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The
end of the 14th Hijra, was significant event which was celebrated
all over the world by the Muslims. India being the second most populous
country in terms of muslim population, also took an active part
in the centenary celebrations. Keeping in mind the importance of
the event, the Govt. of India set up a committee under the Chairmanship
of Justice Mr. M. Hidayatullah, the then Vice-President of India,
to organize the celebrations. The Hijra Era celebrations committee
did a commendable job & organized many functions, highlighting
the importance of event. Some of these events included: |
(1) |
The
then Prime Minister of India of Smt. Indira Gandhi released
A postal stamp on 3rd November 1980 commemorating the event.
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(2) |
A
commemorative postal stamp was released on 3rd November 1980
by the Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi. |
(3) |
An
International Seminar on “Islamic Contribution
to the Culture and Civilization of the World, with Special
reference to India” was organized in January
1981 at New Delhi.
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(4) |
An
International Qiraat competition and several other functions
were organized. It was during the Centenary Celebration, that
the idea to set up an India Islamic Cultural Centre in the
capital city, New Delhi, was conceived. To translate this
dream cause into reality, many renowned personalities of India
including some of the prominent old boys of Aligarh Muslim
University, played a major role.
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| Finally
the IICC a ‘Society' was registered in April 1981. |
| Original
signatories to the Memorandum of Association of the Society, i.e.
India Islamic Cultural Centre were: |
(1) |
Janab
Hakim Abdul Hameed - As the first President
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(2) |
Mufti Atiqur Rahman - Vice President |
(3) |
Mr
Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, ICS - Director |
(4) |
Mr
Syed S. Shafi - Joint Director |
| (5) |
Chaudhary
Mohd. Arif - Secretary |
| (6) |
Mr M. W.
K. Yusufzai - Treasurer |
| (7) |
Begum Abida
Ahmed - Member |
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As a good gesture, the Government of India allotted
a prime piece of land amounting to approx. 8000 meters to IICC at
Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
At
the behest of Hakim Abdul Hameed, of Hamdard fame, the Institute
of Islamic Studies donated Rs. 10,50,00/- towards the cost of land
and the Late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi got Rs. 10 lacs (one
million) towards building fund granted by the Department of Culture,
Government of India.
The
possession of the land was given to IICC after demolishing the old
structure. The construction of IICC building started in January
1996, after Building Plans were approved by New Delhi Municipal
Council.
Smt.
India Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India was so much impressed
by the idea to create such an institution, which could promote understanding
amongst people of different religious groups and help the cause
of national integration. The picture shows Mrs. Indira Gandhi laying
the foundations stone of India Islamic Cultural Centre on 24th August,1984.
A new Board of Trustee was elected in 1994 under the chairmanship
of Begum Abida Ahmad. Mr Mohd. Fazal, then Member, Planning Commission
became the first Director General of the Centre. Later, Mr Moosa
Raza, former Secretary to the Govt. of India, was appointed as the
Director General of the Center.
For
the purpose of receiving donations from Indian and foreign donors,
the sanction under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 and
registration under 80G (5) (VI) of Income Tax Act 1961 were obtained. |
| Location
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India Islamic Cultural Centre is located on the
main Lodhi Road, adjacent to historic Lodhi Garden in the capital
city of Delhi, India.
In
the sylvan surroundings of Delhi’s historic Lodhi Garden stands
an attractive structure which is a marvel of Islamic & Indian
architecture. The building of India Islamic Cultural Culture has
added a new grace to famous British architect Lutyen who designed
the city of New Delhi in 1911. The building is also located at close
to another famous monument: Safdarjung Tomb.
The
structure of IICC is surrounded by lush green lawns and plenty of
flora & fauna. The front elevation of IICC provides a grand
visual which is a visitor’s delight. |
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