AFMI’s 24th Annual Convention a Success

By TMO Stringer

AFMI held its 24th Annual Convention September 20-21 at the Hilton west chase in Houston.

On the dais at the AFMI convention:  Dr. Aslam Abdullah stands at left on dais, next to Consul General Hon. P. Harish. Dr. AS Nakadar is at right.

Participants in the day session discussed issues on Emerging trend in world education. The first session of the day addressed the issues of Resources available for such a trend. Speakers in the first session made it clear that the resources vary from country to country and one has to maximize the available resources in a particular area. Dr. Khutub Uddin of Indianapolis (IN) moderated the session and the speakers were: Dr. Razia Ahmed (Cleveland-OH), Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammed (Hyderabad-India) Mr. Mazhar Hussaini (Dallas-TX) and Dr. Mirza Baig (Houston-TX).

Second session discussed the Methodologies: The moderator raised the issue that in India the dropout rate is still about 36%, half of them drop out at primary level. Despite a growing economy Government uses only 4.8% of its GDP for the education. Private organizations provide almost 55% of the secondary education. The teacher to student ration is also high. Various speakers out lined their views and strategy to stop the dropout rate and advised how one can use the government and other private sectors to develop new methodologies. Dr. Tajuddin Ahmed (Springfield-OH) moderated the session and speakers were: Dr. Aslam Abdullah (LA), Dr. Suhaib Siddiqui (Boston-MA) Dr. Zafar Taqvi (Houston-TX) Mr. M. J. Khan (Former Councilor-Houston-TX,) Prof Mohammed Anwer (India).

The last session of the day discussed the Contents to have in Recent Trends in World education. What content would help the student’s critical thinking? Especially when Internet access has become more ubiquitous, the children of the poorest people are able to get access to the same quality education as the wealthiest. Dr. Iqbal Ahmed (Cleveland –OH) moderated the session and the speakers were Dr. Charania Barak (Texas),Mr. N. Jafry (California), Mr. Rizwan Sheikh (Houston,)Mr. Faiyaz Merchant (Houston, )Dr. Asif Ali (Houston).

Lively and thought provoking Q & A session followed the day session,

L to R Dr Mrs Razia ahmed, dr Tajuddin Ahmed, Dr. H Nagamia, Dr. Azeem Uddin, Dr. Fakhruddin mohammed, in the back stage dr. Nakadar and Dr. Suhaib Siddiqui.

About 300 people participated in the elaborate Banquet session. Dr. Aslam Abdullah was the MC of the session and pitched in for the fund raising session. He kept the audience attentive with his witty remarks. Following the Quran recitation, Dr. Azeem Uddin, Chairman (Houston-TX) and Dr. H. Nagamia (Tampa –FL), the current president of AFMI welcome the guest. Because of time constraints Congressman Al Green of Houston addressed the gathering early. He appreciated the AFMI’s work and thanked AFMI for inviting him.

Dr. H Nagamia said that it is imperative for all to see that full range of opportunities is available to all especially minorities for the growth and development of the country.

Dr. AS Nakadar highlighted AFMI’s accomplishments.  He advised NRI’s to make time to visit schools when they return to India.  “Monetary help is one thing, but your kind words and encouraging words can do wonders.”

Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammed of MESCO spoke about his organization MESCO’s achievements.  He received this year’s coveted AFMI’s excellence award during the banquet session.

Hon. P. Harish, the Consul General of India and Chief Guest of the convention, remarked that it is extremely sad that the adherents of a religion that began with the commandment “Iqra” is now characterized too often by under-education. He said it is the duty of each individual especially the religious scholar and their pulpit.

Dr. Suhaib Siddiqui (Boston-MA) thanked each individual for participating in AFMI convention.

The session followed an entertainment program by Dr. Arti Pandya from Atlanta and Sufi Qawali by Mr. Qureshi.

The entire program was so good that organizers had to request to extend the hall deadline by one hour.

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