New Delhi
The dargah of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi witnessed a confluence of religions and faiths on Dhanteras, a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Dhanavantari, who was the physician of demigods (devta) and the founder of Ayurveda, the indigenous healthcare system of India. The day also herald the beginning of the 5-day festival of light - Diwali.
On the occasion, a special program of prayers was organized at the most visited dargah in the capital by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch. The MRM spokesperson said, "The program's purpose was to promote brotherhood and harmony in society."
People from different religions and communities gathered in this grand ceremony and celebrated the unique cultural fabric of India.
Addressing the gathering, Indresh Kumar, RSS leader and patron of MRM said, "Kashmir is called the paradise on earth. We have to maintain it and make the whole of India the world's paradise."
He said India's cultural diversity is unique and "an example of unity and integrity for the world."
Indresh Kumar and others offering prayers at the grave of Hazrat Nizamuddin
Quoting Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam, Kumar said no religion is greater than humanity. He expressed his concern over the distortions and divisive elements prevalent in society and appealed to all the people to unite and bring positive changes in society.
Indresh Kumar especially emphasized the empowerment of Muslim women. He prayed that the daughters, sisters, and daughters-in-law of the Muslim society should not become victims of any kind of unjust traditions.
Expressing his displeasure over practices like triple talaq, he said that the rights of Muslim women must be protected and they be provided equal opportunities.
Emphasizing the need to end casteism, untouchability, and discrimination, he said, "The progress of any society is possible only when everyone gets equal rights and opportunities in it."
Indresh Kumar called for goodwill and co-existence in Indian society.He also expressed concern over the issue of increasing pollution in Delhi and NCR region.
People of all faiths praying at the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin
Urging everyone to use firecrackers in a restrained manner during festivals like Dhanteras and Deepawali, he said that celebrating festivals is a part of our happiness, but we should also take care of the safety of our environment.
Indresh Kumar also spoke of the need for reforms in Waqf properties. He alleged that corruption is rampant in the Waqf Board. Many Waqf properties are being illegally occupied. He appealed to the Muslim community to unite and take steps for the protection and development of their properties.
People of all religions prayed together, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and cooperation in society. Calling for promoting unity and integrity in Indian society, Indresh Kumar clarified that India's cultural diversity is its biggest strength.
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Many leaders and activists of Muslim Rashtriya Manch were present in this program. They included Mohammad Afzal, Girish Juyal, Raza Hussain Rizvi, Abu Bakar Naqvi, Shalini Ali, Shahid Saeed, Hafiz Sabreen, Imran Chaudhary, Tahir Hussain, Keshav Patel and Shakir Ali.