By Shams Tabrez Qasmi
Dr. Majid Ahmad Talikoti, a renowned cancer surgeon based in New Delhi and an aspiring candidate in the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) General Election 2024. Dr. Talikoti shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent surgical oncologist, as well as his thoughts on the empowerment of the Muslim community during an interview with Millat Times.
Dr. Majid’s early life was marked by challenges. Growing up in a small village in the Gulbarga District of Karnataka, he had to pursue his initial education outside his village due to the lack of a convent school. His academic journey took a decisive turn in the 6th standard when he began to take his studies seriously, emerging as a brilliant student and consistently securing top ranks. Initially, he aspired to be a civil servant and aimed to crack the UPSC exam to serve society. However, influenced by the medical profession prevalent in his family and village, he decided to become a doctor.
He completed his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Al Ameen Medical College in Bijapur, India, and specialized in surgical oncology with advanced training from AIIMS in India and the National Cancer Centre in Japan. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Talikoti has performed more than 16,000 surgeries and trained over 200 oncologists. He is currently the Director of Surgical Oncology Unit II at Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre in Delhi.
Dr. Majid is widely recognized for his humanitarian efforts, often performing surgeries free of cost and advocating for universal healthcare access. He established the Medicant Hospital & Research Center in Bokaro, Jharkhand, to provide advanced medical care to neglected regions and marginalized groups.
During the interview, Dr. Majid expressed his deep commitment to the empowerment of the Muslim community. He emphasized that the community is facing a severe identity crisis and is under a multi-faceted attack in the country. He drew parallels between his medical work and his vision for social service, stating that just as he helps patients regain their confidence and health, he aims to restore confidence in the Indian Muslim society.
Dr. Majid believes that his energetic spirit, willingness to work, aspirations, and credibility make him a suitable candidate for the chairmanship of the IICC. He stressed that his intentions are pure and that he is not driven by opportunism or the perks of holding a post. Instead, he is focused on practical groundwork and meaningful contributions. Once elected, he plans to work towards the betterment and advancement of the IICC, envisioning it as a center of spirituality, inclusivity, and interfaith dialogue. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with senior members of the community, regardless of the opinions of others.
Addressing the controversies surrounding his affiliations with the RSS’s Muslim Rastriya Manch, Dr. Majid reiterated his loyalty to his religion and his people. He emphasized that social upliftment requires coordination with the political system and that the IICC should serve as a beacon of hope for Muslims not only in India but worldwide. He envisions the center as a hub of social and academic endeavors, playing a crucial role in voicing the needs of Muslims.
The interview concluded on a positive note, reflecting Dr. Majid’s optimism and dedication to the empowerment of the Muslim community through his candidacy in the IICC General Election 2024.
