Hyderabad: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi declared that India has become a global center of education, driven by the synergy of modern technology and spiritual transformation. Speaking at a seminar on “Sociology of Subaltern Communities” at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Naqvi emphasized the nation’s educational evolution from ancient Gurukuls to the digital age of Google and artificial intelligence (AI).
Naqvi cited historical figures like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as exemplars of leadership shaped by perseverance and wisdom, not artificial means. Highlighting the transformative role of Muslims in India’s educational journey, Naqvi praised Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s pioneering efforts in the 19th century. Despite facing opposition, Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Naqvi likened Khan’s mission to a “digital revolution” of his time, aimed at integrating Muslims and marginalized communities into mainstream education.
Naqvi also lauded the potential of AI in revolutionizing education, particularly in addressing global learning disparities. He noted that AI-driven tools could personalize learning, streamline administrative tasks, and make education more accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries where 70% of children struggle with basic literacy by age 10. The seminar highlighted the critical role of education in bridging societal gaps and enabling inclusive growth, with a special focus on the contributions of Muslim leaders and communities to India’s educational landscape.
