Instead of lavish weddings we should spend on empowering future generations: Dr. Abdul Qadeer
Shepherd International Academy's new campus inaugurated
A new chapter began for Shepherd International Academy on Friday as the institution's new campus was officially inaugurated at Arkula on the outskirts of the city.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Y Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University; Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions; and Dr. Syed Habeeb, renowned author and life coach. Other notable guests included Mohammed Kunhi, Khateeb of Huda Masjid; Moulana Tayyab, Khateeb, Masjid ul Ehsaan; and Ar. Mohammed Nissar, Chairman of Shepherd's International Academy.
In his keynote address, Ar. Mohammed Nissar, Chairman of Shepherd's International Academy, took a trip down memory lane, recalling the humble beginnings of the institution. "We started with just 8 students in Masjid ul Ehsaan, and today, we stand proud, thanks to the trust and faith that our parents have placed in us," he said.
Nissar emphasized that the institution's focus would not be solely on academic excellence, but also on instilling values in its students. "We are a value-based institution, and our goal is to shape not just bright minds, but also compassionate and responsible individuals," he added.
Dr. Y Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University, praised Ar. Mohammed Nissar for carrying forward the legacy of his late father, AK Ahmed. "I am confident that this new campus will fulfill the vision of AK Ahmed and take the institution to greater heights," he said.
Dr. Kunhi also had words of encouragement for the students. "This new campus is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn, grow and build your lives and careers. I urge you to make the most of it and strive for excellence in all that you do," he added.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer emphasized the importance of humble beginnings and good intentions in achieving success. He highlighted the similar origins of Shaheen and Shepherd's, which have grown to serve the community and country.
Dr. Qadeer stressed the need for strong institutions that prioritize the well-being of people and future generations. He encouraged a shift in focus from producing skilled employees and businessmen to cultivating individuals who contribute positively to humanity.
Furthermore, Dr. Qadeer advocated for responsible spending habits, particularly in the context of weddings. He suggested redirecting resources towards empowering future generations, which could lead to transformative change in the decades to come.
Mohammed Kunhi commended the efforts of establishing an educational institution, acknowledging the enormity of the task. He highlighted Islam's emphasis on education and the dissemination of knowledge, citing the Prophet Mohammed's prayers seeking beneficial knowledge and refuge from harmful knowledge.
Kunhi expressed concern over the decline of good values in society, urging people to draw inspiration from the lives of the Prophet and his companions, who exemplified good values and set a precedent for others to follow.
He stressed the importance of empathy, encouraging people to understand and relate to the problems of others. Kunhi emphasized that imparting such values and education to future generations is crucial, and institutions like Shepherd's International Academy play a vital role in shaping young minds.
Dr. Syed Habeeb, renowned author and life coach, also shared his thoughts at the event, resonating with the sentiments expressed by the other speakers. He underscored the transformative power of education, highlighting its potential to uplift entire generations within a community.
Dr. Habeeb emphasized the significance of institutions like Shepherd's International Academy, which play a vital role in empowering marginalized communities and bridging the educational divide.
The event commenced with the recitation of the holy Quran by Nafisa Asiya, a sixth-grade student of the institution. The recitation was followed by its translation.
Principal Lubna Banu extended a welcome to the distinguished guests, students, and faculty members. Faculty member Nilofer Sajid compered the event while Ms. Swati presented vote of thanks to conclude the event.
Secretary of Shepherd's International Academy, Rizwan Pandeshwar along with trustees SM Farooq, Naushad AK, Sajid AK and Nasim AK was present on the diaz during the event.
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Chhattisgarh coal levy scam: Rs 4 crore assets of suspended IAS officer attached
Raipur (PTI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has attached properties of Rs 4 crore belonging to suspended IAS officer Sameer Vishnoi, an accused in a coal levy scam, for allegedly amassing assets beyond his known sources of income, officials said.
The EOW had registered a disproportionate assets case against Vishnoi in July 2024, an official release said on Saturday.
During the investigation, the agency identified nine immovable properties, valued at around Rs 4 crore, allegedly acquired through illicit means in the names of Vishnoi’s family members and associated firms, it said.
“An application seeking attachment of these properties was filed before the Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act in Raipur. Following a hearing on April 17, the court ordered attachment of all such properties,” the statement said.
Accordingly, the Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing attached the properties. The attached properties cannot be sold or transferred, it said.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier provisionally attached five immovable properties linked to Vishnoi in connection with the coal levy scam, it added.
Proceedings are also underway in cases involving other public servants, including action taken in September last year against properties linked to Saumya Chaurasia, who was deputy secretary in the chief minister’s office during the Congress government, the statement said.
Vishnoi, a 2009-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, was first arrested in 2022 by the ED in connection with the alleged coal levy scam. He was among several accused who were granted bail last year by the Supreme Court.
The case refers to an alleged Rs 540 crore racket between July 2020 and June 2022, when an illegal levy of Rs 25 per tonne was being extorted by a cartel involving senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians and middlemen for every tonne of coal transported in the state.
