Nurul Islam: Educationist

M Nurul Islam is the visionary founder of Al Ameen Mission, a pioneering educational movement dedicated to uplifting underprivileged Muslim students in West Bengal and other parts of India. Born in 1953 in the small village of Khalatpur in Howrah district, West Bengal, Nurul Islam came from a modest background, but his passion for education and community service shaped his life's mission. 

M. Nurul Islam, the Secretary General of Al-Ameen Mission, established Khalatpur Junior High Madrasa in 1976 while still a 10th-standard student. In May 1984, he founded the Institute of Islamic Culture and, in 1986, set up a hostel within the madrasa building. This initiative was funded through a unique community effort—collecting a fistful of rice from every household in his village, Khalatpur. In January 1987, the institution was renamed Al-Ameen Mission.

Beyond education, Al-Ameen Mission is actively involved in charitable work, particularly for the Muslim community. It has provided loans to unemployed Muslims and runs scholarship programs to support underprivileged students from various communities.

Al-Ameen Mission is a residential educational institution located near Khalatpur, Udaynarayanpur, Howrah, West Bengal, India. Established in 1986, it has expanded to 56 branches across 15 districts in the state, currently housing around 12,000 residential students. Over the years, approximately 16,000 students have graduated from the institution.

The mission follows the curriculum of WBBSE, WBHSE, and CBSE boards. In recognition of its contributions to education, Al-Ameen Mission was honored with the prestigious Banga Bhushan Award in 2015.

Under Nurul Islam's leadership, Al Ameen Mission became known for its emphasis on holistic education, blending modern academics with ethical and moral values rooted in Islam. The Mission has been particularly successful in preparing students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE, enabling many of its alumni to secure admission to top medical, engineering, and other professional institutions in India. 

Nurul Islam's work has been widely lauded for transforming the educational landscape for Muslim students in Bengal. His mission has not only raised the standard of education but also instilled a sense of hope and empowerment among Muslim youth. His dedication to social upliftment through education has made him a respected figure, not only in the Muslim community but across India. Nurul Islam continues to inspire future generations with his unwavering commitment to education and community service.

M. K. Faizi: Politician

M. K. Faizi is an Indian politician and the National President of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a political organization committed to promoting social justice, equality, and the rights of marginalized communities. Faizi’s leadership has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s political strategy, particularly its focus on empowering Muslims, Dalits, and other underprivileged groups in India.

Born in Kerala, Faizi was actively involved in social and political movements from a young age. His early experiences with grassroots activism helped shape his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the country. Before joining SDPI, Faizi was associated with various social organizations advocating for justice and human rights, particularly focusing on issues like communal harmony, economic disparity, and political representation of minorities.

As the National President of SDPI, Faizi has been a vocal advocate for a secular and inclusive India, consistently speaking out against policies and practices that marginalize minorities. Under his leadership, the SDPI has made significant strides in raising awareness about issues such as state-sponsored violence, discrimination, and the erosion of civil liberties. The party has also positioned itself as a defender of constitutional rights, often taking strong stances against divisive and communal politics.

Faizi’s leadership is characterized by his emphasis on grassroots mobilization and community engagement. He has played a pivotal role in expanding the SDPI’s influence across several Indian states, particularly in southern India, where the party has contested elections and built a loyal following.

Despite facing political and legal challenges, M. K. Faizi remains committed to his vision of an egalitarian society where every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, or economic status, has equal access to opportunities and justice. His work continues to inspire many within the social justice and political spheres in India.

MP Ahammed: Businessman/ Philonthropist

M.P. Ahammed (born in 1957) is an Indian entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the largest and most successful jewelry retail chains in the world. Born in a small town in Kerala, India, Ahammed had humble beginnings, initially working in the family business that dealt with spice trading and agro-products. Despite having no formal higher education, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore new business avenues, and in 1993, he ventured into the jewelry business by establishing Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

Under Ahammed’s leadership, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has grown from a single outlet in Kozhikode, Kerala, to an international brand with over 300 showrooms across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States. The company is renowned for offering a wide range of gold, diamond, and platinum jewelry, and it is recognized for its commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates with the unique motto "Make Life Beautiful," reflecting Ahammed’s vision of enhancing customer experiences through luxurious yet accessible jewelry.

Ahammed’s business acumen and innovative approach to retail have been key to the brand’s success. He pioneered several customer-centric initiatives, including providing assured buyback policies, lifetime maintenance, and transparent pricing, which helped build trust among customers. His emphasis on ethical practices in sourcing materials and crafting jewelry has also contributed to the brand’s global reputation.

Beyond his business achievements, M.P. Ahammed is known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Malabar Group’s charitable arm. The company allocates a significant portion of its profits to various social initiatives, including healthcare, education, housing, and environmental sustainability. Ahammed strongly believes in giving back to society, and his charitable projects have positively impacted countless lives, particularly in underprivileged communities.

M.P. Ahammed's entrepreneurial journey, marked by his integrity, innovation, and commitment to social responsibility, has made him a respected figure in the business world and a symbol of success and philanthropy. His leadership continues to inspire others in the jewelry industry and beyond.

Mahmood Madani: Religious Leader/ Community Leader

Maulana Mahmood Madani is a prominent Indian Islamic scholar, politician social activist and head of of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH-M) one of the oldest and most influential Islamic organizations in India. Born in 1964 in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship, he is the grandson of Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, a revered freedom fighter and theologian.

Mahmood Madani received his early Islamic education at Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the world’s leading Islamic seminaries. A dynamic leader, he has been at the forefront of advocating for Muslim rights, national unity, and communal harmony in India. Under his leadership, JUH has played a critical role in addressing socio-political challenges faced by the Indian Muslim community, including issues of education, economic upliftment, and safeguarding constitutional rights.

Madani is known for his firm stance against terrorism and his efforts to de-link Islam from acts of violence. He has repeatedly condemned extremism and worked to foster interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among religious communities. His advocacy for secularism and pluralism resonates in his speeches, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence in a diverse nation like India.

A pragmatic leader, Mahmood Madani has also been active in legal battles to protect the rights and heritage of the Muslim community, including cases related to Waqf properties and masjids. He has initiated programs for skill development, education, and disaster relief, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.

Dr. Manzoor Alam: Intellectual/ Thought leader

Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam is the Chairman of the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), one of India’s premier think tanks focused on addressing issues concerning Muslims and other marginalized communities. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Alam has dedicated his life to promoting socio-economic development, education, and intellectual empowerment for underrepresented groups in India.

Dr. Alam's leadership at IOS has been instrumental in shaping research and policy recommendations on a range of issues, including human rights, education, and social justice. Under his guidance, the institute has published numerous books, reports, and journals, serving as a critical resource for scholars, policymakers, and community leaders alike. The IOS has also played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue between different religious and social groups, striving for communal harmony and national integration.

Born and educated in India, Dr. Alam pursued advanced studies in social sciences, earning a Ph.D. in Sociology. His academic background, coupled with his deep understanding of Islamic principles and philosophy, has enabled him to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity in his work. He has been an advocate for the introduction of modern education alongside religious studies in madrasa systems, emphasizing the need for holistic education to uplift the Muslim community.

Beyond his work at IOS, Dr. Alam has served in various capacities within national and international organizations, contributing to policy discussions on minority rights, interfaith dialogue, and education reform. He is widely respected for his thoughtful approach to addressing complex socio-political challenges and his commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

Dr. Manzoor Alam continues to be a key figure in India’s intellectual and social landscape, fostering critical thought and action toward a more inclusive and just society.

Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq: Politician/ Religious Leader

Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq (born 1973) is a prominent Kashmiri separatist leader and Islamic cleric with significant influence in the Kashmir Valley. As the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir and chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), he holds both political and spiritual authority over the region's Muslim population. He has led a faction of the APHC since 2004, advocating for Kashmiri self-determination and peaceful dialogue with India and Pakistan.

Born into a politically active family, Farooq became the Mirwaiz at 17, following the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, in 1990. His father’s death, along with the subsequent violence during the funeral procession, galvanized public sentiment and marked the beginning of his political journey. Mirwaiz Umar united 23 pro-freedom organizations into the APHC, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.

Educated at Burn Hall School in Srinagar, Farooq initially aspired to be a software engineer but later pursued religious and political studies. He holds a PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia, focusing on the politico-Islamic role of Shah-e-Hamdan, a 14th-century Islamic scholar who introduced Islam to Kashmir.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has consistently pushed for international recognition of the Kashmir issue, appearing as one of Time magazine’s Asian Heroes. However, his political activism led to his house arrest on August 4, 2019, ahead of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Indian government. After over four years in detention, he was briefly released in September 2023, only to be re-arrested in October, preventing him from leading Friday prayers once again.

Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz:  Islamic Scholar/ Academic

Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, an eminent academic and administrator, is widely recognized for his contributions to education and science communication. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) from 2015 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in promoting Urdu education and integrating modern scientific thought into traditional learning systems.

Born in 1954 in Delhi, Dr. Parvaiz pursued his early education in science and later specialized in plant physiology, earning a Ph.D. from Aligarh Muslim University. His academic journey reflects a rare blend of scientific expertise and deep engagement with Urdu, a language he passionately advocates for as a medium of modern education.

Dr. Parvaiz’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of MANUU was marked by significant reforms aimed at expanding access to quality education, particularly for marginalized communities. He emphasized the need for skill-based training and introduced several programs to enhance students’ employability. Under his leadership, MANUU saw increased collaborations with other institutions and a notable expansion of its academic infrastructure.

Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Parvaiz is a prolific writer and speaker. He has authored numerous books and articles, many of which focus on the relationship between Islam and science. His notable works include Islam and Science: Religious Orthodoxy and the Battle for Rationality, which addresses the compatibility of faith and scientific inquiry.

Dr. Parvaiz has been a strong advocate for scientific temper and the need to dispel misconceptions about science in religious contexts. Through his initiatives, such as workshops and public lectures, he has inspired a generation of students and educators to think critically and embrace a holistic approach to knowledge.

Respected for his vision and dedication, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz remains a significant figure in academia and public discourse, bridging traditional and modern educational paradigms.