Our annual membership drive is happening now!
Join the Dhanak movement and be in the company of people who are passionate about countering the spread of communalism in our society and be amidst like-minded people who put humanism at the forefront.
For details on how to become a member, please contact Asif Iqbal at: 08750157676 or email us at: dhanak04@rediffmail.com
Members of Dhanak met on August 15, 2015 and discussed “Dealing with Religious Pressures from Parents”
Shabana Siddiqui, Ranu Kulshrestha and Asif Iqbal receiving a memento from the Department of Social Works, Delhi University after students orientation on the issues of RTC (Right to Choice in Marriage/Alliance) #RightToChoice #RightToLove #Chayan
Asif Iqbal: We had a great meeting and food yesterday at Neeraj & Javed ji’s residence. Thanks to Kashifa, Rajeev, Shabana, Anwar, Himani, Savita Ji for participation n special thanks to the hosts Neeraj and Javed ji.
Neeraj Mallik: It was very nice to meet all of you who came for the meeting yesterday. Dhanak, I feel, is an important and much needed initiative and can and does contribute to social change in its own way besides providing support and solidarity to inter-faith couples.
DHANAK members have begun to pay a social visit to interfaith couples on the 2nd or 4th Saturday of each month.
The monthly visits are planned with the following objectives:
Here are some highlights of our social visit 24TH APRIL 2015. Our two couples were: Akansha, Shoaib, Tanesha and Babulal
LIST OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Rajeev, Kashifa, Tanesha, Babulal, Kavita, Shabana, Yusra, Rajesh, Akansha, Shoaib, Ranu, Asif, Raavi, Riya
Meeting Highlights:
1. The existing situation of the new couples was discussed in length.
2. Akansha and Shoaib narrated their way of dealing with the pressures from their respective
families after their clandestine inter-faith marriage.
3. Similarly, the situation of Tanesha and Babulal, an inter-caste couple from Rajasthan was
discussed in length. They were advised the following:
4. Akansha and Shoaib offered to host the next solidarity home visit at Gurgaon which was accepted by the participants.
5. Solo/duet songs were sung by the participants
6. The meeting ended after a dinner
Rajput – In Search of Identity! – By Asif Iqbal
Rajput – In Search of Identity! – By Asif Iqbal (in Hindi)
We are a support group for people in inter-faith/caste marriages/alliance and an advocacy group to address issues related to such an alliance.
More specifically we see DHANAK as
A space where people can share their personal experiences related to having a spouse from a different religious identity than their own. Through sharing we can learn how to deal effectively with some of the interesting challenges that such a marriage poses.
A group that can provide relevant information to people wishing to enter an inter-faith / caste marriage – the how of it.
A group that addresses stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that exist in our society associated with inter-faith / caste marriages. Also address the fears and apprehensions of parents.
A group that holds dialogue and discussions about communalism, religious intolerance and related issues.
A group advocating for policy/legislative changes required to overcome some technical obstacles faced in inter-faith / caste marriages, related to children and their religious identity.
The focus of the event was a rally held against honour killing. More than 10 organisations working on human rights from Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha participated in the march. The tribute to the victims of honour killing was paid by some distinguished social activists like Sehba Farooqui, Shabnam Hashmi, Swami Agnivesh, Anil Chaudhary, and Vikash Narain Rai.
Read more: Interfaith Unions – A mixed Blessing
Celebrating Diversity on February 14, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
For Promotion of Love, Peace and Humanity – Beyond Man-Made Boundaries
Annual Confluence of Interfaith/Caste Couples & Friends
National Council of YMCAs of India
At Gate # 5, 1 Jai Singh Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi (Near Jantar Mantar)
We can’t afford to leave love, peace and humanity to be defined by those who are against it. Let’s not delay in showing our solidarity for the values we stand for!
Please see our complete Prog schedule