Muslim Rashtriya Manch Celebrates 24 Years; Reaffirms ‘Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan’ At Grand Chennai Gathering

The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) marked twenty-four years of its journey of national service, social harmony and community engagement with a grand celebration at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Egmore, Chennai.

Organised under the inspiring theme ‘Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan’, the event brought together prominent leaders, scholars, intellectuals, social workers, youth representatives and delegates from across South India to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, constitutional values and the shared vision of a developed and prosperous India.

Since its establishment in 2002 under the guidance of Dr Indresh Kumar, Margadarshak of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, the organisation has evolved into a significant national platform dedicated to strengthening social harmony, promoting constructive dialogue and encouraging greater participation in nation-building activities.

The organisation formally launched on December 24, 2002, at the residence of journalist Muzaffer Hussain, shortly after the Gujarat riots, with the mission of fostering dialogue between communities and building bridges of trust.

Throughout the past twenty-four years, MRM has consistently worked to foster national integration, strengthen interfaith understanding, preserve India’s composite culture and encourage the active participation of people from all sections of society in the country’s progress.

The organisation’s activities are guided by three fundamental principles—Ta’leem (Education), Taraqqi (Progress and Upliftment), and Tahzeeb (Good Conduct, Values and Civility)—which form the foundation for building an empowered and harmonious society.

Key Dignitaries

Dr Indresh Kumar, Margadarshak of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch and a senior member of the RSS National Executive, attended the event as the Chief Guest.

The Guests of Honour included Prof Dr Shahid Akhtar, Officiating Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Government of India; Shri Vijay Shankar Mishra, National Vice President of Himalaya Pariwar; Shri Mithilesh Kumar Katheriya, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti, renowned oncology surgeon and National Convener of MRM; Mr Ilyas Ahmed, National Convener and South India In-Charge of MRM; and Mr Ahmed Malik Wadayar, Programme Convener.

The gathering also marked the formal installation of Mr Ahmed Malik Wadayar as Chief Convener and In-Charge of Tamil Nadu, signifying a new phase in the organisation’s efforts to strengthen its outreach across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Indresh Kumar emphasised that India has shown the world for thousands of years that unity, harmony and coexistence are among the highest expressions of civilisation.

“The philosophy of ‘Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan’ reflects this eternal truth. Irrespective of religion, language, region or social background, we are all connected by our common identity as Indians and by our shared commitment to the progress of our nation,” he said.

Dr Indresh Kumar further observed that the vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be realised merely through economic progress; it must also be built upon the foundations of social harmony, cultural pride, constitutional values and national unity.

Key Addresses

Prof Dr Shahid Akhtar, in his address, stressed that the idea of ‘Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan’ is deeply rooted in the spirit of the Constitution and in the civilisational values that have guided India for centuries.

“Our diversity of faiths, languages, traditions and cultures is not a source of division; rather, it is the very foundation of our collective strength. India has always demonstrated that unity and diversity can flourish together,” he said.

Dr Akhtar, who holds a PhD in Commerce and Business Management and has served as Chairman of the Jharkhand State Minorities Commission and Vice Chairman of NCPUL, also highlighted the importance of education in nation-building. He revealed that the NCMEI has granted minority status to 1,170 institutions in Tamil Nadu, with nearly 900 belonging to the Christian community and around 200 to the Muslim community.

Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti, the renowned cancer surgeon from Karnataka and National Convener of MRM, spoke passionately about the shared humanity that binds all Indians.

“We all look alike. We are all human. May belong to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry or Telangana—we are all Indians. Our devotion, our faith, our trust and our love are for only Mother India. United we stand, divided we fall,” he further declared.

Shri Mithilesh Kumar Katheriya, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), urged the community to reject divisive narratives and embrace the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” He recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation came together regardless of religion, with vaccines and medicines reaching every citizen equally.

Future Roadmap

The Jan Sabha concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding MRM’s presence across Tamil Nadu and South India while continuing its focus on education, community welfare, constructive dialogue and national unity.

Speakers encouraged greater awareness of various welfare initiatives available through the Minority Welfare Department and other government programmes, urging community members to benefit from the opportunities available to them.

Newly appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Convener Mr Ahmed Malik Wadayar recounted his journey from becoming orphaned at the age of 15 to building a successful career as an entrepreneur. He urged young people to dream big and work hard.

“Every youth can win. We can be winners. Abdul Kalam Ji said we must first dream, then plan and finally achieve. This is why I am here—not to make money, but to work for my country and my community,” he said.

The programme also witnessed the participation of Bishop Michael Peter, who has served in evangelical and church pastoral Ministry for 24 years and travelled to more than 34 countries. He spoke on the importance of unity, harmony and peace, emphasising that ‘diversity should become our strength, not our weakness’.

As the event drew to a close, the gathering took a collective pledge to educate at least one child from an underprivileged family, mentor two young students in career guidance, organise one interfaith service activity every quarter, and reject all forms of extremism, separatism and hate.

The message resounded loud and clear:

Na sirf Musalman, na sirf Hindu, hum sab Hindustani hain.