Bengaluru, Karnataka, 28th of June 202 : A high-level delegation led by Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Officiating Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) and National Convener of Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), held an important educational leadership interaction with K. M. Pareeth, Chairman of Ilahia Trust, and members of the Trust’s Management Board at the Seminar Hall of Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology, Mulavoor, Kerala.
The programme was presided over by K. M. Pareeth, while Adv. T. S. Rasheed, Vice Chairman of Ilahia Trust, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants.
Education is the Strongest Instrument of Nation Building: Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Shahid Akhtar said that minority educational institutions are not merely centres of learning but vital partners in India’s nation-building process. He emphasised that educational institutions must adopt modern pedagogical practices, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, research-oriented education and innovation to prepare students for global opportunities and future challenges.
He highlighted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a transformative roadmap for strengthening India’s education system through multidisciplinary learning, research, skill development, innovation and academic excellence.
Referring to the philosophy of “Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan,” Prof. Akhtar said that it represents far more than a slogan. It embodies the spirit of shared citizenship, constitutional values, mutual respect, social harmony and national unity. He urged educational institutions to nurture young minds who are not only competent professionals but also responsible citizens committed to nation-building.
Ilahia Trust Has Strong Potential to Become a Deemed-to-be University: Col. Tahir Mustafa
Col. Tahir Mustafa, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard and National In-charge of the Intellectual & Public Relations Wing, Muslim Rashtriya Manch, spoke on the evolving landscape of higher education and highlighted the opportunities available through the Deemed-to-be University framework.
He observed that the cluster of educational institutions managed by Ilahia Trust possesses the academic foundation and institutional potential to pursue Deemed-to-be University status. He stressed that strengthening academic quality, research, innovation, institutional governance and administrative excellence would enable the Trust to emerge as a leading centre of higher education.
Col. Mustafa further linked higher education with national initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasising that universities should produce innovators, entrepreneurs and responsible leaders capable of creating employment and contributing to national development.
Teaching Methodologies Must Evolve with Changing Times: Prof. Bahul Islam
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Bahul Islam, Director, IMT Hyderabad, underscored the importance of transforming educational practices in response to rapid technological advancement and global competition.
He advocated experiential learning, outcome-based education, research, innovation, international collaboration, industry–academia partnerships and continuous faculty development. He observed that technology should complement teachers by enhancing learning outcomes while preserving human values, ethical leadership and critical thinking.
Meaningful Deliberations on Educational Excellence and National Development
The interaction witnessed extensive deliberations on improving the quality of higher education, strengthening institutional governance, promoting research and innovation, enhancing digital learning, fostering skill development, expanding industry collaboration and preparing students for emerging global opportunities.
Participants unanimously agreed that minority educational institutions have an important role in advancing India’s knowledge economy, promoting social harmony and contributing significantly to national development through quality education and innovation.
Vote of Thanks
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. P. H. Muneer, Chairman of Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, delegates and participants for their valuable insights. He remarked that the interaction would provide a strong foundation for the institution’s future academic growth and strategic development.
Distinguished Participants
The interaction was attended by Samad Mudavana, Co-Convener, MRM Kerala; M. M. Muhammed Kunj, Treasurer, Ilahia Trust; M. K. Sayed Muhammed, Secretary, Ilahia Trust; V. U. Sidhick, Manager, Ilahia College of Engineering; K. Y. Sadic Muhammed, Chairman, Ilahia Law College; V. K. Abdul Salam, Manager, Ilahia Public School; senior university officials, academicians, faculty members and students.
Conference Message
Quality education, technological innovation, constitutional values, social harmony and national unity are the strongest foundations for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Guided by the spirit of ‘Ek Qaum, Ek Watan – Hindustan,’ educational institutions must continue to nurture responsible citizens, visionary leaders and innovators committed to the progress of the nation.”
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