The founder and General Secretary of the West Bengal-based Al-Ameen Mission, M. Nurul Islam, was awarded the ‘Sir Syed Award’ by the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) in their 28th International Convention on Education and Gala Award programme held in Bhubaneswar recently. Amidst standing ovation, Mr. Islam received the award from the president of the organisation, SirajThakor. After receiving the award, Nurul Islam expressed gratitude for honouring him and said that he was overwhelmed by this prestigious award. He believed the award was meant for his colleagues who had dedicated their lives for the mission of Al-Ameen Mission. Without them, the Mission could not have reached thepresent position, Islam observed.
Nurul Islam said, “When we began our journey, the percentage of Muslims in higher education was only 2 to 3 per cent in West Bengal while the population was roughly 25 per cent. Now the percentage in professional courses like medical, engineering etc has increased to 20 to 25 per cent. With great satisfaction, we can say that maximum students come from Al-Ameen Mission. When we started, we had several models in front of us. Ramakrishna Mission showed us the way and Al-Ameen Education Society of Bangalore boosted our morale. At the same time, I was influenced by the Aligarh Movement and its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. A social reformist, historian, and philosopher, Sir Syed laid the foundation of modern scientific education in undivided India. Besides, he was among those early pioneers who recognised the critical role of education in the empowerment of the poor and backward Muslim community.” Mr. Islam added, “We believe firmly on that verse of the Qur’an, where Allah said, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of the people until they change what is in them.”
AFMI is a philanthropic, service based and issue-orientated organization formed in 1989. It strives to work towards the educational and economic uplift of Indian Muslims by seeking cooperation among American and Indian relief and educational organizations.
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