USA / NEW DELHI:

New Delhi:

Students along with their parents from 19 states convened in the national capital for the event. More than 80 students who passed class 10th and 12th in the year 2022 received medals, certificates and cash prizes.

“I was truly impressed when I got to know that people in America are so committed to contribute to the welfare of students here in India. This is very motivating,” said Ifrah Rauf, who received silver medal. Ifrah scored 95.6 per cent in class 12th and is now pursuing B.C.A from Indraprastha University. Ifrah’s mother is a teacher and father, a software professional. “This is encouraging for parents as well. This makes us believe that we took the right step by getting our daughter educated,” said Ifrah’s mother, Tayyaba Rehman who was present the convention.

Sixty one out of 84 awardees were girls. Gold, silver and bronze medallists received Rs 7,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.

“It is fantastic to see so many students, especially girls, scoring so high in schools,” said Najeeb Jung, former LG, Delhi, who was the chief guest at the programme. “We should remember that knowledge is different from education. While you get educated through curriculum, it is also important to get knowledge because knowledge tells you how to be a better human being and how to treat people around you. Good scores will get you a job but knowledge will change your perspective,” said Jung.

He cautioned the audience against the dangers of technology. “It is good that we learn and use social media but we have to avoid addiction and ensure that the tech companies don’t manipulate us,” he said.

AFMI was formed in 1989 in Detroit (USA). AFMI has held conventions all over the country since its inception in 1989. It has honored more than 4,000 students from over 400 of India’s districts.

DYWA, formed in Delhi’s Walled City in 1990, works to promote education for under privileged children. It runs scholarship schemes, course distribution and a library housing more than 4000 books, among other initiatives.

Khalil Ahmed, patron, DYWA, said that in the present age and time, we should not always associate education with jobs and career. “Get educated to understand yourself, the world and the journey of life,” he said. “If you get a job, it is an added bonus. If you don’t get one, it is not the end of the world. If you have a family business, focus on expanding the same and take it to new heights. Don’t look down at it,” said Ahmed.

The awardees included two sisters from Telangana. Nargis Sultana (gold medal) and Nafees Sultana (silver medal) scored 95 per cent and 93 per cent in grade 12th. Nargis wants to be a doctor and is preparing for NEET. Nafees is pursuing Bachelors in pharmacy in Telangana. Their father, Mohammad Abdul Saleem accompanied them for the ceremony. “Both myself and my wife could not finish school education. We were clear that we would get out daughters educated and make them self- dependent,” said Saleem who works as a supervisor in a borewell. “Events like this one boosts our morale,” he added.

This was AFMI’s 32nd convention to honour student achievers in the country.

Dr Kavita Sharma, former president, South Asian University, Dr Akhtarul Wasey, president, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, historians Swapna Liddle and Samina Mishra were also present at the event,

“In a jungle, trees compete to get sunlight. In the process, they outgrow each other. Similarly, we have tried to create a healthy competition among students. They get motivated and inspired when they see each other at such events,” said Shafi Lokhandwala, member, AFMI.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Communal Harmony> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / January 01st, 2023