New Delhi: At a national convention titled “Strategies and Planning for Educational Renaissance,” prominent academics and experts emphasized that a lack of education jeopardizes a community’s honor and survival. The event, organized by Empower India Trust (Regd.) on October 19, highlighted the urgent need for educational reform.
Founder Trustee and Chairman of Empower India Trust, Mohammed Khalid Khan, underscored the transformative power of education, stating it uplifts, develops, and empowers individuals to advocate for their rights and honor. He lamented the low rate of higher education in India, which stands at approximately 13%, placing the country below the top 10 most educated nations globally. “We must reorder our priorities to empower both the community and the nation,” he remarked, noting that an action plan would soon be developed with the support of like-minded organizations.
The convention also introduced Empower India’s pilot project offering vocational paramedical courses at its training center and announced plans for a new Law College of Excellence, currently under construction in Gursahaiganj, 1.5 kilometers from the North Eastern Railway station.
Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, Chairman of the Zakat Foundation of India, chaired the proceedings and emphasized the need to leverage existing state and federal government programs, which many students are unaware of. He expressed concern that this lack of awareness prevents students from benefiting from valuable resources.
Moulana Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, a former Member of Parliament, advocated for establishing educational institutions in rural areas. Prof. Dr. Vipin Kumar Tripathi stressed the importance of quality education, while Prof. Rehan Khan Suri, Director at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training and Placement Officer at Jamia Millia Islamia, declared, “Education is not a charity; it is a responsibility.” He highlighted that the educational attainment of minorities currently stands at less than 6%, emphasizing the need for targeted collaboration and support at the district level.
Suri also pointed to the Prime Minister Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) as a valuable program that should be fully utilized. He noted that the rapidly changing workforce necessitates innovative, timely courses to prepare students for future challenges.
Prof. S. M. Ishtiyaq from IIT Delhi advised educators to instill a sense of love for God in students rather than fear. He called for strong foundational education at primary and secondary levels. Educationist Ms. Sameen Adeeb emphasized a comprehensive approach to education and the need for community engagement to develop life skills in children and provide teacher training programs.
Advocate ZK Faizan stressed the importance of learning history to combat prejudice and misinformation, while University of Imphal Professor Afroz ul Haq highlighted the significance of experiential learning.
Col. Syed Javed Mohammed Jaffrey discussed the importance of work opportunities beyond secondary education, while Advocate Fuzail Ayoobi raised concerns about the lack of qualified professionals in specialized fields. Mofas Saheb called for a collaborative approach across various sectors to enhance educational outcomes.
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Education, emphasized the global respect accorded to educated individuals, echoing the sentiment that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Former Information Commissioner Dr. MM Ansari expressed alarm at the educational gap faced by the Muslim community, noting they lag 10 years behind the national average. He pointed out the high dropout rate in higher education, attributing it to the financial burden and challenges of sustaining higher education.
Activists Professor Kohli and Mohd. Naseem also stressed the need for collaboration among institutions, NGOs, and other organizations to foster national growth.
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