GUWAHATI, Feb 11 � A programme titled Minorities Initiative for Learning and Partnership (MILAP) organised by PFI Foundation, an NGO, concluded in the city today. Sponsored by the British High Commission, New Delhi, the event saw the involvement of a large number of students, teachers and resource persons.
Topics for training included inter-cultural issues, interfaith understanding, legal rights of minorities, and concept of knowledge in Islam, among others. A press release stated that 75 Madrassa teachers, students and imams of Masjids from various parts of the State attended the training.
The programme inaugurated on February 2, by Mustaq Birader, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, witnessed teachers getting acquainted with teaching methods and new communication methods.
Speaking on the aim of the training programme, Asad Mirza, Press Adviser to British High Commission, New Delhi, who was present as a special guest, said that it was an endeavour to help the participants �assume the roles of community leaders within wider civil society� to usher in positive and tangible changes in local communities.
Dr Zahid Ali Khan of Aligarh Muslim University, who was present as the chief resource person said that the training will enable imams to take proactive roles in introducing contemporary issues concerning the Muslim community in the wider civil society perspective through their sermons. Imams will also be able to lead inter-faith dialogues and meetings in their areas and assert their role as community leaders.
The programme was coordinated by Fazlur Rahman of Cotton College, who said that this was the first time that such a training programme was organised in the North East. The response from the participants was encouraging, and they expressed the need for more such events to expand their learning and growth opportunities.
