(AFMI) 27th Annual convention & Fundraising Gala had Huge Successes in Chicagoland.

On Saturday, October 07th, 2017. More than 500 people participated in the 27th-annual full day convention banquet of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) Hosted by AFMI- Chicago Chapter that took place at Shalimar Banquets 280 W North Ave, Addison, Illinois 60101. The theme was for the convention “Current challenges to pluralism and secularism in India”. Several Officials including city, state, and U.S. members of local sponsors, donors, community partner’s organization; representatives from News Media, intellectuals and many other attended the convention.

AFMI is a philanthropic charity formed by American Muslims of Indian Origin in the year 1989. AFMI strives to improve the socioeconomic status of the underprivileged Indian Muslim minorities through education. The conference began at 9:30 a.m. with AFMI Conference Chair Dr. Taj Uddin Ahmed. He introduces the conference and the various sessions. The conference included many esteemed speakers in every session.

Dr. Abdullah Ghazi said about the important and vital role of Muslim in the freedom struggle of India. Dr. Ghazi emphasized on the importance of secularism, democracy, pluralism in Indian constitution.

Dr. Aslam Abdullah said about the values, Importance and freedom of speech in Indian Citizens. Professor Ram Punyani was the main speaker, he stated the values of the secularism in India and getting threatened by non-secular parties like BJP and RSS. He also said those parties getting dangerous for democracy in India and for Minorities in India.

Dr. Khutab Uddin Ahmed, President Elect said about religion and fanaticism is on the rise in India. India has been the cradle of religious pluralism for centuries. nationalists are gaining power in India - and silencing minorities along the way. Rajeev Ravi Shankar gave detail about RSS and BJP considers India a Hindu country and they use social media to promote the cause.

Dr. Akbar focus on the create more interfaith dialogue to avoid extremism in India. Professor Balwant Sing Hansra said we need to create unity in all minorities. Dr. Hussain Nagamia said “we need to support and Protect basic human right in India she also highlighted the most educational of Muslim girls. Dr. A.S. Nakadar said India need to achieve a meaningful progress in development”.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. said “AFMI doing a wonderful job in education in India and Indian are playing Important role in USA”.

Indian Consul General in Chicago Ms. Neeta Bhushan said that American Muslims of Indian origin have played an important role in building relationship between India and the US uses diversity as a source of strength.

President of ISNA Mr. Azhar Aziz, explains the education programs of AFMI and urged the convention participants to contribute as much they can to the educational upliftment of Muslims of India. He also said that education is the birthright of every individual and AFMI programs in India has helped members of the minority community attain their right at the grass roots level. Several community members Received Community Service Recognition Award.

The banquet dinner was followed by a performance by famous singer Munni Begum. The peoples who behind this convention Successes were DR A.R. Nakadar Founder & Trustee, Dr. Khutb Uddin President Elect, Dr. Taj Uddin Ahmed Chair Person. Dr. Razia Ahmed Current President, Sher Rajput Fundraising Committee, Mujeeb Osman Project, Syed Sheeraz Mahmood Media Coordinator.

At the end President said Thank you to the guests, donors, committee members, and volunteers whose dedication make a difference.