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The Minority Pathfinder:
A Man with Unforeseen Energy
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The Minority Pathfinder:
A Man with Unforeseen Energy
[M.Nurul Islam,The Founder General Secretary, Al-Ameen Mission]
Sk Habib
EDUCREATION PUBLISHING (Since 2011)
www.educreation.in
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v
Contents
Sr. Chapter Page
1 Preface vii
2 Personal Details of Nurul Islam xii
3 A Synopsis of Nurul Islam’s
Works
xiv
4 Introduction xvii
5 Some Great Social Reformers in
Indian History
1
6 Social Work and Spirituality
According to Quran and Hadith
21
7 Nurul Islam and Al-Ameen
Mission
34
8 Spiritual and Social Principle of
Nurul Islam
61
9 Nurul Islam as an Administrator 73
10 Nurul Islam Seen by Me
83
11 Few Photographs of Nurul
Islam’s Journey
102
12 What the Media Says about Al-
Ameen Mission
116
13 References 119
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vi
Preface
The book “The Minority Pathfinder:A Man
with Unforeseen Energy” is a spontaneous outcome
of my experience as one of the members of Al-
Ameen Mission family since 2008 to 2018.It is
commonly understood that Nurul Islam’s
philosophy of humanism tends to concentrate the
energies of a culture for the holistic amelioration of
minority in West Bengal.It emphasizes on social
ethics and helps the students to imbibe social virtues
and thereby to build up a strong moral character.By
upholding the dignity of man,it consecrates to
individual freedom and responsibility and the sense
of equality among men.On the intellectual plane,it
directs the mental life of his students to the joyous
adventure of knowledge,to the inquiry into the
phenomena of nature and man. With this knowledge
man achieves increasing control over nature's forces
for a collective human life.Man's control over the
forces of nature constitutes the development of
technology and empowers collective human life,
constitutes the developed of socio-political
machinery.These two technologies equip man to
achieve greater hegemony over his external
environment and the steady enhancement of his
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vii
own welfare both individually and collectively.This
book presents these philosophical,spiritual and
social findings of Nurul Islam and Al-Ameen
Mission, influencing its unique image in the society
for the upliftment of backward community since
1986 in West Bengal.And his philosophy has
changed the scenario of minority in 2017,as only
7% Bengali medium students have got chance to
admit themselves in Govt. medical colleges through
CBSE NEET Exam-2017 in West Bengal.The
students of Al-Ameen Mission have got almost 5%
seats among those 7% successful candidates.This
year 2018, students from Al-Ameen Mission have
filled up almost 20 % of seats in govt. medical
colleges in the state. There are two students who
have ranked within the rank of 10 in the state merit
list of NEETs. One of the significant features is,
nearly 100 girls have got the opportunity to study
Medicine.It is noticed that a lot of residential
institutions for minority community are being
established in every district of West Bengal,being
inspired by Al-Ameen Mission. It was become a
silent revolution among minorities in the State.
Nurul Islam is increasingly getting involved to
capacitate the weaker section of the society to come
up and develop in West Bengal and neighboring
states like Bihar,Jharkhand,Assam and Tripura.The
development discourse leans towards knowing
skills and tools for strengthening the society.
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viii
I feel proud to be a part of Al-Ameen Mission.
I think Nurul Islam and his Mission deserve a great
appreciation because Mission is doing a great job in
the field of education, not only in upgradation or
upliftment backward community but also they are
changing the definition of education in broader
sense based on scientific teaching-learning strategy
with Practical Islamic Philosophy and Indian
traditions.
I am profoundly grateful to my parents, my
sisters, dadabhai, my wife, sons, friends, relatives,
colleagues and all members of Al-Ameen Mission
Family who have encouraged me for writing this
book.
I am grateful to my publisher “Educration
Publishing”, who brought this book out in a very
short time.
My sincere thanks are due to Prof.A.K.
Jalaluddin (Former Director of NCERT &
International Repute Educationist), Mrs. Jolly
Jalaluddin, Mr. M. Nurul Islam (The Founder
General Secretary of Al-Ameen Mission), Mr.Noni
Gopal Chowdhury, Mrs. Sheikh Anoara Hossain,
Mr. Sheikh Arif Hossain (Alumnus of Oxford
University), Maulana Ahammad Saheb, Mr.Sk
Maruf Azam, Mr. M. Abdul Hasem Mullick, Mr.
Hafizur Rahaman , Mr. Najib Anwar, Mr. Amit
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ix
Dey, Mr. Samsul Haque Sardar, Alhaj Dr. Hosenara
Khatun, Dr. Muktipada Sinha (Jadavpur
University), Dr. Subir Nag (Principal of S.R.C.E,
Salt lake, Kolkata), Dr. Madan Mohan Chell (Guest
Faculty of IGNOU), Dr. Ramjan Mondal, Dr.
Subhamai Das, Mr. Dipak Jana for their moral
support and encouragement in my academic
activities.
…… Sk Habib
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x
This book is dedicated to my beloved ‘Boromama’(Uncle)----
Late Sheikh Akbar Hossain
[BSc(Engg) from Jadavpur University in 1964, British Citizen, Founder Chairman of
Prakaushali Parishad Limited, A Company of International Limelight]
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xi
Personal Details of Nurul Islam
[The Hon’ble Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and
the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West
Bengal honoured the Mission by conferring the
‘Bangabhusan’ Award, 2015.]
Full Name Md. Nurul Islam Middya
Born 17th October,1959
Place of Birth Khalatpur,Howrah,West
Bengal
Father's Name Late Md.Ommer Ali Middya
Mother's Name Late Masuda Begum
Father's
Occupation
Ration Shop and Stationary
Stores, Bowbazar,Kolkata
Sister's Name Monsura Begum
Wife's Name Sabia Begum
Early Education
( Class-I to IV )
Khalatpur Primary
Vidayalaya,
Udaynarayanpur,Howrah
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xii
Secondary
Education
(Class-V to X)
Akra High Madrasha,
Mahestala,South 24 Parganas
Higher
Secondary
Education
( XI to XII )
Maulana Azad College,
Kolkata
College
Education
B.A(Hons.in
Political
Science)
Maulana Azad College,
Kolkata
Master Degree
( Political
Science )
Rabindra Bharati University,
Kolkata
First Govt.Job
as an
Asst.Teacher
Ashanda Adarsha Siksha
Sadan(H.S),
Udaynarayanpur,Howrah
2nd Phase as A
Headmaster
Khalatpur High Madrasha
(H.S),Udaynarayanpur,Howrah
Daughter and
Sons One Daughter and Two Sons
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xiii
A Synopsis of Nurul Islam’s Works
Founder
General
Secretary
of
Al-Ameen
Mission ,
M.Nurul
Islam
Al-Ameen Mission started the
crusade with 11 students at
Khalatpur, a remote village in
Howrah, West Bengal in 1986
In 2018, 72 Branches of Al-Ameen
Mission in West Bengal and
neighboring states like Bihar,
Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura.
14 Thousand Resident students
both boys & girls are studying
here.
5 thousand day-scholars in 26 day-
schools of Al-Ameen Mission.
2150 teachers and staffs are
engaged for nurturing them.
20 thousand alumni.
Produced approx 2500 Doctors till
date.
Produced approx 2400 Engineers
till date.
More than 55 students have
succeeded in State Civil Service
and allied examinations & many
teachers, professors, research
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xiv
scholars, scientists,etc.
Awards to
Al-Ameen
Mission
The Telegraph School Award for
Excellence in 2002
The Telegraph School Award for
Excellence in 2004
The Telegraph Certificate of
Honours in 2005
The Telegraph Certificate of
Honours in 2006
Begum Rokeya Puraskar in 2006
by West Bengal Board of
Madrasah Education.
The Telegraph Certificate of
Honours in 2008
‘Bangabhusan‘Award in 2015 by
the Govt.of West Bengal
Few
Quotes
about Al-
Ameen
Mission
from a
Scholar’s
Writing.
"Al-Ameen has not only become a
successful educational institute in
itself, it has actually spawned a
movement which is growing and
spreading every year all over West
Bengal." "If education is seen as a
means for ensuring empowerment
for sections of society, then the
work of Al-Ameen is fulfilling that
role."---Change from within
(Chapter 4),Pages 129-130, by
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xv
Prof. Nilanjana Gupta,Published
by Routledge,2009
"….. it is true that the need and the
hunger for learning, for education
is intense, whether in the efforts of
the poor farmer to send his
children for some kind of
education, or the grander vision of
people like Nurul Islam of the Al-
Ameen Mission……Then perhaps,
one day, the debates about Muslim
education may become merely a
quaint chapter in the history of
education in India."---- The Future
(Chapter 5),Pages 179-180,by Prof.
Nilanjana Gupta, Published by
Routledge,2009
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xvi
Introduction
In 1976, a 16-year-old boy started his journey by
setting up Khalatpur Junior High Madrasa with the
belief that “Allah never changes the condition of a
people unless they strive to change themselves”
(Quran 13:11). Ten years later, in 1986, with the
collection of one fistful of rice from each door in
Khalatpur, a remote village far away from the main
town Howrah, West Bengal, he gradually sheltered
eleven ‘residential’ students under a tiny shed. Let
me introduce you M. Nurul Islam (our beloved
‘General Secretary’), whose envision has made a
tiny institution grow into a gigantic edifice.
Although, Al Ameen Mission came into existence
in 1986, following the renaming of the ‘Islamic
Institute of Culture’, which Nurul Islam had
founded in 1984, his philanthropic streak had shown
itself much earlier. After three decades of roller-
coaster journey, he has successfully established 72
branches all over the West Bengal and in
neighboring states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam
and Tripura as well. At present, it has 20 thousand
alumni and almost 14 thousand resident students
(among them more than 300 are from poor & down-
trodden families including 560 orphans. All of them
enjoy full free-studentship. Beside them, above
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xvii
6000 enjoy half-free studentship). Around 2150
teachers and staff are engaged for nurturing them.
The name of Al-Ameen Mission has now become
synonymous with success in medical and
engineering stream. It is also remarkable to note
that many of the students are typical ‘first
generation learner’. Till date, approximately 2500
students have got the chance to study in
governmental medical colleges & more than 2400
students have got into engineering colleges. Fifty
five students have succeeded in State Civil Service
and allied examinations and there are several
thousands who have completed their UG/PG degree
and are well established in life. Now Nurul Islam’s
Al-Ameen Mission has become the largest NGO
working for the social & educational upliftment of
the minority in the state. The name of the institution
was taken from the name of the Prophet
Mohammad (SAW) who was called ‘Al-Ameen’,
which means ‘honest’.
This book is an attempt to explore the various
aspects of Nurul Islam’s seminal contributions to
the underprivileged Minority Community to build
up the highest confidence level of believing on their
potentialities to achieve success in any sectors of
development of our country, particularly in the field
of education, science and culture. This will, I
believe, facilitate in comprehending the educational
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xviii
revolution among the minority community of our
State. It will also reflect the contribution of Nurul
Islam in spearheading this revolution since 1986.
The journey of 32 years has, indeed, revealed
many facets of Nurul Islam. He has gradually
molded himself as a superb organizer,
compassionate activist and, above all, a brilliant
visionary. The book here attempts to explore the
inspirations, influences and ambiguities in his
commitment to nation building through modern
education with our national values, cultures and
tradition.
Significant in this process is his early
commitment to Practical Islamism and National
values, which he felt should be implemented in the
education sectors for the development of each
individual belonging to the community. He dreamt
to transform the negative image of the minority to a
positive one by upholding and giving shapes to their
conducts, thoughts, values, spirituality and such
other aspects needed for good citizenship of the
State, Nation and the World. He emphasized on the
importance of the speedy progress of Muslim
society through education. Education of women
also became a prime concern for him. Spirituality
and scientific education on a scale adequate to the
nation’s needs, and measures for the enrichment of
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xix
the cultural life of the community by encouraging
the arts and providing facilities for recreation and
other amenities to his students.
The early influences on Nurul Islam’s thinking
and the evolution of him as an educationist and an
intellectual leader came naturally from Indian
tradition and the philosophers like Swami
Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar
Chandra Vidyasagar, Mother Teresa, Mahatma
Gandhi, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Begum
Rokeya. He thought that it was important to train
the students not merely in skills but train their ideas
and emotions in new ways to take up new
challenges before the society.
Swami Vivekananda said, “Education … is a
process of man-making, character-forming and life-
building assimilation of ideas.” Indeed, only
through education we can equip ourselves to face
the challenges of life and only a good educational
system can establish a healthy relationship between
the individuals and the society. It is education,
which makes us better citizens and inculcates in us
the virtues of tolerance, discipline, commitment,
culture, compassion and sensitivity. Nobel Laureate
Prof. Amartya Sen has also said, that education is
essentially about “capacity building and it widens
the choice of people and empowers the nation.
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xx
One should realize that education alone can
bring about democratic consolidation, social
cohesiveness and sustained growth. Women, who
constitute nearly fifty per cent of our population,
still lag behind in education. There is an
unacceptably wide disparity between the literacy
levels of men and women in our country. Removing
the factors that inhibit the full participation of
women in the various spheres of society is a very
important step for the empowerment of women in
our society. To overcome the gap in providing equal
opportunity for education we have to employ the
full range of educational opportunities and relate
them with the available government and private
initiatives to the benefit of every segment of our
population, both in the urban and rural areas.
Rightly, for the last 32 years, under the leadership
of Nurul Islam, Al-Ameen Mission has been
working tirelessly for filling the gap between the
‘haves and have not’s in the society. It is also
important to bear in mind that the primary social
agenda of the Mission is the development of our
human resources in the right direction. It is not to be
used as a medium to strengthen anyone’s narrow
political or partisan agenda. Education is essentially
about rational enquiry and for a highly pluralistic
society like ours; it has to be developed as a
harmonizing force rather than as an instrument to
promote divisiveness and disunity among the
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xxi
people. According to Nurul Islam, social premium
on value of education needs to be emphasized as
also the organic link between institutions of higher
learning and civil society. A progressive education
will greatly address our major social evils and will
help in strengthening the secular and liberal fabric
of our country, remaining sensitive to the specific
cultural identities, the plural nature of our society,
the democratic ethos of our people and to the need
for positive dialogue between cultures. Al-Ameen
Mission has totally committed itself to the inclusive
development of the country in all spheres and gave
great emphasis in spreading education, which is of
utmost importance in bringing about and
maintaining the country’s sustained development
and for the development of human rights and
dignity.
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Sk Habib
1
Some Great Social Reformers in
Indian History
Who is a social reformer? A person who is
concerned about the humanity and mankind above
anything else; a person who wants to change the
existing state of things for the better; a person who
has an enlightened thought process; a person who
cannot stand the sufferings of the weaker section of
people; and above all a person who believes in the
duty bestowed upon him to leave the earth behind
him as a better place than it was. In fact a social
reformer is an ordinary human being who wants to
serve the cause of humanity in extraordinary ways.
Decades come and go but what remains are the
impressions and great acts of the social reformers.
India is privileged to have number of great souls
like Raja Ram Mohan Ray, Swami Vivekananda,
Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar,
Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R
Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Begum
Rokeya and many more. They managed to bring
considerable reforms by making radical changes in
the society. Some of the reformers took up the
challenges of breaking the jinx of prevailing caste-
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The Minority Pathfinder: A Man with Unforeseen Energy
2
system while some fought for the introduction of
girls'-education and widow remarriage. The
contributions, made by these, simple yet eminent
souls towards humanity are really extraordinary.
Their activities and thoughts guided the nation to a
new beginning.
We will look into the life and works of some of
these extraordinary men and women and will
appreciate their efforts in the making of India.
Afterwards, we will go through the works and
contributions of Nurul Islam as an educationist and
social worker towards society.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
At the beginning of 19th century, India was plagued
by various social evils such as Sati pratha, Caste
system, Religious superstitions etc. Raja Ram
Mohan Roy was the first person who recognized
these inhuman practices and decided to fight against
the same. He is considered as the architect of Indian
Renaissance and father of modern India.
Ram Mohan Roy was born on 22 May 1772 in
Radhanagar, Hooghly district of Bengal. His father
was Ramakant Roy and mother Triveni Devi; father
was at a very good position in the court of the then
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