Author Mujtaba Syed Calls For A Democratic Response To The Challenges Faced By The Indian Muslims

By Humaira Jawed, New Age Islam 13 August 2025 Eminent author Dr. Syed Ali Mujtaba calls for a democratic response to the challenges faced by the 21 crore or 15 percent Muslims in India. He was speaking at his latest book release event at ICCR Library, Kolkata, on August 08, 2025, titled "Indian Muslims' Tryst with Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities." The author suggested that the future generation of Muslims can thrive with dignity in India only by adopting a four-pronged strategy. First, understand their strength and weaknesses in the game of numbers in an electoral democracy. Then form a winning combination to outflank their opponents through numerical asthmatics or a game of numbers. Second, it is to gain political empowerment by increasing their numbers in the Panchayats, up to the state legislatures, and at the national Parliament. Third, build meritocracy in education to qualify for the competitive exams and get government jobs, and become part of the administrative structure of India. Fourth, Muslims should recalibrate their strategies through grassroots engagement, forming self-help groups, microfinancing, and community networking to achieve the broader goal of their advancement in the Indian social structure. The event commenced with a formal opening ceremony, featuring Jawhar Sircar (IAS) and public intellectual, Saira Shah Halim, the dynamic social activist of Kolkata, Professor Maidul Islam, an erudite intellectual at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata, and Dr Abdul Matin of the Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University. Philanthropist Doctor Fuad Halim and social leader Imran Zaki were other figures present at the event. Jawhar Sircar (IAS), in his keynote address, gave some insights into the challenges faced by the Muslim community. He highlighted the pitiable state of Muslims across India, attributing their stagnation primarily to a lack of education and, absence of effective community leadership as a critical factor hindering their progress. “Muslims must not allow themselves to be used as Vote Banks and must boldly join the democratic, secular forces who are fighting to restore the plural character of India, Sircar said in his address to the intellectuals gathered there. “The book attempts to revisit the issues confronting Indian Muslims and suggests a roadmap on how Muslims should navigate the path of democracy in contemporary India,” said the distinguished public figure praising the book. Prof. Maidul Islam of CSDS noted that Muslims are democratically conscious due to their vulnerability, yet face significant barriers, particularly the lack of progressive leadership, as a root cause of their issues. Prof. Abdul Matin of Jadavpur University stressed the need to strengthen the public education system, noting a change in the nature and quality of education as a pressing concern of the community. Social worker Saira Shah Halim delivered an enriching speech, providing deep insights into the topic, captivating the audience with her perspective. Imran Zaki and Manzar Jameel also contributed valuable points during the book discussion. In independent India, Indian Muslims’ tryst with democracy continues. The book meticulously details its entire vicissitude. It delves deep into the Muslims’ struggle to cope with the democratic challenges and prepare a democratic response within the constitutional framework of India, resounded the panelist during the book discussion. The book delves into the evolving dynamics of Muslim identity in the context of their slipping political power and responds to the democratic form of governance in India. The book scrutinizes the Muslims’ push for a democratic response by deeply analyzing the outcome and effectiveness of the Muslims’ strategies The author provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges faced by Muslims and provides strategies to tackle them within the democratic framework of India. Overall, it was a heartfelt and thought-provoking session. The event underscored the importance of education, leadership, and fair political representation in addressing these issues. The book discussion fostered a meaningful dialogue on the socio-political challenges faced by Indian Muslims and the opportunities for advancement. This book is a significant contribution to understanding the complex socio-political landscape of Indian Muslims. It is a must-buy for all those who want to know the problems faced by the Muslim community and what could be their plausible solutions. You can order a copy from Atlantic Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd 7/22, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi – 110002. Email- aparna@atlanticbooks.com - Phone: 011-40775252 Website: www.atlanticbooks.com ----- Humaira Jawed is a social worker in Kolkata. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/author-mujtaba-democratic-indian-muslims/d/136480 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism