By Mumtaz Alam, IndiaTomorrow.net,
New Delhi, 09 Nov 2014: A Mumbai-based young Muslim journalist is in Delhi these days desperately looking for favourable avenues for businesses for Muslims in the changed political scenario. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet slogan Sab ka Sath Sab ka Vikas has instilled hope in him that the current dispensation won’t discriminate with the country’s largest minority even though his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Muslims may have differences with each other on plethora of issues.
Danish Reyaz, Editor of the multilingual Maeeshat which claims to be India’s first magazine focusing business and economy of minorities, is of the view that citizens including Muslims must interact with the rulers even though they carry political or whatever differences with them because the government is for all citizens of the country.
Since BJP came to power at the centre in May this year, there has been new environment among businesses, industries and corporate sector that the new government has new ambitions and plans for them, says Reyaz while talking to IndiaTomorrow.net. “What should be opportunities for minorities in the new environment? What should small businessmen from minorities do in the changed atmosphere?,” asks Reyaz, Director of Maeeshat Media which brings out the business magazine Maeeshat.
In an attempt to find out the answers, hopeful Reyaz brimming with energy and zeal, has planned a summit, rather an interaction between Muslim businessmen and economists and the government.
“We want to play a bridge between the government and pubic. We will discuss economic issues of minorities and that is why we have invited eminent business experts from the minority community,” he informs.
The business summit under the title of Minorities Under New Business Environment: Developing Skills and Entrepreneurship is scheduled to be held at India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi on 21st November.
Eminent speakers of the event include Dr. Shariq Nisar, Shariah business expert, Syed M Quaim, Executive President, Imamia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai, Khalid Ali, CMD, Multigain, UP, M.Z.Rahman, Director, Toss Finance Limited, Mumbai and Mufti Barkatullah, Shariah advisor, Islamic Bank of Britain.
The organizers have specially invited Zafar Sareshwala, Prime Minister Modi’s close aide and CMD of Parsoli Corporation, Ahmedabad. Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu is also likely to attend the event.
“Going beyond sloganeering, I am hopeful that the new government at the centre will do something genuine for the economic empowerment of minorities especially Muslims,” says Reyaz who has successfully organized five such minority business summits since 2009. The last one was held in Bangalore in 2013.
