FEMI School Leaders Award Conference 2026 Highlights Collective Strength of Muslim Educational Institutions
Bengaluru: The Federation of Minorities Educational Institutions (FEMI), Karnataka Chapter, successfully hosted the School Leaders Award Conference 2026 on January 17 at the Baris Soharda Bhavan, opposite the BDA Complex in Bengaluru. The conference brought together more than 150 management leaders and educationists from Muslim educational institutions across the city, underscoring the growing importance of collective leadership in the education sector.
Delivering the keynote address, MLC and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Nasir Ahmed, said that private unaided schools, despite operating with limited resources, continue to deliver commendable academic outcomes. “Their performance reflects dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to education,” he noted, adding that such institutions have carved out a significant space in Karnataka’s educational landscape. Congratulating FEMI’s office-bearers, he observed that collective unity among Muslim educational institutions translates into social and political strength.
Presiding over the conference, Syed Tanveer Ahmed stressed that institutional unity enhances visibility and influence. “When Muslim educational institutions function as a strong collective, their voice is heard not only by political representatives but also by the government. Our teachers, students and graduates strengthen civic participation, giving us the leverage to raise issues effectively,” he said. He urged institutions to rise above sectarian differences and focus on academic excellence, institutional growth, collective welfare and social responsibility.
Recognising Excellence and Raising Key Demands
In his special address, Mohammed Asifuddin, General Secretary of FEMI Karnataka Chapter, said the primary objective of the conference was to recognise the contributions of Muslim educational institutions and motivate them through awards to pursue further growth and excellence. School leaders were felicitated with awards presented by the chief guest.
Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com
During the event, Asifuddin submitted a memorandum, which Nasir Ahmed assured would be forwarded to the Departments of Education and Minority Welfare. The memorandum sought relaxation in renewal of school recognition, simplification of minority status certification, enhancement of the pre-matric scholarship budget to over ₹1,000 crore in 2026–27, allocation of government land and infrastructure grants for Muslim schools, doubling of post-matric and overseas education budgets, and direct online applications from madrasas for modernisation schemes without intermediaries. Nasir Ahmed assured efforts to pursue these issues with the Chief Minister and concerned ministers.
Education with Values and Vision
Addressing the gathering, Maulana Dr. Maqsood Imran Rashadi, Imam and Khateeb of City Jamia Masjid, Bengaluru, emphasised that Muslim institutions should balance modern education with religious instruction and moral training. Echoing this, Dr. Bilgami Mohammed Saad, President of Mansoorah Educational and Welfare Trust, said, “A holistic institution integrates knowledge, Islamic values and character-building, ensuring the next generation is intellectually strong and ethically grounded.”
Dr. Mohammed Taha Mateen, Trustee of Taqwa Educational Trust, highlighted the need for robust collective platforms. “Every community has strong associations to protect and guide its institutions. FEMI offers a credible and effective platform to address educational, social and political challenges faced by Muslim institutions,” he said, calling for greater participation under one umbrella.
An academic session featured Dr. Benazir, who delivered a presentation titled ‘Connecting Schools with the Community’, highlighting the active role schools must play in holistic community development.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Fareeda Rahmatullah, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, delegates, educators and media representatives. The event stood as a testament to the collective strength of Muslim educational leadership and conveyed a clear message: organised educational leadership is vital for social progress and meaningful policy engagement.
KEY QUOTES
-
Nasir Ahmed, MLC:
“Despite limited resources, private unaided minority schools are delivering remarkable results. Their collective unity gives them social and political strength.” -
Syed Tanveer Ahmed:
“When educational institutions function as one collective, their voice is felt by both the government and political leadership.” -
Mohammed Asifuddin, General Secretary, FEMI:
“This conference recognises the service of Muslim educational institutions and motivates them to aim higher through collective growth.” -
Dr. Maqsood Imran Rashadi:
“Modern education must go hand in hand with moral and religious values to shape responsible citizens.” -
ನಾಸಿರ್ ಅಹ್ಮದ್, ಎಂಎಲ್ಸಿ:
“ಸೀಮಿತ ಸಂಪನ್ಮೂಲಗಳ ನಡುವೆಯೂ ಖಾಸಗಿ ಅಲ್ಪಸಂಖ್ಯಾತ ಶಾಲೆಗಳು ಉತ್ತಮ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಸಂಘಟನೆಯೇ ಅವರ ಶಕ್ತಿ.” -
ಸೈಯದ್ ತನ್ವೀರ್ ಅಹ್ಮದ್:
“ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳು ಒಂದಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದಾಗ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ವಲಯದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಅವರ ಧ್ವನಿ ಪ್ರತಿಧ್ವನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.” -
ಮೊಹಮ್ಮದ್ ಆಸಿಫುದ್ದೀನ್, ಫೆಮಿ:
“ಈ ಸಮ್ಮೇಳನವು ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಸೇವೆಯನ್ನು ಗುರುತಿಸಿ, ಮುಂದಿನ ಹಂತಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರೇರೇಪಿಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನವಾಗಿದೆ.
