Tag Archives: Mohammad Ismail

Mohammad Ismail: A Quiet Force Behind Salihath’s Success – A Legacy of Empowerment in Coastal Karnataka

Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thonse (Udipi District), KARNATAKA :

Sir Mohammad Ismail – Founder and Chairman Salihath Group of Institutions

In the picturesque hamlet of Thonse, nestled along the Arabian Sea in Karnataka, lies the Salihath Group of Educational Institutions – a beacon of hope and empowerment for the local Muslim community. Established by the visionary Mohammadia Educational Trust®, this institution has become a transformative force in the region. Under the astute leadership of its founder and chairman, Mohammad Ismail, Salihath has grown into a premier institution that not only fosters education but also cultivates values, harmony, and development.

A Visionary Leader with a Mission

Mohammad Ismail, the founder and chairman of Salihath, is a man of extraordinary humility, kindness, and vision. Hailing from the very village he sought to uplift, his dedication to empowering the community through education has left an indelible mark. His down-to-earth nature, simplicity, and relentless drive have inspired countless individuals. Interacting with him at his office was a privilege – his clarity of purpose and passion for community service are genuinely infectious.

A Challenge Turned into a Movement: The Story of Mohammad Ismail’s Vision

When I met Mohammad Ismail Sahab, the founder and chairman of the Salihath Group of Educational Institutions, I was immediately struck by his warmth and humility. Sitting in his modest yet welcoming office, he exuded a sense of calm determination. As our conversation unfolded, I asked him about the inspiration behind his monumental endeavour to establish a school. His response was both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring – a story of resilience, vision, and the transformative power of a single challenge.

He leaned back, his gaze momentarily distant, as if revisiting the past. “It all started,” he began, “when my young son was mistreated by a teacher at his school. Like any concerned parent, I went to the Principal to address the matter. What began as a simple complaint turned into a heated discussion. In the middle of our conversation, the Principal, perhaps out of frustration or arrogance, said something that changed my life: ‘If you think you can do better, why don’t you start your own school?’”

For a moment, Mohammad Ismail paused, as though replaying those words in his mind. “He said it almost mockingly,” he continued, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “It wasn’t just a personal affront. It was a reflection of how our community was perceived – poor, powerless, and incapable of rising above its circumstances. His words weren’t just aimed at me; they seemed to ridicule the very idea that someone from our background could dream of something better.”

The Principal’s remark, though intended to dismiss, ignited a spark within Mohammad Ismail. “That day, I resolved not just to prove him wrong, but to create something far greater than he could imagine – not merely for my son, but for the entire community. I wanted to provide an education that was affordable, accessible, and dignified for every child in the region, regardless of their background or financial status.”

What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Mohammad Ismail Sahab poured his heart and soul into turning that challenge into an opportunity. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted, “but I wasn’t alone. Others shared my vision. Together, we built what you see today – not as individuals, but as a collective force of determination and faith.”

Today, decades later, Salihath Group of Educational Institutions stands as a testament to his resolve. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a thriving hub of education and empowerment, impacting the lives of thousands. “We did this together,” he concluded with a smile, his eyes bright with pride. “It’s not my achievement alone; it’s the result of a community that dared to dream and worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.”

This story, deeply rooted in personal resilience and communal effort, is the cornerstone of Salihath’s legacy. Mohammad Ismail’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of how a single moment of adversity can ignite a movement that transforms not just lives, but entire communities.

The Genesis of Salihath

The story of Salihath began in 1972, with the establishment of Anjuman Taalimate Mohammadia Madarasa, an institution imparting Islamic education to local children. Recognising the pressing need for quality education for Muslim girls, especially in secondary and higher education, Mohammad Ismail and the Mohammadia Educational Trust® expanded their vision. Over the decades, Salihath evolved into a group of institutions offering diverse programmes, from primary education to college degrees, all while maintaining a firm grounding in Islamic and moral values.

A Timeline of Growth

  • 1972: Anjuman Taalimate Mohammadia Madarasa founded for Islamic education.
  • 1994: Salihath Arabic College for Girls established, offering Islamic studies and Dawah training.
  • 1996-97: Salihath Kannada Medium High School for Girls commenced.
  • 1997-98: Salihath English Medium Primary and High School launched.
  • 2009-10: Salihath P.U. College for Girls inaugurated for higher education.
  • 2014-15: Salihath Degree College for Girls started, affiliated with Mangalore University.

Transformative Impact on the Community

Empowering Girls’ Education: In a region where Muslim girls once had limited access to quality education, Salihath has been a game-changer. By establishing schools and colleges, the institution has enabled thousands of girls to achieve academic success and professional growth. Partial fee concessions and affordable education ensure that financial constraints do not hinder opportunities for deserving students.

Promoting Literacy and Development: The literacy rate in Thonse has seen a dramatic improvement, thanks to Salihath’s efforts. In 1971, literacy in the region was less than 50%. Today, it stands at an impressive 85%, surpassing the state and national averages. This growth reflects the institution’s role in shaping the educational landscape of not just Thonse but the entire Udupi district.

Fostering Cultural Harmony: Salihath is more than just an educational institution; it is a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. By welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, it fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The inclusive ethos of Salihath promotes cultural harmony, making it a vital pillar of community development in Thonse.

Contributing to Nation-Building: Salihath’s graduates are making significant contributions in various fields, including education, business, and social service. The institution instils a sense of responsibility, leadership, and patriotism in its students, ensuring they become valuable contributors to the nation’s progress.

Why Salihath Stands Out

  • Government Recognition: All programmes are affiliated with the Government of Karnataka.
  • Self-Sustainability: Operates without external funding, maintaining autonomy and integrity.
  • Value-Based Learning: Combines academic excellence with Islamic and moral education.
  • Modern Facilities: Offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, digital learning tools, and well-equipped labs.

The Legacy of a Visionary

Mohammad Ismail’s initiative has catalysed the establishment of over 25 Muslim educational institutions in the region, significantly impacting the socio-economic landscape of Thonse and beyond. His life’s work is a testament to the transformative power of education and a reminder that visionary leadership can bring about meaningful change.

Salihath Group of Educational Institutions has ambitious plans for its future. From expanding academic programmes to introducing new disciplines in science, commerce, law, journalism and technology, the institution aims to remain a leader in education. Efforts to engage alumni, document its inspiring history, and strengthen its presence through updated digital platforms are underway.

Salihath Group of Educational Institutions is not just an academic hub; it is a symbol of empowerment, cultural harmony, and progressive change. Its journey from a small Madarasa to a leading educational institution reflects the potential of dedicated community efforts. As it continues to inspire and uplift, Salihath stands as a shining example of how education can shape lives, communities, and nations.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the People of Thonse

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the picturesque village of Thonse in Udupi and spending three unforgettable days amidst its serene beauty and warm-hearted people. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of genuine humility and a profound eagerness to serve, which seemed to resonate throughout the entire village. It felt less like a visit to a new place and more like a return to my own hometown.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people who form the lifeblood of this community. The trustees of the society welcomed me with open arms, sharing their stories and dreams for the institution. Parents spoke with pride about their children’s achievements, students eagerly shared their aspirations, and alumni reflected fondly on how their lives had been shaped by the education they received here. Each interaction was a testament to the close-knit and supportive nature of the Thonse community.

Beyond the enriching discussions, I was also captivated by the breath-taking surroundings of this coastal gem. I enjoyed a peaceful boat ride across the ocean, marvelling at the vastness of the Arabian Sea. I visited Malpe Beach, where the golden sands and azure waters seemed to stretch endlessly. The delta point of Kodibengre offered a mesmerising confluence of natural beauty, a place where the river gently embraces the sea. The entire environment was a harmonious blend of nature’s tranquillity and human warmth.

Staying in the home of Mohammad Ismail Sahab, a visionary leader and an embodiment of hospitality, was the highlight of my visit. His graciousness and kindness, along with the love and care shown by everyone in Thonse, left an indelible mark on me.

As I bid farewell to this enchanting village, I carry with me not just memories of its stunning landscapes but also the deep gratitude for the unmatched hospitality and genuine affection of its people. To the residents of Thonse, thank you for making me feel not like a guest, but like family.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation / by Syed Azharuddin / Radiance News Bureau / December 04th, 2024

Meet the Tribal Girls From Jammu & Kashmir Who Cracked Neet

Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Several girls from the Bakarwal community, a nomadic ethnic minority in India’s Jammu and Kashmir area, recently cleared the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test, also known as NEET, for admission to undergraduate medical courses in all Indian medical institutions. 

Aasiya Choudry, 20, of Jasrota village in Jammu’s Kathua district, is one of the Bakarwal girls who cleared the NEET exam on her second attempt, securing 430 points.

Education Remains A Distant Dream For Kashmir’s Tribal

“It was not a cakewalk for a student like me who belongs from a community where students did not have much resources and guidance,” Aasiya stated to Two Circles.

She said that no one in her community was aware of the NEET exam. This is not surprising given that schooling remains a faraway dream for Kashmiri tribal youth. 

According to the 2011 census, just 17.8 percent of the people of the twin tribal settlements of Gujjar and Bakarwal can read and write.

Aasiya completed her basic education at a government school in her village before attending Jawahar Nagar Vidyala Basoli in Kathua.

Cleared NEET Without Coaching

“I didn’t always have enough money to buy textbooks, pens, and other supplies. I had to overcome hardships in order to achieve and qualify for NEET, but it was a dream that came true,” said Aasiya, who did not register in coaching to clear the entrance since her family could not afford the expenses.

Aasiya’s father Mubashir Hussain Khatana is a shepherd who tends to his livestock and provides a living for his family.

Aasiya says she was fortunate to have a supportive home environment that allowed her to prepare for this national-level competitive exam in a neighbourhood where options for education are limited, particularly for girls. “They [parents] motivated me to overcome my challenges and work towards achieving my goal,” she said.

Studied for NEET On YouTube

Aasiya had to care for her three younger sisters and a sixth-grade brother when her elder sister married two years ago, and she also had to help her mother with chores at home. Choudhry kept her studies going by watching free NEET videos on the online video sharing and social media platform YouTube.

Due to bad network connectivity and a limited data plan, she found it difficult to study for NEET on YouTube. To overcome these obstacles, Aasiya had to walk at least two kilometers every day to a location with WiFi in order to download videos.

Aasiya studied for approximately 10 hours each day. “Our village did not always have electricity. I used to watch saved videos on my phone at night under candlelight,” she explained.

Wishes To Become a Gynaecologist To Help Bakarwal Women

Aasiya aspires to be a gynaecologist — a physician who specialises in treating diseases of the female reproductive system — in order to help her community, which treks to green pastures with their animals for six months of the year. “During the seasonal migration, the Bakarwal people suffer [due] to the absence of basic health care facilities, especially pregnant women,” Aasiya stated to Two Circles.

Another Bakarwal Girl Cleared NEET

Ulfat Ismail, from the border village of Kandi Jarda in the Tehsil Karnah of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, cleared the NEET exam on her second attempt, scoring 417 points.

Ulfat received her basic education at the village’s government middle school. She was accepted to the Government Medical College in Baramulla for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Ulfat used to study for almost 8 hours a day to clear NEET.

Mohammad Ismail, father of Ulfat stated that his dream is for his daughter to become a doctor since her accomplishments have the ability to positively impact their tribal community in the future.

“It was a proud moment for our family that our daughter had qualified the NEET exam and is going to become a doctor,” Ismail added.

Tauseef Ahmad is an independent reporter based in Kashmir.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Education / by Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net / September 26th, 2023

Numismatist tells legacy of Bahmani Sultans through coins

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), KARNATAKA :

Cover page of the book ‘A Legacy of Bahmani Sultans through Coins’ published by the Gulbarga Bahmani Numismatics Research and Educational Trust. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Mohammad Ismail has got a rare treasure of coins dating back to Bahmani Sultans from 14th to 16th Century

The Gulbarga Bahmani Numismatics Research and Educational Trust recently published a book titled ‘A Legacy of Bahmani Sultans through coins’ authored by Numismatist Mohammad Ismail in which he depicts the numismatic journey of Bahmani Sultans through his collections.

The book traces the journey of coins belonging to all the 18 Bahmani Sultans starting from Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (1347-58), till the last Sultan – Kalimullah Shah (1526-1538). Mr. Ismail has meticulously worked, richly illustrated, about each coin issued during Bahmani Sultans period.

Mr. Ismail has got a rare treasure of antique coinage, belonging to Bahmani Sultans from 14th Century to 16th Century. The numismatist has more than 2,500 coins in his collection of various rulers, dynasties and kingdoms. Among his treasury are also coins dating back to 1,600 years ago.

The numismatist also organises a campaign “Save Coin Save Heritage.” The objective of this campaign is to spread awareness about ancient coins at schools and to take forward the legacy to younger generations.

Speaking to The Hindu, the numismatist explained the legacy of Bahmani Sultans and displayed a collection of nearly 80 copper coins issued in one year period between 1378-1379, and said that all the four Sultans including Dawood Shah-I, Muhammad Shah-II, Ghiyasuddin Tahmathan Shah, Shamshuddin Dawood Shah–II (4th, 5th, 6th and 7th sultans, respectively), have ruled for less than a year. His collection has got nearly 500 coins issued during Tajuddin Firoz Shah (8th Bahmani sultan), followed by 400 coins of Muhammad Shah-I (the second Bahmani sultan), and 300 coins of Kalimullah Shah (18th Bahmani sultan) Period.

According to Mr. Ismail, the study of coins gives insights into history as no other source does. The enthusiast numismatist tries to enhance his collection by getting in touch with collectors across India. His collection includes coins of various shapes, sizes and weights issued during different reigns made up of gold, silver, bronze and copper, some very rare.

When asked about the estimated value of coins in his collection, Mr. Ismail said that the value of each coin varied depending on its age, rarity and material. “But for me, as a numismatist, it is the coin’s age and rarity which matters more than its price,” he said.

Some of the rarest coins in his collections are of Tahmatun Shah, Dawood Shah, Ahmed Shah III, Muhammad Shah IV and Mujahidin Shah. Mr. Ismail’s rare collection includes 10 copper and one gold and silver coin minted during the Tahmatan Shah period. It took him eight years to find those coins. His collection also includes the rare gold and silver coins of Ahmed Shah II and Mujahidin Shah.

He also has coin collections belonging to Chalukyas, Kakatyas, Rashtrakutas, and the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Mr. Ismail wants to bring out a catalogue of these collections too.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Praveen B Para / Kalaburagi – July 03rd, 2022

Aligarh Muslim University mourns Professor Yasin Mazhar Siddiqui’s demise

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Education, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Noted Islamic scholar and author, Professor Yasin Mazhar Siddiqui (76), former Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University passed away today after a prolonged illness.

Professor Yasin Mazhar Siddiqui wrote more than 40 books and 300 research articles in Urdu, Arabic and Persian. His writings on the Prophet and his teachings got wide acclaim. He wrote extensively in reputed literary journal, ‘Nuqoosh’ and got international ‘Nuqoosh Award’, ‘Seerat-e-Rasool Award’ and ‘Seerat Nigari Award’.

Professor Siddiqui, an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University worked for ten years at the department of History before joining the department of Islamic Studies as a Reader, and later he became professor and chairman of the department. He also served as the Provost of Aftab Hall.

Professor Tariq Mansoor, Vice Chancellor, expressed his deep sense of sorrow at the demise of professor Siddiqui whose profound scholarship explored new dimensions of Seerah writing. His death causes irreparable loss to the academic world.

Professor Nisar Ahmad Khan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Muhammad Ismail, Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies and Professor Obaidullah Fahad deeply mourned his death.

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Community News / by The Milli Gazette Online / September 15th, 2020

Malegaon shows the way

Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Green Products, Leaders, Science & Technology, Useful / HEALTHCARE, , , , , , , ,

Malegaon (Nashik District) , MAHARASHTRA :

Life in Malegaon appears to have retur­ned to normal, even as Maharashtra struggles to contain the pandemic. As of July 15, the state had 107,963 active cases, with 10,695 deaths.

A new normal: Healthcare workers on a door-to-door Covid-19 test drive in Malegaon, July 14. / Photo by Milind Shelte

The covid-19 battle

On July 14, Malegaon’s Moha­mmad Ali Road, the city’s main commercial street, was full of shoppers, mirroring the sort of normalcy seen in days before the national lockdown in March, and presenting a stark contrast to the fearful retreat from public spaces seen in many areas of Maharashtra. The shops were open, selling everything from cutlery to electronics, and the restaurants and street food vendors were busy serving crowds of customers. Burqa-clad women thron­ged the ladies’ market. Life in Malegaon appears to have retur­ned to normal, even as Maharashtra struggles to contain the pandemic. As of July 15, the state had 107,963 active cases, with 10,695 deaths.

Malegaon’s return to normalcy is striking and worthy of note because, till recently, the city was one of the state’s five Covid hotspots, alongside Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad. Until May, the city had seen a daily average of five deaths due to Covid-19, and reported about 200 fresh cases in the early part of that month. Today, there are just 60 active cases in the city, most of them non-residents of Malegaon, with no coronavirus-linked deaths since May 25. The doubling period has improved from 2.2 days in April to 112 days on July 15, the best in Maharashtra. At 82 per cent, the rate of recovery in Malegaon is also much better than the state average (54 per cent). The turnaround was so hard to miss that, in the first week of July, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent a confidential letter to the state government, asking for permission to study the ‘Malegaon model’.

Mal­egaon is a Muslim-majority city (80 per cent residents are from the minority community), with a population of 750,000. The city administration’s success in controlling the pandemic is especially laudable given that the average population density here is 19,000 per sq. km, the state’s highest. In areas like Kamanipura, this goes up to 72,000 per sq. km, second only to Mumbai’s Dharavi, where 800,000 live in a 2.1 sq. km area. Maintaining physical distance, the standard-format safety protocol to avoid infection, is then practically impossible. The Malegaon Municipal Corporation (MMC) was also working with severe limitations, it still does not have a single ventilator.

Municipal commissioner Deepak Kasar says the MMC was struggling on two fronts. First, it had to tackle a staff shortage, with many workers refusing to report to work for fear of being infected. This even led to the MMC being unable to make use of the ambulances provided by the Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana, an NGO focused on disaster response. Second, Kasar says convincing people to come forward for screening, testing and quarantine was a Herculean task, especially since a communally sensitive environment had been created in the initial days of the pandemic.

The MMC’s task was made much more complicated by rumours on social media, one of which was that the coronavirus screening efforts were a conspiracy against Muslims. This led to people refusing to be tested and even attacks on MMC health workers who were conducting screening tests. In the last week of April and the first week of May, six ASHA (accredited social health activist) workers suff­ered burns after being attacked with boiling water. Many residents also reportedly refused to give their real names and symptoms to health workers. Superstition played its part, for instance, many believe the dead will not reach heaven if their eyes are open, leading to people touching infected bodies and increasing the risk of transmission. Another tradition requires women from households in which a death has taken place to isolate themselves for four months and eight days, this complicated contact tracing.

To address these problems, Kasar appealed to community leaders for help, especially the influential Mufti and local MLA Mohammad Ismail. Leaders like Ismail made appeals at mosques for people to stay at home and to cooperate with the MMC health workers. As a result, people increasingly came to see that the administration’s efforts were genuine, leading to more and more coming forward for testing. The success of the appeals to stay home was clearly visible on Eid-ul-Fitr (May 25). Malegaon’s Idgah Maidan was deserted, normally around 300,000 people gather here to offer prayers on the holy day.

Another initiative was to enlist community members for outreach, to spread information about the virus. Kasar roped in students of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, aware that they were trusted within the communities. A Unani concoction called mansura kadha, with claimed immunity-boosting properties, prepared by the local Mohammadia Tibbia College, also played a bit role; the trust that runs the college has received requests for some 250,000 packets. The MMC also made short informational videos and uploaded them on YouTube, aiming to improve awareness about the coronavirus among Malegaon’s younger residents, especially women. Also important were the MMC’s efforts to give vulnerable households the resources they needed for home isolation. “We provided oxygen cylinders, though the police department was against the move,” says Kasar.

Maulana Imtiaz Ahmed Iqbal Ahmed, secretary of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in Malegaon, says the comm­unity “scored over the fear factor…the mohalla clinics were the game-changer”. Kasar also points out that the success did not come at a major financial cost. “We did not send any patients to private hospitals, so the treatment bill was zero. We also spent less than Rs 20 lakh in the past two months on arrangements for quarantine and treatment,” he says. This stands in stark contrast to the efforts of other municipal corporations in the state; Pune has budgeted Rs 294 crore to fight Covid-19 for a population of about 4 million. Kasar says Malegaon has not only shown a decrease in Covid-19 cases but also other diseases, including those affecting the heart, lungs and kidneys. The ICMR study, once completed, will be submitted to a committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The MMC’s efforts have not only improved the health of Malegaon’s citizens, it has also rehabilitated the city’s reputation. Home to a local film indu­stry and a textile cluster with around 125,000 power looms, Malegaon attr­acted some bad press in the noughties for being communally charged, a riot in 2001 and bomb blasts in 2006 and 2008 seemed to lend credence to its reputation for being volatile. But it has moved on since, and now with the success of the ‘Malegaon model’, it has built a case for an image makeover.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Magazine> UP Front / by Kiran D Tare / New Delhi, July 18th, 2020