My Ph.D is from India, at Bangalore University and I was the first woman to get a Ph.D from that university. I started education at a very young age because I started school when I was about 3. In those days there was not an age limit to start school, when your parents felt you were ready they took you to school. From then on it was up to you. When I started off, there was no kindergarten or pre-school, it was first grade. I sat on the teacher’s lap most of the time because I was so little.
Why did you study botany?
When I was a student in India, botany was a man’s field. They did not really take women in graduate courses for botany because they look at botany as a field science. Since the graduate seats were so limited they didn’t take a whole lot of graduate students. They thought if they took in a girl student, the only option for her would be to teach botany, not go out to the field. They still looked at women in those days as better at home and in the classroom than in the field. That was a challenge for me. I just wanted to prove to them one could be in the field as well.
When did you know you wanted to become an educator?
Oh I loved teaching right from the beginning. One of the reasons you do your masters in any discipline in India was so that you can teach in college. When I graduated with my masters degree in botany, I was 19 years old at the time and so I went off to find a job. There was one person who was in charge of recruiting and allocating all of the lecturer positions. So I talked to him and said, I need a job but he took one look at me and said, you look like you just came out of high school. He didn’t think I would be impressive enough in front of a classroom and to be able to control a classroom, the kids wouldn’t take me seriously. So I sat there and cried, I wanted the job and he refused to give me something that I had a passion to teach. I didn’t want to keep all the knowledge to myself. So then he said how about if you went and did a Ph.D. and then came back a few years later and by then you will have grown up a bit. I took him up on that option but there was no Ph.D. program at the university so he said he would help start one, which he did. And then we got the university grant fellowship to support me and I did my Ph.D. By then I wasn’t interested in going to him anymore to teach because people were after me to come and teach being I was the first woman with a Ph.D. there.
Tell us about your passion, building the herbarium at MSUB?
The value of the herbarium is based on what plant collections you have in it. When I first came here there were just two wooden cabinets here, with maybe 500 specimens. And they said, this is your herbarium. It was shocking because where I came from there is a whole building dedicated to the herbarium. So I challenged myself to build a herbarium here. The very first grant I wrote was to buy herbarium cabinets. The next step I did was to call out to local agents here who had small collections to see if they were willing to consolidate to a central location. The US Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management and Rocky Mountain College were all very willing to give collections and we incorporated those in our herbarium. Over the years, the herbarium is a part of the national database with about 16,000 specimens.
Of the classes you teach, what is your favorite?
All of my classes are my favorite classes. I love teaching. I teach freshman biology, in fact that’s one of my most favorite classes to be honest. That’s when students are first starting out and I’m introducing them to biology for the first time and to get them excited about that. I really enjoy doing that and it gives me opportunities to mentor students because they’re just starting out. My second most favorite is plant systematics, they are both equally enjoyable classes for me. I just love teaching botany.
source: http://www.msubillings.edu/snapshots/2015-16/Khaleel.htm / msubillings.edu / by Cassie Winter, University Communications and Marketing / October 09th, 2015 / Montana State Univeristy Billings
Students of the colleges run under Anjuman Hamai Muslim Bhatkal continue to get ranks at the university level and this time Najda Ekiri, a student of Anjuman Institute of Management and Computer Applications (AIMCA). Anjuman College has made the name of Anjuman College bright in the entire state by securing first rank in Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Karnataka University, Dharwad.
AIMCA Principal Muhammad Mohsin has said in a press release that Najda Ekiri, of Mubeen Ahmed Ekiri and Nusrat Jahan, has also achieved a remarkable feat by memorizing the Holy Quran during her three-year BCA course. According to the press release, Najda secured 3421 marks out of 3700 marks, resulting in a pass rate of 92.46%. The BCA exams were held in August-September 2023.
It has been found that while Najda, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman, secured the first rank in Dharwad University, Dekshanagappa Kharvi, a student of Bhatkal Sri Gurusdhiendra BCA College, secured the third rank at the university level, with an average success rate of 91.73%. has been done.
The university’s second rank went to Shantala Raibagh, a student of Global College of Computer Applications, Hubli, who registered a pass rate of 92.27 percent.
It should be noted that more than fifty BCA colleges are affiliated to Karnataka University, Dharwad, and among the students of all these colleges, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman getting the first rank is a great achievement. In such a situation, memorizing the Holy Quran with modern education is also a big challenge.
The management of Anjuman Hamai Muslimin, the principal and other staff of the college have congratulated Najda for this wonderful achievement and wished her all the best for her future.
source: http://www.sahilonline.net / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by IG Bhatkali, SO News Agency / August 23rd, 2024
Three students of Dr. G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Post Graduate Study Centre scored high ranks in the post-graduate exams conducted by Mangalore University for the academic year 2022-23.
Sayyed Reha Qadri, one of the students, has been awarded a gold medal for scoring 8.65 CGPA in MSc Chemistry.
M Preethi Acharya and Nidhi N Pai have scored second and fifth ranks, respectively, in M. Com., a press release from the college stated.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 08th, 2024
I was in grade 7 or 8 when Wasi Ahmed Shamsi sahab joined B D Y High School as an Urdu and Persian teacher. Tucked away on the bank of a pond and surrounded by cultivable land and greenery, the school in rural Darbhanga was like a sanctuary, a gurukul. Away from the din and bustle of a populated location, the school was emotionally attached to people in neighbouring villages though it kept a physical distance from them.
Though the tiled roof leaked in monsoon and wall plaster had peeled off at places, giving the whole structure an impoverished look, we regarded the school as a boon. It was a privilege to be at this school which had earned a reputation for discipline and churning out good students.
The school nurtured dreams and helped shape many destinies. It was in that positive ecosystem that Wasi sahab joined the team of a dozen or so teachers. Clad in white kurta-pajama with the skull cap covering his head, he did not wear a long beard. Like his appearance, Wasi sahab was not very orthodox in thinking too. Since he was educated at Madrassa Shamsul Hoda, Patna, one of the oldest Islamic seminaries of Bihar, he had imbibed many values which orthodox maulvis would disapprove of.
Since my father and Wasi sahab were colleagues though they taught different subjects, they had a cordial relationship and they shared a lot of things, especially about progress of their children.
Wasi sahab had spent years in urban set up before he took transfer to a school close to his village. He wanted to work for his people and therefore he got transferred from a school in Madhubani.
He was fond of reading newspapers and magazines and had even set up a library at his home. The fact that his nephew Abdul Bari Siddiqui, a senior member of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and a former minister had also built his house in the same mohalla where Wasi sahab lived enhanced Wasi Sahab’s stature. Many of those who visited Siddiqui sahab invariably visited Wasi sahab too. After all, he was a reputed teacher, a wise man, a man of letters, a concerned citizen.
Wasi sahab valued journalism and would “console” my father whenever he despaired at my choice of career as a journalist. If I learned my Ghalib and Iqbal a little early, credit goes to this good teacher who made his lectures interesting. He would ask us to read books beyond what was prescribed in the textbooks. Since I often saw him reading–books, magazines, newspapers–I unknowingly emulated him. He helped create in me a hobby for reading. He was happy that I chose to become a journalist.
After retirement, Wasi sahab undertook a herculean task of writing a book on people of his ilaqa (locality) who had made a mark in life. One summer evening I visited his village home. Clad in just lungi and gunjee (vest), with a ceiling fan whirring overhead, I saw this then septuagenarian retired teacher writing furiously on his pad. Surrounded by books and papers, he was figure of a wordsmith who thought he had little time left on this earth. Age and health issues, especially diabetes, made him restless. He wanted to complete the project he had embarked upon as soon as possible. He wanted to finish the book before the final call came.
Our telephonic discussions were long. I had encouraged him to complete the project before it was too late. Concerned about his health, I would tell him not to exert himself too much as he would fall ill often. Finally, he completed the huge volume he had spent countless hours on. The bulky book in Urdu carries life sketches of many famous personalities Wasi sahab had met at different stages in his life. I was pleasantly surprised to see that he had devoted a few pages writing about my family too, especially the struggle of my father to educate his children. Wasi sahab valued education and had great regards for those who endeavoured to educate themselves and others.
When some of my friends held a discussion on my book “Aligarh Muslim University: The Making Of The Modern Indian Muslim” at Dr Zakir Hussain Teachers’ Training College, Darbhanga, he was kind enough to attend it. And he spoke eloquently about AMU’s contribution and my humble efforts to record some of the fine features of AMU.
I remember, years ago, he had organised an educational conference in his village where the famous Urdu journalist of Patna Ghulam Sarwar who later became a minister too was invited as a chief guest. It is also because of Wasi Sahab’s efforts that Ghulam Sarwar, a great orator, had attended our school’s annual Jalsa- a-Seeratul Nabi function. The headmaster late Ramswaroop Yadav had made a rule that Muslim students would hold Seerat Jalsa, in honour of the holy Prophet, while Hindu students would celebrate Saraswati Puja. Interestingly, both Hindu and Muslim students would participate in one another’s functions. Remarkably, my father, a devout Muslim, would be made in charge of distribution of prasad or sweets as gifts to the visitors at the annual Saraswati Puja. What a great example of communal harmony the school had set?
Koi lauta de woh din for se mere pyare Hindustan mein!!
Of late,Wasi sahab was not keeping well. Despite his poor health, he wanted to bring out an abridged version of his voluminous book. I don’t know if he could complete it or not.
This afternoon I recieved three calls. First, from my elder brother, then from youngest brother, followed by a call from Mujtaba, son of Wasi Sahab. All informed me about the sad demise of Wasi Sahab, my beloved teacher who taught us diligently and honesty. But more than that, he inspired us to strive to excel.
Wasi sahab will be remembered at least for two things–for being an ideal guru, a teach par excellence and for his valuable contribution to writing and preserving the history of the locality he grew up in. He has done a great service to the person of the area. Wasi Sahab now sleeps peacefully among many of his people who preceded him.
Rest in peace, Sir. I will miss you.
Maut uski hai kare jiska zamana afsos/Yun toh duniya mein aye hain sabhi marne keliye
(Death is one which is grieved by the world/Otherwise everyone is fated to die one day).
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / by Mohammed Wajihuddin in Beyond the Burqa, Spirituality, TOI / January 07th, 2024
Professor Badiur Rahman, former Head of the Department of Arabic and Persian, University of Calcutta, a well-known educationist, celebrated writer, accomplished journalist, prominent Islamic scholar and a beloved teacher passed away in Kolkata on September 19, 2023.
He was scion of an illustrious and religious family of district Hooghly of West Bengal. His father Abdur Rahman was also an MBBS and associated with Tablighi Jamat.
He got his basic education at Darul Uloom Pandua, Hooghly, West Bengal. Thereafter, he did Alim in 1967 and Fazil in 1969 respectively from Madrasa Alia, Calcutta. He derived considerable benefits from a galaxy of eminent Islamic scholars over there. Especially, he achieved immense academic gains from noted Islamic scholars like Maulana Abu Mahfuz Karim Masumi and Maulana Rahatullah Azhari. After that, he did his B.A. (Hons) in 1974 and M.A. in 1976 respectively from University of Calcutta. He also did L.L.B and Ph.D therefrom.
Professor Badiur Rahman was an institution in himself. He was a familiar figure among the intellectual circles throughout India. Due to his extraordinary knowledge and being a paragon of morality, he carved a niche in the temple of fame. He had a say at the University of Calcutta. Despite being an Islamic scholar, he considerably impressed all faculty members, including VCs of University of Calcutta. Because of his profound knowledge of different languages, noble qualities and sublime norms everyone held him in high esteem.
Visiting Professor of Alia University, Kolkata, Dr. Rahman was also on the Senate and Syndicate of Calcutta University and Ph.D. Communities, Calcutta University and Alia University. He was also Ex-Chairman of PG Board of Studies in Arabic, Calcutta University, and U.G.B.O.S in Arabic, Kalyani University.
My acquaintance with Professor Badiur Rahman I think it was during the summer of 2009 when I first met him. The meet was actually regarding my Ph.D admission at University of Calcutta. Dr. Masihur Rahman, now professor at Alia University, Kolkata introduced me to him. Since then till his last breath, I remained in touch with him. I am fortunate enough to have done my Ph.D. under his supervision and guidance. He always treated me like his brother. Whenever I met him, I gained immense inspiration from him. Despite being a celebrated scholar, he was devoid of arrogance.
As a Teacher Professor Badiur Rahman started his teaching career as a lecturer at the University of Calcutta in 1983 and retired in 2016. Even after his retirement, he kept on teaching as a visiting faculty in the University of Calcutta and Alia University, Kolkata. He always proved himself as a selfless and dedicated teacher. He was an embodiment of all sublime qualities and virtues necessary for a good teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented. It was his sword which he wielded so effectively that very few persons could match him. During lectures he pointed out such subtle points as students could not help without being impressed with him. He left an indelible mark in the domain of the teaching profession.
Undoubtedly, he was a beloved teacher. He was fondly described as B.R. Sir by his students. Scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him. His talk was very touching. He met everyone cheerfully. His deep knowledge of comparative studies made him popular among his contemporaries. His learning was varied and profound. His personality was many-sided and balanced.
Right from the beginning, he was laborious and punctual. He was a man of transparent heart. No doubt, his extraordinary scholarship and erudition brought him wide reputation and fame. His main mission was to spread education. He left a galaxy of pupils behind him who impart education and work in various fields in and out of India. In fact, it is an everlasting tribute to him.
Dr. Badiur Rahman and Dr. Taha Husayn Dr. Rahman was an ardent admirer of Dr. Taha Husayn. He had vast knowledge about Dr. Taha. He did not only study all his books but he digested them. He also wrote a book titled, “Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn” published by Mazhar Education and Welfare Society, Malda.
Maulana Alauddin Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow wrote in the Preface of the said book, “To a great extent Dr. Badiur Rahman tried to introduce Dr. Taha Husayn in the Introduction to his book. The author regards Dr. Taha as a born critic. He presented Taha’s thoughts in a lucid way. To clear his viewpoints, he propounded various references from Dr. Taha’s books. Besides, he holds Taha as a moderate critic to the core.”
He had also done several research works on the first Nobel Laurate in the Arabic language Dr. Naguib Mahfouz.
Dr. Badiur Rahman and Rabindra Nath Tagore
Like Dr. Taha, Dr. Rahman was also a fan of Rabindranath Tagore. He wrote various articles and short stories on Tagore’s life and works in Arabic. And thus he introduced him in the Arabic World.
It should be noted that Dr. Rahman participated in different national and international seminars and exhibited his scholarly caliber there.
Because of his outstanding and remarkable services to the Arabic language and literature, he was conferred the President Award in 2018.
As a Writer Dr. Rahman was a prolific writer. He wrote several books on different subjects. Some of his major publications are:
History of Arabic Literature (Pre-Islamic Period)
Textbook for B.A. Arabic (Hons.) Calcutta University
Textbook for B.A. General, Calcutta University
Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn
Besides, he had 31 research articles in Arabic, English, Urdu and Bengali published in different literary journals. He had earned distinction in Belles Letters, short stories, poetry in English, Arabic and Bengali. He had long experience of research guidance in Arabic. He had examined about 26 theses and 15 M.Phil dissertations of various universitas of India and abroad.
Truly speaking, the comprehensive knowledge and intellectual brilliance of Dr. Rahman had been acknowledged by his contemporaries.
Describing his yeomen services, Professor Mohammad Noman Khan, former Head of the Department of Arabic Delhi University stated that the passing away of Dr. Badiur Rahman was a personal loss to him. He played a leading role in spreading the Arabic language in West Bengal. He gave new impetus to the students of W.B.
Professor Sanaullah Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic said, “Dr. Badiur Rahman was a highly qualified person and he was an emblem of morality. Everyone who observed him very closely would testify it. He also described his outstanding contribution in the field of education.
Similarly, Professor Ashfaq Ahmad Nadwi Head of the Department of Arabic Banaras Hindu University stated that Almighty Allah bestowed upon him different qualities. His personality was a marvellous amalgamation of teacher, writer and guide par excellence. Besides, he was a righteous, God-fearing and pious personality.
Dr. Rahman’s death caused a great vacuum. His myriad contributions to promotion and propagation of the Arabic language and literature will always be remembered. He is survived by his wife.
Thousands of his admirers thronged to attend the last rite of the departed soul. He was buried at Ghobra-1 Graveyard, of Park Circus Kolkata. May Allah adorn his grave with luminosity and refulgence and grant peace to his soul. Aameen!
[The writer is Faculty Member, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Dr. Obaidur Rahman Nadwi / Radiance News Bureau / September 24th, 2023
In a remarkable triumph, Rahmani30, a trailblazing educational initiative dedicated to nurturing deserving students, recently attained an extraordinary milestone in the ICAI CA Intermediate exams.
Amidst a national average success rate of around 19%, Rahmani30 soared high with an unparalleled 67.5% achievement, etching an indelible mark in the institution’s history and setting an exceptional benchmark.
The ICAI CA Intermediate examination, a rigorous professional test administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, represents the pivotal second phase in the Chartered Accountancy course. Comprising two groups with four papers each, it stands distinct from the Senior Secondary School Examination, commonly known as 10 + 2 or Intermediate.
The 2023 ICAI CA Intermediate exam saw an impressive participation of 393,679 students undertaking the Group 1 & Group 2 tests, with 75,954 candidates successfully qualifying—a cumulative pass rate of 19.29%. In striking contrast, Rahmani30’s cohort of 40 students showcased an outstanding 67.5% success rate, underscoring the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Noteworthy were the November 2023 results, revealing an outstanding 80% success rate among female students in CA Intermediate Group 1, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in this domain.
Ameer E Shariat Hazrat Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani sb., the esteemed patron of Rahmani30, extends heartfelt congratulations to the students, faculty, donors, ambassadors, management, and the wider community for this exceptional accomplishment. He lauds the unwavering dedication and diligence exhibited by the students, expressing immense pride in Rahmani30’s ceaseless pursuit of empowering students through educational excellence.
Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, President Rahmani30
Expanding upon this achievement, one could delve into the individual stories of some standout students, the unique teaching methodologies adopted by Rahmani30, the impact of community support, and the future aspirations of the institution in continuing this trajectory of success and empowerment.
Important Update:•
The application form for the 2024 session is now available online for Rahmani30 entrance examination
• Students currently in *8th, 9th, and 10th* grades are eligible to apply
• A test will be conducted for students in *10th* grade applying for admission to the *11th* preparatory course for Medical, Engineering & Commerce (CA/CS/CLAT).
• Students from *8th, 9th and 10th* grades will be selected for the *Rahmani30 Junior Program*.• Additionally, students from *8th, 9th, and 10th* grades will be chosen for online training this year.
Your participation and prayers are deeply appreciated.
Manipuri boy Mohammad Ismat along with his father who scored the highest mark in the All -India Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
Mohammad Ismat, the Manipuri boy who has topped the all-India CBSE Class XII Board examinations in the science stream, is nurturing a dream to top the Civil Services Examinations, too.
By way of preparation, he plans to join St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, to do B. Sc. (Honours).
Ismat hails from Lilong Haoreibi in Thoubal district, 15 km from Imphal. The village has very poor electricity supply and no internet connection.
“I also want to become a topper in the Civil Services Examinations conducted by the UPSC. I want to serve my country for peace and communal harmony. For now, I want to take admission to St. Stephen’s College to do B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics,” he told The Hindu .
He brought laurels to his school, Zenith Academy in Imphal, where he joined after completing Class X at Sainik School, also in Imphal. “I studied Class IX and X in Sainik School and passed the Class X board examinations with 92.4 per cent. I left Sainik School because of financial constraints,” he said.
Ismat’s mother died when he was only 18 months. His father, Maulana Bashirur Rahman, is a teacher in a primary school. He is the seventh child and only son of the family; six elder sisters are all graduates.
After school hours, Ismat had to study mostly in candlelight, as electricity is available for hardly three-four hours a day in the village. Ismat scored 495 out of 500 marks, securing centum in mathematics, chemistry, fine arts and home science and 98 in English and 97 in physics.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Other States / by Sushanta Talukdar / May 30th, 2012
Mohammad Sehab Beig and Muhammad Shaan Sheikh with their car
Mohammad Sehab Beig and Muhammad Shaan Sheikh, two classmates from Shantadurga Higher Secondary School in Goa’s Bicholim town, were assigned a 20-mark physics assignment for 11th grade. The two youngsters, together with their friend Moun Mamlekar, a commerce student, worked for a month to develop an electric car powered by a lead acid battery.
The car gained attention when it was displayed at Delhi’s Ravindra Bhavan as part of ‘The Western India Science Fair Competition’. The electric car is powered by a lead acid battery rather than a lithium battery, which reduces its cost significantly.
From a Physics Project To Developing an EV
Sheikh and Beig had been friends since childhood and used to repair remote-controlled cars when they broke down, so when their physics teacher, Deviya Gaonkar, assigned them a physics project to build something innovative worth 20 points, the boys seized the opportunity to demonstrate their talent for building things.
Shaan & Sehab with their teacher Deviya Gaonkar
“When our teacher assigned us the project and specified that we may design anything related to physics, our initial goal was to build an engine, but we later decided not to limit ourselves to just engines. So, taking a step forward, we decided to build an entire car,” Sheikh told Two Circles.
The motive for developing an electric car aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transportation options, as electric vehicles dramatically reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing environmental concerns.
Mamlekar, whose family owns an automobile garage, assisted Sheikh and Beig with the technical aspects of the project.
They showed the model to their teacher, Goankar, and after receiving a positive response, they began collecting the parts and materials required to build the car.
Specifications of the Electric Car
After working tirelessly for a month, the duo completed the automobile, which includes a brushless DC motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and a 48-volt lead-acid battery system connected in series with four 12-volt batteries. Its standout feature is its strong load-bearing capacity, which can support up to one tonne of weight.
Charging the vehicle is achieved by connecting it to a power source compatible with the lead-acid battery setup. While charging periods may be longer than with advanced lithium-ion batteries, the lead-acid configuration remains a practical option. In terms of speed, the automobile can reach a maximum of 60-70 kilometers per hour, demonstrating its ability to cover moderate distances efficiently, making it suitable for diverse urban and suburban commuting needs.
Shaan with his family
Hindrances Along the Way
Building the electric car was a difficult endeavour, and they faced discouragement from others. Gaonkar, their physics teacher, stated that many people discouraged them from building the car, but they persevered and completed it.
The two spent over INR 70,000 on making the car, which they received from their parents and several well-wishers.
They have also attempted to raise funds to upgrade their automobile to ones that can be auto-charged while in motion but have had little success. The project is only two alternators away from being self-sufficient in terms of charging.
Sehab with his family
‘Parents Have Always Been a Huge Support’
Sheikh’s mother is a chemist, and his father is a businessman; both are very supportive of their son’s project.
Beig’s mother, Mubina Beig, who runs a pre-primary school in town, helped them in finding spare parts for the car.
“My parents have always been a huge support when it comes to my inclination towards experimenting with things,” he stated.
A Career in Innovation
This is not the duo’s first innovative design. Sheikh created a small solar vehicle a few years ago, while Beig made a generator in fifth grade and a hydraulic crane in eighth grade.
Speaking about their goals, Beig stated that he wants to pursue a career in science and research to enhance his curiosity and innovative tendencies, whilst Sheikh is interested in a career that allows him to blend science and compassion to contribute to the well-being of others.
They intend to submit their design to vehicle manufacturers. “If a compelling proposition arises, we are open to collaboration,” Sheikh said.
Imran Inamdar is an independent reporter based in Goa, India.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News / by Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net / January 16th, 2024
In your final rest
on a rope-cot,
were you still dreaming
of a piece of bread?
Beloved one,
we the people
of this country,
of that country,
can make anything
but a piece of bread
for you.
--Evening with a Sufi: Selected Poemsby Afsar Mohammad, translated from the Telugu by Afsar Mohammad & Shamala Gallagher, Red River Books, 2022.
These lines send shivers down the spine and recreate an empathetic longing for immigrant souls in search of succour. They also swiftly draw an image laced with poignancy — a loss, a regret, the economics that deny innovative young men their keep and force immigration in search of sustenance. Would the poet have been one of them?
Travelling from a small village in the South Indian state of Telangana, Afsar Mohammad has journeyed across continents and now teaches South Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Known as a trendsetting poet and literary critic for post-1980s Telugu literature, Afsar has brought out five volumes of poetry, one collection of short stories and two volumes of literary theory essays. He is also a distinguished scholar of Indian studies and has published extensively with various international presses, including Oxford and Cambridge. He is currently working on a translation of Sufi poetry from Telugu to English. In this interview, we trace his growth as a writer and editor of the webzine, Saranga, which now seems to be transcending linguistic barriers to give voice to multiple cultures…
Tell us about your journey as a writer. When and how did it start?
It’s a long story, but to cut it short — the beginnings were somewhat puzzling… Inspired by Shakespearean sonnets, I first wrote some sonnets in English, and then switched to free verse. Since most of my friends in my high school started pushing me to write something in Telugu, I had to migrate to Telugu. Quite surprisingly, I was first published in English, and then it took me a while to get something published in Telugu. I had hard time getting published in Telugu due to its newness in expressions and most editors felt that there was nothing “Telugu” in that kind of writing. So, my early writings quite naturally found their home in some English journals!
Your poetry rings with the pain of distance, the pain and struggle from others’ suffering transcending your own self. What is the source of your inspiration — is it your past or your present?What affects you more — your being an immigrant or a Sufi?
We’re distanced by many things — not just physically! We live in many shattered and scattered worlds, and sometimes we fail to reflect on those worlds. I feel like I’m a constant immigrant — despite my formal citizenship and legal boundaries. Sufism is merely a segment of this expansive realm. Both past and present define our destiny, right?! Of course, I try to live in the present rather than in the past, but never deny the baggage of the past.
Why do you subscribe to the Sufi school of poetry? What is Sufism all about?
I come from an extremely local rural setting where such Sufi mystical practices openly defined my everyday life. It’s not about the technicalities and theories or institutionalised Sufi schools of their philosophies, this is more about what I learned from my childhood, and its physical surroundings dotted by several hybrid shrines. I’ve described this cultural setting in my 2013 Oxford University Press publication, The Festival of Pirs: Popular Islam and Shared Devotion in South India. This version of Sufism has more to do with everyday life rather than a spiritual domain.
You have lived away from your country for long, and yet the past seems to still haunt you. What is the identity you seek as a poet? Is it necessary to have a unique identity or can one be like a drop that flows and moulds as per the needs of the vessel?
In a way — physically– I’m away from my birth place, but in many ways, I’m also closer to my homeland than in my past. When I moved away from the actual picture, I see many dimensions from a new lens. Each dimension contributed to my rethinking and reconsidering the idea of India. As I wander around and meet totally different places and people, I learn more about my birthplace and moved a little closer to it. I totally understand this as a process to reconcile with the past and connect it to a new present intensified by many factors, not just personal. We’re living in a virtual world, which also looks like “real” in its sounds, colours and words. Every moment it makes me realise that I’m actually not that far. On the other hand, I also see the people in my homeland who are far more removed by their immediate reality and everyday experiences. We need to read this conditionality more in terms of perspective rather than physical distance.
You are fluent in Telugu, Urdu and English. You started writing in English and then moved to Telugu. And all your poetry collections have been in Telugu. Why? Would the outreach of English not have been wider? What made you pick Telugu over English?
Great question! My literary graph is neither linear nor simplistic. When I look back and reflect on it, it’s a quite messy roadmap — actually, there’s nothing like a map to get its contours. Yes, I started writing in English and then suddenly stopped sending out the poems to magazines. In fact, I write more in my personal journals rather than in print journals. Theoretically, I saw poetry as a personal diary for my experiences for many years. Due to financial concerns within my family, I had to start working very early on and left most of my journals at home. Then, my friends found them by chance and put them together that became my first collection of poems in Telugu. The collection was an instant success for its innovative style and then that opened up my career in Telugu rather than English which was my first language of literary expression.
You are now bringing out a bi-lingual online magazine, Saranga? What made you think of a magazine in two languages?
Before entering into teaching career, I worked as an editor of the literary supplement and Sunday magazine for a largest circulated Telugu newspaper. When we moved to the USA, I thought it would be better to have some outlet to engage with my home language and literature. In the early phase, Saranga was primarily a Telugu webmagazine. When I started teaching South Asian literature, then I realised the importance of making Indian literary texts available to contemporary generation in the USA. That was just one reason, but there’re were many factors as our team saw a rise in the Indian diaspora writings in the new millennium. Luckily, we got wonderful support from writers and poets in various Indian languages. The humble beginnings have actually ended up as a rewarding experience.
What is it you look for in contributors from two languages? Is it the same guidelines or different?
We’re still learning how this works! As it appears now, these two sections require two different approaches and guidelines. Since the English section has been now attracting writers from various languages, it’s moving more towards a multi-lingual base. We’re trying to accommodate more translations into English from different Indian languages. We still need to do lots of work there.
Is the journal only aimed at South Asian diaspora or would you be extending your services to all cultures and all geographies?
Saranga, as we see it right now, is more about South Asia and its diaspora. As you know, we need more such spaces for South Asia and its diaspora. Not sure about its future directions at this point, however, if the situation demands, we will extend its services further.
You have number of essays and academic books in English. But all your creative writing is in Telugu. Why? Would you be thinking of writing in English too because proficiency in the language is obviously not an issue?
Most of my academic writing came out of my teaching experience. As I started teaching new courses, I then realised that we need more material from South Asia. I started focusing on producing such materials primarily for my courses and then gradually, they became useful for many academicians elsewhere too. I still believe creating writing as a more personal space — that enables me to articulate more about myself. However, the publication of Evening with a Sufi, brought a new change — as I’ve been getting more requests for more writing in English for the last two years. As you know pretty well, I’m an extremely slow writer.
How do you perceive language as a tool for a poet?
I see language working many ways since I dwell in multiple languages. I started my elementary education in Urdu, and my middle school was in Telugu, and the subsequent studies were in English. Through the last day of her life, my mother was extremely particular about me learning Arabic and Farsi. So, I believe that helped me so much to understand how language works in a poem. When I published my first poem in Telugu, the immediate critique was it was a not a “Telugu” poem. Telugu literary critics labelled me as a poet who thinks either in Urdu or English, then writes in Telugu. Of course, most of them were also fascinated by the new syntax of my Telugu poems and the new images and metaphors—that totally deviate from a normative or mainstream Telugu poem of those days. The uses of language in a poem varies for each poet. If you’re reading, writing and thinking in just “one” language, that might be a safe condition. A contemporary or modern poet, however, belongs to many languages and cultures. We also migrate from one language to another in our everyday life.
Do borders of nationalism, mother tongue and geographies divide or connect in your opinion? Do these impact your writing?
The response to this question might be an extension to the above conditionality of a person. Anyway, I’m not a big fan of those ideas of nationalism, mother tongue and singular geographies. They don’t exist in my world. Most of my writings both creative and academic contest such boundaries and borders. To describe this in a single term- borderless. In fact, I believe we’re all borderless, but unfortunately, many boundaries and borders are now being imposed on our personalities.
(The online interview has been conducted by emails by Mitali Chakravarty)
Mohammed Abdul Lateef Khan, Founder Trustee and Chairman MS Academy. / Muslim Mirror Photo
“You are not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly,” this inspirational quote of Rumi is best suited for Mohd Abdul Lateef Khan, Chairman and managing director of Hyderabad based MS Education Academy.
His team under his leadership has successfully created a brand name in the field of education and revolutionized the concept of education across the country.
Khan is a man who believes in ‘education as a social service and moral responsibility than a profession to earn money’.
MuslimMirror spoke to Khan, exclusively. In this tete-e-tete, he spoke about his journey.
A young Khan right after finishing his 12th had a strong urge to serve the community.
Recognizing his talent, one of his friends suggested him to enter in the field of education. Hence, to materialize his dream Khan started a coaching institute that was operated from a two-room rented house and with only 15 students. This was in the year 1990.
However in the first year, Khan had to face a loss of Rs 30,000, but he did not lose his heart. He continued his journey with same vigor and subsequently during the initial three years he faced the loss of more than one lakh rupees and still he did not give up.
Khan continued to pursue his engineering course and completed his BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Osmania University.
During those years, his institute grasped a respected position in the area and people started trusting his institute. This boosted his morale and gave him confidence.
After completing his engineering degree, Khan thought of pursuing his studies in a foreign country but later changed his mind.
He decided to continue his journey in the field of education.
In 1998, Khan collaborated with renowned Urdu daily, Siasat, which started publishing model SSC exam papers which was widely accepted and became an instant hit. It resulted in popularizing his method of education and unique technique to crack medical and engineering examinations.
(HERE WHAT IS THE POPULAR TECHNIQUE HE USED AND HOW COME HIS TECHNIQUE BECAME A HIT IS MISSING!)
Later with the support of Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, the managing editor of the newspaper he shifted the institute to a bigger space. It was Zaheeruddin Ali Khan who inaugurated the first branch of MS Academy. After that Lateef Khan never looked back and the popularity of his coaching institute continued to soar by each passing day.
Two years later, Khan started to look out for a school for his son but in vain. Unable to find any such, later in the year 2000 he opened his own school and named it MS Academy, with the aim to facilitate thousands of children with education.
Khan introduced the junior school (intermediate) in the year 2002; they successfully produced their first batch in 2004, while their second batch (2005) grabbed the first position in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Later, the then chief minister of the state visited the school and decided to declare four percent reservation for the Muslim minority.
While interacting with Muslimmirror.com, Khan said, “Since 2005 our academy has continued to remain in the top ten list of the state board. In our academy, we admit a student on the basis of his or her merit performance and not by asking for any donation.”
“Currently, MS academy has 80 branches in 20 cities across eight different states with more than 27000 students enrolled. We have produced over 1200 MBBS doctors , 5000 engineers and shaped the life of 78000 youths who are alumni of our institutes, Only this year 150 students from our institutions cracked NEET ” he added.
Explaining further, he said “We never invested in purchasing of land or any property. We never focused on that, we have continued to run our educational institutes in rented spaces which is our uniqueness.”
Khan’s academy also has focused on modern and Islamic education. On this he said, “We stress on imbibing Islamic moral and values to shape the personalities that can lead tomorrow. Islamic environment facilitates Muslim students to compete and turn them into achievers.”
Khan, is a pioneer in integrating Modern and Islamic Education with academic excellence.
A certified mind map instructor and an international memory trainer, he is a visionary entrepreneur, positive thinker, an able administrator and a good decision maker.
A firm believer in team work Khan has a team of reliable professionals who are committed to achieve the vision Khan shared and inculcate the spirit of generative thinking, creativity, positive approach and mind mapping.
He devised many innovative methods to help students excel in competitive exams and face real life challenges. He also designed and introduced Memory Curriculum in Schooling that helps students learn ‘How to Learn and Remember’.
In Khan, one can definitely see Sir Syed and his thoughts!
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Khusboo Khan , Muslim Mirror / July 12th, 2018
