin but still he was the one who gave space for Arundhati Roy.

I had been one of the vivid readers of Outlook for ten years. I have criticised him bitterly and he continued to publish my letters in his magazine. I may not miss him as I stopped reading Outlook since 2006 when I was assigned an important project. The project absorbed all of my time and I could not afford to read Outlook and other magazines. But still I used to read it online now and then and continued to watch Vinod Mehta's utterances in Times Now and NDTV. 

He could never be a role model. Nevertheless his boldness, brazenness are admirable. He would always be remembered as the brave journalist who fought tirelessly against the Modis, Advanis and Singhals. I had always dreamed of giving him an award for communal harmony. 

As they say every good thing comes to an end. Alvida Vinod!


More Here and Here and Here

Sheikh Sudais visits Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Headquarters

Shekh Sudais and his associates with Ameer-e-Jamaat Moulana Jalaluddin Umari, Moulana Iqbal Mullah and Janab H Abdur Raqeeb

The Foundation for Students’ Islamic Centre was laid by Dr. Shaykh Abdur Rehman Al Sudais, Imam, Masjid-e-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia at the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO)’s Headquarters.

Sheikh Sudais was greeted and welcomed ...by an overwhelming gathering of intellectuals, scholars, Ulemas, students and other dignitaries from across the country that gathered to witness the historic event. 

Foundation stone is being unveiled

Addressing the audience after laying the Foundation Stone, Sheikh Sudais expressing gratitude and joy said that SIO’s role is indeed of great importance in service of the Indian society. He further expressed that the student community is a vital source of development and progress of the world. He appreciated the activities of SIO and congratulated for ensuring the service of student community in the form of Students Islamic Centre. 

Sheikh addressing the students at SIO

A grand reception for the Sheikh in Jamaat Markaz

Muhammad Azharuddin, President – SIO introduced the organisation and welcomed His Excellency to the student gathering. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Mohd. Azharuddin, President – SIO; Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH); Abdul Aziz Swaleh, Secretary – Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Prof. Siddique Hasan, Vice-President, JIH; Moulana Muhammad Jaffer, Vice-President, JIH; P.M. Salih, Secretary General – SIO; Shaukat Ali, Secretary – SIO, Sharique Ansar, Secretary – SIO; Shaikh Shoaib, Secretary – SIO and other invitees.

From a report in SIO website. More Here 

I am very happy with the work of SIO

The imam commended the Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), which is building the center, for its efforts in spreading the message and culture of Islam among the student community. The SIO has branches in most Indian states as well as in GCC countries.

“I am very happy to learn that the SIO is playing an important role in the Indian society,” the imam said. “The student community is a vital source of development and progress for any country,” he said. He wished every success for the student center project.

Earlier, SIO President Muhammad Azharuddin welcomed the imam and introduced his organization. “We are greatly honored to have Your Excellency to launch this Islamic center project,” he said.

The SIO works for preparing students and youth for the reconstruction of society in the light of divine guidance, Azharuddin said. “The SIO believes that the real function of education should be to impart genuine knowledge about life, existence and future,” he added.

The ceremony at the SIO headquarters was attended by President of Indian Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Jalaluddin Umari, the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ Abdul Aziz Swaleh, Jamaat vice presidents Siddique Hassan and Muhammad Jaafar, SIO’s secretary-general P.M. Saleh and other dignitaries.

The imam emphasized the importance of inculcating the values professed by the sahaba (the Prophet’s companions) in the daily lives of Muslims. He urged parents to bring up their children on these values. “A special TV channel should be set up to ensure that people get to know about the noble lives of the sahaba and their values and messages,” the imam said.

A report in Arab News. More Here