Assam’s Distinguished Trio Visits MMERC, Mumbai — An Afternoon of Inspiration and Reflection
Mohammad Taukir Rahmani
EC Exclusive
July 3, 2025, Mumbai:
Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Centre (MMERC), Mumbai, had the privilege of hosting three distinguished personalities from Assam — a trio of dynamic and committed community leaders for the state of Assam and India — in a special program held this afternoon. The brief but impactful gathering was graced by the presence of Hafiz Bashir Ahmad Qasmi, 4th term MLA of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) from Assam, Maulana Abdul Qadir Qasmi, General Secretary of All Assam Tanzim Madaris-e Quamiya, and Dr. Hafiz Rafiqul Islam Qasmi, 3rd term MLA from Jania Assam and an MMERC alumnus.
The program began with a warm welcome and felicitation of the guests. Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, Director of MMERC, introduced the honourable guests, highlighting their commendable contributions to society, especially in the field of education, social reform, and public services. MMERC, Mumbai presented each of them with a traditional shawl as a token of respect and admiration.
Dr. Hafiz Rafiqul Islam Qasmi, himself an alumnus of MMERC who spent three formative years (1999 – 2002) at the institution, fondly recalled his student life. Speaking with emotion and gratitude, he shared,
“During my days at MMERC, it was not the policy to allow the students to join other academic courses of college or university even in distance mode, yet I somehow managed to pursue my studies and obtained my certificates. When asked what the use of those certificates would be, I would reply: ‘One day, my children will proudly say that their father earned an MA and PhD while upholding his identity.’”
He reflected on the challenges of maintaining an Islamic identity within the political arena, particularly in the early days of his career. However, with resilience and perseverance, he gradually earned the respect and recognition of his peers. Expressing deep gratitude, he acknowledged the pivotal roles played by Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi and Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi as his teachers in shaping his vision and providing the guidance that eventually led to his success.
The second guest- Maulana Abdul Qadir Qasmi, emphasized the importance of recognizing and fulfilling one’s responsibilities with clarity of purpose and unwavering dedication.
“Wherever you are, and whatever role you play in life — be it as a student, teacher, leader, or citizen — never lose sight of your mission. Stay grounded and sincere,” he urged the students.
His address served as a reminder that true leadership begins with accountability and a heart committed to service.
Despite grappling with health challenges, Hafiz Bashir Ahmad Qasmi chose to speak in English, delivering a brief yet motivational message. His effort to address students in English was, in itself, a powerful encouragement for them to embrace the language with confidence and consistency.
“Always focus on your goal, and never shy away from expressing yourself,” he remarked, underlining the importance of communication in the modern world and said that the credit goes to the founder of the institute Hazrat Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi that his visionary mission is successfully leading the ummah. Today MMERC alumni are almost everywhere from college and university to masjids and madrasa here in India and abroad.
His presence and message left a lasting impact on the young minds present.
The program concluded with a heartfelt dua, invoking divine blessings for the guests, the students, and the continued success of MMERC in its mission of producing intellectually vibrant and socially responsible scholars.
The visit of these three dignitaries proved to be a moment of pride and inspiration for the MMERC fraternity. It not only rekindled memories for the alumni among them but also ignited aspirations in the hearts of present students to walk the path of knowledge, character, and service.
