We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Niagara Foundation’s honorary president, M. Fethullah Gulen, was named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2013.
We feel this recognition is well suited for Mr. Fethullah Gulen, who has dedicated his life to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence between people of all faiths and cultures. His reinterpretation of various facets of the Islamic tradition speaks to his contemporary Muslim audience, and his message of intercultural dialogue, community service and education inspires millions of people in his native Turkey and around the world.
TIME recognized Gulen for “preaching a message of tolerance that has won him admirers around the world”. As you may know, Hizmet volunteers over the years have been involved in building schools, dormitories and tutoring centers, teaching college preparatory courses, mentoring students, and providing financial aid to those in need. With a focus on science, math, literature and multicultural understanding, these award-winning schools have been established around the world, including Indonesia, Congo, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, South Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
This year’s TIME 100 includes other notable world leaders such as Barack Obama and Pope Francis. In previous editions, the list has highlighted luminaries such as the Dalai Lama, Barack Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi. Last year, TIME’s honorees in the education category were Salman Khan and Cami Anderson.
To read more about Mr. Fethullah Gulen‘s and Hizmet’s efforts in education, please visit www.niagarafoundation.org or www.afsv.org.
Thank you all for your continued work and service to Niagara Foundation.