M H Jawahirullah: Politician/ Activist

M. H. Jawahirullah (born in 1959) is a prominent Indian politician and sitting MLA of Tamil Nadu Assembly representing Papanasam constituency. He is a social activist and the founding president of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), a political party based in Tamil Nadu. Born in Udangudi village in Thoothukundi district , Jawahirullah has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities, particularly the Muslim minority in the state.

Jawahirullah's early education was rooted in both traditional Islamic studies and modern academics. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics and later completed his Master's in the same field, followed by a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his later work in social activism and politics.

In 2009, Jawahirullah founded the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, a party focused on the socio-economic upliftment of the marginalized and underrepresented sections of society. Under his leadership, MMK has played a significant role in Tamil Nadu politics, often aligning with major political alliances to advocate for the rights of Muslims and other minorities.

Jawahirullah's political career is marked by his tenure as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, representing the Ramanathapuram constituency from 2011 to 2016. During his time in the assembly, he was known for his outspoken views on issues such as social justice, communal harmony, and the rights of minorities. His legislative efforts often focused on education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the underprivileged.

Beyond politics, Jawahirullah is actively involved in various social welfare initiatives. He has been a vocal advocate for communal harmony and has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between different religious and social groups in Tamil Nadu.

M. H. Jawahirullah continues to be a significant figure in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, championing the cause of justice, equality, and empowerment for all.

Nurul Islam: Educationist

M. Nurul Islam (1953) is widely credited with spearheading a quiet but transformative educational movement for the Muslim community in the rural belts of West Bengal, a region where Muslims have long remained among India’s most socio-economically marginalized groups.

Born in the small village of Khalatpur in Howrah district, Nurul Islam displayed an early commitment to learning and community upliftment. While still in class 10, he established the Khalatpur Junior Madrasa, marking the beginning of his lifelong mission. His passion soon led to the founding of the Institute of Islamic Culture in 1984. Two years later, while working as a madrasa teacher, he set up a small hostel with just seven students. To sustain this initiative, he pioneered an innovative community-based support model: collecting a fistful of rice from every household in the village.

Inspired by both Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, founder of the Al-Ameen Movement, and the ethos of the Ramakrishna Mission, the institution was renamed Al-Ameen Mission in January 1986. Under Nurul Islam’s visionary leadership, the Mission grew exponentially. Today, it operates 74 branches across 18 districts, housing around 23,500 residential students. Over the decades, nearly 49,000 students have graduated from its campuses, which follow the WBBSE, WBHSE, and CBSE curricula. In recognition of its impact, the Government of West Bengal awarded the Mission the Banga Bhushan Award in 2015.

The Mission extends beyond academics, offering scholarships, financial aid, and interest-free loans for unemployed Muslims, making it a major socio-educational force in the state. Its strong focus on modern education—particularly NEET and JEE preparation—has enabled thousands of students to enter premier medical, engineering, and professional institutions across India.

Nurul Islam’s pioneering work has reshaped the educational landscape for Muslim youth in Bengal. His efforts have not only raised academic aspirations but also instilled hope, confidence, and a sense of empowerment across communities.

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 (1973) is one of the most influential separatist leaders and Islamic clerics in the Kashmir Valley. As the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir—a hereditary position that combines religious leadership with social authority—and the chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), he commands vast spiritual and political influence. Since 2004, he has led a key faction of the APHC, advocating peaceful dialogue and a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir dispute involving India, Pakistan, and the people of Kashmir.

Born into a prominent religious and political family, Umar Farooq was thrust into public life at the age of 17 after his father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Farooq, was assassinated in 1990. The violence that erupted during his father’s funeral procession left a deep impact on the young cleric and shaped his political worldview. Soon after, he played a central role in uniting 23 pro-freedom groups under the banner of the APHC, which became a major platform advocating for Kashmiri self-determination through non-violent means.

Educated at Burn Hall School in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar initially wished to become a software engineer. However, the political situation and his inherited responsibilities drew him into religious and public leadership. He later completed his PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia, writing his thesis on Shah-e-Hamdan, the 14th-century Sufi scholar whose arrival significantly shaped Kashmir’s Islamic and cultural identity.

Over the years, Umar Farooq has consistently emphasized the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and international engagement. His prominence earned him a place in Time magazine’s list of Asian Heroes. However, his political activities also made him a target of state restrictions. On August 4, 2019, a day before the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, he was placed under house arrest. Although briefly released in September 2023, he was re-detained in October, preventing him from delivering Friday sermons and resuming his religious duties.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remains a central figure in Kashmir’s socio-political landscape, symbolizing both its religious heritage and its unresolved political aspirations.