Tag Archives: Muslims of Goa

A Physics Project: Two 11th Graders Build Affordable Electric-Powered Car

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Bicholim Town, GOA:

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

Beleaguered tanpura makers get some support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

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Miraj, GOA :

Traditional makers of classical Indian string instruments worry about the extinction of their art, with little interest among the younger generation, and most of their clientele now based abroad.

Tanpura artist Altaf Mullah, classical vocalist Rahul Deshpande and Yusuf Mullah (Altaf’s father and Tanpura maker to Bhimsen Joshi).  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For generations, Altaf Mullah and his family, residents of Miraj in Goa, have been in the business of tuning the strings and twisting the pegs of Indian string instruments such as the tanpura, surbahar, rudra veena and vichitra veena. They are currently headed for a tour of the United States and the United Kingdom, to hold workshops on how best to keep these instruments tuned, for their clients abroad, a number that now oustrips their domestic market.

On the face of it, it seems as though Mr. Mullah and his family have negotiated the ravages of modernity on traditional businesses quite well, by shifting their client base abroad. But the story is quite different. In fact, the workshop is being sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) after a distress email from Mr. Mullah, who feared the extinction of this art of making and maintaining string instruments.

“We are the fifth generation making these string instruments. We were given Rajashray (royal patronage) in 1862, but the way things were going, this art would not survive beyond this generation. We make upto ₹500 per day, the younger generation is not that attracted to it,” says Mr. Mullah. His father, Yusuf Mullah, is a much-feted string instrument maker, with Hindustani music maestro Bhimsen Joshi having been a faithful patron.

After having knocked on many doors, Mr. Mullah wrote to ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe about the systemic and immediate problems faced by his tribe of string instrument makers. “For 1.3 billion people, and countless afficianados abroad, there are only 220 karigars (artisans), mostly concentrated in Goa or Kolkata,” he said.

Mr. Sahasrabuddhe’s response was immediate, and one of the first things he did was to set up a meeting between Mr. Mullah and the Postmaster General of India, in New Delhi. “Our immediate issue was that the parcels of instruments that we used to send abroad [which is the bulk of the business] were through speed post. The department of posts changed it from weighted charges to volumetric post, that raised our costs by three times the amount. We were really struggling,” said Mr. Mullah. The Postmaster General agreed to make an exception for the parcelling of string instruments and some relief was gained.

“Our major problems, however, remained. Our worst period was of course between 1990-2000 with the rising popularity of electronic instruments. Fortunately, acoustic sound made a quick comeback, and our business went up again, but not enough to attract the next generation,” he said.

Mr. Sahasrabuddhe told The Hindu that preserving the tradition of making and maintaining Indian string instruments was important as they were “the tangible and intangible heritage of India, and Indian musical tradition.” In fact, there is now talk of standardising a curriculum via the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for this purpose, to create a base of instrument makers, and prevent the skill from dying.

The Mullahs’ client list, ranging from composer A.R. Rahman to India’s nightingale, the late Lata Mangeshkar, to Bhimsen Joshi and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain — reads like the who’s who of Indian music.

Tanpura artist Altaf Mullah with Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Indian string instruments, especially the tanpura, have been historically referenced through much of Indian history. In his devotional song, “O Sadho”, the poet-saint Kabir draws a parallel between the human body and the tanpura. “ Yaha tan thaata Tambure kaa, paanch tatwa ka banaa hai Tambura, khaenchta taar marodata khoonti, Nikalta raag hajure ka, O Sadho” (O seekers, this body is a splendid tanpura, made of five elements, strung together with nine resonances. Tighten the strings, twist the pegs and it sings the song of the Lord).

As the irreplaceable accompaniment to the sound track of India, the tanpura, struggling for breath, was hoping to “get a ventilator soon”, said Mr. Mullah.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by Nistula Hebbar / December 04th, 2022

Sibga Yusuf gets gold medal (engineering) from Goa University

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Valpoi Town (Sattari ),GOA :

Sibga Yusuf Shaikh, a resident Valpoi town in Goa, has excelled at University by winning the Gold medal in her Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in (Elections & Telecommunication).

Sigba, a student of the Don Bosco college, Maragao, has scored 86.6% and received first rank at the Goa University to bag the Gold medal

She was felicitated on 26 August at the hands of Governor Shridharan Pillai in Goa University campus during the 33rd Annual convocation ceremony.

Speaking with Muslim Mirror Sibga said that it was her father’s dream to see her as a doctor or an engineer.

“I couldn’t get seat in MBBS so I chose to become an engineer and started giving my 100% to studies and Alhamdulillah got excellent results,” she said.

“I used to study 4 to 5 hours daily, going to Margao (about 45 km) to attend college daily was tiresome and time consuming but when we are committed to studies it becomes easier,” she added.

Sibga hails from Valpoi town of Sattari which is located in North Goa district. She is believed to be the first girl from entire Sattari Taluka who received a gold medal at the Goa University in engineering faculty.

Father of Sibga,Yusuf Shaikh, who is transporter felt very proud and said their dream has come true.

Head Master of Unity High school Mr.Ashraf Ali Khan said that he is proud and happy to learn that the ex student of the school has received gold medal for having stood first in B.E. at Goa University.

Ashraf said, “She was indeed a bright student during her school days and performed well in all fields.”

“Sibga was found well disciplined and sincere, established a good rapport with teachers and fellow students. I wish all the very best in her career,” he added.

Sibga was felicitated by SIO recently for her achivement. She is now planning to pursue masters degree abroad.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / September 03rd, 2022

‘Sensational’ Aayan Afzal Khan inspires UAE to historic win over West Indies

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GOA / UAE :

UAE batsman Aayan Khan plays a shot as Rivaldo Clarke of West Indies keeps during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Plate semi-final 1 at Queen’s Park Oval on January 28, 2022. Photo: ICC

Sixteen-year-old allrounder’s defiant innings sparks remarkable comeback for Covid-hit side in plate semi-final of Under 19 World Cup.

The country’s leading age-group players produced one of the greatest wins in the history of UAE cricket after their Covid-hit side beat West Indies on home soil in the Under 19 World cup.

Aayan Afzal Khan, the prodigiously talented all rounder who only turned 16 in November, played the defining knock in an extraordinary comeback win in Trinidad.

The side from the Caribbean, who have won the World Cup twice at senior level and the age-group version as recently as 2016, were heavy favourites going into the game.

That assessment appeared well founded when the home side reduced UAE to 26 for four within 11 overs.

That brought Aayan to the crease, promoted in the order by a series of events which had deprived the side of senior players. Front-line spinners Nilansh Keswani and Adithya Shetty were among the absentees, as UAE were hit by separate cases of both Covid and food poisoning.

What followed was little short of “sensational,” to use the words of Mudassar Nazar, the UAE coach.

Aayan’s innings of 93, which included a stand worth 103 with Shival Bawa for the seventh wicket, carried the national team to a total of 224 for nine from their 50 overs.

In reply, the West Indies did not get close. While Aayan – whose left-arm spin might have been crucial in the defence – spent much of the innings off the field because of heat exhaustion, his colleagues thrived.

Jash Giyanani took three for 21, and Dhruv Parashar four for 30. Fittingly, after receiving glucose in a pitchside ambulance, Aayan was able to return to the fray, and picked up the wicket which sealed the 82-run win.

“It feels amazing to have beaten a Test nation, especially West Indies on their home soil,” said Alishan Sharafu, the UAE captain.

“I think the boys believed in themselves. We played as a team and grabbed every opportunity to contribute.

“I am really proud of them, and hopefully we can produce another special performance in the final.”

Matthew Nandu of West Indies is bowled by Jash Giyanani of UAE. Photo: ICC

UAE will now take on the winner of Ireland against Zimbabwe in the plate final on Monday. That leaves them two days to recover from the exertions of the game against West Indies.

“Credit to our support staff for helping out with drinks and support,” Sharafu said of his patched up side.

“We had a few setbacks with some Covid cases and some others unfit, but it was a game of 11 of us against 11 of them. I’m glad we put on a performance to remember and cherish for a long, long time.”

Mudassar, the former Pakistan allrounder, labelled the performance “wonderful” given the circumstances.

“It was an incredible win, especially considering three players were not available due to the virus, including our two frontline spinners,” Mudassar said.

“Both of them [Keswani and Shetty] have huge potential and a great career ahead of them in the game. Given the history of Queens Park Oval for being helpful to spinners, we were fairly confident of beating West Indies provided we could put up a decent total on the board.”

Mudassar lavished praise on Aayan, including for his enthusiasm for getting back on the field after his bout of heat exhaustion and cramp.

“Once promoted in the batting order, Aayan was sensational,” the coach said.

“He guided us through a tough time, then blossomed with Shival Bawa and laid the platform for a historic win.

“Jash gave us a head start with three early wickets. While this was taking place, Aayan was lying in the ambulance van receiving glucose.

“He made a big effort to get back on the field. By then we were racing towards victory. Hats off to these youngsters.”

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Paul Radley / January 29th, 2022