Shah Rukh Khan: Entertainer

Shah Rukh Khan (born1965) fondly known as SRK, is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema and a global icon. Born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, he rose from humble beginnings to become the undisputed "King of Bollywood," with a career spanning over three decades.

SRK's journey to stardom began with television serials like Fauji (1989) and Circus (1989). His Bollywood debut in Deewana (1992) marked the start of a meteoric rise. Known for his versatility, Shah Rukh has portrayed a wide range of characters, from the obsessive lover in Darr (1993) and Baazigar (1993) to the quintessential romantic hero in classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).

Khan’s career is marked by critical acclaim and box office dominance, with iconic performances in films like Chak De! India (2007), My Name is Khan (2010), and Raees (2017). His ability to connect emotionally with audiences worldwide has earned him a massive fan following across continents.

Beyond acting, Shah Rukh is a successful entrepreneur, owning the production company Red Chillies Entertainment and the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team. His philanthropic endeavors include extensive work in healthcare, child welfare, and education, for which he received the UNESCO Pyramide con Marni award.

A recipient of numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri, SRK has also been honored globally, such as with France's Legion of Honour.

Known for his wit, humility, and charisma, Shah Rukh Khan is more than an actor; he is a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing aspiration, resilience, and the magic of dreams realized.

Sharjeel Imam: Scholar, Activist

Sharjeel Imam (born in 1988) is a noted Indian Muslim activist from Kako village, Jehanabad, Bihar. An alumnus of IIT-Bombay, he completed his B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Computer Engineering before pursuing a master’s and Ph.D. in Modern History at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Known for his role in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, Imam has faced sedition charges for allegedly inflammatory speeches.

Sharjeel’s father, Akbar Imam, was a politician, while his mother is a homemaker. Educated at missionary schools in Patna and Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, he graduated in 2006 and worked in the tech industry before returning to academia in 2013.

Imam gained recognition for organizing anti-CAA protests, including the iconic Shaheen Bagh sit-in. His speeches, particularly one advocating a blockade of the Siliguri Corridor, led to accusations of sedition and charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Arrested in January 2020, he has been detained since, facing multiple cases in states like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Critics, including activists and academics, argue that Imam’s speeches were misinterpreted and that the charges against him are politically motivated. Prominent voices like Aakar Patel and Justice Markandey Katju have called for his release, emphasizing freedom of expression. Imam’s arrest has been widely condemned, with support from students, teachers, and rights organizations across India.

Despite receiving bail in some cases, Imam remains in custody for alleged involvement in a larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots. His detention highlights ongoing debates on dissent, minority rights, and state actions in India.

Tauqeer Raza Khan: Religious Leader

Tauqeer Raza Khan is an Indian Islamic scholar and politician, known as the founder of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, a political party based in Uttar Pradesh, and a prominent figure among Barelvi Sunni Muslims. He is a great-grandson of Ahmad Raza Khan, the founder of the Barelvi movement. Khan has served as the head of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (Jadeed), which he established to address perceived discrimination by the Deobandi faction of the board. His political career began in 2001, and he has garnered support from various parties throughout his political journey, including the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party, often calling for communal solidarity among Muslims.

Khan's career has not been without controversy. In 2016, he sought unity with Deobandi scholars but faced backlash from Barelvi clerics, resulting in an apology after a religious ruling deemed his actions sinful. He has also been accused of inciting hatred against Hindus. His political activism often aligns with religious undertones, as seen in his calls for Muslims to vote based on their faith. He has made headlines for several incidents, including issuing a reward for the head of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin and being arrested during riots in Bareilly in 2010.

On a more contemporary note, in 2024, he condemned government actions during the Haldwani violence, urging self-defense for his community and criticizing the ruling authorities. Khan's rhetoric has repeatedly sparked polarization along religious lines, reflecting the complexity of religious and political interactions in India today. His controversial statements and actions highlight the intertwining of communal identity and politics in his advocacy for the Muslim community in India.

Wali Rahmani: Activist, Motivational Speaker 

Wali Rahmani, at just 26 years old, is a lawyer, activist, and one of India's youngest social entrepreneurs. He is the founder of Umeed Global School, a residential institution dedicated to educating orphans, destitute, and underprivileged children.

Rahmani began his journey in public discourse at the age of 19, becoming the youngest Indian panelist to appear on national TV debates. Today, he is also a noted motivational speaker and a social media influencer with over a million followers.

In late 2023, Rahmani achieved a historic milestone by raising ₹7 crore in just seven days through crowdfunding for his school's construction. His campaign, which collected contributions of ₹100 each from lakhs of donors, showcased the trust he has earned through his honest and impactful work. In just seven months, the funds were utilized to successfully erect a state-of-the-art school building.

Rahmani’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that serving the community is not charity but a social duty. He aspires to nurture leaders from underprivileged sections of society, emphasizing that leadership is cultivated through character and actions. For Rahmani, education goes beyond academics—it is about "Tarbiyah" (character building).

Umeed Global School stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the educational gap between rich and poor. The school boasts an internationally recognized curriculum and has recently partnered with the World Trade Centre, Pune, to introduce STEM education.

Rahmani’s groundbreaking work has been featured in Times of India, The Telegraph, Indian Express, Brut India, Logical Indian, and other notable platforms, cementing his reputation as a changemaker committed to transforming lives through education.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Entrepreneur /Philanthropist

M.A. Yusuff Ali, born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala, is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International. A billionaire entrepreneur, he has transformed the retail landscape in the Middle East and India. The LuLu Group, with an annual turnover of $8.4 billion, operates over 100 hypermarkets and malls globally, employing over 65,000 people, including more than 30,000 Indians.

After completing his schooling at St. Xavier's High School, Thrissur, and earning a diploma in Business Management, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his uncle's business. He diversified the family venture, expanding it into food processing, wholesale distribution, and retail. In the 1990s, he launched the LuLu Hypermarket chain, revolutionizing the retail sector in the UAE.

In India, Yusuff Ali has invested significantly in infrastructure, banking, and retail. His first retail venture, the LuLu International Shopping Mall in Kochi, opened in 2013 and remains one of the largest in the country. Since then, the LuLu Group has established malls in Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Hyderabad. He has also acquired stakes in several Indian banks, including the Federal Bank and South Indian Bank.

A committed philanthropist, Yusuff Ali supports numerous charitable initiatives. He contributed ₹9.5 crores for Kerala flood relief in 2018 and pledged ₹50 million during the 2019 floods. His global CSR efforts include adopting schools in Gaza and Nepal and establishing a multi-faith funeral center in Sharjah.

Recognized as one of Forbes’ top Indian business leaders in the Arab world, Yusuff Ali was ranked 39th on Forbes India’s 100 Richest Tycoons list in 2024, with a net worth of $7.4 billion. Beyond his business success, he is deeply involved in social and economic welfare, particularly for the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, showcasing his enduring commitment to humanity and progress.

Syed Zafar Mahmood: Community leader/Former Bureaucrat

Syed Zafar Mahmood is a distinguished Indian civil servant and former 'Officer on Special Duty' for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He gained prominence for his role in the Sachar Committee, established on March 9, 2005, to assess the socioeconomic and educational status of India's Muslim community. The committee submitted its comprehensive report on November 17, 2006, highlighting critical disparities, which Mahmood has since discussed extensively in various forums, including notable institutions like Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, to advocate for bridging the gaps faced by Indian Muslims.

Mahmood's educational background includes a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics, an M.S. in Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Aligarh Muslim University. Apart from his civil service, he is the founder of several non-profit organizations, including the Zakat Foundation of India, the Interfaith Coalition for Peace, and God's Grace Foundation. The Zakat Foundation, established in 1997, is particularly notable for operating an orphanage for children affected by the 2002 Gujarat riots, in collaboration with the USA's One World Children's Fund. His efforts in philanthropy and social justice have garnered attention from media outlets like CNN and NPR.

Mahmood has actively participated in interfaith dialogues and was a representative of Indian Muslims during President George W. Bush's 2006 visit to India. He has been vocal about highlighting the challenges faced by Muslims, notably challenging Gujarat's Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, on issues affecting Muslim communities. His advocacy emphasizes the need for policies that can foster better relations between the Indian government and its Muslim citizens, particularly in light of the Sachar Committee's findings and recommendations.

Islam Khan: Journalist, Author/Community Leader

Dr Zafar ul Islam Khan (born1948) is a prominent Indian author and journalist known for his advocacy for the Muslim community. He serves as the editor and publisher of The Milli Gazette, a fortnightly focused on issues relevant to Muslims, and is the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance, an organization dedicated to relief and welfare work in India.

Khan's educational journey began at Madrasa-tul-Islah and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, followed by studies at Al-Azhar and Cairo University from 1966 to 1973. He earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Manchester in 1987. His career spans several decades, including roles with the Libyan Foreign Ministry and the London-based Muslim Institute, where he managed a news service and publications. He has authored and translated over 50 books and written articles for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.

Khan was elected president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in India, for multiple terms. In July 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, where he formed a fact-finding committee in response to the 2020 Delhi riots.

In October 2023, he released "The Glorious Quran," a translation of the holy text. However, Khan faced controversy following a Facebook post in April 2020 asserting that Muslims were subject to hate campaigns and violence. He was subsequently charged with sedition under the Indian Penal Code. The resultant petitions against him were dismissed in court. Khan's contributions and viewpoints have sparked discussions on minority rights, social justice, and the role of the Muslim community in India.

Zahir Ishaq Kazi: Community leader/ Educationist

Dr. Zahir Ishaq Kazi (born1954) is a prominent figure in education, literature, and medicine, serving as the President of Anjuman-I-Islam, the largest educational conglomerate catering to minorities in India, founded in 1874. He earned his MBBS from Goa Medical College and pursued advanced medical training in Radiology, with fellowships at prestigious institutions in the U.S. Dr. Kazi's extensive medical career includes significant roles in renowned hospitals in Mumbai and an international assignment at King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

His association with Anjuman-I-Islam spans over 30 years, where he has held various leadership positions, ultimately becoming its president for the last 15 years. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced substantial growth, introducing new institutions and programs while ensuring accreditation and financial stability. Notably, Dr. Kazi championed women's empowerment by appointing over 85% of women as heads of institutions and transforming orphanages into compliant and graded homes for women.

Dr. Kazi's impact extends beyond education into governance, where he has served on multiple committees in Maharashtra and Goa, influenced national education policy as Chair of the National Monitoring Committee of Minority Education, and held significant roles in the Government of India. He also supports various educational trusts and has served as a Senate member at the University of Mumbai.

His contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards, including the “Life Time Achievement Award” from the Ministry of AYUSH and the Sir Syed Excellence National Award from Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Kazi's visionary leadership has solidified Anjuman-I-Islam's status as a leading institution at both national and international levels.

Ziya Us Salam: Journalist/ Author

Ziya Us Salam (born in 1970) is a distinguished Indian author, literary critic, journalist, and social commentator. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Salam has become a prominent voice on sociocultural issues, literature, and the challenges faced by India's Muslim community.

Born into a family with an Islamic scholarly lineage, Salam’s father, Mufti Abdul Dayem Sahab, was a renowned Islamic scholar and hadith translator. After his father’s demise in 1983, Salam, his mother, and his sister moved to Delhi, where he pursued his education. He studied at Bluebells School International and later attended a convent school. Salam’s intellectual journey continued at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, where he earned a degree in History.

From an early age, Salam exhibited a passion for writing and journalism. By grade seven, his first article was published, and his early initiative of compiling and distributing handwritten notes foreshadowed his future career. In 1995, he officially began his journey as a journalist, working with leading publications such as The Statesman, The Times of India, and The Pioneer. Before joining The Hindu he  was  Associate Editor of Frontline 

Salam is also a prolific author. His book Till Talaq Do Us Part: Understanding Talaq, Triple Talaq and Khula (2018) received acclaim for its clarity and depth in addressing misconceptions about Islamic marital laws. In the same year, he authored Of Saffron Flags and Skullcaps: Hindutva, Muslim Identity and the Idea of India, critically exploring discrimination against Muslims in India.

Salam's latest book Being Muslim in Hindu India   is painstakingly researched, that  talks of the constant 'othering' of Muslims, using tactics of both peace and violence.