By Danish Reyaz | Maeeshat | Mumbai

Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, Aurangabad holds great significance among the cities in India. It is where echoes of history seamlessly blend with the strides of modernity. Famous for its breathtaking heritage sights like the Ajanta Ellora caves, the Mughal-era marvel Bibi ka Maqbara among several other historical gates, forts, temples, mosques, dargahs, and museums, Aurangabad stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural and historical legacy.     

The city of Aurangabad was named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb when he made it the capital of the Deccan. Consequently, it has a sizeable Muslim population. The rich architecture of Aurangabad bears the conspicuous imprint of the Muslim architecture of Mughal and Nizam eras, while the Muslim community as whole has significantly shaped the city’s cultural, educational, and economic landscape.

From magnificent structures to vibrant cultural practices, and from traditional attire to exquisite cuisine, Muslims have profoundly influenced every aspect of life in Aurangabad. Their contributions have helped create a city that is not only a testament to historical grandeur but also a thriving center of modern-day progress.

Nevertheless, after the downfall of Muslim rule, the Muslims of Aurangabad faced significant challenges. Following the partition of India, they fell behind in reaping the benefits of progress, resulting in enduring hardships that are still evident today. Despite these setbacks, the community remains resilient, continually striving to improve their conditions and contribute meaningfully to society.

There are various historical and socio-political reasons that can be ascribed to the backwardness of Muslims in the city, but the most potent reason for this misery is the lack of education. Not only is a significant portion of the minority community illiterate, but those who could attend school were also handicapped by the lack of modern education necessary for excelling in the competitive world of jobs and livelihoods.

However, this situation is changing rapidly, with growing efforts to improve educational opportunities and outcomes. The community itself is driving this change, showing a newfound awareness and zeal to make a difference. Various institutions and foundations have stepped forward with a shared goal of enhancing educational standards and opportunities and thereby improving livelihoods and the overall status for Muslims in the city.

Aurangabad As Educational Hub

The push for educational progress in Aurangabad is evident in the emergence of numerous educational institutions over the time. The city proudly hosts Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University, Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) University, and Rafeeq Zakaria Campus as most sought-after destinations for students. Besides, numerous professional colleges and schools have sprung up over the years, elevating the educational status of the city. Additionally, there are numerous coaching centers aiding students in preparing for various competitive exams.

In a relatively short span of time, Aurangabad, once trailing in educational standards, has transformed into an educational hub. It now caters not only to students from the city and surrounding areas but also attracts learners from across Maharashtra and other states.

And the Muslim community is making the most of the opportunity, having finally realized that only through excelling in education can it make progress in society and free itself from the curse of age-old poverty and backwardness.

Memon’s Contribution

Aurangabad is home to several Muslim communities that have made significant contributions to the educational advancement of the city. However, it is the Memon Muslims, a business community, who have been particularly instrumental in initiating progress in this field.

Memons originally belongs to Gujrat living in its border areas like Kutch, Bhuj, Veraval and several other places. Starting from latter part of the nineteenth century to different phases afterward this community migrated from Gujrat in pursuit of better opportunities and spread to different areas in Maharashtra and also other states.

The presence of Memons in Aurangabad and its neighbouring areas can be traced back to Nizam era. Jalna, an erstwhile part of Aurangabad, had several food grain markets during the rules of Nizams, attracting many Memons to engage in trade. Over the time, most of them permanently settled in the region, leading to growth of their population.

Since the community is known to be industrious and resilient, they could carve a niche for themselves in city’s business landscape. Over the years, they have established themselves as a prominent business community in Aurangabad dealing in real estate, textiles, wholesale and retail, and various other sectors. Their exceptional dedication and steadfast commitment to success not only set them apart but also serve as an inspiration for others to emulate, fostering further contributions to society.

Having said that, his community’s commitment to social upliftment is truly inspiring, as they strive not only to better their own circumstances but also to elevate those of their Muslim brethren. At the forefront of their efforts is a profound dedication to educating the underprivileged. Through various institutions, the Memons ensure that students from minority backgrounds receive quality education, empowering them to compete and succeed, thus fostering positive change within their communities.

Meet Ashfaque Motiwala

Ashfaque Motiwala is a prominent and well-respected figure in the Memon community of Aurangabad, known for his exceptional leadership in various business ventures and his dedication to education. Driven by his indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, Motiwala founded Pearls Academy, a leading minority educational institution in the city. The academy is renowned for providing high-quality, modern education from kindergarten to 12th grade, adhering to international standards.

However, the distinctiveness of this institution lies in its unique approach to holistic education, with a proper emphasis on value-based learning. Understanding the crucial role of moral and ethical teachings in shaping individuals amidst today’s challenges of corruption and declining values, Pearls Academy offers a range of Deeniyat courses aligned with Islamic principles alongside its modern curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

Pearls Academy has been achieving new heights of success each year, with a hundred percent pass rate for students who are not only prepared to excel in the world but are also shaped into fine individuals with strong Islamic moral values.

And as mentioned, the person driving this exemplary initiative is Ashfaque Motiwala, under whose competent leadership the academy has earned praise from all around, including both the Muslim community and others.

A Crusader for Value-Based Holistic Education

The soft-spoken Ashfaque Motiwala is an extremely determined, clear-headed, and a visionary man. The lack of a school that gives due importance to modern education but also Islamic teachings prompted him to establish Pearls Academy and set a new standard in this field.

“For me Islamic teaching is a non-negotiable thing. I can’t envision modern education without the teaching of Islamic values and morals. Ater all, education’s prime objective is holistic and harmonious development of an individual and not mere worldly success.” says Ashfaque Motiwala with gentle conviction.

From Business to Education

Under Motiwala’s competent leadership, Pearls Academy has become an exemplary initiative, earning praise from all quarters. He reflects “Our intervention in the field of education was much-needed since there was a dire need of value-based modern education for Muslims.”

While he is successfully leading his businesses, it is his foray into education sector that has given him a distinct identity and honor. At the same time, it has provided him with a new zeal and vision to improve the quality of education for the minority.

Nevertheless, Motiwala admits that education was not what he initially envisioned as his calling. He had been content with his successful business ventures, where he had already demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess.

A Consummate Entrepreneur

Ashfaque Motiwala was born on December 25, 1975, in Aurangabad to Mohammed Siddique Motiwala and Zulekha Motiwala. He is the third child among five siblings, with two brothers and three sisters. His father was in the land investing business, which afforded him the privilege of attending St. Xavier’s, an English medium school, where he excelled as a student. Motiwala graduated with a commerce degree from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University. He also pursued a law degree, but due to some challenging circumstances, he was unable to continue his studies after two years.

For Ashfaque Motiwala, the introduction to business happened quite early in life. He says that since his family had a business, discussions at home naturally revolved around it, which drew him in. “I may have been in the 11th standard when I started getting involved in my family business,” he says. “After my classes, I used to sit in the office, helping my father. Since we dealt in land investing and plotting, I had to visit the sites as well, gaining a lot of exposure.”

However, while managing the land and plotting business, which remains his family’s core enterprise, he developed a desire to branch out and gravitated towards manufacturing. Before that, he tried his hand at trading and succeeded. He then established a manufacturing unit for automobile spare parts, which became Maharashtra’s third-largest plant of its kind. He has also achieved significant success in the retail business, at one point operating a dozen retail stores in the city featuring top brands.

While still in college, he independently designed and developed the Motiwala Trade Center, their first commercial project in the heart of the city. Since then, Motiwala has become a prominent name in the construction business in the city and surrounding areas.

Journey Into Edupreneurship

With his excellent entrepreneurial skills and spirit, Motiwala has diversified his businesses significantly and has been quite successful in all his endeavors. The question, therefore, arises: what prompted him to venture into educational entrepreneurship (Edupreneurship)?

Recounting the story behind this move, Motiwala explains that when his children reached school age, he searched for a school that balanced Islamic teachings with modern education. To his surprise, he couldn’t find any to his satisfaction in his city.

“If a school excelled in modern education, it neglected moral education. Conversely, those that emphasized Islamic teachings often disregarded modern education,” says Motiwala with palpable disappointment.  

It was then that he decided to address this problem, realizing that other parents might be facing a similar dilemma regarding their children’s education. He consulted with his family members, friends, and experts in the field and set out to start Pearls Academy.

However, the decision wasn’t abrupt. Before starting his school, Motiwala had gained considerable knowledge in this field through his involvement as a member of the advisory body of Boon School, started by one of his dear friends who has since passed away. Motiwala’s circle of friends was always very passionate about community work, especially education.

During his association with Boon school Motiwala had the several opportunities to interact with community members and understand how the educational level of minority group could be improved. While he supported Boon school, he also provided assistance to several other schools that approached him, offering both financial support and guidance due to his eminent position in the society.

Carrying forward the Family Legacy

The decision to establish the school wasn’t an isolated one for Ashfaque Motiwala family. In fact, he has followed a well-trodden family path. He explains, “My grandfather, Haji Jan Mohammed, came to Aurangabad in 1952 and started a business. Over time, he realized that the region lacked a good school for Muslims, especially the poor. So, he started an Urdu medium school to help elevate their social standing and improve their conditions marred by poverty.” Therefore, Ashfaque Motiwala is the second person in his family to establish a school.

While the Urdu medium school still exist and is being taken care of by other family members, Motiwala is now quite immersed in running the Pearls Academy.

Busy with his business commitments Motiwala was not very much involved with the functioning of Urdu medium school. However, as his interest in education grew, he charted a new direction in this field by establishing Pearls Academy, a premier school with English being the medium of instruction.

He says, “We live in vastly competitive world, where other communities are developing leaps and bounds. To catch up with them we have to embrace the English medium modern education without reservation; otherwise, we risk lagging behind.”

Motiwala, however, advocates giving due importance to the Urdu language as well. He says, “We can integrate Urdu into our religious teachings in our schools, as Pearls has done. In this way, while Urdu is kept alive, our children also reap the benefits of English education necessary for excelling in the modern world.”

Safeguarding Cultural Values

According to Motiwala, our cultural values are declining rapidly as joint family structures disintegrate. Even in families where the joint structure remains intact, members are often preoccupied with their individual lives, leaving little time to teach or inculcate in their children values aligned with Islamic culture and principles.

He further explains, “The same issue exists for families who can afford quality education but cannot find the right institution for their children that pays equal attention to worldly and Islamic teachings.” In this context, the establishment of Pearls Academy serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of families seeking comprehensive development for their children, alongside steadfast adherence to Islamic morals.

From Humble Beginnings to Thriving Institution

By now, it is clear that Pearls Academy came into existence with noble intentions to provide the community with a comprehensive educational solution for their children. The academy has been unwaveringly focused on its mission, consistently improving and adopting new methods to maximize teaching outcomes.

However, like in any field, the beginning was not smooth sailing. There were many challenges, including financial and infrastructural issues. The most significant challenge, however, was the hesitation of people who were unsure how the school would manage to integrate both modern and Islamic education effectively.

“Initially, it was tough, but over time things started falling into place as more students enrolled and the school grew in terms of grades, producing excellent results. We started with about a few dozen students in a humble building and now host about one thousand students across two campuses, along with a residential setup,” Motiwala states proudly.

Certainly, the school has flourished with its dedicated programs and effective curriculum implemented by a highly competent group of teachers and supported by committed staff and employees all under the untiring stewardship of Ashfaque Motiwala.

Zulekha Motiwala Social Welfare Charitable Trust

The Pearls group of schools is divided into two main sections: AMES Kids (Ayesha Motiwala English School), which serves students from preschool to 5th grade, and Pearls Academy, which educates students from 6th to 12th grade. Both institutions are managed by the Zulekha Motiwala Social Welfare Charitable Trust, established in 2008.

“The trust is named after my mother, who recently passed away. She was the guiding force for our entire family,” says Ashfaque Motiwala, his voice tinged with sadness for the loss.

This trust embodies the Motiwala Group’s dedication to social upliftment. It is well-managed by the Group and other eminent individuals, making a significant positive impact on society through its various welfare activities, particularly in the field of education. And Pearls Academy stands out as prime example of these efforts, alongside the traditional Urdu medium school.

AMES Kids

AMES Kids is the first school that Ashfaque Motiwala started in 2009 in his pursuit of providing quality education of international standards to children in their foundational years. The aim of AMES Kids is not to follow the path of other schools, but to develop its own style of learning in a creative and inspiring atmosphere.

“In no time, AMES Kids has made its mark as an elementary school that, beyond the conventional education, has emerged as the destination for the excellent early childhood care and education aimed at comprehensive growth of a child,” says Motiwala.

AMES Kids boasts high-tech facilities, including technology-driven classrooms, physical and digital libraries, modern computer labs, spacious playground, and comprehensive sports equipment. It prides itself on having competent and dedicated teachers, well-trained in early childhood care and education, who provide personalized attention to each child, helping them thrive as bright students.

Innovative events and activities in the classrooms or on the premises give students hands-on learning experiences. They help develop social skills, cultural awareness, problem-solving abilities, creativity, confidence, engagement, and motivation, among many other benefits.

The curriculum, designed according to Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory, promotes the all-around development of children, not just their cognitive skills. The school employs a modern pedagogical approach with ample resources to support teaching and learning. Additionally, a strong emphasis on moral and ethical values within the framework of Islam further enriches the curriculum.

Motiwala says, “The school has gained the trust of parents who prioritise their children receiving a top-quality education from an early stage. It prepares them not only for the next phase of education but also instil Islamic values that serve them in good stead in this world and the hereafter.

Pearls Academy

In 2014, Pearls Academy was established as a complementary upgrade to AMES Kids. It serves students from the 6th grade onwards, continuing the good work started by AMES Kids.

“Establishing Pearls Academy was crucial for us,” says Motiwala. “We wanted to ensure that the hard work we put into our elementary students wouldn’t go to waste. We were concerned that after leaving us, they might end up in schools that lack the same level of sincerity and dedication to their future.”

Ever since its inception Pearls Academy has been providing exemplary education of international standards, while preserving and extending Islamic educational foundation initiated at AMES Kids.

At Pearls Academy, every detail is meticulously planned, from state-of-the-art facilities and a highly effective curriculum to personalized attention for each student and ample exposure and opportunities for them to shine.

Pearls Academy has established itself as one of the premier schools in Aurangabad, known for producing students with excellent academic records and, most importantly, strong Islamic moral values. These qualities help students become excellent social members and better citizens overall.

Motiwala says, “Besides modern education, our emphasis on faith and character development enables our students to exhibit integrity and best of manners, guided by the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. From day one, our goal has been to achieve a harmonious balance of Deen and Duniya in our students.”

Moral Education Programs at Pearls

The world is struggling with numerous conflicts, fights, and wars. These political issues have deeply infiltrated society, causing people to become increasingly angry and hateful towards one another. “Just look at social media posts these days, and you’ll see how shameful and bigoted people have become. We’ve reached this degraded state because of the decline in our moral and ethical values,” laments Motiwala.

He continues, “This steady decline is due to the neglect of religious education, which upholds our morals, in favor of modern education. Both should have been given equal importance. Schools that focus solely on worldly education are largely to blame for this unfortunate situation.”

Therefore, according to him, Pearls is an attempt to correct this by providing due importance to moral education based on the teaching of Quran and sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Religious education has always had a calming effect on individuals, purifying their hearts and turning them into compassionate, well-behaved, and responsible citizens. When these individuals assume leadership roles, they are more likely to address and solve the problems of humanity rather than exacerbate them.

In commitment to this noble cause, Pearls has Deeniyat and Qaida/Quran program in its curriculum that is one of the seven guarding principles of the institutions to realize its goals. These principles also include community engagement, innovative learning systems, inspired teaching, and fostering connection among minds.

The Islamic education curriculum is structured into three programs: 1) Deeniyat, 2) Quraniyat, and 3) Hifz. The goal of these Islamic and Quranic studies is to provide Tarbiyah, the Islamic upbringing of a child, instilling the values necessary for success in both this life and the hereafter.

Deeniyat

Deeniyat encompasses the study of morals, etiquette, Islamic history, jurisprudence, and Hadith, following a specially designed curriculum that aligns with modern pedagogical standards.

Quraniyat

Quraniyat focuses on the study of the Quran, including an understanding of the Holy Book and basic Arabic grammar. It covers the teaching of Makharij, Tajweed, Nazirah, and Qira’at. Students are also required to memorize various Surahs and essential Masnoon Duas in Arabic, along with their Urdu translations.

Hifz

Hifz, the memorization of the entire Quran, is a cornerstone of Islamic teaching. At Pearls, a dedicated Hifz Academy provides a specialized program with three stages tailored to students’ ages and grades. This program is led by highly skilled Huffaz and Qaris who employ advanced teaching methods, including neuro-linguistic programming, memory enhancement techniques, and psychological counseling. The program is meticulously monitored, with structured evaluations ensuring the best outcomes for the students. The program includes:

Qaida Program begins in grade 1 and completes in 18 to 24 months. The Qaida program is designed to be taught in regular school hours so that no extra burden is put on the tender shoulders of young students.

Nazera Program, on the other hand, requires students to stay back beyond their regular class hours till evening to complete their Nazera program and academics. The Nazera program starts after completing the Qaida program and usually takes 24 months.

Hifz Program follows the Nazera program and requires students to stay in a residential hostel for about 36 to 42 months, which is the duration of the course. 

“These programs are perfectly balanced with academics, ensuring that our students get the best of both worlds without compromising on either. While receiving our state-of-the-art modern education, we make sure that students, without much burden, also receive Islamic education,” explains Motiwala “This equips them with the necessary knowledge to be true Muslims, leading successful, disciplined, and peaceful lives in society, and seeking salvation in the hereafter.”

Residential System (Oyster)

To help each student reach their maximum potential, Pearls offers a residential education system where students and staff reside in the on-campus hostel, known as “Oyster.”

“Like Oyster lives in a calcified shell protected from outside danger, the inmates in the Pearls hostel are protected from the unnecessary distractions and outside humdrum of life to stay focus on their studies,” says Motiwala.  

Living on the hostel campus has several benefits for Pearls students. Not only are the students helped academically with structured schedules and fewer distractions to concentrate on their studies, but they also have better access to sports, arts, and other activities for their all-around development.

The round-the-clock supervision and care of students in a structured environment promotes discipline, better time management, organizational skills to maximize their learning outcomes.

While academic performance improves in the hostel, Motiwala highlights the most significant benefit of hostel life: the development of strong bonds and friendships among peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, living away from home encourages students to become self-reliant and responsible, as they manage their daily activities and time independently.

Special Foundation Course: BUNIYAD

Competition is becoming increasingly cutthroat, and even the best education sometimes can’t guarantee success in professional competitive exams. Therefore, Pearls not only provides excellent education but also extends a helping hand to students, developing the essential skills needed to succeed in various competitive exams.

To achieve this, the school offers a special foundation course called Basic Understanding to Nurture Intellectual Attitude and Diligence (BUNIAD), which prepares students from the early stages of their education. The course enhances a child’s cognitive abilities, helping them to broaden their knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. This prepares them to excel in various levels of competition in the future.

“BUNIAD is one of our outstanding initiatives, designed to be both forward-thinking and highly beneficial for our students. It equips them with the extra skills needed to excel in various types of exams,” says Motiwala. “From an early age, this program helps to identify each student’s field of interest and then works in that direction to help them achieve it.”

The dedicated and qualified subject experts make it easier for students to build a strong foundation and achieve set academic targets. To that effect, from standard VI onwards, there is a specialised program to address the specific educational needs of slow or gifted learners.

At the vocational training centre, experts provide the most relevant and up-to-date training to students to enhance their employability skills. Also, top-level experts reside on the campus and guide students to decide a career roadmap and achieve it.

Pearls Academy conducts various sessions and seminars to spark career ambitions among the students from the very early days. Lately, a session on “Why Civil Services?” was organised for the students of grades 8 to 10 who were introduced to building the right strategies for clearing civil service exams. Similar sessions are regularly organized to counsel students for their engineering and medical exams.

“Early intervention is crucial for shaping a student’s career, and BUNIAD excels at this by mentoring and guiding them to focus on every detail essential for their success,” says Motiwala with satisfaction.

A School With a Difference

Pearls Academy is celebrated for its unique approach, blending top-notch education with the moral upbringing of children, a focus often neglected by most institutions. By bucking this trend, Pearls has successfully implemented this teaching method and inspired others to follow suit.

The school also stands out in other ways. “The school upholds the same values it teaches its students,” says Motiwala. “Pearls is like a big family where all members are treated fairly and respectfully.”

At Pearls, the relationship between teachers and students is unique. Students not only receive pastoral care but are also inspired to follow the right paths demonstrated by their teachers. In addition to teachers, students, and their parents, the supporting staff are also regarded as equal stakeholders in the school’s progress. Their hard work is sincerely and fully acknowledged.

The COVID Example

The tumultuous period of COVID-19 forced many businesses to confront the harsh reality of dwindling profit tough decisions regarding their workforce. Sadly, some opted for retrenchments and pay cuts, leaving loyal employees stranded in a precarious situation. It felt profoundly unjust to ask staff and employees who had devoted their time and effort to supporting organizations through both lean and prosperous times to suddenly depart due to financial constraints imposed by the pandemic.

This attitude of passing the onus of shrinking business to its employees was the order of the day during the pandemic, and was reflected across all sectors, sadly including even education sector, which is traditionally seen as more driven by social obligation than purely profit motives.

Despite this trend amidst the backdrop of uncertainty and economic strain, there were shining examples of compassion and integrity. Pearls Academy stands out as one such beacon of ethical leadership. Motiwala explains, “Instead of succumbing to the prevailing trend of layoffs and salary reductions, we chose a different path—one that demonstrated a profound commitment to our employees’ well-being and dignity.”

He adds, “Instead of viewing workforce as mere expenses to be slashed in times of crisis, we recognized their value and contributions. In a gesture of gratitude and solidarity, we not only retained our workforce but also went a step further by providing increments—a decision that clearly conveyed our priorities and principles.”

In doing so, Pearls Academy not only preserved the livelihoods of its staff but also nurtured a culture of loyalty, trust, and mutual respect that endures beyond the shadow of the pandemic. This commitment was evident in the recent successive years’ results of the academy’s students, who not only excelled in board-level exams but also secured top positions in NEETs and IIT/JEE exams.

A Shout-Out to School Development Team (SDT)

The Pearls Academy has an excellent School Development Team (SDT), which constantly keeps one step forward into the future. The team led by Mr —————————- focuses on building modern facilities and introducing innovative programs for the betterment of the school and its students. 

“The progress and transformation you can see at the Pearls campus are the result of untiring dedication and hard work of our School Development Team (SDT),” informs Motiwala, “Whether establishing a Residential Facility, Senior Secondary School, Hifz Academy, Sports Academy or introducing Foundation Course, SDT has always been instrumental in all of these initiatives.”

Lately, SDT has partnered with Bengaluru-based SportzVillage, known for implementing Sports and Physical Education (P.E) programs specific for different age groups of students. 

Also on the card is a Robotics STEAM Lab and Entrepreneur Incubation Centre Hub necessary for keeping up with the world in learning new approaches to education.

Sports Academy

The school that gives utmost emphasis on making the education qualitative and moralistic also recognizes the importance of physical sports, as they promote good health and well-being for students. The entire sporting program at Pearls is managed by a dedicated Sports Academy as part of integrated academic program.

Motiwala states, “The objective of this Academy is to support students in their pursuit of sporting aspirations by provided essential coaching facilities and equipment. We have qualified coaches and physical trainers to ensure this.”

To help its students achieve excellence in sports, the Academy offers both In-School and After-School programs.

The In-School Program is geared towards advancing physical fitness and basic sporting skills. This is achieved through a structured curriculum, training, and assessments.

The After-School Program, on the other hand, focuses on training students for competitive sports. This program requires students to train in at least two major sports, honing their talent and skills to succeed at a competitive level.

The success of the sporting program at Pearls is largely due to Motiwala’s passion for sports. During his school years, Motiwala represented the state in basketball and played professional football. He is also very fond of adventure sports, having participated in mountaineering, cycling, rafting, and paragliding. In fact, he excels in paramotoring, which is motorized paragliding. He is among the top 30 certified paramotor pilots in India.

A man with such a deep interest and proficiency in sports is naturally inclined to ensure excellent sporting infrastructure and facilities at his school. According to Motiwala, not all students excel in academics; many possess a natural talent for sports. At Pearls, our aim is to identify such talents at a young age and nurture them with the right coaching and training so they can make their mark in the sports they love.

Laurels and recognitions

For its proven track record for excellence, Pearls Academy has many laurels and recognitions coming its way on a regular basis. First and foremost, it was adjudged as one of the Best Preschools at the National level by AKG Education, New Delhi. 

The school has won lots of awards for participating in myriad events such as Lokmat Times Campus Club, various inter-school activities, Olympiad exams, and several sports competitions. 

While several teachers and students have won several prizes, recently, Sayyed Saad Aman, a grade VII student, became one of the youngest authors in the country for his maiden novel “SanFranciscan Dream,” available to purchase on Amazon. He is a talented author who has also written a dozen stories besides translating a Marathi novel into English titled “The Shackles.”

Another recent laurel the school has won is for an exciting activity. During the lockdown, its students managed to read about 5500 books online. The librarian Mr. Furqan was awarded by the EPIC- The Leading Digital Library for Kids across the Globe. 

Future Plans

Pearls Academy has become a leading school in Aurangabad, earning praise and recognition from all around. With each passing year, its results and popularity continue to grow, leading to a demand for a +3-level college. However, Motiwala says he has no plans to extend the school beyond the 12th grade.

He explains, “Pearls is designed as a K-12 concept school. Our entire focus and strategy are centered on providing early-stage care and education to students in an optimized environment.”

Motiwala is, however, open to the idea of opening Pearls branches in other locations. “Our expansion plan is already in the pipeline. Initially, we aim to establish branches in five states. After assessment, we could expand pan-India, but that’s the plan for now.”

The Need for More Such Schools

Motiwala understands the need for such schools throughout India if Muslim education is to be significantly advanced. However, with limited resources, he does not want to overextend by managing too many schools, which could become difficult to handle. Therefore, he encourages others to start similar schools and offers to provide the necessary knowledge and training if needed.

However, Motiwala says that the initiative in this regard isn’t very encouraging. People are still stuck in old times and opening traditional schools and Madrasa which are not helping the community to compete in the modern world.

He says, “We need to establish schools with international standards and modern amenities.” He recounts that when he attended St. Xavier’s school, he was always impressed by its high standards. “Traveling in the school bus, I would see many other convent schools with similar facilities, and it made me wonder why Muslims don’t have schools like that.”

He laments, “Muslims, in general, lack the confidence and vision to start such schools and tend to stick to conventional ones. What they don’t realize is that to make our children competition-ready and nurture big dreams, we need to educate them in top-notch schools with modern setups and facilities.”

Motiwala continues, “We desperately need schools like these, but we also have to design our curriculum with future development in mind. We should stay ahead with a clear vision of what students will need 15-20 years from now. To truly prepare them for the future, we must provide our children with exposure that goes beyond the present, focusing on their long-term success.”

The world needs both skillful and ethical individuals. That’s why the education system we’ve developed at Pearls can serve as a model. By combining quality modern education with Deen-based teachings, we nurture students with strong ethical values. This approach can address many of the issues that stem from a lack of ethics in our society.

Inspiring the Youth

Motiwala firmly believes that youth are the foundation upon which any community’s progress depends. Given that Muslims face significant challenges in terms of progress, the role of their youth is especially crucial. He encourages our young people to work diligently and purposefully, aiming to write a new chapter of success and thereby elevate the condition of our community.

He says that education is the only way for the community to emerge from the morass of poverty and backwardness. The youth should never lose sight of this fact and make it their mission to highly esucate themselves and succeed in all walks of life, through sheer hard work and sacrifices.

He adds, “The youth while pursuing their individual dreams, must also help others who are less privileged and lack the necessary information on how to obtain the best education and prepare effectively for various competitive examinations.”

He urges businessmen and entrepreneurs to step forward and share their success stories with our youth, inspiring them to think big and achieve their goals.

The road to success is filled with many obstacles, and our youth should display a never-give-up attitude and steady perseverance towards their goals. Achieving their goals can improve their conditions and provide status in society, which in turn will inspire the entire community to succeed.

Citing his own example, Motiwala shares that when he was young and still in college, his father, a land investor, was wrongfully dragged into legal battles by his rivals, creating financial strain on the family. This phase had a significant impact on Motiwala, but he didn’t give up. Instead, he committed to working hard and succeeding in his endeavors to improve his family’s condition. “Had I faltered or bogged down, I couldn’t have achieved anything in life and would have disappeared into oblivion. But my never-say-die attitude sailed me through,” says Motiwala. He expects similar spirit and passion to succeed from our youth.

Advocating for Youth Leadership

Muslims have been caught between political and religious leaderships, paying the price with no progress in society because both types of leadership have an orthodox outlook and lack fresh ideas or the drive to make a difference. According to him, there is a huge opportunity for youth leadership to emerge; however, this should be done in an organized and coordinated way.

At present, although the youth leadership is passionate about making positive changes, it is fragmented and disorganized, and because of that, nothing significant is being achieved.

There is a need for everyone to come on the same page, set priorities, and work persistently for at least a decade or more to see tangible results. A combination of patience and passion is essential.

Motiwala believes that the future belongs to the youth to lead the community, and this transition is already underway. We need fresh approaches to solving our existing problems, and no one is better suited to provide them than the youth.

Message to Muslims

Islamophobia has peaked worldwide in recent times, including in India, fueled by the rise of right-wing politics and unregulated social media, where anti-Muslim propaganda is freely disseminated daily. The whole system seems to be working with the intention of defaming and harming the community. Since Muslims are economically and educationally a backward community, they are at a loss on how to navigate this difficult situation.

The situation can provoke an angry reaction among Muslims, and hardline groups may capitalize on this anger and hopelessness by brainwashing some individuals into extremism.

However, according to Motiwala, this must not be allowed to happen. We must address this situation with wisdom and without being reactive. We need to revolutionize minority education in the country so that the community can progress in comparison to other communities.

No one accuses an advanced community; once Muslims reach a level where they are contributing more to the nation, such voices will gradually subside, or the community will be able to affirmatively handle such criticism and dispel misconceptions about them.

There have been numerous instances when Motiwala has acted as a bridge in diffusing communal strife, as he aspires for the peaceful coexistence of all communities. When the Babri Demolition occurred and Aurangabad was on the brink of a riot, Motiwala and his family rose to the occasion and calmed both sides, preventing murder and mayhem.

He recounts, “Our home was on the border dividing both Hindu and Muslim settlements in Aurangabad. We could have been badly affected if there had been a communal flare-up. I was too young to fully understand the volatility of the situation back then, but instinctively, to avoid violence, my family, being well-known in the city, sprang into action, and I joined them in negotiating for peace in the area. We succeeded, and ever since, I have been an advocate for peace.”

He continues, “Islam is a religion of peace so peace should always be given a chance under any circumstances. At the same time, we must expose the nefarious designs working to malign our community and this can be achieved by strengthening our education and increasing our representation in the mainstream society as well as at the government and political levels.

He also exhorts Muslims to reduce their consumption of foods and clothes if necessary and forgo unnecessary luxuries, such as extravagant rituals like lavish weddings, in order to prioritize their children’s education above all else.

Motiwala emphasizes, “Remember, it is upon parents, whether rich or poor, to answer to God for providing their children’s education. Every child has the right to a good education, and as parents, we must ensure it, lest we be held accountable for our negligence before God.

Conclusion

Ashfaque Motiwala’s journey from a successful businessman to a leading figure in educational entrepreneurship reflects a profound commitment to addressing the needs of his community through innovative solutions. His journey began with a quest for a school that offered both modern and Islamic education, highlighting a significant gap in the educational landscape for Muslims.

Combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his deep-rooted sense of social responsibility and visionary leadership, he established Pearls Academy. This institution integrates modern education with strong ethical and moral teachings rooted in Islamic principles in a well-furnished setup. The specially designed curriculum at Pearls Academy effectively addresses both academic and spiritual development, setting a benchmark for comprehensive education.

Under Motiwala’s able leadership, Pearls Academy has flourished, evolving from a modest beginning into a model institution that blends academic excellence with moral integrity. This success reflects Motiwala’s vision of providing a balanced education that prepares students to excel both in the world and in their ethical and moral lives, as well as in the hereafter.

Motiwala’s commitment extends beyond education, as he advocates for a new generation of youth leadership, recognizing that current political and religious frameworks haven’t lived up to expectations. His emphasis on organized and coordinated youth involvement aims to foster future leaders who can drive meaningful change.

His valuable advice to Muslims to prioritize their children’s education above all else, as well as to progress silently and counter Islamophobia in peaceful way, makes him a leader par excellence. His emphasis on a patient and passionate approach to tackling community challenges and long-term goals for development underscores the importance of sustained effort and never-say-die attitude.

In essence, Ashfaque Motiwala’s remarkable work with Pearls Academy, his advocacy for similar educational initiative nationwide, and his passion for positive societal changes exemplifies his forward-thinking approach to addressing existing problems. Through his efforts he has shown the potential of combining modern education with core values to create a more balanced and ethically grounded society, setting a precedent for others to follow.

In recognition of Motiwala’s ethical leadership, stellar contributions in the field of education, and his efforts to inspire the community to move forward on the path of progress, Maeeshat Media extends its sincere thanks to him and hopes he continues to serve the community and realize all his visions for its advancement.