New Delhi , 13 Nov 2014: Is Modi Govt. serious to change Minorities Economic status or its just another appeasement trick..?
Since Narendre Modi came to power at the centre, there has been new environment among businesses, industries and corporate sectors and the minorities may think that the new government has new ambitions, strategies and also making new platforms for minorities as well. It could be a kind of appeasement of minorities (especially Muslims) or making an image of development for all irrespective of religion and ideology. In another words we can say it might be an image building exercise or it can be a First Step Forward in true sense and in right direction.
Now questions are: What are the opportunities for minorities in the new environment? What kind of involvement of minorities should be in this new circumstance? How minority businessmen will avail benefit from different Government schemes? How and what should be the participation of Minority Businessmen?
In an attempt to find out the answers, Danish Reyaz ,editor of the Maeeshat magazine ( www.maeeshat.in ) which claims to be India’s first magazine focusing business and economy of minorities; brimming with energy and zeal, has planned a summit, rather an interaction between minority (specially Muslims) businessmen; economists and the government.
“We want to play a bridge between the government a 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, Former Fellow Harvard Law School USA, Syed M Quaim, Executive President, Imamia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai, Sirajuddin Qureshi, CMD Al-Hind Group & Chairman IICC Delhi, Khalid Ali, CMD, Multigain, Irfan Alam, Founder SAMMAAN Foundation & Former Fellow Harvard University USA, and Mufti Barkatullah, Shariah advisor, Islamic Bank of Britain, UK.
The organizers have specially invited Zafar Sareshwala, a close friend of Prime Minister Modi’s and CMD of Parsoli Corporation, Ahmedabad. Union Minister Nitin Gatkari is also likely to attend the event.
Earlier Danish Reyaz has successfully organized five such minority business summits since 2009. On different topics relating to minorities like ‘Muslim Entrepreneurs: Challenges and Opportunities’,(Mumbai) ‘Economic Empowerment of Muslims in India- Beyond Sachar Report’ (Mumbai) ; ‘Mainstreaming of Minorities: Strategies & Actions; and The last one Economic Mainstreaming of Minorities: Connecting Business, Technology & Finance’ ( Bangalore in 2013).
If Modi government is really serious in turning India into a developed nation he will have to change the status co of minorities especially Muslims who are lagging behind Dalits in different walks of life like education and employment etc otherwise his dream will remain an elusion