Bhatkal chapter of the Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) observed a campaign in the town in order to create awareness about education among students and parents, and particularly among the backward sections of the society. The campaign started off with a program on Friday, 1st June which was addressed by several intellectuals. Unit president of SIO, Moulana Ziya ur Rahman welcomed the gathering and presented a short introduction SIO.

Addressing the gathering, President of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Bhatkal branch, Moulana Zubair SM said that education is the most important factor in human development. He added that SIO Bhatkal unit spends 2 lakh annually to empower education and would continue to encourage talents in the community.

Chief Guest, Prof. Abdur Raheem Khan (Dept of English, Anjuman PU college) addressed the audience and stressed on the importance of parent’s role in children’s education. He said that the absence of ethics and moral values was the reason why education is not giving required results. Lauding the efforts of SIO in the field of education, Prof. Khan said that the aim of education is to understand Allah’s will. He also stressed on the importance of student-teacher relationship and respect for parents.

Prof. Abdur Rawoof Savannur (Lecturer, Dept. of Urdu, Anjuman PU college) said that the practical model of value-based education and character development which exists in Islam can be found nowhere. He said that knowledge alone cannot imbibe character, instead knowledge with moral values and the intent of benefiting humanity does. Describing SIO’s efforts, Prof. Savannur said that the organization had done much to inculcate value-based education in the country. He urged the students to explore career options other than engineering and medicine.