By Dr. Syed Ahmed for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Jamia Misbahul Uloom, an institution managed by Jamia Halima Aziz Educational Trust launched Urdu Study and Examination Centre at Khabeisoi Azamnagar in Imphal East District on 24 March 2013.
Speaking at the opening function, Director of the trust Sheikh Riyazuddin said that the institute has introduced graduation degree courses in Urdu language. Jamia Urdu, Aligarh, a minority educational institution recognised by the Central Government, had authorised the Jamia Halima Aziz Educational Trust to open the Study and Examination Centre for Urdu courses at Jamia Misbahul Uloom, he added.
Sheikh Riyazuddin speaking
Jamia Urdu, Aligarh is an autonomous educational body which is promoting Urdu language since 1939. It is regarded as the first distance education institution in the county and the National Commission for Minority Education Institutions (NCMEI) has recognized it as a minority education institution. Its certificates/degrees are recognized by 62 Boards/States in the country. It has bestowed upon honorary degrees to Indira Gandhi, I. K. Gujaral and V.P. Singh.
Riyazuddin further said, “Jamia Misbahul Uloom offers Ibtedai (foundation course), Adeeb (equivalent to Matriculation), Adeed-e-Mahir (intermediate), Adeeb-e-Kamil (Graduation) and Moallim-e-Urdu (equivalent to B.Ed.) courses. The institute had conducted examinations of all the courses except Moallim-e-Urdu last year. We are opening the courses officially now along with the press-conference to let the people of this State know about these courses.”
“We are further planning to draw the madrasa students as well as madrasa graduates to take these courses. These degree courses will make them eligible to apply for government jobs. Urdu is one of the most important medium of instructions in the madrasas of Manipur and we have large number of Ulema or madrasa graduates who are fluent in Urdu, but they do not have the degrees or certificates,” he further added.
The trust was founded in 2004 by Sheikh Ayajuddin, who worked as an officer in Public Works Department. He passed away few years back. He had donated property and land for establishing and running the institution. After his death, the management of the institution was taken over by his son Sheikh Riyazuddin. The trust today has around 300 donor members.
Jamia Misbahul Uloom campus
In his speech, Centre in Charge of the institute Md. Feroz Khan, said, “The institute has at present 700 students, both boys and girls. Almost all are Muslims. There are 300 students in the hostel. Half of these hostellers are orphans, while the other half comes from poor families. The institute offers general education from Pre-Nursery to Class X. The institute is recognized by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. Besides we also offer Diniyat courses which include study of Quran, Hadith and fundamentals of Islam or Islamic Studies.”
“The institute has at present 53 teachers, 5 of them teach Diniyat courses. We give free education, boarding and lodging facilities to orphans, but we charge Rs. 10,000 annually from other students, which include charges for uniforms and hostel. The institute has given free education and orphanage care to around 1,600 orphans,” Khan added.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Director of Minorities & Other Backward Classes Economic Development Society (MOBEDS) Alam Azad said, “Urdu is often seen as a language of the Muslims. This is a misconception. In mainland India Urdu is spoken by people of various communities. Government of India is giving all efforts to promote Urdu language, which is known for its beauty. Urdu should be promoted in our State too.”