Posted on 09/10/2003 7:54:03 AM PDT by bedolido
WASHINGTON, September 9 (IslamOnlione.net & News Agencies) – An Indian Islamic leader was nominated for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his commitment to serving and uplifting humanity, according to the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).
“Syed Hasan has dedicated over sixty years of his life for the betterment of others, as he is the founder and director of INSAN (Urdu for "Human"), an educational and humanitarian mission based in India.”
The INSAN Institute has been promoting for almost 40 years education and educational awareness, educational accessibility to financially disadvantaged, adult literacy, pre-teen/teen marriages, local economy and employment to disadvantaged, and humanitarian assistance.
The Institute, housed in bamboo huts in Kishanganj at the junction of India, makes up the Insan School and College, is winning many hearts in the process.
Located, Nepal and Bangladesh, is carrying out this bold experiment.
“From cleaning the blood and beds of the T.B. patients to eating with 'mehters' (Indian toilet cleaners, belonging to untouchable class), or simply helping those in need, he has been always on the forefront of many social causes,” said ISNA.
Testifying to the magnitude of his sacrifice, many consider him to be among the great humanitarians of our time, it added.
Hasan was inspired to do good works after seeing the disparity prevalent among his people, conflicts and human sufferings of World War I and II, and then the communal riots in pre-independence India. During his stays in America he witnessed the impact of racial segregation. However, he also saw hope and was very influenced by many reform movements, and peace movements.
His mission with INSAN has always been to create a platform to serve humanity with the only long-term hope for the progress of civilization – education, said ISNA.
“He believed that education plays a vital role in making a kinder and gentler world. His mission has been a successful paragon of unity, harmony and brotherhood”.
He has created an atmosphere where people from different backgrounds, casts, religions, regions and languages work, learn, live, and grow together.
Hasan started the institute in a humble environment.
“He had no land to start his project. He first helped start the National School, thereby, establishing his bona fides with the school authorities who permitted him to conduct his own classes in their building before or after the school hours”.
He started with 36 students, and since then, there was no looking back.
“A hut was hired at a monthly rent of Rs. 50. (about one U.S. Dollar today) ‘Insan’ was born. Today the Insan School and College has a complex of 200 huts spread over 200 acres”.
“Assets of the institute value over ten million rupees. Among the huts is a hall that can accommodate 5,000 students at a time.”
“INSAN School/College is famous for its well-rounded educational development for students and its creative and innovative approach in education that inspire learning, creativity, critical thinking, confidence building, leadership, discipline, self reliance, sharing, equality, brotherhood, tolerance, community, and faith.
Hasan received a masters and doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University.
He has always been a devout Muslim, and his actions and mission have always reflected his deep rooted religious beliefs.
Hasan has dedicated over sixty years of “his life for the betterment of others”.
Note from poster: He may be a great man. I just find it ironic that a Muslim would be nominated during our war on terror. Especially, since it's mostly against Islamic extremists.
I don't think there's any irony at all. Remember, Jimmy Carter got the prize partly as a dig at Bush. Carter's contribution to world peace was allowing the original islamic terror breeding ground (Iran) to come into being.
What is the point of the article but to mention the Muslimness of this man? He sounds like a decent kind of guy who would have done the same thing whether Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist. It's kind of discouraging to think that what he has done is rare enough that it deserves special recognition.
I guess we have to agree to disagree. There are good people in every religion. Extremist teaching wahabism (sp) in Saudi, Iran, Syria, etc. The hatred for non-muslims Pakistan, India, Philipines, and many other countries is blantant and real. As a Christian it is easy to see the world is choosing up sides for Armigetin (sorry about the spelling). I we keep my friends close and my enemies closer. I see it as the coming future. These extremists are out to take over the world and we're in their way.
Thanks for the diagnosis. Normally some facts are cited, and some arguments, before reaching a conclusion.
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