Indo-Iran Society

In the name of God

INDO-IRAN SOCIETY

SPECIAL ISSUE ON NIRMALA DESHPANDE The ex-president of Indo-Iran Society

Didi at Jawaharlal Nehru University On 30th April 2008

Director in Chief : Dr. Karim Najafi

Chief Editor : Dr Abdul Hamid Ziaei Editor : Prof. Akhtar Mahdi

Editorial Board : Prof. Amir Hasan Abidi, Dr. Hasan Habibi, Dr. Mehdi Mohaqiq, Dr. Mohammad Ali Islami Nadushan, Prof. A. W. Azhar, Prof. Azarmidukht Safavi, Dr. Mohammad Reza Nasiri, Dr. Taufique Sobhani, Prof. Ali Akbar Subot, Prof. Ali Mohammad Naqvi

Executive Manager : Majid Ahmady Art and Graphic : Aisha Fozia

Printer & Publisher : General Secretary Indo-Iran Society 18, Tilak Marg, New Delhi - 110001 [email protected]

Registration Number RNI No. 19921/71

Press : Alpha Art, Noida

Contents

1. Editorial ...... 7

2. President Pratibha Patil Condolence ...... 9

3. Dr. Najafi Attends Pande’s Funeral ...... 10

4. Condolence Messages from : * The President of India ...... 11 * The Vice President of I.R.of Iran ...... 12 * The Vice President of India ...... 13 * The Vice Chancellor – JNU, New Delhi ...... 14 * The Minister of External Affairs, India ...... 15 * The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, India ...... 16 * H.D. Deve Gowda, Former Prime Minister of India ...... 17 * Senator Asif Ali Zardari, Co-Chairman, P.P.P., Pakistan ...... 18

5. Didi’s Last Speech at JNU ...... 19

6. Golden Jubilee Celebration of Indo-Iran Society ...... 21

7. Prof. Mushirul Hasan Unanimously Elected as the President of Indo-Iran Society ...... 25

8. Letter of Acceptance from Prof. Mushirul Hasan as President of Indo-Iran Society ...... 26

9. Message from the Vice-President of India ...... 27

10. Old Memoirs: Participation of Late Dr. Nirmala Deshpande in Programmes held in Iran Culture House, New Delhi...... 28

11. Late Madam Nirmala Deshpande in the seminar on “Dialogue Among Islam and Hinduism” ...... 29

12. Late Madam Nirmala Deshpande in Iran Culture House: A meeting with Lady Members of Iranian Parliament ...... 30

13. Bio-Data of Miss Nirmala Deshpande ...... 31

14. Statement of ownership and other particulars about HIND-O-IRAN...... 37

Editorial:

The eminent personalities like poets, writers, thinkers and servants of society, art, culture and literature, infact, do not belong to a particular nation or geographical boundary but they belong to the whole world of humanity. They reflect the wise thoughts in their works, which play an important role in promoting the noble culture and cause of humanity. Their thought and actions are sufficient to enlighten the soul and to spread the fragrance of unity and universal brotherhood. Dr. Nirmala Deshpande popularly known as ‘Didi’ in fact, played a very important role in promoting human values all over the globe. In pursuance of her principle of unity and brotherhood, she took over as the President of Indo-Iran Society with firm conviction and commitment and had said “after Pakistan and China, now I will work for Iran too to promote “people to people relation” between the two ancient nations i.e. India and Iran.”

The sudden and sad demise of Didi, a renowned Gandhian and a parliamentarian has indeed created a great void which is difficult to fill. In her inaugural speech during the release ceremony of Indo-Iran journal she had expressed her views about Iran in these words “the age-old ties between India and Iran go back to the Vedic period. The relationship got strengthened century after century in such a way that Indians do not feel that Iranians are foreigners.”

The news of her death shocked her followers not only in India but all over the world. The Iranian Vice President His Excellency Esphandyar Mashaei the Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in India alongwith Prof. Mahdi paid homage to the departed soul

by placing a wreath on her dead today. With a heavy heart and profound sorrow, I accompanied the funeral procession. Besides, the Indo-Iran Society organized a condolence meeting at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran which was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Mahdi Nabizadeh, the father of Persian in India, Prof. Amir Hasan Abidi, Prof. Mushirul Hasan, V.C. Jamia Millia Islamia and Vice-President of Indo-Iran Society, Prof. A.W. Azhar, a group of Iranian diplomats and members of the society. After paying glorious tributes to the departed soul, the executive committee proposed the name of Prof. Mushirul Hasan as the new President of Indo-Iran Society, which was seconded by all the members and office bearers. Prof. Mushirul Hasan Finally accepted the proposal. It was further resolved to publish the second issue of Hind-o-Iran Journal in commemoration of late Dr. Ms. Nirmalaji, which is now in your hands. Though, she is no more alive yet her soul, ideas and last wishes are with us, which we will make efforts to translate into practice from the Indo-Iran Society platform in the days to come. In the words of Sa‘di:

ﺳﻌﺪﯾﺎ ﻣﺮد ﺗﮑﻮ ﻧﺎم ﻧﻤﯿﺮد ﻫﺮﮔﺰ ﻣﺮده آﻧﺴﺖ ﮐﻪ ﻧﺎﻣﺶ ﺑﻪ ﻧﮑﻮﯾﯽ ﻧﺒﺮﻧﺪ Oh Sa’di, a man with good name dose not perish. The dead is one who is not remembered with goodness.

Karim Najafi

President Pratibha Patil Condolence

President Pratibha Patil of India in our struggle for just and equitable her message expressed her deep society. sorrow over the demise of Dr. Madam Sonia Gandhi the Congress Nirmala Deshpande and described President and UPA Chairperson Ms. Pande as an eminent freedom expressed her sorrow over the fighter and social worker. demise of Dr.Nirmala Deshpande in Mr. Manmohan Singh Prime these words “ For me, Nirmalaji was Minister of India said “Nirmalaji an abiding and cherished source of was a living Gandhian….. Her life guidance, support and steadfast will continue to inspire young and friendship whose loss leaves a void old alike in our fight against that will be hard to fill”. poverty, ignorance and disease and

Dr. Najafi Attends Madam Pande’s Funeral Indo-Iran Society plunges into the ocean of sorrow

The renowned Gandhian, Social Mahdi laid a wreath on her body at Activist, Writer, Parliamentarian her residence and expressed their and a true lover of humanism deep sorrow. Dr.Nirmala Deshpande breathed her Dr. Karim Najafi the Cultural last on May 1, 2008. She was the Counsellor of the Islamic Republic President of Indo-Iran Society and of Iran, New Delhi participated in presided over society’s first her funeral and on behalf of Indo- meeting one day before her death at Iran Society laid a wreath on her the Art and Aesthetic Auditorium body. He further conveyed his of Jawaharlal Nehru University. sincere condolence to Mr. Rahul While delivering her presidential Gandhi, Member of Parliament, address “Didi” referred to modern Mr.Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister of challenges and serious threat to Food Processing Govt. of India, Mr. human society. She further Buta Singh, former Minister of expressed her determination to Home Affairs, Govt. of India and work for the promotion of human presently the Chairman of Dalit values all over the globe and asked Minorities Commissionn Dr. Syeda the audience to raise the slogan of Sayeidian, Member of Planning “Jai Jagat” alongwith “Jai Bharat”. Commission, Smt. Sheila Dixit, The news of her sad demise Chief Minister of Delhi and other shocked the Indo-Iran Society. The followers of Didi who were present Vice President of Iran Dr. Rahim at the cremation ground. On the Mashaei, Ambassador of Iran Mr. request of media people he Nabizadeh and General Secretary of addressed T.V. peoples covering Indo-Iran Society Prof. Akhtar NDTV, India News and Journalists.

Translated text

The Members of Indo-Iran Society and The bereaved family of Dr. Nirmala Deshpande

The news regarding the sad demise of a prominent thinker a known figure of India’s politics & culture Dr. Nirmala Deshpande shocked all of us. She made commandable efforts for the promotion of friendship between India and Iran and also took initiative for the development of human values all over the globe. Her face will remain immortal in the eyes of the culture loving nations of India and Iran.

Through this letter, I convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the members of Madam Pande’s bereaved family, the members of the Indo- Iran Society and to all those who are interested in the promotion of friendship between India and Iran.

We pray Almighty to bestow His mercy upon her and patience for those who are left behind.

Mahdi Mustafvi Advisor to President & Head of the Organisation of Culture and Islamic Relations Islamic Republic of Iran

Didi’s Last Speech at JNU

The Indo-Iran Society organized a speech of Dr. Nirmala Deshpande get-together of lovers of Persian popularly known as Didi : language and literature at Arts and Excellency the Vice President of Aesthetics Stadium in J.N.U., New Iran, Excellency the Ambassador of Delhi to mark the Golden Jubilee of Iran, Excellency the Cultural the Cultural MOU signed between Counsellor of Iran and all the India and Iran. This Cultural and distinguished members of the dias academic meet was organized under and all the distinguished members the Presidentship of Dr. Nirmala in the audience. Deshpande. The Vice President of It is my immense pride and pleasure the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. to welcome the friends this Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei and H.E. morning. The Indo-Iran Society had Syed Mahdi Nabizadeh, the been blessed by the eminent Ambassador of Iran in India personalities of India like our participated in this celebration as former President Dr. Zakir Hussain, Guest of Honour. It may be recalled Prof. Nurul Hasan, Prof. that the tragic death of Dr. Nirmala Bishambhar Nath Pande and others. Deshpande (Popularly known as I am too small a person but all that I Didi) occurred next early morning can claim is this that I love Iran and and the whole nation especially the the people of Iran. The age old ties lovers of Gandhian way of life between India and Iran go back, plunged into the ocean of sorrow. God knows to what time, centuries Following is the text of the last* and centuries back. Even during the

Vedic times, there were very close Farsi. These ties have been ties and since then century after strengthened in every century and century these ties were now we are looking forward, may I strengthened. And somehow, we say, to Iran, Pakistan and India Gas have become so close in the culture Pipeline which will benefit all the and the language, poetry, search for three countries and we would all knowledge that sometimes one does three be together not only for our not feel that Iranians are foreigners economic benefit but also for in India. We just feel that they are strengthening our cultural ties of one of us. And may I take you back centuries together. to the eldest son of Emperor I would not take much of Shahjahan i.e. Darashikoh who your time but I would just like to translated the Upanishad from say that there is a saying in the old Sanskrit into Persian and it was not Vedas that, let me look at the world an ordinary job. For me only great with friendly eyes so that the world people with the knowledge of both will look to us with friendly eyes. the languages as well as spiritual With this prayer I would pursuits can alone do that job. And like to appeal to all of you that for I would like to request the dept. of us the whole world is our friend and Persian J.N.U. that if that book is we do not have any enemy. Let us available here it should be look to every country with friendly published in Urdu, Hindi and other eyes. Thank you. And may I say the Indian languages so that, people new slogan that Mahatma Gandhi’s will know the great work that has spiritual successor Acharya Vinoba been done centuries back. May I Bhave, my Guru, who had given to also take you back to the great the world “Jai Jagat” i.e. Victory to poets of recent centuries Dr. Sir the world which includes victory to Mohammad Iqbal and our various India, Victory to Pakistan, Victory poets, how many names can I take. to Iran and Victory to all countries They have written both in Urdu and – “Jai Hind, Jai Jagat”. Farsi. Farsi we can proudly say has been the court language of India. So * Next morning i.e. May 1st 2008 it is one of our own languages and Dr. Nirmala Deshpande left for her heavenly abode leaving behind her we should continue to promote followers plunging in the ocean of sorrow. Farsi by learning Farsi and also by the publication of the literature of

Golden Jubilee Celebration of Indo – Iran Society

The Indo-Iran Society held a and to work for peace and harmony function on April 30, 2008 at Arts among the world masses. and Aesthetic Auditorium, At the welcome address, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New flower bouquet were presented to Delhi to celebrate the Golden Vice-President His Excellency Jubilee of Indo – Iran Cultural Esfandiar Mashaei and members of Agreement and to release Indo – his entourage. The bouquets were Iran journal after a gap of more also presented to His Excellency Er. than 30 years. Mahdi Nabizadeh, the Ambassador At the outset, Dr. Nirmala of Iran in India. Deshpande, the President of Indo – Later the Vice-President of Iran Society delivered her welcome Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. address. While welcoming the Esphandiar Rahim Mashaei honorable guests Madam Pande delivered his inaugural speech referred to age-old relations herein he referred to multi- between India & Iran and said that dimensional friendly relations both India and Iran have been between the two nations and said maintaining friendly relation from “Indo-Iran relations have deep Vedic period. We should work for historical, cultural and civilisational the promotion of human values all roots, which can not become weak over the world. due to small events and happenings. Dr. Pande also said that Both nations have rich cultural Iranian civilization is of great values, which can not be compared importance not only for India but with any other civilization in the also for the whole world and with world. the completion of Indo-Iran Gas Expressing his concern over pipe line project, our historic the existing situation all over the relations will also be strengthened. world Dr. Mashaei said the whole While concluding her brief human world is based on economy and meaningful speech, Dr. and economic standards are used in Nirmala Deshpande made an appeal evaluating the performance of to the audience to raise slogan of human world. But this is wrong as “Jai Jagat” alongwith “Jai Bharat” economy is a minor part of human

life not the goal or object of life. He society’s special thank to Prof. further stated that the two nations Azermidakht Safavi who came are having different geographical from Aligarh Muslim University boundaries but the people of India and successfully compered the and Iran understand the sentiments programme in her own style. of each other on the basis of mutual In the name of God, the respect and honour. Dr. Mashaei Compassionate, the Merciful further emphasized that India and His Excellency Mr. Esfandiar Iran should make use of their Rahim Mashaei, the Hon’ble Vice capabilities for promoting their President of the Islamic Republic mutual social, economic and of Iran, Hon'ble Mr. Mahdi cultural cooperation. This will Nabizadeh, the Ambassador of the definitely result in growth and Islamic Republic of Iran, Respected development of the two nations. dignitaries, Professors and my dear While delivering his speech, friends. His Excellency Er. Mahdi It is indeed a blessing of Nabizadeh, the Ambassador of Iran Almighty and good wishes of my in India said Iran being an ancient well wishers especially the eminent civilistion played important role in historians of India Prof. Harbans the promotion and completion of Mukhia and Prof. Mushirul Hasan other civilizations. The Indo – Iran who were a source of strength and Society has been revived and inspirations for me when I was a revitalised for strengthening student of J.N.U. Their valuable bilateral cultural relations between viewpoints, contributions and the two nations. suggestions have empowered me to Prof. Harbans Mukhia, the such an extent that today I am in the well known historian and Vice- midst of great scholars and President of Indo-Iran Society also personalities. delivered a speech. In his brief but Prof. Amir Hasan Abidi meaningful speech, Prof. Mukhia popularly known as Father of referred to the historic relation Persian in India was also source of between the two nations and the inspiration for me. role of Persian Language in the As you must be knowing promotion of these relations. that Iran and India have emerged At the end, Dr. Karim high in the realms of history as the Najafi moved a vote of thank to all two culturally rich and the oldest the dignitaries and scholars present civilizations in the world. Both in this function. He conveyed these countries have influenced and

enriched each other to such an valuable message for the 2nd Sa'di extent that it is impossible to study Award Function. of either without reference to each After joining as the Cultural other. The recent visit of Dr. Counsellor of the Islamic Republic Mahmoud Ahmadi Nezad, the of Iran, New Delhi various steps Hon'ble President of the Islamic were taken for strengthening the Republic of Iran to India yesterday cultural and academic relation has sent a message of goodwill, between the universities of Iran and peace and love for the peoples of India, Most important was the two nations. signing of the MoU between the India and Iran are the cradle Indian Council for Cultural of ancient cultures and mysticisms Relation and the Cultural Heritage for more than eight hundred years. Organisation of Iran. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has said in Today important event of his book Discovery of India, the Golden Jubilee of Indo-Iran "among the many people and races Cultural Agreement and release of that have come in contact with and Indo-Iran Journal is the result of the influenced India's life and culture, sincere efforts of Dr. Ali Asghar the oldest and most persistent have Hikmat and Dr. Tara Chand the been the Iranians". Ambassador of India and Iran Persian language has got respectively. many similarities with the Sanskrit At the end, I want to convey words and it is related to Vedic my sincere thanks to Prof. period. Hon'ble Madam Dr. Bhattacharya the Hon'ble Vice Nirmala Deshpande and Member of Chancellor of J.N.U. for his kind Parliament and the President of attention and cooperation in the Indo-Iran Society have rightly said promotion of Persian Studies that "the age old ties between India through the Centre of Persian and and Iran go back to the Vedic Central Asian Studies in JNU. period". I am extremely thankful to The relation got Prof. Shahid Mahdi, the Vice strengthened century after century President of ICCR for his valuable in such a way that Indians do not suggestions and views. feel that Iranian are foreigners. It is my strong conviction We are thankful to Mr. that Indo-Iran Society will surely Arjun Singh the Hon'ble Minister of carry the aims and objectives for HRD, Govt. of India for his which it has formed.

I want to end my speech Doosti-e-Hind-o-Iran Zinda with a couplet of Maulana o Payandabad Jalaluddin Rumi which Mahatma Gandhi used to frequently quote in It may be mentioned that his speech. because of his pre-occupation in the Academic Council, J.N.U. Vice Chancellor Prof. B.B. Bhattachary ﻣﺎ ﺑﺮاي وﺻﻞ ﮐﺮدن آﻣﺪﯾﻢ welcomed the Iranians delegation at ﻧﯽ ﺑﺮاي ﻓﺼﻞ ﮐﺮدن آﻣﺪﯾﻢ We are here to create bonds his chamber and offered all and ties, and not to break them. cooperation in promoting academic With love and respects for and cultural ties between the two all. nations.

Prof Mushirul Hasan Unanimously Elected as the President of Indo- Iran Society.

The tireless efforts of the Executive Republic of Iran, New Delhi. The Members of Indo-Iran Society and Ambassador and the members valuable suggestions of Dr. Karim remembered the contribution of Dr. Najafi the Cultural Counselor of the Nirmala Deshpande in the revival of Islamic Republic of Iran, New society and her efforts in Delhi, the Society is revived and strengthening the Indo Iran relations. reactivated after a gap of 30 years. The name of Prof. Mushirul Hasan With the tragic end of Dr. Nirmala the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Deshpande the members of Indo-Iran Islamia and the Vice President of the Society and the followers of Didi Indo-Iran Society was proposed for plunged Indo-Iran Society into the the post of President which was ocean of sorrow as she was enjoying unanimously accepted. the status of first President of the A Journal “Indo-Iran Society” which Society after its revival. was released few months back by the At the Embassy of the Islamic Vice President of Iran was given to Republic of Iran, New Delhi, a Prof. Mushirul Hasan by the condolence meeting took place in Ambassador of the Islamic Republic which Prof. (Emeritus) Amir Hasan of Iran, New Delhi. Abidi, His Excellency Mr. Mehdi Nabizadeh the Ambassador of the New Governing Body of Indo-Iran Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi, Society Prof. Azhar, Dr. Karim Najafi the Patrons : Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Prof. Nazir Ahmed Republic of Iran, New Delhi, Prof. Prof. Amir Hasan Abidi Akhtar Mahdi General Secretary of Syed Shahid Mahdi Indo-Iran Society and other members President: expressed their sorrow on the sad Prof. Mushirul Hasan demise. The condolence message Vice-Presidents: from Dr. Mehdi Mustafavi the Prof. Harbans Mukhia advisor to the President of the Dr. G. Muniratnam Islamic Republic of Iran and General Secretary: Chairman of the Islamic Cultural Prof. Akhtar Mahdi Relation Organizations was read out Treasurer: at the Culture House of Islamic Prof. M.S. Prasad

Old Memoirs

Participation of the Late Dr. Nirmala Deshpande In Programmes held in Iran Culture House, New Delhi

Late Madam Nirmala Deshpande in the Seminar on “Dialogue among Islam and Hinduism”

In the month of March 2007 a two She brought the example of Babri day seminar on Dialogue among Masjid and said this was not the Islam and Hinduism was organized only tension between two in India Habitat Centre by Iran communities but all the times these Culture House, New Delhi differences and tensions were solved The Late Madam Nirmala with Dialogue and peaceful way. Deshpande was the Chief Guest of the Seminar. In her inaugural speech. She said that there are lots of similarities between Islam and Hinduism and other religions. The main purpose of religion is to call human to spirituality. She added that, today some scholars think Islam has dominated itself on Indian society with the force of sword, how ever if there were wars that were between the rulers and kings of Muslim and Hindus and because of their interests. Islam came to India through Sufism and great saints and because their message was based on peace, friendship and justice, Islam spread in sub-continent. The themes and nature of all religions and faiths, is on spirituality, if there are differences those are in the way of practice, customs and cultures.

Late Nirmala Deshpande in Iran Culture House, New Delhi

A Meeting with Lady Members of Iranian Parliament

On 23rd March 2007, Late Madam answer session, they were Nirmala Deshpande was in the exchanging views with Indian programme of a meeting with lady delegations. members of Iranian Parliament. Madam was representing the Indian The late Madam Deshpande as the Parliament. She was accompanied head of Indian Delegation spoke to by important Indian ladies, such as the guests in detail and she also Dr. Syeda Sayadain, Dr. Sughra referred to all aspects of cultural, Mahdi, Madam Manurma bava, political and social relations Prof. Syada Bilqis Fatima Husaini. between the two nations.

Iranian ladies, Madam Fatemeh She further spoke highly of the Laleh Eftekhari and Fatemah Alia active role played by Iranian had expressed their happiness in the women in all walks of life specially meeting. Then in the question- in the field of education.

Bio-Data of Miss Nirmala Deshpande

Name: MISS NIRMALA DESHPANDE, Member of Parliament Date of Birth: 17th October 1929 Father: Late Shri P.Y. Deshpande Former Member of Parliament, Freedom Fighter, Writer, Philosopher, Trade Union Leader Mother: Late Smt. Vimalabai Deshpande Former Deputy Minister (Madhya Pradesh) Educationist, Writer, Social Activist Address: AB-98, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110003 Phone: 23782683, Telefax: 23782781, Mobile: 9868181093 E-mail:[email protected] [email protected] Website: www.nirmaladeshpande.org Educational Qualifications: M.A. Political Science Honorary Doctorates conferred by: 1. University of Patiala, Punjab 2. University of Amravati, Maharashtra 3. Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Served as Lecturer of Political Science, Morris College, Nagpur Official Status: First term from 1997-1999 Second term from 2004 onwards

The activities of Nirmala more than 40,000 K.M. in India, for Deshpande can be divided in two Bhoodan movement, propagating categories the ideology of Non-violent (1) Gandhian constructive work for revolution, asking for land-gifts building a new society, based on from those who have land for those non-violence N.P. Peace work in who are landless agriculture India and abroad. labourers. More than four million 1. Joined Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan acres of land was obtained through Yatra in India 1952 and walked this movement, by millions of

donors small and big, which was could gain the confidence of every distributed among the landless poor section of the society. She would in all states of India, major share travelled alone in a jeep all over the was of Bihar. These allottees of state taking great personal risk land and other poor, marginalized under the shadow of people’s dua sections were organized for their i.e. good wishes 'God is with you'. rights and Satyagraha movement In the difficult days of militancy in carried on, under her leadership. the state of Jammu & Kashmir, she There are some shining examples of organized peace work by enlisting a success of Satyagraha which have few outsiders and many local helped in building further, the friends to work continuously for nonviolent movement in India. maintaining peace and communal Akhil Bharat Rachanatmak Samaj, harmony, making an appeal to those of which she was the founder young men with guns to throw President, has thousands of away the guns and adopt peaceful dedicated social activists, means. A large number of young committed to peace and non- men and women, belonging to all violence, working in all states of communities joined this movement India, under her leadership. and today one can find local friends 2. Work for Peace – As Director of in every corner of Jammu & Peace Training Institute (Shantisena Kashmir who are committed to Vidyalaya) at Kasturbagram, Gandhi and Peace. Indore, she had been a pioneer in Communal conflicts and spread of peace work and had to her credit communal poison has been a many success stories of women and serious problem of India in last two young girls, plunging in peace decades. Akhil Bharat activity in any situation and Rachanatmak Samaj, under her establishing peace. leadership had organized interrfaith In militancy-ridden Punjab in the prayers, meets, big conferences in decades of eighties, she organized various parts of India. The inter- huge Peace Marches, with faith conference at Chennai was thousands of peace activists for inaugurated by H.H. Dalai Lama. India who helped the local people Continuous work to build bridges of in keeping peace and communal understanding between different harmony. These peace activists communities especially between were spread in every nook and Hindus and Muslims is being corner of Punjab and have set an carried. She played an active role example of courage, fearlessness by with the same objective during the committed peace workers, who recent carnage in Gujarat, and was

instrumental in saving many lives. artists, social activists, journalists She organized continuous protest etc. from both the countries and led marches in Delhi against Gujarat Indian delegation to Karachi, carnage, involving social activists Pakistan in 1997 for a similar meet. and leaders of various opposition In 1999 she again led Indian political parties. Her associates delegation to Pakistan Peace were the first to take a peace march conference, organized by Pakistan in Orissa after the horrible murder Peace Coalition and visited many of Christian missionary Graham places. In March 2000 she had led a Stanes. women’s bus of Peace from Delhi After Gujarat, she along with some to Lahore [Pakistan], comprising of friends formed various forums to eminent women from every field of fight communalism and help forces life, which proved to be a very big of Secularism. event. She also hosted the same 1. Sanjhi Virasat -- Forum of year two buses of peace women writers, artists, all members of from Pakistan to Delhi, as a founder creative community to uphold Chairperson of ‘Women’s initiative India's tradition of composite for Peace in South Asia’. This was culture, pluralism. a big event and created a lot of 2. Adhyatma Jagaran Manch - goodwill. with Swami Agnivesh and Rev. Another important initiative by her Val san Thampu. This Forum was helping the retired senior was formed to spread the officers of Army, Navy, Air Force philosophy of spiritual and of India to from ‘Indo-Pak Soldiers’ ethical values and counter the Initiative for Peace’ in India and its misuse of religion. counterpart in Pakistan. She led a 3. Peoples integration Council - to delegation of India chapter of this mobilize all sections of society organization to Pakistan in 2001 for national integration and and was received very warmly in communal harmony. Pakistan. It was a sight for God to Peace Work abroad - Through her see, those who fought each other in organizations, Akhil Bharat three wars, now embracing each Rachanatmak Samaj & Association other and pledging to work for of Peoples of Asia, she had peace. established friendly relations with South Asia Peace Conferences were neighbors, specially with Pakistan. also organized by her in Calcutta, Organized 'Indo-Pak Amity Meet' Chennai & Jalandhar, attended by in 1996, attended by academics, hundred delegates from Pakistan

and planned strategies to work for 4. Member, Committee on peace and better understanding. She Empowerment of Women was a Bureau member of 'South Others Asians for Human Rights'. 1. National President, Akhil Bharat One of her major activity was to Rachanatmak Samaj (ABRS) work for the cause of Tibet through 2. National President - Harijan friendship associations. She has led Sevak Sangh (HSS) a Satyagraha on Indo-Tibet border 3. Chairperson, Association of in 1997, organized and participated Peoples of Asia (APA) in conferences, marches, seminars, 4. Chairperson - India-Pakistan for the case of Tibet. She was close Forum of Parliamentarians to H.H. Dalai Lama, who had 5. President, Indo-Pak Soldiers’ blessed her peace initiatives. She Initiative for Peace (IPSI) - Both attended world conference on Tibet of India and Pakistan in Berlin by Tibet Support Groups 6. Founder Trustee, Women’s from more than 55 countries. Initiative for Peace in South She was also helping Burmese Asia (WIPSA) refugees and important personalities 7. President, Rashtriya Seva close to Nobel laureate Aung San Samithi (RASS) Tirupati Suu Kyi of Myanmar, by 8. President, Hanuman Vyayam organizing and participating in Prakash Mandal (HVP), conferences, seminars, marches to Amravati, Maharashtra oldest support the nonviolent movement organization of physical for democracy in Burma. education and sports which has She attended Global Assembly of trained over 50,000 youth of all United Religions Initiative 2002 at the States of India. Rio{Brazil} as Indian delegate and 9. President, Vinoba Janmasthan spoke on Gandhi. She unveiled the Pratisthan (Birthplace of Vinoba first statue of Gandhi in Bali Bhave) Trust {Indonesia} in Gandhi Ashram, 10. Chairperson, Bapu Sadhbhavana Denpasar. and Shiksha Trust Positions held: 11. Editor – Nityanutan – Hindi Committees fortnightly 1. Member, Standing Committee 12. Member, National Integration on Information & Broadcasting Council 2. Member, Standing Committee 13. Member, Central Advisory on Rural Development Board of Education. 3. Member, Central Social Welfare 14. President, Indo-Iran Society Board

AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST Works done through Akhil Bharat Wrote novels in Hindi, one of Rachanatmak Samaj which entitled “Chingling” was Akhil Bharat Rachanatmak Samaj, given National Award. Written a federation of Gandhian novels, plays, travelogues, institutions and social workers was commentary on Isha Upanishad, formed in 1982 under the leadership biography of Vinoba Bhave of veteran Gandhian and published by National Book Trust, Parliamentarian Miss Nirmala and other books. Was Editor of Deshpande. The core of activities of Maitri, a joumal on service and the Samaj lies in the field of spirituality, published from Paunar communal harmony and national Ashram founded by Acharya integration. Vinoba Bhave. Currently, editing The Samaj organized a campaign ‘Nityanutan’, in Hindi from New for peace and harmony in 1983, the Delhi and in some other Indian peak period of terrorism in Punjab, languages. taking two thousand workers from TRAVELS all parts of India and an equal Extensively traveled in India. Also number from Punjab joined them. visited Russia, United Kingdom, The Samaj has taken exemplary Switzerland, Germany, steps in promoting communal Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, harmony and peace in the strife-tom Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, state of Jammu and Kashmir and Bangladesh, Brazil, United States, the message was reached to the Canada & China. grassroots level. The volunteers had Akhil Bharat Rachanatmak done this at a great personal risk. Samaj has been awarded Another noteworthy effort of the ‘National Communal Harmony Samaj was that of organizing a Award – 2004’ by the President campaign for harmony & creating public opinion to save the Babri of India. Masjid in Faizabad district, as much Has been awarded ‘Padma as being physically present to Vibhushan’ th prevent the demolition of the 14 Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Masjid. The work started by the Puraskar – 2005 Samaj is being continued in that ‘Order of Friendship’ awarded area and a majority of Sants and by President Putin of Russia on th Mahants are today supporting the 26 January 2007, at a special cause of communal harmony and function in Russian Embassy, peace. New Delhi. When inter-caste tensions broke out in Tamil Nadu, the Samaj organized

padayatras, which helped in cooling activities the Samaj is engaged in. down the situation. The Samaj has taken initiatives every time peace is disturbed and The Samaj has organized big inter- helped in restoring normalcy and faith - sarva-dharma- Conferences helped the victims. in various places like Ayodhya, In the field of education, it is Varanasi, Mathura, Rishikesh, running residential schools for Chitrakut, Jammu, Chennai and Aligarh. The conference in Aligarh scheduled castes and scheduled Muslim University, first of its kind tribes children. Tribal girls are in hundred years, with initiative being educated in most difficult taken by the Vice Chancellor was areas like Bastar, Sarguja of inaugurated by Dalai Lama. Chattisgarh, Gadhchiroli of Prominent leaders from all religions Maharashtra, Koraput of Orissa, present shared their messages. thus trying to reach out to the families in troubled areas, giving During the Gujarat violence in them the Gandhian alternative to 2002, the Samaj played a major role get justice. in reaching out to victims and People-to-people contacts are organized peace marches. another area that the Samaj is The annual Conferences organized specialized in. In collaboration with by the Samaj in different parts of sister organizations - Association of the country have come to stay as Peoples of Asia (APA) - and permanent feature that promotes the Women's Initiative for Peace in cause of peace and harmony. South Asia (WIPSA), it is Presidents, Prime Ministers, organizing exchange visits between Governors, Chief Ministers and neighboring countries, especially other dignitaries address thousands Pakistan, for establishing and of grassroots level social workers sustaining peace. from every state at these events. The multifarious activities of Akhil Empowerment of women through Bharat Rachanatmak Samaj have self-help groups and workshops, played a dominant role in involvement of youth in national influencing people at all levels and integration and poverty alleviation creating an increased awareness for programs by giving land to the communal harmony to ensure landless, employment generation sustaining peace. through Khadi and Village The Samaj believed in Confucian Industries, building peoples' power concept of ‘not cursing the in the villages through gramswarajya, and helping darkness, but lighting a candle’, panchayati raj institutions are other whenever and wherever needed.

Statement of ownership and other particulars about HIND-O-IRAN FORM IV (See Rule 8)

1. Place of Publication New Delhi 2. Periodicity of its Publication Quarterly 3. Printer’s Name Prof. Akhtar Mahdi Whether citizen of India ? Yes If foreigner, state the country of origin Not applicable Address Iran House, 18, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 1 4. Publisher’s Name Prof. Akhtar Mahdi Whether Citizen of India? Yes If foreigner, state the country Of Origin Not applicable Address Iran House, 18, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 1 5. Chief Editor’s Name Dr. Karim Najafi Berzegar Whether Citizen of India No If foreigner, state the country of origin Iran Address Iran House, 18, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 1 6. Names and addresses of Indo-Iran Society, Iran House Individuals who own the news- 18, Tilak Marg, New Delhi - 1 Paper and partners or share- Holders holding more than one Percent of the total capital 7. Registration Number RNI No. 19921/71

I, Akhtar Mahdi, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

June 13, 2008 Sd/- Akhtar Mahdi Publisher