'Gupta JI Ki Majlis' In Lucknow

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

A Hindu professor has been organizing Majlis E Aza to strengthen relations between Muslims and Non-Muslim devotees of Hazrat Imam Hussain for the past 50 years in Lucknow.The first Majlis was hosted by Mr.P.K. Gupta way back in 1970 at Shia PG College and since then it has been organized every year without fail. People call it fondly as 'Gupta Ji Ki Majlis' and make it a point to attend it. 

To Gupta Ji, Majlis  is a social, cultural or religious gathering usually associated with the followers of Islam with unconditional love for Ahlebait-E-Athaar.He holds Majlis on the last day of Ayam-E-Aza. The octogenarian Gupta JI feels it as his solemn duty to remember Hazrat Imam Hussain ,for the latter had expressed desire to go to Hindustan and was fascinated by the humanity of the people in India.Imam  got martyred along with his family members in Karbala and the tragic incident reposed in Gupta Ji a deep faith in the charismatic personality of  Syed Us Shohda . It is with this thought that propelled Gupta Ji to start the 'majlis' in the memory of Imam Hussain,

He is well acquainted with the events leading to Karbala Massacre .He remembers how  almost 1,400 years ago, when the Army of Yazid had stopped Hazrat Imam Hussain in Karbala and buthered his family.The cruel soldiers did not even spare 6-month old infant Hazrat Ali Asghar.He is of the firm view that  wherever humans reside  Imam Hussain is bound to be revered and remembered.

He finds striking similarity between Hindus and Hussaini Muslims.Both are anti-terrorism and believe in peaceful co-existence and never fight with each other.His Majlis aims at highlighting the strong bond between Hindus and Muslims. 

In the initial years, Khateeb E Akbar and  founder of the All India Shia Personal Law Board Maulana Mirza Mohammad Athar used to address the 'majlis'. Now his son Maulana Yasoob Abbas, also the spokesperson of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, carries forward the legacy.

Gupta Ji is held in high esteem by devotees of Imam.Shia personal Board is full of praise for him for his spirit. Maulana Abbas says " There have been occasions when the last night of Muharram (mourning period) has coincided with Deepawali. On those occasions, Gupta first discharged his duty of organizing the 'majlis' and later celebrated the festival of lights.It is his deep affection towards Imam Hussain that he organizes the 'majlis' even today. The 'majlis', since its inception, focused on Hindu-Muslim unity,"

This year Gupta Ji organized Majlis on the last day of the mourning on  November 5 and it was addressed by Maula Yasoob Abbas.It was well-attended with elite of Lucknow present.  .

(References available on request.)