Only an educated person is alive, rest are only breathing: Dr. Saud Alam tells students in Bhatkal
Rabita Educational Excellence Award ceremony’s first session held
Bhatkal: The first session of the much-awaited Rabita Educational Excellence Award 2025 was held on Thursday morning at the Anjuman Islami Anglo Urdu High School Ground in Bhatkal. Organised by the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society), the ceremony witnessed a large gathering of students, parents, scholars, and community leaders who came together to honour meritorious students from the region.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Maaiz, setting a spiritual tone for the day. The event was compered by Abdul Raqeeb Pillor.
The first session was presided over by Umar Farooque Musba, President of the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society), under whose leadership the Council continues to promote education as a vital pillar for community upliftment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi appreciated the scale and consistency of the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards. He said, “The very concept of this award and its execution year after year shows the commitment of the community towards education.”
Addressing the students, he urged them to remember the leaders and elders of the community who made such platforms possible. “When you reach greater heights in life, don’t forget the support and encouragement you received in the form of the Rabita Award,” he told the students.
Dr. Qasmi further reflected on the deeper meaning of education in society. “Whether the heart is beating or not, a person without knowledge is not truly alive. It is only education that keeps a society alive.” He highlighted how Islam considers education not just a right, but a religious obligation. “While the modern world says education is a right, Islam declares it as farz—compulsory,” he noted, urging students to value their youth by dedicating themselves to meaningful learning.
Welcoming the guests and awardees, Ateequr Rahman Muniri paid tribute to the founding vision of the Rabita Society. He recalled the contributions of community leaders like Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, who laid the foundation for an education-driven future in Bhatkal and nearby areas.
He compared the Society to a tree planted by the elders that has now grown tall and strong, offering shade to the next generation. “The vision of our elders is now a reality. What they sowed is what we are reaping today,” he said.
Moulana Khaja Akrami, in his address, praised the Rabita Society for keeping the tradition alive despite the logistical challenges faced by the team, many of whom are based in Gulf countries. “These officials come home once a year, yet they devote their vacation, time and resources to organise such a valuable event. That deserves respect,” he said.
He reminded students that while winning awards is special, it is the consistency in efforts and a sincere pursuit of knowledge that will take them far in life. “Education is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Keep your focus and work hard to achieve your dreams,” he added.
Among the dignitaries seated on the stage were Ateequr Rahman Muniri (General Secretary, BMKC), Prof. Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi (Ex-Dean, Faculty of Theology, AMU Aligarh and Executive Committee Member, AIMPLB) who attended as the Chief Guest, Qazi Khalifa of Jamatul Muslimeen Moulana Khaja Akrami, Moulana Mohammed Hussain Jukaku (General Secretary, Jamatul Muslimeen), Ismail Jubapu (General Secretary, Khalifa Jamat), Ishaq Shabandri (General Secretary, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen), Abdul Raqeeb MJ (General Secretary, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem), and Moulana Talha Ruknuddin representing Jamia Islamia Bhatkal.
Also present were Yasir Qasimji (Secretary, BMKC), Sabir Ali Akbara (Treasurer, BMKC), and representatives from various overseas Bhatkal Muslim Jamaats including Jailani Mohtesham (Dubai), Moulana Tanveer Jushiddi (Eastern Region), Abul Ala Mohtesha (Muscat), MJ Faiyaz (Kuwait), and MJ Aftab (Markaz Al Nawayath, Abu Dhabi).
The Rabita Educational Excellence Award was started in 1999 with the aim of encouraging students within the Bhatkali Muslim community and recognising academic excellence. Over the years, it has become a prestigious occasion that celebrates not just high marks but also the spirit of learning and self-growth.
Every year, the award honours students from SSLC, PUC, degree, and post-graduate levels, along with achievers from Gulf countries and other Indian cities. The award categories include gold medals, shields, and recognition for best schools and teachers.
The event concluded with award presentations to top-performing students and heartfelt applause from the audience, setting a positive example for younger generations.
More updates from the second session of the Rabita Awards 2025 will follow.
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Pune airport runway restored after IAF aircraft snag; ops resume
Pune (PTI): The runway at Pune airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational, the Air Force said on Saturday.
The authorities at the Pune International Airport had earlier said that around 10.25 pm on Friday, a fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure during landing, causing the runway to be blocked.
As many as 91 flights of airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa, and Air India Express, were affected due to the incident, they said.
Earlier on Friday night, the Air Force had stated that the runway at Pune airport was temporarily unavailable following an incident involving one of its fighter aircraft. The aircrew are safe, and there is no damage to civil property, it had said.
"The runway at Pune Airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational. All necessary safety inspections and clearances have been completed. Operations are resuming in a phased manner," it said in a post on X.
Flight operations at Pune airport are being gradually restored. The situation has been brought under control with the highest priority given to the safety of citizens, a Defence PRO said.
