Dr. ABDUL QADEER is a visionary, educationist, reformer and founder of Shaheen Group of Institutions, Karnataka. Dr Qadeer is an Engineering graduate who has transformed the historical city of Bidar into a centre of learning. For his remarkable achievements in the field of education, he has received many awards like Gurukul Award, Rajyotsava Award, Shikshana Ratna Prashasti, Dr. Multaj Khan Award (2012) for communal harmony. He was also awarded with Honorary Doctorate Degree for his service in the field of Education, Arts, Culture and Healthcare by the Gulbarga University. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, he said his model AICU (Academic Intensive Care Unit) should be followed by all in the country as it can address the dropout issue to a greater extent.
How did your journey begin in the field of education? What have you achieved so far and what would you like to achieve in the next decade?
There was need for a good school in Bidar. I wanted to provide education for my younger brother and then looked for some residential school in Hyderabad but parents were not ready because he was a small child. On my persuasion, he was admitted to a school in Hyderabad but he came back after three days. When we enquired, he cited pain in the stomach to be the reason. We consulted a doctor but after two months we came to know he was lying. It was a matter of great concern for us; I was worried, parents were also angry and all blamed me for that because it was my decision to send him to a school in Hyderabad.
Then I realised that after all our efforts we were unable to motivate our younger brother to get education then how difficult it would be for the parents who cannot even afford to send their wards to schools. There came the idea to start a school and on 1st December 1989 we opened a school (Urdu medium-Shaheen Kindergarten) in a single room with only 17 students. With our consistent efforts, today there are 17,000 students from 23 different states and NRI students from around seven countries. Rich, poor, Muslim and non-Muslim students study here without any discrimination. They all stay in the campus with we-feeling and brotherhood. We have developed a culture of positivity and distraction-free environment.
We impart value-based quality education not only for their professional advancement but also to make them good citizens who can understand the requirements of the community and the country. We have achieved this in 32 long years and I wish this spirit spread in the entire country. In the coming decade we would like to expand our educational vision from South to North. Today Shaheen Group has established over 42 NEET coaching franchises across the country and more than 1000 students have qualified for MBBS from Shaheen Group of Institutions.
Do you think there is growing realisation in the community about the need and importance of education?
Yes, there has been some improvement in education but still we can see how people spend money on marriage and huge buildings. How can a community prosper when they spend more money on marriages than on education of their children? People should come forward and sponsor children to transform their lives. Even people living close to a mosque can sponsor at least one child in their area to bring the desired change. We have seen how a family, village or area develops and transforms by one who has become successful. This approach can transform the community and the country.
Do you think there is political sensitivity towards education and does it reflect from their political manifestos?
It is a matter of great concern that all are going in a different direction. They are giving more importance to trivial issues and spending lots of money and energy thereon. If funds are increased and greater emphasis is laid on education, things will improve. Overall, the government of Delhi has initiated some good provisions which are emulated by other states as well; this can bring remarkable change in the future. It is a welcome trend that the girls are outnumbering boys in colleges and universities. Such increasing trend will eventually transform our society. But if the number of boys keeps on decreasing, it will have disastrous effect in our society and our family system. In order to prevent boys from distraction from study, the role of institutions, parents, NGOs is very important. With greater discipline we can protect our generation from any kind of distraction from main goals of education.
What’s your take on the present system of education and what more according to you should be done in this regard?
There are a large number of government schools that provide primary education. They are not up to the mark. And as the foundation remains weak, it affects generation after generation. The children who are in 5th or 7th standard remain obedient to their teachers and parents but get distracted after 8th class. It is so because they are unable to understand their subject. Problem in language creates problem for all subjects. And when he is unable to understand his subject, he gets distracted from study and indulges in mischief. To find peace for himself, he looks for other ways which further increases the dropout rates. Basic education should be improved to consolidate the foundation. There should be improvement in government schools. Then only the issue of dropouts could be addressed.
Do you think Shaheen Group of Institutions has created a model of education and it should be replicated elsewhere as well?
Yes, after 32 long years we have been able to create a model of excellence. People from across India visit our institution and get motivated to start schools in their respective areas. So far 20 per cent of visitors have started their own institutions. Our model AICU (Academic Intensive Care Unit) should be followed by all as it can address the dropout issue to a greater extent. Every big school should have its own AICU. Based on the weakness of a student, it should be decided how long he should be kept in AICU to strengthen him.
When you look at education in general and education of Muslims in particular, what makes you happy and what troubles you the most?
There is growing trend of competition and students get encouraged; this is a healthy sign. Students are getting selected in NEET, UPSC and other competitive exams. But what we are concerned about is the increasing dropout of boys; if it is not addressed accordingly, it will have disastrous effect in the near future.
Do you think Muslims can be empowered only through education?
Yes, it is only education that can empower Muslims in every sphere. Educating children should be our prime focus. Money should not be wasted on unimportant things instead more and more money should be saved for the purpose of education. We have to develop a culture where education becomes the top priority for every parent, society, group and organisation.