President
As mentioned in my previous message; we are pleased to inform you that after one year of gap, we have restarted ICSOA's newsletter to serve the Australian community. However, this is indeed a very different and difficult time for all of us.
Looking back over the last year, ICSOA members felt a high discomfort regarding the incidences in India throughout the year, which has impacted a vast population of India. As you know, India has always been a secular country. Hindus and Muslims have lived together for generations, but somehow the growing power of radical elements overshadows the unity and harmony in India, creating difficulties for the common citizen.
This year, India faced the Delhi riots in February, which resulted in 53 deaths, more than 200 injured and an unaccountable loss of properties, business and stocks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBTMmFcfUrk
Now all over the world, we are facing the Coronavirus epidemic, which is affecting over 210 countries. So far, this virus has resulted in close to 240,000 deaths and infected more than 3.4 million individuals. This will be an exceptionally high burden on the world population and cannot be taken lightly.
The virus does not differentiate between ethnicities, religions and skin colour. It is baseless to blame the one ethnicity or a particular religion. This is a challenge for the entire world to fight with united joint efforts.
I am proud to mention that in Australia, our governments on federal as well as state levels and from all political backgrounds deserve praise for their successful efforts in controlling the spread of the virus and saving major casualties. Apart from the unprecedented incidences of shortages of a few goods, life is much better than any other developed country.
This is also in the interest of all of us to support government initiatives.
Let me mention, our thanks to our doctors, nurses, supporting health staffs, police, community organisations, NGO's religious and social Institutes, who have worked tirelessly to contain the spread.
I am also thankful for followers of all faiths, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, Sikhs, and all believers and non-believers who have effectively adhered to the measures and guidelines during the lockdown period.
This is the first time in my life witnessing the entire world's Muslim community observing Ramadan (Ramzan) in isolation.
Spirit of Australia mateship, I can feel from the social media messages about Ramadan which I received from multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious individuals in huge numbers.
Friends, the darkness of the bad time never remains to stay and Insha’Allah, we shall open our eyes to the sunshine one day.
Let us support each other and maintain strict measures during the lockdown. At least, we do not have to experience the day to day rush and can now enjoy devoting some time with our family.
May God bless all of us and keep our families and us healthy. Let us work and hope for Peace and Harmony in our world.
Abbas Raza Alvi
ICSOA-President
[email protected]
Date: May 2018