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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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
