Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 2: “Education remains the most powerful weapon to erase social inequality. By placing education at the heart of its mission, Jamiyyatul Falah is driving lasting social transformation,” said Ashfaq Ahmad Karkala, newly elected district president of the organisation, addressing a packed gathering at B C Road’s Lions Seva Mandir on Thursday.

The event, hosted by Jamiyyatul Falah’s Bantwal taluk unit, combined multiple socially-focused initiatives — including scholarship distribution, a quiz competition on Mahatma Gandhi’s life to mark Gandhi Jayanti, and a skills training workshop.

Lauding the Bantwal unit, Ashfaq observed, “Out of all 13 units in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, this one has consistently stood out in terms of commitment and action.”

B M Abbas Ali, president of the Bantwal unit, presided over the programme.

Delivering the keynote address, K N Gangadhar Alva, principal of SVS PU College, Bantwal, emphasised the direct link between educational investment and national progress.

“Governments that prioritise education see uninterrupted development. In India, the lack of focused support for education and skill-building continues to be a major handicap. Organisations like this must step up and fill the void with impactful programmes,” he urged.

Distinguished guests included B K Abdulla Kunhi Haji, senior life member of the organisation from Bairikatte, and Dr Haseena, senior physician at A J Hospital, Mangaluru, who both addressed the audience.

The event also saw the presence of several key figures: former district president Haji Mohammad Hanif Goltamajalu, K K Shahul, former Jeddah unit president Mohammad Saheb Karkala, and former Bantwal unit president Rasheed Vittla.

Other dignitaries in attendance included former taluk president Rafiq Haji Aladka, Notary Aboobakkar Vittla, and community leaders V H Ashraf Vittla, K S Mohammad, Arshad Saravu, Haji D.P. Ahmad Shafi, Haji Abdul Razak Goltamajalu, T K Mohammad Topko, Aboobakkar Puttu, Ibrahim Moyyidin Nandavar, and Ashraf Salethur.

Abdul Razak Anantadi, a state-level trainer and speaker, served as the resource person for the workshop session, engaging students and attendees on personal development.

The audience applauded the recognition given to students Sajla Ismail and Fathimat Abeera, both of whom had handwritten the entire Qur’an, an impressive academic and spiritual feat.

Several contributors were also honoured during the event: Ashfaq Ahmad Karkala and Latif Neralakatte for their appointments as district president and press secretary respectively, and B M Tumbe, who was recently felicitated by the Governor for his service in the Scouts movement.

A highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of Fathimat Saida, who secured first place in the district-level skating competition and will now represent at the state level. She was presented with a cash award and words of encouragement.

Hakeem Kalayi, general secretary, extended the welcome address. Ashiq Kukkaje, press secretary, recited the Khirat. The list of scholarship recipients was read out by P Mohammad and Hamza Bastikodi. Asif Iqbal Kumpanmajalu, vice-president, delivered the vote of thanks, while Latif Neralakatte anchored the event.