Sonia inaugurates India Islamic Cultural Centre

New Delhi, June 12 (UNI) Founded a quarter of a century ago with the objective of familiarising the young generation with Islamic cultural values along with ways to face modern challenges, the India Islamic Cultural Centre(IICC) was today formally inaugurated by UPA Chairperosn Sonia Gandhi.

The foundation for the building of the Rs 16 crore Centre, situated on the Lodhi Road in south Delhi, was laid by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandi on August 24.

The IIC, which was set up with the help of prominent Muslims like justice Hidayatullah Ansari, Badruddin Tyebji, late Hakim Abdul Majid, Syed S Shafi and Abida Ahmed etc, is envisaged to play a prominent role in the social, economic, cultural and educational needs of the minority community.

IIC president Sirajuddin Qureshi told UNI that the centre comprised of 30 guest rooms, an auditorium, two conference rooms, a library and a mosque besides internet and other modern information and communication facilities, an open air theatre and a business centre.

Muslim NRIs like Dubai-based Abdul Rehman, Bohra community leader Syedna Burhanuddin and Emir of Oman Sultan Qaboos etc have contributed generously for the construction of the building of the centre.

Mr Qureshi said their objective was to make IIC, a modern Islamic cultural centre.

He said the Centre was soon going to begin coaching for youth appearing in civil services examinations.

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