Sheikh Muhammad Younis/Hyderabad
In an era when children are guled to mobile phones as against storybooks, a college teacher has used his prize money for inculcating the habit of book reading among the school-going children of Hyderabad. Muhammad Azam, Assistant Professor of English at Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Warangal, was recently awarded the presidential National Youth Award for his pioneering work, has decided to use his Rs one lakh prize money to distribute among the needy children.
Muhammad Azam has come up in life after his share of struggles; his family didn’t have enough means to educate himself. He did menial jobs like pasting posters on the walls and as a waiter in food joints to help his family and raise money for his education.
However, after becoming a college teacher, Muhammad Azam did not forget his past and worked hard to help others. He has earned the reputation of being a social worker. His hard work was recognized when he was awarded the Presidential National youth award.
In the first phase of his mission to spread the love of books among the children, Muhammad Azam distributed books on the lives of great personalities and the English language.
Images of the book distribution function
A special function was organized at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Saptagari Colony, Karimnagar where Mohammad Azam told the students that he was awarded the National Youth Award by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, for his outstanding social services. The award consisted of a certificate, medal, and Rs. 100,000.
He said when he was given the award in August, he had decided to use the prize money for the educational development of students. He distributed books to the students.
He told the students that reading good books is essential for personality building, and also careers. Therefore, children must cultivate the taste of reading.
He said that the students should get in the habit of reading books and newspapers to prepare themselves for the competitions. The Book on great personalities can inspire them to gain confidence to move forward. “Reading books not only motivates you to move ahead in life it also builds confidence and conviction as well as determination,” he told the gathering.
Mohammad Azam said that rural students should be proficient in the English language. He said that due to a lack of proficiency in the English language, students face difficulties in getting jobs.
He distributed some books to help the personality and career-building and overall development of the students. These books are:
Communicative English
English For Success
A Mirror of English
English Communication Skill
What is Character?
Art of Positive Thinking
Know your Strength
A Real Teacher
Vivekananda Calls You
Lectures of Vivekananda
Know your India
Muhammad Azam said that patriotism needs to be inculcated in the students from their infancy so that the students can grow up as the best citizens.
Sri Lata, President, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, appreciated Muhammad Azam's initiative, He said Azam social work is exemplary.
Speaking to Awaz-the Voice, Mohammad Azam said that as his childhood was amidst poverty, he was in a better position to understand the plight of the poor. He said that education is a weapon without which development is unthinkable.
Muhammad Azam said he always received help from people when he needed it. He said he couldn’t pay them back so he choose to help the needy. “This way I can able to repay my debt and also get peace of mind.” He said.
Mohammad Azam said that being poor is not a bad thing but crying for poverty is. “We must take advantage of opportunities despite poverty and unfavorable conditions.”
