A fairer world where the poor can live sustainable lives within safe and caring communities. A tall order indeed. But by no means impossible if one were to see the grit and determination of Prof. K.A. Siddique Hassan, vice president, Jamaat Islami Hind.
The ‘Vision 2016', a national initiative launched by him in north India six years ago, has paid off. There are reports of a perceptible change in the lives of the downtrodden sections. Buoyed by the success, Prof. Siddique plans to replicate the programme in the south starting with Andhra Pradesh.
“We plan to focus on the core areas of education, health care, microfinance and civil rights which are also identified by Sachar Committee”, said Prof. Siddique, who is here to sensitise the community to the issues at hand.
The Human Welfare Foundation (HWF), the umbrella organisation undertaking the ambitious project, primarily aims to concentrate on the Muslim concentrated districts of Hyderabad, Guntur, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Nizamabad, Medak and Karimnagar. Prof. Siddique, who is also the Foundation secretary general, is using his Hyderabad visit to meet different NGOs, corporates and likeminded people to rope in for the A.P operation.
Prof. Siddique believes in going beyond charity by enabling people to realise their full potential. The Vision 2016 with an estimated budget of Rs. 5000 core tries to pool money through philanthropists and funding agencies both within and outside the country. “For the price of a chocolate bar or a diet coke you can sponsor an orphan”, he says.
By 2016 it is proposed to set up 100 vocational training schools, a university, a medical college, 10 speciality hospitals, 100 clinics and provide 1 lakh merit scholarships. “Muslims are backward because they are educationally and economically backward”, says Prof. Siddique who intends to help people with little or no resources.
He is aware of the pathetic condition of Muslims in Hyderabad caught in the jaws of moneylenders. There are plans to set up 12 microfinance societies in the City through which a maximum of Rs. 25,000 will be provided as loan to the needy. “Interest free microfinance is an effective tool to fight poverty”, he says.
A blue print of the programmes planned for Andhra Pradesh in the thrust areas is expected to be ready by next month.
