Karnataka Zakat and Charitable Trust - A solid foundation for a noble cause by Khalil Ahmed

Mr.Khalil Ahmed, a successful and an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur,  founded the Karnataka Zakat and Charitable Trust last year on the wisdom of collective zakat with the strong belief that such an initiative can bring about a dramatic change in the lives several of the underprivileged sections of our community through investment in their education. Mr.Khalil Ahmed, is a success story in the India's Bio-Tech industry which has given sleepless nights to the worlds established players in the Biotech industry. He worked for over a decade in the Sultanate of Oman before returning to India in 1994 to establish India's most reputed biotech firm Shantha Biotechnics. He is a true inspiration for the youth of the country in general and community in particular and specially for those who feel that they are discriminated in the society because of their minority status can take a lesson from his success and change their mindset. It was not easy for Khalil Ahmed to compete with the world leaders and the established brands in the country and the overseas markets, but his sheer dedication and hard work made him a great entreprenuer and the success touched his feet and he never let that travel to his head. There has always been a spark and spirit of the community service in him which resulted in the birth of Karnataka Zakat and Charitable Trust. Islam attaches so much importance to education that the first Ayah of Quraan e kareem which came was about education that is IQRA which means READ. The first revelation was the first five verses of Surah (chapter) Al-Alaq: "Iqra bismi rabbikalla dhi khalaq. Khalaqal insana min alaq. Iqra wa rabbukal akram. Alladhi 'allama bil qalam. 'Allamal insana malam ya’lam, " which means "Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read, for your Lord is most Generous, Who teaches by means of the pen, teaches man what he does not know." This Ayah beacme the guiding force for Khalil Ahmed.

He got inspired by Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust run by Janab Ghiasuddin Babukhan and Mr.Khalil Ahmed modelled KZCT on the successfully established & path breaking initiative in Andhra Pradesh by the Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust (HZCT). The initiative Karnataka by KZCT will attempt to emulate the successes achieved in the past 17 years in Andhra Pradesh through the hard work of the HZCT. KZCT believes that empowerment of the underprivileged sections through education is a sure formula to eliminate poverty, establish social justice and thereby help in the nation building effort of our country. Karnataka Zakat and Charitable Trust is working across the State of Karnataka and elsewhere under the guidance and direction of the Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust, in its initial formative years.

It is the monetary disadvantage that acts as a stumbling block desisting those children and youth with intellegence, zeal and track record to persue their dream of higher education and better themselves in life. The Karnataka Zakat & Charitable Trust (KZCT) is putting in all the effort in seeking and identifying these gems and assist them to glow with education and become responsible citizens capable of ferrying themselves and their families to better demographic levels while making a positive and meaningful contribution to society.

Modeled on the successful and path breaking initiative in Andhra Pradesh by the Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust (HZCT) and through its invaluable assistance KZCT has launched itself in Karnataka in September 2010 with an initial outlay of around Rs. 2.5 Crores. KZCT has planned to distribute a total amount of Rs 2.2 crores among over 3,000 students in Karnataka and in the month of December 2010, about 1,200 selected students from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada received the scholarships. This a tremedous work undertaken by Khalil Ahmed and his team and I wish them and the KZCT all the success in their endeavors. Let us spread this message to one and all.

Those who would like to contribute to this great noble cause, may send their donations  by crossed cheque or DD payable to "Karnataka Zakat Charitable Trust " A/C 007605003187, ICICI Bank Limited, Jubilees Hills Branch, Hyderabad. Indian Resident Donors can also trasfer money to our bank account using the information below.

          ICICI Bank Limited

Address:Jubilees Hills Branch, Plot No.1259, Road No.36
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033, A.P, India

• Account Name - Karnataka Zakat and Charitable TrustAccount No. 007605003187IFSC code- ICIC0000076

 May Allah swt may always allow the fire of faith burn inside us all. Ameen