The Muslim Council of Elders’ stand at the New Delhi World Book Fair hosted a seminar titled “The Role of Social Media in Promoting Peace and Combating Extremism Among Youth.” The event attracted notable participation from thinkers, students, and media professionals, who engaged in discussions about the increasing impact of social media on shaping modern discourse and its potential to counter extremist narratives and foster global peace.
The seminar was moderated by Professor Dr. Zikrur Rahman, Founding Director of the India Arab Cultural Centre (IACC), at Jamia Millia Islamia University. It featured notable speakers including Mukesh Kaushik, Deputy Editor of the Indian newspaper “Dainik Bhaskar,” and Professor Dr. Thameena Hameed, Chairperson of the Centre for West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
The discussions provided a comprehensive analysis of how radical narratives can be challenged through responsible online engagement and policy initiatives and reaffirmed the importance of digital platforms as tools for peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue, aligning with the Council’s broader mission of promoting tolerance, understanding, and global unity.
Mukesh Kaushik, Deputy Chief Editor of the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper, discussed the escalating challenges of misinformation, digital manipulation, and the influence of online platforms on public perception. He highlighted the significant role social media plays in shaping political and social narratives, stressing the critical need for responsible digital engagement to mitigate the spread of extremism online.
For her part, Prof. Dr. Thameena Hameed discussed the use of artificial intelligence in social media, emphasizing its potential to build a “peace tech ecosystem” where diverse communities can engage over shared values and global challenges. She also underscored the increasing role of youth in leveraging social media for education, community engagement, and cultural cooperation to counter extremist ideologies.
Prof. Dr. Zikrur Rahman emphasized that instead of a clash of civilizations, all religions share fundamental values that promote peace and coexistence. He highlighted the importance of fostering mutual understanding and rejecting all forms of violence on social media platforms, regardless of whether they stem from religious or ideological motivations. He also noted the Muslim Council of Elders’ ongoing efforts, including its landmark Document on Human Fraternity, which serves as a cornerstone for global peace and interfaith harmony.
This is set to be the Muslim Council of Elders’ third consecutive participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 which underscores its commitment to intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and promoting values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence.
Through its diverse publications, translated works, and engaging discussions, the Council continues to bridge cultures and reinforce the importance of shared human values on the global stage.
The Council’s pavilion (I-04) at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 is located in Hall 4 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.