Houstonian Corner (V11-I43)

Millions of Rupees Welfare Funds Lapse in India Every Year: AFMI needs to Become More Pro-Active in this: Justice M. S. A. Siddiqui at AFMI-Houston Annual Dinner

Every year coinciding with the USA National Convention of the philanthropic charity organization the “American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI)”, annual dinners are organized by various local chapter of AFMI.

This year AFMI-Houston did an excellent Ramadan Iftar-&-Dinner Party in Royal Center, where more than 300 persons in attendance. AFMI Houston also took the initiative and organized this last Friday October 09, 2009 the Annual Dinner of AFMI-Houston right after the 19th Annual Convention of AFMI held at West Lake, Ohio. This event at the Westin Oaks Galleria Hotel was co-sponsored by the Islamic Medical Association (IMA).

In attendance were the Keynote Speaker Honorable Justice M. S. A. Siddiqui, Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions in India; Honorable Sanjiv Arora, Consul General of India in Houston; Honorable M. J. Khan, City of Houston Councilman; Shaukat Khan, President AFMI National; Dr. Syed Azeemuddin, V.P. AFMI from Houston; Intesar Ahmed, Trustee AFMI & Editor Muslim Observer; Naseer Alam; Ayaz Quadri; and several prominent AFMI, IMA & Houston Community Members.

Honorable Sanjiv Arora admired the earnest work of AFMI in the field of education, especially in the light of goals set by Millennium Development Program for Education across the world particularly as determined by the Government of India for the Year 2015. “We have not yet got those goals materialized and the continuous hard work and dedication of AFMI in the field of education is much needed for India to achieve the vision. I want to have a most purposeful dialogue with the Office Bearers of AFMI to more the things forward,” added Mr. Arora.

“Our Christian Brethren have taken full benefits of the welfare schemes in India. In the field of education, HRD website of Government of India provides all the information about social sector programs, like health, education, literacy and high school learning. There is need for AFMI to tap into these and other resources and I can guide you all. Sadly every year about 14,000 Crore of Rupees lapse, since no one utilizes those resources,” informed Honorable Justice M. S. A. Siddiqui. He also cited the historical facts, which have resulted in the Muslims to be behind in various fields and asked for the need to have positive approach in resolving issues of Muslims and other minorities in India. “I have found everybody is willing to help, including BJP and RSS, who have invited me as Chief Guests at their events and have promised to assist in the educational programs of Muslims, by donating books, uniforms and other services.”

Intesar Ahmed made a slide presentation of philanthropic activities of AFMI in the fields of education, social uplift and disaster management in India. In their presentations, Shaukat Khan and Dr. Syed Azeemuddin encouraged everyone to participate with munificent donations in the educational programs of AFMI. Honorable M. J. Khan lauded the selfless work of AFMI. Program ended with Comedy Poetry by Ayaz Quadri and Malik Saeedi Sahab.

For more information on AFMI projects and activities, one can call: Shaukat Khan: 832-867-2522; Dr. Syed Azeemuddin: 281-561-9191; Intesar Ahmed: 713-933-5859; and Ayaz Quadri: 832-541-5678.

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