With an objective of modernising the education of minorities, the State government has decided to establish a centre after Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan, one of the founders of Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh.
A government order issued recently aims at improving the educational standard of minorities, focusing primarily on higher education.
“Modernisation of education of minorities is the need of the hour. The government, which has realized its importance, has decided to set up a study and research centre in Bengaluru,” said Sabir Mulla, the Head of the Centre.
Speaking to The Hindu , he said the government chose to name the centre after Sir Sayed because of his enormous contribution to the education sector, mainly towards minorities.
“Sir Sayed was a pioneer in bringing the concept of modernisation in the education of Muslims, which is the majority among the minorities,” he said.
Focus points
The full-fledged centre is yet to come up, but Mr. Mulla elaborated the salient features of the centre and projects to improve the education of minorities.
He said the centre plans to introduce the concept of digital classes or e-education. Noting that the percentage of Muslims in higher education was weak compared to other religious minorities, Mr. Mulla said the focus would be on increasing attendance.
“One of the reasons for the poor higher education percentage is that many students are unable to cope up with English as a medium of education after studying in Urdu. We will try to evolve methodologies on bridging the lacuna,” he said.
He said the centre would also try to set up a chair in the name of Sir Sayed in all the universities of the State. “We will also offer financial aid to the students doing research on various issues related to minorities,” he said.
Women’s education
Welcoming the step, Rafi Bhandri, member, Karnataka Urdu Academy and former Syndicate member of the Karnataka State Women’s University, said the centre should focus more on higher education.
“Since Sir Sayed was giving importance to education of women among the minorities, the centre should work to meet his aspirations,” he said. Mr. Mulla said the centre was at present working out of the Director of Minorities Office until it opens its own office.
