A high-level IMPAR delegation met the Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh,
A high-level IMPAR delegation comprised of eminent professionals, former judges, defence experts, civil society leaders, and industry representatives met the Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, yesterday to discuss ways to strengthen social harmony, reinforce India’s plural ethos, and build institutional partnerships in the context of India’s growing role as an emerging global power.
The meeting was held in a constructive and forward-looking spirit, focusing on nation-building, internal cohesion, and constitutional values. The delegation underlined that social harmony and unity in diversity are central to India’s internal security, democratic resilience, and global credibility. Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Nesar Ahmed, IMPAR General Secretary and former President, Institute of Company Secretaries, said:
“India’s strength has always flowed from its unity amidst diversity. As the country advances as a global power, internal cohesion becomes even more critical. Our interaction with the defence minister was about building bridges, restoring mutual trust, and working together to ensure that every citizen feels secure, respected, and equally invested in the nation’s progress.”
Vice President IMPAR, Mr. Javed Yunus added that the delegation also shared concerns regarding rising social anxieties and the spread of hate driven incidents reported from different parts of the country, while emphasising that the rule of law and constitutional discipline must prevail over all forms of vigilantism and divisive rhetoric. This trend is not in the interest of the country.
“Ensuring peace, preventing the spread of hate, and strengthening trust between citizens and institutions are essential for national security. This engagement is not about appeasement or confrontation, but about safeguarding India’s constitutional framework and civilisational values,” said Khwaja Shahid, Member, Board of Trustee, India Islamic Cultural Centre.
Responding to the delegation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said:
“India’s unity and social harmony are fundamental to our national security and democratic strength. Every citizen, irrespective of faith, has equal rights and responsibilities under the Constitution. “We will work together with community leaders and civil society to address concerns through dialogue and institutional engagement. I believe regular interactions with the community are essential, and such meetings will continue so that issues can be addressed in a timely and constructive manner.”
The delegation reiterated that Indian Muslims are bound by the shared ethos, and shared future, and equally committed to India’s prosperity, security, and development. Members noted that protecting the dignity and rights of every community strengthens, rather than weakens, the authority of the state. At the same time, the delegation emphasised the importance of responsible citizenship, adherence to the rule of law, and rejection of extremism in all its forms, reiterating that no individual or private group can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of structured engagement between government and civil society, confidence-building initiatives at the community level, responsible public communication, and coordinated efforts to control and prevent the escalation of hate-driven incidents. The Minister shared the concerns of the delegation on rise of radicalism in certain parts of the country.
The delegation expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Government at the highest level and conveyed its willingness to partner constructively with institutions to promote peace, unity, and national integration.
Delegation Members Present Included:
Mr. Z. U. Khan, former High Court Judge; Mr. Qamar Agha, journalist and defence expert; Mr. Roshan Baig; Dr. MJ Khan; Prof. Khwaja Mohammed Shahid; Mr. Javed Yunus; Mr. Nesar Ahmad; Col. A. H. Khan; Mr. Siraj Qureshi; Dr. Nida Fatima Hazari; Ms. Tehseen Zaidi; Dr. Tajwar Mohammed Khan; Mr. Athar Ali; Mr. Mohammad Ahmed; Dr. Nakhat A. Naqvi; Mr. Akhtar Ali Khan; Mr. Ibrahim Ahmad; and, among others.
Key Message: India’s rise as a global power is inseparable from social harmony at home. Dialogue, constitutional values, and collective responsibility remain the strongest pillars for unity, security, and national progress.
About IMPAR
Promoted by 500 plus prominent and progressive Muslims from different walks of life, IMPAR is a national forum, which aims to work in making a meaningful difference to the community’s engagement with the society and the nation. IMPAR includes eminent persons from politics, bureaucracy, corporate, business, academia, science, economy, journalism, policy making, art and culture and philanthropy etc. As the national think tank and apex coordination body, IMPAR is mobilizing the voice of progressive Muslims to collectively express its constructive views to the media and the nation. IMPAR works as a think-tank, research and advocacy centre and apex coordination body for Indian Muslims to have a meaningful engagement with key stakeholders towards social and economic empowerment of the community .
Lucknow
