Pune

The recently launched 'Center for Renaissance'  at Herle in Kohlapur, Maharashtra is working to generate awareness about education, women empowerment, research, development, transformation, religious thought therapy, and health which are the main sources of progress in society.

The building of the Center for Renaissance was inaugurated recently. Hundreds of Muslim activists of the center attended the inaugural ceremony. The non-Muslim social activists are also part of the initiative.

This social laboratory has been set up on the initiative of the Muslim community and with the special contribution of other activists in the community.

On the occasion, an impromptu meeting of men and women working in various fields, as individuals, in various parties, movements, and institutions was held.

The occasion saw activists of all religions pledging to work for the progress of society and come together under one roof.  The participation of a good number of Muslim women in the inaugural function and brainstorming was significant. 

Soon after this inauguration, two groups of activists from across Maharashtra were formed. One group brainstormed on the possibilities of bringing about a change in society through political intervention, and the other group discussed the non-political aspects of bringing about social change.

Both groups presented their conclusions on steps that must be taken by the organization to uplift the Muslim community and the development of Maharashtra.

Social activists discussing way forward at the Center for Renaissance'  at Herle in Kohlapur

At the same time, Muslim and non-Muslim communities presented their views on various issues such as economic, social, educational, political, religious, and cultural. 

Talking about the concept behind setting up the organization, Humayun Mursal, the executive president of the organization 'Hindi Hain Hum... Hindustan Hamara', said, "The Center for Renaissance was established in 2016. It is a part of a social movement. Today, many people are striving for social change. To contribute to that, we decided to contribute to the field of education through the organization. Through the same, we decided to set up a research center for Research and Development."

He further says, “We felt the need to conduct research, experiments, or training on certain subjects in this institution. On the other hand, since the Muslim community was our target, we felt the issue of their education and backwardness was important. Therefore, establishing this institution was very important.”

Humayun Mursal said, “For us, education is not just about going to schools, reading books, and taking exams. Education is life; social values, skills, and humanity also come from it. The role of an individual in building a society is important. So, for that, it is necessary to make a good person.

“Our organization will also work on pushing this social system forward by avoiding violence and war. We will achieve this work through education. Today's education system is limited to competition and meritocracy. Therefore, we decided to create an education system that builds people as an alternative to the formal education system.” 

Model of the fully developed Center For Renaissance at Herle, Kohlapur, Maharashtra

About the training provided at the Center for Renaissance, Humayun said, “We will focus on how the institute will make difficult subjects like science and mathematics easier and make their basic knowledge reach the students. In line with the changing education system, we have also created a digital studio here. On the other hand, we will pay special attention to how emotional balance will be maintained among the students and how other skills will be developed. This will be a step towards establishing a new society by going beyond caste and religion while living in society as a human being.” 

He further says, “In a sentence, the ‘Center for Renaissance’ is a laboratory for social change. It is also a center for alternative education systems. Many changes are going to happen there over time. There will be different branches of science and mathematics. We are thinking of creating a separate division for the media sector. Since this is just the beginning, we will work on major issues such as education, health, women empowerment, environment, and agriculture at the primary level. We want our organization to become a center that connects social change movements in Maharashtra, rather than being limited to the local level.”

Speaking on this occasion, Sampat Desai of the organization Hindi Hain Hum, Hindustan Hamara says, “Today, the Muslim community faces the most problems in society. Therefore, it is important to work on their issues. Since this organization is working on the problems of Muslims in a haphazard manner, this is not a building but an idea. This idea is to take all of us forward together.”

He further says, “Today, there is a need to improve the distorted definition of social work in Maharashtra. Through this organization, the true values of social work will be explained to the youth who are building society. Although the Muslim community has taken the initiative in setting up this organization, all communities have contributed to laying its foundation.”  

Satish Londhe, a social activist said on the occasion, “The organization has accepted the great responsibility of taking the lead in this ideological struggle. It seeks to create its existence at the ideological, social, cultural, and political levels.”

This organization is not only working on education but also on creating activists for social change.

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Humayun says, “A positive change in society starts from an idea. In due process, this process creates social activists, the selfless harbingers of change. We have brought together activists ere and through this organization, we will create more. It is a step towards creating a tolerant and sensitive society.”