2nd Elocution Competition Held at MMERC, Mumbai

“Presentation is a very important part of a speech and therefore deserves special attention” — Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi

Mumbai, September 6, 2026
(Mohammad Salman Alam Qasmi) — Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC), Mumbai, a reputed institution known for providing quality education in the English language and literature to madrasa graduates and preparing them to meet the demands of the contemporary world, organised the 2nd Elocution Competition.

Eight students selected for the final round delivered speeches in English on a range of important and contemporary topics, demonstrating their academic, intellectual and oratorical abilities.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an by Qari Abdul Fattah with English translation by Maul. Dilshad Alam. This was followed by a Naat by Maul. Faiz Mohammad Qasmi.

Maul. Mohammad Taukir Rahmani, who gave a brief introduction to MMERC and highlighted the significant services rendered by the institution’s founder, Maul. Mohammad Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi, for the country and society. Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi, Coordinator of extra curricular activities, introduced the guests and welcomed them.

Three prominent figures served as judges for the competition: Maul. Mohammad M. Burhanuddin Qasmi, Director of MMERC; Mr. Ahtesham Aibani, Senior Process Enabler at TATA Consultancy Services (TCS); and Mr. Danyal Khan, Planning and Production Manager at Sigma Seals LLP.

The programme was presided over by Maul. Mohammad Atiqur Rahman Qasmi, In-charge of MMERC. Maul. Mohammad Shahid Qasmi, Imam of MMERC Masjid, Mr. Taufiq Sir and Jafar bhai also graced the program.

Following the competition, the judges appreciated the students’ performances and shared valuable observations, constructive suggestions.

Mr. Ahtesham Aibani appreciated the students’ performances and said that standing before an audience and expressing one’s thoughts is, in itself, a major challenge. However, the confidence and grace with which the students presented their ideas were truly commendable. He stressed that, keeping the requirements of the present age in view, speakers should choose topics that have a strong connection with contemporary issues. He also reminded the students that one of their important responsibilities is to guide people correctly in the light of Islamic teachings.

Mr. Danyal Khan encouraged all the participants and observed that English is not the students’ mother tongue, yet they expressed their thoughts with remarkable confidence and fluency. He said that graduates of madaris have an important role to bridge the gap between modern and religious education, as they possess a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings. He advised the students to focus not only on learning the language but also on communicating their message effectively.

Maul. Burhanuddin Qasmi, Director of MMERC said that all the topics were highly relevant and important. Sharing his experience as a judge, he said that judging a speech competition is not an easy task. Judges do not assess merely the words spoken by a speaker; rather, they closely observe every aspect of the presentation, including body language, voice modulation, pronunciation, fluency and articulation.

He particularly emphasised that presentation is a very important part of a speech and therefore deserves special attention. A speaker should adopt words, tone and a style of delivery appropriate to the nature of the subject.

The results were announced at the conclusion of the competition. Among the eight students selected for the final round, Maul. Sayeed Anwar Qasmi secured first position, Maul. Faizan Qasmi stood second, and Maul. Mohammad Hamza Qasmi secured third position.

In his presidential address, Maul. Mohammad Atiqur Rahman Qasmi thanked all the guests, judges and participants. Appreciating the efforts of all the students, he urged them to continue working hard, studying regularly and practising consistently. He also pointed out that winning or losing a speech competition is not the ultimate objective. True success lies in a student’s ability to stand confidently before an audience, organise and present his thoughts effectively, and develop the capacity to express himself clearly.

He further said that some speeches leave a lasting impression because of their effective delivery, strong content and engaging presentation, enabling them to stand out for a long time.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt prayer by Maul. Mohammad Shahid Qasmi, Imam of MMERC, masjid.

The programme was successfully organised with the cooperation of the teachers and students of the instruction, particularly Maul. Aslam Javed Qasmi, Maul. Jameel Ahmad Qasmi, Maul. Mohammad Salman Alam Qasmi and other staff members.