When the renowned poet Majrooh Sultanpuri penned his memorable couplet—"Main akela hi chala tha jaanib-e-manzil magar log saath aate gaye aur kaarvaan banta gaya" (I set out alone towards my destination, but people kept joining along the way, and a caravan was formed)—he probably never imagined that inspired by his verse, a teacher named Maqsood Ahmad from Delhi's Anglo Arabic School would embark on an extraordinary journey. This journey would prove to be a milestone in empowering the children of marginalized communities to become self-reliant. When Maqsood Ahmad began his journey, his wife, Farzana Begum, stood by him like a rock. She had promised to support her husband through every hardship. That's why Maqsood Ahmad kept moving forward toward his goal.

In fact, ever since Maqsood Ahmad started teaching at Delhi's Anglo Arabic School, a thought had been brewing in his mind that he needed to do more than just educate the children at his school. He wanted to bring the light of education to the poor Muslims, Dalits, and children from helpless and laboring families in Delhi-6. His heart would sink whenever he saw that many children from these families spent their entire days wandering the streets. In other words, when they should have been studying at school, they were instead idling away in leisure. Maqsood Ahmad would tremble at the thought of these children's futures. His soul would shudder imagining that their lives held nothing but darkness ahead.
For a long time, Maqsood Ahmad discussed with his friends and his life partner at home what they could do for those children who didn't even get the opportunity to go to school. After much deliberation, an idea emerged: to establish a non-governmental organization (NGO). Under its banner, they would start a school on a small scale. There, children would be educated and provided with vocational training so that they could live their lives with their heads held high in the country and society.
Then, Maqsood Ahmad decided that mere thinking wouldn't suffice—action was needed. Work began on forming the NGO. In this regard, lengthy discussions took place with high-ranking Delhi government officials like Ghulam Jillani Siddiqui, his wife Farzana Begum, Mahfooz Ahmad, Khaleeq Saifi, R.C. Kapoor, Adil Nazir, Aleemuddin Saifi, Khurram Quraishi, Hafiz Asim, and others. All these were knowledgeable and sensible individuals who shared Maqsood Ahmad's intent to do something special. Everyone agreed with Maqsood Ahmad's view that they had to provide education to those children who, for various reasons, were kept away from it.
Once there was consensus on establishing the NGO, discussions began about naming it. It was decided that naming it after a scholar would be beneficial. Subsequently, it was resolved to name the NGO after Allama Rafiq Ahmad Kasmi (1928-2003). Allama Rafiq Ahmad Kasmi was a scholar of Islamic affairs, author, orator, and politician. He was deeply dedicated to education.
Maqsood Ahmad recounts that in 1996, he established an NGO called the Allama Rafiq Trust. Its office was set up at the Community Center in 772 Sui Wallan. This location is very close to Daryaganj. The space for the NGO's activities was provided by the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Initially, nine teachers and two non-teaching staff were appointed. You could say that around the same time, the Allama Rafiq Inter College was also inaugurated in Himmatpur, Ghaziabad district, near Delhi.
The Allama Rafiq Trust soon introduced courses in general knowledge subjects like English, Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit, along with vocational training in candle-making, beautician skills, tailoring, screen printing, and computer courses. To date, thousands of children have benefited from these courses, and they are now earning a respectable livelihood. Maqsood Ahmad says that impressed by our high-quality work, the Delhi Minorities Commission awarded us the honor of the best NGO in Delhi in 2011-12.
My acquaintance with Maqsood Ahmad dates back about thirty years. Since then, I have witnessed him working with complete dedication toward social service. That's why I ended up writing a book about him.
Maqsood Ahmad says that one special feature of the Allama Rafiq Trust is that after completing their training, the children are guided on how to secure jobs. Maqsood Ahmad believes that campus placements are extremely important for students in today's time. They not only provide direction to their future careers but also offer practical experience in their field. In such a scenario, it becomes the responsibility of colleges or training institutes to fully inform their students about this process.
The Allama Rafiq Trust was founded so that it could become a companion and fellow traveler for those who have no one but the Almighty. In pursuit of this goal, it has continued to provide vocational training to children from impoverished families. There is no doubt that after receiving vocational training here, these children find it much easier to secure employment.Drawing from his long experience, Maqsood Ahmad says that vocational training teaches children practical skills that help them find jobs quickly.
Maqsood Ahmad says that Muslims in India need to pay more attention to their education. Education can play an important role in economically empowering Muslims. Educated Muslims can secure good jobs and ensure a better standard of living for their families .Education plays a crucial role in freeing them from social evils and discrimination. Through education, Muslims can change their mindset and perspective and fight for equality and justice in society.
Education provides Muslims with a deeper understanding of their religion and culture. Knowledge of the Quran and Hadith helps them live their lives properly, become good Muslims, and play a positive role in society.
Maqsood Ahmad believes that education helps in developing critical thinking. By obtaining education, Muslims are liberated from religious extremism, superstitions, and illusions, and they can understand things logically. Education is extremely essential for personal development. It provides them with confidence, independence, and creativity. Educated Muslims can make better decisions for their lives and fully utilize their abilities.
Of course, educated Muslims become better citizens of society. They can contribute to societal development by using their knowledge and skills and play an important role in the nation's progress.

Email:-------------------vivekshukladelhi@gmail.com