Hyderabad: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Friday called for communal harmony and national unity. He said attempts to divide Indians on religious lines would fail while secular forces upheld constitutional values. He also opposed efforts to treat any community as second-class citizens.
Shabbir Ali made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day exhibition and seminar, “Beyond the Divide – Countering Hate, Building Harmony”. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Greater Hyderabad, is organising the programme at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally. He praised the initiative for challenging misinformation, addressing communal prejudice and encouraging dialogue among communities.
Addressing the gathering, Shabbir Ali said India’s strength came from its diversity and shared history. He recalled the sacrifices made by people of different religions during the freedom struggle. In particular, he highlighted the role of Muslim religious scholars, saying several ulema fought British rule and sacrificed their lives for independence.
He expressed concern over attempts to portray Muslims as outsiders in their own country. Such efforts, he said, contradicted the inclusive spirit of the freedom movement and the constitutional principles behind the Republic. He stressed that organisations promoting social harmony and secular political forces had a role in protecting national unity.
“Those who seek to divide people and create hatred between communities will not succeed. Organisations working for social harmony, along with secular political forces and citizens committed to national unity, will continue to protect the country’s inclusive character,” he said.
Shabbir Ali also recalled an anecdote involving Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. He cited their example to underline sacrifice, public service and national responsibility. The freedom struggle, he said, was a collective movement, not the achievement of any single religion or community. Therefore, he urged people to resist attempts to weaken that shared legacy through dialogue, education and public awareness.
JIH exhibition promotes communal harmony
The Government Advisor said misconceptions about Muslims and Islam had contributed to mistrust in sections of society. He appreciated the organisers for creating a platform to discuss difficult questions and challenge misinformation with facts. He added that constructive engagement was essential to counter prejudice and divisive messages.
Congratulating JIH, Shabbir Ali conveyed his appreciation on behalf of the Telangana Government, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and citizens and organisations committed to secular values. He expressed hope that the exhibition would remove misunderstandings, encourage mutual respect and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
The programme runs from October 30 to November 1. It features thematic galleries, visual presentations and interactive exhibits designed to challenge stereotypes and promote fact-based understanding. Organisers have also planned seminars and panel discussions with educationists, journalists, historians, religious scholars and intellectuals.
The discussions will examine communal prejudice, shared social values and peaceful coexistence in India’s pluralistic society. JIH Telangana former President Hamed Mohammed Khan, JIH Greater Hyderabad City President Dr. Md. Mubashir Ahmed and other organisers said the initiative aimed to shift public discourse from fear and suspicion towards understanding and social harmony.
The exhibition will remain open from 12.30 pm to 9.30 pm on October 31 and November 1. Entry is free. The organisers have invited students, youth, academics, community leaders and families to attend.
