New Delhi: A national conference on the theme “Idea of India” was held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre under the aegis of the Sarhadi Gandhi Memorial Society, in association with Watan Samachar, to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna awardee Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, widely known as Badshah Khan or Frontier Gandhi.
The programme aimed to deepen public discourse on the Idea of India, grounded in democratic principles, constitutional values, and inclusiveness. The conference brought together intellectuals, writers, historians, social activists, and human rights defenders from across the country.
Key speakers included Prof. Ram Puniyani, Gauhar Raza, Ashok Kumar Pandey, Dr. Ruchika Sharma, Prof. Akhlaq Ahmad, John Dayal, Advocate Syed Jalaluddin, and senior Supreme Court advocate Z K Faizan. Speakers described the initiative as timely and necessary amid present socio political conditions, stressing the need to strengthen dialogue on democracy, secularism, social justice, and communal harmony.
SGMS chief Advocate Syed Jalaluddin said Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan stood among India’s foremost freedom fighters. He highlighted Badshah Khan’s commitment to Hindu Muslim unity and his opposition to the creation of Pakistan. Jalaluddin added that Khan believed Pashtuns should remain with India and remained critical of Pakistan even after its formation.
Prof. Ram Puniyani criticised political use of selective history during debates on renaming. Scientist Gauhar Raza urged religious communities to confront extremism within their own ranks. Historian Dr. Ruchika Sharma recalled Badshah Khan’s consistent message of unity and opposition to Partition. Prof. Akhlaq Ahmad noted that Badshah Khan spent years in Pakistani prisons after Independence.
Tributes were also paid to former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Mohammed Ahmad, Editor of Watan Samachar, conducted the programme. A large audience attended the event.
