It is a new experience for me to address a group of religious scholars and leaders. However, I am comforted by the fact that the invitation was genuinely warm and was personally and graciously extended by Shri Mehmud Madani, my colleague in Parliament. I am also grateful to Shri Qari Mohammed Usman, President of the Jamiat Ulema-e- Hind for his letter of invitation. The most learned Ulemas of India — over 10,000 — are present this morning, and it is my honour to address them. I also greet the Rector of the Darul Uloom and recognise the presence of many renowned scholars.

We know that the JUH was founded in 1919 in order to lend the support of the Muslim clergy to the anti-British movement. It was among the first organisations that stood firmly on the side of the nationalist forces and resolutely opposed the two-nation theory espoused by the Muslim League. After Independence, the JUH has focused on the promotion of the social, religious and economic interests of the Muslim community. I am therefore very happy to be able to share some thoughts with this august assembly.

Since the beginning of civilisation, the world has always been torn by conflicts. The birth of free India was under circumstances that could only be described as traumatic. The scars of partition and of the largest migration in human history still remain. Post-Independence too, the country has witnessed numerous conflicts — caste against caste, religion against religion, language against language. Nevertheless, we must always remember that pluralism is our inheritance. Pluralism should be our strength. It is only due to the thoughtless words and actions of some that we have, sadly, allowed our diversity to become differences.

... contd.