Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a plan to highlight India’s Sufi heritage as part of its syncretic culture. The ambitious Sufi Corridor project aims to develop world-class infrastructure around major Indian shrines, positioning India as the top global Sufi spiritual destination.
A delegation led by Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and President of the Chishty Foundation, met with Minister Rijiju on Saturday. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi was also present. Chishty emphasised that the proposed Sufi Corridor would not only preserve Sufi heritage but also promote it globally. He noted that improved facilities and connections would attract millions of Sufi followers and tourists worldwide.
Muslim Community Development Initiatives
The delegation shared their commitment to the holistic development of India’s diverse Muslim community. They discussed initiatives in education, healthcare, and skill development aimed at improving living standards and fostering socio-economic growth. These efforts align with the new Waqf Bill currently under parliamentary consideration. The delegation also expressed some apprehensions about certain clauses in the bill.
Notable Sufi Personalities and Future Engagements
The delegation included prominent figures from Sufi Dargahs across India, such as Syed Afshan Chishty and Mehraj Chishty from Ajmer Sharif, Manzoorul Haq Qutubi from Dargah Hazrat Baba Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki Chishty, and Syed Anfal Nizami from Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi, among others.
Minister Rijiju extended a tentative invitation to the Sufi delegation to attend upcoming Joint Parliamentary Committee meetings in the coming weeks. This engagement highlights the government’s interest in involving Sufi representatives in discussions related to community development and heritage preservation.
The Sufi Corridor project, along with these community development initiatives, represents a significant step towards recognising and promoting India’s rich Sufi tradition. By enhancing infrastructure and fostering dialogue, the government aims to strengthen India’s position as a hub of Sufi spirituality while addressing the socio-economic needs of the Muslim community.
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