Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslim Women of India

Pulwama in the news again, for Simrah who scored 99.39 percentile in JEE

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Pulwama (Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Simrah Mir, a Kashmiri student, beat the odds to score 99.39 percentile in JEE Mains, inspiring countless students.

Simrah Mir, a JEE topper from Kashmir. | Photo by Special Arrangement

She comes from a region where resilience is a way of life. When Simrah spoke over the phone, her voice exuded conviction which only comes with a sense of achievement.

“At one point, I felt like giving up,” she began. Yet even her recall of desperation was in an unwavering tone.

Hailing from Kashmir’s Pulwama, a town often making the headlines for more negative than positive news, Simrah Mir has given a reason for the region to shine bright. Defying all odds stacked up against her, this young woman has brought immense joy and pride to the valley by scoring 99.39 percentile in the recently concluded JEE Mains this year.

Simrah’s is not just a personal victory but may well be an inspiration for countless students across Kashmir. Simrah, a student of a local government school, attended RISE coaching classes in Srinagar for JEE.

RISE is a coaching institute in Srinagar started by three former IITians: Salman Shahid and Imbesat Ahmad, both alumni of IIT Kharagpur, and Mubeen Masudi of IIT Bombay. Mubeen is a Kashmiri, says Mr. Shahid. “We started our institute in 2015 since we wanted to do something for Kashmir. When we started out, only a handful enrolled in our classes. Today, every year, some three to four students from our institute go to IIT and 70 to 80 students go to NIT. Twenty percent of these students are girls,” says Mr Shahid.

In an interview with The Hindu, Simrah spoke about her challenges, triumphs, and her fresh optimism for the road ahead.

She says: “At times, there were internet shutdowns, and many times it was a fearful environment at my hometown. My parents sheltered me from everything, even from what happening around our near vicinity. Then I moved to Srinagar. It was difficult to travel up and down daily from Pulwama every day for the coaching classes. It’s a long distance.”

Unlike many students who set their sights on JEE early on, Simrah’s decision to pursue engineering evolved over time. “It was a big step. Initially, I didn’t know much about JEE. I joined the RISE Institute, and there I got to know about the exam and started looking at engineering as a career. Later, I faced difficulties in my preparation. I felt like giving up, but my parents constantly supported and motivated me,” she continued.

What kept you motivated? What were the reactions of your parents, friends, and teachers to your preparations?

 Initially, when I was searching for an interest, my parents and relatives were pushing me towards medicine. I didn’t like Biology and I’m not interested in Medicine. From an early age, I was interested in Physics and Mathematics; I wanted to know about the subjects. I studied by myself. I used to read books other than my textbooks. Physics and Maths interested me.

Later on, I decided that it is a stream for me. I decided I had to take Mathematics and Physics as a career.

Any obstacles or resistance you came across while preparing for JEE? Did you ever think about what would happen if you didn’t get selected?

 There were definitely moments of doubt. And I used to have them often. As I said, I felt like giving up. JEE is a tough exam. I did think about what would happen if I didn’t get selected. But every time I felt low, my parents supported me. That helped me stay focused and push through the tough times.

I recently spoke to some people in Assam and learned that language, infrastructure, and cultural barriers can be obstacles in education. Did you face any challenges like that?

 Shifting to Srinagar was a big deal for me. I’m from Pulwama, and it was getting difficult. There were no coaching classes specifically for JEE preparations

I did think of going to Delhi or another State initially because there are good institutes there. But then I realised it might not be beneficial for me. I have never lived alone, and I felt like I should be close to my parents.

In Kashmir, students usually prefer medicine and becoming doctors, especially girls. It’s rare for a girl to take engineering as a career.

Did your school play any role in your success? Did they provide career counselling or extra classes for JEE aspirants?

 There was enough career counselling but no extra classes specifically for JEE aspirants. Most students in my school focused on board exams.

Nobody actually introduced the subject to me. I was inquisitive. There were some other students too who were genuinely interested to study and were inquisitive like me.

Which branch of engineering attracts you the most? And why? And have you thought about any specific college you would like to join?

 I have not thought about it. Of course, I want to go to the best college. I want to go to IIT.

Personally, I want to take Computer Science Engineering, but I don’t know exactly what will happen in the future. I haven’t researched much yet. It also depends on my rank and how I perform in the JEE Advanced exam.

What do you wish to become eventually?

 As of now, my goal is to pursue Computer Science Engineering. I would see where my passion takes me eventually.

What advice and tips you would want to give to JEE aspirants from your region?

 In Kashmir, many students, especially girls, hesitate to choose engineering because it’s not the common path. But if you genuinely enjoy Mathematics and Physics, you should give it a chance. It’s important to be practical.

JEE is tough, and there will be challenges. But if you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can do it.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Education / by Mantasha Ahmed / February 15th, 2025

Zakia Jafri, A Symbol of Resistance, Passes Away

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Khandwa District, MADHYA PRADESH / Ahmedabad, GUJARAT :

Zakia Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri – the Legal Crusader who became a Symbol of Resistance, died at her residence in Ahmedabad Saturday February 01, 2025.

Mumbai: 

Zakia Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri – the Legal Crusader who became a Symbol of Resistance, died at her residence in Ahmedabad Saturday February 01, 2025.

Zakia Jafri was 86.

Zakia Jafri is survived by sons Tanveer and Zubair, and daughter Nishrin. “Mom passed away at around 11:30 AM”, she told media.

Zakia Jafri’s sad demise was later shared with the world by Rights Activist, Journalist and Author, Teesta Setalvad.

“Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of the Human Rights Community passed away just 30 minutes ago!” Teesta Setalvad wrote on her X account around 01:30 PM Saturday.

“Her visionary presence will be missed by the nation, family. friends & world! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa!” Teesta wrote while condoling Zakia Jafri’s death.

Originally from Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, Zakia Jafri had shifted to Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 1971. This after living in a refugee camp after her home in Khandwa was burnt during the 1969 communal riots.

Zakia Jafri’s husband Ehsan Jafri was a freedom fighter and Member of Parliament.

Ehsan Jafri and his family had provided shelter to dozens of Muslim families at their Gulbarg Society in Ahmedabad during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

But, the society, considered to be a safe haven because of Jafri family’s stature, too was targeted by the rioters who burnt alive and killed at least 68, including Ehsan Jafri.

Zakia Jafri later fought a long legal battle to seek justice for the 2002 Gujarat riot victims. She had also challenged the SIT clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Chief Minister Gujarat, during the riots.

During the long legal battle she was threatened and later cajoled by different means and tactics. She however remained firm.

Zakia Jafri is likely to be laid to rest beside her husband in Ahmedabad.

Condolences pour in

Meanwhile, condolences are pouring in from different circles after the demise of Zakia Jafri.

Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, in his condolence message said, “Zakia Jafri, an unwavering voice for the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots, is no more. The widow of former MP Ehsan Jafri, who was brutally murdered by a Sangh Parivar-led mob, she dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice. Her relentless fight leaves behind a legacy of courage and resilience. Her memory will continue to inspire us in our fight against communalism and divisive forces.”

Congress Spokesperson, Pawan Khera, wrote, “Zakia Jafri died today. Her Hope for justice had died in her life time. She chronicled the history of ‘New India’ through her tears, her sobs, her fight and her defeat.”

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi in his condolence message wrote, “Zakia Jafri watched her husband being murdered by a mob in 2002. For nearly two decades, she fought a lonely legal battle against some of India’s most powerful men, never showing fear. She passed away today. May Allah grant her peace and strength to her loved ones.”

Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) who was posted in Gujarat during the 2002 Godhra Riots condoled Zakia Jafri’s death in these words.

“Zakia Jafri Ji was an unshakable voice of truth against power. For decades, she fought not just for justice, but for truth, dignity and the very soul of our democracy. Her strength in the face of unimaginable loss will forever inspire us. Today, India has lost a true warrior, but her courage will live on! Rest in power, Zakia Ji!!”

Condoling the death of Zakia Jafri, Journalist and TV Anchor Rajdeep Sardesai worte: “Sad news: Zakia Jafri, whose husband and former Cong MP Ehsan Jafri was brutally killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots passed away today. For years, she fought a valiant battle for justice. When even an MP’s wife struggles to be heard, imagine the plight of an ordinary citizen. And yet, she remained steadfast and courageous till the end. Refused to give up.”

Mumtaz Patel, daughter of Congress leader Ahmed Patel, condoled Zakia Jafri’s death in these words.

“Zakia Jafri ji, symbol of resilience and an unwavering voice for justice, is no more. Her fight for truth and accountability in the face of unimaginable tragedy will always be remembered. May she rest in power.”

My heart goes out to the brave lady #ZakiaJafri who fought against these devils and those three judges who betrayed you . But they all will have to pay for their karmas before they depart from this world,this also includes the supreme leader . pic.twitter.com/JQUZTueTuI— Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) February 1, 2025.

“Zakia Jafri, widow of former parliamentarian Ehsan Jafri, who was killed by a Hindutva mob in the 2002 Gujarat genocide, Zakia Jafri Survived in genocide and become the relentless voice of Justice”, Noor Mahvish, a lawyer, wrote on X.

“Zakia Jafri . A life time of a fight for justice 23 years out of the 85 she spent on this earth ,waiting for justice for the killing of her husband along with the people they tried to protect inside Gulberg Society in Gujarat 2002”, a social media user, who identifies her as Realm of Bohemia, wrote.

“Brave and fearless, she fought for Justice till the end”, an activist wrote.

“She left this world fighting for justice and showing the whole world how to never give up”, Razia Pathan, an activist, wrote.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India / by ummid.com News Network / February 01st, 2025

Tahsildar of Humnabad Anjum Tabassum Honoured on National Voters’ Day

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Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) / Humnabad (Bidar District), KARNATAKA :

Humnabad:

Anjum Tabassum, Tahsildar of Humnabad in Bidar district of Karnataka was presented with an award for her excellent performance as Assistant Electoral Registration Officer during Parliamentary elections 2024.

State governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave away the award to her on National Voters’ Day in Bengaluru on January 25.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding efforts and dedication during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Her hard work has paid off, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her commitment to ensuring free and fair election.

Anjum Tabassum Lashkari from Gulbarga cracked the Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) in 2014. She did her masters from Gulbarga University and had schooling earlier in Shahbad town.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / January 27th, 2025

Naseema Gain: Human Trafficking Survivor Helps 4000 Rescued Women

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Maslandpur, WEST BENGAL :

Human trafficking is the illegal process of moving or luring a person from one place to another using deception, threats, pressure, duress, or other abusive means for financial gain. Most of them trafficking children are pushed into the sex trade.

Fifteen years before, she was a victim of human trafficking. Today, leaving her past behind, Naseema Gain, 28, has rescued more than 4,000 women from the flesh trade and is helping them lead a normal life, reports Awaz The Voice.

“It was 2009. I remember there was a Puja function at my school on that day. I was happy. I have known him since childhood, as his uncle lived in our village. I and my friend happily sat in his car when he offered to drop us at our place. Little did I know this incident was going to change my life. When I regained consciousness, we found ourselves at an unfamiliar place. I had no idea where I was.” The 13-year-old Naseema Gain had no idea that she had landed in the net of human traffickers.

Born in Maslandpur, West Bengal, Naseema Gain had a happy childhood till an acquaintance kidnapped her on the pretext of offering her a ride to school.

Fortunately, she was released after 10 months. However, she faced a bigger tragedy on her return home when she found people looked at her and treated her differently. Due to prejudices, people didn’t treat her as a victim.

Naseema didn’t give up. Today she is helping hundreds of girls who are victims of human trafficking by rescuing and rehabilitating them.

Narrating the incident of her kidnapping, Naseema says, “He asked me and one of my friends if we would like to go home in his car. There was also another person in the car. Not knowing his intentions, we happily sat in the car. He took us to a deserted place and dropped us saying that he would return after some time.

“After a while, a person came in another car and said that he would drop us home. It was dark, so we accepted his offer least knowing that this lift would turn was going to change our lives.”

They sold Naseema and her friend in Bihar. On her life in a brothel, Naseema says, “They taught us to dance and sing. If anyone did not obey them, they were beaten, tortured, and made to starve. We had lost all hope of returning home.”

She says violence, torture, and starvation were routine punishments for the inmates of a brothel. One day Naseema and her friend were sold as maids. This gave them a chance to escape.

Naseema worked as a house help for a professor. “Slowly I started following their language. One day I told him about my story of being kidnapped and sold and asked him to help me return to my home. I somehow managed to gather the courage to tell this to him.”

She also told the professor that if he didn’t help them and sent them back to the agency, the girls would face torture and be resold.

The professor asked her to provide him contact number of her home. Naseema didn’t remember hers but her friend had memorised her telephone number. The kind-hearted professor called the number and both the girls were rescued with the help of the police.

However, before the police and the parents could reach Naseema and the other girl, the trafficker came to know about this. He called the Professor who shifted them to different secret locations for safety. After tracking them for several weeks, Naseema and her friend were finally freed after 10 months.

Naseema says, “It still feels surreal to be rescued and taken home. I had lost all hope, but our and the police’s efforts would be successful. I am very grateful to those professors.”

Her family was happy at her rescue and return home but the villagers were not ready to accept her.

“This is the sad truth of our society. I was a victim of circumstances, and yet had to face ostracism.” She adds, “Parents would tell their children not to speak with us,” she says.

She said, “We were not allowed to go to school because the school refused to admit us.”

“Ten months of torture and then this kind of treatment from society alienated me. I didn’t leave my house for the next five years,” she says, “Even after coming out of the quagmire of human trafficking, I was saddened by the ostracism by society.”

Naseema’s parents contacted an NGO which was into counselling of human trafficking survivors. Naseema says that counselling gave her a lot of strength. She was convinced that she could only counsel those who had survived this inhuman quagmire. She contacted girls and women who had been rescued from human traffickers and brothels and helped them.

Naseema says, “I have tried to build a life with whatever I have. Call it courage, hope, or luck. That is why I dare to help others. To help more girls like me, I started working with ‘Utthan Collective’, an organisation that provides training, counselling, and support to girls and victims.

She says victims like her are treated like criminals even after their rescue. She wants to create a new identity for all such victims.

In 2019, Naseema co-founded the Indian Leadership Forum Against Trafficking (ILFAT) with similar anti-trafficking groups across the country. The organisation’s work spans across nine states and has given a new direction to the lives of more than 4500 victims.

She adds, “A person who has gone through such a situation needs a lot of care, love, and respect. In the process of trafficking, they have lost all their self-esteem. Often, society rejects them; in many cases, even their families disown them. We provide them with the necessary help and shelter.”

The organisation trains victims in various skill-based jobs and helps them earn a livelihood. “We reach out to victims and provide them with mental health support and counselling. Through outreach programmes, their trauma and grief connect. So, they don’t feel any loss there. This helps them move forward,” Naseema says.

About her work, Naseema says, “Many times different NGOs approach me and learn how ILFAT and Utthan work. This is a huge inspiration and victory for me.” She adds, “With the organisation, I want to create a safe environment for the victims, ensure that the culprits get proper punishment and all the surviving girls are rehabilitated.”

Naseema, along with her colleagues, helps improve the mental health of the girls who have been rescued from the quagmire of human trafficking, provides compensation, makes the girls aware of their skills, and nurtures them by giving them necessary training.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / January 28th, 2025

Students of National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL)Win International Arbitral Award

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Ranchi, JHARKHAND :

Zainab-ul-Kubra (3rd year), and Intizar-ul-Islam (4th year), Prize winners from NUSRL

Ranchi:

Students of National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), have secured first place in the International Arbitral Award Writing Competition. Two university students, Intizar-ul-Islam (4th year) and Zainab-ul-Kubra (3rd year), achieved the top honour in the 5th Surana & Surana RGNUL International Arbitral Award Writing Competition 2024.

This is a significant achievement for the university, as the duo won this accolade by outperforming participants from some of the most renowned universities in India and abroad. The competition was organised by Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys.

Participants were tasked with drafting an arbitral award based on a hypothetical legal problem.

More than 72 contestants took part, including students pursuing BA-LLB, LLM, PhD, MPhil, or other law-related courses. The competition deadline was October 30, 2024, and the results were announced in January.

Based on their exceptional skills, Intizar and Zainab not only secured the first position but also received a cash prize of ₹25,000 for their victory. Their success highlights their dedication and expertise in the field of law. The competition served as an excellent platform for students to showcase their legal writing abilities.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Ashok R. Pal, congratulated Intizar and Zainab on their achievement.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 21st, 2025

Carrom world champion gets Rs 1 cr from Tamil Nadu government

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Khazima practised 12 hours daily for months to prepare for the championship.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin awarding Rs1 crore cash to M Khazima (Photo | Express)

Chennai :

Three TN women dominated the Women’s Carrom World Championship. M Khazima (18), the youngest world champion, who competed in doubles and team events, received Rs 1 crore from the state government. Mithra (17) and Nagajothi (26), who won the doubles and team events, received Rs 50 lakh each from Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in a felicitation conducted by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

Khazima practised 12 hours daily for months to prepare for the championship. Mehaboob Basha (her father), an autorickshaw driver, runs the Cherian Nagar Carrom Coaching Club with 45 members. “This is a huge recognition,” Khazima said.

“My brother, Abdul Rahman (26), a Junior National Champion, quit playing due to our financial condition. We live in a rented house, and my father’s club is also in a rented space.” She added that the government has promised to improve the club and revealed that she plans to buy a house with the money.

Mithra’s father also drives an autorickshaw. She learned carrom when she was in Class 5. She said her father bought her a carrom board since none of the people playing carrom in her compound included her. She expressed her dream of buying a house and supporting other players.

Nagajothi was part of the winning team in the Asian Cup. She works as an Income Tax Inspector, selected through the sports quota.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Tamil Nadu / by Subhashini Vijayakumar / December 19th, 2024

Book Review: An Account Of A Life In Indian Politics

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Barabanki District, UTTAR PRADESH :

This is just not another memoir of a politician happily or unhappily bounds to look back; the author, instead, talks like a grandmother narrating a story of post-independent India somewhat interlinked with the Congress.

Mohsina Kidwai, author of the book ‘My Life in Indian Politics’

Book Review: Non-fiction (Memoir)/2022; My Life in Indian Politics by Mohsina Kidwai (As told to Rasheed Kidwai); HarperCollins, 300pp (Hardback)
 
Indian politics is a sort of ‘wonder’ and its unique existential positioning can’t be imagined without people behind its ups and downs. Reading the memoirs, especially of those who served in public life for long, is amongst the rewarding pastimes of a reader. I read Mohsina Kidwai’s memoir as a manuscript, and of course, I reread it even more carefully in its print version. Here is a candid account of a prominent political figure of India who dispels the stereotyped traditional notions that are usually expected to be self-centred and being extra boastful in the first person narrative.

Mohsina Kidwai has been in public life as a member of the Indian National Congress for over six decades. A cabinet minister in several successive central governments and a senior office-holder in the Congress, she has had a ringside view of Indian politics for almost the entire span of independent India’s existence. She has witnessed, and been a participant in, the tenures of prime ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and was a member of parliament until 2016, one of only twenty Muslim women to have been elected to the Lok Sabha since 1951. She has had a prolific track record that can’t be compared with her fellow women politicians, more so, from the Muslim community.

My Life in Indian Politics by Mohsina Kidwai

The book reflects well on her long and eventful life in politics and covers quite skilfully her contributions to public life, and also succeeds in providing an honest appraisal of the turn in fortunes of the political party she has remained a loyal member of over the decades. The author along with co-author and senior journalist Rasheed Kidwai, endow the readers with rare glimpses to homes, lives and hurly-burly of election campaigns from bygone era when Congress dominated the political landscape at centre and in the states.
 
One such memorable one was the Azamgarh bypoll in 1978, which Mohsina Kidwai won as Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief, and which signalled a revival of the Congress’s fortune after its spectacular defeat in the post-Emergency general elections of 1977. The book’s cover informs you and inside, the details and rich and beautifully presented. 
 
We get to see little known facts about India’s Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and P V Narsimha Rao. Similarly, she is forthright in accepting that her move to join the breakaway Tiwari Congress in 1995 was a mistake.
 
Here is a quick recap of a few of them:
 
Mohsina Kidwai talks about an incident which happened when Lal Bahadur Shastri had visited Barabanki sometime in the early 1950s. “A few years after marriage, I saw Shastriji, who had come to meet my father-in-law. Jameel ur Rahman Kidwai Saab had stood for elections and Shastriji was canvassing for him. Shastriji was a simple man. Our domestic help, who did not recognize him, asked him where he was from. Shastriji, by then already a Union minister, replied that he had come in connection with the election and wished to meet Jameel Saab.
 
“He will return home in the evening,” the domestic help told Shastriji and asked him to wait. Shastriji waited. The servant served him tea.
  
In the evening, when my father-in-law returned, he saw Shastriji waiting.
 
A little embarrassed, my father-in-law scolded the servant for not informing him about the guest. After that Shastriji became a member of our extended family.” 
Some rarest accounts on Indira Gandhi: 
 
“Indiraji was extremely caring and attentive. I can go on talking about many instances. Sometime after the 1977 Lok Sabha polls when Indira ji was in opposition, she planned to visit Badrinath for puja. I and Narayan Dutt Tiwari and I accompanied her. It was an October month. We were told that puja starts at 4 am. Asking us to wait, she went to the temple for Puja. We were to start at 6 am on the return journey to New Delhi. At 5 am, Indiraji returned from the temple and checked whether all the vehicles of our convoy were ready. The pundit of the temple offered us breakfast. When we were having breakfast, the drivers were heating the engines of their respective vehicles. I told Indiraji, we had breakfast but poor drivers must be hungry. They have not even had tea as they were busy heating vehicle engines. I suggested we stop at the first tea shop in return for the drivers to have tea. She agreed.
 
Indiraji had the habit of carrying some snacks with her in a basket during travel. After a while I saw her taking out some biscuits from the basket kept beneath her seat. She tore the biscuits in four pieces and asked the driver to pick the pieces one by one from her hand while driving. She extended her hand carrying biscuit pieces and the driver did what he was told to do. Indiraji used to enjoy such affection and spontaneous display of it that it often stunned me and used to fill my heart with admiration and pride for my leader.”
 
“Indiraji could also sense what people around her were feeling. Once we were traveling by an overnight train to Gorakhpur and I suddenly realised I was alone with the Prime Minister in the first-class coupe. She sensed that I was a little uncomfortable and directed me to turn my face towards the wall and go off to sleep,” adds the author.

Undeniably, the book is written with honesty and simplicity, and should be better known as a work to assess an entire era in Indian politics. This is just not another memoir of a politician happily or unhappily bound to look back. She, instead, talks like a grandmother narrating a story of post-independent India somewhat interlinked with the Congress. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in knowing India, its democracy and the foundational stories of a remarkable journey.
 
(The author is a policy professional, columnist and writer with a special focus on South Asia. Views expressed are personal.)

source: http://www.outlook.com / Outlookindia.com / Home> Culture & Society> Book Review / by Atul K Thakur / January 07th, 2023

Muzaffar Hussain Baig: one of the top 9 India legal geniuses in politics has a tough beginning in life

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Wahdina Village / Sringar, KASHMIR / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Muzaffar Hussain Baig at his home

Muzaffar Hussain Baig is among nine top Indian legal luminaries who also took to politics. He figures in the book Courting Politics by Shweta Bansal, along with other well-known legal bigwigs like Ram Jethmalani, Shanti Bhushan, P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal, Arun Jaitley, Salman Khurshid, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Baig, a recipient of Padma Bhushan (2020), who held several top positions in the government – Advocate General of J&K, Deputy Chief Minister, Law Minister, a member of Lok sabha – has risen in life wading through extremely difficult circumstances and yet never allowed anything do diminish his thirst for knowledge and limit his genius.

Having studied Law at the Harvard in the USA after graduating from the Delhi University’s School of Law, he also practiced in the US and Supreme Court of India before shifting to Kashmir. He was keen to make a difference to society and contested Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. However, with the onset of the Pakistan-backed insurgency in Kashmir in the summer of 1989, Baig jettisoned his dream of pursuing a political career.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig

Baig is credited with drafting the anti-defection law of the J&K and his legal genius is reflected through the important cases he won in the Supreme Court of India and the J&K High Court.

Baig, 78, was born as the second of eight siblings in Wahdina village near Baramulla in North Kashmir. Though the family had a rich and royal legacy, he lived a life of penury. Baig speaks of he footing two km distance to school barefoot.

At the school, he was seen as a determined and hard-working student. One of his teachers Mohammad Maqbool Shah encouraged him to participate in activities like drama and speech making. Baig also taught to younger students in the school.

He learned the English alphabet in his 6th standard as was the norm those days. Soon, he started speaking in the English language with a “thick Kashmiri accent”. He topped the Board examination of the State in the 8th standard (Middle).

He shifted to Baramulla town,15 km away from home, to study further.

There was no stopping for this genius from then onwards till he joined Delhi University for his LLB and topped the examination. He then joined Harvard, USA, for higher studies and again topped the examination.

“You will find all over the world that there is an inbuilt desire in the minds of people to join politics, not to become Government functionaries but to secure some change for the society”, Muzaffar Hussain Baig told Awaz-The Voice at his residence, overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar.

The Cover of the Book Courting Politics

He said, “I wanted to see the welfare of people…. had this desire to represent society. I did not even charge anything from my clients for whom it was unaffordable”, he said. “Politics, for me, was not just a profession but a mission to represent my society”.

Baig’s maiden attempt in politics, and as a distinguished lawyer having practiced in the US and Supreme Court of India, brought him to the notice of several political leaders including the then Congress leader and a former Minister, Abdul Ghani Lone, and the National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and also former union Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Lone had later constituted the Peoples Conference in the 1970’s, after quitting Congress. “Abdul Ghani Lone, with the idea of some change in Jammu and Kashmir, had become important as a political leader”, with mass support in Kupwara. North Kashmir. Lone extended his support to Baig in a couple of subsequent Lok Sabha elections. Baramulla constituency, then comprising Baramulla district of the entire North Kashmir, now comprises three districts, Kupwara carved out in 1979 and Bandipore carved out in 2007.

Describing Abdul Ghani Lone a rebel, who was among several others after having been educated at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Baig said that he (Lone) enquired “about my interest in politics. I was already contesting as an independent candidate, he assured me of his support in Kupwara”, he said.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig as a student in Harvard

Baig added that both of them almost belonged to a similar “deprived background”, and had to suffer together for many years. Abdul Ghani Lone represented his home constituency of Handwara in 1967, 1971 (Cong), 1977 (JP), and Karnah, 1983 (Peoples Conference) both constituencies in the Kupwara district. Things changed with the eruption of militancy late in 1989, leading to a political vacuum. 

Having been at the forefront of political activities in Jammu and Kashmir since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was launched by the former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 1999, Baig had “good relations” with top political figures including former PMs, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh. He opines that Vajpayee was “extraordinarily intelligent” and Dr. Manmohan Singh was the most “humble and efficient person”.

Baig equally holds the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high esteem for his sincerity and clarity of approach. “A Statesman thinks about the next generation and a politician thinks for next elections.’ he said.

On his experiences in the Lok Sabha as a PDP MP from Baramulla between 2014 and 2019, Baig lays importance on the “substance and sincerity in speech” adding that one has to say “things openly for the (welfare of) people”. He hailed the high political qualities of former union Ministers, Ms Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig in his younger days

Given his distinguished legal background, Baig’s association was sought by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to frame the Constitution of a new political party, which later took the shape of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999. There was a need to float a new party while the Congress and National Conference were the only two national and regional level active political parties in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti, elected from the home constituency of Beijbehara in Anantnag district in 1996, was the CLP leader in the State Assembly.

Apart from practicing in the US after his post-graduation in the Law, Baig, being a senior counsel practiced extensively in J&K High Court, Delhi High Court, and Supreme Court of India Some of the important cases he had dealt with include the case of Reliance Petrochemicals in the SC, while he was associated with Shardul and Pallavi Shroff & Co in Bombay.

The case about Compulsory Convertible Debentures was being opposed by the senior Advocate, Ram Jethmalani. Quoting a ruling from the House of Lords, London, Baig, appearing for Ambanis asserted on the plea that no person should appear in public in any case while it is sub-juidice.  The verdict was in favor of his plea, while the senior lawyer, Ram Jethmalani withdrew from the case. The legal luminaries present included N A Palkivala, Fali S Nariman, and Soli Sorabji.

He soon returned to Kashmir and decided to contest the elections as an independent to “work for the welfare” of the people. In J&K he is known for the Anti-Defection Law, following the new government formation by G M Shah in July 1984. A close associate of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his son-in-law, G M Shah formed the Government after some of the NC MLAs defected to him from the Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah. Shah was the J&K Chief Minister from 1984 to November 1986, before Farooq Abdullah again took over after the Rajiv-Farooq Accord.

On the personal front, Baig got married to Safina in 2007, who is the first elected woman Chairperson of the J&K Haj Committee and also the DDC Chairperson of Baramulla.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / August 23rd, 2024

Muslim Mirror’s founding editor among the Prominent Changemakers of 2024

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA / Chennai, TAMIL NADU / INDIA :

Syed Zubair Ahmad, the founding editor of Muslim Mirror, has added another feather to his cap by being declared one of the prominent Changemakers of 2024 by the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP). The prestigious recognition was announced during a grand event held at the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, a deemed university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The event was graced by honorable guests and attended by a large gathering of participants from across India.

Ahmad, a distinguished journalist, is known for his powerful advocacy for the rights and representation of marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, in India. Over the course of his career, spanning more than two decades, he has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and journalistic integrity.

The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is Mumbai based pan India  non-profit organization dedicated to the socio-economic empowerment of the Muslim community in India. Through initiatives in education, employment, and community development, AMP works to foster leadership, skill-building, and social welfare, connecting professionals and organizations nationwide for collective progress.

“In a memorable ceremony, 100 inspiring individuals were honored with Changemaker Awards, and 100 state-level NGOs were recognized in the Best and Jury categories. Additionally, 10 organizations were celebrated in prestigious national categories,” said a press statement issued by AMP.

Notable national NGO awardees include;

  • ALTNEWS
  • APCR (Association for Protection of Civil Rights)
  • IMRC (Indian Muslim Relief & Charities??)
  • Institute of Objective Studies (IOS),
  • Allana CSR
  • Pataka CSR and
  • Seethakathi Trust

Some of the prominent Changemaker awardees included;

  • Syed Zubair Ahmad (Muslim Mirror)
  • Mohammed Wajihuddin (Times of India)
  • Aslayah Kallakath (Maktoob Media)
  • Abdur Rahman IPS (Retd.)
  • Akramul Jabbar IRS (Retd.)
  • Hammad Rahman
  • Adil Meraj and
  • Syeda Ruksheda.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously bestowed upon the Late Moosa Raza, IAS (Retd.), which was received by his family.

The Omar Khatani Memorial Award was presented to the Tarraqi I Foundation, while BSA Crescent Institute of Science & Technology received the Partner of the Year Award.

Mrs. Mariam Habib, Trustee of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, served as the Chief Guest and commended AMP’s efforts in education, employment, and empowerment. She emphasized the role of NGOs in bringing about significant societal change in collaboration with policymakers, and she noted that the legacy of the late B.S. Abdur Rahman is being continued with great dedication by the current leadership.

Dr. N. Raja Hussain, Registrar of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology and Guest of Honour, praised AMP’s work in recognizing and motivating various organizations and individuals. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the university and AMP in developing students and faculty through guest programs. The event was presided over by University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. T. Murugesan.

Motahar Hosain, Chief Executive and Guest of Honour, congratulated AMP for instituting these much-needed awards to acknowledge the contributions of individuals in the development sector. He remarked that despite the sacrifices made by these individuals in service to others, they seldom receive the appreciation they deserve, making these awards a significant recognition of their efforts.

 Mr. Farooq Siddiqui, Head of the AMP National Coordination Team and the driving force behind these awards, stated, “AMP believes in collaboration and has been working alongside multiple organizations since its inception. Through the AMP NGO Connect project, we are connected with over 7,000 social organizations across nearly all districts of India, helping them with capacity building and implementing AMP’s social welfare projects in their regions. These awards are our way of appreciating their efforts and motivating them to continue their impactful work.” He also thanked the AMP Chapter and state teams for mobilizing massive nominations and captivated the audience at the packed Crescent Convention Center Hall with his superb and engaging awards announcement.

 Ms. Shereen Sultana, State Head – AMP Tamil Nadu, in her address, shared details about AMP’s initiatives and invited everyone to join hands for the betterment of society and nation-building. She expressed her gratitude to the management and staff of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology for their cooperation in hosting the event and mentioned how she took up the challenge of organizing the awards ceremony in Chennai.

AMP Tamil Nadu State Executive Team member Mr. Yahya Rasheed welcomed the guests and successfully hosted the event with the support of Prof. Ansar.

The awards process for the NASE was multi-layered, with state, central, and a 9-member distinguished jury led by A.R. Khan, IAS (Retd.), President of A.R. Welfare Foundation, Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, Founder & President of Zakat Foundation of India, Dr. Farah Usmani, Founder & Chairperson of Rising Beyond The Ceiling, Prof. Zubair Meenai, Professor & Former Head of the Dept. of Social Work, JMI, Prof. Naseem Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Dept. of Social Work, AMU, Dr. Shazia Manzoor, Head of DSW, University of Kashmir, Sherin Ali, Global Lead – Corporate Social Responsibility, WNS, Sajid Ali, COO of Tech Mahindra Foundation, and Gulzar Hussain, Head of Government Partnerships, UN World Food Program (India).

The success of the 4th edition of the awards was attributed to the collaborative efforts of key AMP team members, including Sajjad Parvez, AMP Zonal Head – South India; Dr. B. Raja Hussain, State Secretary; Syed Faheem, Chennai Chapter Head; and Syed Deen, Chennai Chapter Secretary. Their contributions, along with the support from the back-office teams at the Central Offices in Mumbai and Vaniyambadi, were instrumental in making the event a success.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Media> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / August 22nd, 2024

Malkapur Student Nazifa Namus Wins Top Prize in District Speech Competition

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Malkapur (Buldhana District) , MAHARASHTRA :

Malkapur, Buldhana :

In a district-level speech competition organized by the Umeed Foundation, Malkapur’s Al-Huda Urdu Girls School and Junior College student, Nazifa Namus, emerged victorious, securing the first position.

Daughter of Tariqullah Khan, Namus impressed judges and spectators alike with her eloquence.

She was awarded an honorary certificate and a cash prize of eleven thousand rupees.

The event, held on Sunday, garnered attention from dignitaries such as Abdul Karim Salar, President of the Education Society, and Rajesh Akde, a prominent member of the Provincial Assembly.

Also present were Maulana Ashfaq Qasmi, Haji Rasheed Khan and senior police officials from the city.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Zaina Aman (headline edited) / Radiance News Bureau / March 06th, 2024