Houstonian Corner V10-I26

ISNA Convention

“After systematic planning of months, we are ready to launch the most intriguing four tracks ISNA Regional Convention for the first time in Houston to be held at Westin Galleria Hotel: It will provide tools for both personal inspirational and community institutional development: There will be something for everyone, starting Friday 12-Noon on July 04 till about 3PM. Sunday July 06. On Saturday night, there will be Gala Dinner with Mayor of Houston Bill White as Chief Guest: Admission to the dinner is by $50 ticket only and there are limited tickets for which anyone can call Dr. Tarek Hussein at : 832-794-3516: Visit www.isna.net to register and know all the relevant details”: These were the words of Dr. Moein Butt, as he addressed the special meeting called for the Convention by City of Houston Councilman M. J. Khan. Program started with exceptional recitation of Quran by Sheikh Mustafa of the Turkish Community.

On this occasion, Ms. Deanea LeFlore and Sara McPhillips from the Houston International Protocol Alliance and Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau respectively were present. They explained how they will assist in maintaining various protocols that are necessary for a Convention of this scale and how their Special Houston Booth during the Convention will provide necessary information about the various nice places of the city for the Convention attendees to visit.

The Theme of the Convention is: “Muslims in the Public Square” (details at www.isna.net) This aspect will be covered in four tracks. There will be an extensive Bazaar carrying various Muslims’ merchandizes like clothing, literature, food, etc. There will also be a special Biz Expo for corporations and companies not selling merchandize, but offering various services, like hospitals, clinics, colleges, universities, etc. That will provide excellent information to the public about various services available around us, plus give chance for networking among the various businesses. Excellent Halal Food of various countries will be on sale.

Ram Vilas Paswan

Ram Vilas Paswan, the Honorable Union Cabinet Minister of India for Chemicals, Fertilizers & Steel, and a persistent fighter for the rights of downtrodden in India will be here in late June 2008 in Houston, one of the most culturally diverse cities of USA.

A Dalit Indian politician from Bihar, Mr. Paswan currently leads the Lok Janshakti Party which he founded in 2000,  and he is a member of the Indian Parliament from Hajipur, Bihar. He came to prominence in October 1984, after the assassination of Indian PM Indira Gandhi, when anti-Sikh riots erupted in the capital Delhi.

As a frenzied mob attacked a Sikh taxi stand near his home, this courageous man came to their rescue and gave shelter to many Sikhs in his house, without caring for his own life.  The taxi-stand was partly burnt, but his actions saved many lives.

In 2002, Paswan resigned from his position of Union Minister for Coal & Mines in protest of the failure of the BJP-led government to end the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.

Paswan belongs to the Dalit community in India. The Dalits in India have been traditionally treated as pariahs in South Asian society. There are an estimated 160 million Dalits in India.

Paswan will be here in Houston on Sunday, June 29th between 6PM and 9PM at the Crown Plaza Hotel at 8686 Kirby Drive (610 Loop &+@ Kirby Drive).

AFMI Houston is pleased to be his host and urges all Houstonians to attend the dinner with Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan. Attendance is by invitation only.

For more information, please call AFMI Pres. elect Shaukat Khan, 832-867-2522, Gaffar Vadgama, Regional VP, Houston Chapter,832-964-4223, Nassir Alam-713-417-1556, Shahid Bilal -713-459-4846,  Faiyaz Khan – 832-729-7922.

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