Shri N.K. Premachandran MP,
Shri K.C. Venugopal MP,
Shri R. Ramachandran MLA,
Shri N. Vijayan Pillai MLA,
Shri Kovoor Kunjumon MLA,
Shri. Valiyath Ebrahimkutty, President, Taluk Jama-ath Union,
Shri Thodiyoor Muhammed Kunju Mouvali, Former Chairman, Hajj Committee, Kerala
Adv. K. A., Javad, General Secretary, Taluk Jama-ath Union,
Shri Khaleeludin Pooyappallil, Secretary, Taluk Jama-ath Union,
Friends in media,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to address you after inaugurating the new building of the Headquarters of the Karunagappally Taluk Jama-ath Union.
Let me at the outset, compliment all the members of the 38 Jama-ath Committees of Karunagappally Union for having contributed in their own ways to the construction of this spacious building. I understand that, as a socio-cultural and apolitical organization, the Taluk Jama-ath Union has been ensuring healthy cooperation and interaction among the people of various faiths over the past 56 years.
I am also happy to note that the Postal Department has taken the initiative to bring out a Special Commemorative postal cover to mark this occasion. It is an appropriate recognition for the tireless efforts of the nearly 50,000 families which are part of the Jama-ath Union.
It adds to my pride and pleasure that this Union was inaugurated in the year 1962 by the illustrious Shri V.V. Giri, the then Governor of Kerala and that the Golden Jubilee was inaugurated by another Governor, Shri Nikhil Kumar.
As we all know, Kerala has earned the name, God's Own country, not just because of the greenery and the moderate climate. We earned this name due to the unfailing strength of our amity and social and communal harmony. And I am proud to say that all communities in Kerala have contributed greatly to that achievement. As one of the largest communities in the State, the Muslim community can certainly claim a lead role in establishing Kerala as a land of harmony and amity.
I am aware that the activities of the Jama-ath are suitably guided by the values preached by religion. Many scholars have opined that the word 'religion' comes from a Latin word which conveys the sense of unity and binding. It is this sense of togetherness that inspired the coming together of several Mahals or mosques to serve the cause of the downtrodden by providing them education and livelihood.
I am informed that organizations like the Taluk Jama-ath have been striving to achieve many milestones in the cultural social and educational spheres of this locality. Almost all the Jama-ath Committees have been running Madrassas and educational institutions ranging from the Nursery to Higher secondary levels. These Committees which manage technical educational institutions, auditoriums, orphanages etc. are also extending their services liberally to society. It is good to know that some Jama-aths also have their own ambulance services for the benefit of the destitute and the needy. But, what is most important is that these efforts have been benefiting all sections of the society, irrespective of caste, religion or class. This has certainly contributed a strong foundation for building up a new social culture based on inclusiveness.
I believe that it is this culture which has helped this Taluk attain one of the highest literacy rates in Kerala and ensure the ingraining of a sustained sense of mutual trust in the social fabric. It is therefore, not surprising that Karunagappally and nearby areas have always been models in social and communal harmony. I have no doubt that organizations like the Karunagapally Taluk Jama-ath Union have played a commendable role in such achievements.
I have been told that the newly inaugurated Taluk Headquarter building will house the office, conference hall, and most importantly, a reference library. Today, any infrastructure that we build should serve an educational purpose, because, Education is the greatest survival tool for mankind. Education is not just the gaining of literacy; it is a preparation for life. The training for various PSC and Civil Service examinations that you have planned to conduct here is certainly commendable, but there is scope for more activity.
You are perhaps aware that India is now one of the youngest nations, with the largest population in the working age group. We need to prepare ourselves to corner a lion's share of the employment opportunities by equipping our youth with the 21st century skills that would improve their employability. We also have to encourage youth to become entrepreneurs, since we have one of the best start-up ecosystems in the country. Sadly, youth from rural areas are yet to benefit from such avenues. Organizations like Jama-ath Taluk Union can bring in a change in this area.
I would also draw the attention of the office bearers of the Taluk Jama-ath Union to the need to update the educational facilities in their institutions. As you are aware, many of our government schools have acquired smart classrooms and other high-tech facilities. The institutions in the private sector should also rise to such levels so that their students will also get the best facilities. In this matter, I sincerely hope that the children in your orphanages will also get similar educational and technical exposure.
Last, but not the least, centres like these should also serve as platforms for social interactions. Today, we have many avenues for education, but very little time for social interactions. This has caused several issues including social unrest, substance abuse, wrong use of social media etc. We need meaningful social interactions that would sensitize our children on the need for gender justice, communal harmony, and above all a strong sense of national pride. These interactions should empower our children to realize what is good and socially meaningful. I hope the Jama-ath Union's activities will intellectually empower our youth to become responsible citizens.
I avail this opportunity to compliment the office bearers on having provided a vibrant and result-oriented leadership to the Jama-ath Union. I also wish their future activities all success.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
