[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 121 (Tuesday, October 3, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




10TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSLIMS OF INDIAN 
                                 ORIGIN

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMIO), which will 
hold its 10th Annual Convention on October 7-8, 2000 in Southfield, 
Michigan. The theme of the convention is ``Information and Technology: 
The Digital Divide,'' providing members of the AFMIO with an 
opportunity to explore new ways to expand upon the many beneficial 
things the organization is already doing in this realm.
  The AFMIO is an umbrella organization which represents various Indian 
Muslim Associations. It has chapters throughout the world, and a 
membership which includes academicians, professionals, entrepreneurs 
and social activists. The mission of the organization is the 
educational and economic upliftment of Indian Muslims by seeking 
cooperation among the American and Indian relief and educational 
organizations.
  The AFMIO stands for a stable democratic, secular and progressive 
India, where the human rights of all citizens, regardless of caste, 
religion, language or region, are preserved. The organization works in 
close cooperation with others that believe in these same principles, 
and thus serves as a bridge between Indian intellectuals, public 
officials and business people, and Indian Americans, particularly 
Muslims.
  The highest priority of the AFMIO continues to be the eradication of 
illiteracy among Indian Muslim children, a goal which goes hand in hand 
with bridging the digital divide. Access to a computer can upon up new 
worlds for children, and ensure that they are not only literate in the 
traditional sense, but culturally literate as well, which I think is 
equally important. In this regard, AFMIO has already done a great deal. 
Its grassroots mobilization and motivation program is termed as one of 
the most successful education programs in India.
  AFMIO has also done much to aid Indian Muslims on other fronts. The 
organization has financed several projects which draw on the resources 
of local communities and aim for the economic upliftment of these 
communities by teaching citizens how to employ these resources. Through 
programs of political education and awareness, the organization has 
united forces that have similar beliefs of social justice and the 
upliftment of all people. Furthermore, it has been responsible for 
establishing several hospitals and orphanages, and has organized relief 
work at times of natural disasters.
  I applaud the AFMIO for all of the wonderful work it has done to 
improve the living conditions of Indian Muslims. A large part of this 
success stems from educational programs which have been incredibly 
successful, and I am sure the discussion this weekend will focus upon 
how these programs can be even further adapted and improved in this 
Digital Age. On behalf of the entire United States Senate, I extend a 
much deserved thank you to the American Federation of Muslims of Indian 
Origin, and wish the organization continued success in the 
future.

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