Samastha Centenary Conference Culminates in Massive Gathering with Unity Call
The historic centenary conference of Samastha, a prominent Sunni Muslim organization in Kerala, reached its grand finale with a valedictory session on Sunday evening. The event, held at Kuniya in Kasaragod, witnessed an enormous turnout, with lakhs of people gathering to mark this significant milestone. The atmosphere was charged with a powerful message of unity and reconciliation, setting the stage for a potential transformation within the community.
Formal Decision for Sunni Unity Announced
In a pivotal presidential address, Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal revealed that the organization's mushawara meeting on February 4 had formally resolved to pursue Sunni unity. This move is seen as a crucial step towards healing long-standing divisions within Kerala's Sunni community, which has been split between two major factions: the EK group led by Jifri Thangal and the AP faction led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar. Thangal extended an olive branch, urging all organizations that had previously split from Samastha to return to its fold, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the face of contemporary challenges.
Expansion Plans and National-Level Initiatives
Beyond the unity call, Samastha announced ambitious plans to expand its influence beyond Kerala's borders. Thangal declared that the organization has decided to extend its activities at the national level, with plans to constitute committees in various states across India. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen the Sunni voice on a broader platform and address issues affecting the community nationwide, reflecting a proactive approach to organizational growth and outreach.
Chief Minister's Address on Communalism and Secularism
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan graced the occasion with a stirring speech, calling for united resistance against communalism and the ideology of a theocratic state. He praised Samastha's stance that communalism can only be countered by aligning with secular forces, noting that one form of communalism cannot serve as a remedy for another. Vijayan highlighted the relevance of this position in today's social environment, where the country faces a political crisis with attempts to undermine its multi-religious character and diverse cultural heritage.
Addressing specific concerns, the Chief Minister referenced the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He firmly stated that Kerala would not support any move that makes religion a criterion for citizenship, reiterating the state government's commitment to ensuring no one is jailed in the name of citizenship. Vijayan also emphasized the seriousness of attempts to exclude people from voter lists, urging vigilance and collective action to protect democratic rights.
Key Resolutions and Demands from the Conference
Through a series of resolutions adopted during the conference, Samastha put forth several demands aimed at improving the socio-religious conditions for the community. One significant resolution called for the government to grant at least three days of official holiday for Eid celebrations, specifically for both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. This demand underscores the importance of religious observances and seeks to facilitate fuller participation in these festive occasions.
Additionally, the organization demanded that examination schedules be fixed in a manner that does not obstruct Friday prayers, recognizing the centrality of weekly congregational prayers in Islamic practice. Samastha further advocated for social and community considerations to be taken into account while preparing the public education calendar, promoting a more inclusive approach to academic planning.
Dignitaries and International Presence
The valedictory meeting was inaugurated by Salama Gomaa Dawood, the rector of Al Azhar University in Egypt, adding an international dimension to the event. The gathering also saw the presence of notable political figures, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar and Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan. IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal and several religious scholars from other countries attended, highlighting the widespread interest and support for Samastha's centenary celebrations and its messages of unity and reform.
