How they See IOS

The following views were expressed at the two-day celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Objective Studies from April 6-7, 2007.

In the two decades since it was set up in 1986, IOS has established an enviable reputation as a leading think tank on issues onal concern, and especially on those with regard to Islam and the Muslim community. Its liberal, forward-looking and humane approach has influenced opinion not just in India, but throughout the world.

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Congress President

The exemplary work and contribution made by IOS over the years towards Islam as well as towards cultural integration of India are outstanding. It has gained recognition in all relevant quarters at national and international plane for promoting research, conducting surveys on relevant themes, publishing books and journals in areas of national concerns and pressing challenges of civil societies, awarding scholarships to scholars actively participating in social welfare, educational and disaster elimination and management fields.

 
Mr. V.P. Singh, Former Prime Minister of India

 IOS is at the head of a paradigm shift, a shift that would accommodate new socio-economic configurations and the growth of new technologies in a globalising world.

 
Mrs. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi

IOS has provided a platform for socio-economic and political discourse over the years, thus strengthening democracy, fair-play and the rule-of-law.

 
Justice A.M. Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India

I have always tried to draw upon the immense intellectual resources of the Institute of Objective Studies, whose chairman Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, I have the privilege of knowing for quite a few years.
Justice Rajinder Sachar, former Chief Justice, Delhi High Court

 Muslims are not able to take advantage of even the existing government schemes for their welfare. IOS has a stellar role to play in creating awareness about such schemes.

Saiyid Hamid, Chancellor Hamdard University, New Delhi

Community initiative in education and economic participation is important, so is our understanding of, and respect for, Hindu cultural ethos. The role of IOS in this regard is crucial.

Dr. Abusaleh Sharif, Chief Economist  National Council for  Applied Economic Research

Right from my student days in Aligarh Muslim University, I have known Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam. He continued to guide me even when I was working in Saudi Arabia, where he too had been working. I have continued to draw inspiration from him and IOS as a minister, and I find the IOS books of considerable use today.

 
Mr. M.A.A. Fatmi, Union Minister of State for HRD

I find IOS publications enlightening. On a personal level, I hold the IOS chairman, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, in great regard. However, I would appreciate it if the institute publishes some handy booklets and cassettes on current issues, especially on issues which are used to malign Muslims. These booklets and cassettes should clarify the issues and expose anti-Muslim propaganda.

 
Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Union Minister of State for Telecom and IT

 No democracy is worth its name unless minorities are safe there. I am happy to note that the IOS has consistently worked to help Indian democracy in this regard.

 
Chaturanan Mishra, former Union Agriculture Minister

 The Institute of Objective Studies works from a futuristic perspective and enjoys affiliate status with the UN. In the coming years it should be able to provide sustenance for a growing civil society.

  Mr. AR Kidwai, Governor  Haryana

 The Institute of Objective Studies has a Muslim-centric stance. Its work on Muslim issues, including economic, educational and political empowerment, is enormous. Its concern about the mobilisation of the community’s resources like awqaf has brought it recognition from all quarters.

 Mr. Siraj Hussain, Joint Secretary Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India

 The IOS has consistently been working towards the strengthening of democracy, supremacy of the Constitution, and rule of law.

Mr. Yusuf Hatim Muchhala, Senior lawyer, Bombay High Court

 
The IOS has done substantial research on the Muslim situation in India. Now it should try to reach the people as a whole.

Mr. Hamid Ansari, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities

 It is heartening to note that the IOS has not only been awarding scholarships to deserving scholars, but its Chairman, General Secretary and other academics associated with it have been providing academic guidance also to these young scholars.

 
Prof. Nejatullah Siddique, King Faisal Award Winner

To get social justice, Muslims have to organise, educate and work steadily for their socio-economic empowerment. Nobody would get them social justice until they themselves take the initiative. The IOS has certainly taken such initiative.

 Dr. Kumar Rajiv, Visiting Professor,

Deparment of Management Studies, Jodhpur University

 My relationship with the Institute of Objective Studies is quite old. I have always found its intellectual output quite worthwhile.

 Prof. M. Afzal Wani, Dean School of Law and Legal Studies,

Indraprastha University, New Delhi