Bhatkal: Usman Ghani, son of Muqeem Hallare, a meritorious student of New Shams High School run by the Tarbiat Education Society, has won the school’s most prestigious Najm-e-Ikhwan Gold Medal, thereby continuing a proud family legacy, as his two sisters had earlier received the same distinguished honour.
The award was presented during the school’s Annual Cultural Day, themed “Celebrating Talent and Triumph,” during which several students who excelled in various fields, including academics, sports, and co-curricular activities, were honoured.
Explaining the rigorous selection process for the Najm-e-Ikhwan Gold Medal, School Principal Leyagath Ali stated that out of 104 SSLC students, 55 were shortlisted in the first stage, followed by 26 in the second phase, and finally six students were selected for the final round. After a comprehensive evaluation involving written tests, academic performance, sports achievements, moral conduct, religious values, social involvement, and overall personality development, Usman Ghani Hallare was chosen for the prestigious award.
It is noteworthy that Usman Ghani’s elder sisters had earlier brought laurels to the family by winning the same medal—Rabiya Maliha Hallare in the academic year 2018–19 and Maseera Hallare in 2022–23. With Usman’s achievement, the Hallare family has now created a rare record of three siblings winning the Najm-e-Ikhwan Gold Medal.
The chief guest of the programme, Dr Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, addressed the students and emphasised the importance of continuous learning. He encouraged students to develop a habit of reading good books and highlighted the Qur’an as the best source of guidance for humanity. Stressing the need to balance modern education with moral values, he praised the institution for its focus on discipline, ethics, and character-building, and urged students to cultivate self-belief, patience, hard work, love, brotherhood, and compassion.
Addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, Raaed Rahmat, Assistant Manager at DP World Dubai, advised students to make informed career choices by utilising modern tools, including Artificial Intelligence applications. He urged them to identify their skills and strengths before selecting their future academic and professional paths.
Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Naimuddin Islahi inspired students with a motivational address, urging them to dream big. He said true dreams are not those seen while sleeping at night, but those that keep a person awake during the day. “Dreams seen in daylight turn into reality tomorrow,” he remarked, encouraging students to set high goals, maintain strong determination, and never limit themselves to small ambitions.
Presenting the annual report, Principal Leyagath Ali announced that the school recorded a 100 per cent pass result in the ICSE Class 10 examinations. Anam Ruknuddin secured first place with 95.6 per cent, followed by Faiha Siddi Bapa with 94.8 per cent, and Alveena with 92 per cent. In sports, Class 9 student Falah M.J. won a gold medal at the CISCE National-Level Karate Championship, while Mohammed Shuraim secured silver and Nawaz Damudi won bronze. Students also delivered outstanding performances at various inter-school fests held across Bhatkal. Highlighting teachers’ achievements, the principal noted that Ms Hajira Jabeen successfully completed three Master’s degrees, while Ms Keerthi Naik won first prize in a poem-writing competition organised by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
A special highlight of the event was that the entire programme was organised and conducted by the students themselves. The function began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hayyan S.M., followed by its translation by Syed Umais. Students of Grade 10 and PU rendered the school anthem, while Shahid Kharuri delivered the welcome address. The programme was anchored by Mohammed Azhan and Mohammed Ziyan. Following the reading of the annual report, the school souvenir was formally released by the dignitaries. Students also presented qawwali, speeches, and various cultural performances.
School Chairman Nazeer Ahmed Quazi expressed happiness and satisfaction over the school’s overall performance. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by senior teacher M. R. Manvi. Several office-bearers and distinguished personalities were present on the occasion, including Ismail Mohtesham, President of the Tarbiyat Education Society; Azizur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi; Dr Khwaja Owais; Maulana Zubair; and Talha Siddi Bapa.