The city of power looms marked an educational milestone with the inauguration of its first municipal digital classroom at the historic Municipal Urdu School. This achievement is a result of the concerted efforts of the MLA Raees Sheikh.
The newly introduced digital classroom aims to modernize municipal schools and level the playing field for students compared to private institutions. This initiative started at one of the oldest municipal Urdu schools, previously shut down due to inadequate facilities. The digital classroom features a 55-inch television for online learning, writing capabilities, a digital syllabus for grades 1 to 4, Wi-Fi, and CCTV cameras. The classroom’s walls are painted with vibrant colors and educational cartoons, creating an engaging environment.
The grand opening at School No. 65 was attended by former teachers, students, families, and local residents, who were impressed by the modern facility. MLA Raees Sheikh, who inaugurated the classroom, highlighted that Bhiwandi’s government schools would become a model for Maharashtra. He announced plans to implement similar digital classrooms in all municipal schools, with 20 schools in the Eastern constituency currently undergoing upgrades. School No. 65 is the first to be completed, and Sheikh committed to ensuring that municipal schools are equipped with facilities comparable to private institutions.
Previously, School No. 65, located on Kalyan Road in the As-Bibi area, operated for 63 years in a small, dilapidated room with minimal amenities, including a lack of drinking water and sanitation. Despite operating for over six decades, these needs were ignored by educational authorities. After media reports, the State Human Rights Commission ordered improvements, but instead, the corporation closed the school and relocated students. Responding to local protests and educational disruption, MLA Raees Sheikh recognized the need for a new building. He allocated ₹60 lakh for construction on nearby PWD land and ₹7.5 lakh for a digital classroom in the old building. While construction of the new building is ongoing, efforts to improve educational facilities continue.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / August 17th, 2024
The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) organized a national seminar on “Education Roadmap for the Community” on Sunday at the JSSS Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia University. The event was attended by notable educators, social leaders, vice-chancellors, deans, senior professors, and school principals from across the country, who discussed strategies to promote education and foster collaboration for national development.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (Government of India), praised AMP’s nationwide efforts in promoting education and employment, and expressed his support for such initiatives. He called upon organizations and individuals engaged in community development to collaborate and share their challenges and potential solutions. Mr. Lalpura reaffirmed the government and commission’s commitment to minority welfare and commended AMP’s career guidance and education-employment initiatives. He appreciated the AMP Career Chart displayed at Jamia for student career guidance, calling it a commendable step, and advised AMP to display charts of government welfare schemes in schools as well.
The keynote speakers at the seminar included:
– Dr. Khwaja M. Shahid (Former Vice-Chancellor, MANUU, Hyderabad)
– Professor Khan Masood Ahmad (Former Vice-Chancellor, KMCLU, Lucknow)
– Professor Furqan Qamar (Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Rajasthan and Central University of Himachal Pradesh)
– Prof. Dr. Rehan Khan Suri (Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Jamia Millia Islamia)
– Professor Wasim Ahmad Khan (Former Faculty, Department of Teacher Training & Non-Formal Education, Jamia Millia Islamia)
– Mrs. Fauzia Mumtaz (Principal, Crescent School)
– Professor Zubair Minai (Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia)
– Dr. Javed Alam Khan (Economist)
– Mrs. Bushra Khanam (Senior Journalist)
– Dr. Mohammad Arshad Khan (Principal, Jamia Senior Secondary School)
Each speaker shared their valuable insights on promoting educational empowerment within the community.
On this occasion, the AMP National Talent Search 2024 poster was also unveiled by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
The program was skillfully anchored by AMP’s National Head Coordination, Mr. Farooq Siddiqui, who highlighted AMP’s 17-year journey, supported by over 150 chapters and thousands of volunteers across India, dedicated to promoting educational awareness and employment.
AMP Delhi Chapter Head, Mr. Altamash Mohammad, welcomed the dignitaries and appreciated the contributions made by AMP under the leadership of its President, Mr. Aamir Edresy, over the past 17 years.
On this occasion, AMP also presented the AMP National Awards 2024 for Social Excellence to the Delhi NCR awardees. The honorees in the national category included:
– Institute of Objective Studies (IOS)
– Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR)
– Taraqqui Foundation
In the State NGO category, the following organizations were honored for their impactful work:
– Tasmia All India Educational and Welfare Society
– Muslim Education Foundation (MEF)
– Rahat Welfare Foundation
– The Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR)
– Hamari Sada Trust
– Rahbar Foundation
– Guncha Foundation
The individual changemaker awards recognized:
– Syed Mahmood Akhtar, IRS (Retd.)
– Syed Zubair Ahmad
– Advocate Maryam Fawzia Rahman
– Dr. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
– Zia us Salam
– Dr. Mohammad Arshad Khan
– Dr. Hasnain Akhtar
– Hammad Rahman
– Dr. Mohammad Shoaib Akram
– Professor Majid Jameel
– Ali Javed
– Wadood Sajid
– Abdul Majid Nizami
– Advocate Juneis Padalath
– Ashraf Ali Bastawi
– Senior Advocate M. R. Shamshad
– Fatima Khan
– Advocate Abubakr Sabbak
– Adil Meraj
Recipients of the AMP National Award for Excellence in Education 2024 from Delhi NCR included esteemed teachers:
– Prof. Furqan Qamar
– Professor Dr. Reshma Nasreen
– Dr. Irfanullah Farooqui
– Professor Arvinder Ansari
– Professor Nafees Ahmed
– Professor Nisar Khan
– Professor Sheema Aleem
– Rubina Gul Khan
– Fauzia Mumtaz
– Sumera Khan
– Dr. Mohammad Mukeet Khan
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by AMP Delhi Chapter Secretary, Dr. Aftab Alam, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, speakers, Jamia Millia Islamia administration, guests, media, and AMP Delhi team for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. Key members of AMP Delhi Core Team, including Monu Khan, Faizy Wasik, Adnan Khan, Shafi Ullah, Aftab Fazil, Mohammad Azharuddin, Shadab Ahmad, Arif Hussain, and Anwar Khursheed, provided exceptional support in organizing the program.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / IndiaTomorrow.net / Home> Education / by admin indiatomorrow / November 04th, 2024
Farooq Fayaz Bhat’s rise in life had a strong link with the place of his birth. The Sahitya Akademi award winner author and historian feels that being born in a locality that was adjacent to Habbakadal, a hub of theatrical activities in Kashmir back then, shaped his personality and mind.
Early in his life, he developed a keen interest in art and culture and gradually moved into the realms of literary criticism, particularly Kashmir’s folk cultural history.
More than five decades of his journey through theatre, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar (now AIR), and teaching, his zest for Kashmiri culture through history has earned him the Sahitya Akademi award for the Kashmiri language in 2022.
The author of many books in Kashmiri and English, Bhat was also conferred with the Jammu and Kashmir State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages award in 2009. He also taught history at the University of Kashmir where he retired as Professor of History a decade ago.
He was also the Director, UGC Academic Staff College.
Farooq Fayaz Bhat receiving the Sahitya Akademy award
“Zael Dab, for which he received the Sahitya Akademi award in 2022, is a collection of critical essays on literary personalities of Kashmir. It was adjudged “the best book”.
“For the first time I applied a particular critical theory and it was under the wide frame of a post-modern critical theory, neo-historicism”, Farooq Fayaz said while talking to Awaz-The Voice at his residence at Kanipora on the Srinagar outskirts. “I applied this theory to examine Kashmir’s wide range of writers. It was highly appreciated in literary circles with (at least) 14 reviews published in regional and national media by eminent writers”, he said.
Farooq Fayaz disclosed that he was “working on the second edition of ‘Zael Dab’ in which more contributors would be critically examined”. He hopes to publish it next year.
One of his current projects in which he is working is the Kashmiri translation of Romila Thapar’s “Early India History”, under the aegis of National Translation Mission, Mysore. He said he has completed the work and the book is in the process of printing by the Mission of the Government of India.
Another project of “rewriting the history of Kashmiri literature”, is at the hands of the critic and author, which has been completed up to Habba Khatoon, 16th century Kashmiri woman poet.
The Jammu and Kashmir State Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages awarded Farooq Fayaz for his book “Kashmiri Folklore: A Study in Historical Perspective” (English) in 2009. The book was picked up among 100 entries for the coveted award. The awards were given away on the literary works in 14 regional languages of the erstwhile State of J&K by the then Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
Prof Farooq Fayaz Bhat
This award-winning book was based on his Ph. D thesis under the guidance of renowned Prof Mohammad Ishaq Khan, with more additions to his work on the “Kashmir folklore as source information in an attempt to build a cultural history of Kashmir”, he said. Kashmiri folklore including “Baande paether” (street theater) and “Laddi Shah” have been the only oral evidence of folk culture in Kashmir, through which social and economic issues were being highlighted through street plays, mostly in the rural areas till the end of the last century. “Baande paether”, though being staged in some areas over the past two decades, has taken a back seat now.
Elaborating on his work, Farooq Fayaz said that the peasants, before 1947 were being humiliated and lived a hard life. “I studied and examined “Baande paether”, played by folk artists presenting their plight or torture, etc through their plays. It became a medium between the governments and the common man. I started decoding the coded language. Similarly, there is “Laddi Shah”, a story-telling musical genre, the art of traditional humorous folk singing by minstrels wandering (for alms during harvest season) from place to place. He also referred to the Wanwun, and Rauff, folk songs by Kashmiri women on marriage or other occasions, in his endeavor to build the cultural history of Kashmir.
Farooq Fayaz lamented that women were “marginalized” as there were illustrations of only 13 women who had been directly or indirectly associated with “Durbar”, adding there have been a large number of such women. “I highlighted the plight of Kashmiri women in feudal structure. How they suffered and how they have shown their miseries and plight….all these things were added to the thesis”, he said referring to the award-winning book.
His publications include (a) “Zaban Adab Te Tawareekh”(Language, Literature, and History), (b) Folklore and History of Kashmir, (c) Kashmir Folklore-A Study in Historical Perspective, (d) Zael Dab (Collection of Critical Essays), (e) Fazil Kashmiri (Monograph-Kashmiri) and (f) Ameer Shah Kreeri (Monograph-Kashmiri).
Some books authored by Prof Farooq Ahmed Bhat
Born on April 16, 1954, in Sathu Barbarshah, Farooq Ahmad who is known by his pen name Farooq Fayaz (Bhat), he got schooling at the local Government schools and the nearby SP Higher Secondary School and graduated from S P College in 1973. From early childhood, he was exposed to the “hub of theatrical activities” from the nearby Kralkhud to the Habbakadal area.
“The area was dominated by learned Kashmiri Pandits, great luminaries, having knowledge of Persian, Sanskrit (Urdu as well) theatrics and cultural activities. In the S P college, “there were teachers of eminence whose teachings influenced my passion for writing”, Farooq Fayaz said and referred to many teachers like Prof Mohiuddin Hajini, who was regarded as an authority on Arabic, Urdu, and Kashmir languages, Prof L N Dhar, History, Prof Manzoor Fazili (Political Science) and Prof Ghulam Nabi Firaq.
He was also a regular contributor to the prestigious college magazine, Pratap. With encouragement from the learned men in the vicinity and teachers in the college, Fayaz Farooq developed an “immense literary taste” and got associated with theatrical activities in and outside J&K. In the 1970s and ’80s, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar (AIR) being the “biggest attraction for writers and talented” persons, provided a platform for literary and cultural activities.
“I got motivated to work on the literary history of Kashmir and developed an interest in literature”, he said. Initially, he became a member of Rangmanch Dramatic Club, performing in J&K and also outside in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, and other places, where the audiences comprised mostly people from Bollywood.
However, his keen interest in History and language led him to pursue a master’s degree in the subject from the University of Kashmir, followed by a Diploma course in Kashmiri language at the newly set up Department (Later, PG Deptt) of Kashmiri at The University of Kashmir. Having served as a school teacher for about five years, Farooq Fayaz, also worked as a Translation Executive at Radio Kashmir, Srinagar from 1989 to 1992. He joined the Department of History as a Lecturer in 1992 and superannuated as a Professor at the University of Kashmir in 2014.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / May 29th, 2024
The Indian group intends to expand further in Saudi Arabia, with schools and other educational institutions, into cities like Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Madinah.
(Photo: Shaheen Group)
Jeddah:
Following the footsteps of leading educational institutions from Europe and the United States, India’s Shaheen Group is now preparing to enter the Saudi market. Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global education hub, aligned with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030, is rapidly gaining momentum as several prominent academic institutions establish campuses in the Kingdom.
Shaheen Group, based in Karnataka, has achieved impressive results in medical and engineering entrance exams across southern India, known for its strong educational standards.
The group has long been a preferred choice for many NRI students from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, who study in India to bypass domicile norms and improve their chances of securing spots in professional courses such as medicine and engineering. However, the Shaheen Group’s move to Saudi Arabia aims to address this issue by bringing quality education directly to the Kingdom.
India group expands with new school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The Indian group of educational institutions plans to open a new school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering classes from Kindergarten through to Class 12, alongside integrated coaching for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and the CA Foundation.
Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions, Dr Abdul Qadeer, announced the ambitious project, likely to begin operations in March 2025, pending the completion of building and accreditation processes. The school will be located in either Malaz or Sulemaniya.
Additionally, the Indian group intends to expand further in Saudi Arabia, with schools and other educational institutions, into cities like Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Madinah.
At an academic event in Riyadh, Dr Abdul Qadeer highlighted that a large number of NRI students from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries enrol in Shaheen Group institutions across Karnataka, Telangana, and other regions of India.
Dr Abdul Qadeer also revealed the new leadership team in Saudi Arabia. Syed Wayez Ahmed has taken on the role of managing director for the group in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Mohammed Zaki will take on the role of vice president of operations for Saudi Arabia, while Fahad Saleh Al Jurais will serve as the HR and administrative director and Sarah Mohammed Al Sharief will be the director of the Riyadh school.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Middle East / by Irfan Mohammed / November 03rd, 2024
Since its founding in 2019, the Women Education and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) has empowered 8,257 women and now aims to reach 50,000 more in the next three years. TWEET also announced plans to host a National Women NGOs Conclave in April 2025 to foster capacity building, collaboration, and effective resource utilisation.
At a press conference held here Sunday, TWEET’s Chairperson, Rahamathunnissa A. shared the organisation’s vision to promote social and economic empowerment of women, enabling them to lead dignified lives with equal participation in society. She emphasised TWEET’s mission to support women in need, tackle the root causes of women’s issues, and offer comprehensive support through multifaceted initiatives.
A five-year progress report was also presented, with highlights of the programmes and areas where women have benefited under TWEET’s initiatives.
Educational Empowerment:
TWEET believes that education is the foundation of empowerment. The organisation offers merit-based scholarships for girls to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions domestically and abroad. The one-year campaign “Freedom from Illiteracy” from August 2022 to July 2023 mobilised educated women to teach non-literate women nationwide, extending literacy to underserved communities.
Economic Empowerment:
To promote economic independence, TWEET supports small business ventures such as boutiques, tiffin services, and cosmetic shops, as well as home-based businesses like detergent units.
TWEET’s support has empowered many women to become self-sufficient, enabling them to start sustainable businesses. Moreover, training sessions equip women with skills to establish their own start-ups, creating additional income for their families.
Emotional and Financial Support to Widows:
Recognising the challenges faced by women who have lost their spouses, TWEET provides counselling and financial support, ensuring they can live dignified lives.
Mahila Help Desk
This initiative empowers women by raising awareness about various government welfare schemes and guiding them to access these benefits. This programme helps women achieve financial stability by utilising government support for their livelihoods, paving the way toward a dignified and self-sufficient life.
Life Skills and Safety Programmes:
Collaborating with Special Police Unit for Women and Children, Delhi Police, TWEET conducted self-defence training programmes for girls and women. Through sensitisation initiatives, TWEET raises awareness about women’s rights and social issues, including domestic violence, empowering women to advocate for themselves and their communities.
TWEET provides internship opportunities for female students from diverse disciplines and has also established a hostel to support both students and working women.
The press meet was also addressed by TWEET General Secretary Shaista Rafat, and Treasurer Dr. Sharnas Muthu.
TWEET also announced the unanimous election of the following trustees as office-bearers for the next three-year term.
Chairperson: Rahamathunnissa A, an educationist, writer, and trainer Vice Chairperson: Zeba Zaferali Baig, a social worker and counselling expert General Secretary: Shaista Rafat, an expert in grassroots development Secretary: Rajeena Beegum, an educationist and social worker Treasurer: Dr. Sharnas Muthu, specializing in psycho-social and legal support
The extended team includes Khalida Parveen, a social worker; Dr. Jueria Reemi, a healthcare specialist, and Fakhira Atheeqe, a social entrepreneur working with women and children with special needs.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 27th, 2024
Iqra Farooq Bhat, from Zakura, Srinagar, has secured the highest rank in the Kashmir region and the second rank overall in Jammu and Kashmir in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service examination.
Daughter of a tailor, Iqra invested three years in intensive self-study to prepare for this challenging exam. She shared her passion for making a positive impact, saying, “I have always wanted to reach a position where I can make a difference.”
Despite financial constraints, Iqra remained focused, proving that determination and self-guided learning can overcome obstacles. Unlike many who attended coaching centres, she chose to prepare independently through online resources.
“I didn’t opt for coaching and believe it’s unnecessary if you can effectively utilise the internet. It provided me with everything I needed,” she explained.
Iqra’s journey was challenging, especially due to her family’s limited finances. Her father, Farooq Ahmed, faced hardships at times, yet Iqra’s parents continually supported her.
“My mother and father never let me feel the weight of our financial struggles. Their belief in my potential kept me motivated,” she recalled.
After receiving her exam results, she expressed relief and gratitude: “I wasn’t sure I’d rank this high, but I’m thankful to Allah for this blessing.”
Ahmed said, “Every parent strives to do their best for their children. My daughter worked hard, and God has rewarded her.”
Iqra, who has been driven by a desire to help others since childhood, is committed to serving her community. “I want to support future aspirants and remind them not to lose hope. Even if they don’t qualify the first time, they can continue working hard,” she said.
She explained, “Coming from a humble background doesn’t mean you can’t dream big. You can succeed with the right resources. My family supported me financially, emotionally, and materially. Coaching can guide you, but ultimately, it’s your effort that matters.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / October 31st, 2024
The Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF), a prominent educational organisation operating in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has been honored with the prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Award this year.
The Karnataka state government recognized MEIF’s significant role in revolutionizing education within the Muslim community across both districts. Founded by former Higher Education Minister of Karnataka, BA Mohidin, MEIF’s commendable efforts in education for the past 22 years have earned them this esteemed accolade.
In response to the educational gaps prevalent among Muslims in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Mohidin initiated free English classes within mosques’ madrasas during daytime. The positive reception from the community led to Jamaats in undivided Dakshina Kannada establishing English medium schools within Madrasa premises.
Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Mohidin conceptualized the Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF) in 2001.
Today, MEIF comprises 180 English medium schools and pre-university colleges across Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, catering to 60,000 students and employing 6,250 teachers. Notably, students of all communities and religions study in these institutions.
MEIF’s mission centers on the belief that education is pivotal for development and strives to empower Muslim community, through education.
The Federation extends guidance to member-school boards on administrative matters and conducts regular training sessions for teachers, students, and parents across its five zones.
MEIF’s concerted efforts have yielded remarkable results in annual examinations, with an impressive 83 percent of students achieving distinction and first-class grades in recent years. Furthermore, pre-university students have displayed consistent improvements in their academic performances.
Operating with government approval, MEIF’s private unaided schools, primarily located in rural areas, maintain affordable tuition fees. Financially disadvantaged students receive free education, while others are charged nominal fees.
Additionally, MEIF facilitates 174 SSLC students’ admission to prominent PU colleges in the districts, supporting over 300 eligible rural students in securing free seats in technology institutes in Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
MEIF has also been instrumental in adding interest among high school students in civil service careers, organizing training sessions to enhance their skills. Over the past three decades, MEIF has played a pivotal role in enhancing literacy rates and women’s education in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Founder-chairman of MEIF and esteemed educationist PA Khader Kukkady significantly contributed to the Federation’s development.
Following his tenure, Mohammed Beary Yedapadavu assumed the role of chairman, steering MEIF to greater heights.
Retired officer Moosabba P Beary is currently running the Federation successfully as its President.
Umar Teekay serves as the honorary chairman of MEIF, while Syed Mohamed Beary is the chief advisor. Riyaz Ahmed Kannur is the current general secretary of the federation.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> India / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023
The Karnataka Government on Wednesday named Dr. Thumbay Moideen, son of prominent community leader late B. Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, among the recipients of this year’s Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award. A prominent alumnus of St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru, Dr. Moideen has earned widespread recognition in the UAE and beyond for his contributions to higher education and healthcare.
Dr. Moideen founded the THUMBAY Group in 1997, a diversified international conglomerate that has since expanded into health education, healthcare services, and medical research. In 1998, he became the first Indian invited by the rulers of Ajman to establish a medical college in the UAE. This institution has now grown into a university with its own network of hospitals, clinics, medical centers, and pharmacies throughout the country.
Dr. Moideen has been featured in respected publications, including Forbes Middle East and Arabian Business. His achievements have also been recognized with an Honorary Fellowship from the International Medical Sciences Academy (IMSA) and an honorary doctorate from Amity University.
The Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, also known as the Rajyotsava Prashasti, is the second highest civilian honor in Karnataka, India. The award is given annually to recognize citizens of Karnataka and others who have contributed to the state in various fields: Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service, and Public Affairs.
The award is presented on November 1, the day of the state’s establishment, which is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 30th, 2024
SDM-IMD alumnus Feroze Azeez seen with Dr. S. N. Prasad, Director, SDM-IMD, Dr. S. Saibaba, Faculty-Marketing and Gururaj, Manager – Admissions.
Feroze Azeez, Deputy CEO of Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., and an alumnus of SDM-IMD, Mysuru, has received the IMC Young Alumni Award for his professional achievements at the India Management Conclave by MBAUniverse held at XLRI, Jamshedpur last month.
The previous awardees include top achievers from the IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR etc.
Feroze Azeez is the son of A.K. Azeez and Rukhsana Azeez of Mysuru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 23rd, 2024
A recent workshop for children’s writers and authors, organized by the Institute of Study and Research Delhi (ISRD), highlighted the urgent need for quality Islamic literature for children and called for initiatives to train the youth and new generation in this endeavour.
Held at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters here, the workshop was attended by over 50 research scholars and individuals interested in children’s literature, affiliated with institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and the Education Department of the Delhi Government, with nearly half of the participants being women, some of whom have been working in the field of children’s literature for several decades. ISRD, which conducted the workshop, has been actively promoting Islamic thought and encouraging writing and authorship through various programmes for the last more than five years.
Speaking on the occasion, AIMPLB spokesperson and editor of the monthly Urdu magazine Afkar-e-Milli Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, critically reviewed children’s Islamic literature under the title “Reimagining Children’s Islamic Literature: A Critical Analysis for Modern Needs.” He emphasized that today, the primary goal of acquiring knowledge and education has become mainly about obtaining good jobs and accumulating wealth, which fosters a materialistic approach and attitudes among children. He stressed that education should focus on developing children into good human beings, ethical individuals, and righteous Muslims.
ISRD secretary Asif Iqbal presented a survey conducted among 254 children in the area to understand their reading habits. Through a PowerPoint presentation, he highlighted key findings, noting that children demonstrate a keen interest in reading books and still place high value on printed materials. Both parents and teachers should adopt a positive and proactive role in fostering children’s reading habits. He pointed out that children tend to read more in Hindi and English compared to Urdu, indicating a need for special attention in this area, likely due to education in English schools.
While it is true that screen time on mobile devices reduces children’s reading time, authors and publishers should consider how to capture children’s attention through mobile platforms to make their content accessible.
The survey revealed that children enjoy reading adventure stories, Islamic history, and fiction, with a particular interest in Islamic heroes in the current context. Parents provide children with books, and they often receive books as gifts. Notably, children are also purchasing books with their pocket money, which is commendable and should be encouraged further. There remains a significant preference for reading printed books compared to e-books and audiobooks.
However, the question persists: to what extent are we meeting the needs of children in the community? While it is a fact that children engage with online games, social media, and various internet content, they also recognize that books play an essential role in their lives, and they express a desire to read. They prefer simple and accessible language along with colourful, graphic books available at affordable prices. Authors and publishers should focus on these aspects.
In his presidential address, renowned Islamic scholar and author of more than 100 books, Dr Muhammad Raziul-Islam Nadvi, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, emphasized that children’s authors should keep three key principles in mind: (1) While writing stories, consider the tastes and psychology of children, subtly incorporating Islamic values, teachings, and culture into their works; (2) present credible material, particularly regarding Islam, and avoid incorrect or misleading information; (3) use very simple and accessible language.
Dr Raziul-Islam Nadvi noted that during the initial period of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, its members produced quality religious literature for children, but there has been a decline in this area over time. However, he affirmed that renewed attention is now being given to this vital aspect.
Renowned children’s author Mohammad Siraj Azeem, founder secretary of All India Adab-e-Atfal Society Delhi, delivered a lecture titled “Exploring Pluralistic Society and Its Impact on Children Amid Increasing Extremism.” He highlighted several factors contributing to extremist tendencies in children: 1) the destruction of the joint family system, 2) parents’ indifferent relationships and callous connections with their children, 3) uncontrolled technological advancements and excessive use of electronic gadgets, including mobile devices by children, and 4) various pressures from parents, the environment, or technology. Addressing the question of how tendencies towards violence arise in children, he urged parents to connect well with their children, give them ample attention, and focus on their all-round training and nurturing, as parents serve as crucial role models for their children, thus they should demonstrate the best conduct and behaviour.
The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr Saleemullah Khan, Delhi state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Following this, experts delivered insightful lectures on various aspects of children’s literature.
Maulana Inaamullah Falahi, associated with the JIH Markazi Taleemi Board, spoke on “The Need and Importance of Children’s Literature in the Light of Islamic Values.” Dr Shadab Musa, JIH Assistant Secretary, presented on ‘Understanding Stages of Cognitive and Intellectual Development in Children’.
Dr Faizan Shahid discussed “The Effects of Short Stories on the Psychological, Social, and Moral Growth of Children .”
The workshop consisted of three sessions, moderated by Noor-ul-Islam Rahmani, Naim Raza, and Muhammad Maaz. All participants were awarded certificates.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin india tomorrow / October 23rd, 2024
