Only an educated person is alive, rest are only breathing: Dr. Saud Alam tells students in Bhatkal
Rabita Educational Excellence Award ceremony’s first session held
Bhatkal: The first session of the much-awaited Rabita Educational Excellence Award 2025 was held on Thursday morning at the Anjuman Islami Anglo Urdu High School Ground in Bhatkal. Organised by the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society), the ceremony witnessed a large gathering of students, parents, scholars, and community leaders who came together to honour meritorious students from the region.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Maaiz, setting a spiritual tone for the day. The event was compered by Abdul Raqeeb Pillor.
The first session was presided over by Umar Farooque Musba, President of the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society), under whose leadership the Council continues to promote education as a vital pillar for community upliftment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi appreciated the scale and consistency of the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards. He said, “The very concept of this award and its execution year after year shows the commitment of the community towards education.”
Addressing the students, he urged them to remember the leaders and elders of the community who made such platforms possible. “When you reach greater heights in life, don’t forget the support and encouragement you received in the form of the Rabita Award,” he told the students.
Dr. Qasmi further reflected on the deeper meaning of education in society. “Whether the heart is beating or not, a person without knowledge is not truly alive. It is only education that keeps a society alive.” He highlighted how Islam considers education not just a right, but a religious obligation. “While the modern world says education is a right, Islam declares it as farz—compulsory,” he noted, urging students to value their youth by dedicating themselves to meaningful learning.
Welcoming the guests and awardees, Ateequr Rahman Muniri paid tribute to the founding vision of the Rabita Society. He recalled the contributions of community leaders like Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, who laid the foundation for an education-driven future in Bhatkal and nearby areas.
He compared the Society to a tree planted by the elders that has now grown tall and strong, offering shade to the next generation. “The vision of our elders is now a reality. What they sowed is what we are reaping today,” he said.
Moulana Khaja Akrami, in his address, praised the Rabita Society for keeping the tradition alive despite the logistical challenges faced by the team, many of whom are based in Gulf countries. “These officials come home once a year, yet they devote their vacation, time and resources to organise such a valuable event. That deserves respect,” he said.
He reminded students that while winning awards is special, it is the consistency in efforts and a sincere pursuit of knowledge that will take them far in life. “Education is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Keep your focus and work hard to achieve your dreams,” he added.
Among the dignitaries seated on the stage were Ateequr Rahman Muniri (General Secretary, BMKC), Prof. Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi (Ex-Dean, Faculty of Theology, AMU Aligarh and Executive Committee Member, AIMPLB) who attended as the Chief Guest, Qazi Khalifa of Jamatul Muslimeen Moulana Khaja Akrami, Moulana Mohammed Hussain Jukaku (General Secretary, Jamatul Muslimeen), Ismail Jubapu (General Secretary, Khalifa Jamat), Ishaq Shabandri (General Secretary, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen), Abdul Raqeeb MJ (General Secretary, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem), and Moulana Talha Ruknuddin representing Jamia Islamia Bhatkal.
Also present were Yasir Qasimji (Secretary, BMKC), Sabir Ali Akbara (Treasurer, BMKC), and representatives from various overseas Bhatkal Muslim Jamaats including Jailani Mohtesham (Dubai), Moulana Tanveer Jushiddi (Eastern Region), Abul Ala Mohtesha (Muscat), MJ Faiyaz (Kuwait), and MJ Aftab (Markaz Al Nawayath, Abu Dhabi).
The Rabita Educational Excellence Award was started in 1999 with the aim of encouraging students within the Bhatkali Muslim community and recognising academic excellence. Over the years, it has become a prestigious occasion that celebrates not just high marks but also the spirit of learning and self-growth.
Every year, the award honours students from SSLC, PUC, degree, and post-graduate levels, along with achievers from Gulf countries and other Indian cities. The award categories include gold medals, shields, and recognition for best schools and teachers.
The event concluded with award presentations to top-performing students and heartfelt applause from the audience, setting a positive example for younger generations.
More updates from the second session of the Rabita Awards 2025 will follow.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
