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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Prez nod for FIR against AAP's Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain in Rs 2,000-cr classroom 'scam'
New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval for the registration of an FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in an alleged scam of Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools, sources said.
In 2022, the Delhi government's vigilance directorate recommended a probe into the alleged scam and submitted a report to the chief secretary.
The President has given her approval for registering the FIR against Sisodia and Jain in connection with the alleged scam during their tenures as ministers in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, the sources said.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), in a report dated February 17, 2020, highlighted "glaring irregularities" in the construction of classrooms in Delhi government schools by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The President's approval came under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act that pertains to "enquiry or inquiry or investigation of offences relatable to recommendations made or decision taken by public servant in discharge of official functions or duties".
Reacting to the development, senior AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of carrying out a witch-hunt against its political rivals.
The BJP has no interest or intention to fulfil the promises it made to the people of Delhi. Its only agenda is to carry out a witch-hunt against its political rivals to stifle the voice of people, the former minister said in a statement.
The BJP-led central government has already decided to prosecute every political adversary of the party and grant approvals to move the case forward but it should wait for the judicial process to begin, he said.
In July 2019, BJP leader Harish Khurana and then AAP rebel MLA Kapil Mishra, now a minister in the Delhi government, lodged a police complaint about the alleged scam.
According to a report prepared by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Delhi government, the complainants alleged that there was a scam worth over Rs 2,000 crore in the construction of classrooms and school buildings in Delhi. The work was done at a highly inflated cost by the Delhi government.
The alleged scam involves the construction of around 12,748 classrooms.
The ACB report said the total expenditure incurred for constructing the classrooms and school buildings was around Rs 2,892.65 crore. They were allegedly constructed at the rate of Rs 8,800 per square feet, whereas it was common knowledge that the average construction cost (even for a builder of flats) was around Rs 1,500 per square feet.
The total cost for constructing a classroom and school building, according to the tender awarded, was allegedly around Rs 24.86 lakh per room, whereas such rooms are easily constructed in Delhi at around Rs 5 lakh per room, it said.
The prices were increased almost five times to defraud the taxpayer by siphoning off money from the public exchequer in the garb of construction cost, the report said.
Even for a 5-star hotel, top ultra-luxury quality construction is around Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 per square feet, it said.
The complainants submitted a copy of documents in which information received under the RTI Act in respect of the construction of 18 classrooms in the Govt Girls Senior Secondary School, Nathupura, Burari (school ID:-1207111) revealed that they were constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore, the ACB report said.
