[Reader-list] Deoband head has MBA, is pro-modern education

[Javed]

This is a very good sign. One hopes that the media highlights such
positive stories about Muslim community rather than simply their
fatwa-mongering.
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Deoband head has MBA, is pro-modern education
Yagnesh Mehta,
TNN, Jan 18, 2011

SURAT: Maulana Gulam Mohammad Vastanvi, a cleric who holds an MBA from
Maharashtra and has been feted for introducing modern education at a
madrassa in Akkalkuwa in Nandurbar, has been elected vice-chancellor
of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Vastanvi was selected on January 10 after the death of Maulana
Marghoob Rahman, who was Mohtamim (vice-chancellor) of the institution
for 30 years.

For the first time in the 200 years of Darul Uloom Deoband, a Gujarati
has taken the top post. Vastanvi belongs to Vastan village in Surat
district and studied at a seminary at Tadkeshwar near Kim. He got his
Aalim and Faazil degrees from the Tadkeshwar seminary itself.

Born and brought up in the tribal-dominated and economically backward
area of the state, Vastanvi chose to work in tribal areas of
Maharashtra. After completing his studies, the cleric taught at
Kantharia for nearly a decade before setting up the reputed Jamia
Islamia Ishaatul Uloom at Akkalkuwa in Maharashtras Nandurbar
district.

The Jamia in Akkalkuwa offers various courses in engineering,
medicine, pharmacy and education apart from other regular and
short-term courses. The introduction of modern education was
Vastanvi's initiative.

The model has been replicated in other parts of Maharashtra. The
science stream has recently been introduced in Jamia's associated
centre in Kosamba in south Gujarat. For these efforts, Vastanvi was
also given "Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad" Award by the Maharashtra
government.

Having bagged one of the most respected posts among Islamic clerics,
Vastanvi said: "It's a great opportunity for me to work for a most
respected institution. It is a proud moment for a Gujarati too as for
the first time a Gujarati has become vice-chancellor of Dar-ul-Uloom.
Maulana Marghoob Rahman had worked for the Dar-ul-Uloom for 30 long
years and keeping his contributions in mind, I will work for the
institute," he added.

Vastanvi's election was celebrated in Tadkeshwar during his recent
visit to the village where he studied. Several Islamic clerics from
the region and villagers of all faiths attended his felicitation.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Deoband-head-has-MBA-is-pro-modern-education/articleshow/7308404.cms