Mangalore, Jul 27: Nearly 200 alumni of Badria Educational Institutions took part in the Badria Alumni Meet-2014 organized under the aegis of Badria Old Students' Association on Saturday at Jamiyyatul Falah Auditorium in the city and unanimously chose KCCI president Mohammed Ameen as their leader.
Alumni belonging to various age groups including those who passed out from Badria School in 1960s and 1970s got together and shared their views on how to co-operate with the executive committee of the historic institution in its development.
“I am overwhelmed to be a part of this gathering. I never imagined that old Badrians can unite one day like this,” said Damodar, who had completed his education in Badria in 1972. Damodar, who was the only Hindu student in his class, said that he always felt that all Badrians were his family members.
Edward C Maben, who was the only Christian student in his class while studying in Badria, sharing his opinion on the occasion, lamented that the current situation of Badria was a matter of concern for him and many other old students of Badria.
Decades ago, Badria was one of the prestigious educational institutions in Mangalore, but currently, its condition is pitiable, said Mr Edward, urging the alumni to join their hands together for the upliftment of their alma mater.
Mohammed Asif, CEO of Amaco Group of Companies thanked the Badria alumni across the world for positively responding to the Save Badria' campaign launched by Coastaldigest.com.
He said that the only intention behind strengthening the alumni network in India and abroad is to help the current executive committee of Badria in its development. “We are not running a parallel committee. We are here to extend our helping hand to the management,” he said.
“Our dream is to turn Badria into a reputed and standard educational institution in Mangalore. Our collective effort may realize this dream. We are not against any individual or the executive committee of the institution,” he clarified.
He said that those who talk for the development of Badria often face a question whether their children are going to the same school. “It is the duty of all parents to provide best education to their children. No one wants to send his child to an ailing school. We must change the situation of Badria first. Then all parents will feel proud to send their children to Badria,” he said.
On behalf of all the alumni Mr Asif formally announced KCCI president Mohammed Ameen as the new president of Badria Old Students' Association and expressed hope that latter would lead this campaign towards success and achieve the goal.
Accepting the leadership of alumni network, Mr Ameen sought the support and co-operation of all the like-minded alumni scattered across the world in developing the sidelined institution.
Mr Ameen reiterated that the alumni association should be strengthened before taking any official step for the development of the institution.
He also clarified that alumni body will neither unilaterally take any hasty decision nor confront the Badria executive committee, which is also facing several challenges and problems. “What we can do is officially hold talks with the official committee and chalk out plans for the development of the institution.
Delivering a talk on the significance of education in Islam, Mohammed Kunhi, Manager of Shanti Prakashan, recalled the immense contribution of Muslim scholars towards all fields of knowledge including science and medicine.
After Iftar, Mr Ameen and Mr Asif responded to the queries of the alumni belonging to various batches and listened to their suggestions.
Sahil Zaheer, who is also an alumnus of the institution, compered the programme. Master Nisar Faheemuddin recited the verses of Quran to initiate the programme.
Enemies become friends after 25 years!
The Badria alumni get-together witnessed several marvels. Several old students met their batch mates for the first time after decades in the meet and did Iftar together sharing the old memories.
The story of Mustafa and Iqbal, who had passed out from Badria nearly 25 years ago is quite different. The two were self proclaimed “cheddi-dosts” during their days in Badria. However a trivial fight between the two had turned their friendship into animosity. For the past 25 years they had never looked at each other's face. The same duo once again became friends at the get-together and pledged to remain best-friends forever' for the cause of Badria.
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