See how this differently abled Jamia student inspires many

“Try not to associate bodily defect with mental, my good friend, except for a solid reason”― Charles Dickens

Prejudice has always underestimated human endeavor and spirits. Disability isn’t a defeat neither ability is a triumph, what all takes to touch the sky is vision, dedication, passion and hope. Meet Naqi Mohammad, who is differently abled, yet a leader, who has earned admiration, honour, and title of campus celebrity through his courage.
Naqi Mohammad is currently pursuing M.Phil. From Jamia Millia Islamia. Despite having completed his schooling from the local school in Noor Nagar, which is infamous for the nasty behaviour and practices the students there indulge into, he managed to make his way to a reputed Central University and has completed his graduation with Honours in Geography and Masters in Human Rights. Naqi is not just differently abled but in actual terms has a different personality which makes him popular in the campus. He dreams of becoming an MLA, or a politician. His fame can be traced from the posters on Jamia metro pillars, making his outreach among the students quite evident and remarkable as well. He runs an NGO and wants to create an accessible forum where he can discuss the problems faced by the disabled in Jamia. He also plans to extend the platform to other Universities so that the demands of other differently abled people like him could be discussed on a wider scale. The road to success is not easy to navigate for people like Naqi but he has managed to defeat the obstacles with a wonderful catalogue of ideas, which makes him a campus celebrity.
Here is an excerpt of an interview with Naqi Mohammad by Asna Azhar.

Throw a light on your journey from your School to Jamia Millia Islamia
I studied in a government school of Noor Nagar at that time there were not much resources available, I just had my tricycle with me and never-ending trifles at my end. My classes were on the second floor there were no lifts in my school obviously it was a government school it used to take one hour for me to go upstairs, back then I was in IX class. I passed boards and shifted to a school nearby in Batla house, it saved my time and as well, I was saved from rush-hour traffic. After my XII I realised if I had to go ahead I need to replace my tricycle, then I bought my scooter since then it has been a companion to me. I knew the significance of education, I planned to go for higher studies. I took admission in D.U Economics Honours but I had to drop the course after month as it was quite far from the place. I was admitted in Geography honours in Jamia in the same year. Currently, I am pursuing my M.Phil. In comparative religion studies.
What is your constant motivational driving force?
HOPE, I never lose my hope. My family has been ever supportive, my friends from school and college were always by my side through the ups and down, the environment around me was such that I never felt alone and that keeps me moving.
What inspired you to become a leader?
I am not a leader, I stood up for truth and justice. I was in Geography department naturally I didn’t acquire any legal education, I felt it’s important for people like us to know laws and facts. I felt it’s necessary for me to protect human rights and protect others from exploitation and discrimination. Keeping this in mind I got enrolled in M.A Human Rights. It served as a vent for me to join politics and I joined AAP two years back.
You once sat on hunger strike as well, how did it all go with Jamia administration and what were the repercussions?
It was all about the hike in tuition fees, as far as I remember after the year 2006 nobody sat on a hunger strike. It was a challenging task for me for the fear of rustication was hovering on my friends, though they didn’t leave alone. That act had a powerful impact as our voice reached Jamia’s administration much faster our terms were accepted the hike in fees was withdrawn and with that, I ended my fast. I was contented because we were just and we won and I was happier because students who are studying in the university with hardships did not have to pay extra fees.
Tell us something about Your NGO
we started Foundation E3in 2014 Equality, Education and Empowerment, I believe when there is equality, education will be provided to all irrespective of their gender and it will lead to empowerment ultimately and our nation will progress. Our team includes eleven members on a national level. We have been organising health camps regularly, we are also providing classes for children of ten plus year, who for some reason couldn’t attend classes. We prepare them so that they can be admitted to right class rather starting from nursery all over again in school.
What contributions would you be doing for Jamia in coming years?
I want to see Jamia in its true spirit the purpose for it was established. We are working to get Jamia union back, it shall be a part of mature politics. I want to see Jamia as much.
What’s the best part of Jamia?
Hygenic’s café, discussions, and meetings there, Jamia is my home I love every part of it.
What’s your message for the society?
“United we stand, Divided we fall.” We shall stay united for the betterment, unless and until we talk about current issues we can’t attain a peaceful nation.

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