The Aligarh Alumni Association of New York recently presented noted Indian American philanthropist and entrepreneur Frank F. Islam with the “Sir Ross Masood Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Leadership, Education, Community and Public Service” in recognition of his distinguished leadership, community and public service and philanthropy. Islam was bestowed the honor during the seventeenth annual Sir Syed Day celebration dinner on November 15 in Garden City, N.Y. Islam … [Read more...]
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Frank blogs regularly for the Huffington Post and writes occasional columns and articles for publications such as the International Business Times and The Economic Times of India.
Frank writes on a wide variety of topics that are critical to shaping the future of America and the American dream and to making the United States and the world a better place. These include: Business; education; poverty and inequality; politics and public policy; immigration; manufacturing; innovation; leadership; citizenship; and social commentary.
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Thoughts on Creating an Atmosphere of Communal Peace and Harmony in India
Over the past several years, because of savage and violent acts by radical sects, the word Islam has become entwined with terrorism. This is tragic because it distorts religious beliefs and defames its practitioners. More importantly, it creates great mistrust and a false divide with those of other faiths. In parts of the Western world, this divide is a chasm that will be difficult to overcome. There are places where there is little hope at present for creating an atmosphere of communal … [Read more...]
The Critical Need to Sustain Pre-K Gains by Closing the Educational Chasm
Over the past month or so, the ongoing debate about the efficacy of pre-K programming for children from low income backgrounds reared its ugly head again. The debate was precipitated by a new research study from Tennessee which showed that although youth in a statewide subsidized program had shown substantial progress while in pre-K those gains were not sustained. An earlier study in Tennessee showed that the gains had actually disappeared by the end of kindergarten. This follow-up … [Read more...]
Making the Digital Connections to Improve Education in the 21st Century
A tremendous emphasis has been placed in this century on improving the quality of and outcomes from education. The most well-known efforts are: "No Child Left Behind" initiated by the Bush administration; "Race to the Top" initiated by the Obama administration; and "Common Core Standards" initiated by the National Governors Association with significant financial support from the Gates Foundation. Although not as well-known or widely recognized, another primary initiative area has been that of … [Read more...]
Ben Carson: Should We Take Him at His Word?
According to the polls, Dr. Ben Carson is one of the leading candidates for the Republican nomination for President. His primary qualifications for that position appear to be his outsider status (he has never run for nor held a political office); his calm demeanor and soothing voice; and, his propensity for making outlandish and/or uninformed statements. These statements have been far-ranging but tend to be concentrated around guns and other matters that have appeal to the hard-core … [Read more...]
Socially and economically disadvantaged people can do wonders if empowered.
Islam was conferred the American Bazaar Philanthropy Award.Frank Islam with the American Bazaar Philanthropy Award, which was presented to him by Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arun Kumar, in Washington, DC, on October 10, 2015.Frank Islam with the American Bazaar Philanthropy Award, which was presented to him by Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arun Kumar (left), in Washington, DC, on October 10, 2015.By Raif KareratPhilanthropist and entrepreneur Frank Islam was honored with the American … [Read more...]
Preserving American Democracy: Religious Freedom and Freedom from Religion
The guarantee of religious freedom was one of the fundamental precepts upon which the American democracy was founded. In the 21st century, we need to add a new precept to the list. That precept is the guarantee of freedom from religious interference in the core processes of our democracy. Over the past several years, members of various religious groups have tried to move the construct of religion front and center in the design and administration of various governmental rules and regulations. … [Read more...]
Indian-Americans Asked to Invest in Education in India
WASHINGTON: Entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam would like fellow Indian-Americans to make a strategic investment in education in India as it is the great equalizer and opportunity creator. "Supporting educational institutions is one of our highest priorities because education is the key to opportunity and the bridge to the future," he said during the Second American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue and Dinner, organised by an ethnic publication here. Dozens of prominent … [Read more...]
Aligarh shaped my history: Frank Islam
Describing Aligarh Muslim University as true treasure, Indian-American philanthropist Frank Islam said that the varsity has shaped his history and determined his destiny. "Aligarh shaped my history and my journey and determined my destiny. Aligarh remains an inseparable part of my life and my story and my journey," Azamgarh-born Islam said during the second American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue Saturday night here. "Its principles have always guided me during the time of calm or crisis. It … [Read more...]
Frank Islam Receives Pride Of India Award- Mr. Islam interview with Lokavani
Philanthropist and entrepreneur, Frank Islam was honored with Pride of India award at the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) Silver Jubilee Convention held at the Marriott in Burlington on Aug 29, 2015. Stressing the importance of education and philanthropy, he urged South Asians to invest in the next generation. Islam is one of the largest donors to Universities and recently gave a 2 million dollar donation to, his Alma Mater, Aligarh Muslim University. He currently … [Read more...]