Beyond Boundaries: "Change Begins at Home”

In a world divided by religious disputes and conflicts, we found someone who believes, “Badlav ki shuruwat to ghar se hogi” (Change begins at home). Azhar Shah, an ordinary citizen from Yeola Maharashtra, chose to become extraordinary through his actions and his words. Inspired by Gandhi ji’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Azhar has made this philosophy the center of his life.

Azhar's experience with discrimination began when he moved back to Yeola from Jalgaon district, where he first confronted the reality of being a minority in a secular country. This turning point made him aware of how discrimination shapes lives and opportunities. After school, while working in a vocational training program under the ISDS (Integrated Skill Development Scheme) in Gurgaon, Azhar noticed that although many women participated, Muslim women were largely absent due to family opposition, widow remarriage restrictions, and barriers to education, often justified by misinterpretations of religion. He reflected on how people misunderstood both the Quran and the Constitution, noting that Prophet Muhammad’s wife was a successful entrepreneur, highlighting that it is cultural norms, not religion, that restrict women

Azhar's journey toward promoting education and constitutional awareness deepened after a pivotal moment on November 26, when he unexpectedly attended a vibrant Constitution Day celebration at an Industrial Training Institute in Nasik. This event ignited a newfound sense of purpose in him, driving his belief that the Constitution could combat discrimination and unite people. He realized that to remove hate from people's hearts, the Constitution must be instilled in them “agar logo ke dil se nafrat mitana hai to unke dil me samvidhan bithana padega”. Inspired by this revelation, Azhar returned to Yeola and opened a madarsa with a unique vision—to integrate formal education and Constitutional literacy alongside religious studies. To further emphasize unity and inclusivity, in his IQRA Arbi Madarsa,he appointed Mrs. Ashwini Kashinath Jagade, from a different religion, as the madarsa's principal, setting a powerful example of breaking religious boundaries for the sake of education and understanding.

Azhar's unwavering dedication to gender equality and education shone through when he encountered a family in Yawla preparing to marry off their 16-year-old daughter. Despite the family's traditional belief that marriage was her only secure future, Azhar persistently engaged with them, emphasizing the Constitution's protection of her right to education and the potential it held for her. Through patient conversations and reassurance, he convinced the family to let their daughter continue her studies. Today, she is a lawyer in Mumbai, happily married, and her success has transformed her family's mindset, making them proud advocates for the power of education.

In 2022, with the collaboration of We, The People Abhiyan, and partner NGO Samvidhan Pracharak, a CCA (Constitution of Citizen Action) training was conducted in Chalisgaon. Azhar was one of the participants in this program, where he learned practical methods to connect the principles of the Constitution to daily life. Energized by the experience, he returned to his village and began using these activities to help the community understand the Constitution's relevance. His efforts sparked a noticeable change, as people started asking questions, engaging in discussions, and holding authorities accountable. Azhar's journey has been anything but easy. He has faced threats, rumors questioning his faith, and even rejection from some in his community. At one point, he was forced to sell his house, but the unwavering support of his family and the small, yet profound changes he witnessed in Yeola kept his spirit alive. Despite the resistance, his dream of being known as a proud Indian Muslim fuels his perseverance. Through his teachings, Azhar has reached over 300 students, helping them realize that the Constitution is not just a document but a guardian of their rights and a path to dignity and equality. His work stands as a testament to the power of a determined heart, proving that true change begins at home and can ripple out to transform the world.

The above story has been written and published with the explicit consent of the individual involved. All facts presented are based on WTPA's direct interaction with the individual, ensuring accuracy and integrity in our reporting.