In a landmark initiative, the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), in collaboration with the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC), organized a National Consultative Meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) to unveil its 25-Year Roadmap for the Educational and Economic Development of Indian Muslims. The event took place at IICC, New Delhi, and witnessed the participation of several prominent parliamentarians, academics, and policy experts.
The opening session of the three-day conclave was graced by Mr. Salman Khurshid, Former Union Minister and President of IICC, who praised AMP’s efforts and said:
“It gives me immense happiness to see AMP and its President Aamir Edresy setting high standards for community work. Their 25-year Roadmap is an admirable initiative.”
Parliamentarians Welcome AMP’s Vision:
Dr. Fouzia Khan, Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, was the first to attend. She appreciated the initiative and said:
“Mainstream social organisations should collaborate with Madrasas and other community institutions to address educational challenges more effectively.”
Ms. Iqra Hasan Choudhary, Lok Sabha MP from Kairana (U.P.), remarked:
“This is the first time I’ve seen an organisation like AMP bring a well-drafted written document with a clear path for the community’s betterment. Unlike other meetings that end in emotional discussions, AMP has come up with a concrete plan.”
Mr. Sanjay Dina Patil, Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai, pledged his support and said he was always willing to back initiatives that contribute to nation-building.
Mr. Zia-ur-Rahman Barq, Lok Sabha MP from Sambhal, U.P., remarked:
“It’s rare to find people working selflessly for the betterment of others. AMP has done exemplary work for the upliftment of the community.”
A Vision for 100 Most Backward Districts:
AMP’s President Mr. Aamir Edresy expressed gratitude to the guests and IICC for hosting the event. He said:
“This roadmap is the result of collaboration with policy makers, retired bureaucrats, educationists, and social leaders. Our goal is to uplift the 100 most backward Muslim-concentrated districts in India through interventions in education, skills, financial access, livelihood, and local governance. We also invite industrialists and entrepreneurs to join us in implementing this vision.”
Eminent Personalities in Attendance:
The session was presided over by Mr. Wajahat Habibullah, Former Chief Information Commissioner and Former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities.
Dr. S. Y. Qureshi, Retired IAS officer and Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, and
Mr. Khwaja Shahid, Former Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, were the Guests of Honour.
Mr. Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP’s National Coordination Team, served as the host and skillfully moderated the series of critical sessions.
Why This Initiative Matters:
Despite making up more than 14% of India’s population, Muslims continue to be one of the most educationally and economically marginalised communities. According to AISHE (2020–21), Muslim enrolment in higher education has dropped to just 4.6%. The community faces a host of systemic challenges:
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Dwindling access to quality education
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Financial exclusion
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Low employment and entrepreneurship opportunities
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Shutdown of madrasas
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Hijab bans
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Cuts in scholarships and educational aid
The AMP roadmap seeks to respond to these challenges with a data-driven, policy-focused strategy aimed at long-term development and empowerment.
