EDUCATIONAL GRANT/LONG TERM K.H. FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

An idea has germinated slowly but surely and I am pleased to share with you all, some tangible development as a result of a dedicated group of philantreprenurs, (DGP) who have understood that the community should reach out to those deserving students, who have achieved grades, but on account of financial constraints, are unable to pursue higher studies, unless and until they fall back upon Banks, who are ready to finance their studies.

A situation that the community abhors as it goes against the very tenets of our faith. I need not elaborate further on this, as this fact is widely understood by each and every one.

Last year 3 students approached me, and on the basis of the go ahead received from DGP I gave them an assurance, that they can start preparing for the WBJEE. Two students financed their tutorials (Rs: 15,000/- per term) and one student, whose father is no more, and the mother somehow manages to run the house hold, was given financial help for the tutorials.

Once assurance was given the 3 put their heart and soul to crack the WBJEE and all 3 got a ranking. The DGP came forward with financial assistance. Counseling was held in the first week of July ’08., and two have got admission in the following Engineering Colleges.

NARULA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AICTI)
GURUNANAK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AICTI)

In both the above colleges the Management Quota rate of admission is around Rs: 6 lacs. So these two youngsters have managed to get admission on merit. The tuition fee for one semester if Rs: 30.750/- which has been advanced by the DGP and Insa Allah they will continue to pay the fees for one semester per year, for the second semester each year the Parents will manage.

One student has opted out as he had got a lower rank, and has promised to study hard and get a better ranking next year, so that he can get admission in the better college and in the preferential stream, so that the study and job prospects turn out to better.

The scenario if the DGP had not come forward. The 3 would have taken admission in all probability in a morning college doing the run of the mill B.Com course, joined a Call Center, for that extra income and pursued a life style not in sync with our Deen and culture, and a career, that has no future. Thus an opportunity to turn around in life, an opportunity to help their family, would have been lost.

Now this 2 students have before them a bright future. A little understanding goes a long way. I am confident, that after graduating and getting a plum job in all likelihood, they will repay the amount, so that other deserving student will benefit. They have assured me, that in gratitude, they will, when the time comes, will render financial help, like the one they have received.

I hope and pray that with this path breaking example, already put into practice, mumineen in other metro cities will come forward to assist youngsters in realizing their dream. The time is now, as students, once they will be assured that the finance will not be an obstacle, in the pursuit of higher studies, will prepare from now, taking up special coaching, so that in Joint Entrance Examinations, they will come up trumps.

Hope next year if planning and preparation are made from now in different cities, if done at Jama’t level, much better or by an individual or group we should at least have 100 youngsters, who have the talent and a dream, but lack finance, pursuing higher studies in different fields of education.

I would be obliged if mumineen who make this resolve, write to me and keep me updated on my blog or by mail.

I am also of a firm belief that those youngsters, whose parents have a flourishing business, should join in their family business, because they will be able to help their family become more prosperous.

In the case of those, who have no family business to fall back on, to get a good job, and there after if an opportunity presents itself, to start their own business in the field of their expertise, spells good for the community.

Hope this post will motivate others to reach out to those, who are in need of funds to pursue their education and dreams. EMPATHY is what is needed, and how to acquire this very noble trait ?

If we see in the aspiring youngster who approaches you for pursuing his studies, as your very own, as our beloved Aqa Moula's child, his ama'nat, EMPATHY will surge forth, a deep connection will be made, and spiritual bliss will radiate.

At times, I have seen many who have been blessed with material abundance, lead a very empty life, behind the materialist veneer, is an emptiness. So if Allah has blessed you with abundance, these youngsters who need not merely your funds, but your encouragement, guidance and your empathy, will surely provide soul sustenance. It is a win win situation. Try it out and feel blessed and enriched.

Please do share your experience if you have resolved to help a deserving and needy student. Try to have personal rapport,it will do you a world of good. I have experienced it, and I want you all to share the joy.

I am indebted to DGP and hope in other metros more and more will join the bandwagon, and a greater number of students will have a dream future.

Do post your comments and help in buidling a community opinion on the subject of providing long term K H or educational grant to deserving and needy students.