THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The history of Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama is intertwined with Kerala’s social, cultural and educational spheres, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said after releasing ‘Confluence’, a coffee table book on Samastha brought out by The New Indian Express, at Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan received the first copy.
“Several organisations were formed in Kerala with the aim of reforming communities. Many of them became non-existent due to narrow-mindedness or failure to be in tune with the times. But Samastha could remain strong and relevant for a century because its ideas lighted the world,” he said.
Samastha originated at a time when the Muslim community faced neglect, Pinarayi said. The organisation could help the community to claim its rights and make educational progress. It introduced Islam’s progressive ideas to the world, he said.
The chief minister further said minorities in the country are being denied of their rights. “At the same time, majority communalism cannot be addressed by minority communalism. Atrocities against minorities amount to attacks on democracy and secularism,” he added.
Satheesan, in his address, said Samastha made immense contributions to the education sector. “Large number of students from Malappuram and Malabar are studying in top-ranking institutions in the country and its credit goes to Samastha,” he said.
Samastha president Sayyid Muhammed Jifri Muthu Koya Thangal presided over the function. In his address, he said Samastha or its feeder organisations never indulged in activities that would create division in society.
“Samastha works on the basis of certain ideals and has always stood for the country’s good. It leads several activities in the cultural, education and health spheres,” he said.
“We have never indulged in any activities that could affect the social harmony. That’s why there’s not even a single case or allegation against the organisation,” he added.
Samastha treasurer P P Umer Musliyar Koyyod welcomed the gathering. Kozhikode Qazi Syed Mohammed Koya Thangal Jamalullaili led the prayer. Panakkad Syed Sabiq Ali Shihab Thangal delivered benedictory address.
Opposition Deputy Leader P K Kunhalikutty delivered a virtual message. Sports, Hajj and Waqf Minister V Abdurahiman presented gifts to those who worked for the book.
TNIE Resident Editor (Kerala) Kiran Prakash delivered the introductory address and Senior Associate Editor M P Prashanth introduced the book. Samastha secretary Umer Faizi Mukkam, Kendra Mushavara members Vakkode Moideenkutty Faizi, P M Abdusalam Baqavi, Azgarali Faizi Pattikkad and TNIE General Manager P Vishnu Kumar attended the function.
Samastha urges govt to roll back new school timings; CM non-committal
Hours after the general education department brought out a revised timetable adding 30 minutes to class timings in state schools, the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to reconsider the move.
Samastha president Sayyid Muhammed Jifri Muthu Koya Thangal made the request to the CM while delivering the presidential address at the launch of Confluence.
“The government should understand the difficulties the move will cause about 12 lakh students in the religious sector. We know the government will act accordingly,” he said, in an apparent reference to madrasa students. He also submitted a memorandum to the CM.
However, speaking after releasing the book, the CM chose to be non-committal to the request. Pinarayi said the government has always listened to Samastha’s demands.
“He (Thangal) made certain remarks about Samastha’s relevance. All those who live in Kerala know about Samastha and its relevance. Going by your own experience, Samastha has not faced any negative experience from the state government. So, let’s go forward like that,” said Pinarayi.
As per the revised timetable for Classes VIII to X, classes of high school section will start 15 minutes early at 9.45am and end 15 minutes late at 4.15pm from Mondays to Thursdays.
According to the order by the Director of General Education, the new timings are to be followed by all government, aided and recognised unaided schools. This is to ensure 1,100 instructional hours or 220 working days for high school students.
No change in lower primary class hours
The department has also assigned six Saturdays for HS section and two for upper primary section as additional working days to meet the minimum instructional hours/working days. The class hours for lower primary students remains unchanged. For the HS, the Saturdays earmarked for classes are: July 26, August 16, October 4, October 25, January 3 and January 31. For the UP section, July 26 and October 25, will be working days.