Muslims are intellectually strong and skilled and have made a remarkable contribution to the development of the country. The minority community, therefore, should be empowered, Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju said here on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of a workshop on the ‘Predicament of Muslim minorities: perspectives and challenges for empowerment’, organised jointly by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, the Visakha Muslim Joint Action Committee and the AQJ group of institutions at Andhra University.
Prof. Raju observed that Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religions live in peace and harmony, which was the greatness of India. He wanted NGOs, human rights activists, cultural groups and universities to uplift the marginalised groups by improving their social, economic, and educational status. Director of the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy P. Subba Rao said that the centre would conduct workshops, research studies, seminars and field surveys on socially exclusive sections of society.
Principal of AU College of Arts and Commerce D. Prabhakara Rao, Registrar K. Rama Mohana Rao, chairman of AQJ group of institutions I.H. Farooqui, convenor of the Visakha Muslim Joint action Committee S. Azam Ali, co-convenor Md. Rafi, and others spoke.