Srinagar, Aug 18: The All India Muslim Development Council (AIMDC) has announced the final list of “40 Under 40 Leaders” after what it described as the most rigorous Muslim leadership selection process in the country. A statement of the AIMDC issued here said that the initiative, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Muslim leaders, concluded after a year-long multi-stage evaluation that began with nearly 950 applications from across India.
The candidates came from diverse fields, including education, politics, corporate leadership, medicine, activism, journalism, law, academia, entrepreneurship, Shariah scholarship, and governance.
Following an initial scrutiny of the qualifications and achievements of 950 applicants, 215 were shortlisted for interviews.
After successive rounds, 112 were further screened, before 105 finalists made it to a four-day in-person evaluation in Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru event tested participants through group discussions, debates, and collaborative tasks, with assessors focusing on leadership, teamwork, discipline, and commitment to community and nation-building.
From this stage, 70 candidates were selected and awarded Certificates of Leadership.
AIMDC said the final 40 were chosen after an additional phase of “silent evaluation,” where candidates’ sincerity, punctuality, character, and collaborative spirit were monitored while they engaged in project-based exercises.
“These leaders represent the intellectual, moral, and strategic strength needed to guide our community and contribute meaningfully to the nation,” AIMDC General Secretary Muhammad Imthiyaz said in a statement.
He said that while the final 40 would form the National Executive of the initiative, the remaining 30 leaders would continue as part of the National 40u40 Team to support projects and events across the country.
One of the selected leaders from Maharashtra said the programme went beyond recognition.
“I came here thinking I would meet other young leaders. I leave knowing I am part of a network, a brotherhood and sisterhood of purpose,” he said.
Another finalist from Kerala described the process as “humbling,” emphasising that it tested character and sincerity more than CVs.
The selected 40 leaders include Afza Khan, Amreen Farooq, Amrin Ayaz Shaikh, Areefa Ali, Fathima Saba, Gulzar Karishma Malik, Hina Fatima Sarfraz Ali Sayed, Mufti Yahya Moin Samar, Abdul Gani Nadeem Punjabi, Adil Kampoo, Afsar Rayeen, Asadullah Waliullah Khan, Asiruddin Shaikh, Bilal Sheth, Mirza Alamdar Ali Baig, Fahad Abdul Basit Hani, Khan Abdur Rehman, Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Faizan Ahmad, Muhammad Faizul Bari, Muhammad Fateen Raza, Muhammad Hifzur Rahman, Muhammad Osama, Muhammad Sadaf Kamran, Muhammad Saleh Umar, Muhammad Yazdani Feroze, Muhammad Maaz, Muhammad Aamir Ansari, Muhammad Abdul Ahad, Muhammad Aftab Ahamed, Muhammad Feroz, Muhammad Gulam Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Imad Ali, Muhammad Ovais, Muhammad Zeeshan, Mossab Mustafa Khan, Muhammad Rafi, Mujtaba Muneeb, Nawaz S.
The council said its “40 Under 40 Leaders” initiative would serve as an incubator for future change-makers by providing networks, mentorship, and guidance to help them navigate complex societal challenges with integrity and unity.
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