Mazher Hussain's Interview; Times of India

Times of India

30^th August 2011

Mazher Hussain

Divisive Politics Won’t Work in Old City 

Bushra Baseerat TNN 

 Hyderabad: It was soon after Hyderabads worst riots in 1991 that left 150 dead and hundreds others injured, Mazher Hussain got himself involved in the relief works in the Old City for the first time. Now, two decades later, as the director of Confederation of Voluntary Associations (Cova), an NGO based in the Old City, Hussain says the asal city is in need of an image makeover.
Having worked at the grassroot level for 14 years, he says that Old City has been a victim of political agendas. Political parties bank on communal grounds and not on development. The issue of lack of civic amenities here is glaring considering the big difference between the amount of funds allocated for carrying out development works here and other parts of the city.
Hussain, 50, maintains that the image of the Old City has taken a severe beating over a period of time. If the bias in government and political circles against it is not enough, residents here lack the assertiveness needed to bring about any change. He adds that the general perception that only Muslims stay in Old City is incorrect, as a considerable 30 per cent of the population here is represented by all other communities. And today, Old City, which earlier extended up to Barkas, has expanded further and become more composite.

Insisting that the government policy makers need to change their mindset, he says: Old City is treated as an unnecessary appendage. There is not much investment, be it on development, human resources or infrastructure. This software businessman turned-social worker says that efforts are on to get people into governance and bring about a change in the system. People isolate Old City and look at it as a different world altogether, which is not correct, he adds.

And illiteracy still prevails. Over a lakh children are forced to work. This figure is often misrepresented as girl child labour is invisible child labour, he says adding that several families are living in pathetic conditions in this part of the city.

On the positive side, Hussain says that there has been a silent but decisive socio-economic revolution taking place here in the last few years, courtesy the economic boom and funds flowing from the Middle East. According to him, there is more emphasis on education as youngsters are trying to do their graduation in more numbers, which was not the case so far. Most importantly, he says that communities have come to a general understanding that fighting has no kind of positive outcome and Hyderabad has experienced a period of relative peace. Sooner or later, politicians are bound to realize that divisive politics is not going to work, he concludes.

INDIANS EXPRESS SHOCK OVER ABDUCTION OF SHAHBAZ TASEER

PRESS RELEASE

We express deep shock and concern over the kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer, son of Salman Taseer, late Governor of Punjab (Pakistan), who was assassinated on January 4th 2011 for his views on the controversial Blasphemy Law. Shahbaz and his family had been receiving threats from the Taliban and other militant groups since they belonged to the Taseer Family. He was abducted today in daylight from Lahore, while driving, from a street adjacent to his office at M M Alam Road. Abductors intercepted his car and took him away at gunpoint.

It must be pointed out that last week the cleric who conducted the funeral prayers for Salman Taseer has been forced to flee the country, following threats.

We appeal to the Pakistan Government to leave no stone unturned to rescue Shahbaz Taseer. At this juncture, we all express our solidarity not only with the Taseer family but also with all Pakistani citizens fighting for a liberal democratic society.

Thanking you,

1. Kuldip Nayar             Journalist                                                Delhi
2. Mahesh Bhatt            Film Maker                                             Mumbai
3. Jatin Desai                Journalist                                                 Mumbai
4. Kamla Bhasin           SANGAT                                               Delhi
5. Seema Mustafa        Journalist                                                  Delhi
6. Vrinda Grover           South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR)  Delhi
7. Varsha Berry             Focus on theGlobal South                        Mumbai
8. Ritu Dewan               Professor                                                  Mumbai
9. Mazher Hussain       COVA                                                     Hyderabad
10. Ramesh Yadav         Folklore Society                                       Amritsar
11. Sukla Sen                  Ekta                                                       Mumbai
12. Asad Bin Saif            BUILD                                                   Mumbai

VIGIL Against Terrorism- For Productive Talks By the People of India and Pakistan On 27th July 2011

Organise the Event

VIGIL

Against Terrorism- For Productive Talks

By the People of India and Pakistan

In your City / Town

On 27^th July 2011

And let the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan know that

The People of the Sub Continent Demand that their Talks must

Resolve all the Outstanding Issues  

The terror attack in Mumbai in November 2008 was carried out about two weeks before the scheduled meeting of the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan in mid December 2008 leading to cancellation of the talks and disruption of the peace process for nearly two years. Inadvertently, we had walked into the trap set by the terror groups and fulfilled their objective of disruption of talks and the peace process.

The decision by both India and Pakistan to go ahead with the Foreign Ministers Talks scheduled on 27-29 July 2011 despite the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai on 13^th July is most welcome, highly commendable and demonstrates statesmanship. The announcement of proceeding with the talks is a fitting reply to the inhuman and heinous conspiracy of the terror groups who were perhaps hoping to disrupt the talks and derail the peace process once again by engineering these dastardly bomb blasts killing and injuring innocents.

On the other hand, despite so many talks between India and Pakistan, there seems to be very little progress on all the outstanding issues like Kashmir, Siachin, Sir Creek, water disputes, easing of visa restrictions, removal of trades barriers, cooperation on tackling terrorism etc and the relations between the two countries continue to remain strained and highly vulnerable to the evil designs of disruptive forces and terror groups. 

Though everyone swears by the need for talks and dialogue, neither civil society organisations nor people at large try to pressurize both the governments, when they are engaging in talks, to show some concrete results and progress. Even when talks fail or they come out with meaningless platitudes, there is hardly any show of concern or condemnation by any one.

It is time we ACT.

Before Talks, During Talks and After Talks

To Show that We Care, We are Concerned and We are Watching

 On 27^th July 2011 from 10 am onwards, the first day of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan, events could be organised in different cities and towns of India and Pakistan under the common banner of

VIGIL

Against Terrorism- For Productive Talks

 By the People of India and Pakistan

1.      People could stand on Vigil holding placards against terrorism and for friendship and also addressing the Foreign Ministers demanding specific outputs from the meeting. The VIGILs could start from 10 am on 27^th July 2011 in different cities and towns of India Pakistan. 10 cities in India and 5 cities in Pakistan have already started planning the VIGILs. Many more are expected to join.

2.       Sample of placards that could be prepared and the demands is appended below. More demands and slogans could be added.

3.      A joint letter addressed to both the Foreign Ministers expressing our expectations and listing our demands is being prepared and could be signed by all. This would also be uploaded on the petiotionsonline.com to get more signatures. The document would be faxed to the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan and released to the media a day before the proposed meeting

4.      Cultural events etc could also be planned and organised during the VIGILs.

5.      A list of all cities where the VIGILs will be organised along with the locations and contact details of the organisers will be circulated and shared with the media.

6.      Organisations coordinating the VIGILs  in different cities / towns and those endorsing  and participating will be listed alphabetically in all material and communications.    

All those willing to organise the VIGILs in their cities / towns or want to participate / endorse are requested to send the details to covanetwork@gmail.com

COVA                                                            Pakistan Peace Coalition

______________________________________________________________________________

The Placards could be as follows;

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Resolve

SIACHIN

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Resolve

Sir Creek

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Resolve

KASHMIR

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Announce

VISA ON ARRIVAL

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Announce

FREE TRADE

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Resolve

WATER DISPUTES

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Announce

FREE TRADE

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Resolve

FISHERFOLK’S ISSUES

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Sign

NO WAR PACT

We are Watching – History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Agree to

DEMILITARISE

We are Watching - History is Watching

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vigil

By the People of India and Pakistan

Against Terrorism- For Friendship

-------------------------

Foreign Ministers

Now that You Are Meeting

Agree to

DENUCLEARISE

We are Watching - History is Watching

And many more such slogans that could be created

Please suggest modifications to the matter for placards and your participation / endorsement for campaign.

Regards

Mazher

Networking to Promote Responsible Citizenship and Global Peace

Women Volunteers of COVA forming to a Human Chain to Prevent

Ooutbreak of Communal Riots in Hyderabad- 15 March 2002 

COVA

(Confederation of Voluntary Associations)

A Local, National and International Networking Initiative to Promote Responsible Citizenship and Global Peace

Our Vision

Social harmony, peace and social justice by sensitization of all sections of society and empowerment of the marginalized and the poor

Our Identity and Focus

COVA (Confederation of Voluntary Associations) is a national network of voluntary organizations in India dedicated to the issues of social harmony, peace and justice. The prime focus of COVA is on citizenship rights and on perspective building for harmony in India and promotion of cooperation and peace in South Asia. Through direct programmes and by networking with other civil society organizations (CSOs) and institutions, COVA organises perspective building activities and programs, carries out campaigns, and conducts research for influencing diverse sections of civil society and the state apparatus to adopt inclusive, secular and egalitarian outlook and policies that would foster rights and promote justice and peace for all.

Strategies for Harmony

Initiated in 1994 and registered as a society in 1995, as a response to the communal conflict in the old city of Hyderabad, COVA has since promoted several organizations, trusts and networks across India, designed to bring together different communities to facilitate integrated development and harmonious society through cooperation and joint initiatives.

Some such successful strategies include promotion of responsible citizenship, community advocacy, inter-faith dialogue, action research, policy interventions, liaison with Parliamentarians and elected representatives, empowerment of women, personality development and livelihood guidance for youth, educational inputs to children, street theatre on social issues, riot control measures and management of natural and man - made disasters. COVA was also involved in a number of initiatives to reduce tensions between countries and promote people to people contact and cooperation in South Asia

Our communities

The beneficiaries of the developmental and awareness initiatives more often than not enlist with COVA as peace volunteers. COVA works with slum communities, women, children, college students, professionals, corporate and elected representatives. COVA networks with other likeminded CSOs and institutions across the country and the South Asia to address policy issues related to citizenship rights and for improvement of relations with other countries to propagate values of coexistence and secure peace.

Programs for Responsible Citizenship and International Peace

Peace Alliance Partners (PAP) perspective building programme of COVA seeks to counter overt and covert communal biases within individuals and organizations and trains peace activists on conflict transformation. The National Campaign for Right to Basic Services (RTBS) has been launched to secure from the government the provision of water, sanitation, health, education, housing, roads, electricity and livelihood for all citizens as a constitutional right. The Citizens’ Assertion Campaign goes beyond voter awareness programmes and encourages citizens to set the political agenda for their constituencies and subsequently for the whole country- that could secure inclusiveness, equality and development leading to justice for all and the creation of a society free from sectarian conflicts and divisive politics. In alliance with a number of national and international organisations COVA is seeking to promote peace and cooperation in the Sub-continent and across the globe, through the formation of International Center for Applied Peace Studies (ICAPS) and a Center for People’s Foreign Policy in South Asia.

Peace and Equity Audit for Development Planning: The Five Year Plan Model for development that is being followed by India has enabled the country to progress but is also leading to unacceptable levels of socio-economic inequality and conflicts that are transforming into violent agitations or armed resistance.   COVA has conceived, proposed and initiated the processes for the formulation of the required framework for a Peace and Equity Audit that should be undertaken to evaluate if any proposed development proposals, and programs would lead to inequity and / or social conflicts. If the Audit reveals the possibility of emergence of inequities or conflicts, then the proposals and programs could be suitably modified at the planning stage itself.     

Alliances and Memberships

COVA is an active member of CNDP (Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace), VANI (Voluntary Action Network India), CERI (Campaign for Electoral Reforms in India), WNTA (Wada Na Todo Abhiyan), Election Watch, Credibility Alliance, Dalit Watch, United Forum for RTI and was represented on the Joint Machinery, Planning Commission, Government of India, and GO-NGO Coordination Committee set up by the Government of Andhra Pradesh amongst many other national bodies. At the international level, COVA is involved with South South Solidarity, Pakistan Peace Coalition, PIPFPD, AMAN, SAPA, PSAARC and TRANSCEND International.

Major Milestones in the Journey of COVA

·                                             Introduced the concept and practice of Rights based work in the old city of Hyderabad.

·                                             Transforming the political agenda of the old city from communal to development through Citizens Assertion Campaign

·                                             Mainstreaming Muslim organizations and community in development work and promoting their involvement in collective actions for rights and entitlements

·                                             “Savious of Hyderabad” – felicitation of brave citizens who save the life and property of member of other community during communal conflicts and riots. This program was first initiated in 1991

·                                             Collaboration with religious leaders of all faiths through the Interfaith Forum to promote proper understanding and amity between different communities and deescalate tensions during times of tensions and riots

·                                             Enlistment of religious leaders and priests for awareness programs on HIV/AIDS through their weekly sermons in Mosques, Churches and Satsangs

·                                             Proposed and worked for the meeting between members of the Parliamentary Delegation and Huriat leaders in Kashmir in September 2010 that contributed to the stabilization of the volatile situation in Kashmir valley

1994                       Celebrating 125^th Gandhi Jayanti- Preparation of Photo Exhibition and a documentary film on the contributions of common people to the Freedom Movement of India

1997:                      Festival of the Subcontinent: Joint Celebration of 50 years of independence by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh on August 14-15, 1997. Events were organized in 50 cities across the globe

1997-2000:           IPP VIII: Mobilisation and Training of 1100 Women Link Volunteers in old city areas of Hyderabad

1999:                      Initiation of economic empowerment programs for women in Andhra Pradesh through vocational training and entrepreneurship-  

2000:                      Economic empowerment of women through promotion of thrift cooperatives- over 50 Thrift Cooperatives reaching out to 60,000 women promoted and strengthened in Hyderabad and 9 districts of Andhra Pradesh

2001:                      Training of women Corporators from 6 districts of Andhra Pradesh in “Effective Participation as Elected Representatives”. 

2002:                      Human Chain, 15th March 2002, that prevented communal outbreak in Hyderabad

2003:                      Global Vigils for Peace against war posturing between India and Pakistan

2004:                      Partners in Victory- Flags for Peace Campaign during which thousands of flags of both India and Pakistan were distributed to the spectators in the stadiums to bring amity during India Pakistan cricket matches that were played in Pakistan after a gap of 14 years

2004:                      Visit of Parliamentarians from Pakistan to India to break the deadlock after the attack on the Indian Parliament

2004:                      Anti War Assembly, against the US attack on Iraq

2004:                      Formation of PUCAAR (Peoples Union for Civic Action and Rights)

2005:                      Signature Campaign for Improvement of Government Schools leading to sanction of Rs.5 crores by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to schools in Hyderabad.

2005:                      Collaborated in Peace March from Delhi to Multan: 23rd March 2005 to 11th May 2005

2005:                      No! No!! Campaign!!! to protest the purchase of F16 and F18 Fighter Jets by India and Pakistan from America.

2005:                      Kashmir Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Project- Covered 6000 families for relief and constructed 195 houses for the most vulnerable in the quake affected areas.

2000-2007:           Annual Low Cost Science Exhibitions for 7 consecutive years setting a trend for others in the old city of Hyderabad.

2007:                      Formation of Bandhan, the State level federation of district networks in Andhra Pradesh

2008:                      Formation of Forum for Improvement of Government Schools

2008:                      Formation of COVA-Kasturba Gandhi Peace Centre.

2008                       Participated in the Enquiry Committee of the State Minorities Commission, Government of A.P. instituted after the bomb blasts in Mecca Masjid that led to the release of 100 youth of the old city areas of Hyderabad who were falsely implicated by the police in the bomb blasts.

2009:                      Indo-Pak Joint Signature Campaign and Exchange of Peace Delegations against terrorism and war posturing.

2009:                      Formation of ICAN - Indian Children Action Network.

2009:                      Launch of HIV / AIDS awareness campaign through religious leaders in temples, mosques and churches.

2009 -10:               As part of Election Watch A.P. worked for the prevention of mal practices during Parliamentary, Assembly and Municipal Elections.

2010:                      In collaboration with other civil society organizations, obtained stay order and interim order from the High Court of A.P. for the protection of Golconda Fort and its surrounding areas from violations by the Golf Course under the National Heritage Monuments Act.

2010                       Initiatives in Kashmir for peace and normalcy during the summer turmoil of 2010 

2010                       Participated in the Mumbai to Lahore Peace March

2010                       Initiate the concept and process for Peace and Equity Audit in Development Planning

2011                       Appealed in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh against assigning school teachers for census work during school hours and obtained a favourable order from the government.

2011                       Participated in the Indian Peace Delegation to Pakistan that met the prime Minister of Pakistan, parliamentarians, policy makers, activists and people to promote understanding and normalization of relations

2011                       Repeat of Partners in Victory- Flags for Peace Campaign- during the World Cup Semi Finals at Mohali where thousands of flags of both India and Pakistan were distributed to the spectators to promote cordial atmosphere in the stadium that cheered good cricket!

Research Studies

1995:                      Socio-Economic Survey of the Old City of Hyderabad for Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi

1997-98:                Hyderabad segment of the Urban Poverty Research

1999:                      Study on Socio-Economic, Educational and Political condition of Minorities in Andhra Pradesh.

2000-2003:           Action Research Project on the Empowerment of Elected Women Representatives in Andhra Pradesh

2002-2003:           Study on Social Responsibility of the Medical Sector during Communal Conflicts

2003:                      International Study on “Philanthropic Practices in Muslim Societies”

2004:                      “ A Case Study in Peace Building in the city of Hyderabad during the past 1000 years”

2008                       Socio- economic Conditions of Muslims of Nizamabad

Documentaries and Exhibitions

1994:                      “Azadi Ki Kahani: Dadima Ki Zubani” a documentary film on the contribution of common people to the Indian freedom movement as Part of the 125th Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations.

1994:                      Photo Exhibition of freedom Fighters from Andhra Pradesh and the rest of India.

2001:                      “….and Nature Replies” a documentary film on the ravages caused by fl ash floods in the city of Hyderabad in August 2001.

Publications

• Socio-Economic Conditions of People of India, 2005 (in English & Telugu)

• Muslims of Anantapur, 2008.

• People’s Manifesto of the People of the Old City of Hyderabad, 2009.

• Messages of Oneness: Visions and Visionaries, 2009.

• Pamphlets and newsletters (in English, Telugu & Urdu) for voter awareness,

on government schools, information of government departments, career

opportunities, peace campaigns etc.

Major Activities

Peace Initiatives

Fact-finding and relief during conflicts and conflict resolution, Inter-faith dialogue, Peace Alliance Partners (PAP), Perspective Building Programme, Transnational initiatives

Women’s Empowerment

Aman Saheli Groups, Community Empowerment Program, Vocational Support Initiatives, South India Muslim Women’s Rights Network

Children

Annual Summer Camps for Communal Harmony, Child Campaigners Clubs, Bal Adalat, Annual Sports Meet

Para Education Programme, Summer Activism for students and youth

Youth TRAC

Summer Camps for Communal Harmony, Career Guidance, Livelihood Trainings and Placements, Sports Clubs, College Clubs, Training of Peace Volunteers

PUCAAR

Citizen’s Assertion Campaign, Campaign for Improvement of government schools, Advocacy on civic issues, Advocacy training for Change Activists, Election Watch

District Networks

Networking of Organisations from different communities to integrate society, Promotion of Welfare and Charitable Trusts, Formation of Muslim women SHGs, motivating religious organisations to take up development activities

National

Campaign for Right to Basic Services, Initiatives against militarization and nuclearisation, Working for securing governance accountability, of the State and National Governments, Promotion of conducive atmosphere and credibility for the Voluntary Sector

International

Promotion of People to People contacts, Initiatives for reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan, awareness and platforms for common people to express on issues of foreign policy

Work with Refugees

In collaboration with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) COVA is working with refugees from 12 countries who are based in Hyderabad by providing them psychosocial, medical, educational and legal support.

Become a Partner in Peace!

Organizations can collaborate for peace by becoming members of COVA.

Individuals are invited to volunteer time, expertise or donate in cash and/

or kind to COVA’s programmes. Donations to COVA are exempted under Sec.80G of IT

For membership, volunteering and donations please contact:

20-4-10, Charminar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA. Pin: 500 002

Phone :+91-40- 24572984, Fax : +91-40-24574527,

E-mail : covanetwork@gmail.com, Website: www.covanetwork.org