The Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Goa, Vasco unit organized a program on the topic “Women in Indian freedom struggle”
on 22 August 2015 at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, Vasco- Goa.
The speakers for the program were Mrs Monica Hardeep Aurora a Writer and a social worker, Miss Diksha Mahale- social worker, Mrs Joselyn Henriques – history teacher in St Andrews school, Vasco and Mrs Sameema Asif Hussain member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and administrator of Aashiyana Home..
In the inaugural address by the President of Women’s Wing, Mrs Shaista Shah she introduced the Jamaat as a nation-wide organization working to reform the society on the basis of the divine guidance. She briefed the audience of the various activities undertaken by the jamaat.. She also stated the need for such programs to acquaint the citizens of the contributions all communities towards the freedom struggle. She said that through such programs the we could stem the growth of mis-understandings and promote mutual co-operation for constructive welfare of all.
Miss Diksha Mahale who was the first speaker spoke about various female freedom fighters of that time who are seldom mentioned in history. she mentioned about the contributions of Bimabai Holkar, Kasturba Gandhi and begum Hazrat Mahal in the Indian freedom struggle
Mrs Joselyn Henriques mentioned about the the various evils which was practiced against women and yet they all stood united as one against the British. In the end she said a small prayer for all . Mrs Monica Aurora said that we are discussing a topic because we have forgotten about the pain and sacrifices made by our freedom fighters .
Mrs Samima Asif Hussain in her address said that Muslims played a very important role in Indian freedom struggle. She lamented the fact that history books in schools mention little of the contribution of Muslims during freedom struggle and names of women such as Azgari begum, Zubeda begum, Surraya, Abadi and Amjadi Begum etc are not known to people. She said that if the new generations are not made ever of the contributions and the pioneering role of Muslims, we may leave room for mischief mongers to spread falsehood in the name of history.
She also stressed upon the need that we have to work together to make this society a better place to live peacefully.
Later Mrs Rehana Khan presented mementos to the speakers and Miss Aamna Khan proposed the vote of thanks.
