AFMI’s Medal Program

Zafar U. Khan1, Ph.D., Professor

Eastern Michigan University

Introduction
The American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) a philanthropic
charity organization was founded in 1989 by a group of similar minded Muslim
Americans under the leadership of Dr. A.S. Nakadar. From its inception the goal of
the organization has been to improve the socio-economic status of underprivileged
Indian Muslim minorities through education. To further their goal of 100% literacy,
AFMI has engaged in a number of projects, such as rehabilitation of Muslim
educational Institutions, establishing schools, vocational guidance for specialized
courses, scholarships to deserving and needy students, establishment of centers of
excellence, and educational motivation through recognition. This article is about the
educational motivation program through recognition, called the AFMI Medal
Program and its scope and possible impact.

Education and Gala Awards

For long AFMI has held two conventions every year, one in India and the other
in the U.S. While the theme of the convention in USA has been different each year,
the theme of the Indian convention has always been Education and Gala Awards
Ceremony. In 2010 AFMI held its 18th Annual International Convention on Education
and Gala Awards Ceremony in the Indian city of Indore. At this annual convention
held every year since 1993in different cities and states, top ranking, bright and
meritorious students from secondary (HSC) and Intermediate (SSC) Board
Examinations from all over India are recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze
medals numbering 100 plus in recent years along with scholarships worth hundreds
of thousands of Rupees. The conventions are indeed a gala affair graced by local
dignitaries to high ranking state and national leaders from India and AFMI delegates
from the USA. Over the years, guests at the conventions have included current and
former prime ministers, ministers, governors, and members of parliament,
educators and other leaders invited to distribute medals2.

Scope and Impact of the Medal program

1 The author would like to recognize editorial help provided by Dr. Habib Zuberi, Professor
Emeritus, Central Michigan University.

2 Among the many dignitaries were V.P. Singh, H.D. Deve Gowda, Inder Kumar Gujral, Ram
Vilas Paswan, Salman Khurshid, Dr. A.R. Kidwai, Saiyid Hamid, A.M. Ahmadi, and Sunil Dutt.
 The first medals were awarded by AFMI in 1993 with a modest start of 46
students who had demonstrated high academic achievement from five different
states (Exhibit 1). By 2008 the number of students receiving the medals increased
to 101, with a maximum of 110 in 2007, covering 18 states (Exhibit 2). Over the 16
year period (1993 to 2008), AFMI awarded a total of 1296 medals, an average of 81
medals/year, to outstanding students from 25 different states and union territories
(Exhibit 3) and over 300 cities. Exhibit 4 presents the number of medals awarded to
students from each state. UP and Gujarat have received the highest, 107 medals
each; followed by Maharashtra with 105, Andhra Pradesh 97, Tamil Nadu 94,
Karnataka and MP 87, and Rajasthan and West Bengal with 80 each.

Of the total 1296 medals awarded 479 were Gold, 421 Silver, and 395
Bronze. Further, a total of 738 (57%) medals were awarded to boys and 558 (43%)
to girls. Interestingly, the mean percentage of marks 88.12% achieved by girls was
significantly (t=3.49, p=.001) higher than the mean 86.95% marks achieved by
boys. These results are consistent with anecdotal evidence from India and U.S.
studies suggesting that girls performing significantly better than boys in education.

Students who received these awards performed at a very high level. Their
examination scores ranged from 75 percent to 99.38 percent with a mean score of
87.45 percent. In short they all distinguished themselves as top ranking students in
the country. What is most encouraging to note is that over the 16 year period3 this
study covers, the examination scores of the recipients have continued to improve.
An analysis of the percentage achieved by medal recipients over the 16 year period
from 1993 to 2008 shows a significant (p=.0068 to p=1.71E-09) upward trend
(Exhibit 5 – Exam Percentage Regressed Over Time).

Conclusion
Further analysis shows that competition has become so keen that the
difference of marks between a gold medalist and a silver medalist is hardly 0.1 %
(1/10 of 1%) and in some states students receiving 96% don't even get a bronze
medal. Motivation theory recognizes the importance of extrinsic motivation from
rewards and recognition for performance. Accordingly, this leads us to believe that
an award system encourages students to be more competitive and therefore,
perform better at the exams. Hence, it is reasonable to conclude that AFMI's medal
program4 has contributed positively to student achievement at the Board Exams.

3 Complete data available for 1993 to 2008 only.

4 Sponsors of the AFMI medal program include Ali Qureshi, Dr. Shakir Mukhi, Dr. A.S.
Nakadar, Babu Khalfan, Dr. Tajuddin Ahmad, Dr. Parvez Khan, Dr. Mohiuddin, Kamil Hasan,
and Shahzad Shafiwala.
Exhibit 1 - AFMI awarded Medals in 5 states in
1993

Exhibit 2 - AFMI awarded Medals in 18 states in

2008
Medals Awarded in States

Exhibit 3 - AFMI awarded Medals in 25 states

1993-2008
Exhibit 5 – Exam Percentage Regressed Over
Time

Coefficie p-
2
R nt t-Value Value
0.0448 0.00291 3.2439 0.0013
72 4 92 59 E

Coefficie p-
2
R nt t-Value Value
0.0687 0.00362 3.7243 0.0002
11 8 33 59
 Coefficie p-
R2 nt t-Value Value
0.0434 0.00281 2.7391 0.0068
96 86 95 36

Coefficie
R2 nt t-Value p-Value
0.1348 0.00430 6.2537
11 4 89 1.71E-09
 Coefficie
R2 nt t-Value p-Value
0.105 0.00395 5.1961
06 78 91 4.48E-07

Coefficie t-
R2 nt Value p-Value
0.0694 0.00328 4.106
41 6 66 5.61E-05