Aaghaz Foundation

Beginning Anew
We use education as a tool to effect socio-economic reforms in the minority community.

WHAT’S AAGHAZ FOUNDATION ALL ABOUT

A silent movement to eradicate illiteracy from the minority community. We are a one-of-its kind Lucknow-based organisation committed to the cause of providing education to underprivileged minority students. Unable to meet the high costs, every year hundreds, possibly thousands of minority children are forced to discontinue their education. A recent study suggests that the school drop out rate is the highest among Muslim children.
Aaghaz Foundation prevents these budding careers from being nipped in the bud by paying off their school and college fees directly to their institutions. Already, several hundred minority students are benefiting from the unique scholarship programmes initiated by the Foundation.

Aaghaz Foundation is registered with the Society of Registrar under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

WHO ARE WE

People like you. A selfless group of individuals from different walks of life who are driven by a common agenda: Eradication of illiteracy from our community. Our members include men and women from diverse fields and different age groups.

HOW DO WE WORK

Smartly. As soon as someone recommends us a student who needs financial support,
Aaghaz asks its members to volunteer for a pre-scholarship survey. A minimum of three volunteers are needed. The volunteers visit the student’s house with a set of questionnaire based on objectively verifiable indicators to determine whether or not the student is eligible for scholarship.

The academic record of the student, his/her financial condition etc are among several key things that are taken into consideration by the volunteers. Priority is given to orphans and meritorious student.

Once it has been vetted, the case is discussed at our meetings (we meet once every month) and, subject to the findings of the survey, the scholarship is approved or rejected.

HOW DO WE RAISE FUNDS FOR THE STUDENTS

Take it from the community, give it back to the community. Aaghaz Foundation raises funds through generous contributions (minimum of Rs. 100/- or more per month) from members in India and abroad Thankfully, we have enough members to keep us running like a well-oiled machinery. And because the school/college fee of most of our students is sponsored either wholly or partially by some of our members, financial constraint has rarely been a problem.

When a student’s case is brought to our notice we raise it in our monthly meetings. Case details of students are send out to our members and patrons on email and posted on www.aaghazfoundation.blogspot and invariably someone steps in to sponsor the fee of the child for one year under our adopt-a-child scheme.

Aaghaz Foundation also accepts Zaka’at.

NOTE: Aaghaz Foundation doesn’t accept any grant/aid from the government.

HOW DO WE MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF STUDENTS

Scholarship is given for an academic session and subject to a student’s performance, extended or withdrawn for another year. Members visit various colleges periodically to monitor their progress. Students given scholarship for higher education are made to sign a moral bond wherein they promise to return the funds (without interest) when they are in a position to do so. The bond has no legal sanctity.

AND NOW FOR SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why education?
Because illiteracy is the single biggest factor for the problems bedeviling our community. It’s also responsible for unemployment and backwardness among Muslim.

What can we do?
Use education as a tool to effect socio-economic reforms in the community.
Provide financial assistance to deserving students who want to pursue their studies but don’t have the resources.

Capitalize on our numbers. One individual may not be able to help 10 others, but 10 individuals can certainly help one.

But why should I get involved? I am busy

If not you, then who? How long should we depend on the government. Isn’t this our social and moral responsibility to do something for our community.

How can I contribute?

Join Aaghaz by agreeing to contributing Rs 100 per month or more. Give suggestions. They are invaluable. Find us students who could benefit from Aaghaz.

Spread awareness about education and locate students who cannot pursue their studies because of lack of resources.

Sponsor a child. Details of students and there fee requirement is discussed in our monthly meetings and also posted on www.aaghazfoundation.blogspot.com from time to time. (We also have a website www.aaghazfoundation.com, but it’s not been updated so don’t bother looking at it. We are trying to revamp it and I will mail you the link when I am done).

What can we gain ?

Nothing materially. There are no tangible benefits for you, only Sawa'ab. Students availing our services will pass the baton to the next generation; even if they don’t at least their generation and hopefully, those after them would be educated.

Some clarifications

Aaghaz Foundation doesn’t have any political affiliations. No one has any vested interests in Aaghaz. Alhamdulillah, we all are doing fairly well in life.
Transparency is the key word. Accounts, records etc can be checked any time.
There are no personal gains to be made through Aaghaz.

The decision-making authority in Aaghaz Foundation is vested with an Executive Council comprising urban professionals. But this doesn’t imply that the Foundation belongs to an individual or group. We are all cogs in the machine. So you can be as much a part of Aaghaz as we are.

In keeping up with our guiding principles, not a single penny has been spent on the Foundation (all office expenditure, including stationary, postal expenses etc. are borne by the members voluntarily) nor was any grant accepted from any government/ private institution

WHERE DO WE STAND

From a small idea in October 2004, Aaghaz has now grown into a full fledged movement. At present Aaghaz is paying the fees of over 350 of students in various schools and colleges located throughout Lucknow. Unable to afford the high costs, most of these students would have been otherwise forced to discontinue their education.

Link:

www.aaghazfoundation.com

Aligarm Muslim University

Composition of Executive Council and AMU Court

submitted by Afzal Usmani

Ajmer Dargah Committee

Government Notification on 24 August 2007:

In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5 and 6 of the Durgah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955, the Central Government hereby appoints the following as members to the Durgah Committee, Ajmer, who are Hanafi Muslims, for a period of five years with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, namely:

1. Nawab Mohammad Abdul Ali: Amir Mahal, Royapettah, Chennai- 600014 ( elected Chairman by the Committee)
2. Haji Hafiz Wakil Ahmed: Gaon Paighambar Nagar, Post Maohna Paschim, Sultanpur, UP.
3. Mohammed Ilyas Qadri: 104/4, Kirdar Manzil, Andar Kote, Ajmer- 305001, Rajasthan.
4. Prof. (Dr.) Ibraheem: C-91 Johri Farm, Noor Nagar Extension, Jamia Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi.
5. Sohail Ahmad Khan: Qr. No. 3, South Gandhi Maidan, Patna-800001, Bihar.
6. A. H. Khan Chowdhary: C-1/6, Tilak Lane, N.D.
7. Mr. Tirmizi: D-4, Alif Apartments, Faiz Mohammed Society, Jain Merchant P.T. College Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
8. Mr. Shaikh: Munshi Cottage, Opp. Shalimar Cinema, Shah-e-Alam, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
9. Mr. Muallim, At & Post Nandgaon, Tal: Murud-Janjira, Distt-Raigad, Maharasthra.

[as reported in Muslim India: November 2007]

Joint Committee of Muslim Organization of Empowerment

For pursuing the overall objective of empowerment of the Muslim Community through recognition as a Backward Class with a separate Sub-quota for reservation, several National Organizations of the Muslim Community have formed a Joint Committee of Muslim Organizations for Empowerment (JCMOE). The Organizations which are currently associated with the JCMOE are;

1. Jamiat-ul-Ulema Hind, Maulana Arshad Madni, President,

General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madni, MP,

2. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, Amir

3. All India Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Janab S.Shahabuddin, President

4. All India Milli Council, Dr. Manzoor Alam, General Secretary

5. Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians, Janab Moosa Raza, President

6. All India Momin Conference, Janab Furkan Ansari, MP, President

7. All India Shia Conference, Janab Shamim Kazim, President

8. Markazi Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith, Maulana Asghar Imam Mahdi Salafi, General Secretary

9. Imarat-e-Sharia, Bihar, Maulana S.Nizamuddin, Amir

The JCMOE has requested Mr. Justice A.M.Ahmedi former Chief Justice of India and Mr.Syed Hamid Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard to be its patron.

The JCMOE has a National Advisory Committee consisting of the Patrons and the heads of the associated organizations with Janab S. Shahabuddin as Convener. It has also established a National Organizing Committee consisting of representatives of some associated organization: Janab Mujtaba Farooque (JIH), Janab Naved Hamid (MOEMIN), Janab A.H.Nomani (JUH), Dr. Z.I.Khan (AIMMM), Maulana Aquilur Gharvi(AISC), Dr.S.Q.R.Ilyas ((Afkar-e-Milli), Mr. Amanullah Khan (U.P.Rabita Committee), Dr. K.K.Usman (Forum of Faith and Fraternity) The first four shall act as Joint Convener.

The JCMOE has formulated a Charter of Demands in the light of the UPA Manifesto, Prime Minister's Assurance to Minorities, the New 15 Point Programme for Minority Welfare and the Recommendations of the Sachar Committee and of the Mishra Commission.

The JCMOE is of the considered view that the assurances and the recommendations for Muslim uplift are not being implemented adequately and properly with the urgency that it deserves. The objective of the Committee is to mobilize public support for urgent action in this regard, particularly for the acceptance of the Charter of Demands by the Government.

The tentative Programme is to organize public meetings at the local, district and state capitals and to present Memoranda to the DM's and the Chief Ministers in the districts and states of Muslim concentration. For this purpose, the JCMOE is nominating various associations and individuals as Conveners of State Organizing Committees for organizing mobilization at local, district and state levels in order to press both Centre and State Governments for urgent action. For this, they shall establish liaison with local and district organizations and prominent social workers who are sympathetic to the Muslim cause.

At the national level, the JCMOE is calling on national parties and their leaders to request them to raise the question of uplift of the Muslim Community in the coming session of the Parliament and press the Government to agree to a discussion on the subject with a view to formulate a national consensus on strategy and action.

The JCMOE proposes to organize a Dharna by Muslim leaders when the Parliament reopens and hold a mass rally in Delhi towards the end of the monsoon session to draw national attention to the problems faced by the Muslim Community.

Mujtaba Farooque

Naved Hamid

A.H.Nomani

New Delhi, Dr.Z.I.Khan
4 July, 2007 Conveners, National Organizing Committee

Joint Committee of Muslim Organization of Empowerment

D-250 Abul Fazal Enclave,

Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025

Tel.: 26946780, 26947346

American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin

American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin
(USA & Canada)
XV Annual Convention
Dec.23-24, 2006

Resolutions

1.The XVth Annual Convention of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (USA & Canada) held on December 23-24,2006 in association with Crescent School and the Organization of Muslim Educational Associations of Tamil Nadu at Crescent Auditorium, Chennai, appreciates the efforts taken by the Census Commission of India and the Justice Rajinder Sachar Commission for presenting the religion-wise breakup and status of education and employment.

2.The convention expresses its grave concern over the pitiable plight of the Indian Muslims in the economic, educational and social strata as revealed by the 2001 National Census of India and reaffirmed by the Sachar Commission Report.

3.We are thankful to the Hon.Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for formulating a new 15 point program for the minorities as a whole focusing on the human resources development aspect so as to enhance opportunities for education, earmark 15% of the physical targets and financial outlays for the minorities, ensure equitable share in economic activities and employment to improve the living conditions of the minorities and to maintain communal harmony.

4. We request the PMO to faithfully implement this scheme through the appropriate channels, already identified by the government and monitor in the micro-level to ensure that the fruits of this scheme reach the appropriate benefeciaries.

5.By and large it has been past experience that the announcement of schemes and allocation of funds does not reach the under-privileged masses including the
Muslims in the right proportion of their population and in proportion to their needs
which are required to raise themselves to the national mainstream. It is of utmost importance that Muslim concentrated areas must be identified and their needs for educational facilities evaluated without loss of time and necesarry facilities should be created so as to meet the first two points of the 15 point program namely:
1.Equitable availability of integrated child development scheme
2. Providing access to school education.

6.We request that on the basis of the findings, the respective governments should faithfully take all steps to improve the human development status of Indian Muslims.

7. All minorities put together constitute 33% of the national population where the Muslims are the largest group consisting of 13.4% according to the 2001 census and 17% according to the Sachar Commission estimation. If this major segment lags behind others and will not reach the national mainstream, India could never paint a honorable picture of its human development index in the global arena.

When budget allocations are made in common for all minorities-- for example 15% in the new 15 point program of the Prime Minister, the status of each minority must be taken into account in appropriately allocating to the sub-groups.

8. We appreciate the impetus given by the government to the Integrated Child Development Scheme whereby improving access to school education. It should be emphasised that intitaives must be launched like Anganwadis and the Sarva Siksha Abhyan in areas where minorities are concentrated.

9.We request the government to give more emphasis on the girl child's development in the education which will go a long way in educating the nation.

10.The convention also urges the Muslims to fulfill their own responsibility in pulling the community out of their current state of socio-economic and educational backwardness.

Karnataka Waqf Board

http://www.karwakf.org/ : official website

Karnataka Waqf Board was constituted on 21 Sep 2005:

Abdul Hakeem Hindasgeri (state legislator category)
CK Jaffar Sharief (MP category)
Iqbal Ahmed Sardagi (MP category)
Khalid Ahmed [former chairman, Karnataka Waqf Board](elected category)
KM Ibrahim (state legislator category)
Maulana Mufti Ashraf Ali (religious scholar category)
Maulana Zayeem Raza Aabidi (Shia religious scholar category)
R. Abdur Raiyaz Khan (member Karanataka Bar Council)
Syed Mudeer Agha (prominent Muslim org. category)
Syed Mujtaba Husain [Jagirdar, Bijapur](elected category)
Syed Sadaqath Peeran (prominent Muslim org. category)
Syed Zameer Pasha (civil servant category)

--- source MilliGazette 1-15 Nov 2005

Association of Indian Muslims of America

The Association of Indian Muslims of America
(A non-profit & non-Political Organization Incorporated in Washington DC)

http://www.aimamerica.org/

Association of Indian Muslims of America. (AIM)
Address: PO Box 10654, Silver Spring, MD 20914
Phone: 410 730 5456

President: Kaleem Kawaja

This Association was founded in 1985 in Washington DC. It is insorporated in Washington DC as an IRS tax exempt, non-profit, non-political, social service organization. Its objective is service to Indian Muslims in India and North America.

1. EDUCATION PROGRAM

The AIM Education Fund was established in 1989. Since then every year AIM raises between $10 k to $20 k and distributes it to Muslim schools, colleges and students. Since 1989 AIM has focussed on the states of UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat. AIM's scholarships to needy students are distributed every year through the Students Islamic Trust of New Delhi and its branch in Chennai and the Muslim Service Society, Calicut.

The major educational organizations whom AIM has funded in addition to the above in recent years are:

Sir Syed Institute of Technology, New Delhi; Rabta Education Committee, Aligarh; Imarat-e-Sharia Computer Institute, Patna; Islamia High School Sheikhpura, Bihar; Markaz Adab & Science, Ranchi; Al Ameen Education Society, Mysore; Muslim Majlis, Port Nova, Tamil Nadu, Sir Syed School,
Dehradun.

In 2004 AIM established an Industrial Technical Institute at a cost of $60,000 in Ahmedabad, in collaboration with Falah Darain Education Society.

In 2003 AIM established a gold medal at Aligarh Muslim University to be awarded every year to the best student in the department of journalism and mass communication.

2. RELIEF PROGRAM:

Whenever there has been a communal riot or natural disaster in India AIM has provided substantial relief help. Some of them are:

- In 2002 AIM raised about $200,000 and distributed it to victims through Muslim NGOs in Gujarat. The money was used to build a large number of new houses and repair damaged houses for the victims of the massacre.

- 2005: AIM provided financial help ($22K) to victims of Tsunami disaster in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka, Indonesia.
- 2001: AIM provided $20 K to victims of earthquake in Gujarat.
- 1998: Provided about $5k to victims of hurricanes in Orissa and Gujarat.
- 1991-1993: Aim rprovided about $10 K in each year to victims of communal violence in various parts of India.

3. ADVOCACY PROGRAM:

AIM has a robust program to conduct advocacy for the various causes of Muslims in India. Some major highlights are:

- 2002: AIM held a large protest rally at the Indian Embassy to protest the killing of Muslims in Gujarat.

- 2000 and 1987: AIM published advertisements in Washington Post to draw public attention to the communal riots and violation of human rights of Muslims in India.

- 1997: AIM held a seminar to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indian independence.

- 1992: AIM organized a protest rally at the Indian Embassy to protest the demolition of the Babri mosque. At that time AIM met with officials of US State Department to convey its protest.

- 1990: AIM held the first convention of Indian Muslims in US in Washington DC.

- Whenever Indian Prime Ministers visit US AIM meets with them to lobby for the various causes of Muslims in India.

- AIM regularly publishes articles on the sdituation of Indian Muslims in various newspapers in US.

4. COMMUNAL HARMONY PROGRAM:

AIM continually works with various communal harmony organizations to improve Muslims' friendship with Hinmdus, Sikha, Christians.

As part of this program AIM works closely with the Indian Embassy to observe various national events of India.

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The Association of Indian Muslims of America
(A non-profit & non-Political Organization Incorporated in Washington DC)
May 25, 2006

The Association of Indian Muslims (AIM) founded in 1985, is an independent, social service organization. Association of Indian Muslims (AIM) decided to do something constructive about the lack of education among the Muslim youth and improve the socio-economic conditions of Muslim in India. Some achievements in last three years include!

1- AIM helped scores of schools and students in India’s major cities.
2- AIM operates a Relief Fund to needy Muslim families.
4- Established AIM Gold Medal at AMU in Journalism and Mass Communication.
5- Established Computer Centers in Bihar
6- Special coaching Programs in many states.
7- AIM Leadership Awards to Indian Muslims.
8- Continued rehabilitation of victims of communal violence in India.
9- Committed efforts to block Modi’s visit to USA, and help build a pluralistic and humanist India where there is justice for all.
10- Make the first move to help starving Muslims in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
11- AIM was first organization in USA to expressed "disillusionment" on behalf of Indian Muslims settled in North America, on the judgment of Justice Arun Tandon of the UP High Court declaring that the legislation establishing AMU a minority institution is invalid. AIM sent letters and position papers to The President, Prime Minister, Education Minister and head of various political parties and their leaders to restore minority status and remove all ambiguity from the current AMU constitution through the act of parliament.

There is nothing more satisfying than helping another Muslim in need. Your help and encouragement for various AIM projects will be greatly appreciated. We appeal to all to give generous donations so we can help the needy Muslims in India. With kindest regards to you and your family. Thanks.

Syed M. Naseem
Director
(Chairman, Membership and Fundraising Committees, AIM)

Please send your Tax-deductible Donations, including Membership Dues ($ 10 per person) and other generous contribution (please specify) $---------- Payable to AIM at the following address!

Association of Indian Muslim of North America (AIM),
P. O. Box-10654
Silver Spring, MD – 20904