Hyderabad: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday warned that attempts to divide Indians along religious lines would fail. He also rejected efforts to treat any community as second-class citizens and called for communal harmony through dialogue and constitutional values.
Shabbir Ali, Advisor for SC, ST, OBC and Minorities, inaugurated the three-day exhibition and seminar, “Beyond the Divide – Countering Hate, Building Harmony.” Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Greater Hyderabad, organised the programme at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally.
He said secular political forces, social organisations and citizens committed to national unity would continue resisting communal divisions. Moreover, he stressed that India’s democratic traditions and constitutional principles provided the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
The Government Advisor appreciated the organisers for creating a platform to challenge misinformation, address religious prejudices and encourage discussions between communities. Addressing the gathering, Shabbir Ali said India’s strength came from its religious diversity, shared history and collective struggle for independence.
He recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters from different religious backgrounds. In particular, he highlighted the contributions of Muslim religious scholars during the struggle against British rule.
According to him, several ulema participated in the freedom movement and sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. However, he expressed concern over attempts to portray Muslims as outsiders in their own country.
He said such narratives contradicted the inclusive character of the freedom struggle. Furthermore, they undermined the constitutional principles that shaped independent India.
“Those who seek to divide people and create hatred between communities will not succeed. Organisations working for social harmony, along with secular political forces and citizens committed to national unity, will continue to protect the country’s inclusive character,” he said.
Shabbir Ali stressed that no religion or community could claim exclusive credit for India’s independence. Instead, people from different backgrounds had collectively fought colonial rule and contributed to the country’s freedom. He urged citizens to protect that shared legacy through education, public awareness and constructive engagement.
Freedom struggle reflected sacrifice across religious communities
Shabbir Ali also recalled an anecdote involving Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi to explain the importance of sacrifice and public responsibility. He referred to the freedom movement leaders’ commitment to placing national welfare above personal interests.
According to him, those values remained relevant in contemporary India, particularly amid efforts to create divisions between communities. He said the independence movement demonstrated how people with different religious identities could unite around common national goals.
Therefore, he urged citizens to resist attempts to weaken that historical understanding through communal narratives. He also emphasised that India’s democratic character depended on respecting the contributions and rights of every community.
The Government Advisor said misconceptions about Muslims and Islam had contributed to mistrust among sections of society. However, he maintained that open discussions and factual information could help address such misunderstandings.
He appreciated Jamaat-e-Islami Hind for providing opportunities to discuss sensitive issues without encouraging hostility between communities. Moreover, he said public awareness initiatives could challenge stereotypes and help people examine misinformation critically.
Shabbir Ali observed that false narratives and divisive messages increasingly influenced public opinion. Consequently, he stressed the need for constructive engagement between people from different religious and social backgrounds.
He said meaningful dialogue remained essential for reducing prejudice and promoting mutual respect. The Government Advisor also congratulated JIH on organising the exhibition.
He conveyed appreciation on behalf of the Telangana Government, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and secular-minded citizens and organisations. Additionally, he expressed hope that the programme would encourage peaceful coexistence and strengthen understanding between communities.
Exhibition features galleries, seminars and interactive displays
The three-day programme, which began on October 30, will continue until November 1 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally. Organisers arranged thematic galleries, visual presentations and interactive exhibits to challenge communal stereotypes.
The displays aim to encourage fact-based discussions and help visitors examine common misconceptions about different communities. Furthermore, the organisers scheduled seminars and panel discussions featuring educationists, journalists, historians, religious scholars and intellectuals.
These discussions will examine communal prejudice, shared social values and the importance of peaceful coexistence in India’s diverse society. JIH Telangana former President Hamed Mohammed Khan and JIH Greater Hyderabad City President Dr. Md. Mubashir Ahmed also addressed the gathering.
Other organisers participated in the inaugural programme and explained the objectives of the initiative. They said the exhibition sought to replace fear and suspicion with informed discussions, mutual understanding and social harmony.
Free entry to Nampally exhibition until November 1
The organisers announced that the exhibition would remain open on October 31 and November 1 from 12.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Entry to the programme is free. They invited students, young people, academics, community leaders and families to visit the exhibition and participate in its activities.
The programme includes opportunities to examine visual exhibits, attend discussions and engage with questions concerning religious prejudice and national unity. Through these activities, the organisers aim to encourage visitors to examine stereotypes and promote understanding across communities.