Bhatkal: Continuing its longstanding tradition of promoting academic excellence, the Rabita Society of Bhatkal held its annual educational awards ceremony on Thursday, recognising 35 high-achieving students with the prestigious Rabita Gold Medals. For the first time, the Society also introduced a Best Teacher Award, which was conferred upon Ms. Fatima Veeda, an English and Social Science teacher at Naunahal Central School.
The grand event, held in two sessions at Islamia Anglo Urdu High School ground, celebrated top-performing students in SSLC, PUC II, undergraduate studies, Islamic studies, and other academic fields. Despite persistent rainfall, the ceremony drew a large turnout, underscoring the community’s deep commitment to education and youth development.
The gathering was addressed by Professor Dr. Maulana Saud Alam Qasmi of Aligarh Muslim University, who delivered keynote speeches in both sessions. Emphasising the importance of a balanced education, he drew from Qur’anic verses to illustrate the need for acquiring both religious and modern education.
Click here to watch Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi’s stirring speech from the first session
Click here to watch Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi’s inspiring address from the second session.
In the second session, Karnataka’s Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Transport, Mankal Vaidya, praised Bhatkal’s educational vision. “Even before I was born, the people of Bhatkal had established the Anjuman institution, reflecting their foresight in the field of education,” he said. He noted that while Bhatkal enjoys access to most educational facilities, the establishment of a medical college remains a key requirement.
The Usman Hassan Memorial Rolling Shield for Best School was awarded to Ali Public School (Girls) for achieving a 100% pass result this year, further cementing its reputation among Bhatkal’s top-performing educational institutions.
A key moment of the event was the release of a commemorative book titled “Iftikhar-e-Qaum: Janab S.M. Syed Khaleelur Rahman”, paying tribute to the late community leader. In his memory, the Rabita Society also introduced the S.M. Syed Khaleelur Rahman Best Teacher Gold Medal, awarded to Ms. Fatima Veeda Abdul Latif Siddiqui.
Ms. Siddiqui has served as a teacher at Naunahal Central School for over nine years. She holds a B.A. and B.Ed., and is currently pursuing an M.A. in English. She is also the wife of Mr. Anas Mulla, a former athlete and noted fast bowler from Bhatkal.
On the occasion, Rabita Society General Secretary Atiqur Rahman Muniri presented the annual report, while President Umar Farooq Musbah chaired the event.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries from Gulf-based Bhatkal associations and local community leaders, including Yunus Qazia, Yassir Qasimji, Sabir Aliakbara, Qamar Sada, Jailani Mohtisham, Abdul Salam Damda Abu, Nisar M.J., Shahriyar Khatib, Abul Ala Mohtisham, Ammar Qazia, Aftab MJ, Maulana Tanveer Joshiddi and Inayatullah Shabandari, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, among others.
Here is the complete list of the 35 outstanding students honored with the Rabita Gold Medal this year:
