On Sunday, March 16, 2014, the Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) teamed up with Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) to present a Docudrama Film produced by UPF titled, “Enemy of the Reich: The Noor Inayat Khan Story.” There was a strong turnout at the Movie Premier, which took place in Carmel High School’s Dale E. Graham Auditorium. The total number of guests in attendance was over 250 people.
The event began shortly after 4:30 p.m. with the honoring of Dr. Dorothy Simpson-Taylor. Dr. Simpson-Taylor is a United States’ veteran and is on the board of the Sister Soldier Network, an organization dedicated to mobilizing, engaging, and supporting the health and well being of military families and veterans. Dr. Simpson-Taylor was honored because of her commitment and courage to helping others, especially those military members who suffer from military related ailments, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
After presenting the award to Dr. Simpson-Taylor, Co-Executive Producer of “Enemy of the Reich,” Mr. Michael Wolfe gave the audience some insight on why he chose the story of Noor Inayat Khan. One of the main attractions for choosing Khan’s story was because of the lack of exposure of Muslims who fought for the Allies during the Second World War. There were many Muslims who fought for the Allies during that war. Muslims from India came to assist the English and many Muslims from North and West Africa assisted the French. However, their histories are largely untold by the history classes.
Another reason this story was important to Mr. Wolfe was that Khan had a very interesting and unique background. Khan was a descendent of Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Khan’s father was Hazrat Inayat Khan, head of the Sufi Order International. And while growing up, Khan was brought up in a home that taught worship and faith, which is something she was able to use during the toughest of times during her work for the Allies during the war.
The film began with the background of Khan, by discussing her grandfather and parents. It then transitions to the death of her father and how her strength became much more apparent, not only in her home, but also for the Allied troops. Throughout the film, there is testimony from two of Khan’s nephews, along with historians from Universities in the United Kingdom and the United States.
After the end of the film, Mr. Azher Khan, President of MAI, gave a few words, once again congratulating Dr. Simpson-Taylor and thanking Mr. Wolfe for partnering with MAI to present the film.
Our next even will be the “I Am Change,” a workshop about active citizenship. It’s about each of us embracing our rights as Muslim Americans to work with decision makers in our local communities, in our state legislatures, and in Congress to shape better policies.If you have questions regarding the event or would like to sign up, please do not hesitate to email Events@indianamuslims.org.
Author: Romy Elswerky, MAI task force member
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