Community Round Up
Sufi-Bhakti Unity Movement Launched in Kerala to Counter Radicalism and Drug Abuse
Salaam people National Desk
ERUMELI (KERALA) — In a significant push toward interfaith harmony and national security, the Sufi Islamic Board (SIB), in collaboration with its Kerala chapter and the Maulaiyat Committee Marqas E Ajmir, hosted the Sufi Darvesh Mahasangamam 2026 and the Nasha Mukth Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign.
Sufi-Bhakti Unity Movement Launched in Kerala to Counter Radicalism and Drug Abuse
Held at Nalaam Mile Hidayath Nagari in Erumeli Koovappally, the high-profile convention commemorated the legacy of the revered Sufi master, Syed P.S.K Thangal. The event brought together prominent Islamic scholars, Hindu spiritual leaders, and political figures to advocate for an inclusive society and launch a coordinated front against substance abuse among youth.
Kerala Hosts Grand Unity Event.
The conclave commenced with a powerful visual of unity as the ceremonial lamp was jointly lit by SIB National President Mansoor Khan, State President Syed Ibrahim Abdullah Koya Jifri Thangal, Swami Krishnananda Saraswati Maharaj, Swami Ananda Chaitanya Perinad, Kanjirappally MLA Sebastian, and other key dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem and a devotional rendition by vocalist Bushra.
A Historic Pact for Peace
Presiding over the conference, SIB State President Syed Ibrahim Abdullah Koya Jifri Thangal emphasized the enduring relevance of Sufi values. SIB General Secretary P.M.A. Salam Musliyar, in his welcome address, recalled the rich contributions of Syed P.S.K Thangal, urging the creation of a collective national consciousness that rises above caste and communal fractions.
Inaugurating the event, SIB National President Mansoor Khan made a strategic call to action, declaring that reviving a combined “Bhakti-Sufi movement” is critical to safeguarding India’s internal security and fostering human harmony.
”The true essence of Islam is rooted in peace, and Sufism represents that authentic Islamic system.”
Mansoor Khan, SIB National President
In a landmark diplomatic gesture, Khan publicly invited Swami Ananda Chaitanya Perinad to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Peace with the Sufi Islamic Board, aiming to establish a permanent framework for amicably settling communal differences.
Chief Guest Shri Sebastian, the MLA for Kanjirappally, struck a deeply personal chord with the audience. “Though I am a practicing Christian, I have felt a profound spiritual attachment to Sufism for many years,” he stated, praising the movement’s universal appeal.
Cross-Community Alliances.
The event drew heavy representation from across India, including SIB’s 14 district office bearers from Kerala and central leadership teams from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
A galaxy of leaders addressed the gathering, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive living:
National Leadership: Darshan Aher (National General Secretary, Mumbai) and Tauseef Abbas (Maharashtra).
Spiritual Luminaries: Swami Sadhu Krishnananda Saraswati Maharaj, Syed Munawar Ali Shah (Mysore), and Daulat Khan (Bangalore).
Local & Socio-Political Leaders: Panchayat President Suni Pathiyal, Nizamuddin J. Erumeli, Umar Kalanthode, DCC Secretary Prakash, Abdul Aziz Karunalayam, Saifuddin Alappuzha, Arif Kuwait, Mujeeb Chavakkad, Mohammed Rafeeq Mangalore, and Salam Kappally.
Combating the Drug Menace & Community Outreach.
Aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the convention strictly addressed the rising threat of narcotics among youth. Kanjirappally Deputy Tahsildar P.V. Prasad led an intensive anti-drug awareness session and administered a solemn ‘Nasha Mukt’ pledge to the hundreds of youth in attendance.
The Mahasangamam balanced its high-minded discourse with grassroots philanthropy, spearheaded by Nizamuddin J. Erumeli and Abdullah Kottayam. The charitable drive successfully distributed:
10 kg rice kits to 700 vulnerable families.
Educational kits to hundreds of selected school children.
Special prizes to local lucky draw winners.
Cultural Resonance
The evening seamlessly transitioned into a celebration of cultural synthesis. The audience was treated to a mesmerizing Sufi dance led by Bismi Raufa, followed by a women’s empowerment awareness choreography performed by Bushrabi, Jasmine, and their troupe.
The cultural segment reached a crescendo with a soulful Qawwali performance by the Markaze Panjothan team, led by Tauseef Abbas, and a vibrant musical evening featuring popular artists Binduja, Amrutha, Aslam Alappuzha, and Adarsh Chittar.
The convention concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Umar Kalanthode, leaving behind a unanimous resolution among all attending dignitaries to actively manifest and spread this message of peace, harmony, and structural coexistence across the country.
Key Takeaways from the Conclave.