Hon Mr Abdul Wahab, Member of Parliament and current national Treasurer of Indian Union Muslim League paid a visit to Australia early May. He is completing his second term in Rajya Saba.

Sydney’s Malayalee community gave a reception and dinner in his honour hosted by Mr Abbas Chelat, ICSOA Treasurer and an early migrant to Australia from Kerala, professionally an engineer-turned-businessman.

The reception program was opened by Dr Quasim, another early Muslim migrant from Kerala and a community activist who runs the Quran and Science Institute in Western Sydney.

Dr Quasim after introducing the local guests to the visiting MP, highlighted the importance of understanding Quran in modern society where science and logic are challenged by customs and belief.

Mr Abbas Raza Alvi, ICSOA President emphasised the importance of a common platform for Indian Muslims in Australia represented by ICSOA.

Mr Niaz Cannoth, President of Kerala Muslim Cultural Community (KMCC), an expatriate organisation of Indian Union Muslim League and their sympathisers welcomed the visiting MP on behalf of the organisation.

Also present at the reception were Dr Saheer Ahmad Kaithal and Dr Ali Parappil of Australian Malayalee Islamic Association (AMIA) as well as Mr Babu Varghese, President of Australian Kerala Malayalee Samajam.

Mrs Yelda Chembrika who is an active community member and finance advisor and runs her own home-loan business stated that barriers still exist for Muslim women to participate in politics in Australia while sharing her experience as an independent candidate for the Blacktown Council election.

Mrs Raufa Sajeev also shared her experiences as a migrant Muslim women from Kerala and focused on the importance of education of children amongst migrants in Australia.

Mr Abdul Wahab gave an account of his journey starting in 1974 as a migrant to Dubai after finishing his school. He was blessed in every step in his life as a businessman now a retired multi-millionaire where his business interests, both in India and overseas are managed by his four sons.

He runs an academically proclaimed school in Nilambur his home town in North Kerala called Peeves Residential School focusing on modern education to empower the new generation.

Mr Abdul Wahab shared his experience as an executive member of Calicut Airport Committee.

He realised that in addition to economic upliftment of Indian Muslims, political empowerment of Muslims in India is very crucial to achieve betterment of the society and social welfare of Muslims.

After realising this, he joined Muslim League as his father was a well-known Muslim League member and he himself actively participated in politics during his student life as part of Muslim Student Federation - the student wing of Muslim League.

Towards the end of the program, Mr Abbas Chelat and Mrs Safiya Chelat thanked the invited guests and the reception concluded with delicious Kerala cuisine being served.