Agra, Dec 28 (IANS) The American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) has honoured 77 Muslim students from across the country for educational excellence in Class 10 and 12 examinations as part of its mission to boost education among the minority community. The students, from 18 states, were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the annual convention of the federation by Haryana Governor A.R. Kidwai late saturday evening. The AFMI is a north America-based grassroots organisation to advance the cause of Muslims and other underprivileged masses in India.

“Seventeen years ago, we had a dream to see an educated, thriving and a prosperous Indian Muslim community. We feel the community’s salvation lies in education. It was, therefore, decided that our major activity will be in the field of education. We will not rest until we have attained 100 percent literacy levels,” AFMI president Ali Quraishi said at the function.

He said in order to achieve 100 percent literacy, the federation is supporting primary schools from across the state. AFMI has built schools and computer centres in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Chairman Zulfiqar Hussain said the scourge of illiteracy has to be fought at all levels to root out poverty among Muslims.

“Instead of being a liability, they can become a partner for the development of our country and play a pivotal role in building our nation,” he said.

Some of the recipients of awards include S. Zakeena and K. Saddam Hussain from Tamil Nadu, Mohammed Shahjuddin from Manipur, Shaista Sultana from Jharkhand, Uzama Rana from Andhra Pradesh, Ansari Ayesha Ahmed from Maharashtra and Tanzeem Azeez from Kerala.