Markaz Scholar Awarded Prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Jamia Markaz
• February 19, 2024
• (56)

Calicut: Dr. Mohammad Roshan Nurani, Vice Rector and Researcher at Jamia Markaz, has been honored with the esteemed Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Fellowship. This award, a collaborative initiative between the United States and India, is facilitated by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) with contributions from the US Department of State and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, marking it as a highly coveted accolade in the sphere of international academic research.

After a rigorous selection process spanning over a year, Dr Roshan emerged as a recipient of this fellowship, which seeks to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and India through academic and professional exchange. His research during the fellowship will focus on the emerging trend among Mappila Muslims of South India, who increasingly look towards North American Muslim scholars for guidance on Islamic matters and lifestyle choices. Dr Roshan's study aims to contextualize this phenomenon within the broader rise of neo-traditional Islam globally, comparing its manifestations in North America and South India to understand their similarities and differences.

Dr Roshan is set to conduct his 22-month research project at the University of California, Berkeley, renowned for its comprehensive research facilities. His academic journey began with an integrated graduation in Islamic Sciences and Social Sciences from Poonoor Jamia Madeenathunnoor under the mentorship of Dr Muhammad Abdul Hakkim Azhari. The institution, part of the Markaz Institutions led by Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, is known for its unique blend of traditional religious education and modern academic training.

Following his foundational studies, Dr Roshan pursued a Master in Sociology at Jamia Millia University, Delhi, and further enhanced his academic credentials by qualifying for the UGC NET. His research tenure at IIT Chennai culminated in a PhD dissertation in 2021, exploring the affective bonds with the Prophet Muhammed among Mappila Muslims of Kerala. Throughout his academic career, He has actively participated in international seminars and conferences, contributing papers to a wide array of academic journals.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr Roshan has been actively involved with Markaz and Markaz Knowledge City in developing integrated education projects, holding positions such as Assistant Professor at the Markaz Institute for Advanced Studies and Founding Director at the Malabar Foundation for Research and Development. His Fulbright fellowship not only underscores his individual achievements but also highlights the success of the integrated education system in Kerala and the educational contributions of Sunni scholars in the region.

Dr. Roshan hails from Akode, Malappuram, married to Dr. Hafiza, daughter of State Haj Committee Chairman and Markaz Director General C Muhammad Faizi. They are blessed with three children: Hasan Fatih, Hatim Abu Bakar, and Hamim Amjad.