Professor Dr. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood is a renowned figure in the field of education, both nationally and internationally. With a career, spanning decades, he has made significant contributions to shaping the educational landscape in India. Currently, he serves as a Senior Professor in the Department of Education & Training at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANNU), Hyderabad, while also fulfilling the responsibilities of Officer on Special Duty-II (OSD-II) of the university.
Dr. Siddiqui’s journey, from being a humble primary school teacher to attaining such a distinguished position, is an inspiring testament to his dedication and perseverance. Over the years, he has gained extensive expertise in teacher training and possesses a deep understanding of the challenges plaguing the education system in the country. His insights are not just theoretical but are drawn from real-world experiences, making him a sought-after voice in discussions about educational reform.
To delve deeper into his views and vision, Maeeshat Media’s Editor Danish Reyaz recently conducted an interview with Dr. Siddiqui. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Siddiqui sheds light on his observations about the current state of education, the transformative potential of teacher training programs, and the pivotal role of MANUU in bridging gaps in education.
Here are excerpts from the interview, where Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui shares his perspectives with clarity and purpose, envisioning an education system driven by well-trained, compassionate, and motivated teachers.
Q. When we look at the education system in India, we see two prevailing approaches: religious or moral education and modern or worldly education. Unfortunately, both systems face a serious concern regarding the competence of teachers. What are your thoughts on this?
Before addressing your question, I would like to clarify that as per Islamic teaching there is no distinction of moral and modern education. To be honest, moral and modern education are not separate or opposing concepts. Instead, they must complement each other to provide students with the best of both worlds, fostering holistic development in both character and skills. Viewing them as conflicting ideas is a misconception; they are inherently interconnected and mutually supportive.
Nevertheless, one cannot deny the fact that these two systems, commonly referred to as Deeni and Duniyawi Taleem, are predominantly imparted in India through madrasas and schools, respectively.
Unfortunately, as you pointed out, both education systems suffer from a lack of competent teachers. In fact, both systems face a serious discrepancy in the teacher-to-student ratio. A large number of students are handled by only a few teachers, creating challenges for both students and teachers and adversely affecting the overall quality of education.
Furthermore, among the available teachers, there is a significant issue of incompetence. Increasingly, teachers who are not up to the mark are entering the system, exacerbating the problem and further deteriorating the standard of education.
Q. What is the remedy then?
I was coming to that. The remedy lies in a robust recruitment system capable of selecting teachers who possess both the necessary expertise and a genuine passion for the job. While teaching requires a solid knowledge base, the ability to impart that knowledge in a way that can be understood by all students, regardless of their individual levels of comprehension, is even more crucial.
The system must prioritize hiring teachers with creative and innovative approaches. However, given the limited availability of such teachers, we must work with those we have and focus on their consistent professional development. This can be achieved through regular training, participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops, all aimed at honing their skills and redefining their approaches. However, everything should be need-based before implementing these remedial measures. Teachers should first be properly evaluated to identify their shortcomings and areas for improvement.
Q. We have seen teachers undergo training at various stages, yet they often fail to make a meaningful impact. What could be the reasons for this?
Even the best training programs are ineffective if teachers lack moral integrity and fail to empathize with the misdirection of our youth. Therefore, instilling the values of ethics, empathy, and morality should always be an integral part of teacher training programs. Without these values, even well-trained teachers may fail to contribute meaningfully to the system.
No doubt, we have some exceptional teachers. However, many limit their focus to their jobs and families, showing little initiative to further improve the education system. True change requires teachers with empathy and a passion for shaping the future. A teacher must realize that teaching is not just a profession but a mission to uplift society. Therefore, training programs should go beyond skill development, cultivating responsiveness and a deep sense of connection to the needs of our students.
I often quote our former president Dr. Zakir Husain’s profound words: “On the title page of the life-book of a teacher, what is written is not knowledge but the subject of love.” It is qualities like love, affection, and empathy that draw students toward their teachers. Once a connection is established between a teacher and a student, teaching and learning become more effective and transform into an experience rather than mere effort.
Q. How are the roles of students and parents crucial to improving the system?
Parents, even more than students, play a vital role alongside teachers in improving the education system. They must be vigilant, keeping a close eye on their children’s activities and guiding them away from habits that could hinder their studies or lead them astray from becoming responsible individuals. To achieve this, parents should embody the values they wish to instill, serving as role models of integrity and good character.
At the same time, effective parenting involves being supportive rather than overly imposing. Parents should develop the skills to nurture their children’s growth while fostering open communication and spending quality time together. In addition, regular interaction between teachers and parents is also essential to ensure the child’s progress and development in a balanced, holistic, and harmonious manner.
For students, this is undoubtedly a challenging time as they are being pulled in many directions due to the influence of the internet and mobile phones. The distractions they face today are unprecedented compared to what previous generations encountered. While internet technology has, in some ways, made learning easier, it has also led to addictive behaviors and exposure to harmful influences.
At this juncture, students need empathetic counseling to guide them effectively. After all, a healthy student in body, mind, and soul is the cornerstone of a prosperous future.
Q. There has been a lot of talk about bringing madrasa students into the mainstream. How has Maulana Azad Urdu University (MANNU) contributed to this cause?
Thank you for raising this question. One can observe that a large number of students at our university come from a madrasa background. Over the years, these students have benefitted from our quality mainstream education programs. The key reasons MANNU attracts madrasa students are its medium of instruction, which is Urdu, and the environment, which closely mirrors the atmosphere of their institutions. Another important reason is that MANU’s fee structure is relatively low, making it affordable for these students. Additionally, for those who are very poor, we offer scholarship programs and have partnerships with various NGOs, through which they can gain admission to our institution.
We recognize the varying levels of education provided by madrasas and offer admission to students accordingly. If a madrasa graduate holds an equivalent of a 10+2 qualification, we admit them into undergraduate programs. For instance, a Fazilat student graduating from a madrasa is eligible for postgraduate courses. Furthermore, we have been working on developing our own secondary and senior secondary education board to help these students bridge any gaps in their mainstream education, ensuring they face no challenges in the job market.
Q. Given that Urdu is the medium of instruction at MANNU, does this pose any challenges for students in their future path?
There has been general contention that one can provide school level education in Urdu or any other regional languages but when it comes to technical and professional education English is must. But we have successfully altered that perception. We have ensured that all education in the university be provided in Urdu and have set an example to other to follow. Although it was challenged at the beginning, but with dedication and a mission in mind we have achieved this exemplary model.
Nevertheless, we haven’t overlooked the future prospects of our students. With a robust system in place, every program at our university is of exceptional quality because we have invested considerable effort in developing these programs. Despite using Urdu as the medium of instruction, these programs have significantly enhanced our students’ knowledge and competence.
To further support their education, we offer a variety of programs, such as Spoken English, Personality Development, and more, to help them overcome the challenges of employability. As graduates of our university, our students don’t just have access to the same opportunities as others—they also enjoy unique opportunities that are available exclusively to students from an Urdu background.
Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui’s insights offer a clear vision for addressing the challenges in education through inclusive practices, robust teacher training, and student empowerment. His leadership at Maulana Azad National Urdu University exemplifies a commitment to bridging gaps in education while fostering a system rooted in empathy, excellence, and opportunity for all.
Raipur, (Press Release)Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, hosted the Inauguration and Orientation Program for the MBA Batch 2025–27, marking the beginning of a transformative academic journey defined by diversity, inclusion, and leadership development for 353 students.
The MBA 2025–27 batch reflects the institute’s growing national footprint and academic stature, with students hailing from 21 states and 3 union territories, showcasing a diverse and inclusive cohort. Notably, 14.5% of the batch comprises alumni from top-tier institutions like IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIITs, and IIMs, marking a significant rise in academic excellence, with 26 students (7.57%) having studied at premier institutions between 2024–26, including NIT Tiruchirapalli, NIT Rourkela, VNIT Nagpur, and IIT Guwahati.
This year’s batch reflects IIM Raipur’s ongoing commitment to diversity and multidimensional learning, with 55.5% of students from engineering backgrounds and 44.5% from a variety of non-engineering fields including commerce, science, humanities, law, healthcare, and management. The balanced academic composition of this year’s batch brings together analytical precision and contextual depth, fostering a learning environment that encourages multidimensional thinking and informed decision-making.
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his views, by stating “Classroom diversity drives decision-making depth. At IIM Raipur, we don’t just teach management, we create a space where analytical thinking and human insight coexist. This year’s cohort reflects a conscious shift toward interdisciplinary learning, with students bringing expertise from engineering, commerce, sciences, and the liberal arts. Such academic diversity is not incidental; it is intentional. It enhances classroom engagement, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and prepares our students to navigate the complexities of today’s interconnected world. As they begin this journey, we are committed to equipping them not just with technical competence, but with ethical clarity, strategic foresight, and a strong sense of purpose.”
On average, students come with around 23 months of work experience across diverse sectors including IT, engineering, BFSI, retail, and healthcare. This dynamic blend of academic strength, industry exposure, and geographic diversity fosters a collaborative learning environment that prepares students to lead with integrity and agility in a rapidly evolving global business landscape.
The event was graced by Shri Sudeep Dev, CHRO & Executive Vice President at Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., who shared insights into the evolving corporate landscape and the importance of value-driven leadership. The event also featured the Dean’s Merit List Awards, presented by Prof. Saroj Kumar Pani, Dean (Academics) at IIM Raipur, celebrating academic excellence within the student community. A vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Diptiman Banerji.
The event also featured a series of informative and student-centric sessions aimed at promoting awareness, readiness, and well-being. A sensitization workshop on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) was conducted by Prof. Ashapurna Baruah, alongside POSH experts Mala Thapar and Dr. C.K. Swain, who also introduced students to the institute’s library resources. This was followed by focused sessions on career and institutional engagement, including an overview of the placement process by Prof. Mohit Goswami and a session on international relations by Prof. P. Ketan Kumar Reddy. Prof. Samar Singh provided insights into campus infrastructure and administrative support, while Shri Anil Ponal led a session on national scholarships. The program also addressed student well-being through an interactive session on mental health and stress management conducted by psychologist and counselor Ms. Ruchika Jain.
Noida: (Press Release) Farmley, a leading healthy snacking brand, is all set to provide a gateway to budding entrepreneurs by partnering with Shark Tank India. As part of this special arrangement, business owners attending the upcoming Indian Healthy Snacking Summit on Friday in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam can grab the golden opportunity to be part of the show by recording their business pitches at the dedicated Shark Tank booth to be set up there.
Since its debut in 2021, Shark Tank India has been instrumental in spotlighting innovative business ideas and connecting them with strategic investments and expert mentorship. As the show gears up for its 5th anniversary this year, the sharks are on the lookout for innovative business ideas at the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit 2025. Pitches recorded at the Shark Tank booth will serve as audition tapes and be forwarded to the show’s production team in Mumbai for evaluation.
Selected entrepreneurs will earn the coveted opportunity to present their pitches on the main Shark Tank India show, potentially securing investments from the panel of seasoned business sharks.
Talking about the initiative, Akash Sharma, co-founder of Farmley, said: “Every successful entrepreneur’s journey begins with a single opportunity to be heard. This on-ground audition format is revolutionizing how we discover and nurture talent, giving founders the chance to showcase their vision in a more personal, accessible setting. It’s not just about pitching – it’s about empowering the next generation of business leaders.”
The Indian Healthy Snacking Summit, in its 2nd edition, expects over 1,500 attendees and 50+ speakers, including Revant Himatsingka aka FoodPharmer, Amitesh Jha, CEO, Swiggy Instamart, Arjun Vaidya, Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s and V3 Ventures, investors, senior leaders from the retail, FMCG, and quick commerce sectors, as well as representatives from Amazon, Blinkit, Zepto, Meesho, etc. These speakers will participate in various panel discussions, offering insights into investment trends, the future of food distribution, and emerging health-conscious consumption patterns.
Petaling Jaya, – The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), has successfully made a significant impact at the JFEX Summer Show 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan from 9 to 11 July 2025. This strategic participation marks a major milestone in promoting Malaysia’s halal products and services on the global stage.
The HDC Pavilion was officially launched by Encik Anwar Udzir, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan, and led by HDC’s Head of International Cooperation, Mohamad Romzi Sulaiman further reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to expanding its halal footprint in Japan and the region. This initiative aligns with Strategic Thrust 2 of the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030), which focuses on creating new and larger market spaces for Malaysia’s halal products and services.
“HDC’s presence at JFEX 2025 provided a strategic platform for 50 Malaysian halal-certified exporters and export-ready companies to present their products and services to the Japanese market and neighbouring countries. This showcase was to promote the Halal Malaysia brand and open a valuable trade as well as investment opportunities for Malaysian businesses.” Said Mohamad Romzi.
Furthermore, HDC sought to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the Halal Malaysia brand by promoting not only halal products but also comprehensive halal ecosystem including training, consultancy, and advisory services within Japan and its surrounding markets.
Over the course of three days, HDC facilitated more than one hundred B2B meetings between Malaysian exhibitors and high-quality Japanese and international buyers. These engagements generated potential sales valued at approximately MYR 345.2 million, demonstrating strong demand for Malaysia’s halal offerings.
In recognition of their excellence, three (3) Malaysian companies were honoured with JFEX Awards:
Thean Heong Sauce Industry Sdn. Bhd. the Best Gift category.
“Our participation in JFEX 2025 demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening halal businesses ties with Japan. The overwhelming response and business interest we received show the growing trust in Halal Malaysia as a global brand. We are proud to support our exporters in expanding their reach and building long-term partnerships in this highly potential market.” added Mohamad Romzi.
Japan remains one of Malaysia’s top five halal export destinations, with export values ranging from RM2.5 billion to RM3.5 billion in 2023 and 2024. The sustained high interest from Japanese businesses has positioned HDC as a key reference point for halal knowledge and expertise, with numerous visits and enquiries from Japanese organizations even before the pandemic. This momentum is further supported by Malaysia’s ongoing participation in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to global halal leadership.
Inspired by the wisdom of economist Jeffrey Sachs, I propose a bold plan to bring peace to the Middle East in just 11 days by confronting the root causes of conflict and fostering reconciliation. The approach involves gathering leaders from the United States, Israel, Europe, and all Arab states on a neutral, symbolic platform—Elon Musk’s envisioned Space Island, a futuristic setting to inspire transformative dialogue. Here, they must face their historical actions, repent, and commit to a new path forward.
The first step is accountability. Leaders must acknowledge their roles in destabilizing the Middle East, particularly through schemes like “Greater Israel,” an alleged Zionist ambition to expand territorial control over oil-rich regions, as critiqued by Sachs and others. This concept, rooted in historical texts and modern political strategies, has fueled tensions by prioritizing dominance over coexistence. Participants must answer: Did you, or did you not, plan to establish Greater Israel in this oil-rich Middle East area? Honest admissions of past aggressions, including covert operations and territorial ambitions, are crucial to breaking the cycle of violence.
Uncovering Timber Sycamore and Regime Change
A key focus is the U.S.-led Operation Timber Sycamore, a CIA program initiated under President Obama to overthrow Syria’s government, as confirmed by Seymour Hersh. This operation, funded by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, armed rebels to destabilize Syria, part of a broader U.S.-Israel strategy to effect regime change in five or six countries, including Iraq, Libya, and Syria. The result? Over 600,000 deaths across these conflicts, with Syria alone seeing 300,000 casualties since 2011. Leaders must confess their involvement in these operations, which Sachs argues were driven by Israel’s desire to neutralize Palestinian allies and reshape the region.
The Unfought War: Iran
The only war yet to materialize, but ardently sought by Israel, is an attack on Iran, as Sachs notes. Israel’s push to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, seen in its June 2025 strikes, relies heavily on U.S. financing and military backup. Without America’s support—providing 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and billions in aid—Israel’s military campaigns would falter. Leaders must confront this dependency and its consequences, including the risk of escalating regional conflicts.
Repentance and a New Path
On Space Island, leaders will repent for these actions, pledging to end regime-change policies and military escalations. Sachs’ seven-point peace plan, including Palestinian statehood and a verifiable Iranian nuclear deal, offers a framework. The U.S. must lift its veto on Palestine’s statehood, and Arab states must normalize relations with Israel in exchange for peace. This 11-day summit, free from earthly biases, could reset the Middle East, prioritizing diplomacy over destruction for lasting stability.
