Social Advancement Foundation of India (SAFI)
An Appeal
Indian Muslims constitute the second largest concentration of the community in the world, but their condition is dismal - economically, socially and educationally. Even in Kerala where Muslims have made some significant progress, their condition is far behind that of the more advanced communities in the state. Massive efforts are needed to transform this sad condition. Efforts are needed to change their economic and social conditions, to provide employment and worth while education. Governments may take some token steps, but the problems can be solved only with the massive efforts of the community to transform their condition. In this context the Quranic injunction becomes very relevent. “Allah will change the condition of a people only if they change themselves (with their own efforts)”.
A conference of enlightened men, social activists, leaders in the professions of education, law and well known philanthropists was held at Cochin in 2002 January. They gave anxious consideration to the profound issues. It was noted that while some attention has been paid to general education, professional education and employment generation at low level, no attention has been paid to higher education and scientific research, particularly in emerging areas. It was decided that while all efforts in removing backwardness should be promoted, special consideration should be given to the establishment of institutions of Postgraduate studies and Research in emerging areas of science and technology. Knowledge creation, new inventions and technological breakthroughs are the real foundation of the vitality of a nation or a society. So institutions of world class should be set up in order to encourage youth to show their talents and contribute to the spur gaining growth of science and technology. It is necessary to make use of facilities provided by govt; but also equally necessary to set up our own institutions of high quality, attempting to maintain international standards, so that we may produce more and more leaders in the field of science, technology and higher thought, with vision and a sense of values.
With these ends in view a charitable trust was formed and registered in 2002 known as Social Advancement Foundation of India (SAFI). The ideals of SAFI found enthusiastic acceptance and support locally and also abroad particularly in Gulf countries . We embarked on a large land purchase scheme for a large campus and acquired more than 440 acres of land.
We have so far spent on land about Rs.12 crores with the help of donations from our well wishers. We have a habitat scheme for the donors which are being worked out. We set up a building with notable architectural features costing about Rs. 4 crores on completion. This building was the out come of the unstinted efforts and generosity of our present Chairman Dr. P. Mohamed Ali (Galfar) . Our labs have been set up with the help of patrons and many of our difficulties have been resolved with the help of our patrons.
As a first step we started in the SAFI Institute of Advanced Studies, four PG courses namely M.Sc Biotechnology and M.Sc Bioinformatics, MA Islamic studies and MCJ (Master of Communication and Journalism). We have also provided for three under graduate courses in the school of Biosciences, B.Sc Biochemistry B.Sc Microbiology and B.Sc Biotechnology. Inspite of initial difficulties, our students have performed creditably in the University exams- Two of the students of the first batch in M.Sc Biotechnology secured ranks in the University.
We have now decided to add a few more courses next year namely M.Sc Microbiology and B.B.A, B.Com and B.C.A. This will considerably increase our strength and make the campus of viable size. We are also planning the starting of MCA and MBA with the permission of AICTE eventually.
In the field of Technology, we are planning the establishment of an Engineering college. A site has been located for the purpose within our vast campus. A project report is being got ready for the Engineering College and its future development as a model college with PG courses and research.
It may be noted that we have with us project reports for the development such as Mass communication, Islamic studies, Biotechnology, Library and information centre , Bio diversity park, Medicinal Herbs Garden, and an Out door Studio. For development of SIAS as a model Institution it is necessary to provide all essential infrastructures. This we have broken into 39 small projects. The list is separately provided. The present total estimate is Rs.20 crores minimum.
It is worth recording that SAFI international forum (SIF) is doing magnificent work and is helping SAFI in all ways. It is noteworthy that they are carrying out the project of Global School in the vicinity of SIAS
One of our most urgent necessities is the provision of a good hostel for women. Recognizing the importance of the matter the last meeting of the Executive committee decided to start construction immediately and finish it by june 2009. It is a venture costing more than 3 crores of rupees. Our Chairman Dr. P. Mohamed Ali (Galfar) offered a donation of Rs.75 lakhs on the spot and Treasurer Mr. P.K. Ahammed Sb. Rs.25 crores . Mr. C.P. Kunhimohammed , Joint Secretary Rs.2 lakhs and Mr. K.V. Kunhammed Koya our Trustee Rs.2 lakhs. The rest has to be raised through donations from our benefactors.
We have with much difficulty and after long waiting received income tax exemptions for the Trust, 80 G exemption for the donors and FCRA permission for donors abroad. These will, we hope, encourage our donors to contribute to SAFI liberally.
It is time that SAFI has to come out in the field of education and leadership development as a beacon of light for the community. It is time for all the Trustees and well wishers to come out with generous donations for its development. We believe that SIF and its leaders will rise to the occasion by putting forth all their efforts and all their influence.
We take this opportunity to request all patrons and friends of SAFI to give full support to SAFI and donate liberally so that our mission becomes a great success and our institution flower in to the university we all dream of.