New Delhi: EmpowerIndia Trust organized a national convention titled “Strategies and Planning for Educational Renaissance” at India Islamic Cultural Centre on Saturday evening.
Mohammed Khalid Khan, Founder Trustee and Chairman of EmpowerIndia, emphasized the transformative power of education, stating that it elevates, develops, and enlightens individuals while empowering them to fight for their rights, honour, and survival. He expressed concern that India is not ranked among the top 10 most educated countries in the world, and highlighted the need to prioritise education to empower both the community and the nation.
As part of its efforts, EmpowerIndia Trust has launched a pilot project, establishing a vocational training centre offering various paramedical courses such as Diplomas in Hospital Nursing and Midwifery, Medical Lab Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Radiology and Imaging Technology, Physiotherapy, Electrocardiogram, and Emergency Treatment. The trust also aims to establish a Law College of excellence.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, Chairman of Zakat Foundation of India, who urged the utilisation of state and central government schemes, noting that many students are unaware of these beneficial programmes. He stressed the importance of making students aware of such schemes through proper counselling and information sharing.
Prof. Rehan Khan Suri, Director of Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Jamia Millia Islamia, highlighted that education is not a charity but a responsibility. He pointed out that Right to Education Act, 2009 provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, yet the educational attainment among minorities remains below 6%. He called for focused collaboration and support from organisations at the district level to improve educational outcomes.
Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, former Deputy Speaker of the Exile Government of Tibet, emphasized the importance of a learning environment at home, blending classical and modern holistic education to cultivate kindness and enlightenment in children.
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Qureshi, Senior Advisor at Ministry of Education, stressed that education brings global recognition and reiterated the adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Dr. MM Ansari, a scholar and former interlocutor for J&K, raised concerns about the Muslims’ lag in educational attainment, falling 10 years behind the national average. He advocated for affordable education, teacher training programmes, and a collaborative approach to address high dropout rates in higher education.
Mohammad Talha Hanfi, Group Chairman of FuGen Group of Companies, highlighted the need to address core issues at the grassroots level for the underprivileged. He emphasized capacity building and shared his vision of converting beneficiaries into benefactors by using profits from IT sector projects and donations to support education for needy students.
The event also featured addresses from several prominent figures, including Prof. Dr. Vipin Kumar Tripathi of IIT, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, a JDU leader, social activist and educationist Sameen Adeeb, Supreme Court advocate ZK Faizan, and other notable scholars and educators.
Naushad Ahmed Khan, Advocate at Supreme Court and Joint Secretary of EmpowerIndia Trust, extended a vote of thanks.
