His optimism is as amazing as his achievements. He is a shining example of how determination and dedication can bring tremendous positive changes in an organisation or a community. Dr Qazi Siraj Azher, based in Flint, United States of America is currently the Associate Director, Clinical Pathology and Medical Examiner in the Department of Pathology at the world-famous Hurley Medical Center in Flint. He completed MBBS from the Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Gulbarga, followed it up with the M.D, F.C.A.P and F.A.S.C.P. He is also the Program Medical Advisor, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Baker College of Owosso. During his visit to India in August, for his mission of promoting science among young Muslims, Dr Siraj spoke to Azmathullah Shariff in an exclusive interview for Islamic Voice. Excerpts:

Tell us about your “Science Mission”

Since 1983, I am involved in voluntary work in promoting science among students in Flint in the US. I initiate science fairs, seminars and talks in schools. I have made presentations in educational institutions about the hazards of smoking and drug abuse.

How have you extended your Science Mission in India?

I am working towards eradicating illiteracy and promoting science among young Muslims in India. At present, I work with a Committee in Bijapur called COMPROSCIB (Committee Promoting Science Bijapur). Bijapur was the only place which responded fully to my mission. The Committee consists of five members, Mr. Riyaz Farooqui (Local political leader and Trustee Al-Ameen Charitable Fund Trust), Prof. Zia-Abedeen Punekar, (Principal, SECAB Institution of Engineering and Technology), Dr. Hamed H. Hanifi (Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Al-Ameen Medical College), Mrs. Saira Banu Khan (District Education Officer, Bijapur), and Mr. Rafee Bhandari (Syndicate Member Karnataka University Dharwad and reporter to Salar Urdu Daily). They are dedicated and hard working people. The best thing is they do not ask for charity. They volunteer their time and money for the sake of the community.

Could you elaborate on your strategy for eradicating illiteracy among Muslims?

Our plan is to work in a multi-dimensional way to be more effective. We realised that just giving awards and honours to the students who achieve high scores is not going to help bring more kids to the schools. It also cannot bring down the drop-out rates from the schools.

What were your goals?

1. Explain to Muslims about the importance of education in Islam, bring the literacy rate up among Muslims.

2. Improve the quality of education in Muslim schools by training teachers, reminding Muslim teachers that their job is sacred. I also warn them that Allah will be taking their Hisaab. I believe teacher’s job is not easy, they are accountable in this Duniya and also accountable in the hereafter (Aaqira).

3. Conducting science fairs to create interest in science, right from the young age (4th grade to 12th grade).

How have you implemented this practically?

In the first case, we try to reach Muslim masses through personal contacts, motivate the parents and encourage them to sacrifice some money for the better future of their children. We try to reach them through Jumma Khutbas and public gatherings. Another important goal is to go to Madrasas, where there is 100% male student population, and ask them to extend their teachings to include worldly education,

Secondly, we affiliated our organisation with the local University at Bijapur and the education department. Every year with the co-operation of the education department, we conduct workshops and seminars to improve the quality of teaching. I have also planned to have a “Research Forum” a parallel event to the science fair, called the “Teachers’ Fair”. I am the visiting professor to the Bijapur University. I have already given lectures to the staff of Education Department, titled, “Teaching to the Brains.”

The third item in our agenda is to initiate activities that generate interest in students towards science. One is the “Science Fair”. This is not a new concept, already European countries are doing this for many years. In the United States, I am the co-director for the “Flint Area Science Fair” for last 10 years. This is a four County science fair conducted annually, about 400 students participate from various cities in three categories elementary, junior, and senior division. We give away about $ 20,000 worth scholarships and bonds to the winners every year.

What about the Science Fair in Bijapur?

I wanted to start a science fair in Muslim institutions in India, but nobody paid any attention to me. Bijapur was the only place that went ahead with this idea. This year, on August 8, we held the second Science Fair in Bijapur. Actually, participants of the science fair conduct their own research in science by adopting scientific methods and submit their projects to be judged at the science fair. These are not some kind of science book experiments. These projects are based upon new ideas to be scientifically evaluated and tested. It could be as simple as which soil is better for germination of seeds or as complex as finding a cure for cancer. In our last science fair, a Madrasa also got involved and their science project won second place. The students used papaya juice to clean blood stains at various dilutions, which contains a proteolytic enzyme called papain. This papain containing extract turned out to be the best blood-stain cleaning agent.

What is your message to Muslims in India?

History tells us that the nations, who did well or doing well are those who played a leading role in science, including Muslims of medieval period. Muslims in India have the talent to become stronger in education, science and technology. My intellectual support is always with them whenever they need it.

(Dr Qazi Siraj Azher can be reached at qsazher1@yahoo.com)

Men, Missions & Machines