Nagpur: With the aim of taking the national call for a Bribe-Free India to every citizen, the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Nagpur South, in collaboration with Sadbhavana Manch, organised an impactful discussion and narrative-building programme on the theme “Say No to Corruption.” The dignified presence of distinguished and influential women from society made the event especially meaningful.
The programme began with the recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 188 of the Holy Qur’an. Nida Beg, Shabana Sheikh, and Farheen Beg, President of Nagpur South, explained the verse, stating that “giving bribes to authorities in order to usurp the wealth and property of others is forbidden, and such people have been warned of severe punishment.” They emphasised that in Islamic teachings, corruption is regarded not only as a social crime but also as a grave sin in the sight of God.
The discussion was effectively moderated by Dr. Shireen Khan. Deliberations focused on the moral, legal, and social dimensions of corruption. Participants highlighted its harmful consequences, including mental stress, economic exploitation, decline in educational standards, administrative inefficiency, deterioration in healthcare services, and growing distrust in the political system.
Serious concern was expressed over electoral malpractice and paper leaks in competitive examinations such as NEET, which were described as threats to the constitutional framework and an injustice to the future of millions of young people.
With the spirit of self-reflection, participants admitted that “we ourselves have become accustomed to giving bribes,” and stressed that every citizen has a responsibility in combating corruption.
Advocate Rekha Tai Barahate, Advocate Shabana Khan, and Advocate Meenaz Dudhale discussed the legal aspects of corruption, explaining provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, punishments for public servants, and the importance of legal tools such as the RTI Act.
Dr. Nazia, Dr. Sabia Khan, Dr. Humaira, and Dr. Rubina highlighted corruption in the healthcare sector, stating that middlemen in hospitals, fake medicines, and unnecessary medical tests often push poor patients into severe hardship.
Dr. Shazia Khan and Dr. Zahra Haq referred to the NEET paper leak issue and remarked that “corruption destroys not just one child’s dream, but the aspirations of an entire generation.”
Social activists Archana Barde, Dr. Vandana Mahatme, Vandana Vankar, Yamini Tai, Saroj Aglave, and Saroj Dange acknowledged that “for convenience, we ourselves pay ‘speed money’ and thereby contribute to corruption within the system.”
Student activist Simran Thule highlighted from a social perspective how corruption damages the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, and equality enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution. Senior journalist Savita Kulkarni stressed the responsibility of the media in addressing corruption.
A large number of women with literary and social standing, including Rahila Anjum, Sarosh Nasreen, Shraddha Hande, and Mohini Bharde, were also present on the occasion.
Nafeesa Ateeq, President of the Vidarbha Region of JIH, while presenting solutions, said: “Prophet Muhammad ﷺ eliminated bribery from society by preventing dishonesty in weights and measures in trade. Consciousness of honesty and fear of God is the greatest CCTV.” She further stated that fear of God in the human heart is essential for eliminating any evil, and described the Islamic principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil as the key to eradicating corruption.
President of JIH Nagpur Women’s Wing, Benazir Khan, along with members of Sadbhavana Manch Nagpur South, were also present at the programme.
From the South unit, Shahana Khan, Ambreen Ahmad, Aamna Ahmad, and Tasleem Sheikh contributed to the successful organisation of the event. The programme was conducted by Dr. Aafi Elina and Dr. Sumaiya of GIO.
At the conclusion, Dr. Ghazala, PR Assistant Nagpur, expressed gratitude to all the guests, and the gathering came to a close with a collective pledge: “Neither will we take bribes, nor will we give them.”
