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