By TwoCircles.net Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Eight years is not a long duration for any organization to display its achievements which had affected thousands of lives. But for Mazhar Farooqui, the Deputy Editor, Gulf News, it was a moment of accomplishment, for serving the Muslim community.
Mazhar along with his friends, Mohd Idris, Mohd Tariq Khan, A A Alvi, Qamar Hussain remembered the eight year journey of Aaghaz Foundation, an idea which was started with 15 people, only Rs 2200 and just one student in 2004.
In a span of eight years, Aaghaz Foundation has helped thousands of children from Muslim community to complete their studies. The success stories are many, a beggar’s son completing his graduation, several of them becoming engineers and a PhD scholar who attempted self immolation was saved in time to continue her studies. Farooqui and his friends still prefer to remain behind the curtain.
The get together of Aaghaz Foundation at Jai Shanker Prasad Hall at Lucknow with an informal discussion on education and empowerment challenges facing Indian Muslims and how we can overcome them—got many hands who pledged their support.
The zero expense model of Aaghaz Foundation as explained by Mazhar Farooqui earned instant applause from none other than Principal, Nadwatul Uloom, Lucknow, Maulana Saeedur Rehman. “I too want to be part of your movement. I will join with my humble resources,” said Saeedur Rehman.
There were many others who too volunteered their support. Vice-Chancellor, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Urdu Arbi Farsi University, Anees Ansari offred free training to girls which are selected by Aaghaz Foundation at Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Tehcnology. “It is run by my wife and offers recognized job oriented courses. We will adjust any number of girls who refer and will make them self reliant. After completing the course they can get job, it is assured. We will not charge any fee,” said Anees Ansari while Mazhar Farooqui joined hands to applaud his gesture.
Many more offers came during the seminar. Several forms for membership of Aaghaz Foundation were filled by the people who included the intelligentsia of Muslim community from LUcknow.
The thought provoking presentation by Dr Razi Raziuddin, detailing the events of Aligarh Movement by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Dr Raziuddin urged for another Aligarh Movement which will include scholarship, vocational training and micro financing.
Most of the speakers and even those who attended the function wished that there effort should not be hailed. “It should not be done for some favour. We should do our bit and forget,” said Saeedur Rehman.
Truly, as Mazhar Farooqui in his address stated that efforts can be made at community level which can be a minute contribution but can go a long way in helping a student to complete his/her education.
“Education is the only means for success in life. We are concentrating only on education. We support children to complete education. Alhamdullilah, many of the students whom we help are now self reliant and helping other student,” he remarked.
For a change, the get together at Jai Shanker Prasad Hall, did not have any glamour, extravaganza, show off, back biting, page three socialites but everyone present in the hall was self sufficient and was happy to resolve that they will support a child’s education. No one had any air and none of them mind the simplicity with which the proceedings went on as it had ignited a spark in their heart for extending help to their community.
TCN salutes the efforts of Mazhar Farooqui, Dr Razi Raziuddin and their friends.