Pakistan launches “Friends of Mustadafeen” society
A dozen speeches you made and discussions held during your recent visit to Pakistan have so inspired us to spare our thoughts for India’s most “wretched of the earth”, the Dalits, who form about 30% of India’s population.
The Quran has directed the Muslims to fight for the oppressed in the cause of Allah (Surah 4, Al-Nisa).
The Surah asks the Muslim to:
Fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated and oppressed (Mustadafeen).
In the case of India Mustadafeen means the Untouchables, the victims of Brahminism who form about 30% of the country’s population.
Punjab University lecture: Your lecture on “Mustadafeen and Indian Dalits” at the University of Punjab on April 21,2009 was so much convincing and inspiring, that the entire audience was moved. At the next day’s breakfast with you in the house of Brother Naeem Tahir, who heard you at the university, we decided to form an organization for the welfare of the oppressed and deprived people especially in the region of South Asia. We have announced the formation of the organization named “Friends of Mustadafeen”. The office holders of the association: patron in chief: Prof. Yousuf Irfan, president: Manzoor Ahmed; vice-president: Dr. Muhammad Abubakar; Gen.Secretary: Naeem Tahir; co-ordinator: Rashid Shafiq.
Motivating spirit: The association will work for the liberation of the oppressed people. The motivating spirit behind this association is V.T. Rajshekar who has pleaded the case of Untouchables (Dalits), Backward Classes and oppressed nationalities in the region so effectively that we feel honoured to launch “Friends of Mustadafeen” in the region. V.T. Rajshekar is made a life member of the governing body of the organization.
Urdu daily articles: Your week-long stay has convinced us that you are our friend, philosopher and guide. I will also write on your visit to Pakistan for Dalit Voice. I have written a two-part article in Nawa-e-Waqt, the famous Urdu daily. I have also noted points of your talk on various topics on which I will write a book titled “V.T. Rajshekar in Pakistan”. You have been very inspiring and motivating to all audience — be it in seminar, lectures, print or electronic media in Pakistan. I have conveyed your regards to Dr. Mujahid Mansoori and we shall give you good news soon. People have been asking about you. Even media men are keen to be in touch with you.
DR. YOUSUF IRFAN, DIRECTOR, SIR GANGA RAM HERITAGE FOUNDATION, LAHORE
Dalit Voice, June 1-15, 2009
