Nation First, Religion Last — This Is India’s True National Ethos: Dr. Indresh Kumar.

Lucknow, 27th of January, 2026 : Highlighting the importance of patriotism, social harmony, and civic duties in the era of the “Developed India” resolve, a national seminar on the theme “One Community, One Nation – Hindustan” was successfully आयोजित at Eram Girls Degree College in Lucknow. The chief guest, Dr. Indresh Kumar, National Executive Member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Patron of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, said, “Nation first, religion last, and love for the motherland leads to heaven”—this is the soul of India and its true national ethos. Uttar Pradesh Government Minister of State Danish Azad Ansari said that every citizen’s responsibility is decisive in realizing the vision of a Developed India. The seminar witnessed serious deliberations on national unity, patriotism, and social harmony.

Along with Dr. Indresh Kumar and Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Minority Welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj, Danish Ansari, the program featured views from Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Officiating Chairman of NCMEI; Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice-Chancellor of Ambedkar University; Colonel Tahir Mustafa, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard; Syed Raza Rizvi, National Convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch; Dr. Shalini Ali; and Khwaja Faiz, Managing Director of the Eram Group. The event was attended by a large number of academicians, social workers, and students, including Shaukat Ali, Thakur Raja Rais, Alok Chaturvedi, Ziyarat Baba Malang, Tahir Shah, Qari Abrar Jamal, Mazahir Khan, former IPS officer Manzoor Ahmed, former Vice-Chancellor Mahrookh Mirza, social worker Sahar Bano, and Sunni Waqf Board member Sabiha Ahmed.

Dr. Indresh Kumar described those who indulge in the politics of hatred, division, and extremism as enemies of both society and the nation. He called upon all communities to promote mutual brotherhood, respect the Constitution, and contribute collectively to nation-building. He said India’s strength lies in unity amid diversity, and only by moving forward with this spirit can the country become a global leader.

Dr. Indresh Kumar said that Bangladeshi Muslims who are illegal infiltrators are depriving Indian Muslims of their rightful opportunities. Indian Muslims are suffering from unemployment, while infiltrators are working in jobs, engaged in businesses, and running street carts. He said that Muslims going for Haj should raise their voices there and urge the 59 Muslim countries to each accommodate a few lakh Bangladeshi Muslims, which would benefit everyone. Indian Muslims would then be able to get their rightful share.

Minister of State Danish Ansari termed the seminar on this important issue as the need of the hour. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve for a “Developed India” is about moving forward by taking the entire nation along. He said this government is rising above party lines and working to unite the whole country and take India forward. The vision of a Developed India is very big, and Dr. Indresh Kumar and the Muslim Rashtriya Manch are actively working across the country for this purpose. The Prime Minister’s idea of a Developed India is about developing the entire nation, enabling India to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s major countries, which is a matter of pride for every Indian.

Danish Ansari said that if every citizen of India honestly fulfills their duties, the country will automatically become developed. The responsibility of a teacher who teaches children in a village is as important as that of a soldier standing at the border. We paid a heavy price for freedom, and millions of people sacrificed their lives. He said we are all Indians and must think and move forward together; only then will the dream of One India, a Strong India, and a Great India be realized.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Officiating Chairman of NCMEI, said that in this country of 1.4 billion people, unity amid diversity is our greatest strength. He said the soul of India resides in mutual brotherhood, tolerance, and pluralism, and these values give us a unique identity in the world.

Expressing deep concern over hateful thinking and divisive tendencies, Prof. Akhtar said it is the moral responsibility of every section of society to bring such people onto the right path through dialogue, understanding, and positive guidance. He clarified that not only the law or the government, but families, educational institutions, religious leaders, and social organizations together can create a harmonious environment.

He described equal respect for all religions and participation in one another’s festivals as a strong foundation of national unity, saying that when we take part in each other’s joys and traditions, mutual distrust and distance automatically diminish.

Appealing especially to the youth, Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar urged them to behave like responsible citizens on social media and public platforms, stay away from rumors and hateful messages, and promote messages of goodwill, peace, and national unity.

In his concluding remarks, he said that India will become strong and prosperous only when every citizen, regardless of religion, language, or region, feels like an equal stakeholder in the country and translates the resolve of “One India, Great India” into action.

Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice-Chancellor of Ambedkar University, emphasized the need to link the power of youth with education, national interest, and employment. He said that an India free from poverty, unemployment, and discrimination, and filled with harmony and social cohesion, should be our goal.

Dr. Shalini Ali said in her address that India’s real strength lies in unity amid diversity. She said, “We are all one. Our modes of worship may be different, but our Constitution is one, and our DNA is also one. This is the identity of Indianness.” She stressed that the future of society and the nation is shaped by the right education and values given to children. She appealed to parents to impart not only bookish knowledge but also moral values, patriotism, and the lessons of responsible citizenship to their children.

Expressing concern over the growing influence of social media, Dr. Ali said that sharing any kind of content without verification can spread confusion, hatred, and discord in society. She urged the youth to verify the truth of any news, video, or message before forwarding it and not become a part of rumors.

She also emphasized understanding the difference between a “Momin” (true believer) and a “Muslim,” saying that one becomes a true Momin not just by name or identity, but by conduct, character, and deeds. She said that a true Muslim is one who respects the country’s laws, maintains peace and harmony in society, and considers service to humanity as their religion. Her thoughts inspired those present toward introspection and positive thinking.

Colonel Tahir Mustafa said that “One Community, One Nation — Hindustan” is our primary objective. Referring to the thoughts of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he called for taking forward the mission of a Great India and a Developed India and said that society must collectively confront those who spread hatred in the country.

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