Aalimiyat Convocation of Iqra Arabic School held in Mangaluru, graduating Ulamas honored
Mangaluru, Feb 19: The Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, hosted its Aalimiyat Convocation on Monday, celebrating the achievements of students who completed their sacred studies. Held at the Iqra Campus on Kalpana Road, here in the city.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Hafiz Mohammed Zaid Hawaldar, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests, scholars, and attendees for their presence. He highlighted the significance of the convocation as a milestone in the academic and spiritual journey of the graduating Ulama, emphasizing their role in upholding and spreading sacred knowledge.
Following the welcome speech, Farhan Nadwi provided an introduction to Iqra Arabic School, tracing its history, vision, and contributions to Islamic education. He spoke about the institution’s dedication to nurturing scholars who are well-versed in both religious and contemporary knowledge, equipping them to serve the community with wisdom and responsibility.
Moulana Ansar Nadwi Madani, Lecturer at Jamia Islamia Bhatkal and Assistant Qazi of Jamathul Muslimeen Bhatkal, reflected on the growth of Iqra Arabic School, stating that what once began as a small plant has now grown into a towering tree, providing immense benefits to society. He emphasized that Iqra is not just an educational institution but a mission and an ideology aimed at spreading the teachings of Islam while also standing against forces that seek to destroy humanity.
Drawing a historical parallel, he compared Iqra to the Suffa, the early center of Islamic learning during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), where dedicated students imbibed sacred knowledge and went on to serve the community.
Addressing the gathering, Mohammed Kunhi of Shanti Prakashana spoke about the challenges faced by Islam in contemporary times. He highlighted that conspiracies are being hatched to weaken the cultural and ethical foundations of Islam, as these principles remain its greatest strength. He pointed out that the media, global superpowers, and various institutions are actively working against Islam, attempting to dismantle its values under the guise of cultural liberalism and neo-atheism.
In this context, he lauded the students of Madrasas, emphasizing that their commitment to studying sacred knowledge and spreading Islamic teachings is a remarkable achievement. "This is an era of Islamophobia," he stated, explaining that when society develops a fear or phobia, it is not the subject of fear that needs fixing, but rather the people themselves. He stressed that Islam does not require any alteration or reform to fit into contemporary narratives; rather, it is the misconceptions about Islam that need to be corrected.
Mohammed Kunhi also underlined the importance of integrating religious education with mainstream professions. "Students who have the potential to excel in fields like law, medicine, and other professions should also pursue Aalimiyat studies," he said, appreciating Iqra Arabic School’s efforts in facilitating such a holistic approach to education.
Ahmed Mohiuddin, Proprietor of Delta Infra Logistics Ltd., Mangaluru, lauded Iqra Arabic School for its dedicated service to Islamic education. He expressed gratitude to Moulana Saalim Khalifa Nadwi and his team for their efforts in establishing the institution in Mangaluru at a crucial time when local students had to travel to Kerala and other regions to pursue religious studies.
"Today, the scenario has completely changed," he remarked, highlighting that students from Kerala, Lakshadweep, and other places are now coming to Mangaluru to study the Quran and Islamic teachings at Iqra. He commended the institution for its growing reputation as a center of excellence in Islamic education, attracting students from diverse regions and providing them with a strong foundation in religious knowledge.
Dr. Mohammed Ismail H, Chairman of Kanachur Health Science Advisory Council, Mangaluru, emphasized the lifelong nature of education, stating that learning does not stop with the completion of any course or profession. He reminded students that the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous journey, urging them to never feel satisfied with what they have learned but to keep seeking more, as enjoined by the Quran.
He expressed his gratitude to the parents who supported their children in pursuing Aalimiyat studies, acknowledging their role in ensuring that the next generation remains deeply rooted in Islamic knowledge.
Dr. Ismail also appreciated the efforts of the management of Iqra Arabic School, commending them for providing quality religious education and fostering an environment where students can excel in their pursuit of sacred knowledge.
Following this, Moulana Saalim Khalifa Nadwi, Principal of Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, delivered the presidential address, where he congratulated the graduating students for their dedication and hard work. He expressed gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support, both towards their children's education and towards the institution.
Moulana Saalim reminded the graduates of their responsibilities as Aalims, urging them to embrace their role as leaders of the Muslim community. He stressed the importance of unity within the community and the necessity of spreading love, fostering interfaith harmony, and strengthening relationships with people of all religions.
He also acknowledged and appreciated the continuous support of Syed Mohammed Beary, whose supervision and contributions have played a vital role in the institution’s growth and success.
The event commenced with recitation of the Quran by Mohammed Zeedan while Mohammed Akbar Ali compered the event.
Moulana Dawood Khalifa delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, students, parents, and attendees for making the event a success. He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers, faculty, and staff who played a crucial role in the smooth execution of the program.
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Modi govt by changing name of MGNREGA exposed its 'hatred' towards Gandhi: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that the union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attempting to change the name and structure of the MGNREGA, has itself exposed its "hatred" towards the poor and towards Mahatma Gandhi.
He also accused the Centre of "altering" the very structure of the scheme, by shifting nearly 40 per cent of the cost onto the state governments, and called Modi "anti federal".
Suggesting that the NDA government at the Centre start a "Ministry of Name Change", with the Prime Minister himself holding that portfolio, the CM warned of a statewide agitation against this name change move.
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, that seeks to replace the existing rural employment law MGNREGA, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday amid strong objections by the opposition to the "removal" of Mahatma Gandhi's name from it.
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"The Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is attempting to change the name and structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), has itself exposed its hatred towards the poor and towards Mahatma Gandhi," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
Implemented by the UPA government 20 years ago, the MGNREGA scheme has played a crucial role in eradicating unemployment and poverty in rural areas, he said, adding that "this scheme, which guarantees the right to employment to every individual, has received praise from economists both in India and abroad."
Noting that MGNREGA was a genuine form of employment guarantee, the CM said the proposed new structure under the Modi government strips away that guarantee and places the assurance of work at the whims of political leaders.
"This will further deepen caste discrimination and social inequality," he claimed.
Highlighting that the NDA government has altered the very structure of MGNREGA, a scheme whose entire expenditure was earlier borne by the Central government, by shifting nearly 40 per cent of the cost onto the state governments, Siddaramaiah said this stands as clear evidence of the "anti-federal attitude" that Prime Minister Modi has followed ever since coming to power.
"This move will also increase the migration of poor people in search of work as the proposed form does not guarantee employment in their own location -- forcing families to travel long distances to survive," he said.
Naming this scheme after Mahatma Gandhi, who sowed the dream of Gram Swaraj, was a meaningful decision, the CM said, "While Prime Minister Narendra Modi indulges in praising Gandhi during his foreign tours, within the country he has consistently engaged in attempts to erase Gandhi's legacy from key national programmes. From a parivar that seeks to glorify Gandhi's assassin Godse, what different conduct can one really expect?"
"Narendra Modi is widely known for simply changing the names of landmark schemes launched by the UPA government rather than preserving or strengthening them. It would be more appropriate for this government to start a 'Ministry of Name Change,' with the Prime Minister himself holding that portfolio," he said.
More than 25 flagship programmes launched during earlier governments were merely renamed or repackaged by the present regime, the CM further said, listing out that the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan was rechristened as the Swachh Bharat Mission, while the Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account scheme was rebranded as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, among others.
"These changes reflect a consistent pattern of altering names rather than fundamentally strengthening or expanding the original intent of these welfare initiatives," he added.
Stating that the Congress party and state government strongly condemn this "anti-people" decision of the Narendra Modi government, which has snatched food from the plates of the poor, insulted Bapu, and attempted to strangle state governments financially, Siddaramaiah warned about launching a statewide agitation against this move.
"The responsibility of preserving the MGNREGA scheme in its original form must also be taken up by the lakhs of beneficiaries of the scheme. They must hold the BJP leaders of the state accountable and exert pressure on them to raise their voices against this injustice, rising above party lines," he said.
