Manzar Bilal: 449 Muslim meritorious students awarded by HWF in Bihar

By Manzar Bilal,

Patna: Encouragement, even with a word, can inspire a budding talent to bloom and do something extraordinary. Keeping this in view, Delhi-based Human Welfare Foundation (HWF) in collaboration with P.M Foundation of Kerala felicitated about 450 Muslim meritorious students at a grand function here on 19th December.

A total of 449 students – both girls and boys – who got 67% or above marks in 2010 matriculation examination in Bihar were felicitated. Selected from across the state, they were awarded with cash prize of Rs. 1000/ and a memento each and thousands of encouraging words by the intellectuals and experts. The program was organized at SK memorial Hall in the heart of the capital city of the state. Despite chilly weather the hall was packed to its capacity with students, parents, intellectuals, educationists and common people.

Guests on the stage

Addressing the students K.A. Siddique Hassan, General Secretary of HWF, said: “You are being honored here because you got distinction among others but keep it in your mind that you have to go a long way. So, go ahead with maintaining the excellent performance in future. You may face difficulties in your way but never get discouraged.”

He also advised the parents present there: “If you want your children become successful, you must let them select courses according to their own choice and interest and should not compel them for courses of your choice.”

Justice S. Nayyer Hussain of Patna High Court addressing the gathering

Bringing an important point to the notice, he said that there are many schemes for welfare of minorities and government sanctions huge amount every year for that but less than 20% are used and rest goes back unused. “We need to create awareness among the community especially those living in villages about these schemes,” he added.

Speaking as chief guest Justice S. Nayyer Hussain of Patna High Court said: “There was never lack of talent and ability in our children. It is also a fact that all sciences and knowledge originated from Islam. Yet, if today we are lagging behind in every sphere of life, it is because we failed to apply our ability and resources properly.”

JD-U MP Shivanand Tiwari giving award to a student

“It is right time to take the matter seriously and better our condition otherwise we will never come out of our worst situation” he added.

“We must take benefit of government schemes but should never depend on that completely. On the contrary we must try for what we can do for ourselves, our community and our country. Because people are identified by their own works and performance” he urged the gathering.

Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad (Director of Khuda Baksh Library) giving award to a student

Encouraging the students Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad, Director of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, said: “Nothing is impossible in this world. There is always little space on the top but there is space. So, it is up to you that either you want to get that space or not.”

Professor S.I. Hassan, Pro-VC of Patna University, stressed on use of modern technology as a tool for bright future. He also said that everyone should strive for educational upliftment of the community through the means and sources they have.

Abhayanand (ADGP) giving award to a student

Vice Chancellor of Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University, Prof. Qamr Ahsan was of the opinion that communication skill is fundamental instrument in today’s modern age for building the good career.

At the occasion, the organizers also awarded the three state toppers of Board Exams 2010 namely Miss. Anupam Neha, Miss. Khushboo Kumari and Rahul Kumar, with cash prizes, certificates and shield also.

A view of Audience

Others who spoke on the occasion include Maulana Shamim Munemi, Akhtrul Iman, RJD MLA, Shivanand Tiwari, JD-U MP, Arshad Ajmal, Chairman of Al-khair Charitable Trust, Dr. Tanveer Hassan, RJD MLC, Ajmal Freed, Editor Qaumi Tanzeem and Abhayanand, Additional Director General of Police in the Bihar Government.

After the felicitation program, all the awardees were put to an Aptitude Test. The result will be announced later and the successful of the test will be selected for HWF sponsorship for higher studies.

Students are busy in Aptitude Test

HWF is a non-profit organization working for the betterment of Muslim as well as other downtrodden people in various ways. The felicitation program was part of its educational activities. It was for the first time that the organization felicitated Muslim students of Bihar. It has organized such program in Utter Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. This year HWF has awarded 1643 meritorious Muslim students of four states: 394 students in UP, 500 in West Bengal, 300 in Assam, and 449 in Bihar.

HWF had earlier invited the application from the Muslim students of the state who got 60% or above marks in matriculation exam in 2010. The organization received more than 1200 applications but as it has limited amount for the purpose so making the criteria harder it selected only those who got 67% or above marks.