Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Delhi-based IITian Empowering Survivors of Violence Through Education and Entrepreneurship

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues

NEW DELHI :

Aasif Mujataba with Violence Affected kids

On February 16, 2024, 36-year-old Sajida, a mother of six, received the most
devastating news of her life. Her husband, Mohammad Junaid, the sole breadwinner
of the family, along with his cousin, Nasir, had tragically passed away. They were
brutally killed in a premeditated attack by cow vigilante goons. She was horrified to
learn that her husband had been taken from them in such a cruel manner. She
struggled with disbelief and fury, trying to grasp that the father of her children was
gone.

The accused had meticulously planned the murders, discussing Junaid and Nasir
extensively in the weeks leading up to the incident, ultimately agreeing on their
killings.

“It was devastating news for all of us. I can never forget that day. At first, I could not
believe it. Junaid was the most humble person in our locality. He always helped
everyone and was so full of life. Everyone liked him, and I was so proud of him. He
never fought with anyone. How could someone take his life? How can their
conscience allow it? Don’t they fear the wrath of God?” she asked in disbelief,
surrounded by her small children.

Over the past decade, incidents of lynchings targeting Muslims in India have seen a
significant increase, accompanied by a normalization of hate speeches. In 2023, the
country witnessed 668 hate speeches directed at Muslims, according to the India
Hate Lab, a Washington DC-based group. Their report titled ‘Hate Speech Events in
India’ revealed a rise from 255 events in the first half of the year to 413 in the latter
half, marking a 62% increase.

Approximately 75% of these incidents occurred in states and Union Territories
governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Delhi. Among them, 36%
involved direct calls for violence against Muslims, 63% referenced conspiracy
theories like love jihad and population jihad, and 25% called for targeting Muslim
places of worship.

Amnesty International’s report titled ‘Bulldozer Injustice in India and JCB’s Role and
Responsibility in Bulldozer Injustice in India’ documented the demolition of at least
128 properties between April and June 2022. These demolitions have left at least
617 people homeless or deprived of their livelihoods.

The report underscores that, authorities in Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh and Delhi utilized demolitions as a form of punitive action following
instances of religious violence or Muslim protests against discriminatory government
policies. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused of anti-Muslim
rhetoric, governs four of these states.

Amidst the demolitions and suppressions, most of the NGOs working for public
welfare are hesitant to assist Muslims due to fear of repercussions and opposition
from the government.

Junaid’s wife Sajida (in blue). Photo: The Quint

Recognizing the disparities in NGO assistance towards Muslims and their hesitance
to aid those oppressed by the state, Aasif Mujtaba, a 35-year-old IIT alumnus,
took initiative and established his own organization, Miles2Smile. His goal is to
rehabilitate and support Muslims affected by violence.

“Following the communal in northeast Delhi in 2020, my colleagues and I felt
compelled to aid the survivors. Initially, our focus was on providing essentials like
clothing, medical care and food. In Babu Nagar, we established our first command
centre, which evolved into a relief hub. It was our first experience supporting
victimized survivors, and despite lacking a formal name initially, our determination to
assist remained unwavering,” Aasif told TwoCircles.net.

On February 23, 2020, violence erupted in Delhi’s trans-Yamuna region, spanning
several days and resulting in the deaths of 53 people, predominantly Muslims, with
250 others injured. Despite government and media characterizations of the incident
as a “riot”, a fact-finding committee from the Delhi Minorities Commission concluded
it was a “pogrom”. This independent body, dedicated to safeguarding minority rights,
based its assessment on victim testimonies and legal sources, affirming that the
events of February 2020 constituted a pogrom.

Aasif recalled that while Miles2Smile was officially established in June 2020, its
origins can be traced back to providing relief to survivors of the violence in northeast
Delhi earlier that year. Since then, the organization has remained steadfast in its
mission.

During the COVID lockdown, Aasif and his team began compiling a list of students
affected by the violence, many of whom had dropped out of school due to lost
income or the absence of a breadwinner. This list grew to include over 200 students.
His organisation took on the task of reintegrating these children into schools and
subsequently, in September 2020, launched its sister organization, Shaagird, which
means “student”.

However, admitting the students was relatively straightforward compared to the
challenge of keeping them enrolled and motivated. Many had witnessed the violence
firsthand, and some had tragically lost family members in front of them at a young
age. Therefore, the approach to enrolling and sustaining their engagement in formal
education had to be tailored and sensitive to their unique circumstances.

Haris with violence affected kids is below

Mohammad Haris, chief operations officer at Shaagird, who works closely with
students affected by violence, expressed, “These children are deeply traumatized.
Many have lost their enthusiasm for education, especially those approaching
adolescence who feel compelled to contribute to their families financially. Keeping
them engaged in formal education is an immense challenge.”

A study published in the journal Review of Behavioral Economics titled ‘Child Abuse,
Sexual Assault, Community Violence and High School Graduation’ found that girls
who had experienced childhood violence were 24% more likely to drop out, while
boys who had experienced violence were 26% more likely to drop out compared to
their peers.

Recognizing the impact of trauma on students’ educational motivation, Shaagird
developed a curriculum specifically designed to provide emotional support and
solace. Initially, students focus on co-curricular activities such as sports and painting
rather than academic subjects. As they gradually become more engaged with the
school environment, core subjects are reintroduced, all while closely monitoring their
mental health needs.

“It’s incredibly challenging to keep children affected by violence in school. Due to
their trauma, we don’t initially focus on academic subjects like math, science, or
English, which can overwhelm them. Instead, we have developed a specialized
curriculum that identifies each student’s unique talents and keeps them engaged
through these interests. This approach helps them form a stronger connection to the
school. Only once they are fully engaged and comfortable do we gradually introduce
academic subjects,” explained Haris.

An illustrative case at Shaagird is Anas (name changed), who tragically lost his
father in the pogrom and has a deep passion for drawing and art. The Shaagird team
actively encourages Anas to explore and express his creativity through drawing, with
Haris expressing confidence in Anas’s promising future in painting.

According to Aasif, beyond immediate rehabilitation efforts for families affected by
communal violence, ensuring their long-term welfare is crucial. Families endure
immense suffering after such violence, losing sources of income, breadwinners and
leaving children traumatized. Therefore, empowering them to become self-reliant is
essential, as they are often overlooked by relief organizations or volunteers over time.
This goal is achieved through educating the children of affected families and
involving them in small businesses that provide sustainable livelihoods.

“What families endure during the pogrom is only a fraction of their challenges
afterward. It’s imperative to support these families in becoming self-reliant. At
Miles2Smile, we consistently engage families affected by pogroms and other forms of
state oppression in small businesses, such as setting up kirana shops, to help them
earn a livelihood,” explained Aasif.

(Anas name changed)

In addition to assisting over 10,000 individuals affected by violence last year through
rehabilitation and relief efforts, and enrolling hundreds of violence-affected students
for free education, Miles2Smile also responded to the 2023 Turkey earthquake by
sending 2,365 metric tonnes of emergency relief. This included tents, thermal
mattresses, blankets, clothing, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, baby food, overcoats,
snow boots, chairs, sleeping bags, towels, and inflatable pillows.

Inspiring Rehabilitation Stories

Among the many rehabilitations, some stories stand out where families affected by
lynchings or pogroms displayed exceptional courage and began new lives with
determination. One such story is that of Sajida, the wife of Junaid. Despite being
illiterate and a young mother of six, she showed remarkable bravery by starting a
small cosmetics shop set up by Miles2Smile in one of the rooms of her home.
Although initially in disbelief over Junaid’s death, she quickly accepted her fate and
forged ahead courageously.

“Sajida is one of the bravest women I’ve encountered in this journey. Young widows
often struggle to accept their circumstances, but Sajida embraced hers and began
anew with courage. We often wondered how a young woman with six children would
manage, but her resilience is beyond words. Women like Sajida continue to inspire and motivate us,” remarked Aasif.

Sajida, along with her brother and son, at Sadar Bazar, Delhi shopping cosmetics and other women’s
items for her shop. Photo: Miles2Smile

“I faced two choices: either break down or muster the courage to start anew for my
children, and I chose the latter. I knew that if I lost hope, my children would suffer
greatly. I had to do it for them. Aasif Bhai provided me with immense emotional and
financial support. His team set up the entire shop and supplied the items. Now, the
shop is running well, thanks to Allah first and then Aasif Bhai, who did so much for
me,” shared Sajida.

Another poignant and inspiring story is that of Rukhsana, the wife of Feroz Ahmed,
who owned a dupatta house and tragically lost his life during the Northeast Delhi
pogrom. His body was later discovered in a nearby drain. Rukhsana was two months
pregnant at the time of Feroz’s death.

Throughout her pregnancy, Miles2Smile covered all her medical expenses and
provided support by accompanying her to regular checkups. Meanwhile, the
organization enrolled her children in school at no cost, taking care of their
educational expenses. After giving birth to a baby girl, whom she named Feroza after
her father, Rukhsana successfully revived and managed the shop. Within a year or
two, she began employing more young women, and now nearly ten girls work under
her at her dupatta house.

Rukhsana’s daughter at Miles2Smiles owned Sunrise Public school. Photo: Miles2smile

“I was moved to tears when Rukhsana brought me small polythene bags filled with
cash. She explained that since Miles2Smile had supported her children for years by
covering their school fees, this was her way of expressing gratitude. It brought me
immense joy. These are the stories that inspire and drive us to persist in our
mission,” said Aasif.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / Two Circles.net / Home> India News> Lead Story / by Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net / July 14th, 2024

Heritage walks uncover new angles of Indian history

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Travel & Tourism, World Opinion

DELHI :

Historians and enthusiasts are taking public education into their own hands to tell the story of the country’s Muslim communities.

Chaotic narrow lanes lined with opulent old mansions, shops selling spices, dried fruits and kebabs, all overhung by dangling power cables – any trip to Old Delhi, a bustling Muslim hub built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, is a full sensory experience.

Abu Sufyan weaves through the crowd with about 20 people in tow, making his way through streets smelling of flatbread soaked in ghee, the call to prayer at a nearby mosque mingling with the bells of a Hindu temple.

He is on a mission to change negative perceptions of Muslims by showing visitors more of their history in the capital.

“People in old Delhi were labelled as ‘terrorists’ and ‘pickpockets’ because they were predominantly Muslims from the lower economic background, and Mughal rulers were vilified as cruel invaders, as they were considered the ancestors to Indian Muslims,” Abu Sufyan, 29, says.

“My walks involve the local community members including calligraphers, pigeon racers, cooks and weavers with ancestral links in the Mughal era to showcase old Delhi’s heritage beyond these stereotypes.”

Abu Sufyan is one of a growing crop of enterprising men and women using the medium of heritage walks to educate the Indian public and tourists on the nation’s lesser-known history.

He started his walks in 2016, when hatred against Muslim communities was on the rise after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party introduced several anti-Muslim policies.

In 2015, a BJP politician urged the local civic body in Delhi to change the name of Aurangzeb Road to APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The civic body immediately obliged, removing the reference to the Mughal ruler from the road by naming it after the former president of India, who was always considered a “patriotic” Muslim.

Later, the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act caused further division, as critics said it could be weaponised against Muslims, who are designated as “foreigners” under the National Register of Citizens.

Occasionally, divisions lead to violence: Thirty-six Muslims were killed in Hindu mob attacks for allegedly trading cattle or consuming beef between May 2015 and December 2018, according to Human Rights Watch.

‘A sense of belonging and togetherness’

Over 2,000 kilometres away in Chennai, documentary filmmaker Kombai S Anwar hosts walks in Triplicane to tell stories of Tamil Muslim history, Tamil Nadu’s pre-Islamic maritime trade links with West Asia, the arrival of Arab traders, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s rule, the appointment of a Mughal minister’s son Zulfikhar Ali Khan as the first Nawab of Arcot, and the lives of the subsequent nawab’s descendants.

“Predominantly, non-Muslims participate in these walks because they are ‘curious’ about local Muslims and their heritage. During [Ramadan], they are invited to the historic Nawab Walaja mosque, where they experience the breaking of fast and partake in the iftar meal,” Mr Anwar says.

Tickets for heritage walks across India range between 200 and 5,000 Indian rupees ($2-60).

Historian Narayani Gupta, who conducted heritage walks in Delhi between 1984-1997, said any controversy related to history generates more interest.

“Whether history is right or wrong or good or bad, it has to be backed by research findings,” she said

Saima Jafari, 28, a project manager at an IT firm, who has attended more than 30 heritage walks in the past five years, says it is hard to ignore the historical monuments in the city since they are almost everywhere.

Delhi-based Ms Jafari recalled one of her best experiences was a walk, in 2021, trailing the path of “Phool Waalon Ki Sair”, an annual procession of Delhi florists, who provide sheets of flowers and floral fans at the shrine of Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and floral fans and a canopy at the ancient Hindu temple of Devi Yogmaya in Mehrauli.

“When I walked along with others in that heritage walk, I realised that heritage enthusiasts across religion walk together in harmony,” Ms Jafari says.

“One of the best parts of heritage walks is the storytelling that connects places with lives of people of a certain period. Plus, it always gives a sense of belonging and togetherness.”

Anoushka Jain, 28, a postgraduate in history and founder of heritage and research organisation Enroute Indian History, which holds walks to explore the erstwhile “kothas (brothels),” and “attariyas (terraces)” of old Delhi, said during pandemic lockdowns, posts on Instagram helped sparked interest.

“Before the pandemic, barely 40 people participated in two weekly walks as opposed to 50 in each of the four weekly walks which we conduct now,” she says.

But it is not all smooth sailing.

Ms Jain says some people feel uncomfortable when they are given historical facts and research that show Hindu and Jain temples constructed by Rajput rulers were repurposed during the rule of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud-Din Aibak.

Iftekhar Ahsan, 41, chief executive of Calcutta Walks and Calcutta Bungalow, adds that sometimes, participants come with preconceived notions that Muslims “destroyed” India for more 1,000 years – but walk leaders hold open conversations to “cut through the clutter” with authentic information.

For some, heritage walks often change perceptions.

“Until I visited mosques in old Delhi during a walk, I didn’t know that women were allowed inside mosques,” law student Sandhya Jain told The National.

But history enthusiast Sohail Hashmi, who started leading heritage walks in Delhi 16 years ago, cautions that some walk leaders present popular tales as historical fact.

A mansion called Khazanchi ki Haveli in old Delhi’s Dariba Kalan is presented as the Palace of the Treasurer of the Mughals by some walk leaders, Mr Hashmi says. The Mughals, however, were virtual pensioners of the Marathas – Marathi-speaking warrior group mostly from what is now the western state of Maharashtra – and later the British and had no treasures left by the time the mansion was built in the late 18th or early 19th century.

Another walk leader had photo-copied an 1850 map of Shahjahanabad, now old Delhi, passing it off as his own research, he adds.

“The walk leaders must be well-read and responsible enough to ensure that the myths are debunked,” Mr Hashmi says.

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> International Edition> World> Asia / by Sonia Sarkar / June 01st, 2023

Umar Sobhani supplied yarn from his mill for Gandhi’s swadeshi movement

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BOMBAY (Mumbai) / PRE-INDEPENDENT INDIA :

“He (Mahatma Gandhi) said that while he did not think that Umar Sobhani was a revolutionary, he was frank and open by nature and he (Gandhi) thought that if Umar felt convinced that a revolution was the best way to secure the well-being of India, he would not hesitate to adopt such methods. He thought that in such a case Umar Sobhani would plainly tell him (Gandhi) of his intentions…” This is what Mahatma Gandhi was reported to have told to C.I.D on 8 May 1919 during a police interrogation.

Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle

Sobhani was a rich businessman from Mumbai who traded in cotton and joined the freedom struggle early in his life.

Those who take an interest in Mahatma Gandhi consider Young India, an English journal edited by Gandhi, and Navajivan, a Gujarati journal, as his voice. Interestingly, these journals were started by Sobhani who later cajoled Gandhi to take charge as the editor.

Rajmohan Gandhi, one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, notes, “Three of the Sabarmati ‘covenanters’, Umar Sobhani, Shankerlal Banker and Indulal Yagnik, were between them bringing out two journals, Young India, a weekly in English from Bombay, and Navajivan, a monthly in Gujarati from Ahmedabad, and were also associated with the nationalist daily, the Bombay Chronicle. At the end of April, in one of the Raj’s drastic measures, Horniman, the British editor of the Chronicle, was deported, and the paper’s publication had to be suspended.

“In response, Sobhani, Banker, and Yagnik requested Gandhi to take over the editorship of Young India and Navajivan and with their help bring out Young India twice a week and Navajivan every week. Gandhi agreed, and on 7 May 1919 the first number of Young India, New Series, came out. When, soon, the Chronicle resumed publication, Young India reverted to being a weekly but now published, for Gandhi’s convenience, in Ahmedabad, along with Navajivan, which first appeared as a weekly on 7 September.

“Gandhi now possessed what he had hoped for from the moment of his return to India: vehicles to communicate his message.”

Charkha (spinning wheel) is a synonym for Mahatma Gandhi and his movement and Sobhani played an instrumental role in making it a success. Rajmohan writes, “Indian spinning mills wanted to turn all their yarn into mill-made cloth, not sell it to hand-weavers. Gandhi therefore asked associates to search for spinning wheels that could make yarn. At the Godhra conference in November. 1917, a woman called Gangaben Majmudar, who had ‘already got rid of the curse of untouchability and fearlessly moved among and served the suppressed classes’ (A 442), promised him that she would locate a wheel.

“She found not one but hundreds in Vijapur in the princely state of Baroda, all lying in attics as ‘useless lumber’ (A 443). Women who in the past plied the charkhas told Gangaben that they would spin again if someone supplied slivers of cotton and bought their yarn.

Gandhi said he would meet the conditions, his friend Umar Sobhani supplied slivers from his Bombay mill, and the ashram received more hand-spun yarn than it could cope with.”

Sobhani was one of the original 20 signatories of the pledge to oppose the Rowlatt Act. The pledge was prepared by Gandhi at his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. Along with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sobhani was one of the associates of Gandhi who backed him against the old guards in Congress on the question of the non-cooperation movement in 1918.

K. R. Malkani, a former R.S.S stalwart and BJP leader, writes, “Gandhiji’s right-hand man in Bombay in the 1921 movement was Umar Sobhani. The first bonfire of one and a half lakh pieces of choicest silk was ignited by Gandhi in Umar’s mill compound in Parel.

“When Gandhiji decided to collect Rs. 1 crore for Tilak Swaraj Fund, Umar offered to contribute the entire amount, but Gandhiji wanted it collected from a large number of people. But even so, Umar contributed Rs. 3 lacs.

“Umar was a big cotton merchant. When the British came to know of his role in the Freedom Movement, they ran special trainloads of cotton to Bombay by Viceregal order. As a result, cotton prices collapsed in Bombay and Umar suffered a loss of Rs. 3.64 crores. Daan-Vir Sobhani ended his life.

“Earlier the British tried to divide the family. At their instance, Umar’s father, Haji Yusuf Sobhani contested the office of Sheriff of Bombay. Umar worked. against his father and had him defeated. Later the British tried to tempt Yusuf Sobhani with a knighthood, but Umar told his father that he could accept the title only “over my dead body.” Today probably not even people living on Sobhani Road, Cuffe Parade, Bombay, know who the great Sobhani was!”

Sobhani used to lead the marches in Mumbai, arrange the meetings of Gandhi, and raise funds for the political agitations against the English. Gandhi, according to the police reports, used to call him one of the props of the satyagraha in Mumbai. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / July 31st, 2024

Preserving Urdu Heritage: A Journey Through Bengaluru’s Muslim Library

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Muslim Library, Bengaluru. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A hundred-year-old Muslim library stands firm in the narrow lanes of Shivajinagar, Bangalore, barely visible from the outside and quite difficult to locate. By asking the locals, one can find a small staircase squeezed between shops leading to the library. You can easily detect the smell of old books on the staircase, and upon entering the library, a sudden sense of calm and peace permeates the bustling market. There have been many highs and lows throughout the library’s long and illustrious history, and in 2014, it celebrated its centenary.

At the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, a group of intellectuals and benefactors in the city of Bangalore came together to promote the Urdu language and raise educational awareness among Muslims. On 5th May 1912, Bangalore’s Muslim Library was founded. The inaugural conference took place at Maulvi Abdul Ghaffar Sahab’s New Market Road (Char Minar Road) building on 9th May 1912. Five months after its establishment, in 1912, the library moved from the New Market Road building to a shop on Masjid Street, where Madarasa Quwwatul Islam was located.

In January 1929, a significant event took place when Amin-ul Malik Mirza Muhammad Ismail Diwan of the Mysore State presided over a grand meeting at the Globe Theatre (Opera Bazaar) in honour of the poet of the east – Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal. During this meeting, Allama Iqbal was presented with a letter of appreciation by the library. The library members raised money for Allama Iqbal’s visit and the meeting under the name “Iqbal Fund.” Additionally, the library celebrated its founding anniversary on 9th May 1937, with a grand celebration presided over by Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, the Secretary of Anjuman Tarqee Urdu.

The Muslim Library was registered under Registration Act 21-1860 on 3rd May 1935, at the Bangalore office of Joint Stock Companies. To ensure the security and maintenance of the library’s assets, a trust named “Muslim Library Trust, Bangalore” was established and registered under the Indian Registration Act 1-1908 in the office of the Sub-Registrar, Civil Station, Bangalore, on 14th September 1957. Donations were received, and the present building of the library was purchased on 22nd May 1958, although there were concerns about the institution’s stability.

Throughout its 100-year history, many notable and famous personalities from the country and the state have visited the library and expressed their good wishes.

These include Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Shaukat Ali (Ali Brothers), Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (Director Zamindar-Lahore), Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, Professor Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Sagar Nizami, Hazrat Josh Malihabadi, Allama Seemab Akbarabadi, Mirza Yas Yagana Chingizi, Ejaz Siddiqui, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi, Hazrat Hafeez Jalandhri, Hazrat Amjad Hyderabadi, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Ali, and Professor B Sheikh Ali, among others.

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The two-storey library houses more than 30,000 books in various languages, though it has a treasured and rare manuscript collection in Urdu and Persian, some of which are even a century old. The library houses rare and valuable books on various subjects, ancient magazines, 1980s newspapers, and manuscripts from the Haidari era. The total number of manuscripts is 29. Some important manuscripts include: Maulvi Abdul Haq bin Saifuddin’s “Completion of Faith and Taqwaity of Faith”, “Al-Tazirat” (Dakhini Urdu), compiled by Hafiz Ahmad bin Muhammad Maghrib in 1235, “Deewan Naziri” (Fari Kalam) by Nazir Neshapuri, “Kaliat Kamal” (Urdu) by Kamal Shah Peer (Dakhini Urdu). Additionally, selected letters from Shaheed Tipu Sultan, written to various friends, are available here. The library also holds many rare books published by the famous publisher Munshi Kishore of his time. Notable among them is “Ajab al-Makhluqat,” published in 1889, and ancient and rare books on medicine such as “Talb Akbari,” Volume I, published in 1895, and the translation of “Makhzan-e-Adawiya” written by Hakeem Muhammad Noor Kareem in two volumes. Moinuddin Farooqi’s books on Islamic medicine are also available in the library.

A thick, long register at the entrance with visitors’ signatures in Urdu is a rare sight, but it simply depicts the library’s love of Urdu. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The first person to greet visitors at the library is Muhammad Altaf, the caretaker who has been looking after the library for the past 24 years. Altaf says, “Urdu is the sweetest of all languages, though the new generation is drifting away from it. There was a time when the library used to be filled with readers. However, most of those readers are no longer alive. Only a few PhD scholars now visit the library for their work.”

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A place that was previously bustling with activity from city dwellers who devoured Urdu newspapers, magazines, and novels is now desolate and silent. Amidst the haunting stillness, the sound of pages rustling from bygone eras is nearly audible. Altaf bemoaned the slow but steady decline of Urdu readers, citing youth as an example of an audience that values instant gratification more than the more reflective practice of reading, especially Urdu.

Altaf emphasised that parents should encourage their children to learn to read and write Urdu in this era. The new generation needs to pay heed to Urdu; otherwise, the language will gradually go extinct.

Altaf added, “The library is open to the public and provides a lifetime membership for Rs. 1,500. Members can issue the books; however, the older and rare collection is aesthetically stacked on the shelf. Over the years, Urdu lovers in the city have considered this place a haven for learning.”

The Muslim Library is one of the repositories of India’s linguistic and cultural wealth, holding the key to Urdu’s revival. By digitising their precious collections, these forgotten sanctuaries can be transformed into accessible digital archives. Coupled with restoration efforts, proper funding, and community engagement through reading clubs, literary events, and language courses, these libraries can become vibrant hubs of learning and appreciation. Strategic partnerships with the government, corporations, and the public are essential to ensuring their preservation and expansion. With a concerted effort, these libraries can ignite a renaissance of Urdu, reasserting its place as the soul of India’s literary heritage.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by Nabeel Ahmad / August 01st, 2024

Natural calamity in Wayanad –Unparalleled service of SDPI volunteers

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wayanad, KERALA :

SDPI workers ready to participate in rescue/ help operation.

In the early hours of July 30th, a massive landslide devastated the Mundkkai-Chooralmala areas in the southeast region of Wayanad district, Kerala. The natural calamity swept away two villages, leaving behind almost no structures and claiming numerous lives. The catastrophe quickly drew the attention of the outside world, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

Rescue volunteers from various religious organizations and political parties hurried to the scene to search for survivors and recover bodies. Estimates suggest the death toll has surpassed 300, with more than 200 people still missing. Among the first to arrive were the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) volunteers, reaching the disaster site even before military and government rescue teams could mobilize.

The rescue operations saw the involvement of multiple organizations, including Indian Relief Workers (IRW), Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth Congress, Welfare Party, and the Muslim League. These groups have been tirelessly working to find and rescue any remaining survivors.

SDPI volunteers played a crucial role in recovering bodies from challenging terrains, including marshy areas and rivers flowing kilometers away from the landslide site. They ventured deep into the forests to carry bodies to hospitals, often on their shoulders, demonstrating immense dedication and bravery.

Relief activities are ongoing with significant momentum. The focus now is on ensuring the dignified rehabilitation of the surviving victims. The tireless efforts of all volunteers, especially those from SDPI, have highlighted the importance of community solidarity and prompt action in the face of natural disasters. The collaborative spirit and commitment shown by these volunteers offer a beacon of hope amid the devastation, emphasizing the need for continuous support and rehabilitation for those affected by this tragic event.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / August 06th, 2024

“Heroic Friend Becomes Martyr While Saving a Hundred Lives; I Could Only Watch Helplessly,” Reports Hindustan Gazette from Disaster Site

Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wayanad, KERALA / KARNATAKA :

The recent catastrophic landslides in Wayanad have left a trail of unimaginable tragedy, as villages such as Maypad, Munda Kai, and Chooralmala are buried under debris.

Abdullah Madikeri from the Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS) Karnataka State visited the disaster site on Thursday morning, witnessing firsthand the scale of devastation.

Site of Despair
At a distance of 15 kilometers from the epicenter of the disaster in Maypad, the scene was marked by the sight of ambulances racing with sirens blaring and the hurried activity of police and health department vehicles, signaling the severity of the crisis. Inside the Government Prauda School, bodies were being identified, including dismembered limbs and torsos, highlighting the horror of the tragedy.

A Community in Mourning
The disaster has not only affected residents but also displaced over 500 migrant workers from Assam and other states. The flood has claimed numerous lives, including children, women, and the elderly, leaving many families in mourning without anyone to grieve for them. The bodies, scattered and dismembered, have become orphans in need of proper burial.

A Call for Reflection
The tragedy shows how pointless sectarian and caste-based hatred is, revealing the harm it causes. The rubble, filled with broken boulders and body parts, highlights how little regard there is for human life during natural disasters. It reminds us to overcome these divisions and work towards living together in harmony.

Volunteers Step Up
Amid the chaos, volunteers from various organizations have played a crucial role. Emergency services, traffic management, and food distribution efforts have been bolstered by enthusiastic youth and volunteers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Local establishments and mosques have provided meals and refreshments to those affected and the rescue teams.

Personal Accounts of Survival
The disaster has affected many, including a family from Chamarajanagar district who narrowly escaped. They described how they were saved by quickly freeing their cattle and fleeing as the floodwaters surged, washing away their homes.

Heroic Sacrifices
The tale of Prashant and Prajeesh, volunteers who lost their lives in the rescue efforts, stands out. Prajeesh, who was involved in rescue operations during a previous landslide, gave his life-saving others during the recent disaster. His body was found 35 kilometers away, a testament to his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

A Teacher’s Heartfelt Remembrance
A teacher who visited the site of the collapsed school building was overcome with emotion, reflecting on the loss of the students he once taught. His poignant recollection of teaching amidst the beauty of nature contrasts starkly with the current devastation.

Ongoing Efforts
Search teams continue to work tirelessly, scouring forests and gardens for more bodies. Despite the overwhelming scale of the disaster, the unwavering dedication of volunteers and emergency responders remains a beacon of hope in these dark times.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by Abdullah Madikeri / August 04th, 2024

Kerala landslides: When humanity triumphs over religion, politics

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Wayanad, KERALA :

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

Younis waits at the Meppadi health centre on Friday for news about his parents, who went missing in the twin landslides in Wayanad. Younis has lost 11 relatives in the disaster. He received the mortal remains of his sister and niece earlier. (Photo | E Gokul, EPS)

Chooralmala :

People outside the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad may be debating the effectiveness of the forecast and reasons for the disaster. But that’s not the case at ground zero. It demonstrates, yet again, that Keralites unite above politics and religion during hours of crisis.

Apart from the Army, Navy, NDRF, Coast Guard, Police, Fire and Rescue Services and civil service volunteers, many organisations like Youth Care, SYS, SKSSF, DYFI and Seva Bharati too have been at the forefront of search and rescue efforts. They have brought more than 1,000 volunteers from neighbouring districts, who are wading through mounds of slush in search of life. No one shows animosity or hostility based on faith or political ideology. In fact, the Army has appreciated the dedication of the volunteers.

“The coordination between the state agencies, the Army and volunteers is excellent and that has helped in the smooth conduct of rescue operations,” said Major General V T Mathew, who is heading the 509-strong Army team.

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

“I was part of the team that recovered around eight bodies from Vellarmala. The shock of handling the bodies of children was terrible. I almost choked when we were having lunch. It haunted me like a nightmare and I struggled to sleep. When we see toys and cradles among the debris, we think of our children. There is no meaning for enmity and squabbling in hours of crisis,” he said. 

VIP visits troubling rescue teams

Abdul Hameed, of Tirur in Malappuram, who is part of a 35-member rescue team of SYS, said the experience in joining the rescue operations during the 2018 floods and Kavalappara landslide has been helpful for the team.

However, the visit of VIPs, who bring a large team of supporters along with them, is troubling the rescue teams. As the road is narrow and there is limited space for excavators to move around, the Army has been pleading to restrict the entry of vehicles to Chooralmala.

However, MPs and MLAs arrive with supporters and insist on going to the Bailey bridge and even Mundakkai. The police are having a tough time at the barricade to stop VIPs.

Meanwhile, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi set an example as he avoided cavalcade and arrived in a police vehicle to visit the affected areas.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Manoj Viswanathan / August 03rd, 2024

Kerala Muslim organisation helps landslide survivor to fulfil his mother’s last wish

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Bhagvanpur (Vaishali District) BIHAR / Waynad, KERALA :

Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bihar lost his mother and three other family members in the catastrophic landslide.

Kerala Muslim Jamaath Wayanad president O K Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, SYS media coordinator S Sharafudheen, district president Basheer Sa’di and other members handing over the flight ticket to Bihar native Ravi Roshan Kumar

Meppadi :

Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bhagavanpur in the Vaishali district of Bihar, endured an unimaginable tragedy. Kumar had relocated along with his family to Wayanad, after he got a job at the tea factory in Harrison Malayalam Estate. But their lives were shattered in the catastrophic landslide that claimed over 300 lives and obliterated two villages in the district.

Kumar lost his beloved mother, Fulkumari Devi. Three of his family members are still missing.

Ravi’s mother had always dreamt of returning to their birthplace in Bhagavanpur, a wish that she could not fulfill. With no immediate relatives left and having lost all his savings in the tragedy, Ravi stared at a bleak future. However, he was determined to honor his mother’s wish by taking her ashes back to Bhagavanpur for immersion.

Ravi’s plight caught the attention of Santhwanam, a volunteer group under the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), a Muslim organization based in Kerala, who stepped in to provide crucial support.

Search operations by different volunteer groups being carried out at Punjirimattom village in Wayanad. (Photo | ENS)

Understanding the gravity of Ravi’s situation, they arranged a flight ticket and other necessary assistance for him to return to Bhagavanpur and fulfill his mother’s final wish by immersing her ashes in the river in their village.

Kerala Muslim Jamath Wayanad President O. K. Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, along with S. Sharafudheen, SYS district president Basheer Sa’di, General Secretary Latheef Kakkavayal, and other members including Santhwanam Emergency Team coordinators C. M. Noushad, Naseer Kottathara, Shameer Thomattuchal, Dr. Muhammad Irshad, and Fazlul Abid, saw off Ravi Rosan Kumar as he embarked on his journey to his native place.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 04th, 2024

Advocate Yaseen Kodibengre elected APCR dist prez, Sham Raj Birti as VP

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Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Karnataka chapter has elected Yaseen Kodibengre as its new district president of Udupi district.

Sham Raj Birti and Najma were elected as vice presidents. Salahuddin was elected as general secretary, Prashant Mogaweera as joint secretary, Mujahid Ali Navunda as treasurer and Shahrukh Theerthahalli as Communications and Media secretary.

The new Advisory Committee members are Riaz Kodi, advocate Asadullah, Rihan Trasi, advocate Manjunath Giliyar, Dinakara Bengre, advocate Raghu, Tajuddin, Muneer Kandlur, Idrees Hoode, advocate Afwan Hoode, Muhammad Taufeek Gangolli, Riaz Mudrangadi, Siddique Kannangar, Zakaria Nejar, Ayyan Malpe, Sameer, Simran were selected.

State general secretary Muhammad Kunhi who presided over the meeting said, “We should not have the desire for power but should deal with the power that has come honestly and fairly. APCR has been continuously working to provide justice to the oppressed and downtrodden community in the society for the past 20 years and has also been working to create awareness among the public about the law.”

APCR state secretary Hussain Kodibengre and Waseem Abdullah were present on this occasion.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / August 04th, 2024

Microsite to serve S’pore’s Indian Muslim community

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INDIA / SINGAPORE:

IMPROF President Raja Mohamad (right) and the Chief Executive of Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture Arun Mahizhnan presenting Dr Maliki Osman a token of appreciation.Photo: IMPROF

A newly launched microsite aims to serve as a comprehensive repository of the Singapore Indian Muslim community’s rich history and contributions.

The digital platform, developed by IMPROF, a network of Indian Muslim professionals, in collaboration with the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC), centralises information on important individuals, organisations, institutions and publications in the Singapore Indian Muslim community.

Launched on July 28 at the National Library Building, the microsite serves as a gateway into the insights of the Singaporean Indian Muslim community, said Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, who was the guest of honour at the launch event.

“The story of Indian Muslims in Singapore is one of resilience, cultural preservation and contribution to our nation’s multicultural identity.

“I hope this microsite can serve as a reminder, not just for the Indian Muslim community, but also for the broader Singaporean audience on the importance of preserving and documenting our stories,” he said.

He also encouraged the younger generation to take up the mantle and uphold these traditions.

Mr Raja Mohamad, president of IMPROF, said that Indian Muslims are often misunderstood even in today’s society.

“This microsite aims to address misconceptions and promote accurate information about our community. It is not merely a directory but a well-organised collection of existing information that has been gathered from various sources across the internet,” Mr Raja said.

For example, one can find information about a teacher who is also a community leader, an author, and a sports enthusiast, all in one place, he said.

The microsite documents key developments and notable figures in the Singapore Indian Muslim community, including publications and resources by Indian Muslims as well as those written by others about Indian Muslims.

With 111 subjects, 58 personalities, 30 institutions and 705 links featured, Mr Raja said the site’s content is non-exhaustive and will be continually updated.

The criteria for selection include having an independent mention on authoritative third-party websites, such as government or official institutions, and being recognised through national awards or respected institutions. Additionally, individuals must have excelled in their professional fields or served the community in significant capacities within government or influential agencies.

Mr Raja said he hopes it will be a valuable resource for scholars, community leaders, students and anyone who wants to know more about their community.

The idea for the microsite was conceived four years ago when he gave Mr Raja a call on Hari Raya morning, said Mr Arun Mahizhnan, the chief executive of CSTC.

“The world of the Indian Muslims in Singapore is a continuation of what existed more than 2,000 years ago in this region. They are a small but significant community that helped build Singapore.

“CSTC believes social history is essential for a fuller understanding of our community life. We hope to act as a catalyst in several more of such initiatives,” he said.

Link to microsite: https://singapore-indian-muslims.glide.page

source: http://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg / TABLA / Home> Singapore / by Yogita Anbuchezhian / August 01st, 2024