Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi addresses students at Rabita Educational Excellence Awards in Bhatkal

Bhatkal, July 24: The first session of the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards 2025 was held on Thursday morning at the Anjuman Islami Anglo Urdu High School Ground in Bhatkal, drawing a large gathering of students, parents, educators, and community members. The event was organised by the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society) to honour meritorious students for their academic achievements.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Maaiz. Abdul Raqeeb Pillor served as the master of ceremonies.

The event was presided over by Umar Farooque Musba, President of the Rabita Society, under whose leadership the Council has consistently promoted education within the community. Prominent personalities on stage included Dr. Ateequr Rahman Muniri, General Secretary of BMKC; Prof. Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi, former Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Aligarh Muslim University and a member of the AIMPLB, who attended as the Chief Guest; Moulana Khaja Akrami, Qazi Khalifa of Jamatul Muslimeen; Moulana Mohammed Hussain Jukaku, General Secretary of Jamatul Muslimeen; Ismail Jubapu, General Secretary of Khalifa Jamat; Ishaq Shabandri, General Secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen; Abdul Raqeeb MJ, General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem; and Moulana Talha Ruknuddin representing Jamia Islamia Bhatkal.

Also in attendance were BMKC office-bearers Yasir Qasimji (Secretary) and Sabir Ali Akbara (Treasurer), along with representatives of overseas Bhatkali organisations including Jailani Mohtesham (Dubai), Moulana Tanveer Jushiddi (Eastern Region), Abul Ala Mohtesha (Muscat), MJ Faiyaz (Kuwait), and MJ Aftab (Markaz Al Nawayath, Abu Dhabi).

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi praised the consistent efforts behind the Rabita Awards and emphasised the importance of education as both a societal and religious duty. He urged students to remember the efforts of community leaders who made such initiatives possible and encouraged them to value learning not just as a right but as a responsibility.

In his address, Dr. Ateequr Rahman Muniri reflected on the journey of the Rabita Society and the role played by early visionaries like Dr. Khalil ur Rahman. He likened the society to a tree planted by elders that is now providing shelter to the next generation through its educational initiatives.

Moulana Khaja Akrami, speaking on the occasion, commended the dedication of Rabita Society members, many of whom are based in Gulf countries and yet make time during their annual visits to organise the event. He reminded students that awards are a milestone but sustained effort and sincerity are key to long-term success.

The Rabita Educational Excellence Award, launched in 1999, recognises outstanding academic performers from the Bhatkali Muslim community. Awards are presented across various categories, including SSLC, PUC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as to achievers from Gulf countries and other Indian cities. The awards also acknowledge schools and teachers for their contributions.

The session concluded with the presentation of awards and certificates to high-achieving students, followed by a round of applause from the audience, marking another successful chapter in the Rabita Society’s ongoing efforts to promote education and academic excellence.