New Delhi, June 25: Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a distinguished oncosurgeon, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC). In a press conference held at Hotel River View here, Dr. Talikoti emphasized his extensive experience in interacting with individuals from various walks of life, attributing this as a key motivator for his engagement with IICC.
“As a surgeon, I interacted with people from different walks of life, and I know how to deal and serve people. That’s why I decided to engage myself with IICC,” Dr. Talikoti stated.
Dr. Talikoti is highly regarded within the medical community and aims to enhance IICC as a beacon of Islamic heritage and culture. He underscored the peaceful essence of Islam and his commitment to promoting this through the Centre. “Given a chance, I will try to showcase IICC as a prominent center of Islamic heritage and culture. Islam is a religion of peace, and I would try my best to send the message of peace through this Centre. We are supposed to welcome our non-Muslim brothers on Eid and join them on Diwali,” he said.
Outlining his vision for IICC, Dr. Talikoti focused on fostering a non-political and brotherly atmosphere during and beyond the election. He stressed the importance of adhering to IICC’s objectives, which include youth empowerment and initiating interfaith dialogues to bridge community gaps. “We will not fight this election as a political battle, but in a brotherly manner in a very congenial atmosphere and try to keep the center away from politics, following the aims and objectives of IICC. We will develop IICC as a center of empowerment for youths and start interfaith dialogues to bridge the gap between communities,” he asserted.
With the endorsement of former IICC president Sirajuddin Quraishi, Dr. Talikoti’s campaign has gained significant attention. Additionally, Dr. Talikoti serves as the convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated organization aimed at facilitating dialogue with the Muslim community.
Established in 1981, the IICC is a premier institution in New Delhi dedicated to promoting and preserving Islamic culture and heritage. It aims to foster cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and communal harmony through various educational, social, and cultural programs.
The election campaign for the governing body of IICC has officially commenced, with candidates vying for posts of president, vice president, and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Committee (EC). The election, scheduled for August 13th, promises significant shifts in the center’s functioning.
Among the other presidential candidates are ex-cabinet minister Salman Khurshid, retired IRS officer Abrar Ahmad, former bureaucrat Afzal Amanullah, businessman and philanthropist Waseem Ghazi, businessman M. Asif Habib, and BJP activist Suhail Hindustani. Each candidate offers unique perspectives and visions, making this election a pivotal moment for IICC’s future.
Dr. Majid Talikoti’s panel includes Kaleemul Hafeez, contesting for vice president, and Md Irshad Ahmad, Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, contesting for the Board of Trustees. Hafeez, known for his sharp criticism of Sirajuddin Quraishi, adds a dynamic element to Talikoti’s campaign.
The upcoming IICC election represents a significant moment for the institution as it navigates its future direction amidst a competitive and diverse field of candidates.
