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A Historical Timeline of the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi
Commemorating the 14th Hijra Centenary: The Genesis of the Indian Islamic Cultural Renaissance
The conclusion of the 14th century of the Hijra Calendar marked a historic milestone, celebrated with reverence across the Islamic world. India, home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally, stood at the forefront of the Hijra Millennium Celebrations, embracing its cultural and spiritual significance with unparalleled fervor.
Recognizing the profound historical and cultural importance of this momentous occasion, the Government of India established a high-powered National Committee, under the leadership of Janab Mohammad Hidayatullah, the 11th Chief Justice of India and the then Vice-President of India. This esteemed body was entrusted with the task of orchestrating nationwide celebrations, symbolizing a collective commitment to preserving and promoting the rich Islamic heritage in India.
Among its most notable initiatives were:
- Release of a Commemorative Postal Stamp – On 3rd November 1980, the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi officially released a special postage stamp honoring the Hijra Millennium.
- International Seminar (January 1981) – Titled "Islamic Contribution to the Culture and Civilization of the World, with Special Reference to India," this grand academic event attracted scholars from across the globe.
- International Qira’at Competition and Various Cultural Programmes – These events emphasized the richness of Islamic heritage and India’s composite cultural identity.
The beginning of a Premier Cultural Institution: The Conception of IICC
- Amidst the grandeur of the national Hijra Centenary celebrations, a visionary idea began to take shape—the establishment of a premier cultural institution that would serve as a bridge of understanding between diverse communities and illuminate the pluralistic, enlightened, and inclusive message of Islam.
- Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, was deeply inspired by this vision. She extended her wholehearted support to the creation of such an institution—one that would celebrate India’s rich composite culture, foster interfaith harmony, and contribute meaningfully to the greater cause of national integration.
Formation of the Society – India Islamic Cultural Centre
- April 1981 – The India Islamic Cultural Centre was officially registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act.
- Government Support – As an initial step, the Government of India allotted two government bungalows on Lodhi Road, New Delhi, measuring approximately 8,000 sq. meters, as the site for the Centre.
Founding Members / Original Signatories of the Memorandum of Association:
- Janab Hakim Abdul Hameed – Founder President
- Janab Mufti Atiqur Rahman – Vice President
- Janab Chaudhary Mohammad Arif – Secretary
- Janab Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, ICS – Director
- Janab Syed S. Shafi – Joint Director
- Janab M. W. K. Yusufzai – Treasurer
- Begum Abida Ahmed Sahiba – Member
- It was during these momentous Centenary Celebrations that the vision to establish the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi first emerged. To bring this noble idea to fruition, a number of eminent personalities and a distinguished stream of Muslim intellectuals from across India, including prominent alumni of Aligarh Muslim University, played pivotal roles in shaping and supporting the initiative.
- The main purpose of India Islamic Cultural Centre is to promote mutual understanding and amity amongst the people of this country and to depict the true face of Islam which is most tolerant, liberal, progressive, rational and forward looking religion besides being based on cardinal principles of human values irrespective of faith, caste, creed and colour.
- (1) To promote mutual understanding and tolerance among the diverse trends of India,
- (2) To remove misunderstanding about Islam and its teachings
- (3) To promote an awareness of the ethos of Islamic culture.
- (4) To assist in the creation of an ethical society based on tolerance, universal brotherhood, love and charity, and
- (5) To promote mutual understanding, appreciation and amity between the people of India and those of the Islamic world, through a study of each other's past and present civilization, and a mutual exchange of knowledge and information relating thereto, and by providing facilities that would lead to a fruitful interaction between them and an appreciation of each other's contribution to world civilization.
- “The aims and objectives of the India Islamic Cultural Centre are rooted in fostering mutual understanding and harmony among India’s diverse communities, while presenting Islam as a tolerant, inclusive, and progressive faith anchored in universal human values. Its mission is to dispel misconceptions about Islam, promote awareness of its rich cultural heritage, and help build an ethical society founded on compassion, tolerance, and charity. The Centre stands as a beacon of intellectual and cultural enlightenment, upholding its noble vision with renewed vitality. It serves as a distinguished platform for scholarship, civilizational dialogue, and cultural exchange. Through meaningful knowledge-sharing, it builds enduring bridges between India and the Islamic world—enriching civilizations and shaping a more enlightened, progressive future”.
On 24th August 1984, the then Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, laid the foundation stone of the India Islamic Cultural Centre—marking a historic milestone in the journey to institutionalize a vision of cultural harmony and intellectual renaissance.
Behind this monumental moment stood a constellation of Muslim intellectuals and national luminaries who worked tirelessly to realize this noble dream. Eminent figures such as General Shahnawaz, Chaudhary Tayyab Hussain, and Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah, among many others, lent their stature, influence, and heartfelt support—both moral and material—to advance the cause of the Centre.
The Indian Institute of Islamic Studies, under the visionary leadership of Janab Hakeem Abdul Hameed Sahab, made a significant contribution of Rs.10,50,000 towards the acquisition of land. Complementing this effort, the Department of Culture, Government of India, extended a generous grant of Rs.10,00,000 towards the Building Fund—laying a strong foundation not only in structure but in spirit.
Realizing a Vision: The Rise of the India Islamic Cultural Centre
- At this moment, our IICC begins to spread its wings, igniting the community's self-regulating mechanisms to initiate the healing process.
- The founder members, along with many other selfless individuals, displayed extraordinary dedication in turning adversity into opportunity. They identified promising young Muslim men from across India, accommodated them in the IICC’s Lodhi Road bungalows, and organized coaching sessions to prepare them for various competitive examinations. Their tireless efforts bore fruit: hundreds of youth successfully entered government and public sector positions at multiple levels, building careers and contributing to society.
- After more than a decade of foundation-laying, the year 1994 marked a turning point in the journey of the India Islamic Cultural Centre. It was time to welcome a new team of administrators to carry the vision forward. The circumstances were far from ideal—two dilapidated bungalows, limited financial resources, and the daunting challenge of raising funds for a project estimated to cost crores of rupees. Understandably, initial enthusiasm from potential stakeholders was limited.
- Nevertheless, a new leadership team was unanimously elected, and the IICC entered a new era of purpose and progress. The esteemed former First Lady of India, Begum Abida Ahmad Sahiba, took on the mantle of President, Chaudhary Mohammad Arif Sahab became Secretary, and Janab Mohammad Fazal Sahab was appointed Director General. They were joined by a number of distinguished individuals whose experience in statecraft enriched the organization—among them Janab Shafi Qureshi, A. R. Kidwai, Chaudhary Tayyab Hussain, Dr. Najma Heptulla, and many others.
- Within a year, Janab Mohammad Fazal Sahab, due to personal reasons, expressed his desire to step down from the role of Director General. Yet, even in his brief tenure, he left a lasting legacy: the construction of the Centre’s magnificent boundary wall, which still stands proudly today. IICC activities also began gaining momentum, realigning with its noble objectives.
- As the leadership sought a visionary successor, one name shone brightly—Janab Moosa Raza Sahab, a highly respected senior bureaucrat. Then serving as Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, he was nearing the end of his distinguished civil service career. Despite this, he graciously accepted the responsibility, bringing with him unwavering commitment, humility, and a powerful sense of purpose.
- Though the challenges were enormous, Janab Moosa Raza Sahab and his team exceeded expectations. He deployed his exceptional abilities and national and international networks to raise the substantial funds required, setting the project into motion with full force.
- Even as construction progressed, the IICC made use of its temporary facilities. Auditoriums and seminar rooms were established, and the open spaces of the Centre were regularly used to organize impactful events that reflected the Centre’s core values.
- One such event was the seminar “Islam for Peace”, which was graced by the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, as Chief Guest. The IICC continued to curate and host thematic programs and discussions on diverse topics such as:
- The Importance of Indian Islamic Culture and Values.
- Mutual Understanding and Tolerance in a Diverse India.
- Cultural Trends and Values in India and Abroad.
- Women’s Empowerment in Islam.
- Human Rights in Islam
- Muslim Agenda in the 21st Century
- Role of Civil Services in Nation-Building.
- Future of Islam in Bosnia.
- Islamic Culture in the Middle East.
- Muslim Minority in Britain.
- Constitutional Humanism.
- Rise of Information Technology, among many others.
- These thoughtfully curated programs brought together eminent personalities and experts from a wide spectrum of disciplines, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, reflection, and intellectual growth. Through a rich tapestry of seminars, academic forums, cultural events, and both national and international collaborations, the Centre consistently fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect, inclusivity, and understanding—true to its mission of bridging communities and advancing shared human values.
- Simultaneously, the India Islamic Cultural Centre emerged as a launchpad for aspiring youth across the country. It offered vital resources such as career guidance, scholarship awareness, skill development initiatives, career preparation, and training workshops led by accomplished professionals and subject-matter experts. With a vision rooted in empowerment and inclusivity, the Centre became a vibrant hub of opportunity—cultivating leadership, encouraging civic engagement, and preparing a new generation to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
- In the true spirit of India’s pluralism, the Centre evolved into a vibrant venue for grand interfaith celebrations—hosting Eid Milan, Diwali Milan, Christmas, Guru Parb festivities, and a spectrum of culturally enriching gatherings. These landmark events attracted enthusiastic participation from diverse communities and brought together people from all walks of life, fostering a deep sense of unity, mutual respect, and shared celebration of India’s composite cultural heritage.
- Interactive sessions were frequently held with Supreme Court Judges, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors, Ambassadors, Vice-Chancellors, scholars, Padma awardees, and cultural icons. The presence of legendary personalities like Janab Dilip Kumar, among others, added to the Centre’s national prestige.
A New Chapter Begins
- After more than two decades of unwavering dedication, a long-cherished vision was finally realized. On June 12, 2006, the magnificent new building of the India Islamic Cultural Centre was inaugurated by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, then President of the Indian National Congress and Chairperson of the UPA Government, amidst an august gathering of distinguished guests. It was a moment of profound pride and fulfillment—a testament to perseverance, unity, and the enduring spirit of modern India, inspired by the ideals of inclusiveness and the timeless values of Indian Islamic culture.
Following its inauguration, the Centre underwent a thoughtful and strategic transformation. Its facilities were meticulously streamlined to serve its esteemed members and their valued guests, while its operations were restructured around the principles of self-sustainability. This shift not only preserved the Centre’s foundational values but positioned it as a dynamic, self-reliant institution rooted in service, dignity, and excellence.
Today, the India Islamic Cultural Centre stands tall as a beacon of intellectual and cultural enlightenment. It continues to uphold its noble mission with renewed vitality—emerging as a distinguished platform for scholarship, civilizational dialogue, and cultural exchange. By regularly hosting renowned scholars, authors, policy-makers, and global thought leaders, the Centre has become a paragon of interfaith harmony, a guardian of India’s rich Islamic cultural heritage, and a nurturer of inclusive learning. Through its steadfast commitment, the IICC continues to contribute meaningfully to the moral, cultural, and intellectual fabric of contemporary India.