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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'Homebound' makes it to Oscar shortlist for best international feature
Mumbai (PTI): Neeraj Ghaywan's much acclaimed "Homebound" is among the 15 films shortlisted in the best international feature category at the Oscars, moving a step close to the final five nominations and maybe a win.
The movie, inspired by a true story that became the basis of a news article during the pandemic, has been creating a global buzz since its debut in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival this May.
Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese is a fan and has come onboard as an executive producer ahead of the award season.
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, "Homebound" is Ghaywan's second movie after "Masaan".
"Homebound" will compete for an Oscar nomination alongside Argentina's “Belén”, Brazil's “The Secret Agent”, French drama "It Was Just an Accident”, Germany's "Sound of Falling” and Iraq's "The President's Cake".
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The other movies in the shortlist include Japan's “Kokuho”, Jordan's “All That’s Left of You”, Norway's “Sentimental Value”, Palestine's “Palestine 36”, South Korean hit “No Other Choice”, Spain's “Sirat”, "Late Shift" from Switzerland, “Left-Handed Girl”from Taiwan and Tunisian drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced in a release on Tuesday.
The award for best foreign film, now re-categorised as best international feature, has so far eluded India.
Only three Indian films have received nominations in the category -- Mehmood Khan’s “Mother India”, Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay” and Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “Lagaan”. Deepa Mehta’s “Water”, starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, also received a nomination but it was submitted from Canada.
Gujarati film "Chhello Show" in 2023 was the last film to get shortlisted.
Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to get an Oscar, bagging the coveted prize in 1983 for the film "Gandhi". Other than her, A R Rahman, Resul Pukootty and M M Keeravani have also won individual Oscars.
Team "Homebound" celebrated the shortlist news with posts on social media.
"We made the shortlist... Way to go team Homebound'!" Johar shared in Instagram Stories.
In a post, the producer said it was difficult for him to articulate how "proud and elated" he was with the news.
"All of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography... thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true... from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film! Upwards and onwards...."
Ghaywan also shared the news on X.
"#Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we've received from around the world," he wrote on X with a special poster of the film.
Jethwa, who plays one of the two friends in the story opposite Ishaan Khatter, said the moment feels "surreal and incredibly humbling".
"To see 'Homebound' being shortlisted and progressing towards the Oscars is something I could have only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the love and support the film has received from audiences around the world," he said as he acknowledged Johar, Ghaywan and co-star Khatter and the rest of the team.
Khatter also shared the news on his Instagram stories and wrote, "Oscar ab dur nahi".
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"Homebound" is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, also titled "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway".
The film portrays the childhood friendship between a Muslim and Dalit who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied due to their surnames.
The Academy on Tuesday also announced shortlists in 11 other categories, including the newly added casting Oscars, animated shorts, cinematography, documentary feature, documentary short, original score and song, sound and visual effects categories.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Twenty-four categories will be awarded at the 98th Oscars. Each category has five nominees, except for best picture, which has 10.
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
