How does one explain the perpetual presence of Krishna and Rama in folk songs common in Muslim homes? Well, all religions set into motion a culture which becomes available as the common property of all. This harmonious trajectory is disrupted when politics finds profit in disharmony. An examination of the Indian scene, the ups and downs, since the advent of Muslims in India from the 7th century. Yes, Prophet Mohammad died in 632AD, but the Cheraman Perumal mosque near Kochi was built in 629AD, during the Prophet’s lifetime. And, it was built by a Hindu chief. Fascinating. Against this seemingly simple strand, the entire complexity will be negotiated.

About the speaker:

Saeed Naqvi is a senior Indian journalist, television commentator, interviewer, and a distinguished fellow at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. He has interviewed world leaders and personalities in India and abroad, which appear in newspapers, magazines, and on national television. Mr. Naqvi is an alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, and studied Journalism at the Thomson School of Journalism, Cardiff, the United Kingdom. He has done extensive research on various topics related to international affairs, communication, politics, and media in Islamic societies.

Mr. Naqvi served as the editor of the World Report, a syndication service on foreign affairs, and has written for several publications, both global and Indian, including BBC News, The Sunday Observer, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Washington Post, The Indian Express, and Outlook magazine. He started at The Indian Express in 1977 as a Special Correspondent and eventually became Editor, Indian Express, Madras, and Foreign Editor, The Indian Express, Delhi. Additionally, Saeed Naqvi has been awarded the National Integration Award 2003 by the National Commission for Minorities in New Delhi for his outstanding contribution towards promoting communal harmony and national integrity. He has interviewed world leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Fidel Castro, Muammar Gaddafi, Henry Kissinger, Benazir Bhutto, and many others.