With a new leadership poised to take charge, the Centre faces the challenge of dispelling stereotypes and promoting a progressive vision of Islam

While showcasing the rich heritage of Islamic literature, culture, art, and traditions, the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) must also foster a culture of debate, discussion, and dialogue. This can be achieved by organizing conferences and seminars on crucial issues such as democracy, human rights, justice, peace, and global affairs.

The Centre should present a gentle and progressive face of Islam to our fellow citizens, countering media-generated stereotypes through engagement and cross-cultural interactions. This can be facilitated by hosting lectures and seminars led by renowned Islamic scholars.

In this context, I offer a few suggestions for the consideration of the new IICC leadership. While maintaining an apolitical stance, the IICC could engage in research and documentation on contemporary issues through fellowships. Additionally, it should enhance its modest library into a comprehensive resource center for reference, research, and documentation.

The IICC must also regularly publish reports and monographs on current issues affecting the community. There is an urgent need to add a small academic block to the building, providing a co-working space for authors and writers to interact.

A significant issue within the Muslim community has been the breakdown of communication with other communities. The Centre should actively engage with civil society groups and the media to cultivate healthy relationships and dispel misconceptions. Special emphasis should be placed on involving women from the community in the Centre’s activities, exposing them to an open, liberal, and progressive environment.

The Centre can also advocate for much-needed reforms in Muslim society through dialogue and discussion, involving the Muslim clergy. By doing so, the IICC can become a serious hub for advocacy, reform, and the promotion of moderation and cultural exchange. It should broaden its scope by involving a larger section of the community, not relying solely on financially resourceful members.

The IICC is not intended to be a center for coaching and career counseling, but rather a space for intellectual discussions, cultural and artistic events, akin to its neighboring institutions like the India International Centre (IIC) and the India Habitat Centre (IHC).

There is no better person than Mr. Salman Khursheed to lay the foundation for this transformation during his tenure. With his visionary leadership and persuasive skills, he is expected to leave a lasting impact by establishing a strong visionary and regulatory institutional framework for future generations.

There will undoubtedly be resistance from influential members who have treated the IICC as a social club for networking. However, Mr. Khursheed, a charismatic and widely respected figure, has the capacity to lead effectively and develop the Centre into a progressive, representative, and responsible space that showcases the rich and ever-evolving Islamic culture—especially in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, both locally and globally. We will see how things unfold for the Centre in the coming days.

In conclusion, the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to redefine its role as a beacon of intellectual discourse, cultural exchange, and societal reform. Under the leadership of Mr. Salman Khursheed, the Centre has the potential to transform into a progressive and inclusive institution that not only preserves the rich heritage of Islamic culture but also fosters a spirit of dialogue and engagement. As the IICC embraces this visionary path, it could become a model for moderation, diversity, and meaningful community interaction, impacting both the Muslim community and the broader society positively.

(The author is an alumnus of Hindu College, Delhi University and has been associated with the Centre for Policy Research, IIM Lucknow, University of Delhi South Campus, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; views are personal)