By Arshad Sheikh
JALGAON(MAHARASHTRA)—Various speakers at the National Convention-2024 of the Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ) has given a call for collective action towards inclusive development, underscoring the urgent need to address societal inequities and foster unity amidst diversity.
The convention concluded here on February 11.
The theme of the convention was “Inclusive Development”. The convention aimed to focus on the need for inclusive development ensuring the participation of all segments of society in the developmental trajectory.
Expressing serious concern over the rise in divisive sentiments, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s national vice-president Prof. Salim Engineer stressed the need to uphold constitutional principles such as equality, justice, freedom, and fraternity for the unity and progress of the nation. Prof. Salim made his comments while presiding over the convention.
Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) secretary Waseq Nadeem, who also addressed the conference, highlighted the significance of inclusive development in a country like India, where there is a significant disparity in the distribution of wealth and opportunities.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Maharashtra) unit president Mohammad Ilyas Falahi called for greater accountability among leaders to ensure justice for all. He expressed his disappointment over India’s transition from a welfare state to a corporate welfare state, advocating for increased public scrutiny of leadership.
Audience at the MPJ national convention-2024 in Jalgaon
Eminent economist Prof Arun Kumar cautioned against the growing black economy, attributing its negative impact on society to the diminishing employment opportunities, particularly in the agriculture and banking sectors. He presented alarming statistics on job seekers and emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to achieve economic justice.
Prof. Arun Kumar speaking at the MPJ National Convention-2024
Addressing women’s issues, activist Yogini Khanolkar criticized the government’s land acquisition policies, which further exacerbate the vulnerabilities of women and compromise their dignity. She called for policy interventions and the inclusion of women in the formulation process to safeguard their rights amidst the escalating challenges they face.
Farm leader Vijay Jawandhiya strongly criticized the government’s disregard for the concerns of farmers, accusing successive administrations of prioritizing corporate interests over the well-being of agriculture. He emphasized the need to return to socialist principles and condemned the use of religion for political purposes in order to divert attention from systemic issues.
Prominent activist Pratibha Shinde expressed deep disappointment regarding the neglect faced by indigenous communities, and called for united efforts to address their hardships and combat their marginalization within society.
During his speech, MPJ Maharashtra president Muhammad Siraj acknowledged the progress made in development, but expressed sorrow over the unequal distribution of its benefits. He outlined the existing challenges such as hunger, disease, malnutrition, and unemployment, while affirming MPJ’s mission to establish peace and justice in the face of growing socioeconomic disparities.
APCR secretary Waseq Nadim(7th from left) and JIH Maharashtra president Mohammed Ilyas Falahi
MPJ vice-president Mahmood Khan emphasized the prevalent inequality in the country, drawing attention to instances where citizens were forced to drink water from their own shoes. He stressed the ongoing pursuit of equality and lamented the widespread social and economic disparities. Khan reiterated MPJ’s commitment to advocating for comprehensive development.
The convention concluded with a strong call for collective action towards inclusive development, underscoring the urgent need to address societal inequities and foster unity amidst diversity.
