Expat group aims to end illiteracy in Indian state

RIYADH — Hundreds of Indian expatriates from the eastern state of Bihar gathered at a function here recently, organized by the Riyadh and Kharj chapters of Bihar Anjuman, to focus on the importance of education and the achievements of the welfare organization. Sirajuddin Qureshi, President of the India Islamic Culture Center (IIRC), New Delhi, who was the guest of honor, said a great deal has been accomplished. “I was obsessed with the idea of opening a coaching center for poor Muslim children in each and every part of Bihar. I am amazed that this has become a reality and these coaching centers are working with great success in 21 districts of Bihar.” He commended the founder of Bihar Anjuman and its core group for their dedication, team work and selfless service to the community. He pointed out that along with education, mental training of children was the key responsibility of Muslim parents. Nadeem Tarin, Founder and Chairman of DPS & Dunes School in Riyadh and Dammam, said that opportunities should be explored, rather than people complaining about government discrimination and depending on state aid and benefits. Tarin said that compared to his childhood, many more opportunities are available for today’s youth. He called on parents to make sure their children benefit from technological advances. Earlier, Shakeel Ahmad, a Dubai-based IIT graduate and the Founder of Bihar Anjuman, outlined the organization’s achievements and plans in an hour-long slide presentation. Ahmad said that efforts are underway to establish centers in every district of Bihar with the help of members and philanthropists. He added that Bihar Anjuman’s aim is to eradicate illiteracy. He also disclosed that an office is being set up in Patna with the help of an American-based Indian businessman. Murshid Kamal, former Vice President of Jamia Students Union, floated the idea of launching similar groups in all Indian states. Kamal announced that he is joining Bihar Anjuman as an activist and will help to strengthen the organization in the Kingdom. Kamal applauded the achievements of the organization and said it was popular even in remote areas of Bihar. Flower bouquets were presented to Ahmad at the beginning of the program by two popular expatriate alumni organizations. The presentations were made by Shamsuddin Shams on behalf of the AMU Old Boys Association and Naushad Alam on behalf of Jamia Alumni Association, Riyadh chapters. Those involved in organizing the event included Alam, Joint Secretary of Jamia Alumni Association, Riyadh, and core members Seraj Akram, Ziauddin Ahmad, Muneer Ahmad, Faizan Balkhi, Jabed, Mohd. Nazam and Mohd. Amanullah. The event was anchored by Kaunain Shahidi, a senior manager at Almarai. Bihar Anjuman, with chapters across the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India, is a premier welfare organization dedicated to helping poor Muslims with jobs and education. The foundation stone for Bihar Anjuman was laid on March 11, 1999. 3 May 2012 http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=20120503123285