Mumbai: Academic twist to Andheri landscape

The AljameatusSaifiyah Arabic Academy also known as Jamea family just got a new addition After Surat which got a Jamea in 1810 Karachi and Nairobi the educational institute solely for the Dawoodi Bohra community opened in Mumbai Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the community at its mintnew building in Marol Andheri East on Friday eveningThe first thing that stands out looking at the Academy building at Bori Colony in Marol is the ornate architecture It is apparent that the decoration resonates for the community whether it is the lace on the ridas apparel that the women wear or the embellishments on the faccedilade of buildings it is one of the ways the community seems to express itselfHuzefa Tawawala Aliasger Najam and Alefiya Shakir at the walk through Shakir is alumnus of the Arabic Academy PicsShadab KhanldquoThat is because we believe God is beautiful He loves beautyrdquo said both Aliasger Najam senior administrator and Huzefa Tawawala facultyThe Jamea has a boarding concept with students staying at the academy The Mumbai campus can house around 700 students both men and women The students are admitted when they are between the ages of 12 and 14 after eight years of regular schooling The programme goes from secondary to undergraduate and postgraduate studies The study is free with the sole benefactor the 53rd alDarsquoi alMutlaq and head of the global Dawoodi Bohra community His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin There is a rigorous admission process in which on an average one student is chosen out of four that apply Aliasger and Tawawala said ldquoThe Mumbai building houses approximately 300 boys 220 girls and 160 faculty and staff Earlier these students were studying at a temporary space for years so it is exciting to see that they have shifted to the new building This is fruition of the 47th Darsquoi Syedna Abdulqadir Najmuddinrsquos d 1885 dream who said he wished to see a Jamea campus in the city 150 years agordquoAlso Read Mumbai Did not come here as Prime Minister but as family member says PM Modi during Dawoodi Bohra community eventSpiritualOn a walkthrough a few days earlier passing through its auditorium and then the magnificent prayer hall one understood there is a modern aspect but a laser sharp focus on spiritual studies As light illuminated the interiors of the edifice Aliasger explained ldquoThe prayer area is inspired by the alJmirsquoalAzhar in Cairo which was the original location of the Al Azhar Universityrdquo The curriculum is in line with education boards like IGCSE International General Certificate of Secondary Education or SSC Secondary School Certificate and HSC Higher Secondary Certificate Alongside the Jamea confers students with its own theological degrees over the 11year programmeInquiryCommunityspecific academic institutions are often insular where students do not have a worldview as they may not engage with those outside or be intellectually challenged it is thought Aliasger though said that perspective does not apply here He explained ldquoWe have several overseas students here so there is already a mix Our students also go out for initiatives like beach cleanups participating in projects with other students so they have started and will continue to engage with the larger student community We also as a rule encourage questions for it is when you ask that you learn Students will be taught to think for themselvesrdquoFacetsThe 850000 sq ft campus Aliasger and Tawawala added ldquois selfcontained with faculty residences a multistorey admin and classroom building library dining hall prayer hall courtyard and a building dedicated to teaching the Holy Quranrdquo As one stepped out of the campus sunbeams glanced off the glass windows The building is clearly testament to the overarching aim an acknowledgement and preservation of the past living in the contemporary present and shaping community leaders of the future