The purpose of this event is education, information, and activism. We hope to learn and acknowledge our failings and make a personal commitment to say, “Never Again.” If we don’t stand up for the rights of others, why should anyone stand up for us? Restoring harmony among people of the world is our sacred duty. We invite everyone from Atheists to Zoroastrians to attend this event and feel a part of humanity.
The Center for Pluralism is a non-profit organization established in 1996 and committed to building a cohesive America where every American feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, culture, or any other uniqueness. Our work involves workshops, training, seminars and talks about Religious, Political, Societal and workplace Pluralism, in addition to human rights and including standing up for the religious freedom of every human being.
Several speakers have confirmed their participation. Among them are Rabbi David Saperstein, former Ambassador of Religious Freedom At Large; Dr. Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch; Nadine Maenza, Chair of USCIRF; and Dr. MaryAnn Thompson-Frenk of Memnosyne Foundation, who will deliver the keynote address. A few more confirmations are pending.
More at www.HolocaustandGenocides.com
Awards:
At the event, we will recognize the individuals who have relentlessly stood up for human rights and religious freedom for all. These recognitions have been the hallmark at the Center for Pluralism for the last 28 years at our flagship programs’ annual Thanksgiving, Unity Day USA, Holocaust and Genocides, and Festivals of Faith events.
The individuals who are honored are:
1) Walter Ruby 2) Dr. Maqsood Chaudhary 4) Ajit Sahi 4) Greg Mitchell Please note that in the last 16 years, we have covered many genocides, massacres, and grim ethnic cleansing events, and we intend to cover them all in the coming years. It is an all-inclusive event. We also acknowledge all the known and unknown genocides through common prayers.
We hope you will emerge from this event in transformation, with a genuine feeling of becoming a contributor towards building a cohesive world where no human has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.
Dr. Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916 Office (202) 290-3560 www.CenterforPluralism.com www.HolocaustandGenocides.com Washington, DC
Persecution of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Others.
17th Annual Holocaust and Genocides & Awards Event Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2-4 PM EST A virtual event, please join us on zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83302436740?pwd=MzgzYkVoQ0pNWXBSMkRhT2dIdit4Zz09
The purpose of this event is education, information, and activism. We hope to learn and acknowledge our failings and make a personal commitment to say, “Never Again.” If we don’t stand up for the rights of others, why should anyone stand up for us? Restoring harmony among people of the world is our sacred duty. We invite everyone from Atheists to Zoroastrians to attend this event and feel a part of humanity.
The Center for Pluralism is a non-profit organization established in 1996 and committed to building a cohesive America where every American feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, culture, or any other uniqueness. Our work involves workshops, training, seminars and talks about Religious, Political, Societal and workplace Pluralism, in addition to human rights and including standing up for the religious freedom of every human being.
Several speakers have confirmed their participation. Among them are Rabbi David Saperstein, former Ambassador of Religious Freedom At Large; Dr. Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch; Nadine Maenza, Chair of USCIRF; and Dr. MaryAnn Thompson-Frenk of Memnosyne Foundation, who will deliver the keynote address. A few more confirmations are pending.
More at www.HolocaustandGenocides.com
Awards:
At the event, we will recognize the individuals who have relentlessly stood up for human rights and religious freedom for all. These recognitions have been the hallmark at the Center for Pluralism for the last 28 years at our flagship programs’ annual Thanksgiving, Unity Day USA, Holocaust and Genocides, and Festivals of Faith events.
The individuals who are honored are:
1) Walter Ruby 2) Dr. Maqsood Chaudhary 4) Ajit Sahi 4) Greg Mitchell Please note that in the last 16 years, we have covered many genocides, massacres, and grim ethnic cleansing events, and we intend to cover them all in the coming years. It is an all-inclusive event. We also acknowledge all the known and unknown genocides through common prayers.
We hope you will emerge from this event in transformation, with a genuine feeling of becoming a contributor towards building a cohesive world where no human has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Our Salute To Martin Luther King, JR
What a great man! Yes, one man can make a difference, and he did as his Mentor Gandhi paved the way. MLK removed guilt from most Americans who did not like how fellow humans, the African Americans, were treated. We still have men who do not benefit from treating and feeling equal; we have to rope them in for they know not.
It is so good to see the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi on his wall; the entire world adores and respects the principles of non-violence that Mahatma Gandhi taught. However, the Hindutva (a segment of terrorists among Hindus) are cursing Gandhi, shooting his effigy, and worshipping the man who killed him. The Modi admin has given the tacit approval to do that.
India was a beautiful country before Modi- a criminal under the guise of a leader. Now, India has become a violent country under his regime; he has got to be voted out in 2024 to restore harmony and cohesiveness in society.
For India to be a reliable, dependable ally of America, Biden has to speak out against the violation of human rights and religious freedom and the call to kill 2 million Muslims. Biden’s silence is dangerous. India is fractured, people are afraid, and it cannot be our ally. We have to uplift India from a country of particular concern to a nation that respects freedom.
On behalf of all the immigrants, particularly the Asians, Africans, and Latinos, I express my gratitude to him and Rosa Parks; we are here today because of those who caused the Civil Rights Act to be enacted.
MLK, we salute you on this day for making America great.
This particular note is for interfaith parents, one of them being a Muslim. Eventually, I will be writing one for each faith group, time, or life-permitting.
First of all, it’s God who brings two souls together and places love and compassion in them. Quran 30:21 “And among His signs is that He created mates for you from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you love and compassion. In these are, and for people who reflect.” ( Quran 30:21).
Please remember that the Quran is for humankind and not any particular group. Throughout the Quran, you will find it addressing humanity. Indeed, wisdom is abundant in the Quran for those who reflect.
Second, when two people fall in love, the ultimate milestone to their relationship is marriage. Yes, I am addressing the Muslim-Americans where it is natural for men and women who work and study together to fall in love.
Bibi Khadija and Muhammad (pbuh) worked together for years. She fell in love and decided to marry him. At that time, neither of them was a Muslim, and 15 years after their marriage, the Prophet received revelation to communicate to the world that there is one creator to whom we are all accountable. Indeed, “Accountability” created responsible societies where the chaos dissipated and cohesiveness started working. Anyone who subscribed to that idea was a Muslim. Thus, Muhammad and Khadija chose to become Muslims.
Third, how would they raise their children? Bibi Amina, Muhammad’s daughter, was presented with no religion until he became a Muslim, and his family saw the wisdom in it and followed it.
A Muslim is an exemplary citizen who cares for his fellow humans; that is all God wants. There are many examples to cite, but suffice to say that God created the universe in balance and harmony (Quran 55:5-11) and expects us to preserve that harmony. It is almost like a business owner who expects her employees to manage and protect her business; God is no different.
Fourth, Islam is about free will, emphasized at least a few times. Adam and Eve had a choice; Quran says that there is no compulsion (2:256) in belief; God tells the Prophet that his role was to give the message and it is up to HIM to provide guidance to people to receive that message or not; Prophet’s uncle and protector chose not to accept his message.
The Interfaith children ought to be raised with agreed-upon values between the couple. When the kids grow up, they can choose to be Muslim since their parents were “worth” emulating. That was the case with Islam. No one was a Muslim but chose to be one.
Finally, Islam should be a choice and not by birth.
Simply put, Islam is one of the many universal guidances for humanity to be accountable for one’s actions (to the creator) while caring for fellow humans. God created everything in harmony and balance (Quran 55:8-11), and we must preserve that for our good. That is Islam in a nutshell.
Please visit the essence and values of Islam link on top of the homepage at www.WorldMuslimCongress.org. They are also explained in the book American Muslim Agenda, available on Amazon.
Mike Ghouse is an interfaith and Muslim wedding officiant, an author of the book American Muslim Agenda and the upcoming book Madame President – a Muslim woman president in 2036 and an upcoming book on understanding the wisdom of the Quran. More about him at https://theghousediary.com/
The Bollywood industry has been very successful in being ambassadors of our culture. India “was” a beacon of hope to the emerging world until 2014. We have to restore our cultural and political influence again. A few Africans are celebrating new year with a song from film Dosti, sung by muhammad Rafi.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Interfaith Wedding Officiant
Today, I officiated two interfaith weddings – between a Palestinian Muslim and a Lebanese Christian, and British Atheist and a Mexican Christian. The second wedding was a surprise, last minute call, literally last minute call; friends of friends. There have been many Jewish-Muslim, Muslim-Hindu and other combinations. I had to learn a lot to officiate Christian-Jewish and Christian-Hindu weddings.
What the couples have chosen to do must be admired by one and all, in this divisive world, where people have difficulty in agreeing, difficulty in getting along – they are setting a new standard – of accepting and respecting the God-given uniqueness of each other.
About 40% of weddings in the US are interfaith weddings and a new report just came out, and 22% of the weddings are interracial.
The day is not far when there will not even be a mention of these, as the interfaith and inter-racial weddings become a norm. Do you remember the days when most everyone glanced or stared at inter-racial couples? If you thought inter-racial means black and white, then you have ways to go to understand the phrase.
Years ago, a good friend’s daughter’s wedding was a sore disappointment for her – they went ahead and carried forward with the wedding without Muslim and Christian clergy, I am sure they missed a critical part of marriage – to experience what they have seen a marriage to be while growing up. That prompted me to officiate the weddings to bring a sense of completion to the couples in interfaith weddings.
I love the emotion and love flowing between two people while officiating the wedding, they look so beautiful.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Criticism Of Islam – Not The Islam Of The Prophet But Indian Islam
Even though, the Times anchor has gone overboard on a few items, but she is right on most items. Yes, there is not one islam- but many Islams, which is not a problem if they quit pulling each other down.
No doubt, there are two types of Islam; the Prophets Islam and the mangled up Islam. Prophet’s Islam is universal and focuses on respecting and caring for fellow humans and be accountable for one’s actions, that’s the essence of islam. The mangled up Islam on the other hand is followed by the Isis, Wahabbi, Talibans and others who focus on deriding others and claiming to be superior
As Muslims, we should not have any problems with any group if they mind their own business, not impose their ideas, stay away from judging (shirk) others’s traditions, and not be arrogant.
Islam is such an empowering religion to live our DuniyaN and Deen to the fullest, build peaceful societies, restore harmony and create a cohesive planet earth, and live your lives and let others live theirs.
Let’s keep talking about the Prophet’s progressive Islam, rote learning needs to go. The confident muslim is the one who questions everything, about God, the Quran, Prophet and Islam. He or she welcomes criticism and finds wisdom in the same.
The darpook muslim is afraid to question and will never be a confident Muslim.
We have come a long way, and we have ways to go, and we will. Let’s keep talking.
More about the topic in the book American Muslim Agenda, available at Amazon.
Mike GhouseComments Off on 200 Million Muslims Will Fight Back
200 million Muslims will fight back – Naseeruddin Shah
Modi has brought India to a dangerous point where Muslims will have to fight back to defend their families, livelihood, and lifestyle. “Jo dar Gaya o mar Gaya” is a statement that needs to be reflected upon.
We have to boldly save our motherland India from getting destroyed by the reckless Modi administration and the extremist RSS ideology. We want every Indian to live securely with his/her faith, culture, language, and other uniqueness.
I have been watching the civil rights movement films by MLK, the Black Panthers, and the Farrakhan. The Black community took the abuse for so long; then, they revolted, and to prevent a 2nd violent civil war; the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. Whereas the Jews were a tiny minority and took a different approach and got involved in politics and influential policy-making spots. Both methods need to be considered by Indian Muslims.
Modi wants Muslims killed, succumbed, and reduced to beggars. The response ought to be what MLK did, the march to Delhi.
What we need is to drill common sense into the RSS ideology. No one will live in peace if they threaten people amidst and around them. I hope the world comes together and demands the RSS and its affiliates to renounce violence.
Mike GhouseComments Off on Time For Action Against Biden And Modi
Some of you may consider this as an extreme action…. but it is needed and we will go ahead to hold the rally as individuals – let’s all do it together. With my apologies to Biden supporters, I share this note.
**TIME FOR ACTION AGAINST BIDEN AND MODI**
Some times in Jan/ Feb, we will hold a rally across Capitol Hill to call on Congress to indict Biden, an accessory to potential Genocide in India, and Modi to be banned from entering on any democratic soil. Both have chosen to remain silent to the calls from bjp leaders in India to the Genocide of Muslims and harassment of Christians and call to kill Dr. Manmohan Singh. This is to bring awareness and make the point.
All that Biden had to say to Modi was this, “Mr. PM, we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with India, however, if the harassment and lynching of minorities continue, we may have to rethink the relationship as India will be a fractured nation and will not be a reliable ally.”
The consequence would be seen by the employees and employers of AI and IT sectors (In India) who have seen immeasurable prosperity in the last 20 years, they will feel threatened with the possibility of major corporations pulling out of India and them losing all that they have earned. When Ambani and Adani start losing, they will slap Modi to correct the course.
Biden chose not to declare India as a country of particular concern – which was not a punishment but pulling up an ally from the ditches to be on par with the civilized nations on religious freedom and human rights.
Both Biden and Modi need to be questioned and put on a trial, which would also include Kamala Harris. Modi is the Milosevic of the 22nd century. Even though the President is exempt from any questioning, it’s time to make the point.
Our silence amounts to siding with criminals and murderers. We owe it to humanity to speak out and not sit on our butts and watch the genocide happen as our entertainment.
We will continue with the letter campaigns to the CEOs to speak out and against doing business in a fractured genocidal Modi Administration that does not respect human rights and religious freedom. Will we succeed in the campaign? What if we do?
Shame on us if we don’t save our motherland from the evil men rampaging throughout India. India is a dangerous place now for women and minorities and most certainly the majority Hindus.
Indian Muslims and Christians, in particular, must be appreciated for their non-violence attitudes, despite the lynchings, harassment, rapes, and vandalizing their places of worship, business, and families, they have not even entertained the thought of retaliation. Modi can push them some more, but there comes a point, where they will take it to violence to “defend” their families and livelihood.
The question for Modi is how many Hindus he wants to be killed in the mayhem, no doubt ten times more Muslims and Christians will be killed. Which Hindus want to “really” get killed?
HAF has not condemned the Dharma Sansad statements – are they supporting it?
We need support from you.
The information is all over the Internet, a few latest references-
Cohesive mankind, cohesive Ummah and cohesive America are what Mike Ghouse stands for. Irrespective of what people think about him, he is marching ahead on his peace mission with messages of love and respect for all individuals, all races and all communities irrespective of their identities — personal, religious, social, cultural or national. His fame has taken him to all the corners of the earth. He is a regular fighter against Islamophobia in America, and is specially active in building relationships in various religious groups, especially Muslims and Christians of America. His work assumed huge significance in the wake of 9/11, which witnessed massive pluralisation in American society. He has been on thr forefront of leading the confrontation against hate-mongers and mischief makers. He is often criticized by Islamic scholars for taking a rather liberal view of Islamic teachings and for trying to conform Islam to the demands of Western societies, but unfazed by the opposition, he has kept his mission going with increasing support from all groups. Those who know him well understand his strategy, which is primarily aimed at generating good will and initiating dialogue for the purpose of mutual understanding and tolerance. He has been a vocal critical of America’s war in Iraq and also played a prominent role in the campaign against those who were against the building of a mosque in the Manhattan.
Mike Ghouse is mostly known as a believer and a proponent of Pluralism, i.e., respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God given uniqueness of each one of us. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day on TV, Radio, Print and Internet.
Content
1 Introduction
2 About Mike
2.1 Education
2.2 Business
2.3 Expertise
2.4 Manages the following
2.4.1 AMERICA TOGETHER FOUNDATION
2.4.2 FOUNDATION FOR PLURALISM
2.4.3 WORLD MUSLIM CONGRESS
2.4.4 STANDING UP FOR OTHERS (BLOG)
3 Experience in Interfaith
4 Major interventions in Pluralism
1. Introduction
An American of Indian origin, Mike is a man of action. The action emanates from his dream, “a dream that one day in our life time; we all will wake up to a cohesive world, where no human lives in tension, apprehension or fear of the other. Indeed, that was the dream of all the spiritual masters of the world, and that is what the creator wants; all pieces of his creation to function coherently.”
Explaining his position as an activist, he says:
“Nothing in the universe will happen by itself, all of us have to do our share of the work to restore the harmony within our self, with our bodies and with people around us. Don’t you think God knows this? Yet through every religion, we are told to ask for it.
Our founding fathers believed, “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” And that dream was refreshed by Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Mike is always on the move. He is always available to speak to all groups, conduct workshops on building cohesive work places and living a meaningful life, and move towards living in harmony. A powerful speaker, his fame has shot with his appearances in Fox News, Syndicated Radio shows, Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, and a variety of News Papers in America and abroad for giving him. This has given him a strong National and local presence. Mike has appeared in over 100 shows on Fox News and over 50 times on nationally syndicated radio shows.
He has written nearly 3000 articles, and bulk of them are published in Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, New Age Islam, Op-ed News , Arab Daily News, Arab News, Saudi Gazette, and several other News papers and periodicals around the world. Of the 2800, 1000+ were on Islam, 1000+ on Pluralism and the rest were on politics, India, Pakistan, Israel-Palestine, Motivational and other topics.
Currently Mike is working on making a film based on a compelling true story of building a cohesive America, and writing a book on human rights — “Standing up for others”- standing up from Atheists to Zoroastrians and every one in between.
God has blessed him with an aptitude for mitigating conflicts and nurturing goodwill in everything he does, that is think, talk and act, and he has been a life time volunteer, and it is a joy to maintain a healthy balance between earning a living and serving the public.
He has spoken at international forums including the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, in Melbourne, Australia, Middle East Peace Initiative, in Jerusalem, the International Leadership conference, in Hawaii, and in Washington, Many Universities including SMU, Rice and others, World’s Philanthropy organization’s annual conference in Washington and elsewhere.
He is a member of the Texas Faith panel at Dallas Morning News and writes on issues facing the nation every week and offers pluralistic solutions. He writes regularly at Huffington post, Op-ed News, Arab Daily News and several other papers worldwide.
Mike was a commissioner at City of Carrollton, and president of many a organizations including North Texas Cricket Association, Indian Creek Home owners Association, and Dallas Fashions for Charity etc. A founding member of the board at Memnosyne Foundation, and board of director at Dallas Peace Center, Dallas Home Builders Association and several other organizations.
God has made him an instrument in establishing several annual public events to bring Americans of different religions, ethnicities and races together on common grounds of building a safe, secure and a cohesive America, among them are Unity Day USA, Holocaust and Genocides, Thanksgiving Celebrations. We have and plan to hold workshops and conferences on issues like religion, racism, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, LGBT, gender pluralism and other issues.
Concerned by the political, civil, religious, racial, sexual orientation and economic divisiveness, Mike has initiated and formed the America Together Foundation (ATF), a non-profit entity committed to building a cohesive America, where no American has to live with anxiety, apprehension, or fear of the other. The focus of the foundation is that ‘one must be free to live his or her life to the fullest’.
He firmly believes in our immortal declaration of independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
He believes in Conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) chose in dealing with issues of the day, and he has successfully employed that ideal in dealing with Pastor Robert Jeffress of Dallas who denigrated Quran, which led to a Quran conference in creating goodwill among non-Muslim clergy. The conference details are at www.QuraanConference.com
When Pastor Terry Jones announced burning 3000 copies of Quran, Mike was out there in Florida and gathered up the civil, political and religious leaders to peacefully offer prayer as an alternative instead of burning Qurans to avenge the 9/11 Victims. A message was sent to the world that freedom of speech is an important American value and respecting what is sacred to others is an important value as well. A movie is being considered that will change the perceptions about Muslims and change within Muslims in dealing with the conflicts. Full story is at: Worldmuslimcongress
Mike was further involved with the conflicts at the Ground Zero Mosque, Peter King Hearings and other conflicts, and had offered pluralistic solutions. There is a blog for each one of these conflicts.
As much work as he has done with interfaith communities, he has a strong presence in the intra-faith dialogue as well. Having moderated two major intra-faith conferences at Rice University and in Dallas, and two Sharia conferences were held to allay the Sharia Phobia. He has prayed in all mosques, and wrote a blog on Ramadan sharing the practices in each tradition. There is a blog for it — www.RamadanExclusive.com
Mike started the Radio for Desi community in Dallas in 1996 with three hours on Saturdays, and passed it on to others, and now we have three 24/7 Radio Stations in Dallas. It was always loaded with interfaith programs. Mike ran a program called wisdom of religion, all religions for two years — where 520 Hours of Radio talk was done
100 hours + for Islam, Hinduism and Christianity each, and 50 hours each for Baha’i, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Atheism, interfaith and other traditions. The idea was to education and to learn about others, as God has willed in Quran 49:13 and other verses. Similarly 26 workshops were also conducted.
Mike is a human rights activist, and his book standing up for others will be out soon. He is also producing a feature film “Sacred” to be released and a documentary “Americans together” to be released in the next few years.
All about him is listed in 63 links at www.MikeGhouse.net and his writings are at www.TheGhousediary.com — Mike is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.
2. About Mike
2.1 Education
MBA University of Dallas, Texas — Marketing and Operations Management. (1984)
Master’s Degree in Tax and management accounting from Bangalore University (1974)
Bachelor’s Degree in Banking from Bangalore University (1971)
2.2 Business
Mike has a comprehensive experience in business management, turning ailing operations around, home building, remodeling, real estate mortgages and investments.
He was the deputy finance controller for Fluor Corporation in Saudi Arabia (1977–1981). Fluor was the largest Petro Chemical Engineering firms in the world then.
He was vice president of Lewis Fire Equipment, one of the largest fire protection companies in Texas.
He was successful in turning around the company to profitability (1981–1983).
Since 1984, Mike has been in home building and management consulting business. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions from some of the best in home building business.
Gemcraft Homes (1984)
Ryland Homes (#1 Manager-1985),
Grand Homes (#3 -1988),
Drees Custom Homes (#1–1999),
Bluff view Builders (2006) and
First City Homes (Since 2006) | Self employed
2.3 Expertise
Public Speaker
Pluralism Speaker
Speaker on Islam
Conflict Mitigation
Community outreach
Interfaith Relations
Religion Workshops
Blogger
TV/Radio Production
News Paper Publishing
Author/Writer
Events Management
Sports Management
Operations Mgmt
Financial expertise
Business Systems
Budget Mgmt
Leadership Dev.
Organizer
2.4 Manages the following
2.4.1 America Together Foundation
Americans together are committed to building a cohesive America, where no American has to live with anxieties, discomfort of fear of the other. We have the systems and programs in place to work towards building cohesive societies.www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com
Key programs to bring Americans together and build bridges
Thanksgiving Celebrations — discontinued after 14 years due to timing.
Conferences on Racism, Anti-Semitism, misogyny, Islamophobia,
2.4.2 Foundation for Pluralism
Our mission is to encourage individuals to develop an open mind and an open heart towards fellow beings. If we can learn to respect the otherness of others and accept the uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge. It’s 20 years of work on religious, social, cultural and political pluralism involving 26 workshops in understanding religion, every beautiful religion; 520 hours of radio talk shows learning about the wisdom of every faith; writing and sharing the essence of the festivals of the world and nearly 750 Articles on Pluralism, and over 150 of them published at Dallas Morning News and nearly 100 at Huffington post and several TV and Radio appearances.
We are committed to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam. To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who consistently seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful coexistence of humanity. God wants us to live in harmony with his creation; Life and Matter
Standing up for others, Mike lives what he preaches. In the blog standing up for others, he has set an example of standing up for almost every representation of Americans. Standing up for others is the right thing to do, every human goes through a period of invincibility to vulnerability, if we don’t stand up for those who are susceptible, then who will stand up for us when we are unguarded?
Texas Faith Panel, Dallas Morning News. Mr. Ghouse is a member of the Panel and writes about interfaith issues facing the nation every week. He has written close to 150 pieces over the last four years and almost every column he writes, weaves through the essence of many religions.
The Huffington Post; Mike has written nearly 100 articles in the last two years. Occasionally his articles have been published at Washington Post and several national and international periodicals including Arab News, Tehran Times, Jakarta post, Times of India, Daily Times and several others.
TV/Radio — Mike is a frequent guest on Fox News, “The Hannity Show”, and on nationally syndicated radio shows including Dallas TV, print and radio networks. He also had his own Half hour show in 1996 on TV52.
Google: Mike has consistently remained on the first page when you search for Pluralism Speaker, Interfaith speaker and Muslim Speaker, whether it is the search or the images.
Blogs: Mike has written an average of 175 articles a year over a dozen years. Most of the columns were on interfaith/pluralism, in a given set of 10 articles, almost every religion would have been mentioned including Atheism, paganism and Native traditions.
Interfaith workshops: 26 live workshops were conducted between 2005 and 2007; Understanding Atheism to Zoroastrianism and every religion in between
Radio shows: Mike hosted 520 Hours of radio talk shows on “Understanding the essence of religions, each beautiful religion” with a representative of the respective faith 5 days a week on AM Radio 1150 in Dallas between 2003 and 2005.
Festivals of the World — The essence of major festivals of all religions were written up since 1993 in Asian American Journal, followed by Asian News Radio and the blogs, websites and the newspapers.
Pluralism flows in Mike’s veins. Even the tribute he wrote about his late wife, father, and mother were soaked with the essence of many religions.
The book “Americans together, building a cohesive America” will be out this years, and the next book, Muslims in America is poised to make it this year as well.
A documentary “Americans Together” is in the making; and it will present the full spectrum of American diversity, laden with programs and ideas on building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in discomfort, apprehension or fear of the other. It is expected to be out in 2016 prior to the General Elections.
Blogger: Mike passionately writes on topics including but not limited to; Pluralism, Holocaust and Genocides, International conflicts, Israel-Palestine, India, Sharia Laws, Quraan, Blasphemy, Apostasy, Hijab, Ground Zero Mosque, Peter King Hearings, Quraan, Terrorism , Ramadan, Islam, Media, local affairs etc.
International speaker: Mike has spoken at international forums including the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne, Australia; the Middle East Peace Initiative in Jerusalem; and the International Leadership Conference in Hawaii, Chicago and Washington.
4. Major interventions in Pluralism
Mike has initiated, organized and established the following events. In each one of the events, we the people ofthe United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background come together to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, safety and well being of our nation.
Annual Unity Day USA is a main stream event commemorating 9/11 for ten years. The UNITY DAY USA has become a symbol of unity among Americans. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America. Every year we recognize five individuals who have made a difference in their communities, the trophy calls them pluralists in their field.
9/11 — Mike was on Radio from 10:00 AM till 4:30 on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 trying to make sense out of the chaos, he reached out to Mayors and community leaders to forge a common voice. Mike was a catalyst in commencing interfaith prayers, fund raising and blood donations that day. He pledged to serve the nation every year on that day, and Unity Day USA is the product of that commitment. http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-story-interfaithmoments.html
Annual Holocaust and Genocides event has continued for the last seven years. Education is the purpose, we have learn to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and have committed ourselves to resist the temptations to be prejudiced and stereotype others. We cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves. Our safety hinges on the safety of others around us, and it behooves us to work for the safety and security of others on this little planet. We have to be continuously aware of the Holocaust and Genocides and prepare to say never again. Website:www.HolocaustandGenocides.com
Annual Thanksgiving Celebrations & Awards night was carried out for over ten years and due to overlapping of Unity Day, it is done on a small scale now. The purpose of celebrating this event is to thank God for helping us learn to accept, respect and appreciate each other’s cultural uniqueness. Website: www.Thanksgivingcelebrations.org
Qur’an Conference was held on December 5, 2010 in Dallas to demystify the myths about “troubled passages” from Qur’an with 10 Non-Muslim clergy panelists and 5 Muslim Imams. It was one of the most powerful educational programs to read Quraan first hand and share that understanding with the audience. Website: www.Quraanconference.com
Quran Burning event on 9/11/2013. When Pastor Jones announced burning 2998 copies of Qur’an on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, one for each American life lost on September 11, 2001, we decided to bring a closure to the sacrifice of our men and women in the most honored way and not by burning the Qurans. We wanted to assert to Muslims around the world, that our God given right to freedom of speech is a value we treasure and hold it dear to us, ultimately it is the freedom that uplifts the whole humanity. On the other hand, offered an alternate Muslim behavior model to become the standard, indeed we can call it a genuine Islamic response based on Quran and examples of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
