Mansooruddin Faridi/ New Delhi

“I promise to make this institution a symbol of national unity and harmony; an exemplary institution that will project a bright image of Indian Muslims to the world; a center for interfaith dialogue in which all religions and castes will be represented. It will be about unity, not chaos. Everyone will be supported and everyone will be respected.”

Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a candidate for the presidential election of India Islamic Cultural Center (IICC), expressed his ambitions in a long interview with Awaz-The Voice. The election to the elite Club based in New Delhi is scheduled for August 11.

Dr. Majid Ahmed is a renowned cancer surgeon who has won many accolades for his professional work. Talikoti reiterated his commitment to the Islamic Center and said, “Spirit of service is in my blood; I will sprinkle the center with my blood.”

Dr. Talikoti has performed hundreds of surgeries. He shot into prominence with his decision to contest for the top position of the India Islamic Cultural Center.

Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti

Speaking of his vision for the institution, he said, “My first mission will be unity, let us work unitedly, we will fight against the differences of division, we will establish unity, we do not want us to clash on any one issue as it’s only with unity and consensus we can build our society.”

He said he believes in communication and harmony. “I would like to be with 4,000 members, not 2,000. My second mission will be that this institution becomes the identity of the nation. It should have a status in the world.”

Majid Ahmed is referring to the disqualification of some 2,000 members of the IICC for voting for non-payment of their dues which has reduced the size of the Electoral College for the elections and has angered many.

Dr. Majid Talikoti said that he would make an effort to make this institution a beacon of light for the youth. “I will guide the youth at the India Islamic Culture Center’ my team will also guide them with coaching or guidance in the civil services or becoming a doctor or an engineer. Even if someone wants to become a hero in films, he too will receive help.”

He says the center will even guide youth for launching the startups. “For me, education and health will be weapons (to bring about a change).”

He said the IICC will play the nodal place for holding interfaith dialogue in case of a drift in national unity and resolved ever inter-religious issues through negotiations.

Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti pointed out that vested interests were spreading rumours that he was a proxy candidate. “I want to tell them that I person who can run a 600-bed hospital, work at two hospitals in Delhi, he can easily manage the Islamic Center.”

Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti with his wife

He said he would propose constructing a separate block in the IICC building for the members and educational activities. It will have a library and coaching center for Youth and guidance programs will be launched. “For the empty nested members whose children live outside, a medical clinic will be opened at the IICC. Also, if we can find land and funds, I would like to build an Islamic Global Center.”

Dr. Majid Ahmad claims he would mainly stress bridging the differences among the IICC members through dialogue. “I believe in unity, if I win I will I would like to form an advisory committee to elicit views of other groups.”

He said that his purpose in participating in the election was to serve the people. ‘I have come to give something to the nation and not to take anything.”

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He said his life is an embodiment of service to humanity. “I have been in service of the public since 1955  Not only have I treated people for free, but also used for time and resources for social work and helping people.”