Malick Asgar Hashmi / New Delhi / Rampur

Ela Mishra of Deoband is the reason for the common people to have faith in humanity. With her profound knowledge of and research on Islam, Ela’s philanthropy promotes Islamic values and supports those working for it.

Just a few days ago, she presented bicycles to 12 children of 'Hafiz-e-Quran' (Study of the Quran) of Tirumut Khedi village of Rampur, Deoband, Uttar Pradesh.

She made her intention behind this act clear on her post on Twitter. She said she gave bicycles to the children so that they would be inclined towards the religion; they would be born with a passion to humble themselves; they can get motivated by learning the teachings of the Prophet and become better human beings.”

In conversation with Awaz-the Voice Ela Mishra says - "This will instill in the children a sense of responsibility and they will be motivated to learn the teachings of the Prophet and become better human beings.”

Dr Ela Mishra holds a PhD degree in 'Role of Muslims in India's Independence movement' from University of Meerut, UP. She works as a principal in a school.

Dr Ela Mishra with locals in Deoband

Dr Ela Mishra has done a deep study of many Islamic books including the Quran. Therefore, she is a repository of knowledge on Islam and its practices. She was awarded by the Saudi government though she is unable to recall the year when she was awarded. “It happened long ago,” She says.

Former Vice President Hamid Ansari had honoured Dr Mishra.  She lives with her family in Deoband. “My family is very excited about my human service. They cooperate in every possible way,” she says.

While speaking with her, it’s difficult to make out that she is a Hindu and a Brahmin by caste. This is because her every sentence is laced with an Islamic point of view and idiom. She says, "One who has studied Prophet Mohammad and Islam can never resist it. The life of the Prophet is all about being humane. ”With the profound knowledge of Islam and deeper understanding of this religion being good, why has nobody ever asked her to convert to Islam? She says - "Religion is a personal matter. Nobody changes religion by listening to someone's words.”

“I live for humanity. While collaborating, I do not see the religion of the person whom I am interacting with or extending help to. ”

She says the political leaders are into spreading hatred in the name of religion. “I do not practice politics nor do I have any relationship with it,” she quips.

Dr Ela Mishra runs an NGO called 'Ela Charitable Trust' from greater Noida, Uttar pradesh. Its main job is to help the poor, widows; arranging the weddings of poor girls; providing the poor ration and also providing basic goods to the children of madrasas.

Her charitable trusts have arranged the weddings of 50 girls so far; just two days ago, she arranged weddings of two women in Deoband. Ela posted pictures of gifts she raised through her NGO and handed the same to uncle of the two girls who were married with her help recently on Twitter:

देवबंद के पास के गांव की दो यतीम बच्चियां जिनके परिवार की माली हालत बेहद खराब है गांव के लोगों के ताउन से ही परिवार का गुजर बसर चलता है #Ect हमेशा ऐसे लोगों की मदद के लिए आगे रहता है इन दो यतीम बच्चियों के निकाह का हर ज़रूरी सामान जो रमज़ान बाद है इनके चाचा को सुपुर्द किया। pic.twitter.com/b5j15qWWsW

— Dr Ela Mishra (@ela_mishra) March 30, 2021

Earlier, her trust provided beds to the children of madrasas.

Dr Ela Mishra has been engaged in social service for the last five years. Her main job is to feed the hungry. During Ramzan, she provides ration kits to poor Muslims who are fasting. Last year, during Ramazan, her NGO distributed ration kits worth Rs 10 lakh in Bihar.

This Ramazan, she is planning to upscale her efforts to help the poor during Ramzan as she believes “hunger has no religion.”