Oral Communication is the Most Effective Means to Convey the Massage:
Judges and Scholars Express Views in the First Elocution Competition at MMERC, Mumbai

EC News Desk
15 July, 2024

Markazul Ma’arif Education and Research Center (MMERC) conducts three elocution competitions each academic year as part of its extracurricular activities, aiming to enhance students’ communication and oratory skills, thus preparing them to be effective and impactful scholars of Islam.
The first elocution competition of the 2024-25 academic year in English language was held today on July 14, 2024. The program was anchored by Maulana Salman Alam Qasmi, lecturer of MMERC, who provided a brief introduction of MMERC and highlighted the remarkable contributions of its founder, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi, to the nation and the community. The event began with the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and a Naat (praise of Prophet Muhammad saws).

Ten participants took part in the competition. All participants delivered speeches on various pressing topics. The competition was judged by three distinguished judges: Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, Director of MMERC, esteemed author, and award-winning poet; Mr. Ashraf Shaikh, an MBA and IT Professional; and Professor Muhammad Aarif Ansari, former lecturer at Sabu Siddiqui Engineering College and Vice President of MMERC. The event was presided over by environmental activist and MMERC branch in-charge, Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi. It was attended by all students and faculty members of MMERC along with other dignitaries from within Mumbai and out of it.

Following the participants’ speeches, the judges offered valuable suggestions to the students. Ashraf Shaikh emphasized on the importance of conveying messages with clearly by using simple language. Prof. Muhammad Aarif Ansari underscored careful judgment based on parameters such as articulation, presentation, and the effective use of body language to make speeches comprehensive and impactful. “Speech is the oldest means of communication and it is the most effective one till date,” he said.

Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi announced the results, stressing that shouting does not constitute effective public speaking and that clear communication is essential for ulama. Shahzad Alam Nadwi with topic ‘Social Media: A Boon or A Bane’ secured the first position, Arshad Ansari Bastawi speaking on ‘Islam and Contemporary Science’ got the second, and Mohammad As’ad Qasmi with his topic ‘Upbringing of Children in Islam’ earned the third position among the 10 finalists.

All the finalists were awarded with beautiful trophies and cash money.
The program president Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi gave a brief talk and emphasised on the importance of the English language for ulama in this era.

Mr. Fazlur Rahman, a distinguished guest in the program, while giving his feedback said to the students, “Your speeches were so eloquent that it sounded as if you are professors not the students.”
Coordinator of MMERC’s Extra Curricular Activities Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi welcomed the guests and managed the programme well.

Maulana Aslam Javed Qasmi, Maulana Jamil Ahmad Qasmi and Maulana Tauqeer Rahmani helped to make the program successful.
The program came to an end with the Dua of Maulana Mohammad Shahid Qasmi, Imam of Masjid Markazul Ma’arif.