Prof Towqueer Alam, Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University has been appointed Editor of Fikr-o-Nazar, a quarterly literary and scholarly magazine published by the university, for a period of one year or until further orders, with immediate effect.
Prof. Falahi joined the Department of Sunni Theology as a lecturer in 1993 and became a professor in 2010. He has published about 35 books in Urdu, Arabic, English and Hindi, and more than 200 research papers in the journals of national and international repute.
He visited Mercer University, Atlanta USA in April 2016 as a Visiting Professor and travelled to UK, Iran, Kuwait, and USA to present lectures at international conferences.
The research areas of his interest are Quraniyat, Arabic Literature and Comparative Study of Religions.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / March 05th, 2024
Professor Badiur Rahman, former Head of the Department of Arabic and Persian, University of Calcutta, a well-known educationist, celebrated writer, accomplished journalist, prominent Islamic scholar and a beloved teacher passed away in Kolkata on September 19, 2023.
He was scion of an illustrious and religious family of district Hooghly of West Bengal. His father Abdur Rahman was also an MBBS and associated with Tablighi Jamat.
He got his basic education at Darul Uloom Pandua, Hooghly, West Bengal. Thereafter, he did Alim in 1967 and Fazil in 1969 respectively from Madrasa Alia, Calcutta. He derived considerable benefits from a galaxy of eminent Islamic scholars over there. Especially, he achieved immense academic gains from noted Islamic scholars like Maulana Abu Mahfuz Karim Masumi and Maulana Rahatullah Azhari. After that, he did his B.A. (Hons) in 1974 and M.A. in 1976 respectively from University of Calcutta. He also did L.L.B and Ph.D therefrom.
Professor Badiur Rahman was an institution in himself. He was a familiar figure among the intellectual circles throughout India. Due to his extraordinary knowledge and being a paragon of morality, he carved a niche in the temple of fame. He had a say at the University of Calcutta. Despite being an Islamic scholar, he considerably impressed all faculty members, including VCs of University of Calcutta. Because of his profound knowledge of different languages, noble qualities and sublime norms everyone held him in high esteem.
Visiting Professor of Alia University, Kolkata, Dr. Rahman was also on the Senate and Syndicate of Calcutta University and Ph.D. Communities, Calcutta University and Alia University. He was also Ex-Chairman of PG Board of Studies in Arabic, Calcutta University, and U.G.B.O.S in Arabic, Kalyani University.
My acquaintance with Professor Badiur Rahman I think it was during the summer of 2009 when I first met him. The meet was actually regarding my Ph.D admission at University of Calcutta. Dr. Masihur Rahman, now professor at Alia University, Kolkata introduced me to him. Since then till his last breath, I remained in touch with him. I am fortunate enough to have done my Ph.D. under his supervision and guidance. He always treated me like his brother. Whenever I met him, I gained immense inspiration from him. Despite being a celebrated scholar, he was devoid of arrogance.
As a Teacher Professor Badiur Rahman started his teaching career as a lecturer at the University of Calcutta in 1983 and retired in 2016. Even after his retirement, he kept on teaching as a visiting faculty in the University of Calcutta and Alia University, Kolkata. He always proved himself as a selfless and dedicated teacher. He was an embodiment of all sublime qualities and virtues necessary for a good teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented. It was his sword which he wielded so effectively that very few persons could match him. During lectures he pointed out such subtle points as students could not help without being impressed with him. He left an indelible mark in the domain of the teaching profession.
Undoubtedly, he was a beloved teacher. He was fondly described as B.R. Sir by his students. Scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him. His talk was very touching. He met everyone cheerfully. His deep knowledge of comparative studies made him popular among his contemporaries. His learning was varied and profound. His personality was many-sided and balanced.
Right from the beginning, he was laborious and punctual. He was a man of transparent heart. No doubt, his extraordinary scholarship and erudition brought him wide reputation and fame. His main mission was to spread education. He left a galaxy of pupils behind him who impart education and work in various fields in and out of India. In fact, it is an everlasting tribute to him.
Dr. Badiur Rahman and Dr. Taha Husayn Dr. Rahman was an ardent admirer of Dr. Taha Husayn. He had vast knowledge about Dr. Taha. He did not only study all his books but he digested them. He also wrote a book titled, “Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn” published by Mazhar Education and Welfare Society, Malda.
Maulana Alauddin Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow wrote in the Preface of the said book, “To a great extent Dr. Badiur Rahman tried to introduce Dr. Taha Husayn in the Introduction to his book. The author regards Dr. Taha as a born critic. He presented Taha’s thoughts in a lucid way. To clear his viewpoints, he propounded various references from Dr. Taha’s books. Besides, he holds Taha as a moderate critic to the core.”
He had also done several research works on the first Nobel Laurate in the Arabic language Dr. Naguib Mahfouz.
Dr. Badiur Rahman and Rabindra Nath Tagore
Like Dr. Taha, Dr. Rahman was also a fan of Rabindranath Tagore. He wrote various articles and short stories on Tagore’s life and works in Arabic. And thus he introduced him in the Arabic World.
It should be noted that Dr. Rahman participated in different national and international seminars and exhibited his scholarly caliber there.
Because of his outstanding and remarkable services to the Arabic language and literature, he was conferred the President Award in 2018.
As a Writer Dr. Rahman was a prolific writer. He wrote several books on different subjects. Some of his major publications are:
History of Arabic Literature (Pre-Islamic Period)
Textbook for B.A. Arabic (Hons.) Calcutta University
Textbook for B.A. General, Calcutta University
Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn
Besides, he had 31 research articles in Arabic, English, Urdu and Bengali published in different literary journals. He had earned distinction in Belles Letters, short stories, poetry in English, Arabic and Bengali. He had long experience of research guidance in Arabic. He had examined about 26 theses and 15 M.Phil dissertations of various universitas of India and abroad.
Truly speaking, the comprehensive knowledge and intellectual brilliance of Dr. Rahman had been acknowledged by his contemporaries.
Describing his yeomen services, Professor Mohammad Noman Khan, former Head of the Department of Arabic Delhi University stated that the passing away of Dr. Badiur Rahman was a personal loss to him. He played a leading role in spreading the Arabic language in West Bengal. He gave new impetus to the students of W.B.
Professor Sanaullah Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic said, “Dr. Badiur Rahman was a highly qualified person and he was an emblem of morality. Everyone who observed him very closely would testify it. He also described his outstanding contribution in the field of education.
Similarly, Professor Ashfaq Ahmad Nadwi Head of the Department of Arabic Banaras Hindu University stated that Almighty Allah bestowed upon him different qualities. His personality was a marvellous amalgamation of teacher, writer and guide par excellence. Besides, he was a righteous, God-fearing and pious personality.
Dr. Rahman’s death caused a great vacuum. His myriad contributions to promotion and propagation of the Arabic language and literature will always be remembered. He is survived by his wife.
Thousands of his admirers thronged to attend the last rite of the departed soul. He was buried at Ghobra-1 Graveyard, of Park Circus Kolkata. May Allah adorn his grave with luminosity and refulgence and grant peace to his soul. Aameen!
[The writer is Faculty Member, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Dr. Obaidur Rahman Nadwi / Radiance News Bureau / September 24th, 2023
Since 2014, MS Education Academy has been dedicated to assisting visually impaired students.
Hyderabad:
In a remarkable initiative aimed at empowering visually impaired Muslim students, MS Education Academy has launched a pioneering project to provide comprehensive Islamic education in Braille format.
Since 2014, MS Education Academy has been dedicated to assisting visually impaired students, initially by distributing Braille versions of the Quran.
Recognizing the growing need for Islamic literature in Braille, the academy embarked on a mission to develop a tailored curriculum accessible to visually impaired students.
Over the years, MS Education Academy has meticulously developed Islamic literature in Braille, tailored to the spoken Urdu language prevalent among Muslims in Telangana.
Comprehensive Deeniyat course
A team of experts was assembled to compile a comprehensive Deeniyat course specifically designed for the visually impaired. This initiative has resulted in the creation of a series of Braille books titled “Asaan Deeniyat”
The first instalment of this groundbreaking endeavour, “Asaan Deeniyat Part 1,” has been successfully implemented with the organization of offline classes in Old city of Hyderabad in 2019.
To further extend their reach and cater to students beyond Hyderabad, MS Education Academy launched an online course titled ‘Deeniyat Visually Impaired Maktab.’ This online platform provides flexibility for students residing outside of Hyderabad or those preferring to learn from the comfort of their homes.
Impact of online initiative
The impact of this initiative has been profound, with 250 visually impaired students having already enrolled in the course and demonstrated remarkable progress in grasping the material. Remarkably, students have been able to complete Part 1 of the course in just six months, underscoring the efficacy of the Braille curriculum developed by MS Education Academy.
In recognition of their achievements, MS Education Academy organized a special event at its corporate Office to celebrate the completion of Part 1 of the course.
Certificates of completion were awarded to students, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. Additionally, students were provided with copies of “Asaan Deeniyat Part 2” alongside Braille copies of the Quran, further enriching their educational resources.
MS Education Academy’s commitment to inclusive education and empowerment continues to inspire, serving as a beacon of hope for visually impaired Muslim students seeking access to quality Islamic education. Through their innovative approach, MS Education Academy is not only breaking barriers but also fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home / by Sameer Khan / February 23rd, 2024
Uttar Pradesh’s highest honour Yash Bharti award was given to 46 personalities on Monday. Among them, nine Muslims were conferred the award by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in presence of Mulayam Singh Yadav. The award is given annually by Culture Department of UP government.
Yash Bharti comes with a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, citation and a shawl. The awardees are also eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 50,000 for their life.
Yash Bharti award were constituted in 1994 by the then CM Mulayam Singh Yadav but were discontinued between 2007 and 2012 by Mayawati. It has since been revived by CM Akhilesh Yadav.
1. Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Classical singing Born- 3 march 1931, Badaun
Belong to Rampur Sahaswa Gharana in classical singing. Conferred honorary citizenship of Baltimore and Maryland in 1986. Padamshri in 1991, Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 2003, Padam Bhushan in 2006 and Rashtriya Tansen Award in 2008.
2. Professor Irfan Habib Historian Born-12, August 1931 in Baroda. D.Phil from Oxford
Chairman, Indian Council of Historical Research 1987-93, 1993-96. Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship in 1968-70, D.Lit from BHU (2008), Vishwa Bharti (2008), Kalyani Vishwavidyalaya (2009), North Bengal University (1990) and Ravindra Bharti University (1989). Padam Shree in 2005.
3. Dr Nahid Abedi Sanskrit literature and philoshophy Born—12 February 1961, Mirzapur D. Lit from Lucknow University in 2009. Padam Shree awardee. Several books and papers published in Sanskrit.
4. Iqbal Ahmed Siddiqui Ghazal singer Born—November 9, Allahabad
Performed at All India Radio and Doordarshan. Released 17 cassettes. Sang one song in film Rama O Rama.
5. Anwar Jalalpuri Urdu poetry and writing Born—6 July 1947
Several awards on Urdu poetry like UP Gaurav Samman, Mati Ratan Samman, Iftikhar-e-Meer Samman etc.
6. Dr Nawaz Deobandi Poet and educationist Born—16 July 1956, Saharanpur
Chairman, UP State Urdu Academy. Established Rafiqul Mulk Mulayam Singh Yadav Urdu IAS Study Center in Lucknow. Several awards like Kaifi Azmi award, Dushyant award, Rotary award etc.
7. Aleemullah Siddiqui Artist Born—10 June 1953, Lucknow
Artist using stem of wheat plant, painting on cloth etc. Acted in play Dilli Ka Akhirir Mushaira and Main Urdu Hoon.
8. Imran Khan alias Imran Pratapgarhi Literature Born—6 August 1987 Pratapgarh.
Internationally acclaimed poet and attended Mushairas in Oman, Bahrain, Dubai, Sharjah etc. Received Urdu Academy award in Saudi Arab, Red Cross Society Orissa’s Vishist Vidyarthi award and Sadbhavna award by Maharashtra Municipal Corporation.
9. Wazeer Ahmed Khan Chess Born—4 February 1947, Rampur
Participated in Chess National B competition in 1972, 1980, 1995, 1999, 2004 and 2008. UP Champion in 2004-2005. First prize in Asian Senior competition in Iran in 2015.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Arts-Culture / by TCN Staff Reporter / March 22nd, 2016
Asiya Siddiqi (1928-2019) (Pic Courtesy: Obaid Siddiqi)
Siddiqi also broke new ground by studying 20,000 HC insolvency records to recreate the lives of an array of 19th-century city inhabitants.
In an age that sometimes overrates quantity and is beguiled by grandiloquence, economic historian Asiya Siddiqi, who passed away on Monday morning, went against the grain.
A chronicler of 19th century India, she wrote just two books. But each was a culmination of decades of painstaking original research, presented in prose that many might describe as being quietly elegant. In between working on the two books, she edited a volume on trade and finance in colonial India.
She broke new ground in both her books by closely reading new or underutilised primary sources. In the second book, Bombay’s People, 1860-1898: Insolvents in the City, published in 2017 by the Oxford University Press, she not only tapped a voluminous new source, namely about 20,000 insolvency records in the high court, but also incorporated the innovative conceptual approach of microhistory to illuminate the past.
She admired the work of one of microhistory’s founding scholars, Italian historian Carlo Ginzburg, especially his book ‘The Cheese and the Worms: The Cosmos of a 16th Century Miller’. Microhistory focuses on small units of research, such as a village, a single event or an individual, instead of large ones such as nations, kingdoms and cities. Siddiqi’s chapter, ‘Ayesha’s World’, the story of an unlettered butcher’s wife, is a gem of this genre.
“She was a first-rate historian, approaching her work with a craftlike precision,” said Mariam Dossal, a friend of hers who is an urban and maritime historian of 18th and 19th -century Mumbai and a former professor at the University of Mumbai, where Siddiqi worked for everal years. “In Bombay’s People, her view was so rich and broad that it covered every kind of person who inhabited the city, from the wealthy Jamshetji Jejeebhoy all the way to Ayesha. One marvelled at her beautiful use of language, through which she recreated the worlds of these inhabitants. For Asiya, everybody deserved a history.”
Her early work on the 19th-century opium and cotton trade based in Mumbai was also influential, in particular her article ‘The Business World of Jamshetji Jejeebhoy’, which appeared in the Indian Economic and Social History Review in 1982. She worked for years on the private papers of the merchant who was a central figure in those two trades to offer a finely-etched view of the entrepreneurial climate of that period, while also shedding light on the ways in which Mumbai supported the growth of the British economy.
A large portion of these papers consisted of letters in which Jejeebhoy had recorded both his business dealings and social life in great detail. Because the papers were disintegrating in the heat and humidity of Mumbai, she got them laminated with help from her uncle Saiyid Nurul Hasan, who was then the union minister of state for education, Dossal recalled.
Asiya Siddiqi’s first book, Agrarian Change in a Northern Indian State: Uttar Pradesh, 1819 to 1833, published in 1973 by Oxford Clarendon Press, grew out of the thesis she did for her DPhil at Oxford University. In what became a classic of South Asian economic history, she analysed the relevant records with characteristic rigor, becoming one of of the earliest to show how colonial trade policies contributed to a severe agricultural depression in the region.
She grew up in Lucknow, and from 1962 worked in and on Mumbai for four decades. She moved in the late 1990s to Bangalore, where her daughter said she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Her husband was the eminent biologist Obaid Siddiqi, who founded the biology department at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Colaba and the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore. He passed away in 2013.
Asiya Siddiqi balanced her research with bringing up four accomplished children: the eldest Imran, a leading plant biologist based in Hyderabad; Yumna, a professor of English in the US; and fraternal twins, Diba, a visual artist and high school social science teacher in Bangalore, and Kaleem, a computer scientist in Canada.
Siddiqi seemed happiest working by herself in the archives, as an independent researcher, although she had two productive teaching stints: one at Aligarh Muslim University, where she met her husband just after getting a bachelor’s degree at Oxford University, and the other at Mumbai University.
She quit teaching when, at one point she found it difficult to commute from her home in south Mumbai to the university campus in Kalina while also keeping up with her research and and raising four children.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are the author’s own. The opinions and facts expressed here do not reflect the views of Mirror and Mirror does not assume any responsibility or or liability for the same.
source: http://www.mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com / Mumbai Mirror / Opinion > Columnist / by Sumana Ramanan / October 11th, 2019
The inauguration of the new college building for the Nursing College at Deralkatte, part of the ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions’ under the Ullal Charitable Trust, took place on Friday.
The inauguration ceremony was jointly led by the State Health and Family Welfare Minister and DK District In-charge Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Constituency MLA and State Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, UT Khader expressed satisfaction with the growth of the education and health sectors in the Deralkatte area. He referred to the new building of the Nursing College as a crown jewel by ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions’ run by the Ullal Charitable Trust to the growing reputation of Deralakatte. Khader urged the institute to introduce new courses that would invigorate and inspire students, emphasizing the importance of serving the community locally after obtaining medical education.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, the DK District In-charge Minister, stressed the need to introduce new courses to harness the youth resources in the country effectively. He suggested recognizing students’ skills from the outset and creating an environment conducive to their development. Gundu Rao highlighted the high demand for nursing graduates, both nationally and internationally, and encouraged nursing students to capitalize on these opportunities.
Dr. Sayyid Mohammed Khilar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions,’ noted the organization’s significant milestone in healthcare. He emphasized the priority given to starting new courses in health and education to benefit the next generation and leverage evolving opportunities in the field.
The saw the participation of prominent figures such as Dr. Habeeb Rahman, Chairman and Medical Director of Unity Care and Health Service Pvt. Ltd., and UK Monu, Chairman of Kanachur Medical College. Trustees and directors of the institution, including Dr. C.P. Abdulla Yasser, Dr. N.A. Mohammad, Dr. Mohammed Sameer, Mohammed Yoonus, and Titto Mathew, were also present.
Dr. Ahmed Rizwan C.M., a Trustee, and Administration Director recited the Qiraat.
Dr. Alam Nawaz, Vice Chairman and Trustee of ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions,’ extended a warm welcome to the attendees.
Speaker Khader highlighted ongoing developmental projects in Ullal taluk, including road development and 24-hour drinking water supply. He assured that measures would be taken to address the electricity problem with a forward-looking vision for the next 30 years.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavalli / by Vartha Bharati / January 26th, 2024
In a remarkable triumph, Rahmani30, a trailblazing educational initiative dedicated to nurturing deserving students, recently attained an extraordinary milestone in the ICAI CA Intermediate exams.
Amidst a national average success rate of around 19%, Rahmani30 soared high with an unparalleled 67.5% achievement, etching an indelible mark in the institution’s history and setting an exceptional benchmark.
The ICAI CA Intermediate examination, a rigorous professional test administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, represents the pivotal second phase in the Chartered Accountancy course. Comprising two groups with four papers each, it stands distinct from the Senior Secondary School Examination, commonly known as 10 + 2 or Intermediate.
The 2023 ICAI CA Intermediate exam saw an impressive participation of 393,679 students undertaking the Group 1 & Group 2 tests, with 75,954 candidates successfully qualifying—a cumulative pass rate of 19.29%. In striking contrast, Rahmani30’s cohort of 40 students showcased an outstanding 67.5% success rate, underscoring the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Noteworthy were the November 2023 results, revealing an outstanding 80% success rate among female students in CA Intermediate Group 1, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in this domain.
Ameer E Shariat Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani sb., the esteemed patron of Rahmani30, extends heartfelt congratulations to the students, faculty, donors, ambassadors, management, and the wider community for this exceptional accomplishment. He lauds the unwavering dedication and diligence exhibited by the students, expressing immense pride in Rahmani30’s ceaseless pursuit of empowering students through educational excellence.
Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, President Rahmani30
Expanding upon this achievement, one could delve into the individual stories of some standout students, the unique teaching methodologies adopted by Rahmani30, the impact of community support, and the future aspirations of the institution in continuing this trajectory of success and empowerment.
Important Update:•
The application form for the 2024 session is now available online for Rahmani30 entrance examination
• Students currently in *8th, 9th, and 10th* grades are eligible to apply
• A test will be conducted for students in *10th* grade applying for admission to the *11th* preparatory course for Medical, Engineering & Commerce (CA/CS/CLAT).
• Students from *8th, 9th and 10th* grades will be selected for the *Rahmani30 Junior Program*.• Additionally, students from *8th, 9th, and 10th* grades will be chosen for online training this year.
Your participation and prayers are deeply appreciated.
Manipuri boy Mohammad Ismat along with his father who scored the highest mark in the All -India Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
Mohammad Ismat, the Manipuri boy who has topped the all-India CBSE Class XII Board examinations in the science stream, is nurturing a dream to top the Civil Services Examinations, too.
By way of preparation, he plans to join St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, to do B. Sc. (Honours).
Ismat hails from Lilong Haoreibi in Thoubal district, 15 km from Imphal. The village has very poor electricity supply and no internet connection.
“I also want to become a topper in the Civil Services Examinations conducted by the UPSC. I want to serve my country for peace and communal harmony. For now, I want to take admission to St. Stephen’s College to do B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics,” he told The Hindu .
He brought laurels to his school, Zenith Academy in Imphal, where he joined after completing Class X at Sainik School, also in Imphal. “I studied Class IX and X in Sainik School and passed the Class X board examinations with 92.4 per cent. I left Sainik School because of financial constraints,” he said.
Ismat’s mother died when he was only 18 months. His father, Maulana Bashirur Rahman, is a teacher in a primary school. He is the seventh child and only son of the family; six elder sisters are all graduates.
After school hours, Ismat had to study mostly in candlelight, as electricity is available for hardly three-four hours a day in the village. Ismat scored 495 out of 500 marks, securing centum in mathematics, chemistry, fine arts and home science and 98 in English and 97 in physics.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Other States / by Sushanta Talukdar / May 30th, 2012
The Bharat Scouts and Guides are set to host the First Kalyana Karnataka Jamborette at Shaheen College premises in Bidar. Scheduled from February 8 to 12, the Jamborette will witness the participation of over 3,000 Scouts, Guides, Rovers, Rangers, and Heads from across the region.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer, founder of Shaheen Group of Institutions and District Vice President of Scouts and Guides, Bidar, has been nominated as the Chief of the event by PGR Sindhia, the state Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Dr. Guramma Siddareddy is appointed as the Additional Chief of Jamborette.
From 6:30 am to 8 pm daily, attendees can engage in a diverse array of activities encompassing adventure, cultural pursuits, yoga, meditation, district fair scenario displays, and more.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer emphasizes that these activities aim to foster discipline, physical fitness, mental agility, social skills, moral values, and spiritual development among the youth.
Shaheen College, well-equipped to handle the influx of participants, has made arrangements for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential facilities. The preparations are in full swing, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
The Jamborette will be inaugurated by Cabinet Minister Ishwara Khandre, Union Minister Bhagavanth Khuba, Urban Administration and Haj Minister Raheem Khan, and Former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Science and Technology Minister N. S. Bhosaraju, Educationist Basavaraj Patil Sedam, KKRDB President Ajay Singh and other leaders will participate.
At a recent press conference, Jamborette Chief Dr. Abdul Qadeer, along with Additional Chief Dr. Guramma Sidda Reddy, Jamborette Secretary Dr. H.B. Bharshetty, Coordinator Malleshwari Jujare, Co-coordinator Rachaiyyah Nasi, Camp Leaders Ramesh Tibshetty and Jaisheela Sudarshan and District Organizer Nagaratna Patil, shared insights into the upcoming event.
The press conference featured discussions on the wide array of activities, ranging from Mehndi and Rangoli to Quiz Competitions and Sustainable Development Training.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> Education / by The Hindustan Gazette / January 28th, 2024
A recent study, coinciding with the hearing of the AMU minority status case in the Supreme Court, has revealed that the majority of students in Muslim minority institutions hail from the majority Hindu community.
According to the report, 52.7 per cent of students in the Muslim-run institutions are Hindus and only 42.1 per cent of students are Muslims.
These startling revelations have been made in two reports: “A Survey of Muslim-Affiliated Private Institutions of Higher Education in India” and “Two Decades after Sachar: A Socio-Economic Survey of Indian Muslims”.
These reports have been prepared by the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Study and Research (CSR) in collaboration with NOUS Network.
The reports were released by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Syed Sadatullah Husaini along with other dignitaries at the India International Centre here two days ago.
CRS is a not-for-profit organisation and aims at knowledge production in domains pertaining to all sciences impacting human civilisation. The CSR survey marks the first attempt of its kind to map the higher education institutes managed by the Muslim minority community across India. The data provides a reference point to track the growth in Muslim institutes over the coming years.
The findings of the report are quite significant to blast the stereotype view held by a section of the majority community having proximity to BJP and other groups who believe that only Muslim students study in the Muslim-run education institutes. This indicates that Muslim institutes not only serve the Muslim community which is educationally very backward but also the Hindu community students. To be exact, while these institutions have the title of minority-run institutions, they perform the role of national and secular institutions that offer education to all communities irrespective of their faith and culture. So, the role of Muslim institutions in spreading education to all communities is second to none.
The report says that Muslim minority manages 23 of India’s 1,113 universities where Hindu students account for 52.7% against 42.1 percent of Muslim students.
Similarly, across the 1,155 colleges managed by Muslim minorities, non-Muslims form the majority, with Hindus constituting 55.1% of enrolled students, followed by 42.1% Muslims and 2.8% belonging to other minority groups.
JIH chief hails reports prepared on Muslim-run institutions
Addressing the audience, JIH chief praised the survey that highlighted the contributions of Muslim-run institutions in not only providing education to Muslims but also to non-Muslims.
He commended their efforts in providing educational opportunities to vulnerable groups, communities, and female students.
With reference to the ongoing legal battle for Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status, Mr. Husaini emphasized the importance of minorities’ right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.
The JIH supremo described the two survey reports as “vital documents” offering valuable insights for government officials, policymakers, scholars, educators, community leaders, and researchers seeking to understand the educational landscape for Muslims in India.
Praising the data’s potential, the JIH President emphasized how it can improve education quality, uplift the Muslim community, and guide policy making towards equal educational opportunities for all.
“These findings, exploring diverse aspects of Muslim education, offer a roadmap for actionable initiatives,” he said.
CSR director Dr. Rizwan highlights Muslim institutions’ role in education
CSR Director Dr. Mohammad Rizwan highlighted the collaborative effort behind the study on Muslim-run institutions. He said, “Prepared with the help of NOUS Network led by CEO Ali Javed, the report examines higher educational institutions managed by Muslim societies and trusts, including those founded by Muslims and currently overseen by government agencies.”
Dr Rizwan, in his address, presented an analysis of student enrolment patterns, gender representation, and the socio-economic background of Muslim students.
In a conversation with this scribe, Dr. Rizwan emphasized the key takeaways from the report. He stressed the importance of understanding the dynamics of Muslim-run institutions for informed policymaking.
The report’s findings, he noted, highlight the unique needs of the Muslim minority in higher education and advocate for targeted interventions.
Speaking about the Indian Muslim community’s educational landscape, Dr. Rizwan reiterated the crucial role of institutions run by the Muslim minority and their significance in not only serving the community’s needs but also those of other communities. He stated that these institutions ultimately contribute to the nation’s educational advancement by uplifting a broader population.
CSR Director hailed the study as a groundbreaking first, highlighting that no previous research has investigated the number of higher education institutions affiliated with Muslim minority groups.
Dr. Rizwan explained the study’s unique methodology, highlighting its use of data from AISHE, AICTE, NCMEI, and NAAC reports to meticulously identify and compile a comprehensive list of Muslim-affiliated higher education institutions in India, ensuring a thorough analysis of the educational landscape.
Highlighting key findings of Muslim institutions survey
A striking finding from “A Survey of Muslim-Affiliated Private Institutions of Higher Education in India,” reveals that despite constituting 73.4% of all minority groups, Muslims manage only 16.6% of colleges run by minority communities. Conversely, other minority groups, representing 26.6% of the population, manage the remaining 83.4% of these colleges.
The survey found that in 1947, at the time of independence, there were only 22 Muslim higher education institutes. In over seven decades, this number has grown to just 1,178, which includes 23 universities and 1,155 colleges. Critics have pointed out that the Muslim community, which comprises over 14% of India’s population, did not undertake concerted efforts to establish educational institutes over this long period.
University Landscape
Among India’s 1,113 universities, 23 are categorized as Muslim minority institutions, according to the 2020-21 AISHE data. The report traces the growth of Muslim minority universities from just five at India’s independence in 1947 to the current 23. Despite the passage of 75 years, the Muslim community established only 18 additional universities. The majority (43.5%) are privately managed, and nearly 70% are located in urban areas, emphasizing the need for rural educational infrastructure.
Among the key findings, Uttar Pradesh, with the largest Muslim population in the country at around 38 million, has the highest number of Muslim universities (6), followed by Karnataka with three.
College Scenario
Among the 43,796 colleges in India, 1,155 are managed by the Muslim minority community. From 17 Muslim colleges in 1947, the number has surged to 1,155 over 75 years. In terms of growth trends, the decade from 2001-2010 saw the highest increase in number of Muslim colleges at 416, while in the most recent decade from 2011-2020, only 316 new colleges were established.
Kerala leads in terms of highest number of colleges at 211, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 209. The survey notes that 10 states – Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir account for over 90% of all Muslim colleges in the country. However, the majority of these colleges (57.8%) are in rural areas. Despite comprising 73.4% of all minority groups, Muslim minorities hold a mere 16.6% share in colleges, showcasing a significant disparity.
Muslim institutions lack participation in quality assessment
The report has sparked concern about the quality of education at Muslim-affiliated higher education institutions in India, highlighting their low participation in national quality assessment frameworks.
A staggering 90.65% of Muslim colleges and 56.5% of universities lack accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), a key benchmark for educational quality.
Only 21.7% of universities and a mere 3.1% of colleges participated in the 2023 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), with 96.4% of Muslim minority colleges entirely absent. Only 36 Muslim colleges participated in the NIRF ranking process of 2023, suggesting a potential need for further investigation and support to improve their standing.
No Muslim minority college secured a spot in the top 100 NIRF rankings, raising further questions about their overall academic standing.
Enrolment Patterns of Muslim students a cause for concern
The latest reports reveal a stark underrepresentation of Muslims in higher education, with only 4.9% enrolment as compared to other religious groups. In institutions of national importance, such as IITs, IIMs, and NITs, the representation drops to a mere 1.92%.
The report reveals that Muslim students predominantly opt for undergraduate programs (90.6%). The survey pegs the total enrolment in Muslim universities at around 98,000 students, while enrolment in Muslim colleges stands at over half a million. However, the majority of Muslim students opt for undergraduate programmes, with just about 8% pursuing Postgraduate courses and less than 1% enrolled in research programmes like MPhil and PhD.
The enrolment figures highlight the need for greater focus on higher education and research among the Muslim community.
The report also highlights gender-wise and social group-wise distribution of students, pointing out the need for increased representation of Muslims in higher education.
Female Enrolment Dominates Muslim Colleges
The survey points out that the share of female students among the Muslim student population is amazingly encouraging at over 52% in colleges and 37% in universities. In terms of social groups, about half of the enrolled Muslim students come from the general category, while around 48% are from OBCs. Representation from STs is negligible at less than 1%.
Females outnumbered males across all programme levels – undergraduate (50.9%), postgraduate (59.43%), and certificate (62.45%) in Muslim run colleges. This female majority even extends to Muslim students enrolled in colleges, with females constituting 52.82% of the total. Higher degree programmes (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) buck the trend, with male representation exceeding female.
Unlike colleges, universities witnessed a stark contrast, with males constituting 63.19% of the enrolled students. Only in the M.Phil. program did females hold a slight majority with 11 students enrolled.
Educators, policymakers see Muslim education report as roadmap for improvement
After launching the reports and briefing about them, a roundtable discussion was held, in which educators, policymakers, and stakeholders applauded the report on Muslim-managed higher education institutions as a valuable resource for addressing existing challenges.
Among those welcoming the report were JIH Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB) chairman Professor Mohammad Salim Engineer, Mr. M. Farooq (who runs various educational institutions in Maharashtra), and researcher Sadat Husain.
They described the survey report as a roadmap for improvement, offering insights and recommendations for policymakers and educators.
They also recommended enhancing access to higher education through scholarships and financial aid mechanisms exclusive for economically marginalized Muslim youths; creating special drives to encourage NAAC accreditation and NIRF participation among Muslim institutes; establishing dedicated cells to promote research publications from Muslim institutes; and exploring public-private partnerships and Resource Centres to elevate standards of existing Muslim colleges.
JIH Markazi Taleemi Board Director Syed Tanveer Ahmed stressed the importance of data collection and research for effective action.
“This report offers valuable insights,” he said, highlighting the need for “affirmative actions” based on data, not just “perceptions.” He urged the community and its NGOs to study the report and suggest concrete steps based on its findings.
Mr. Ahmed expressed the view that a well-informed minority can effectively play a role of majority in a democracy, underscoring the importance of trust in research and data to foster genuine awareness. He urged the Muslim community to actively engage in data collection, citing the commendable efforts of CSR in this regard.
According to Mr. Ahmed, community organizations should closely examine reports generated from surveys and provide valuable inputs on potential actions for both the community and its NGOs. He highlighted the need for strategic efforts in the political domain to advocate for affirmative action, emphasizing that the Muslim community often lacks interest, practice, and seriousness in collecting data.
The data collected, according to Mr. Ahmed, serves as a guide for implementing affirmative actions in the education sector for the Muslim community. He suggested that if the number of universities is insufficient, the government should formulate policies to facilitate the establishment of universities by Muslim NGOs and institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ahmed addressed some threats to the Muslim minority in the education sector, pointing to the misinterpretation of Article 30, particularly in reference to the AMU case.
The MTB director suggested that the two reports be discussed widely across the country at all levels – local, state, and national. He believes distributing the report to stakeholders and government agencies will generate broader discussion and potential impacts.
He also called upon social organizations to actively work towards altering the overall attitude of the Muslim community towards education.
CSR coordinator Syed Ahmed Muzakkir, who coordinated the event, presented a concise summary of the reports verbally.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Anwarulhaq Baig / February 07th, 2024
