7 June:The Vice President of India, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari said that in India three things are required in the present context, security; addressing exclusion and ensuring empowerment.
Releasing the book titled ‘Muslims of India Since Partition’ authored by Shri Balraj Puri, the Vice President pointed out that talking about Muslims after the Partition became unfashionable. History does not allow us to go into details but as we examine the writings of 1947, the period has not been covered in totality.
Muslims are a significant and substantial segment of the Indian population. Referring to census figures of the minority population at 19.5% in 2001, Shri Ansari explained that recognizing this percentage means that every 5th Indian belongs to a religious minority. Shri Ansari explained that the State’s desire to move forward, taking everyone along and motivated by every body’s well being, is a logical decision, but inquiry the extent of this happening. He said plurality has always existed in India, it was never imported. In a bid to ensure the accommodation of this plurality, we have adopted a Secular structure in our country. Referring to the Sachar Committee’s Report, ‘Socio-Economic conditions of Indian Muslims’, the Vice President pointed out that Muslims in India still lag behind in education. As a responsible State, it is essential to take affirmative actions. This process is of a developing society.
‘Muslims of India since Partition’ is primarily a study of the Muslim community since the Partition. It also includes some references to pre-partition lessons and Islam, based on its acknowledged authorities.