Holocaust & Genocides – 17th Annual Event

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 INVITATION

***17th Annual Holocaust & Genocides***

Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2-5 PM
Venue: TBD

Program: 

  1. Holocaust (30 Minutes) 
  2. Persecution of Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Bahai’s and others (15 Minutes each) 


Invited Speakers:

The Ambassadors for Religious freedom are David Saperstein, Sam Brownback, Rashad Hussain, and USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza. Our Keynote speaker is MaryAnn Thompson-Frenk. 

Each of the speakers has stood up for the religious freedom of all humans. They are an inspiration. We will share the profiles of our speakers at our site, www.CenterforPluralism.com 

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?  

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 walk out of the event 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.

At the Center for Pluralism, we are committed to spreading knowledge of the Holocaust and Genocide through interfaith and public events, including the Annual reflections since 2006.

The following guests are invited, but not all have confirmed yet.

At the event, we will recognize the individuals who have relentlessly stood up for human rights & religious freedom. These recognitions have been the hallmark for the Center for Pluralism for 28 years between our flagship programs’ annual Thanksgiving, Unity Day USA, and Holocaust & Genocides events.

Restoring harmony in the world is our sacred duty. We invite everyone from Atheists to Zoroastrians to attend this event and feel a part of humanity.  

When we acknowledge each other’s grief and participate in each other’s commemoration, we connect with the humanness within ourselves and seed the relationship of understanding and caring for each other.

There is a shameless cruelty in us; either we shy away or refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or amount to infidelity to our pain, and every community and nation has suffered through this.

To all those who have endured the Holocaust, Genocide, Massacres, Ethnic Cleansing, Land Mines, Hunger, Rape, Torture, Occupation, Expulsion, and inhuman brutality, we must say, you are not alone. The least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one’s pain in one voice.

Sponsorships and committed volunteers are invited to call.

Attached is a copy from 2021 – it will be revised with the pictures of the speakers for 2022 

Mike Ghouse, President
www.CenterforPluralism.com
Office (202) 290-3560
Cell (214) 325-1916
Washington, DC

Should we Celebrate Christmas?

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Whether you are Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Bahai, Buddhist, Muslim or belong to any faith, you might be wondering about the celebration. However, I have sent my best wishes to my friends on all their festivities, to name a few; Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Diwali, Gurpurab, Paryushan, Ridvan, Vesak, Jashan-e Sadeh, Solistice, Native American Day, and so many more festivities. I’ll do my best to include everyone. 

Yes, we must join the festivals and commemorations of fellow humans and stay away from the worship part of the festival if we are not comfortable.  The most important thing is to be with our neighbors who live on the same street, the same town, and the very same earth.

As a Muslim, I celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!
https//www.huffpost.com/entry/a-muslims-christmas_b_1167258/amp

Why should you care? The answer is simple but profound. The more we learn about each other, the fewer the misconceptions and conflicts. All of us want to live with the least apprehensions, don’t we? Knowing each other is a pure antidote for phobias.

Those Muslims who oppose being a part of others’ celebrations must understand the essence of Islam – Islam is guidance for the entire Universe (Aalameen) to function cohesively.  The God we worship is not ours but belongs to all.  The Prophet (Muhammad pbuh), whom we admire, and who brought the messages of wisdom for humanity, not for any group, but for all. Let’s not own his message or him either, as he belongs to all, as do all the avatars of all religions. 

Suppose we claim to respect God and his messengers. In that case, we must emulate them and be kind and merciful, forgiving, and just towards every human regardless of his (means for both genders) faith, race, ethnicity, culture, or other uniqueness.  

Islam’s (essence)unstated purpose is to create cohesive societies, where every human feels secure about his (her) uniqueness. Yes, Islam means creating peace and harmony, and I am committed to doing my share of the work.  Would you consider joining us? 

The definition of Muslim is an exemplary citizen, someone who is accountable for her/his deeds and cares for all that surrounds him; life and matter – and restores harmony when things go wrong. The brand new phrase for the work of a Muslim is Islah al-Alam, and an article is in the making to explain it. 

Indeed, the “unstated” purpose of all religions is similar. My friend Bharat Jhunjunwala writes, “A firm belief that there is One (common) God. Therefore, His wisdom as recorded by different believers should concord with each other.” And I affirm it, they do. Since 1993 (For the last 28 years), I have studied religions and their impact on societies. 

In the garb of the clergy, some politicians create a mess and claim that their faith is the only way to God. Let me explain, if you claim your faith is superior, you have not understood your faith – religion is about humility that builds bridges and not arrogance that creates conflict.  Please reflect on this during the holidays, and attend our classes on Pluralism beginning in February.   

Now, I reaffirm (since 1999) that I chose Islam to be my religion, but I will never claim that it is superior to any religion or less than any. My religion works for me as yours works for you. To you is your faith and to me is mine. Would you be willing to affirm that as a Muslim or a person of any faith or no faith? If you can, you are invited to join the Center for Pluralism. 

When we live as neighbors, we might as well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is for its members to understand each other’s sorrows and joys, festivities, and commemorations. Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew a bit about your neighbor’s festival and perhaps invite them to your celebrations to start safe neighborhoods by understanding each other? Every human and every religious group celebrates something or the other in their way, each one is different, but the essence is the same; celebrations and commemorations.  

If this resonates with you, would you please contribute your donations to run our programs that bring positive changes to our nation? Please visit our home page for the summary of what we do and donate at https://centerforpluralism.com/donate/.

The following video is about celebrating faiths 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vAwvoqz01I&feature=emb_imp_woyt

The 20 Common Sense Islamic Values contribute towards a better world. Videos: https://worldmuslimcongress.org/20-common-sense-islamic-values/

A Muslims’ Christmas 
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-muslims-christmas_b_1167258/amp
Merry Christmas. 

Mike Ghouse
www.CenterforPluralism.com
Washington DC
(214) 325-1916

Scenic Drive On I-64

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I returned from Louisville, a 600-mile drive, enjoying Rajendra Kumar film songs with my friend Shariff. On the way, we stopped at Cracker Barrel, one of my favorite travel spots – we ate a hearty chicken fried steak.

We had a surprise, the couple on the table and next to us and I had an excellent political conversation; after they left, the waitperson said the couple paid our bill. Wow!

I always turn the cell phone off when dining, except to take the pics. I have made a conscious decision to pay full attention to whatever I’m doing or whoever I am with at that time. It is respectful to give the time to the person you are with; indeed, whatever I do, I do it wholeheartedly. 

The Freeway 64 through WV Is one of the most beautiful scenic routes; it was a joy to drive-thru there. The entire freeway was meandering through valleys and twinning with the river Kanawha. We both were very excited to see the nature and beauty of the land. The State Capital with a Gold dome sits in the valley with a river stream running around it. I have to find an excuse to go through there again and again.

On our way back, we stopped at Virginia Tech to talk to a Ph.D. candidate to see if he could join the center for pluralism as Executive Director; he has shown his willingness. His daughter was friendly and wanted to hug us, and we cherished that very much. I have three grandchildren around her age, and I loved the time I spent with them around thanksgiving. It is a blessing to connect with children.

Mike Ghouse
https://www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Happy 552nd Gurpurab

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Guru Nanak’s 552nd birth celebrations. He laid the foundation for a community to serve the mankind, and the Sikh community has demonstrated to the world time and again that they serve fellow humans wholeheartedly.

The center for pluralism has appreciated the Sikh community, and brought 5 Dallas Gurdwaras together to honor them for the exemplary model they set after the Wisconsin shooting. We also commemorated the Sikh Genocide of 1984 to tell the we are with them.

They stand up for everyone, and I stand up for them and everyone.

STANDING UP FOR SIKHS
http://standingupforothers.blogspot.com/2012/08/standing-up-for-sikhs.html?m=1

HAPPY GURPURAB
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sikhs-and-muslims-on-542n_b_1087327/amp

Mike Ghouse

Dirty Politics Of Farms Laws in India

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I welcome the revocation of the stupid farm laws by Modi, which were designed to appease his masters.

However the repeal was not a course correction, it was to take the farmers away from opposition, and bring them to his side, to win the elections in UP and PUNJAB.

What an evil politics!

Modi needs to revoke the CAA and restore religious freedom in India including Kashmir.

He needs to tell the nation that he will not felicitate the lynchers, murderers, and rapists, but will punish them to the max the law allows. Muslims and Christians will have their freedom back. As a part of praischit (repentance) for his crimes he encouraged silently, he will visit Mosques and churches to sincerely earn sab ka Vishwas.

None of the acts and things he initiated worked, he needs to bring aboard people who can say no to his wild ideas, and give good advice to run a Democratic Republic of India.

No matter how criminal minded he and his gang is, the death of 2000 Indians, 200 plus lynchings, and other crimes he seek forgiveness and Muslims and Christians are generous and will forgive him. I’ll still pray that his empty slogan sab ka saath become a reality.

SANITY PREVAILS
https://www.theindianpanorama.news/?p=116858&preview=true

Mike Ghouse

CAA, Modi And Shah

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Has anyone questioned them that there are 100 Million nomadic tribes in India? They don’t have an address, no ration card, and no adhaar or ID card. They don’t even have birth certificates. Are they going to be booted out of India? To where? They belong to the land as Muslims and Christians who have been around in India for nearly 1300 and 2000 years, respectively. They are all sons and daughters of the soil.

Modi and Shah thought they could get rid of Muslims from Assam but found out that there were equal Hindus without birth certificates. The bullies did not care, and they had no respect for laws.

So the laws are presumably disgustingly discriminative against Muslims and Christians.

Indian Americans who are Modi bhakts are a shameful lot – they want the US to give them all protections against discrimination. Yet, they support such discriminatory laws against minorities in India. Modi-Shah duo is applying CAA with pure discrimination to make Muslim life difficult.

What if the Evangelicals come back to power and feel the pain of Modi’s (through his minions) rhetoric to boot the Christians out of India as their holy place is in Jerusalem. What if the Evangelicals want to kick the Indians out of America using the RSS’s same logic? Indian’s holy place is the Ganges and not America, and they need to be booted out. Come to senses, my dear Bhakts, show that you are a civilized lot and belong to America and condemn what Modi is doing to India.

Check these videos about Nomads – https://youtu.be/BrtfeKqHpG8

100 Million Nomads live in India with no address. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-DjCiVK5w

I have witnessed the nomad who came to our flour mill every Sunday to get their Ragi grains grounded into flour – they busted rocks at Bettahalli – next to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. They came for a few weeks in a row, then disappeared and came back later.

The Kandahar nomads went from town to town – no idea where they stayed. One of them was a beautiful woman who came with her child hanging on her side, and I saw her come to our mill every two years as if her tribe went around from town to town. She was like the picture of the Afghan girl that Time magazine placed on its cover page.

CAA is a shame on civilization, particularly in our motherland. Our motherland must feel the pain of such blatant discrimination. She may be cursing these two men.

Mike Ghouse
https://www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Who Are Right-Wing Indians?

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Those whose heads are stuck where the sun doesn’t shine. These men interact intermittently but don’t see anything we post, it is a one-way correspondence with them. The Indian Muslims condemn every known atrocity by humans against fellow humans, no matter where and who they are, yet, the right-wing, no-brain Hindutva*** (https://centerforpluralism.com/hindutva-is-not-hinduism/) Indians spring up from nowhere every three months somewhere or the other. They are rightfully obsessed with the Kashmiri Pundits and now Bangladeshi Hindus, which Indian Muslims, in particular, condemn incessantly and but they don’t see or read.

Last night, I was at a Diwali function at Capitol hill. One of the guys I know who belongs to the Bhakts (not Moderate Hindu) sees me, and the first thing he asks me is, “did you condemn what is happening in Bangladesh.” Of course, we did. I sent him the links the next day, I know, facts don’t matter to them, but we still have to do the right thing.

Another guy who is a Cricket Player in Dallas from when I was president of the North Texas Cricket Association, does not see my posts on festivals like Diwali, Janamashtami, Ramnvami, and even Karva Chuat on my Facebook, but sees a posting on Prophet Muhammad and questions Pluralism. When he sees a posting criticizing Modi, he jumps on and spits out the standard message – Kashmiri Pundits. I have written to the idiot to look at two things – we have talked about the plight of Kashmiri Pundits twice in our Holocaust and Genocides programs, and we have stood up for Hindus and all others at the site www.StandingupforOthers.com

That is all the bhakts (worshippers of Modi) do, with very limited capacity to think. There are a few out there who come and go in my life.

The irony is they don’t condemn any wrongdoing (https://hindutvawatch.org) by their fellow religionists in India, and yet they have the gall to criticize others.

They assume that Muslims don’t condemn the wrongdoings by Muslims – they are wrong – what makes one a Muslim is to denounce every atrocity, oppression, lynching, raping, violations of human rights, and harassment of fellow humans. If we cannot stop it by hand, the least we can do is speak up, and Muslims do that all the time.

Mike Ghouse
All about him at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Modi Worshippers are declining

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I posted the article from Times Magazine with my commentary on Linked-in at https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6853420649843572736/

TIMES MAGAZINE – IS INDIA HEADED FOR GENOCIDE? ——– If Modi is not stopped in his tracts, there will be a Genocide of Muslims in India. Modi does not give a crap about Hindus or India. All he cares about is power. He has fooled nearly 37% of Indians to believe Muslims are the problem.

I have been keeping up with Modi’s ratings, his supporters have dropped from 37% down to 22% in a recent survey, in this survey, I took from linked in, of the 46,421 views, 17% of them are the bhakts. If you check their comments, you can see they are truly blind worshippers. This is really good news for India, the bhakts are seeing the light and rejecting Modi.

Throughout human history, disasters have always happened whenever there was a blind following of the political leaders. You can witness the raw blindness in the comments. They are 17% but a very potent force. Let me remind ourselves, the evil exists because good people do nothing about correcting it. The Bhakts (worshippers) have created hate cells to attack everyone who makes sense. Evil men come and Go, leaving behind a trail of destruction which every Indian will pay a price including the 37% of fellow Indians.

As Indians we must arise, awake until the goal is achieved – that goal is a secure India for every Indian.

MODI CAN RESTORE DHARMA IN INDIA, BUT WILL HE? 

All that Modi has to do is say this, “From this day forward, if any Indian lynches, rapes, or harasses a fellow Indian, and we will punish them to the maximum the law allows. We will not get anyone to go Scott-free. Nor will I let my minions felicitate them.” 

If Modi can say this, things will change. But he will not say it. RSS has brainwashed him to hate fellow Indians who are not Hindus. He does not speak out when that criminal shaw called the people in Assam roaches or when his minions say that Muslims and Christians need to live as 2nd class citizens or be booted out of India. The evilest thing happening in India is Modi’s silence. 

I guarantee it unless there is pressure from different countries that it will affect the trade and employment of Indians overseas, things will not change. 
####

Now, a few paragraphs from the article.

As a result, many Hindus have now been persuaded to believe that India’s biggest problem is its Muslims. Before Modi took over in 2014, most citizens thought their chief concerns were poverty, insufficient economic growth, and corruption. BJP has increasingly fallen back on supremacist politics to deflect attention and evade responsibility. To keep winning elections, it needs to keep polarizing Hindu voters against Muslims, and spinning ever more outrageous campaigns to demonize Muslims.

*********** Note: Glad to see the 37% of Blind supporters of Modi represent along with the 63% of reasonable and moderate Indians. Blind supporters do not focus on the given topic and jump around on different issues. I hope they develop the ability to discuss the given topic.

***** MODI IS AN MORTAL BEING – HE IS NOT INDIA ****
***** INDIA IS AN ETERNAL NATION- NOT MODI****
***** TRUE PATRIOTS CRITICIZE MODI TO CORRECT THE COURSE***
***** CHAMCHAS PRAISE MODI AND LET THE NATION CRUMBLE****

https://lnkd.in/dYPMKr8Q

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birth Celebrations

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Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was born this day; he was a living example of compassion. A majority of the people who follow him have chosen to be merciful to fellow humans – i.e., caring about them, feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, finding a place to live, and treating everyone as an equal and with dignity and justice.

Prophet Muhammad was a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer; most of his actions reflected these twin values. How do I connect with him? Article link below.

The Prophet took the larger view of the society and became a model of what it takes to be an exemplary citizen. The first requirement of any civil society is to trust each other in living their daily life safely and without fear of the other. He earned society’s trust for being truthful, honest in his dealings, trustworthy, and just. The Jews, Christians, pagans, and others called him Amin, the kind and merciful man. That was indeed the first foundational Sunnah (Prophet’s example).

We will do a special 90 minutes program on Wednesday at 11:00 AM EST If you are interested, please let me know, I will send a link to the zoom.

Kindly click the SUBSCRIBE button when you open the following two videos

Video ( 2minutes) Nasheed/Naat (it is a Muslim version of Christmas Carols) and is in Urdu Langauge by our friends in DC – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7jGdsVTPvc

Video – ( 1 Hour) Prophet the Exemplary Citizen – the Almin – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of9dMnF4dmE 

How do I connect with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-i-connect-with-prophet-muhammad_b_2547782

Muslims respond to the perfect man hateful billboard https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-muslims-response-to-perfect-man-prophet-muhammad_b_59409a76e4b03e17eee087eb

Prophet the Conflict Mitigater and a goodwill nurturer 
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/festivals-of-the-world-mi_b_4579452 

The Exemplary Citizen 
https://worldmuslimcongress.org/al-amin-islamic-value-2-of-17/

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WANTED 

Wanted – A Muslim woman’s picture in her 20’s for the Cover Page of the book “Madame President” to be released on Christmas 2021 – please send info to SpeakerMikeGhouse@gmail.com  – This is a sample poster, if you have a family member whose picture can be placed on the book cover, please let me know.