– Abdul Bari Masoud
In a year overshadowed by allegations of corruption, irregularities, and paper leaks in the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), community-run medical coaching facilities have emerged as beacons of hope. These centers, serving underprivileged students, including the Shaheen Group of Institutions (Bidar), Rahmani 30 (Patna), Al-Ameen Mission (Howrah), and Brainy and Bright Academy (Lucknow), have delivered remarkable results, offering a lifeline to many aspiring medical professionals.
These centers have become a source of inspiration and a powerful force for socio-economic change, particularly within the Muslim community. Their success stories demonstrate the impact dedicated individuals can have on transforming lives, often succeeding where political initiatives fall short.
Shaheen Group of Institutions: A Leading Light
Bidar-based Shaheen Group of Institutions has solidified its reputation as a premier educational establishment. With over 16,000 students, Shaheen PU College has excelled in this year’s NEET, with projections indicating that around 550 students will secure government MBBS seats.
Noteworthy achievements include eight students scoring above 700 out of 720. Muhammad Ibrahim Altaf, Khan Safwan Muhammad Asif, and Shifa Shamim each scored 705 points, while Rumaisa Ali Khan scored 701 points. Others like Maniyar Muhammad Bashar, Rohit, Khan Abibullah Mansoor, and Rishikesh Kamathikar achieved 700 points. The college’s overall performance includes:
– Three students scoring 705 marks.
– Eight students scoring above 700.
– Thirty-eight students scoring above 680.
– 161 students scoring above 650.
– 431 students scoring above 600.
– 666 students scoring above 575.
Since 2008, Shaheen has secured more than 4,200 government seats in medical, engineering, and other professional courses. Dr. Abdul Qadeer, founder chairman of Shaheen Group, attributes this success to a focused and supportive environment that minimizes distractions. He also highlighted Bidar’s transformation into an educational hub, attracting students nationwide and reviving its historical significance as a center of learning.
Al-Ameen Mission: A Legacy of Transformation
Founded in 1987, Al-Ameen Mission in West Bengal has significantly impacted underprivileged communities. Despite being one of the state’s most socially backward groups, Muslims have benefitted immensely from the Mission’s coaching programs. This year, 11 students scored between 700 and 715 marks, and 450 students scored above 625 in NEET.
M Nurul Islam, founder-chairman of Al-Ameen Mission, recounted the organization’s humble beginnings and its growth into an influential institution with 76 branches and 12,000 residential students. Inspired by other educational missions, the Al-Ameen Mission continues to uplift the community through education.
Rahmani 30: A Model of Excellence
In Bihar, Rahmani 30’s medical programs have consistently produced outstanding results. This year, the center saw a 52% increase in students scoring 600+ in NEET, with 70 students (24%) achieving this milestone. The success was particularly notable among female students, 64% of whom scored 600+.
CEO Fahad Rahmani attributes this success to the integrated approach of Rahmani 30, which combines regular academic classes with specialized coaching, mock tests, and personalized doubt-solving sessions.
Brainy and Bright Academy: A Promising Start
The Brainy and Bright Academy in Lucknow, established in 2023, has already shown impressive results. In its first year, 13 out of 40 students scored over 600 marks in NEET, and 17.75% scored above 500 marks. Director Syed Tanveer Ahmad emphasized the academy’s commitment to providing a supportive and ethical environment for students, aided by partnerships and modern facilities.
A Bright Future Amid Challenges
On May 5, over 24 lakh students appeared for NEET at 4,750 centers across 571 cities, including 14 international locations. Despite concerns about irregularities, the success of these community-run centers highlights the potential for education to transform lives and communities, providing a blueprint for future initiatives.