Manifesting Modi’s mantra in Muzaffarnagar
Cultivating harmony in the sugarcane bowl, philanthropist Ameer Ahamed empowers Muslim youth by anchoring modern education in theological values
In Muzaffarnagar, a boarding school called Vision International Academy (VIA) is making waves by combining Islamic education with modern subjects like science and mathematics. The academy, run by philanthropist Ameer Ahamed, aims to change the perception of backward regions in Haryana and provide opportunities for young Huffaz, or students who have memorized the Quran by heart.
These Huffaz, who also speak broken English and have knowledge of Hindi literature and cricket, are taught to respect diversity and understand the country's Constitution. They are encouraged to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, and other fields, rather than settling for menial jobs. The school, initially established in Phulat, a village near Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, was founded by Ameer Ahamed, who once received land from respected Muslim preacher Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui.
Despite facing resistance from maulanas and polarisation attempts, Ahamed advises Muslim communities to focus on modern education, citing the success of Kerala Muslims who invested in education instead of mosques and charities. He hopes to replicate the VIA model in other parts of the country, including Muzaffarnagar, with a girls' school that would also accept non-Muslim students.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
