Kamal Faruqui, FCA
Candidate for Board of Trustees (BOT) at India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) – Elections 2024
Summary
Mr. Faruqui is the face of progressive Muslim India. A prolific speaker, efficient organizer, he is an expert on minority rights, communal harmony and inter-faith dialogue. He has been an advocate of women’s education and modernization of madarsaas in India. A proponent of education to dispel economic backwardness, Mr. Faruqui’s background in extensive social work including his active participation in high-level government committees and civil society organisations make him an ideal candidate for the post of the BOT at IICC.
Background
Born on February 11, 1952, and educated at Delhi University, Mr. Faruqui’s journey from a challenging childhood to a respected professional and social leader is truly inspirational. Having seen a childhood full of struggles where he did odd jobs to meet the needs of his family, to becoming a chartered accountant and setting up educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Mr. Faruqui has come a long way. His life experiences have driven his commitment to working for the downtrodden and needy and he has contributed significantly for the betterment of the community and the nation. He previously served as an IICC BOT member and is contesting for BOT again with the hope to revive IICC and facilitate its growth under the leadership of Mr. Afzal Amanullah who is contesting the election for President of IICC.
Public service
Mr. Faruqui has actively participated in national welfare initiatives and held positions such as General Secretary of the National Committee for Legal Redressal & Justice and Convener of the National Consensus Forum on Ayodhya. He has held several notable official positions in the past, including: Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, Director of the National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd., and Director of the Central Bank of India. He has also been a member of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Mr. Faruqui’s social responsibilities include life membership of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board and founding roles in the All-India Milli Council and the All-India Milli Political Forum.
His organizational skills are reflected in the numerous colloquiums, conferences and public meetings he has organized on critical national issues, including communal harmony and tackling terrorism. He has been an active participant in delegations to the President of India, Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and other dignitaries on issues of national importance, and has organized relief work during national calamities.
His academic affiliations include being a former Court Member of Aligarh Muslim University and a former member of the Executive Council of Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.
A familiar face on television talk shows and media programs, Mr. Faruqui is known for his candid views on social justice, education and religion. He has authored articles and features to English, Urdu, and Hindi print media, and actively engages in public discourse through various social media platforms.
Experience in Chartered Accountancy
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Mr. Faruqui is a Senior Partner at KPMR & Associates, a leading firm of Chartered Accountants. He is recognized as a prominent Muslim Chartered Accountant and a pioneer in his field. He has served on the boards of several banks and has been the auditor for numerous leading public sector corporations in India. Additionally, he has played a significant role in mentoring and training dozens of Chartered Accountants, contributing to the professional development of many in the industry.
Vision for IICC
Mr. Faruqui envisions IICC as a beacon of Islamic culture and heritage, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that promotes peace, unity, and mutual respect. He wishes to make IICC a hub for interfaith dialogue, understanding, and the empowerment of the minority community through education, awareness and action.
The ultimate goal is to elevate the IICC to such a standard that it becomes a centre of excellence for progressive values, thought-leadership, research and action, inspiring members, Muslims and non-Muslims around the world.
Plan of Action if elected to BOT
Mr. Faruqui is committed to devoting his time to revive and grow IICC in consultation with the President and other elected members.
Being a chartered accountant, if elected, he plans to review the financial situation of IICC, analyse the past budgets forensically and ensure that previous losses are minimised. He also plans to make recommendations on strengthening transparency in budget reporting to members, on having stronger financial process hygiene, accountability and robust checks and balances at the Institution.
After elections, Mr. Faruqui plans to propose qualitative discussions at IICC to develop a year wise plan for working towards important issues such as: protection of human rights of minorities and underprivileged groups; working on reducing discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, gender, etc.; working with different groups of members (lawyers, entrepreneurs, social scientists, etc.) to support the groups’ professional aspirations so that the community as a whole flourishes.
Some of the key areas close to Mr. Faruqui’s heart and which he will aim to significantly contribute his time and energy to at IICC if elected, include:
- Fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogues, promoting mutual respect and understanding among different religious and cultural communities, to establish IICC as the mother institution for such initiatives.
- Making the IICC a key institution for the social, educational, and economic development of the underprivileged minority community, while ensuring its integration with the wider society.
- Engaging and empowering the youth by providing them with platforms for expression, learning and leadership.
Interacting with Mr. Faruqui
To support Mr. Faruqui’s candidature, please send a request:
⦁ On WhatsApp to +966546453907 or +918368802077 to join the ‘IICC Change Maker’ Group on WhatsApp;
⦁ On ⦁ IICCchangemaker@gmail.com to join our mailing list for news and updates.
To speak to Mr. Faruqui, you can reach him on his mobile phone +91-9718057786. In case he is occupied, please leave a message on his number and he will call you back. If you wish to interact with him in person, please email IICCchangemaker@gmail.com and we will make it happen. Please join our WhatsApp group or mailing list for latest updates.
Appeal to IICC members from Mr. Faruqui
Dear members of IICC,
I would like to take the opportunity to place my candidature – for Member of the Board of Trustees – at the 2024 elections at IICC, before you.
The date of polling in person is Sunday 11 August 2024 at IICC, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, and postal ballots should reach IICC on or before this date.
If you are looking for change at IICC and for the Institution to enhance its prestige and do the work that our founders would have envisaged for IICC, you may like to cast your valuable vote in my favour and in favour of other competent individuals who are prepared to work for IICC under the capable leadership of Mr. Afzal Amanullah, selflessly and without any bias.
With best wishes,
Kamal Faruqui