Kerala Muslim Jamaat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, February 16, 2026, to discuss issues affecting the Muslim community, including minority welfare and broader international developments.
In a social media post, Mr. Kanthapuram, who is also recognized as the Grand Mufti of India, said he briefed the Prime Minister on concerns and demands raised during his recent Kerala yatra titled ‘With Humanity.’ Modi reportedly appreciated the educational and social welfare initiatives carried out by Jamia Markaz and the Kerala Muslim Jamaat.
Kanthapuram emphasized that development should be inclusive, arguing that growth must extend beyond economic indicators to include happiness and human development. He called for fair distribution of resources, allocation based on population, and balanced regional development.
The discussion also covered educational initiatives, with Kanthapuram advocating for the Malappuram campus of Aligarh Muslim University to be developed into a full-fledged educational centre. Other concerns included Waqf administration, the ongoing SIR process, and the preservation of historic mosques and Islamic heritage sites.
He further urged the restoration of minority education welfare schemes, such as the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, and proposed new train services linking major pilgrimage centres across South India.
Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (Kanthapuram) secretary Abdurahman Saqafi Perodu and Markaz Knowledge City managing director Abdul Hakkim Azhari were also present during the meeting.
