Filmmaker calls on Indians to follow Sir Syed’s ideals

Noted Indian filmmaker and social activist Mahesh Bhatt called on Muslims and minorities of India to “rekindle the philosophical fervor and teachings of great social reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.”
Bhatt flew into the Saudi capital Thursday to attend a high-profile function organized by India’s Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA).
There was an urgent need for Muslims to “retrospect” — to look at the teachings of great personalities of the past. Muslims are losing ground because they are not doing this, said Bhatt.
Bhatt, who has been actively involved in fighting for the rights of minorities in India, highlighted the plight and helplessness of weaker communities. The filmmaker said, “Education is the only tool to make the human race equal.” He was speaking during the Sir Syed Day celebrations here Thursday night. More than 700 AMU alumni including their families and friends joined the celebrations.
Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, a former Saudi diplomat, and Dr. Farhan Ahmad Nizami, director of the London-based Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, were the guests of honor.
Bhatt wrapped up his one-day visit to Riyadh Friday morning.
Bhatt has been involved in the making of 100 films as either director, producer or writer. The Sir Syed Day event was organized by a core group consisting of Mohammed Shamsuddin Shams, AMUOBA president; Dr. Mohammed Ahmad Badshah, vice president; Salman Khalid, general secretary; Amir Jamil, treasurer; and executive members S. M. Mutayyab, Arsalan Ahmad and Amir Subhani.
Bhatt also paid a courtesy call to Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao after a lunch meeting with a selected group of AMU alumni and friends in Marhaba Restaurant on Thursday afternoon. Paying rich tribute to Sir Syed, Bhatt stressed taking the path shown by the social reformer for the development of Muslims and society.
On the sidelines of the lunch meeting, Bhatt told Arab News: “I inherited a lot from my Muslim mother … from communal riots to insurgency, I have showcased my thoughts in my films and plays.”
“My latest play ‘Trial of Error’ focuses on how Muslim youths are being targeted in India,” said Bhatt, adding that many of them are being falsely implicated in cases of terror attacks and spend years fighting for justice.
“Sir Syed had a mission and that mission was to spread the light through education.” His mission and teachings are relevant today, he added. He said Sir Syed’s experiences in Oxford left an “indelible” mark on his mind. That led him to build this great university, said Bhatt. He also referred to the inspirational teachings of Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him).
He said that towering leaders like Sir Syed and Mahatma Gandhi had contributed a lot to the development of their compatriots. “The main duty of a free man is to make another man free,” said Bhatt, in reference to the injustices and wrongdoings that have crept into society.
Bhatt said “India has failed to provide fundamental education for all.” He called for greater effort from government agencies, non-governmental organizations and audience members. “Adopt one needy person and alter his life,” counseled the filmmaker.
In his speech, Al-Ghamdi called on the AMU alumni to set up a social and education trust in Saudi Arabia to promote social causes and help develop the university back home.
The former Saudi diplomat said he would support all initiatives to uplift Muslims and promote education. Al-Ghamdi has been writing about India in his columns.
In his brief speech, Nizami said he was happy to be present at the event. He is the founding director of the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies. In 2006, Nizami was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Islamic studies. He has also been awarded the Class IV Order of the Crown in Brunei.
Speaking on this occasion, Shams said, “The true spirit of Sir Syed is that Muslims should embark upon a path of introspection and work tirelessly to compete in all fields.” AMUOBA Vice President Dr. Mohammed Ahmad Badshah conducted the function, while Khalid gave a vote of thanks.
A trophy of appreciation was presented to Bhatt by Shams, while another trophy was presented to Al-Ghamdi.