INDIA :
The All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) has officially unveiled the final list of “40 Under 40 Leaders” — a landmark initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of Muslim leaders in India. The announcement follows one of the most exhaustive and merit-based selection processes in the nation’s recent history, spanning a year-long journey and involving multiple stages of evaluation.
From 950 Applications to 40 Leaders
The initiative drew an overwhelming response, with approximately 95 applications from across the country. Candidates came from diverse fields — education, politics, corporate leadership, engineering, medicine, activism, journalism, law, research, academia, entrepreneurship, economics, Shariah scholarship, counselling, motivational speaking, Ulemas, students and governance.
The journey began with a meticulous application process, requiring detailed documentation of qualifications, achievements, contributions to society, and personal background. Based on rigorous assessment criteria, 215 applicants were shortlisted for personal interviews.
An expert panel then conducted comprehensive interviews, narrowing the field to 112. Following further scrutiny, 105 exceptional candidates earned a place in the in-person finale for 4 days.
Four Days of Intense Evaluation in Bengaluru
In India’s startup capital, Bengaluru, hosted the four-day in-person selection event.
Candidates participated in group discussions, parliamentary-style debates, and collaborative tasks designed to assess both individual brilliance and teamwork capabilities.
Organizers also closely evaluated their commitment to nation-building, sincerity towards the Community, Human Relations and personal discipline
From this stage, 70 leaders were selected, each awarded a Certificate of Leadership in addition to a Certificate of Participation.
Silent Assessment for the Final 40
On July 1, 2025, the same day as the 70 Leaders’ announcement, AIMDC formed an Adhoc (Consultation) Committee of 40 Under 40 Leader blending self-nominated leaders and organizer nominations.
They were asked to pick two projects of their interest from a curated list of initiatives aligned with Community and nation-building. The objective: evaluate their decision-making capabilities, foster team bonding, spark brainstorming, and plant the foundational seeds of advanced leadership skills.
Unbeknownst to many participants, this period doubled as an “invisible” final evaluation. Organizers monitored sincerity, akhlaaq (good character), ikhlaas (pure intentions), punctuality, and the ability to follow through on commitments. Participation in educational events, organizational skills, and collaborative spirit were also critical factors in determining who would advance.
The Final 40 — India’s Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow
After months of observation, assessment, and engagement, AIMDC has now announced the final 40 Under 40 Leaders — individuals under the age of 40 whose vision, expertise, and dedication position them as catalysts for positive change.
We were truly overwhelmed by the remarkable talent, dedication, and vision demonstrated by all 70 leaders who participated in the process. After a rigorous evaluation, the final 40 leaders selected under the 40 Under 40 Initiative will form the National Executive, serving as the strategic and driving force of the initiative.
Recognizing the immense value and potential of the remaining 30 outstanding leaders, we have proudly welcomed them as members of the National 40u40 Team. They will play a pivotal role in executing projects and events at all levels, ensuring our mission reaches communities across the country and contributes meaningfully to nation-building.
“This initiative is more than a recognition program — it is the foundation of a Change,” said an AIMDC Gen Secretary. – Mohammed Imthiyaz “These leaders represent the intellectual, moral, and strategic strength needed to guide our community and contribute meaningfully to the nation.”
“I came here thinking I would meet other young leaders. I leave knowing I am part of a network, a brotherhood and sisterhood of purpose,” said one of the selected leaders from Maharashtra.
“The process was humbling. It wasn’t just about our CVs — it was about our character, our sincerity, and our ability to work for something bigger than ourselves,” added another finalist from Kerala.
Sidebar: Fields of Expertise Represented in the Final 40
• Education Specialists
• Politicians & Policy Advocates
• Corporate Leaders & Entrepreneurs
• Engineers & Doctors
• Activists & Journalists
• Legal Experts & Researchers
• Shariah Scholars & Counsellors
• Motivational Speakers & Coaches
• Economic Policy Experts
• Ulemas
• Students
Names of the Selected Candidates:
Afza Khan
Imaan Hawwa Hafiz
Amreen Farooq
Juveriya Sarkar
Amrin Ayaz Shaikh
K. HAJIRA SULTHANA
Areefa ali
Ramsa Jaan
B Seeni Rahfu Nisha
Raniya Zulaikha
Fathima Saba
Rikza Pervez
Gulzar Karishma Malik
Shabnam Mohammed Akbar Khan
Hina Fatima Sarfraz Ali Sayed
Zulekha S Rajani
Mufti Yahya Moin Samar
Mohd Imad Ali
Abdul Gani Nadeem Punjabi
Mohd Ovais
Adil kampoo
Mohd Zeeshan
Afsar Rayeen
Mossab Mustafa Khan
Asadullah Waliullah Khan
Muhammed Rafi KE
Asiruddin Shaikh
Mujtaba Muneeb
Dr Bilal Sheth
Nawaz S
Dr Mirza Alamdar Ali Baig
Nouman Alam
Fahad Abdul Basit Hani
Ramiz Abdul Wadood
Khan Abdur Rehman
Reyaz Haider
Md Faizan
Sarfaraz Khan
Md Faizan Ahmad
Sarfraj Nawaj
Md Faizul Bari
Seemab Qayyum
Md Fateen Raza
Shaaz ahmed faruqui
Md Hifzur Rahman
Shaik Shabeer
Md Osama
Sharukh Syed
Md Sadaf Kamran
Sheikh Khurshid Alam
Md Saleh Umar
Suhaim ul islam
Md Yazdani Feroze
Syed Ansar Ali
Meer Faisal
Syed Hamid Ali Moin
Mohamed Maaz
Syed Shoaib Qasim
Mohammad Aamir Ansari
Syed Umar Ahmed
Mohammad Abdul Ahad
Tariq Abdullah Akhon
Mohammed Aftab Ahamed
Umar Farooq Masoodi
Mohammed Feroz
Wafi Shihad
Mohammed Gulam Ahmed Khan
Yusuf Mohamedy
Mohammed Ismail
Zubair Ahmed
About AIMDC’s Vision
The All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) is committed to fostering leadership that serves both the Community and the nation with excellence, integrity, and unity. The 40 Under 40 Leaders Initiative is envisioned as an incubator for change-makers, equipping them with networks, mentorship, and the moral compass required to navigate the complex challenges of modern society with Collective Efforts
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslims> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / August 16th, 2025