Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>It is very sad to note that Kayalpatnam - which has been renowned for religious studies - has for long been very lax when it came to education, especially higher education. In this modern world, no society can progress without worldly knowledge and higher education. Having understood this, many natives of Kayalpatnam had started various organisations wherever they work and had been offering educational scholarships to many. There are some educational enthusiasts who had started various Trusts to give scholarships too.

If diverse groups working independently for the same cause come together and work together, Kayalpatnam can succeed on the educational front very much. Not just that, due to lack of worldly knowledge, many Kayal women - because of their innocence - have been cheated and been affected on many things. What's worse, many have ended up suffering unspeakable losses because of their ignorance. If we want to avoid this in future, we must ensure our girl children get education - especially higher education. There is a saying if a man gets education, it helps him succeed, if a woman gets education, it helps the whole family to succeed. This is something we must put our efforts on. Iqra - in its inaugural year - has helped 37 economically backward girls - who would have otherwise most probably not pursued higher education - get into college by giving them scholarships. People say women are a society's eyes. It is also one of Iqra's objectives that those eyes are given sharp focus as they stride across the society and further a favourable atmosphere be created for this. It was on these basis that Iqra was founded.

[For a detailed list of Iqra's Objectivies, click here]

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>As you say, it is true there are many organisations working in the field of educational services in Kayalpatnam.

Imagine the scenario. An economically backward student applies for scholarship with several organisations. Each organisation would scrutinise the application, verify the background and grant scholarship. At the same time, they would be in no position to confirm whether any other social organisation had granted the same candidate scholarship before. This results in the same candidate receiving scholarships from more than one organisation. On the other hand, another qualified candidate loses the opportunity to receive scholarship from the organisation.

It is to avoid such a situation (multiple scholarships for a single candidate) that co-ordination among various social organisations offering scholarships is essential. Iqra has been founded for this very purpose and more by God's grace. Iqra thus differs from other social organisations this way.

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>Many social organisations have promised to co-ordinate and work together with Iqra for the cause of education in Kayalpatnam. It is purely due to the fact these social organisations understand the benefits of offering various educational services under one umbrella that Iqra had come about! I can say with total confidence - if all the social organisations work together - it would be very much possible for us to give aid to every student in need satisfactorily and without any mistakes.

Likewise, these social organisations that are based outside Kayalpatnam - can successfully implement various plans they may have on educational front through the agency of Iqra with absolute confidence and without any reservation whatsoever. Thus - Iqra's work would be beneficial to the functioning of these organisations and consequently - to the students of Kayalpatnam.

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>The vision and objectives of Iqra - as explained above - have been in the hearts and minds of many social organisations and educational enthusiasts of Kayalpatnam for a very long time. However, not just the praises, but also our prayers are due to Haji S.A.S. Sadakathullah as well as other members of Jeddah Kayal Narpani Mandram - for their leadership and enthusiasm in getting it all started.

Iqra is an independent organisation, not affiliated to Jeddah Kayal Narpani Mandram or any other organisation. As stressed earlier, Iqra is a joint effort to bring together every social organisation for the causes listed above and Jeddah Kayal Narpani Mandram is part of the whole effort.

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>Even though it would be difficult to predict accurately how long it will take for us to meet all these objectives, as I said before, our vision is 'Eradication of Illiteracy from Kayalpatnam by 2010'. That is - there should be no student without adequate education in Kayalpatnam by 2010!

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>Iqra is accepting every educational enthusiast from Kayalpatnam as its member and collects Rs.300 as the Annual Membership fee. This is the main source of income for Iqra. In addition to this, the above mentioned social organisations - especially Jeddah Kayal Narpani Mandram - are helping and are eager to help to the extent of amount which they would have spent on these works themselves had Iqra been not there.

Regarding manpower, Iqra has appointed a part-time staff member on a salary basis for its day-to-day administrative need. We are also pleased to see President and various other qualified members of Management Committee, Executive Committee and General Body functioning very satisfactorily. Alhamdullillah!

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed> Soon after Iqra's foundation, it approached various social organisations for support. We were happy to note - by the Grace of God - we received tremendous support from so many in such a short time! However, for us to continue the works in a sustained manner, we need contributions from the General Public. To start with, all the enthusiasts can become members of Iqra and thus ensure a perennial source of revenue for Iqra. Those wishing to contribute to Iqra can send a DD/Cheque to the Treasurer. The details are as follows:

Bank Account Detail:
M.S. Abdul Cader, Account No.18977, Central Bank of India, Kayalpatnam Branch.

IQRA OFFICE ADDRESS
IQRA EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY,
85/35-A Ambala Maraicar Street,
Kayalpatnam- 628 204.
Tamil Nadu. INDIA

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>

• Classes on entire syllabus of 10th and 12th standards - relating to public examinations - were conducted through cable tv - receiving widespread appreciation from the students and it was concluded successfully by the grace of Almighty
  
  
• It was decided that in the current academic year (2006-2007) - Educational scholarships to economically needy students planning to pursue Arts and Science courses as well as ITI courses - would be given through Iqra. Accordingly, Iqra has received funds from many well-wishers to give scholarships to 45 students this year. Notably - we would like to thankfully point out, significant contributions have been received this year itself from organistions such as Dammam Kayal Narpani Mandram, Jeddah Kayal Narpani Mandram and Bangkok Kayal Aikiya Peravai. Based on all the contributions, 47 students (girls and boys) have received scholarships this year. Alhamdullilah!
  
  
• The Well-known ETA-ASCON group is recruiting for its overseas requirements technicians trained at Hitech Technical Training Centre - following a short-term course. Announcements have been made in Kayalpatnam by Iqra to enrol students for the Electrician course. If successfull, this scheme would see 20 to 25 students completing this course and get jobs this year
  
  
• There are plans to launch a dedicated Website for Iqra as well as a Jobs Placement Centre this year. Insha Allah!
  
  
• We are planning to organise a Career Guidance Programme this September. Insha Allah!

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>Absolutely! Co-operation has been there to the anticipated level. However I would like to point out - for us to continue working without any hesitation, we need the continued support of the social organisations. For example, even if one organisation doesn't co-operate, it would be difficult to avoid multiple sponsorships of a single candidate - which could result in another genuine candidate not receiving the sponsorship.

With regard to local social organisations, we have to work (together) more enthusiastically.

Mr.A.Tharvesh Mohammed>In addition to donations, membership fees, contributions made by social organisations to meet specific needs, it would be of great help if more and more sponsorships are received from Kayalpatnam educational enthusiasts themselves or through their friends from Kayalpatnam or outside. This would help Iqra in not rejecting any qualified applicant for sponsorship. Insha Allah!