Prof Asad U Khan, from the Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit at Aligarh Muslim University, has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of Microbiology, securing the 39th position globally, according to ScholarGPS, the world’s foremost scholarly analytics platform. This platform utilizes advanced computational techniques such as data mining, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis to evaluate scholarly impact comprehensively.
Named as an “Inaugural Highly Ranked Scholar,” Prof Khan joins an elite group of scholars, with only three Indian researchers ranking in the top 0.05% globally in Microbiology. His recognition among 67 scholars worldwide underscores his exceptional contributions to the field.
Expressing his elation, Prof Khan shared, “I was truly thrilled to discover my global standing. Being passionate about research and dedicating two decades to antimicrobial studies, this recognition surpasses my expectations.” He expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, and supporters for their encouragement throughout his journey.
Highly Ranked Scholars like Prof Khan are distinguished by both productivity (number of publications) and impact (citations), as well as the quality of their work (h-index). ScholarGPS’s extensive database, comprising over 30 million scholar profiles and 200 million scholarly publications, enables precise identification of scholars within specific specialties, disciplines, and fields.
Prof Khan’s accolades extend beyond this recent recognition, with previous honors from national and international scientific bodies, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to combating Antimicrobial Resistance.
In summary, Prof Asad U Khan’s global ranking in Microbiology signifies not only his individual achievement but also highlights the excellence of research conducted at Aligarh Muslim University, reaffirming India’s presence on the global scientific stage.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2024
A joint study conducted by a Delhi-based think tank – Centre for Study and Research (CSR) and NOUS Network Private Limited – has busted the myth that Muslim-run institutions cater to Muslims only.
The study titled “A Survey of Muslim-managed Public and Private Institutions of Higher Education in India” reveals that Hindu students outnumber Muslim students in higher education in Muslim-managed institutions across the country.
The percentage of Hindus, according to the report, is about 55 percent in these institutions against 42 percent of Muslim students.
However, the report is silent about the reasons behind Hindu students exceeding their Muslim counterparts in Muslim-run institutions.
But the higher number of Hindu students is an indicator that the Muslim institutions do not discriminate against non-Muslims and are open to all religious communities against the prevailing misconception that Muslim institutions serve only Muslim students.
This is also a proof that the standard of education in Muslim-run institutions are at par with institutions run by other communities. Had the quality of education in Muslim institutions been poor, Hindu students would certainly have avoided it and not enrolled en mass as is happening currently.
The study provides empirical evidence against the prevailing false notion among certain sections of society regarding Muslim-managed educational institutions.
The report reveals a surprising trend: in Muslim-run universities, Hindus constitute the majority of students (52.7%), while Muslims make up 42.1%. This pattern holds true for colleges managed by the Muslim minority as well, where Hindus are the largest student group (55.1%), followed by Muslims (42.1%) and other minority groups (2.8%).
The findings of the report were discussed at a roundtable event attended by educators, policymakers and stakeholders. They applauded the report as a valuable resource for addressing existing challenges faced by the Muslim community in the realm of higher education.
Concerns were also expressed over the grim situation of the community, particularly their meagre share in higher education and their sharp dropout rates.
CSR director Dr. Mohammed Rizwan presented the vision of CSR, which aims to evolve a purposeful, holistic, and value-based knowledge ecosystem. He asserted that the report is a “myth-buster” that provides empirical evidence against the prevailing misinformation among certain sections of society.
“To our knowledge, no such study has been conducted to date, and there is currently no data available on the number of institutions for higher education affiliated with the Muslim minority group, while this research represents the first attempt of its kind to address this critical gap,” Dr. Rizwan stated.
Elaborating that despite consistent efforts from the community, empirical evidence suggests a need for even more concrete efforts, Dr. Rizwan said that those efforts should particularly focus on areas like gross enrolment in higher education, decreasing the dropout rate, and other aspects of higher education.
Dr. Rizwan believes that this report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within higher education by meticulously analyzing various facets. These facets include the number and types of educational institutions, the gender ratio within them, their affiliation status, their academic productivity, their NAAC accreditation standing, student demographics, and more.
“The report’s findings underscore the importance of recognizing the unique needs of the Muslim minority in higher education and advocating for targeted interventions to address those needs,” he added.
Speaking at the roundtable, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer commended the CSR and NOUS team for conducting such an important study. However, he cautioned that the findings regarding the community’s education situation are not encouraging.
Prof. Salim highlighted that the study serves as a roadmap for improvement, identifying areas where the community needs to focus its efforts while acknowledging its achievements.
Emphasizing the need to encourage the community, not discourage it, by recognizing its accomplishments and contributions in the past 75 years of independence, he pointed out the community’s resilience in the face of continued communal riots and a challenging post-partition atmosphere.
Criticizing the apathy of successive governments towards the Muslim minority, Prof. Salim lamented that numerous studies, including the noteworthy Sachar Committee report, have been conducted on the community’s socio-economic and educational status. However, these reports have been largely debated without any significant implementation of their recommendations.
Acknowledging the community’s progress in education despite these hurdles and the negative attitudes of some governments, the JIH leader commended, the establishment of numerous educational institutions and the achievements of students in higher education and civil services.
Stressing that the country’s progress hinges on the advancement of the Muslim minority, Prof. Salim urged the community to avoid self-blame and instead celebrate its achievements in the face of adversity. He concluded by referencing the Quran, stating that the Muslim community is meant to serve others.
Ali Javed, CEO of NOUS Network Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi-based think tank and media house, asserted that this report stands out as a truly unique attempt, as there is currently no existing comprehensive overview providing insights into the status of higher education in institutions catering to Muslims.
Ali Javed expressed the hope that this report would be an indispensable resource for academics, policymakers, and anyone interested in educational advancement. He believed it would significantly contribute to our understanding of Muslim-affiliated higher education institutions, paving the way for further discussions and initiatives in this area.
Emphasizing the importance of collective action, NOUS CEO explained that the purpose of convening this roundtable of experts, educators, academics, and stakeholders is to collaborate and find solutions to the community’s problems. He stressed that joint efforts are necessary for progress.
Expressing concern about the “extreme deprivation” faced by the community, not just in education but across various indicators, Javed proposed a multi-pronged approach, including data collection through surveys in Muslim-dominated areas, gathering disaggregated data, and developing the community’s own policy documents for negotiation with policymakers. He also emphasized the need for an evidence-based strategy for societal reform and infrastructure development.
Highlighting the study’s findings, researcher Abid Faheem, who played a key role in compiling the data, pointed out that Muslims constitute over 14% of India’s population. However, their representation in higher education remains low. According to the latest All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE-2021-22), only 4.8% of students enrolled in higher education are Muslims. This is even lower than the enrolment rates for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), which stand at 15.3% and 6.3% respectively. SCs and STs comprise 16.6% and 8.6% of the total population, respectively.
Faheem used a PPT to show that the gross enrolment ratio for Muslim students in colleges affiliated with Muslim institutions is 1.23. This ratio is significantly lower in universities, at just 0.23. The combined gross enrolment ratio for Muslim students is 1.46. However, the situation is even worse in institutions of national importance like IITs, IIITs, IISERs, NITs, and IIMs, where only 1.72% of students are Muslim.
Faheem expressed concern that despite the Sachar Committee report on the socio-economic and educational status of the Muslim community released 17 years ago, there has not been much progress. He noted that in 2006, when the Sachar report was published, Muslim enrolment in higher education was 3.6%. While efforts have been made to improve this ratio, the first AISHE report in 2012-13 showed only a 0.6% increase after six years. A decade later, the AISHE report indicated another modest increase of 0.6%. In contrast, other disadvantaged groups like SCs and STs have made significant progress. Their enrolment rates have risen from 2.4% in 2006 to 15.3% and 6.3% in 2021-22, respectively.
However, the enrolment rates for SCs and STs have shown a much sharper rise compared to Muslims. Their share in higher education has climbed from a combined 2.4% in 2006 to 15.3% for SCs and 6.3% for STs in 2021-22.
It’s important to note that the Sachar report initially reported a combined enrolment rate of 2.4% for SCs and STs.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sanghmitra, Chairperson of the Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health at Jawaharlal Nehru University, appreciated the CSR and Nous Networks team. She also appreciated their work in clarifying some widely held misconceptions about the Muslim community.
Prof. Sanghmitra emphasized the importance of inclusivity in policymaking. However, she expressed concern about the gap between policy and reality. She pointed out that the Sachar Committee report had already documented the disadvantaged state of Muslims and provided evidence. She further noted that the Amitabh Kundu Committee report, which followed the Sachar Committee report and received less attention, showed minimal progress in the community’s status despite the evidence and recommendations presented earlier.
Prof. Sanghmitra also recommended collecting data on the Muslim community at the secondary level in addition to the primary level.
Dr. Kamal Farooqi, spokesperson for the AIMPLB and former chairman of the Delhi Minority Commission, emphasized the importance of shifting the Muslim community’s fundamental attitude and mindset towards education.
Prof. Sadia Halima, an economics professor at Jamia Millia Islamia University, asserted for a shift in focus from mere literacy rates, ratio, enrolment figures and the number of students or institutions to prioritizing knowledge and quality education.
Prof. Majid Jameel, an electrical engineering professor at Jamia Millia Islamia University, commended the CSR-NOUS Network for the study. He shared his experiences motivating students in his hometown Saharanpur, UP, to pursue higher education, while also expressing concern about the high dropout rate within the community.
Former civil servant Akhtar Mahboob Syed stressed the importance of data collection and studies to understand the socio-economic state of the Muslim community. He pointed out that while the Sachar Committee report receives much attention, the Amitabh Kundu Committee report and Professor Mattu reports are less discussed.
Having worked with various government departments, he questioned the impact of existing schemes aimed at improving education for minorities, such as pre and post matric scholarships and the Maulana Azad Foundation and Ministry of Minority affairs. He argued that the community itself needs to gather data on the effectiveness of these initiatives, as the government is unlikely to do so. In addition to data collection, he suggested addressing the “fear complex” within the community.
Mr. Nizamuddin Shaikh of the Institute of Objective Studies and the All India Milli Council highlighted three key points: Islamization of knowledge, changing the community’s attitude towards education, and establishing more educational institutions.
The Millat Time editor Shams Tabrez Qasmi also spoke on the occasion. In the open session, various noted participants expressed their views on the study.
The report illuminates the number and growth trajectory of Muslim-affiliated institutions, along with their demographic characteristics. It underscores the pressing need for policymakers to address the under-representation of Muslims in higher education. The report also provides valuable insights into the educational quality, programme offerings, and research output of these institutions.
Other Key Results of the Study:
Universities:
Out of the total 1113 universities in India as per AISHE 2020-21 data, 23 universities belong to Muslim Minority. The share of Muslim managed universities is just 2.1%.
2. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of universities, followed by Karnataka.
3. Of the 23 Muslim universities, the majority (43.5%) are privately managed, followed by public state universities (26.1%), deemed private universities (13%), and central universities (13%).
4. Around 69.9% of Muslim universities are located in urban areas.
5. Out of the total 97,928 students enrolled in the academic year 2021-22, 42.1% are Muslims, 52.7% are Hindus, and 5.2% belong to Other Minority groups.
6. Regarding Muslim students, there were 26,039 (63.09%) male students and 15,236 (36.91%) female students enrolled in Higher Education.
7. Among the 41,275 Muslim students enrolled, less than 1% represent Scheduled
8. Tribes, 34% were belong to Other Backward Classes, 42.8% were from the Unreserved Category, and the remaining 16.4% are from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
COLLEGES:
1. Out of the total 43,796 colleges in India as per AISHE 2020-21 data, 1,155 colleges are managed by Muslim minority community. It means that the share of Muslim managed colleges is just 2.6%.
2. Of these 1,155 colleges, 141 (12.2%) are technical colleges registered with the All India Council for Technical Education.
3. Despite making up 73.4% of all minority groups, Muslim minority communities only have a 16.6% share in technical colleges. In contrast, other minority groups, comprising 26.6% of the population, hold an 83.4% share in technical colleges.
4. 6.4% of Muslim colleges in India are exclusively for girls.
5. The top 10 states in terms of the number of colleges in India are Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jammu & Kashmir. These states account for 90.47% of the total colleges in the country.
6. Of the 1,155 Muslim minority colleges, 85.5% are private (unaided), 10.6% are private (aided), and 3.9% are government colleges.
7. Kerala has 24.9 colleges per lakh population while UP has 4.9 colleges and West Bengal has a mere 1.8 colleges per lakh population. The national average of colleges per lakh population stands at 6.4%.
8. Of the 1155 Muslim minority colleges, 85.5% are private (unaided), 10.6% are private (aided), and 3.9% are government colleges.
9. About 57.8% of Muslim minority colleges are located in rural areas.
10. The majority of colleges (93.16%) offer Undergraduate level programs, while only 6.32% offer PhD level programs.
11. Kerala has the highest number of colleges offering PhD programs, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
12. Around 51% of colleges only provide undergraduate level programmes.
13. Out of the total 524,441 students enrolled in the academic year 2021-22, 42.1% are Muslims, 55.1% are Hindus, and 2.8% belong to Other Minority groups.
14. In terms of Muslim students, there were 104,163 (47.18%) male students and 116,622 (52.82%) female students enrolled in Higher Education.
15. Among the 220,785 Muslim students enrolled, less than 1% represent Scheduled Tribes, 48.1% belong to Other Backward Classes, 50.7%
16. come from the Unreserved Category, and the remaining 0.9% are from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
17. 96.4% of colleges did not participate in the NIRF ranking of 2023.
18. None of the colleges secured a position in the top 100 in the NIRF 2023 college rankings.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Anwarulhaq Baig / May 15th, 2024
The 2023-24 ESL results have been unveiled, showcasing Fatima Samiha’s remarkable achievement. Hailing from Chikkamagalur district, Fatima, a student of Sri Sadguru Vidyamandir in Basarikatte, chose Sanskrit as her primary language and achieved a perfect score of 125 out of 125 marks in the subject.
Her exceptional performance extends across other subjects as well, with scores of 99 in Kannada, 94 in English, 83 in Mathematics, 69 in Science, and 100 in Social Science, resulting in an impressive overall score of 590 out of 625 marks, equivalent to 94.4%.
Fatima is the daughter of Muhammad Rafiq from Chikkamagaluru and Selikhat Begum from Panemangalore.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / May 12th, 2024
Dr. Ayesha Sultana stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of Islamic education, particularly for youth and women, through her pioneering online initiatives. Armed with a profound grasp of both Islamic studies and psychology, Dr. Sultana is on a steadfast mission to imbue moral values and Islamic teachings in the hearts of the youth, with a special focus on empowering women, through accessible and dynamic courses.
Her latest endeavor, the “Taalimul Islam Certificate Course,” stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality education. Tailored for children up to 14 years old, this comprehensive 10-week online program provides an interactive platform to acquire fundamental Islamic knowledge. Transitioning seamlessly from physical to online classes, Dr. Sultana, former assistant secretary of the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Telangana, has impacted over 1500 women during the pandemic.
Under the esteemed banner of Al Huda, Dr. Sultana established the Ayat Al-Fariya Islamic Academy, a sanctuary of knowledge catering to women and children alike. Here, hundreds of women benefit from Quranic teachings and personality development courses, while children engage in interactive sessions on Quranic memorization and Islamic principles.
In her pursuit of holistic development, Dr. Sultana organizes summer short courses for children, blending physical activities with essential Islamic values. Moreover, she offers initiatives such as the “Fahm e Quran” course and “Talaash e Qadr” series for women, enriching their Ramadan experience.
Dr. Sultana’s commitment to empowering youth extends to organizing online competitions for children, where participants are recognized and awarded certificates and trophies for their accomplishments in various categories, including video competitions, speech contests, and oral exams. With 300 children joining the course and 100 already certified, the impact of her initiatives is palpable.
The journey of Al Huda Islamic School began in 2013 in Khammam, Telangana, under Dr. Sultana’s guidance. Initially offering offline classes for women, complete with free transportation facilities, the school provided courses such as Certificate in Islamic Studies, Diploma and Memorization of Quran, Basic Arabic Grammar, Tafseer, Seerah, and Personality Development until 2018. Hundreds of women benefited from these courses, with many now actively involved with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind as volunteers and members.
Dr. Sultana’s dedication to education led her to conduct motivational lectures in numerous colleges, including medical and engineering institutions, and to organize moral classes for school children. Despite her busy schedule as the assistant secretary and Dawah secretary of Telangana, she spearheaded various women empowerment programs throughout the region. With the onset of the pandemic in 2019, she seamlessly transitioned to online classes, offering a plethora of courses and short programs for women, including Akse Furqan, Dawah classes, Qasal ul Ambiya course, Qurb e Ilaahi, and numerous quiz and exam series, engaging over 1500 women.
In 2023, Dr. Sultana expanded her online educational initiatives with the establishment of Ayat Al Fariya Online Academy under the auspices of Al Huda Islamic School. Introducing short courses for women, such as Tafseer and Memorization of Surah Mulk, Surah Rahman, and Surah Yaseen, the academy continued to positively impact hundreds of women. Additionally, pre-Ramadan courses like Shahru Ramadan, along with courses during Ramadan such as Fahm e Quran and Talaash e Qadr series, were conducted, benefitting a vast number of participants.
Despite her demanding schedule, Dr. Sultana remains resolute in her commitment to providing education free of charge.
Her recent accolades, including the Rastra Ratna Puraskar Award from the Veniyl Foundation, attest to her dedication to nurturing young minds. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Best Educator and Academician Award from the Book of Excellence and the Worthy Well Foundation, earning her a place in the prestigious Book of World Records.
Beyond her educational initiatives, Dr. Sultana is also an accomplished author, with titles such as “Beyond Ramadan” and “Embodied Wisdom” under her belt. As the Assistant Editor of Radiance News Portal and a member of the Aware Trust at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Markaz, she continues to inspire and empower individuals through her tireless efforts in education and community development.
In line with her commitment to continuous improvement and advancement, Dr. Sultana announces the upcoming launch of the Taalimul Islam Level 2 advanced course for children from May 16th to May 31st. This 15-day program will further enrich the educational journey of young learners under her guidance.
Dr. Ayesha Sultana’s tireless dedication to Islamic education and community development continues to leave an indelible mark, inspiring countless individuals to pursue knowledge and virtue.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 11th, 2024
Oomerabad Village (Tirupathur District, Ambur Taluk), TAMIL NADU :
Renowned Islamic scholar and Chancellor of Jamia Darussalam Oomerabad, Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri, has passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Oomerabad, Tamil Nadu. He also held the esteemed position of Vice President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri hailed from the distinguished Kaka family of Oomerabad, renowned for their enduring contributions to education and philanthropy. The family’s legacy dates back to his great-grandfather, the esteemed philanthropist and hides and skins merchant, Kaka Mohammad Oomer Sahib. In 1924, Kaka Mohammad Oomer Sahib founded Jamia Darussalam College, a testament to his commitment to education. The college’s location, Oomerabad, was named in honor of his invaluable contributions.
Jamia Darussalam, now a part of a broader educational society, remains a beacon of education and service. It encompasses a Tamil medium primary school, an Urdu medium primary school, a technical institute focusing on computer education, and Jamia Hospital, a comprehensive healthcare facility catering to the community’s healthcare needs.
The passing of Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri leaves a profound void in the scholarly and educational spheres. However, his enduring contributions and teachings will continue to inspire generations to come. The entire community extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and associates during this period of mourning.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Obituary / by Muslim Mirror Desk / May 11th, 2024
Mohd Akeel, a 22-year-old Aeronautical engineer hailing from Ladakh has become the first person from the frontier region to be selected as the Air Safety Officer in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Akeel cleared the Union Public Services Commission’s national examination held for selecting Air safety officers for 2023.
People are congratulating Akeel on social media, praising his achievement at such a young age, and calling it a breaking the barriers phenomenon.
Akeel is one of the youngest people to clear this coveted examination.
He belongs to the village Sankoo Thangdumbdur, located about 42 km from Kargil town in the Union territory of Ladakh.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / May 08th, 2024
Saria Khan of Lucknow has become the second topper in the International Council for Schools Certification (ICSC) Board.
Saria Khan’s family lives in the middle-class neighborhood of Daliganj in the city. Her father Rais Khan is a lawyer by profession. She has two brothers senior to her.
After her results were declared, Saria said since she has an interest in Biology, she wants to become a doctor. She says medicine is a profession in which there is an opportunity to help others.
She said she is determined to become a doctor since her teachers have taught her not to have options in life. Options will not allow one to focus on the goal. Her parents and brothers have been supportive of her dreams and kept encouraging her to continue her focus. Saria says that she left no stone unturned in preparing for the board examination. She used to study for seven to eight hours after school.
The ICSE board released the 10th standard results with 99.97 percent clearing it. The result for the girl students was 99.98 percent and for boys 99.97 percent.
There are four toppers of the exam: Hargun Kaur Matharu from Pune, Anika Gupta from Kanpur, Pushkar Tripathi from Balrampur, and Kanishka Mittal from Lucknow – with 499 marks (99.80%).
Saria says there is only one mantra for success in life -focus on your goal. While doing other work never forget the target. To become a topper, she studied hard and diligently.
“I could see my goal and stay focused by adopting different strategies. Today, I am very happy that I have reached the first step toward fulfilling the dreams of my parents. But the destination is still far away, and I have to work for it.
Saria and her family have been busy receiving the congratulatory message on phone and receiving guests who are dropping in to meet her.
“I will never forget this moment, the way the people of the country are showering love on me. I am even exhausted from attending to the phone, but I am attending to each call and visitor. A total of 110 students are included in the list of top three rank holders for the ICSE board 10th examination. In which there is a difference of one point each between the three ranks.
While four candidates secured the top rank with 499 marks out of 500, 34 students including Saria stood second with 498 marks. Similarly, 72 candidates secured the third rank with 497 marks out of 500.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations announced a merit list after two years. The results were declared based on an alternate evaluation scheme after the examination was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall pass percentage is 99.97, the officials said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Tajo Khan, Lucknow / July 18th, 2022
Zeenat Parveen, daughter of a modest vegetable seller, has garnered attention for clinching the top spot in the Intermediate of Arts (I.A.) examination held by the Jharkhand Academic Council. With an impressive score of 472 out of 500, Zeenat, a student of Government Plus Two High School in Kanke, Ranchi, has become a symbol of inspiration for many.
Amidst a flurry of congratulations pouring in for Zeenat and her family, the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) of India stepped forward to extend their felicitations and pledge their support. A delegation led by Aman Raza, State Secretary of SIO Jharkhand, visited Zeenat to honor her achievement. The delegation, including Nadeem Khan, Education Secretary, Mosaddique Maswood, Campus Secretary, and Abdus Salaam Shakir, assured Zeenat of assistance in her educational pursuits.
Zeenat’s journey to academic success has been marked by perseverance and determination. Despite financial constraints, she pursued her education diligently, transitioning from a private school for her matriculation to a government school for her intermediate studies. Her father, Sabir Ansari, sustains the family by selling vegetables door-to-door on his bike in the Pithouria area of Ranchi, while her mother, Shamsunnisa, manages the household and runs a small shop.
Zeenat attributes her motivation to her hardworking father, stating, “I always thought as my father is working hard, I should also give my best.” Her parents, proud of her accomplishments, wholeheartedly support her aspirations. Zeenat aims to prepare for the UPSC civil services examinations with the dream of serving the nation as an IAS officer, driven by her desire to contribute to society.
Despite her high expectations, Zeenat was pleasantly surprised by her top-ranking achievement. Her brother, too, achieved academic success with a first division and 78 percent marks. As Zeenat embarks on her journey towards her dream of becoming an IAS officer, she carries with her the support and admiration of her community and the promise of a brighter future.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / May 03rd, 2024
Ashraf Adam Mulla, the founder of the Muslim Samaj Parbodhan Sanstha which runs an orphanage and several schools for poor children in and around Pune, Maharashtra, is finalizing the building plan for a charitable hospital. The 77-year-old social worker had felt the need for a hospital where the poor could be treated free of cost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Feisty Mulla Madam, as she is called, said her plans for starting the construction of the hospital got delayed because of an accident in which she was injured. Due to this, she had to stay home for six days and could no longer move freely on her two-wheeler.
“Although I have returned to work, I can no longer drive a two-wheeler,” she says. The two-wheeler-borne Mulla Madam was famous for running around and never missing an appointment or her scheduled work. “Never mind, I will continue to work tirelessly for the hospital”’ she says with a smile.
An award distribution function at one of Ashraf Adam Mulla’s schools
Mulla has been running Muslim Samaj Prabodhan Sanstha for 39 years. Besides setting up schools where children of poor from all religions can study, she runs Samina Iqbal Ashiyana, an orphanage for Muslim girls which has 32 inmates presently as against its capacity for 65.
She says her Sanstha has been trying to equip the backward and extremely poor people with modern and quality education.
However, for three years, she has been focused on building a charitable hospital. “I am about to turn 78. I have no time to waste. There is still a lot of work to be done. For younger people, it can be said that their enthusiasm is still fresh but I have no time to waste,” she says while showing me around the place – a vast ground – where the hospital’s foundation stone will be laid this month.
Mulla Madam is all praise for her late husband Adam Mulla who worked as a chemical engineer and passed away in 2015. “He did his responsibility and work. Due to his nature, he could not support me in social work, but he always supported me financially,” he said.
“I started my work with my husband’s money.”
Morning Assembly in one of the schools run by Ashraf Adam Mulla’s trust
Ashraf Adam Mulla Madam retired as a teacher from Chanta Mani Vidya Mandir, Thevar, a Marathi medium school. With her three sons married and settled with their families, Ashraf Mulla is full-time into her projects that have the potential to change lives.
When she was working as a teacher, she recalls that about 1200 children were studying in her school but there were just two or three Muslim children. Although there was a Muslim settlement near the school, the enrolment of Muslims was poor.
When she started her primary school under a tin shed at Tan Patre in Syed Nagar, she also introduced a sewing class to get Muslims interested in coming to it. At Rahmani, her organization runs Urdu Balwadi which has 66 children. Shamsuddin Inamdar is an Urdu Primary School where 597 children are studying and Rahmani Urdu High School has 235 students.
Likewise, Rahmani Junior College has 191 students. Her organisation also runs Industrial Training Institute where 23 students are enrolled. Besides, special computer learning classes are conducted for students from 5th to eighth where 345 students including girls are learning.
Students in playing in one of Ashraf Mulla’s schools
Mullah Ma’am told Awaz-The Voice that the girls living in Ashyiana are attending school, skills and Islamic education. The Sanstha also takes the responsibility of finding partners for the inmates and arranging their weddings.
The girls who want to pursue higher education get support till they are 18 years old. Among the skills taught at the Ashiyana are artificial jewelry, sewing, embroidery, and ceramic paintings.
Ashraf Mulla is disappointed that a senior college she tried to establish did not have enough students and she had to close it down while Rahmani Junior College, established in 2006, which offers arts, science, and commerce is doing well.
She says the idea of setting up the Sanstha came to her while she was trying to deal with the grief of losing her parents. “when my mother died, I was very sad. My father passed away in 1979 and my mother also left this world in 1984. I wanted to do something in memory of my mother. To ease my grief, I founded the Muslim Samaj Parbodhan Sanstha in January 1985.”
She remembers while she was studying in class 9, Pune saw a massive flood. “I was living in Andapur then. The children of our school collected money for the flood victims and it gave us a feeling of peace and security while doing that.” She says it’s that empathy with the suffering and sense of peace to being able to help the needy that stayed with her to set up the NGO.
Girls eating dinner at Ashiyana
Speaking of her failures, Mulla Ma’am says, “I wanted to work for widows, but widows were not ready to come out of the house and work.” She says, “At that time widows liked to be a burden on their families and all our efforts to convince them failed.”
However, after some years her efforts paid off. When she set up Ashiyana (orphanage), many widows and divorced women came to stay with us. I realized times have changed.”
I visited Ashiyana and realized it’s a cozy home for girls and women. The home space is sparkling clean. The Auntie running the kitchen announced that food was ready and everyone must perform prayers. The girls went to the prayer room for Zuhr Namaz.
The food was simple Dalcha-chawal, a Maharashtrian delicacy, followed by a delicious Sher Khurma desert. The girls sat on the mats and everyone had a small table in front to put their plate on it.
Mulla Madam however says she prays that no child should feel the need to come to a shelter/orphanage. “We can do everything for children but not be their parents.”
She says the women from Ashiyana who are married continue to be in touch with them.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Shah Taj Khan, Pune / May 02nd, 2024
In a groundbreaking achievement, Rahmani30 celebrates a historic milestone as 176 out of 205 students successfully pass the JEE Mains 2024, qualifying them for the prestigious JEE Advanced examination.
The program, known for its excellence in preparing students for challenging tests, has seen its success rate soar to approximately 86% this year.
Despite the various challenges that have necessitated adaptive strategies in teaching and student support, our success rate in the JEE Mains has increased over years to approx 86% this year. Among the successful students, 9 scored a 99 percentile, while 13 scored 98 percentile, 19 scored 97 percentile, 7 scored a 96 percentile, and 17 scored a 95 percentile. Overall, 128 out of the 176 successful students scored above the 90 percentile. Alhamdulillah. The All India Rank (Category) was 894 and the General India Rank was 3247. The success rate of Rahmani 30 students is 86% .
Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani envisioned Rahmani30 as a bridge to higher education for underprivileged meritorious Muslim students, a vision that continues today. Unlike institutes charging exorbitant fees (₹2 – ₹7 lakhs), Rahmani30 offers completely free coaching for all, regardless of financial background. Initially, with the support of Hazrat Maulana RA himself, Rahmani30 provided full scholarships including living expenses. However, as the program expanded regionally and in numbers, new donors were accommodated, and a temporary financial model was made. The model shifted to free coaching, with financially capable students to contribute towards non-educational expenses (food and lodging). Importantly, the Rahmani30 further supported students facing financial hardship, ensuring no one was ever denied a class or a meal due to unpaid committed contribution towards non-educational expenses such as lodging & boarding as per new financial model. This unwavering commitment to high quality education accessibility has empowered countless students, fulfilling the legacy of Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani.
Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani , the patron of Rahmani30 and Ameer E Shariat for Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and parts of Bengal attributes this success to divine grace. He emphasized that such historic achievements could only be realized with Allah (SWT) mercy and guidance.
Looking to the future, Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani sb is optimistic about doubling this number. In line with this goal, Mr. Fahad Rahmani, CEO of Rahmani30, announced new initiatives to provide academic guidance starting from classes 9 and 10. This early intervention aims to strengthen students’ foundational knowledge and help them make informed choices about their educational pathways in fields such as IIT, NEET, Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, NDA, and CLAT. Selection process for class 9th & 10th is in progress.
Rahmani30 has expanded its reach beyond Patna, operating additionally at Khuldabad (Maharashtra), Jehanabad (Bihar), Hyderabad (Telangana), UP (Aligarh), and Bangalore (Karnataka), which also cater to NRI students from various regions.
On this momentous occasion, Mr. Fahad Rahmani expressed his gratitude to the educators, team members, supporters, and the families of the students. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the visionary goals set by the founder of Rahmani30, Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani sb. RA, and called on the community to support this transformative educational mission.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / April 30th, 2024
