Dr. Rafiq Zakaria
Founder Chairman
After independence in 1947, All India Khilafat Committee was declared a public trust by the City Civil Court at Mumbai in Suit No.1965 of 1958; it appointed a Board of Trustees to manage its affairs. For the last three decades Dr. Rafiq Zakaria eminent scholar-politician, had been its chairman. It was entirely due to his efforts that the ‘Khilafat House’, which had become extremely dilapidated, was renovated without altering the old façade and shape of the building. The Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the renovated ‘Khilafat House’ on 19^th April, 1981. Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Gandhi remarked: “What an excellent idea to renovate and reactivate the old ‘Khilafat House’. It is hallowed with the remembrance of stalwarts of our freedom struggle and has been an active center of Hindu-Muslim Unity”.

“The strength of our nation lies in its secularism, giving equal regard to all religions and equal rights and opportunities to all our citizens. Those who are fewer or weak because of economic or social reasons must get special protection.”

“We are proud of the sacrifices made by our Muslim leaders and of the contribution to our culture and development. Muslim scholars, Muslim weavers and artisans has given a rich heritage and new work for a better future along with Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhists, Jain and Parsi brothers.”

“My good wishes to Khilafat House.”

In the end Mrs. Gandhi congratulated Dr. Rafiq Zakaria for his untiring efforts in keeping this national movement alive and active.