Socio-Economic Transformation of Indian Muslims: With Special Refrence to Andaman Islands

About The Book: Indian Muslims constitute about 15% of our country’s population . They have played a vital role in the socio-economic and cultural scenario of Indian society in all respects. According to Sachar Committee report a sizeable section of them are found to be socially, politically and economically backward .The outcome of the Sachar Committee report has opened the eyes of Indian Governance and society about the plight of our second largest community in India .Even after seven decades of our democratic governance we have failed to streamline our largest minority in the track of welfare and development . Illiteracy, ignorance and poverty are some of the main reasons responsible for this backwardness . They experience day to day discrimination in education , employment , housing and public services which move the community in poverty. This long-drown deprivation has created discontentment in the minds of poor Muslims who feel alienated from the mainstream of Indian society. In India, the condition of Muslims is pathetic, but when we make a comparative study we find that the Islands Muslims are more progressive in all aspects of Indian society. Islands society is the admixture of all religious and communities who live peacefully with national integrity. Andaman society developed with the origin of Penal Settlement of Indian convicted prisoners in 1858. This society has become a symbol of progress with social harmony and dignity for all minorities including six indigenous tribals. In this vibrant society, the Muslims are cordial, liberal and progressive. The females are highly respected. They share all importance in family life as well as public life. Girls are more educated then boys. Their participation in islands politics is highly appreciable. Inter- religious marriage and involvement in the other religion festivals are common and acceptable. The outcome of the study of Islands Minority community and their contribution in social, economical progress and harmony will help to make a roadmap for the rest of the country. It will become a model of discussion for future planners at administrative level and academicians will get enough space to rethink about their study on Indian minorities especially on Muslims.