Mumbai: The Muslim community must move beyond viewing education as a means of securing jobs and instead build a culture where learning becomes a lifelong social priority, said Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Secretary of the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB), during an extensive podcast discussion on the challenges confronting Muslim educational institutions in India. Speaking with Sayyed Sharif, Secretary of Markazi Taleemi Board Maharashtra, Ahmed outlined a roadmap for improving the quality, relevance and sustainability of community-run schools while stressing the need for educational reform at the family, institutional and community levels.
Ahmed observed that although educational opportunities for Muslims have improved over the years, the overall situation remains a matter of concern. Referring to higher education, he pointed out that the Gross Enrolment Ratio among Muslims stands at only around nine percent, far below several other communities. He argued that the community has largely succeeded in producing literate students, while falling short of nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with values, leadership and a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on changes over the past two decades, Ahmed acknowledged the establishment of several private universities, professional colleges and quality schools by Muslims. At the same time, he expressed concern over the gradual decline of community-managed educational institutions, many of which are struggling to maintain academic standards or survive. He urged the community to revive the tradition of collectively building educational institutions rather than depending solely on commercially managed models.
A major focus of the discussion centred on the National Education Policy 2020. Ahmed described the policy as containing many positive features, especially its emphasis on holistic education, critical thinking and value-based learning. He encouraged educational administrators to study the policy in detail, understand state-level implementation guidelines and actively engage with the government wherever minority educational rights require protection.
Speaking on the condition of Urdu-medium schools, Ahmed strongly defended mother tongue education. He said primary education in the child’s first language strengthens creativity, scientific temperament and critical thinking. At the same time, he maintained that students should acquire strong English language skills without sacrificing Urdu, which he described as a vital carrier of culture, communication and intellectual growth.
Ahmed devoted considerable attention to teacher development, describing continuous professional training as indispensable in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape. He announced that the Holistic Education Trust, working under the Markazi Taleemi Board, has developed a comprehensive 50-hour online Continuous Professional Development programme designed to improve teachers’ knowledge, classroom skills and professional attitudes. He urged school managements to invest in teacher training as a long-term contribution to society rather than viewing it as an avoidable expense.
He also called for a shift from rote memorisation towards higher-order thinking. Explaining Benjamin Bloom’s educational framework, Ahmed said schools must encourage students to analyse, evaluate and create instead of limiting learning to memorisation. He noted that competitive examinations are increasingly rewarding analytical abilities rather than mechanical recall.
Addressing school managements, Ahmed appealed for democratic leadership, institutional systems and accountability instead of personality-driven administration. Educational institutions, he said, should operate through clear processes, delegated responsibilities and continuous innovation.
Concluding the discussion, Ahmed urged Muslim families to place education at the centre of their priorities. He called for educational funds in every locality and mosque to support deserving students, stronger parental involvement in children’s intellectual development and a collective effort to transform education into a shared community mission.
