Khaleequr Rahman: National Conference on "Changes and Challanges in ...

Khaleequr Rahman: National Conference on "Changes and Challanges in ...: "The conference being inaugurated by Justice MSA Siddiqui. Others in the pic are Shabistan Ghaffar, Dr.Syed Nauman, Dr.Fkhruddin Mohd, Justic..."

National Conference on "Changes and Challanges in Education" held in Hyderabad

The conference being inaugurated by Justice MSA Siddiqui. Others in the pic are

Shabistan Ghaffar, Dr.Syed Nauman, Dr.Fkhruddin Mohd, Justice Siddiqui, Nanak Ram Nashtar, Janab Jannat Hussain and Janab Asadullah Pasha

The Three day National conference on "Changes and Challanges in Education" was held at Hyderabad from May 6-8, 2011  organised by MESCO and CMEII in association with NCMEI, Govt. of India, New Delhi.  MESCO is a Hyderabad based organisation started by a group of dedicated Doctors in 1983 with the prime objective of empowering Muslim community with education and improving their health conditions. The MESCO is headed by Dr.Fakhruddin Mohammed saheb, who is dynamic and vibrant. He has dedicated himself for the cause of educating and empowering the Muslim community with the education. His contribution in the field of education is immense and MESCO is among the Top ten organistions in the country in the field of education and community development.

A view of the inaugural function

The conference indeed started on a very promising and inspiring note with very informative and enlightening speeches by Justice M.S.A Siddiqui,Chairman,NCMEI and Prof. Faizan Mustafa,Vice Chancellor,National Law University,Cuttak.All the Speakers were all praise for the landmark Judgment of Justice M.S.A Siddiqui, who had done such a stupendous and far-reaching service to the community by his angelic stroke of verdict which is no less than a boon for countless minority educational institutions and students, all over the country, for years to come.

A view of the distinguished audience

Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor of National Law University, Cuttack literally thrilled the audience with his spell-binding narration of the ordeal of legal battles they had to relentlessly fight to get a fair and deserving deal for minorities.  Thus the intellectuals and well-wishers of the community have done and are doing all they can to the best of their abilities and means.  It is up to the community to avail and take full advantage and benefit and better their lot.

It was very clear and assuring that the Minorities in India has all the rights and opportunities in the field of Education and Employment.  It is up to the minorities as to how they make full use of all the opportunities which the Government is offering and providing.  It is a sorry state that the Minorities are failing and falling short in making full use of all the facilities and rights available to them.

The First Session on PRIMARY EDUCATION AND MINORITIES was well discussed by Mr. Abdul Qayum Khan,Chairman,presidency Group of Institutions,Hyderabad, stressing the importance of primary education, for obviously it is the initial Foundation which really matters and pays in the long run.  He also rightly and emphatically highlighted the role of the Parents serious involvement and attention during the Primary Level  Education which as he rightly pointed out is not taken seriously by the parents in our community, which leads to big problem in future.

Dr. P.A. Fazal Ghafoor, president,Muslim Education Society,Kerala did give a brief overview of Primary Education in Kerala and other states and the ways how both the Madarsa and mainstream Education could be balanced and go-together.

The Second Session- RIGHT TO INFORMATION- Very informative and technical papers were presented by Syed Aminul-Hasan Jafari, M.L.C,Prof.Ahemdullah Khan,Former Dean,Faculty of Law,Osmania University.

In the Fourth Session- EDUCATIONAL RESERVATION & MISHRA COMMISSION REPORT-  very well researched and thought provoking presentations and suggestions were made by Mr. Mazher Hussain of COVA and Dr. Masood Ali Khan,Research Associate, MAANU, on the present situation and state of affairs of our Education System and Standards.

The Presentation by the Jain delegation, by Mrs. Anita Shah,IAS and Mr. Bhanwer Lal Jain, was really heartening and inspiring as to how a minority community being in such a small number can still assert itself and be so prosperous and contributing to the nation at large.

The Session- WOMEN EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

A very inspiring session for our sisters in which Dr. Shabistan Gaffar,National Chairperson (NCMEI) and Mrs. Safia Ankolve, and Mrs.Syed Imam spoke about the woman’s role and responsibility in the changing times and how our Muslim women can still maintain their Muslim Identity and dignity in the present era of woman’s liberation and freedom where women’s empowerment has in a way degraded to women’s exploitation and outright misuse to say the least.  They highlighted  woman’s role from being a mother and a home maker to the vital and significant role in the Society and World at large.

                                                Thursday,Sunday 8^th May, 2011

Infrastructures, Quality and Excellence in Education: was a very timely and pertinent session wherein emphasis was laid on the Infrastructure of our Educational Institutions which in most of the cases in not up to the required standards and also the standard of the teaching faculty which is not up to the mark in most of our private English Medium Schools, which tell on the quality and standard of the Students.

Moral and Modern Education: was one of the most significant sessions of the whole three day conference wherein the Moral aspects and Values of our Education and generation were discussed and stressed upon.  As we see there is a general decline of Morals and Values, In fact the more educated and qualified and modern they become the more want and lack of morals and values we see in their lives and life-style which is an alarming and disturbing trend which should be checked.

The Last Session- The Right to Education

Right to Education, sure, but quality education and moral education which makes them better human beings and global citizens.

From L to R: Mr.Abid Rasool Khan, Justice MSA Siddiqui, Prof.Ahmedullah, Khaleequr Rahman, Mr.Mazhar Hussain, Mr.Fauzan Mustafa

Recommendations and Suggestions

The Quality of Education to be improved, in step with the changing times and demands to compete globally with others.

Values and Moral not to be overlooked, in pursuit of just professional excellence and material prosperity.

Both Religious and Secular Education-not one at the cost of the other.

Not just professional courses of Medical, Engineering or Management, but equally into Humanities and Arts, for that’s what makes  better human beings with sound morals and values, which is the need of the present times.

Right to Education & Right to Information-to  take full advantage of and made full use.

Proper Representation in the Planning Commission, Governance, Policy Making and Legislation.

Women Education-Equally important and indispensable- for A Bird cannot fly on one wing.

And also research and development- our community is seriously lacking in research and development.  All the Doctorates are either in Urdu, Arabic or Islami Studies, how many are there in other disciplines, pure science like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and other Bio Sciences and other fields which are making epoch making advances today? EAMCET and ICET should not be the be all and end-all of our education of our youngsters, but there should be all round participation and involvement in each and every field and discipline and department.

Man making Education-  With sound Morals and Values making them better Human beings and Global Citizens of Global Caliber and competence.

More of entrepreneurship and self –employment spirit.  Our representation in Industry and Commerce is minimal rather dismal.  Younger ones should be encouraged and aided to become entrepreneurs, set up their own business, which our community is badly in need.  We too have businessmen sure, but what are they?  Either builders or brokers.  How many industries and companies or entrepreneurs can our community boast of?  Steps should be taken in this direction and more and more entrepreneurs should be encouraged and aided to come up, for that is what will make the community really prosperous and envy of others.

Life Time Achivement Awards

The Life Time achivement awards were given to Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb, Chief Editor, Rehnuma-e-Deccan, Janab Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Chief Editor Siasat, Janab Basheeruddin Babukhan, Former Minister, Janab Vizarat Rasool Khan, Founder Shadan group of institutions Janab K,M,Arifuddin Saheb, Founder Madina Educational Group.

Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb receiving the Life Time Achievement Award from Justice Siddiqui

Concluding Remarks

 It has been a really enlightening and inspiring Conference for the past three days.  Hope our student and teaching faculty are really inspired by the lectures and deliberations and recommendations and suggestions made by so many speakers and they will imbibe and implement them in their careers in future and make a relay difference to our community and also world at large.

The three-day thought-provoking and enlightening conference wherein speakers from all over India participated, presenting their well-researched papers and deliberated with active participation of the audience was well attended by a cross-section of people, teachers, students and others from various parts of the city.  The response and feed-back was really enthusiastic and heartening.

In the final valedictory session all the resolutions passed by Mr. Kamal Farooqui,General Secretary,Confederation of Muslim Educational Institutions of India ( CMEII)were unanimously agreed on and endorsed by one and all.  The resolutions are timely and significantly relevant to the present educational scenario.  I hope all of us who have been attending the various session of this conference for the past three days have been enlightened by the through provoking deliberations and would go to the respective institutions and fields to put them into action to make a difference for the better.

The following Resolutions were passed Unanimously by the Delegates of the Conference:



Three Days Conference inaugurated by JusticeMSA Siddiqui, Honorable Chairman,National Commission for Minority EducationalInstitutions, New Delhi & attended by educational activist from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orrisa, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi & Andhra Pradesh, resolved unanimously as under: Concerning States in General & Andhra Pradesh in particular:

Resolved that proper Government Order be issued immediately instructing all the State authorities to implement the orders passed by Honorable National Commission of Minority Educational Institutions a National Statutory authority in the latter & spirit as it is found that some of the officials are reluctant' to implement the same. These kind of Government Orders are already been issued in various States like U.P.

Resolved that a notification be issued by the Higher Education Department as well as the School Education Department & concerned departments to issue the Minority Certificate to all such institutions which have been established under Article 30 (1) under ConstitutionofIndia.

Resolved that A.P Government should pursue the Muslim reservation case pending in SupremeCourt in all its sincerity.

Resolved that a Monitoring Committee from amongst Muslims be constituted immediately to look after the implementation of 15 point programme of Honorable Prime Minister.

MATTER CONCERNING CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:

Resolved that this house appreciates the initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development& Ministry of Finance in establishingtwo centres of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at Mallapuram & Murshidabad. This house urges the Government to take up the similar actions on application from various states for opening the centres of AMU. This house appreciates the efforts of the Honorable Vice Chancellor .of AMU, for his initiatives in bringing transparency in the admissions to various courses and having examination centres throughout the Country. We put on record our appreciation for timely completion of the University calendar. At the same time we urge all those persons who are supporting the unscrupulous elements of the University to disturb the normal functioning of AMU. This house supports Prof: PK Abdul Azis, The Honorable Vice-chancellor of AMU in his endeavor in enhancing the standards, opening of the centres and transparency in admiriistrationof AMU.

This house demands that the recommendation of Joint Parliamentary Committee on Aukaf headed by K. Rehman Khan Saheb be implemented immediately, especially cOQcerning building of infrastructure for Educational institutio,ns& education scholarships for deserving students.

This House also demands that the recommendations of Justice Ranganath Mishra Commi~sionb~ implemented and the governmentshould support the cause of Muslims & Christians in the Supreme Court on the issue of discriminationunder Article 341 of the Constitution.

This house further resolve that a serious look & priority be given to the recommendation of Justice Sachar Committee more particularly with reference to Equal Opport':1nityand its reco~mendations on Aukaf, more particular on educational empowerment.

This House demands monitoring committees involving the Muslim NOO's, be immediately constituted by the Ministry of Minority affairs as well as Ministry of HRD for the implementation of various schemes concerning the Minorities.

It is further resolved to hold 'such type of conferences in all the Minority Concentrated Districts (MCD's) to bring in awareness and educational empowerment.T~e logo released during this conference and its concept be popularized in all the forth-coming conferences. This House demands immediate amendments in RTE Act'2009 exempting Madarsas and Minority Institutions having protection under Act 25,26,29 and 30 (1).

This House place on record its appreciation to the NCMEI, delegates, management of Salarjung museum, all sponsors, institutions, Home department authorities and Media personalities for cooperating in the successfulcompletionof this three days conference.

I congratulate Dr. Fakharuddin Mohammed & MESCO, Mr. Kamal Farooqui(CMEII) & Dr Iftekharudin for organizing this timely and much needed conference for the betterment of our education system and community at large.

Khaleequr Rahman: Life Time Achievement Award for Janab Syed Vicarud...

Khaleequr Rahman: Life Time Achievement Award for Janab Syed Vicarud...: "Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Justice M.S.A.Siddiqui, Chairman National Commission for Minority ..."

Life Time Achievement Award for Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb-Editor in Chief, Rehnuma-e-Deccan, Hyderabad

Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Justice M.S.A.Siddiqui, Chairman National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions at a Function organised by MESCO and CMEII at Hyderabad. Dr.Fakhruddin Mohammed saheb, Chief of Mesco is also seen in the picture

The three day national conference was held at Hyderabad organised by MESCO and CMEII in association with NCMEI, New Delhi  from 6-8 May 2011.  MESCO is a Hyderabad based organised started by a group of Doctors in 1983 with the prime objective of empowering Muslim community with education and improving their health conditions. The MESCO is headed by a Dr.Fakhruddin Mohammed saheb, who is dynamic and dedicated himself for the cause of educating and empowering the Muslim community with the education. His contribution in the field of education is immense and MESCO is among the Top ten organistions in the country in the field of education and community development.

Under the aegis of MESCO and CMEII in association with NCMEI,  during the three day conference, some of Hyderabad's very prominent personalities were conferred with the Life Time Achievment Awards. One such personality lovable personality is Janab Syed Vicaruddin Saheb, Chief Editor of India's oldest and the most sought after news paper Rehnuma-e-Deccan. This news paper was started in 1920 and since then without any interruption, this paper has been serving the interests of the Urdu loving people and doing a great service in the promotion of Urdu. Before independence, it used to be published as Rehbar-e-Deccan. But due to certain reasons after independence the name had to be changed to Rehnuma-e-Deccan. This is the first urdu paper which started publishing on ayat of Quran and Hadith everyday and this had displeased some people in the government after the independence who wanted the paper not to continue publishing the Ayat and Hadith, But the management was so determined that they fought against all odds and restored the main character of the news paper but during this process, the name had to be changed to Rehnuma-e-Deccan. This is the first paper which had started publishing the poems of the poets with their pictures. 50 percent of the space is dedicated for the articles on Islam and the Urdu and represents the secular principles of the country. Janab Vicaruddin Saheb runs this news papers purely on the non commercial basis and rather incures loss which he himself offsets from his pocket. It is rare to find these class of people who are institution in themselves in this today's world.

Janab Vicaruddin Saheb is regarded as one of the most distinguised personalties of the country among the muslims and is respected by one and all. He is also the Chairman of the Indo Arab League. As a Chairman of Indo Arab League, he had the credit of inviting The great leader Yasser Arafat to Hyderabad and many Arab dignatories have visited Hyderabad to attend the functions of the Indo Arab League. He has been doing a wonderful job of bringing the Arab countries closer to India especially Hyderabad from where we have thousands of people working in the Arab world. It is due to his efforts and his dipolmatic connections, Hyderbadis have always been seen and treated with respect. Be it Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi,  V.P.Singh, Deva Gowda, I.K.Gujral, Chandrashekhar, Vajpayee, Man Mohan singh and Sonia Gandhi, they all have very high regard for Janab Vicaruddin saheb and he is always consulted by the Chief Ministers and the Prime Ministers and other functionaries in the government on all important issues of Minorities especially Muslims. He has never done any service with a self motive but has always been selfless in his endeavours.

After completing his 12th standard in Hyderabad, he went to Aligarh Muslim University for his graduation where he became because of his lovable nature and softspokenness, very popular among the students. He was also a very good Cricketer and has played for the AMU and captained the side. During my interaction with Janab Mohd.Adeeb Saheb who had recently come to Hyderabad to attend the All India Muslim Personal Law Board Meeting, told me that Janab Vicar saheb was so popular in AMU for his Hyderabadi dialact and he was equally popular in the Cricketing fraternity of AMU that everbody used to all him Vicar bhai. During his stay at AMU in the mid 60's, he was the true ambassador of the Hyderabad Tehzeeb and culture. His is a very good host too. Any dignatory who visits Hyderabad expects a dawaat from him and his hospitality and dawaats are famous not only in India but all across the globe. My father Janab Mohd.Khaleelur Rahman Saheb, Ex-M.P. was also a very close friend of Janab Vicar saheb. In my fathers political life and career, Janab Vicar saheb has been a source of great inspiration and encouragement.

I am privileged that he is always available to me for any sort of advice and guidance. He is just a call away from me. I share a very emotional relationship with him due to my father's association with Janab Vicar Saheb. He always encourages the youngsters to participate actively in political and social fields. We need him and his services for the community and the Udru lovers feel a great sense of achievment on him being conferred with the Life Time Achievement Award. I also would like to congratulate MESCO for having the honouring of the most honoured personality bestowing upon him the Life Time Achievemnet Award.

Khaleequr Rahman: The Five States Election Results set a new Trend

Khaleequr Rahman: The Five States Election Results set a new Trend: "The ruling coalition has managed to win in the three states except a major voter backlash over a series of embarrassing corruption scandals..."

The Five States Election Results set a new Trend

The ruling coalition has managed to win in the three states except a major voter backlash over a series of embarrassing corruption scandals from Tamil Nadu boys in Tamil Nadu.

The coalition fared worse than expected in Tamil Nadu, where voters punished the DMK over a $39 billion telecoms scam that paralysed the national parliament for months and hit foreign investment in Asia's third-largest economy. But the loss came as no surprise. It also lost Pondicherry. But it took two states from the communists -- West Bengal, where the world's longest serving democratically elected government was finally unseated, and Kerala. It also won Assam.

The victory in Assam is a big one. The voters of Assam has given the clear mandate and the message to the country that they are with the Congress government and all thanks to our great statesman Shri Digvijaya Singh ji. He, in true sense is the most tallest and the secular leader. His secular policies has paved a way fro congress in Assam.

Overall, the results were the first good news in months for the suddenly accident-prone government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The main national opposition, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, scarcely improved on its scant presence in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, a sign Congress is still the party to beat ahead of 2014 general elections. The election results will lead to some stability at the centre now. It gives Congress more muscle to push through its reforms.

The victory of populist Congress-party ally Mamata Banerjee's in West Bengal may stabilise the coalition. But the unpredictable maverick, who holds the balance of power in the national parliament, will prove a thorn in the side of government economic reform plans.

Regional forces are again asserting their importance, and the Congress will have to make all kinds of bargains and compromises to fit them in. This is not a very good sign for a democracy as the Central govet will have to compromise on its agenda many times which comes as a hurble in accomplishing its tasks of serving the common man. Despite all these factors, the UPA Chairperson Smt.Sonia Gandhi has shown how the Coalition is led in true terms. She has managed all the partners so well with her vision and the balancing act. Another ver important factor which has come to the fore during the recently concluded elections is the victory of sizabale numbers of muslim candidates. ^0 from West Bengal, 36 from Kerela and 33 from Assam. This is a remarkable development which must be really worrying BJP and its think tank. This is the victory of the Secular forces.

MAMTA BANERGEE RISES

Mamta Banerjee, a 56-year-old who wears a traditional sari with bathroom slippers and lives alone with her mother, is the latest in a string of women in this traditional society. Millions of Bengalis rebelled against three decades of communist rule that left a moribund state economy and a leftist government stuck in a Cold War time warp. It highlighted how many Indians were keen to embrace more free market policies that have helped transform much of India since 1991.

The people of West Bengal have won their freedom today as said by Mamta Banerjee. The victory is of hapless people who have faced exploitation, violence, and discrimination at the hands of the Communists.

Jubilant supporters thronged outside Banerjee's house in Kolkata, punching the air, dancing and shouting her name and waving their tricolour party flags. They pasted green paint on their foreheads to mark the victory.

This result may also define how aggressively the left-of-centre government moves ahead with long-awaited reforms such as raising fuel prices and a land acquisition bill for farmers and industry. The loss in Tamil Nadu of a family-run dynasty may also be a silver lining for Congress, allowing Prime Minister more leverage over a weakened ally. The results were a gauge of the political temperature in states that jointly make up a fifth of the 545-strong lower house of parliament and will help redraw the political map ahead of Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

REGIONAL LEADERS WORK AS ROADBLOCKS

India's 28 states, with strong linguistic and cultural identities, have a high degree of autonomy and their leaders are some of the most important powerbrokers in India, often blocking policies by the Central government. West Bengal sends 42 lawmakers to parliament and its long domination by the communists is one of the biggest reasons India's founding socialist ideas retain political currency even after two decades of market reforms.

Mamat Banerjee's Trinamool party in West Bengal is the biggest coalition ally of Congress and holds the balance of power in parliament. Her victory may force the government to be more dependent on a mercurial partner opposed to several key economic reforms.

Analysts say Banerjee's victory will give her a louder voice when the government mulls raising fuel prices or cutting down subsidies -- measures that are key to keeping the fiscal deficit at the targeted 4.6 percent of GDP in 2011/12, when slowing economic growth may see a sluggish tax intake.

As the Union Railway Minister, Mamta Banerjee has kept fares untouched and expanded freebies. She has several times forced a deferral of decisions on raising fuel prices. Her party is also against more foreign investment in insurance.

In Tamil Nadu, the regional DMK party facing a series of arrests over a telecoms scam is the second biggest coalition ally and Shri Manmohan Singh may be forced to switch allegiance to the new winner, the regional AIADMK party, nearer to the 2014 election.

Khaleequr Rahman: Youth and the Challanges in Today's world

Khaleequr Rahman: Youth and the Challanges in Today's world: "Khaleequr Rahman Most of the problems facing today’s youth are not restricted to any one ethnic or religious group, but affect young people..."

Youth and the Challanges in Today's world

Khaleequr Rahman

Most of the problems facing today’s youth are not restricted to any one ethnic or religious group, but affect young people generally. Most discussions on youth have focussed on issues such as drug abuse, crime, violence, sexuality and poverty.  In addition to these, today’s youth are afflicted by new challenges.

These include:

1.     An Identity Crisis: Who am I?

2.     Lack of self confidence and low self esteem: I am worthless

3.     A sense of hopelessness: Where am I   going?

4.     Confusion and ambiguity concerning moral issues: What is right and wrong?

5.     The negative impact of the electronic media: Entertainment ?

6.     Competitiveness in education: the uneven playing field: Excellence by whom? Not Me.

Muslim Youth

The Quran and life of the Prophet give numerous examples of outstanding youth.

The mission of  our Prophet Mohammad (SAW) peace be upon him was also one for the youth as the eldest of those who first believed in the prophet was Abu Bakr as Siddiq who was only thirty five years old, and most had not reached the age of twenty, while some were as young as ten such as Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Because of the our prophet’s (SAW)  interest in the youth, it was not surprising that the leader of the Muslim army following his death was Usama Ibn Zayd who was only sixteen years old.  Indeed the Prophet (SAW) peace be upon him said,  speaking of the social classification of  his followers, that he was supported by the young and poor, and rejected by the old and rich, for the latter are always powers of conservatism while the young and poor are usually forces of change and revival.

The Ideal Youth

One may define the ideal youth as a balanced individual exhibiting a highly spiritual life informed by absolute moral values and whose behaviour demonstrates qualities such as righteousness, honesty, humility and conscientiousness in everything he/she does. In this regard the Qur'an has reminded us more than once that  "A man receives but only that for which he strives; that his endeavors will be judged, and only then will he receive his recompense in full."

Traditional Society

Historically, the older generation has managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs, worldviews and institutions to the younger members of their societies. This was achieved largely because of the impact of agencies of socialization,  such as the family,  religion and the schools. Today the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly the internet and the television.

Dominant Culture

What is the “Religious” Society in the truest sense? Is God’s help sought at all times or do we conveniently call on God on special occasions as a mere formality?

In my view, we are witnessing an erosion of traditional systems and institutions . As such the family and religion now have a minimal impact on the average youngster. The values emphasized today include  individualism, Godlessness, materialism, secularism and  rationalism.  It is the youth who are encountering the most serious challenge to his/her faith under the impact of godless culture of modernity. Best minds in our society are not socialized by religious  institutions. The emphasis is on competitiveness, academic success, career goals, income and  social mobility.  Little or no attention is given to preparing tomorrows leadership. There is no emphasis is placed on critical thinking , problem solving.  We are preparing  followers, imitators conformists, and not leaders, innovators or problem solvers. The youth is being asked to give up certain family and social values that were an integral part of their identity, and adopt in its place a sense of self-alienation, and become a self-estranged imitator of everything "modern". The status which the Islam has given to a Human being is so great that Allah SWT has described them as “Ashraful Maqluqaat”, means the best of the creations. This is the place Islam has given to a human being. Whereas the western world treats Humans as social animals. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper understanding of Islam and its teachings, the muslim youth is getting easily attracted towards the western culture. India is a country with the diversified cultures and every culture in India has the same value system. The Indian youth need to read and understand our culture so that they would not become the social animals.

Technology: internet and TV

We are witnessing a phenomenal advancement in technology over the last three decades, and our citizens are experiencing remarkable social and cultural change. This drastic change has generated psychological and social dislocations among many people. Moreover, technology has influenced the way we think about life in general and interpersonal human relations in particular. Certainly, religion should influence all aspects  of our life. It regulates our relationship to God and fellow human beings. When religion is made insignificant and is reduced to one among many other forms of cultural expressions, then meaningful existence and interpersonal relationships that are cultivated by its presence are threatened. In its place personal greed and intensified forms of  individuation breed self-centered and "first me" individualism. If these tendencies are not kept in check by concern for the well being of others, as taught by religion, it could lead to a self-serving, ego-centered individual.

Television in particular has gone beyond its mandate to assist the family and the school in providing visual aid and education to the young. It has taken upon itself to appeal to the destructive and disintegrative instincts, to provoke greed, unlimited self-gratification, and absence of moral restraint in its young audience.

There is a need for Muslims to join other religiously minded groups in the agitation for more responsible TV programming and more media coverage of the human condition without the celebration of outrage and obscenities.

Religious groups must create alternate avenues for recreation and social interaction. There should  be avenues where spiritual and social activities combine to make the average child a whole human being whose life is directed to God. Adults should ensure that he or she benefits and makes full use of the cultural resources of  his or her society. This is a delicate task, and much research and brainstorming need to take place before we arrive at solutions.

Education System

There is need for re-structuring of the education system, so as to minimize competition and rivalry and thereby reduce feelings of marginalisation and exclusion among low achievers. Also, there is need for reform of the curriculum so as to include universally desirable values that are necessary for producing well rounded, balanced and useful citizens.

Our present educational system has trivialized religious devotion and relativized moral commitment. Therefore, the youth of today does not have the moral guidance to be able to pursue the right course when faced with a moral dilemma.

Family

The parents, consequently, have to assume an active role in the moral development of their children. They need to become fully involved at every stage in the child's mental growth until he/she attains maturity. This involvement includes learning to communicate with the younger generation through their books and reading materials. Also, there is need for constructive entertainment and personal involvement in the selection of the types of entertainment (whether at home or outside). This is very critical and almost inevitable since there is enormous pressure on the children from outside their home to participate in undesirable activities.

According to study conducted recently, on the average urban Indian parents spend less than fifteen minutes a day in serious discussion with their children. Urban Indian fathers spend an average of five minutes per day of intimate contact with their children. Let us ponder about the undesirable effects of this trend of parental non-involvement and the absence of suitable alternatives.

Let us recognize that we have a serious challenge on our hands, to ensure that today’s children (tomorrow’s adults and Leaders) would experience a better world than we are living in today. We should all work towards this objective and not wait for a crisis to occur and then react, let us be prepared.

Khaleequr Rahman: Challanges facing the Youth in Today's society

Khaleequr Rahman: Challanges facing the Youth in Today's society: "Khaleequr Rahman Most of the problems facing today’s youth are not restricted to any one ethnic or religious group, but affect young people..."

Challanges facing the Youth in Today's society

Khaleequr Rahman

Most of the problems facing today’s youth are not restricted to any one ethnic or religious group, but affect young people generally. Most discussions on youth have focussed on issues such as drug abuse, crime, violence, sexuality and poverty.  In addition to these, today’s youth are afflicted by new challenges.

These include:

1.     An Identity Crisis: Who am I?

2.     Lack of self confidence and low self esteem: I am worthless

3.     A sense of hopelessness: Where am I   going?

4.     Confusion and ambiguity concerning moral issues: What is right and wrong?

5.     The negative impact of the electronic media: Entertainment ?

6.     Competitiveness in education: the uneven playing field: Excellence by whom? Not Me.

Muslim Youth

The Quran and life of the Prophet (SAW) give numerous examples of outstanding youth.

The mission of  our Prophet Mohammad (SAW) peace be upon him was also one for the youth as the eldest of those who first believed in the prophet was Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A.) as Siddiq who was only thirty five years old, and most had not reached the age of twenty, while some were as young as ten such as Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib(R.A).

Because of the our prophet’s (SAW)  interest in the youth, it was not surprising that the leader of the Muslim army following his death was Usama Ibn Zayd who was only sixteen years old.  Indeed the Prophet (SAW) peace be upon him said,  speaking of the social classification of  his followers, that he was supported by the young and poor, and rejected by the old and rich, for the latter are always powers of conservatism while the young and poor are usually forces of change and revival.

The Ideal Youth

One may define the ideal youth as a balanced individual exhibiting a highly spiritual life informed by absolute moral values and whose behaviour demonstrates qualities such as righteousness, honesty, humility and conscientiousness in everything he/she does. In this regard the Qur'an has reminded us more than once that  "A man receives but only that for which he strives; that his endeavors will be judged, and only then will he receive his recompense in full." (Quran, 53:39-41)

Traditional Society

Historically, the older generation has managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs, worldviews and institutions to the younger members of their societies. This was achieved largely because of the impact of agencies of socialization,  such as the family,  religion and the schools. Today the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly the internet and the television.

Dominant Culture

What is the “Religious” Society in the truest sense? Is God’s help sought at all times or do we conveniently call on God on special occasions as a mere formality?

In my view, we are witnessing an erosion of traditional systems and institutions . As such the family and religion now have a minimal impact on the average youngster. The values emphasized today include  individualism, Godlessness, materialism, secularism and  rationalism.  It is the youth who are encountering the most serious challenge to his/her faith under the impact of godless culture of modernity. Best minds in our society are not socialized by religious  institutions. The emphasis is on competitiveness, academic success, career goals, income and  social mobility.  Little or no attention is given to preparing tomorrows leadership. There is no emphasis is placed on critical thinking , problem solving.  We are preparing  followers, imitators conformists, and not leaders, innovators or problem solvers. The youth is being asked to give up certain family and social values that were an integral part of their identity, and adopt in its place a sense of self-alienation, and become a self-estranged imitator of everything "modern". The status which the Islam has given to a Human being is so great that Allah SWT has described them as “Ashraful Maqluqaat”, means the best of the creations. This is the place Islam has given to a human being. Whereas the western world treats Humans as social animals. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper understanding of Islam and its teachings, the muslim youth is getting easily attracted towards the western culture. India is a country with the diversified cultures and every culture in India has the same value system. The Indian youth need to read and understand our culture so that they would not become the social animals.

Technology: internet and TV

We are witnessing a phenomenal advancement in technology over the last three decades, and our citizens are experiencing remarkable social and cultural change. This drastic change has generated psychological and social dislocations among many people. Moreover, technology has influenced the way we think about life in general and interpersonal human relations in particular. Certainly, religion should influence all aspects  of our life. It regulates our relationship to God and fellow human beings. When religion is made insignificant and is reduced to one among many other forms of cultural expressions, then meaningful existence and interpersonal relationships that are cultivated by its presence are threatened. In its place personal greed and intensified forms of  individuation breed self-centered and "first me" individualism. If these tendencies are not kept in check by concern for the well being of others, as taught by religion, it could lead to a self-serving, ego-centered individual.

Television in particular has gone beyond its mandate to assist the family and the school in providing visual aid and education to the young. It has taken upon itself to appeal to the destructive and disintegrative instincts, to provoke greed, unlimited self-gratification, and absence of moral restraint in its young audience.

There is a need for Muslims to join other religiously minded groups in the agitation for more responsible TV programming and more media coverage of the human condition without the celebration of outrage and obscenities.

Religious groups must create alternate avenues for recreation and social interaction. There should  be avenues where spiritual and social activities combine to make the average child a whole human being whose life is directed to God. Adults should ensure that he or she benefits and makes full use of the cultural resources of  his or her society. This is a delicate task, and much research and brainstorming need to take place before we arrive at solutions.

Education System

There is need for re-structuring of the education system, so as to minimize competition and rivalry and thereby reduce feelings of marginalisation and exclusion among low achievers. Also, there is need for reform of the curriculum so as to include universally desirable values that are necessary for producing well rounded, balanced and useful citizens.

Our present educational system has trivialized religious devotion and relativized moral commitment. Therefore, the youth of today does not have the moral guidance to be able to pursue the right course when faced with a moral dilemma.

Family

The parents, consequently, have to assume an active role in the moral development of their children. They need to become fully involved at every stage in the child's mental growth until he/she attains maturity. This involvement includes learning to communicate with the younger generation through their books and reading materials. Also, there is need for constructive entertainment and personal involvement in the selection of the types of entertainment (whether at home or outside). This is very critical and almost inevitable since there is enormous pressure on the children from outside their home to participate in undesirable activities.

According to study conducted recently, on the average urban Indian parents spend less than fifteen minutes a day in serious discussion with their children. Urban Indian fathers spend an average of five minutes per day of intimate contact with their children. Let us ponder about the undesirable effects of this trend of parental non-involvement and the absence of suitable alternatives.

Let us recognize that we have a serious challenge on our hands, to ensure that today’s children (tomorrow’s adults and Leaders) would experience a better world than we are living in today. We should all work towards this objective and not wait for a crisis to occur and then react, let us be prepared.

Khaleequr Rahman: Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Riyadh Chapter celebra...

Khaleequr Rahman: Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Riyadh Chapter celebra...: "Mohammed Azharuddin with the Indian Community Luminaries at Jamia Function in Riyadh(K.S.A.) Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association celebr..."

Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Riyadh Chapter celebrates 90th Foundation Day with Azharuddin M.P.

Mohammed Azharuddin with the Indian Community Luminaries at Jamia Function in Riyadh(K.S.A.)

Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association celebrated the 90th Foundation Day with great zeal and enthusiasiam on May 6, 2010 in the Capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh. The attained more significance for two reasons. One that the National Commission for Minorties Educational Institutions in India restored the Minority Character of Jamia under the Chairmanship of Justice M.S.A.Siddiqui saheb and the reason two is the presence of India's most stylish cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin as the Chief Guest of the function. Since the time Mohammed Azharuddin joined the politics, I am very happy to note that he is champoining the cause of Minorities issues. His attending the function shows his affinity towards the Jamia and his love for the Minority Educational institutions. I must also congratulate Mr.Murshid Kamal, President Jamia Millia Alumni-Riyadh Chapter for organising this historic function in a grand way very successfully. Azharuddin told the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association that it was time for Indian Muslims to stand together for the common good and educational advancement of the community. Mohammad Azharuddin made the comments on Friday at the Riyadh Palace Hotel where alumni were marking the Muslim university’s 90th anniversary. Azharuddin noted the significance of the minority institution status granted by Indian government that allows the university to reserve up to 50 percent and more seats for Muslims. “I congratulate Jamia Millia Islamia, its administration, its faculty, its illustrious alumni here in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries and all those associated with this great institution of learning for having being formally and legally recognized as a minority institution. This is a victory for all,” he said. “We have no hesitation in holding that Jamia was founded by the Muslims for the benefit of the Muslims and it never lost its identity as a Muslim minority educational institution,” National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Chairman Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui ruled when granting the special status.

Mohd.Khaleequr Rahman with Justice M.S.A.Siddiqui at a function in Hyderabad on May 6, 2011

in a conference Changes and Challanges in Education

The Inaugural Function of the Conference in Hyderabad (What a co-incidence one function in Riyadh and the other one in Hyderabad)

“This was a long-pending demand, and if it had been conceded earlier it would have resulted in the university going far ahead,” said Azharuddin. “It is a historic university, and it has played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence; the university had the greatest support from the country’s independence hero Gandhiji, and despite all the challenges that it has faced in all these 90 years it has done very well,” he said. As a member of Parliament, Azharuddin said he would lend full support for a similar status for Aligarh Muslim University. “These universities are among the oldest and most reputable universities. Efforts should be made to ensure that they remain committed to the vision with which they were created. I am very happy to note the prominent positions that Jamia alumni occupy in Saudi Arabia. This is a source of strength for the Indian community,” he said. Drawing a parallel from the game of cricket, he said many of the problems the Indian Muslim community faces are a result of the serious lack of team effort. “We are ready to take up your cases, and we are ready to fight, but the community needs to be united. If the team is not united, you don’t win matches. I can’t play on the front foot if I realize that there is not enough support in the back. I am then forced to play on the back foot,” he said much to the laughter of all those who gathered. He expressed his unhappiness at the turn of events at Aligarh Muslim University. “One gets upset when one keeps hearing about the frequent lockouts at the university. This is not a happy sign. All those who are working for the good of such universities should be supported to the fullest. We should not let our infighting harm the institution,” he said and admitted that “more than the outsiders it is the internal differences that are the greatest challenge to our institutions.” Prominent educator and industrialist Nadeem Tareen highlighted the good work being done by the Indian expat community on the education front. “There is a new awakening among Indian Muslims. They want to make rapid advancements in the educational field, and they are succeeding, both through individual and collective efforts,” he said and advised his fellow expats to explore more possibilities on how to make education available to those in less-literate areas of the country. He said differences were not necessarily a bad thing. “The old boys of Aligarh Muslim University disagreed with the university’s approach toward the freedom movement in the 1920s and hence launched Jamia Millia Islamia. It turned out to be a good decision — a blessing in disguise. There are lessons to be learned from how those with differing opinions conducted themselves in those days. For them the community’s interest was paramount, and that is how it should be even now.” JMI Alumni Association President Murshid Kamal recalled the circumstances through which the university came into existence and said the granting of the new status calls for greater effort to turn it into one of India’s Top 10 universities. “If we fail then our adversaries will have a reason to mock us. We should not provide them with a reason to say, ‘Look, didn’t we say they will make a mess out of themselves, and they did’ ... That should not happen.” The evening saw the presence of the who’s who of the Indian community in Riyadh. The evening was anchored with panache by M. Shahabuddin and Aftab Nizami thanked all those who turned up at the event.

I once again congratulate Mr.Murshid Kamal and his entire team for conducting and organising the functions in the Arab Land and contributing to the educational, Social and Cultural heritage of our country and his mother land.

Khaleequr Rahman: ALigarh Muslim University and its Tahzeeb- A matte...

Khaleequr Rahman: ALigarh Muslim University and its Tahzeeb- A matte...: "Aligarh Muslim University It is very unfortunate that the India's most prestegous University of the sub-continent, the pride of Muslims in..."

ALigarh Muslim University and its Tahzeeb- A matter of concern

Aligarh Muslim University

It is very unfortunate that the India's most prestegous University of the sub-continent, the pride of Muslims in India, was established by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan saheb in 1875 first as school which later became the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College and finally became the Aligarh Muslim University in 1920 and the university was granted the status of the Central Univerity by the act of the Parliament. We have been reading very disturbing news in the news papers and watching the news on the news every now and then about some disturbance or the other in the university which shakes the entire muslim community all over the world. The Aligarh Muslim University is among the world one of the most respected universities and this university has produced some of the best leaders, philontrophists, doctors, sportsmen etc. For the last few years, the problem of security has emerged as a potential threat to the very existence of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The recent closing down of the university third time in four years in sine die is a matter of concern. In spite of the praiseworthy efforts by the university administration the problem remains unresolved. The approach to tackle the problem is not in multi-dimensional framework. The study of the various interlinked factors is essential to understand the true nature of the security threat to the university.

The biggest security that AMU has had for a long period of time is the faith of the people towards this university as a “movement” started by the well wishers of the community for the social, educational, and political advancement of the Indian Muslims after 1857. For this reason no one used to think to damage the university at any level. But I feel that due to eroding sprit of Aligarian and love towards the university, this movement has been turning into a mere “Government Institution”.

For a movement people sacrifice a lot, serve without any interest and even spend millions for the betterment. Now this is a central government university, the emerging trend is to rob it as much as possible. No working culture, no sprit to serve, no responsibility towards the youth of the community, the motto is to get salary without work, create chaos in the campus to save own skin from the class teaching, crush talents to conceal own inability and employ own kith and kin on various posts, start crying if any one reminds them their duty. Are not all these a security threat to the very existence of the university?

The spirit of Aligarh that used to be started with “we” has been changed into “I”. No group work, no collective efforts, no brotherly love but the self interest effort and chanting slogan of regionalism to serve own vested interest. Would such approaches carry the Aligarh movement in the 21st century to serve the marginalized community of Sachar committee?

My interaction with the different groups of the students, the managment and the Court members have given me a true insight without being prejudice or partial t anybody, I personally feel and am of the strong opinion that the spirit of positive criticism seems to be completely absent in AMU today. If anyone tries to bring the drawback or offers constructive suggestion he’s considered the enemy and obstacle in the smooth running of administration. Many cases of suspension and rustications of the students and staffs in the past are the result of positive criticism. In any official meeting most of the participants remain mute spectator or yes-man rather than an active participant. And the reason is the intolerant attitude of the head towards the active positivist criticizer. In my opinion if AMU accepts the norm of positive criticism in all a sphere, many of the major problems would evaporate.

As we all know that there are some section of the media which is patronised to defame the muslims, their institutions and project them in the eyes of the world as a terrorist. But the majority of the media in our country is independent and report the facts. The present day some so called print and the electronic media which is under the control of the communalists has created negative image of the university in the mainstream of the nation. The undue interferences of media in the campus as compared to other universities played an important role in maligning the university and the students. The report of the Times of India about the university and the sting operation of the electronic media in the case of Prof Siras questions the role of media about AMU. The role of local media to highlight every petty issue on front page and no reporting or even back page reporting about the achievements of the university and students succeeded in projecting university as a center of anti-nationals and hub of criminals. The irresponsible statements of the office bearers of the university on certain issues also brought bad name to the university. Can any university in such negative media attention survive long to be a well acknowledged center of learning?

For the last few years, the group wars and media fight among the university staff degraded the university image among the Indian Muslims. The strength of the university is the unquestioned silent support of the Indian Muslims and the worldwide settled alumni of AMU. Every media coverage of internal fight and corruption makes them to bow down their head in shame and distance from the causes of the university. There seems to be a conspiracy to defame the University and malign its image by the vested interests.

The AMU is so important and so dear to Indian Muslims not due to as a center of learning but as a centre of training and vision making for the community. The people related to AMU should know that they are respected because of AMU has respect among the people. Their very much existence depends upon the existence of AMU. Their identity is due to AMU. Without AMU they are nothing but a person like other institutions of India.

What I have learnt from my interaction and the assessment of the situation that the security problem for the university is not from the general students who are passing their exams every year but are from those who are unsuccessful. These unsuccessful students not only create problem at every level but get involved in those activities which are against the interest of the university. They are used by some vested interest to create chaos and insecurity in the campus.  We can minimize the security threat of the campus by checking the students who are failure and involved in breaching of the university security.

In the light of above problem the need of hour is to remove all those hurdles by encouraging residential faculties at different points, give concession to the teaching staff and residential warden in HRA. The policy of constructing more residential halls for the students should now be stopped. The University should not be turned into a guest house or Sarai but it must remain a training center. The outdated courses should be removed or merged in related department in phase wise manner. The opening of one man faculties should be discouraged.

Another very disturbing fact and the reason for a great concern is that the Contracters has a nexus with soem kingpin in the administration and this is another group that is posing threat to the security of the university as for the last few years the dealing in real estate has emerged as a lucrative business. The large and valuable properties of the university are in the greedy eyes of the builders, dishonest officials and the land mafia. The nexus among these elements also limits the free and fair functioning of the University. This is not in the interest of the University to have vast properties under department of waqf and properties under a Member-in-charge (MIC). The MIC already has other responsibilities, having no time for the better planning of the properties. It was only during the time of former vice-chancellor Mr. Mehmoodur Rahman that this department worked very actively and recovered the lost properties of millions of rupees. The solution of this problem is the restructuring of the department of the properties under head of the Properties Officer (PO) with legal back ground. The publishing of the detail of all properties of the university after five years (after end of tenure of every vice-chancellor), the enclosing of all the open land, and planning to use the land of the university in the better ways are some another measures to check the security threat of the university. The studenst union always played an important role in security of University properties by bringing the issues related to the properties to the university administration.

The construction and repairing of the building in the university has also emerged a business of million rupees. The dubious role played by the building department in collusion with the contractors and suppliers make university buildings vulnerable. The unplanned construction in the campus is another matter of concern. The quality and expertise in construction and repairing has been compromised if one sees the background of the contractors who have been assigned responsibilities to construct or repair the building. Why is there such negligence attitude towards historical building of the University? The nexus among the different factors should be checked in time. Otherwise there would be very much problem for the university in the era of a week administration in future.

In the light of above discussed points, the need of hour is to adopt a precautionary policy of security rather than the policy of post event tackling of the situation. The egoistic and revengeful attitude should be discarded for the sake of the university. The role of the students associated with various political and non-political parties should be investigated. As the problems of security are in multi-dimensional frame work, the approach should also be in multi-dimensional to improve the security condition for peaceful academic environment of the university.

However, I am happy to learn that the University would now re-open on 18th March 2011 and I hope that the students and the all responsible concerned authorities would maintain the sanctity of the University which is very important as our identity in India and abroad. I know many Algarians and the city of Hyderabad is having the Aligarh Old Boys Association which is very active. The prominent student of the AMU in 1960's from our city was the Chief Editor of Rehnuma-e-Deccan Syed Vicaruddin saheb who has dedicated his life in the service of the community and I may not be wrong if I say that the urdu has always lived in his home and the very style and the content of his news paper, he never compromised on his principles. Thats the greatest qulaity of an Algarian. I may mention here that my respected father Janab Mohd.Khaleelur Rahman saheb, M.P. was the member of the AMU court from the Parliament for 6 years years and during his tenure as the member of the court, I had the privilege of visiting the university and interacting with the then VC Janab Hashim ALi Akhter saheb if I remember correctly, and this association of my father with the University has always kept me mentally and spiritually connected with the University. Another daring and former Students Union President Janab Mohd.Adeeb saheb is again a very humble person and always thoughful about the community and especially about the educational empowerment of the muslims. He is a daring and fearless orator.

The irony of the situation is that we fight among ourselves. I am happy that the VC has announced that the university will be re-open on May 18, 2011.