Entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam would like fellow Indian-Americans to make a strategic investment in education in India as it is the great equalizer and opportunity creator. "Supporting educational institutions is one of our highest priorities because education is the key to opportunity and the bridge to the future," he said during the Second American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue and Dinner.

Dozens of prominent philanthropists, nonprofits, stakeholders and leaders from the South Asian and Indian American philanthropic community attended the dialogue to brainstorm giving. Ms Lata Krishnan chair of the American India Foundation delivered the 2nd American Bazaar Philanthropy lecture. "While education is important in America, the needs are even greater in India and that is why I am supporting initiatives in India," Mr Islam said. "My intent is to use education as a tool to improve the socio-economic status of the underprivileged in India. My desire is those who benefit will in turn contribute towards social, political, and economic development in India," he added.

Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, born Islam has announced a USD 2 million donation to his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, which "shaped my history and my journey and determined my destiny," for building the Frank and Debbie Islam School of Management. The school, Islam said will place emphasis on entrepreneurship and preparing the students at AMU to become entrepreneurial leaders and engage in economic development activities that will create jobs and opportunities for thousands of people throughout India. "We see our contribution not as a charity but as an investment that will yield exponential returns," he said.