The 28th edition of the annual Hussain Day convention was held in the Indian city of Bengaluru, under the title “Service to Humanity: Inspiration from the life of Imam Hussain (a.s.)” on September 27, 2020.

Eminent dignitaries from around the world attended and participated in the international event, including a special address by Imam Hussain Holy Shrine representative Sayed Saaduldeen al-Banna.

They delivered speeches on the current hate crimes around the world and ways to solve this hatred from the teachings of Imam Hussain.

Below is the convention’s press note presented by Aga Sultan, convener.

“2020 marked the beginning of unimaginable changes. The entire world was locked down, and life demanded us to adapt to a global pandemic.

All of a sudden, things that we held dear to us, left us. The pandemic led to a series of several unfortunate events, in quick succession. Many of us lost our loved ones and many more suffered from the disease or watched while their loved ones suffered. Economies plummeted to their lowest, leaving even the most developed countries, stifled for hope. 

We helplessly watched people lose their livelihoods and homes, struggling by the minute to sort out even groceries. A dark tune of silence enveloped those roads that once hustled with honks and screeches. As for festivals, they just remained as mere dates on our calendars.

But, what the pandemic couldn't do is - crush our spirit. Amidst all the chaos emerged a global family - willing to help one another beyond religions, castes, professions and backgrounds. It took us a global pandemic to realize that the only religion that we all ever believed was that of love.

We came together at the 28th Annual Hussain Day held on 27th September, 2020, by following in the footsteps of Imam Hussain (a.s.), grandson of Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h.) who gave everything he had including his family and companions to save Humanity.

Hussain Day is an annual inter-faith peace convention organized by Mr. Aga Sultan to bring all communities together, to protect the principles of humanity and social justice from the past 28 years at Bangalore, India.

This year it was more special than all the years that went by because amidst chaos, we witnessed  the blossoming of a novel 'togetherness'. Many Eminent scholars, distinguished personalities, intellectuals and poets from different walks of life across the globe were invited, to spread the importance of ‘Service to humanity’.

They all spoke unitedly on the relevance of Imam Hussain’s message in today’s time.  They came together to learn, embrace, uphold and stand for Humanity. Let us reach out to those most in need as ONE. The world needs us to break our barriers of divisions and work towards serving humanity as ONE.

It is time to finally ask yourselves, ‘What are you doing for others?’ And ‘Is it enough?’”

The event was held virtually this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.