Kolkata, 03 October (H.S.) : Emphasizing the vital role of education in social advancement, national unity, and community welfare, the two-day 'Prabuddha Nagarik Sammelan' organized by the Minority Citizen Forum concluded on Saturday at the Dhanadhanya Auditorium in Kolkata. Addressing the valedictory session of the intellectual conclave, Muslim Rashtriya Manch National Convenor Mohammad Shahid Akhtar and West Bengal Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chatterjee urged minority communities to actively integrate into the mainstream of national development.

Speaking as the chief guest, Mohammad Shahid Akhtar stressed that sustainable progress within the Muslim community can only be achieved through education. He asserted that the primary objective of education must be nation-building, nurturing visionary minds like former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam rather than radical elements like terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Delivering a strong message on national identity, Akhtar urged Muslims to view themselves primarily as proud Indians rather than confining their worldview solely within religious boundaries. He noted that viewing identity exclusively through a narrow religious lens often breeds alienation, leading some individuals to question national symbols such as the national anthem or 'Vande Mataram'. Conversely, embracing one's foundational identity as an Indian fosters a deeper appreciation for the nation’s cultural diversity and treats the entire country as one extended family, thereby empowering the community to contribute meaningfully to India's holistic growth.

Advocating for the modernization of madrassa education, Akhtar called upon Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chatterjee to organize an Eastern Regional Conclave. He suggested that such an initiative should convene representatives from minority educational institutions across the region to deliberate on systemic educational reforms and infrastructure expansion.

Addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chatterjee observed that the Muslim community in West Bengal had unfortunately been treated merely as an electoral vote bank over the past five decades. He alleged that certain political outfits systematically instilled fear to manipulate minorities against the broader interests of the state and the nation. Urging community members to become equal stakeholders in developmental initiatives, Chatterjee affirmed that the state government remains firmly committed to inclusive growth without discrimination.

The convention, organized by Surman Ali Mondal, State Convenor of the Minority Citizen Forum, aimed to foster constructive dialogue among youth, educators, and academicians on civic responsibilities and nation-building.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh