National Solidarity Day
Founded in 1976 and observed for over four decades at the mazaar of President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, this annual national gathering unites citizens of every faith in prayer for the unity and integrity of the motherland.
The Journey
A Legacy of Faith, Peace & Service
Moulana Syed Peer Shabbir Naqshbandi was born on 19th October 1950 into an eminent Sufi family. His great grandfather, Syed Muhammed Arab Medani, belonged to the lineage of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrath Muhammed (pbuh). His grandfather, Hz. Syedna Ifteqar Ali Shah Watan, was a great Sufi saint whose holy shrine is situated at Chisti Chaman, Mangalhaat, Hyderabad.
His father was the head priest of the Dargah of Chisti Chaman and founder of the All India Religious Leaders’ Association, comprising religious leaders from across India working to promote communal harmony and interfaith dialogue — playing a significant role both before and after India’s independence, alongside national leaders such as Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Chakravarti Rajagopalachari.
A Life in Service of the Nation
-
1971
President, All India Religious Leaders’ Association
Following the passing of his father in 1971, he became successor and President of the Association, continuing its mission for national unity and organising peace & harmony seminars propagating the message of Sufism among different communities and faiths.
-
1974
Honorary Advisor to the President of India
Invited by the 5th President of India, Dr Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed — a disciple of his father — he served alongside the President as Honorary Advisor at Rashtrapati Bhavan until the President’s passing on 11th February 1977. That same year, he began his journalism career as Chief Editor of Rehnuma-e-Millat, an Urdu evening daily in Hyderabad.
-
1976
Founder, National Solidarity Day
He proposed that the President’s birthday, 13th May, be observed as “National Solidarity Day” — approved by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and first observed across India and in Indian embassies worldwide. The inaugural function was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, and he served as founder secretary of the committee. His biography, “Promising Light of Secular India,” was released by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed that October at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad.
-
1976–2025
Four Decades of National Solidarity Day
For 44 years he continuously organised National Solidarity Day at the mazaar of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed opposite Parliament House, New Delhi — leading prayers for national unity and integrity, joined over the years by presidents and prime ministers, with youth across communities pledging solidarity against terrorism.
-
1980
Ekta Bhavan & Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society
When advised by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to join active politics, he chose instead — in keeping with his Sufi family background — to request official accommodation for national service. He was allotted Ekta Bhavan, behind the Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi, for promoting national integrity and addressing the grievances of the common man; Cabinet Committee Accommodation was later allotted at C/1, 130 Hutments, in the same block. That same year he became a founder member of the Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society, devoted to education for Muslims and other communities alike.
-
1990
Founder, International Spiritual Quranic Campaign
He launched a nationwide campaign, in cooperation with union and state governments, propagating the message of the Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramadhan — using his gifts as an orator to rally the masses against terrorism and evil forces.
-
2003
Recognition by the President of India
President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam released a book on his international spiritual and Quranic campaign at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi — following an earlier work, “The Messenger of Peace,” released by Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1979 at the Prime Minister’s House.
-
2020
Founder, Al-Watan (My Nation)
Continuing the journalism career he set aside for national service, he launched Al-Watan, an Urdu daily e-paper and print publication, aimed at countering terrorism and anti-national activity in the wider public discourse.
Present Roles & Offices
President
All India Religious Leaders’ Association
Founder
National Solidarity Day (1976–2025)
Chairman
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Memorial Committee
Former President
Dargah Committee, Hazrath Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz (R.A.), Ajmer
Founder
International Spiritual Quranic Campaign, since 1990
Founder Member
Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society, since 1980
Founder & Editor
Al-Watan Urdu Daily, since 2020
Former Honorary Advisor
President of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974–1977)
Service & Diplomacy
As Chairman of the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Memorial Committee, a Government of India–aided institution, he chaired the Dargah Committee of Hazrath Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz (R.A.), Ajmer, under the Ministry of Waqf, in the past, and each year observes International Anti-Terrorism awareness on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal, the birthday of the Prophet of Islam (pbuh), across the country. Following the formation of the BJP government, he was asked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office to remain in touch with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on matters of communal harmony, anti-terrorism and minority affairs.
For 45 years he has worked to strengthen India’s ties with the Islamic world, particularly Saudi Arabia, performing Hajj as a guest of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and travelling to Italy, France, the UAE, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Thailand and Japan for international conferences on global peace and universal brotherhood. He continues to reside at Ittehad (Unity) Bhavan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, where people from all walks of life visit seeking his counsel and help.
