School, a vital agent for social change is often misunderstood as a building of brick and mortar. Aziz Memorial School founded in 1952 by  Maulana Aziz Ur Rehman Ludhianvi is not a school made by an architect with emphasis on aesthetics alone, it is rather an institution founded by a visionary. An alma-mater to many in the walled city of Delhi, this school which thrives with a soul of its own – opens its arms for all, irrespective of class, caste ad gender.

Late Maulana Aziz Ur Rehman endeavored to work towards overall upliftment of his brethren even before starting the school. A community development program including night classes for adults was  started in Kucha Rehman, sewing classes for women for providing economic assistance to the poor and needy women were also part of the initiation. These endeavors bespeak about the approach of the school, which focuses on the development of the entire community covering all section of the society, including woman empowerment. Established in the walled city of Delhi, the school is still engaged in the upliftment of the community and eradication of illiteracy, His son Late Mr. Bilal Ahmed, who followed the dream of his father and devoted his life to the same cause, managed the school after  the death of the Maulana. As an attempt in the direction of women empowerment and development, the school also took a step forward by introducing Condensed Course Education for women. Today the idea is refined when coaching classes are available for the student of classes IX to XII.

From its inception, the school engaged in improving the lives of people, inculcating the notion of self- help among them. Started with a minimal fee of Rs. 2/- the school till date caters to students hailing from economically weaker section society through various methods (fee Concessions, free distribution of books etc). Till date about 3500 students have studied under the roof of Aziz Memorial School and many have successfully ventured into  various spheres of life, glorifying the name of the institution.

The main aim of school is amalgamating the modern education system with the importance of one’s own culture and language. The school targets to instill its students a pride for one’s own roots. This is implemented through various programmes such as framing the curriculum in a manner to ingrain modern technologies and traditional value system. Both theology and computers being a part of the curriculum is an example of the same. Another attempt being made in this direction was organization of Jalsa-e- Seeratun Nabi where the emphasis on both dini and duniyavi taleem was laid by Maulana Abul Kalaam of Darul Uloom Deoband. Such endeavors are much needed in minority community where the powerful religious clergymen can become a catalyst for changing the attitude of the community.

Following the integrated approach in all spheres of life the school lays emphasis on social interaction  of students. The institutions has also triedt o integrate differently abled children with normal children. Apart from cultural and social sensitization the school also tries to bring together the children from different communities alleviating the idea differences in young hearts. The perfect example of it for the students is Ms. Raj Kumari Nigam, a teacher reciting “La Ilaha Illallah….”along with them. Such involvement bespeaks about the embedded secular attitude of institution.

The institution strives to build and develop character and, intellect and physique of pupils. The various endeavors made in this direction include debate programs, drawing and handwriting competitions, involving students in organizing Bal Melas and many more. These attempts surely help the students in personality development. The interactive approach and high emphasis on communication of pupils leads to confidence building in the students.

Every year the students are taken on excursions to archaeological sights including Qutub Minar, Lotus temple etc. This exposure is one major drop in the pool of personality growth as it is the first for many students confined to the walls of their houses surrounded by narrow lanes or blind alleys.

The school is continuing the notions of its visionary lays emphasis on both female and male education. Based on the community problem of negligence of female education, the school authorities make extra effort to establish networking with girls’ government schools to open channels for higher studies of girls.

With the perspective of child development the institution also organizes Health Camps where free dental and physical check-ups are done. Extending the same notion, a free Health Camp for parents was organized with leading doctors of the area.

The school organizes annual prized distribution functions with an aim of motivating and building confidence among students.

Aziz Memorial School is where the highest point remains a plateau and not a peak, keeping space for all. A school where the principal remembers the name of every student, every alumnus on street – making it a large and ever expanding family. A school about which all of them today say : “it is ours”.

The school is always willing to accept sincere advice, guidance and appreciation from parents and thus parents meeting every year for a two way communication and transparency between the two support systems of the students.

Wife of Late Mr. Bilal Ahmed who is working in the institution for more than 40 years today manages the school. One challenge faced by her in fulfilling the dream and making more successful attempts in the direction of community development is lack of finance and accommodation. The school managed to move from daris to desks but still has  long way to go. Proper library, faculties like cold water, separate play rooms, more computers, are few challenges to be managed by the authorities. The school working for the minorities of the walled city that still remain fringe population to be hemmed with the society lacks financial support system.  The availability of  it can help make the progress with speed and reach its goal that was envisioned by Late Maulana Aziz Ur Rehman and then nurtured by Late Mr. Bilal Ahmed, and we stand duty bound to fulfill their dream to the last.