HYDERABAD, India — As part of the India’s Independence Day celebrations, a cultural program was recently held at Media Plus Auditorium, here.

During the program, which was attended by a number of leading personalities from the print media and other walks of life, Nawab Zahid Ali Khan, editor-in-chief of the Siasat Daily, released the Constitution of India Souvenir 2017.

The souvenir was compiled by Arif Quraishi, founder president of Indian Cultural Society and Bazm-e-Osmania, Jeddah.

Justice E. Ismail, member of Human Rights Commission and Dr. Ahmadullah Khan, professor of law in Osmania University of Hyderabad were the chief guests and was the Iftekhar Hussein, secretary of the Faiz-e-aam Trust and Fazil Hussain Pervez, editor-in-chief of Gawah weekly, were the special invitees.

Nawab Zahid Ali Khan while launching the souvenir said, “This souvenir is very important for all Indians because it consisted of very good articles on Constitution of India prepared by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He said every Indian should know what is the Constitution of India and what are our rights and what are our duties as an Indian citizen.” He congratulated Arif Quraishi for preparing very useful and informative Souvenir 2017 for our compatriots.

Chief guest Justice E. Ismail said that the Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It is the longest written constitution in the word. He said our constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic assuring its citizens of justice, equality and liberty, he said the main important part of the constitution is fundamental rights.

Dr. Ahmadullah Khan said India is very big democratic country and we have rights like freedom of speech, expression, freedom of consciousness and freedom of profession practice and propaganda of religion. And Article 26 gives us freedom to manage religious affairs. He said Article 29 and 30 gives freedom to minorities on matters relating to language, tradition, education and religious liberty. He said every citizen of India is entitled to reservations, privileges and religion as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

Arif Quraishi thanked the Consul General of India, Jeddah, Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh, who helped him prepare the souvenir. Quraishi also thanked all dignitaries and audience who attended the launching ceremony of Constitution of India Souvenir 2017. The program was compered by famous poet Atyab Aijaz. — SG