Report prepared by: Shaikh Rafique Ahmed (SecretaryExternal Affairs, Mumbai)

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mumbai hosted its annual Eid Milan Get-together on Sunday, 24 August 2014. This year the event was held at YMCA International House, Mumbai Central.

The gathering was attended by prominent intellectuals and distinguished personalities of the city. Senior Executives from the community’s headquarter at Qadian, Punjab had specially come over to be at the event.

Traditionally, the function began with the Arabic recitation of verses of the Holy Quran, having relevance to the occasion;  followed by its translations in Urdu, Marathi and English.

Maulvi Syed Kalimuddin Saheb from Qadian introduced the significance of  the festival of Eid. He elaborated that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has been organising Eid Milan Get-togethers throughout the world, with an aim to promote universal brotherhood.

A video presentation displayed the peace making efforts of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the present Caliph and Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat; and the appreciative comments from world dignitaries.

Maulvi Tanvir Ahmad Khadim, Deputy Secretary for Missionary Activities (North India), who presided this function, expressed that if all of us truly abide by the peace-loving teachings of our respective religions, there would be no reason for the present turmoil which engulfs the world.

The distinguished guests appreciated the efforts of the Jamaat for organizing the event. Padmashree and Senior Journalist Muzaffar Ahmad praised the Ahmadiyya community for their progressive outlook and tolerance. Shree Yuvraj Mohite, Editor of Weekly Kalamnama said that time has come to establish peace, as our country has suffered enough due to hatred. While Dr. Prashant Gangawane (President – Prabhudda Republican Party) condemned those who tried to polarize the society. Shri Raghunath Mahale (PI Crime, Agripada), appreciated the efforts of Jama’at for organizing get-together to promote harmony and peace within the society.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other well-known personalities from all walks of life. Notable among those present on the occasion wereSmt. Geeta Gawli (Municipal Councilor, Mumbai Central), Shree Shabbir Ahmad alias Munnabhai, Shri Kazi Yawarali (President of Federation of Indian Minorities), Shri Shamsher Khan Pathan(Retired ACP), Sister Yvonne Rodricks (Supdt. St. Joseph Home), Shri Nandkumar Mehtar (Sr PI, Nagpada), Shri C.K. Dabur (Director, Frontier Shipping Agency), Shri Paul George (Deputy General Secretary, Bombay YMCA) and well-wishing neighbors from nearby vicinity.

While entertaining our guests with refreshments we had an opportunity to interact with our esteemed guests and take our relationship to the next level.

The function ended with our traditional silent prayer, followed by the National Anthem.

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Prior to eid milan we had organized a press conference on 23rd August at 3.30 pm at The Press Club of India, Mumbai which was attended by 27  local and national reporters. It was addressed by Moulvi Tanveer Khadim Sahab, Moulvi Syed Kaleemuddin Sahab from Qadian, Masarrat Ahmad (President – Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Mumbai) and Mahmood Samiullah ( President Press Committe, Mumbai)

More images from the Eid Milan: