I
t is a sad fact that India’s history has included significant tension and violence between Hindus and Muslims, but it is the position of the Indian Muslims Association of Greater Houston (IMAGH) that peaceful coexistence and cooperation has also been an important part of our history, and we are working to foster that spirit in Houston and abroad. That’s why our group has unanimously decided to rise above divisive politics and become a Welcome Partner for the community reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in solidarity with other Indian American organizations. “The mission of IMAGH is to foster unity across cultures, communities, and religion. We can only work toward this goal by engaging with all groups. We may not agree with their beliefs, practices, or ideas, but unless we interact with them in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, we cannot get our point of view across to them,” said Dr. Maqbool Haq, Chairman of the IMAGH Board of Directors. When asked why IMAGH is participating in the welcoming event at NRG Stadium rather than joining possible protests of the event, Dr. Haq said, “We feel we should try to have a seat at the table to present our views
rather than not be at the table.” Latafath Hussain, founding president of IMAGH, said “I am very proud to be both an Indian and a Muslim. Growing up in Varanasi (Modiji’s constituency), I always felt that I had the same opportunities as everyone else. So when the duly elected leader of mother India comes visiting my adopted hometown, it is my duty to give him a warm welcome.” In a major outreach effort to bridge the Indian communities in Houston and beyond, three months ago IMAGH invited Ramesh Bhutada, a leading businessman and the vice president of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) to be the chief guest at the organization’s signature event to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, opening a new door for Hindu-Muslim cooperation. Bhutada was forthcoming in his speech and received a standing ovation by the more than 500 people at the event. He introduced himself as vice president of HSS, an independent U.S. organization that takes inspiration from India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and declared: “The RSS and the HSS would like communal harmony and unity amongst all religions.” He quoted RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as telling an interview-
We, in Houston, are proud to have a united happy community that respects interfaith customs and traditions by participating and celebrating Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and Baisakhi.” - COL. RAJ BHALLA, EVENT CHAIR OF THE EID MILAN PARTY IN 2010.
We all have historical baggage - let’s acknowledge that but we cannot look backward. We have to look forward, and that is the only way we can lead a peaceful life in this world.” er in Houston that, “India’s development cannot be complete without the development and progress of the minorities.” Bhutada said: “We all have historical baggage — let’s acknowledge that — but we cannot look backward. We have to look forward, and that is the only way we can lead a peaceful life in this world.” India’s present Consul General in Houston, Dr. Anupam Ray, has also helped promote cooperation by hosting an Iftar party in the fasting month of Ramadan for the past four years where people professing different faiths and nationalities were invited to break the fast with Muslims at the end of the day. This close cooperation between Hindu and Muslim organizations in Houston dates back to September 2010 when India Culture Center decided to host an Eid Milan party in collaboration with Indian Muslim groups.
TEXAS INDIA FORUM
57