Renowned education consultant Asslam Shaikh urges the Muslim community to prioritise learning and global opportunities at DMI Pune’s Alumni Meet.
Asslam Shaikh
Renowned Overseas Education Consultant Asslam Shaikh, founder of Aliff Overseas Pvt. Ltd., delivered an inspiring address as Guest of Honour at the Deccan Muslim Institute’s (DMI) Computer Graduates Alumni Meet on the Azam Campus in Pune-home to institutions like Abeda Inamdar Senior College of Arts, Science & Commerce-where he passionately urged the Muslim community to prioritize education across all sections, emphasizing that younger generations must embrace learning with greater inclination to secure long-term empowerment and global success.
Shaikh, a veteran with over 15 years in the overseas education sector, has been a vocal critic of the U.S. administration’s recent stringent visa policies under President Trump, which he argues are blocking opportunities for deserving international students. He also urged the community to look beyond the U.S. and explore other countries that offer equally strong and more affordable education options.
During his speech he stressed that education must reach every level of the Muslim community, from urban professionals to rural families and financially weaker groups, ensuring no one is left behind. He said plainly, “Education in our community is 100% undervalued. Many families still believe that if they have even a small business, it is better to invest money there and have their children assist rather than educate them further, even though higher education with a global mindset is what will bring new ideas and take the business to the next level.” Shaikh added that building a strong habit of learning in the younger generation, who can draw from the community’s rich heritage while gaining modern skills, is essential for resilience, innovation and long-term progress.
Drawing from historical parallels, Shaikh evoked the golden era of Muslim scholarship during Baghdad’s heyday, which he likened to a medieval Oxford-a bustling center that produced pioneering scholars, scientists, and thinkers who propelled civilization forward. “Religious leaders and educationists in Islam have always underscored the sacred duty of seeking knowledge, as evidenced by timeless teachings that encourage lifelong learning for both men and women,” he noted. “It’s encouraging to see young women actively engaged on this campus, a testament to progress, but we must extend this drive to all sections: the economically disadvantaged, the geographically remote, and especially the youth who often prioritize short-term gains over enduring goals. By committing to education, we can uplift entire communities, breaking cycles of inequality and opening doors to personal and collective advancement.”
The event, hosted by DMI, one of the key institutes on the Azam Campus administered under the leadership of P. A. Inamdar and Abeda Inamdar, gathered computer science graduates to discuss career paths and the evolving role of education. Shaikh’s message resonated strongly as he urged students to see education not just as a degree but as the base for becoming resilient individuals in a changing world. He shared that after graduation there are two meaningful paths: one is stepping directly into the workforce and building a career through consistent effort, and the other is pursuing further studies, either immediately or after gaining two years of experience, so that one stays aligned with industry norms and future opportunities. He encouraged students to look at education beyond boundaries and to consider the world as their playground rather than limiting themselves to Mumbai, Pune, or Maharashtra. In this context he softly introduced global education, highlighting opportunities in countries like Germany, Canada, France, Ireland, Hungary, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, which offer strong academic programs, scholarships, and post-study work options. He also acknowledged India’s growing collaborations with international universities, making world-class education increasingly accessible.
“Education forges not just professionals, but empowered individuals who contribute to society,” Shaikh added. “By ensuring it reaches all sections of our community and igniting a passion in younger Muslims, we’re investing in a brighter, more equitable future.”
Through Aliff Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Shaikh has guided more than 32,000 students, many from underprivileged backgrounds, to international universities through scholarships and personalised support, reinforcing Aliff’s core message that “we bring Study Abroad within the common man’s reach.” He explained that making the world your playground is simply about smart investment: families already spend 3 to 5 lakhs a year on higher education in India, and with the same 3, 5, 10 or 15 lakhs they can study in countries like Germany, France, Malaysia, the UK or Canada and gain global exposure. Shaikh added that this investment often leads to far higher returns, with starting salaries abroad commonly crossing 30 lakhs and going up to 50 lakhs or even 1 crore in high-demand fields, urging the community to widen its vision and see global education as practical and achievable.
About Aliff Overseas Pvt. Ltd.
Aliff Overseas Pvt. Ltd. is a Mumbai-based consultancy with over 15 years of expertise in overseas education. Committed to democratizing global learning, the firm has guided more than 32,000 students to top universities worldwide, with a focus on affordability, scholarships, and holistic career development.
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