Lucknow: The 16th National Pasmanda Social Conference of the Momin Ansar Sabha was successfully held at Ravindra Hall, Charbagh, Lucknow, under the chairmanship of National President Mohammad Akram Ansari. The event was conducted by Naseem Ansari and witnessed participation from delegates across Uttar Pradesh as well as states including Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, and Haryana.
A large number of office bearers and members from district and city units of the organisation participated in the conference, representing the Pasmanda Muslim community, particularly the weaving and artisan groups.
Call for Political Empowerment and Representation
Addressing the gathering, National President Mohammad Akram Ansari highlighted that through consistent efforts and collective struggle, the Momin Ansar Sabha has emerged as one of the largest social organisations representing Pasmanda Muslims and weaving communities in India. He noted that the organisation has been holding annual national conferences since 2010, bringing together thousands of representatives to discuss community issues and solutions.
Ansari stated that the conference was aimed at strengthening the social and political dignity (“waqar”) of the Pasmanda community. He alleged that while political parties frequently speak about Pasmanda Muslims, genuine representation at the grassroots and decision-making levels remains lacking. He criticised what he described as symbolic inclusion, arguing that community representatives are often used without real authority or participation in core decision-making.
He urged unity among Pasmanda Muslims, especially ahead of upcoming assembly elections, and called for strengthening grassroots leadership to ensure meaningful political representation.
Concerns Over Political Participation
Speakers at the conference expressed concerns that many community representatives in political parties are limited to minor positions such as minority cells, without influence in main organisational structures or policymaking bodies. They stressed that this results in a disconnect between political promises and ground realities faced by Pasmanda Muslims.
The conference also warned against what it described as politically affiliated front organisations, urging community members to remain cautious of groups that allegedly mislead or weaken collective bargaining power.
Focus on Social Justice and Inclusive Development
National General Secretary of the Rashtrawadi Jan Samaj Party, Ikram Ansari, also addressed the gathering. He said Indian politics is largely divided between identity-based politics and capitalist frameworks, while stressing the need for a politics focused on upliftment of working-class and Pasmanda communities.
He emphasised that social justice should ensure equitable rights for all communities including Pasmanda Muslims, SC/ST/OBC groups, and even the general category, without depriving any section of its legitimate rights.
Awards and Recognitions
During the conference, individuals excelling in various fields were honoured. Notable awards included:
- Fakhr-e-Ansar Award to Mohammad Abu Zar Ansari (Sitapur) for becoming an IAS officer
- Taleemi Award to Nabila Ansari (Lucknow) for becoming a Chartered Accountant
- Samaji Khidmat Award to Suhail Waheed (retired Deputy Director, Information) and Sami Ansari (Kanpur)
- Recognition awards to several social workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders including Mohammad Ahmed, Rais Ahmed, and Mansoor Jamal
Representatives of various Momin community organisations—including Halwai Sabha, Haseeri Sabha, Salmani Sabha, Qureshi Sabha, Pathan Sabha, Kasgar Sabha, Rangrez Sabha, and others—were also honoured during the event.
Wide Participation from Across States
The conference saw participation from several state and regional leaders including Haji Rizwan Ansari (Madhya Pradesh), Zaheer Alam (Uttarakhand), and Khalid Iqbal (Jharkhand), along with numerous state presidents and office bearers from Uttar Pradesh divisions.
Senior leaders including Hafiz Rafiq Ahmed, Jameel Ahmed Ajju, Shakir Ali Ansari, Akbar Ansari, Yasir Ansari, Talib Ansari, and others addressed the gathering, highlighting issues related to education, employment, and political participation.
The conference concluded with a collective resolution to strengthen unity, expand political representation, and ensure proportional participation of Pasmanda Muslims in legislative and policy-making bodies. Leaders reiterated that the community must secure its rightful share in governance, education, employment, and decision-making institutions.
The event underscored a renewed call for social cohesion and political awareness among Pasmanda communities across the country.
