KANPUR, 26 December 2005 - Different aspects of the need to enhance educational status of the Indian Muslims, with particular focus on women, were put forward at the two-day conference organized by American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI). The conference concluded here yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, women activist Suhasini Ali highlighted the important played by Muslim women in the rise and development of Islam, including their participation in Karbala. "Why aren't we spreading such awareness among the people?" she asked.

Suggesting that spread of such information among people could play an important role in uplifting the status of women, Suhasini Ali gave instances of abuse they are being subject too.

"In the lower and lower middle sections of society, despite women being the chief bread-earners as artisans, apart from managing household duties, they continue to be abused," she said. "Look at the hurt fingers of these women, used for chicken-embroidery, which pain terribly when they cook. Yet they are carrying on even though the middlemen take most of what the women deserve and earn. They aren't even counted as paid/unpaid labor," she said.

Haryana Governor A.R. Kidwai was the chief guest at the inaugural session. Other participants during the two-day conference included Minister of State for Home Prakash Jaiswal, the AFMI members and other invitees.

Crediting AFMI for displaying their concern and putting in efforts toward their countrymen, Jaiswal said: "The real effort has to be made by us, by the people here. AFMI may have a lot of concern, lot of money and the people here may not have the same amount. Yet, there is need for us to put together the little we have and make efforts to uplift the status of the deprived sections here."

"Even if we get the horse to the pond, he will not have water till he is thirsty," said A.S. Nadekar (AFMI trustee). During their respective addresses, AFMI delegates stressed the need to develop a partnership among AFMI and the Muslims here.

On sidelines of the conference, emphasizing the mission of AFMI, Nadekar said: "AFMI has worked for educational empowerment of our masses since its inception 15 years ago declaring 100 percent literacy as its goal."

Accepting that a lot still needs to be accomplished, he said: "We are moving ahead successfully."

AFMI President Akram N. Syed emphasized the need to focus on three E's - "Education, entrepreneurship and equity."

On AFMI's future plans, he said: "We will be focusing on Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Assam. We intend to enhance quality and standard of Urdu medium schools."

Other issues focused on by participants were: Educating the Muslim Girl Child, Modernizing the Madrassa Education, State of Urdu Medium Education in India and Current & Future Educational Trends.

At present, AFMI has 20 schools in Faizabad (Uttar Pradesh), more than 20 adopted schools in Maharashtra and several school projects in states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

On the occasion, AFMI also awarded gold, silver and bronze medals to top ranking students of class XII and X from across the country. The two-day function was also marked by a mushaira on Saturday evening. Participants included Shahryar, Waseem Barelvi and Popular Meeruthi among others.