Interview with Dr. Mohammad Azam
In the heart of Telangana’s Karimnagar district resides Dr. Mohammad Azam, a dedicated educator and passionate social activist. Hailing from humble beginnings, Dr. Azam’s journey from a rural upbringing to earning a Ph.D. in English Literature reflects his indomitable spirit and commitment to uplifting his community. With over nine years of teaching experience and a plethora of accolades recognizing his outstanding contributions to society, Dr. Azam continues to inspire others through his unwavering dedication to education and social service.
Interviewer: Dr. Azam, it’s inspiring to hear about your journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming an accomplished educator and social activist. Can you share what initially sparked your passion for social service?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Thank you. My passion for social service ignited during my school days, where I actively participated in programs like Lead India 2020, NCC, and NGC. Seeing the impact of small efforts like fundraising for flood victims fueled my desire to contribute positively to society.
Interviewer: Your dedication to education and social causes is remarkable. How did your background influence your academic pursuits?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Coming from a humble background, I understood the value of education in transforming lives. Despite financial constraints, I pursued my studies with determination, always seeking to improve myself and contribute back to my community.
Interviewer: Your journey from learning English to earning a Ph.D. in English Literature is truly inspiring. Could you share some pivotal moments in your educational journey?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One pivotal moment was when I was stopped from speaking in my mother tongue during a speech, which motivated me to master English. Another was the encouragement I received from my teachers, especially Mr. Gande Parsha Ram Rao and Mr. Syed Moin Ahmed, who supported and guided me along the way.
Interviewer: Your involvement in NSS and other social activities is commendable. How do you balance your teaching career with your passion for social service?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Balancing teaching and social service requires careful time management and prioritization. I integrate social themes into my teaching whenever possible, and during my free time, I engage in various community initiatives, leveraging the support of like-minded individuals and organizations.
Interviewer: Your achievements, including receiving prestigious awards, are a testament to your dedication. What drives you to continue your work despite challenges?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My driving force is the belief that every individual has the power to make a positive impact. The recognition and awards serve as reminders of my responsibility to use my skills and privileges for the betterment of society, motivating me to persist in my efforts.
Interviewer: Dr. Azam, what advice do you have for young people aspiring to make a difference in their communities?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My advice to young people is to never underestimate the power of their actions, no matter how small. Set clear goals, continuously improve your skills, and dedicate time to serve others. Remember, even amidst challenges, each of us can contribute to building a brighter future for all.
Interviewer: Dr. Azam, could you tell us about your upbringing and the challenges you faced growing up?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Certainly. I was raised in a lower-middle-class family in a rural area, facing financial struggles due to my father’s absence and my mother’s hard work as a daily wage laborer.
Interviewer: What inspired you to pursue education despite facing financial hardships?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: The belief in the transformative power of education, instilled by my mother and teachers, motivated me to persevere in my studies despite the challenges
nterviewer: Can you share with us your journey from a rural upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in education, social activism, and motivational speaking?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Certainly. Growing up in a rural area with financial struggles, I was inspired by my mother’s resilience and the support of my teachers to pursue education. Through determination and hard work, I earned a Ph.D. in English Literature and became involved in social activism and motivational speaking to empower others.
Interviewer: What inspired you to pursue a career in education, social activism, and motivational speaking?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My upbringing instilled in me a strong belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of giving back to the community. Witnessing the impact of social activism and the ability of motivational speaking to inspire positive change further fueled my passion for these areas.
Interviewer: How do you integrate motivational speaking into your role as an educator and social activist?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: As an educator and social activist, I use motivational speaking to inspire students and community members to believe in themselves and their potential to create change. Whether in the classroom or at community events, I aim to uplift and empower others through my words and actions.
Interviewer: Could you tell us about the founding of Chamak Foundation (Chamak Padhai Se) and its mission of bringing shine through education?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: After the Covid-19 pandemic, I dissolved my previous NGO, Dharthi Bachao, and founded Chamak Foundation with the mission of bringing shine through education. The organization aims to empower individuals through educational initiatives and create a brighter future for our communities.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face in transitioning from your previous NGO, Dharthi Bachao, to founding Chamak Foundation after the Covid-19 pandemic?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: The transition involved logistical challenges and adapting to the changing needs of the community post-pandemic. However, with determination and a clear vision, we were able to overcome these challenges and establish Chamak Foundation to continue our mission of education empowerment.
Interviewer: What strategies do you employ to balance your roles as an educator, social activist, and motivational speaker?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Time management, prioritization, and collaboration are key strategies I use to balance my various roles. By setting clear goals and leveraging support from others, I am able to effectively fulfill my responsibilities in each capacity.
Interviewer: How do you envision the impact of Chamak Foundation on the communities it serves?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I envision Chamak Foundation making a significant impact by providing access to quality education and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Through our initiatives, we aim to create positive change and foster a brighter future for our communities.
Interviewer: Can you share some memorable experiences or success stories from your work with Chamak Foundation?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One memorable experience was witnessing the transformation of a student who, through our educational programs, gained confidence and went on to pursue higher education. Success stories like these reaffirm the impact of Chamak Foundation’s work on individuals and communities.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for individuals looking to make a positive difference in their communities through education and social activism?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My advice is to remain passionate, resilient, and committed to your values. By advocating for education and social justice, and actively engaging with your community, you can make a meaningful difference and inspire others to join in creating positive change.
Interviewer: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your various roles amidst challenges and setbacks?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I stay motivated by focusing on the positive impact of my work and the potential for change. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of others and the support of my community, I remain committed to my mission of education empowerment and social justice.
Interviewer: How did your involvement in NSS and other social activities shape your character?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Participating in NSS and social activities instilled values of service, empathy, and community responsibility, shaping me into a socially conscious individual.
Interviewer: Can you share a significant moment that propelled you towards mastering the English language?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Being stopped from speaking in my mother tongue during a speech compelled me to learn English, highlighting the importance of language proficiency in communication.
Interviewer: Your journey from a rural background to earning a Ph.D. in English Literature is remarkable. What kept you motivated during challenging times?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and the support of my mentors and loved ones fueled my motivation to pursue academic excellence.
Interviewer: How do you integrate social themes into your teaching curriculum?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I incorporate social issues and examples into my teaching to foster critical thinking and encourage students to engage with real-world challenges.
Interviewer: Could you share a memorable experience from your time as an NSS volunteer?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One memorable experience was participating in a National Integration Camp, where I witnessed the power of unity and diversity among youth from different backgrounds.
Interviewer: What inspired you to establish the ‘Dharti Bachao’ organization?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Drawing inspiration from renowned activists, I felt compelled to create a platform for addressing environmental and educational issues in my community.
Interviewer: How do you balance your teaching career with your social activism?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I prioritize time management and collaboration, leveraging my teaching platform to promote social causes and dedicating free time to community initiatives.
Interviewer: Can you share the impact of receiving prestigious awards on your commitment to social service?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Receiving awards reinforced my sense of responsibility and fueled my determination to continue serving society with even greater dedication.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for individuals facing adversity in pursuing their goals?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I would advise them to remain resilient, seek support from mentors and loved ones, and view challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Interviewer: How do you envision the role of youth in shaping the future of society?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Youth play a pivotal role in driving positive change through innovation, activism, and advocacy, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Interviewer: Can you share a specific initiative undertaken by ‘Dharti Bachao’ that had a significant impact?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One impactful initiative was the adoption of villages and implementation of sustainable practices like Swachh Bharat and plastic eradication campaigns.
Interviewer: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My motivation stems from witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts on individuals and communities, reinforcing my commitment to service.
Interviewer: What role do education and literacy play in addressing social issues?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Education and literacy are powerful tools for empowering individuals, fostering critical thinking, and addressing systemic issues like poverty and inequality.
Interviewer: How do you collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to maximize impact?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: We collaborate with like-minded organizations and government agencies to leverage resources, share expertise, and amplify the reach of our initiatives.
Interviewer: Can you share a personal motto or guiding principle that drives your work?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: My guiding principle is to always strive for excellence, serve others with compassion, and leave a positive impact on the world.
Interviewer: How do you measure the success of your social initiatives?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: We measure success by assessing the tangible outcomes of our initiatives, such as improved living conditions, increased awareness, and positive behavioral changes.
Interviewer: What are some challenges you’ve faced in your journey as a social activist, and how have you overcome them?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Challenges such as limited resources and resistance to change have been overcome through perseverance, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving approaches.
Interviewer: How do you engage and mobilize youth to participate in social causes?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: We engage youth through educational programs, interactive workshops, and community outreach initiatives, inspiring them to become agents of change in their own communities.
Interviewer: Can you share a memorable interaction with a student that reaffirmed the importance of your work?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One memorable interaction was when a student expressed gratitude for our educational programs, citing newfound confidence and aspirations for the future.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring social activists and educators?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I would advise them to remain passionate, resilient, and committed to their values, embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and societal growth.
Interviewer: How do you foster a culture of empathy and social responsibility among your students?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I encourage empathy through experiential learning, reflection, and dialogue, empowering students to recognize their role in creating a more just and compassionate society.
Interviewer: What role do mentorship and guidance play in nurturing future leaders?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Mentorship provides invaluable support, guidance, and inspiration, equipping future leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate challenges and realize their potential.
Interviewer: Can you share a community project that had unexpected challenges and how you addressed them?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One project faced logistical challenges due to inclement weather, but we adapted by rescheduling and mobilizing additional resources to ensure its successful implementation.
Interviewer: How do you advocate for policy changes and systemic reforms to address social issues?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: We engage with policymakers, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to raise awareness, present evidence-based solutions, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize social justice and equity.
Interviewer: What role does interdisciplinary collaboration play in addressing complex social challenges?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: Interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation, holistic problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of complex social issues, enabling more effective and sustainable solutions.
Interviewer: How do you adapt your strategies to meet the evolving needs of the communities you serve?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: We regularly assess community needs through feedback mechanisms, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis, allowing us to tailor our strategies and initiatives accordingly.
Interviewer: Can you share a personal anecdote that encapsulates the essence of your commitment to social service?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: One anecdote is when a student I mentored overcame significant challenges to pursue higher education, inspiring me to continue empowering individuals to realize their potential.
Interviewer: Lastly, Dr. Azam, what legacy do you hope to leave through your work as an educator and social activist?
Dr. Mohammad Azam: I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, compassion, and positive change, inspiring others to embrace their potential and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.
