Karkala’s miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa honoured by President Murmu

Gadag / Karkala (Udupi District) KARNATAKA :

Karkala:

Renowned miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa, a native of Gadag district and currently residing in Karkala, was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu after participating in the Artist-in-Residence programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The 10-day programme brought together 12 artists from across India, representing traditional art forms such as Banaras mural, Thangka, Nayak, Kerala mural, Basohli, Surpur and Mysuru styles.

Kamal Ahmed has been practising miniature painting for nearly three decades. He has drawn inspiration from the Vijayanagara Garudadri style and has developed a distinctive style of his own.

As part of the programme, he created an artwork at Rashtrapati Bhavan and displayed two artworks in total. One of the works was based on stories from the Panchatantra.

President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the participating artists and viewed their works. She appreciated their contribution towards preserving India’s traditional art forms and passing them on to future generations.

The Artist-in-Residence programme was organised to celebrate India’s artistic heritage and promote traditional art forms while strengthening the country’s cultural identity. Malekoppa’s selection has also brought national recognition to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting tradition.

Kamal Ahmed previously worked as an art teacher for 18 years at Government High School in Shivapura, Hebri taluk, Udupi district. His artworks are displayed on the walls of government office buildings in Hebri and at various institutions.

Speaking about his selection for the programme, Malekoppa expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He described the experience as an unforgettable moment in his life and said the recognition had brought national attention to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting style and its place in India’s artistic heritage.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 20th, 2026

Meet Dr. Azizuddin Khan: IIT Prof Recommended for J.C. Bose Fellowship

Mahinpura (Bahraich District) UTTAR PRADESH / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

An Inspiring Journey of IIT Bombay Professor Dr. Azizuddin Khan from a Small Town in Bahraich to Global Recognition in Science and Research

In a landmark achievement for Indian Science and Research, Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan, eminent Psychologist, Neuroscientist and Psychophysiologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), has been recommended for the prestigious J.C. Bose Fellowship (ANRF J.C. Bose Grant).

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) recommended the honour in recognition of Dr. Azizuddin Khan’s outstanding scientific research, innovation and contributions aimed at improving human well-being in August 2026. 

The J.C. Bose Fellowship is one of India’s prestigious recognitions for active senior scientists and engineers who have made outstanding contributions to science, engineering, medicine and related fields. The fellowship provides research support to enable distinguished scientists to continue advanced research and mentor the next generation of researchers.

From a Small Town to IIT

Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan hails from Mahinpurwa, a small town in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. After completing his early education at a local inter college, he chose psychology as his field of study despite family expectations.

He secured first position in his undergraduate studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) & subsequently completed his M.A. in Clinical Psychology. He later earned his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from IIT Kanpur, which laid the foundation for his distinguished research career.

Distinguished Research at IIT Bombay

Prof. Khan has been associated with IIT Bombay for nearly two decades and currently serves as an India Value Chair Professor. He is among the leading researchers associated with the Psychophysiology Laboratory.

He is also associated with important research initiatives including the Sunita Sanghi Centre for Ageing & Neurodegenerative Diseases (SCAN), Koita Centre for Digital Health (KCDH) and the IIT Bombay-FedEx ALFA Centre.

He has played an important role in developing an advanced Psychophysiology Laboratory at IIT Bombay, where researchers use technologies such as EEG, Eye Tracking, Event-Related Potentials (ERP), Neurofeedback and other modern neuroscientific techniques to study the human brain, cognition and behaviour.

Diverse and Human-Centred Research

Prof. Khan’s research is closely connected with real-life human challenges. His major areas of research include:

  • Dyslexia and Reading Disorders
  • Autism and ADHD
  • Memory and Prospective Memory
  • Attention, cognition and brain processes
  • Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Psychological stress and depression
  • Brain activity during Urdu, Hindi and bilingual reading
  • Urdu script and its processing in the human brain
  • Artificial Intelligence and mental health
  • Human psychology under extreme environmental conditions

Through his multidisciplinary research, he has contributed significantly to the fields of psychology, psychophysiology and neuroscience. 

Technology-Based Research for Dyslexia

One of the most significant areas of Prof. Khan’s research is dyslexia. He has contributed to the development of ‘Brainu’, a screening application designed to facilitate the early identification of children who may have reading difficulties.

The application uses engaging, game-based activities to assess certain reading-related abilities and help identify children who may require further assessment or support.

He has also worked on innovative Haptic Belt/Bracelet technology, which uses specific vibrations to help children recognise and experience the correct sounds associated with letters and words.

Such technology has the potential to support children learning Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Arabic and English, particularly those experiencing difficulties in reading and phonological processing.

Pioneering Research on the Urdu Script

Another distinctive area of Prof. Khan’s research is the neural processing of the Urdu script. His research examines how the human brain processes Urdu text written from right to left while simultaneously dealing with numbers written from left to right.

Using Eye Tracking and EEG technologies, he has investigated the cognitive and neural processes involved in Urdu and bilingual reading. His work has contributed to the scientific understanding of how multilingual readers process different writing systems. 

Research in Antarctica

Prof. Khan has also participated in India’s Antarctic research programme, where he studied human psychology under extremely cold and isolated environmental conditions.

His research examined aspects such as memory, mental health, emotional well-being and behavioural changes among people living and working in extreme environments. He has also undertaken research related to self-awareness in penguins, attracting attention within the scientific community.

Representing India on the Global Research Platform

Prof. Khan has represented India at numerous international academic and scientific forums. He has presented his research in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Finland, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries.

His academic contribution includes more than 200 research publications, several international book chapters, patents and research projects. He has also guided numerous Ph.D. scholars, many of whom are today working as professors and researchers at leading IITs, NITs and universities in India and abroad.

An Inspiring Message for Young Students

According to Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan, success depends not merely on intelligence but on hard work, curiosity, perseverance, patience and a continuous desire to learn. 

His own journey demonstrates that a student from a small town can achieve global recognition through education, determination and sustained research.

A Matter of Pride for the Nation

The recommendation of Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan for the J.C. Bose Fellowship is not only a personal achievement but also a matter of pride for the Indian scientific community, IIT Bombay, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the residents of Bahraich.

His continuing work in psychology, neuroscience, education, mental health and artificial intelligence is expected to open new avenues of research and contribute to improving the lives of children, students and society at large.

[The writer, Akhlaq Shaikh, is a Career Counsellor, Mumbai. He alsow writes for Urdu Daily Inquilab.]

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Akhlaque (Akhlaq) Shaikh / August 18th, 2026

Hyderabad’s MS Junior College Student Tops Telangana Minority Merit List in NEET 2026

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Mohammad Taqi Ahmed Ali Shams secured the highest rank among minority students in Telangana with 666 out of 720 marks and an All India Rank of 652.

Hyderabad :

Mohammad Taqi Ahmed Ali Shams, a student of MS Junior College of the city, has secured the first rank among minority students in the Telangana NEET 2026 State Merit List, delivering another major achievement for MS Education Academy.

Taqi Ahmed scored 666 marks out of 720 in the NEET 2026 examination and secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 652, making him the highest-ranked minority student in Telangana.

The academy also announced that 34 students scored 500 marks or more in NEET 2026, describing the result as another reflection of its consistent academic performance and quality teaching.

Several other students from MS Junior College also secured prominent positions in the Telangana Minority Merit List.

The successful students include:

  • Daniya Mirza – 23rd State Minority Rank
  • Mohammad Misbah Ali – 27th
  • Asid Tabish Antule – 28th
  • Shafia Begum – 43rd
  • Kausar Fatima – 48th
  • Liza Hussain – 57th
  • Zeba Rouheen – 68th
  • Sana Fatima – 73rd
  • Kausar Mirza – 75th
  • Fauzia Khanam – 98th
  • Sadia Sanobar – 102nd
  • Fakhra Tasneem – 105th
  • Bilal Shaikh – 106th
  • Sidra Jabeen – 108th
  • Syeda Amina – 109th

Congratulating the successful candidates, the management of MS Education Academy extended its best wishes to the students, their parents and teachers for their contribution to the outstanding performance.

The academy said the results reflected the dedication of students and the continued support of parents and faculty members.

The institution also expressed confidence that more than 200 students from the academy would secure free MBBS seats in leading government and private medical colleges across Telangana and other parts of the country through the NEET 2026 admission process.

The latest results further strengthen MS Education Academy’s record of producing successful medical aspirants and maintaining a strong presence in the Telangana State Merit List year after year.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India/ Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims/ by Team Clarion / August 03rd, 2026

From Middle-Class Roots to Rs 5 Crore: How IIM Bangalore’s Zaid Khan Built a Business at 25

UTTARAKHAND / NEW DELHI :

At 25, Zaid Khan is already running a business worth an estimated Rs 5 crore while pursuing his MBA at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore. The founder of Zedital Media Private Limited, a branding and media company, Khan recently shared his entrepreneurial story on The Crore Club podcast, hosted by Shreya Hegde.

His classmates at IIM Bangalore are preparing for annual job packages of Rs 25 to 40 lakh. Khan, by contrast, already leads a company offering Online Reputation Management, Content Distribution Management, and LinkedIn Profile Amplification Management services.

For students hoping to launch their own ventures, Khan offered two clear pieces of advice. The first is to start selling something, no matter how small. “Start selling something, whether it is a skill, a piece of advice, or any service, even if it is just for Rs 100 or Rs 200. It helps build confidence,” he said. The second is to build a strong online presence. “Content is the digital currency. Build your online presence because that is what creates opportunities,” he added.

Khan grew up in a middle-class family where conventional careers were strongly encouraged. “Everyone told me to become a doctor. The second option was engineering,” he recalled. During Class 12, he faced pressure to prepare for the NEET medical entrance examination. He chose a different path instead.

He began working with YouTube creators and took up freelance projects. A turning point came when he secured a freelancing assignment with a California-based influencer, earning Rs 1.24 lakh, his largest payment at the time. That experience convinced him a career outside traditional professions was possible.

Khan later completed a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism at Graphic Era Hill University between 2019 and 2022 before joining IIM Bangalore’s Business Administration programme in September 2024.

His recognitions include Youngest Entrepreneur of Uttarakhand, Innovative Entrepreneur 2024, and Trailblazer in Digital Marketing Solutions.

His journey demonstrates that starting early, gaining real-world experience, and consistently building a digital identity can open professional doors well before graduation.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News /Home> Features> Pride of the Nation>Markers of Excellence/ by Radiance News Bureau / July 29th,2026

THE ROOTED HEALER: How a Global Psychiatrist Keeps His Anchor in Telangana

Narayanpet, TELANGANA / INDIANA, U.S.A :

What is the true measure of a life well-lived? In an era obsessed with global mobility and material acquisition, the life of Dr. Muhammad Qutbuddin offers a compelling counter-narrative. An internationally acclaimed psychiatrist, academician, and philanthropist, Dr. Qutbuddin has spent more than 40 years in the United States, navigating the highest echelons of Western medicine. Yet, the glittering lights of America have done nothing to dim his devotion to his birthplace, Narayanpet. While his clinical practice operates within the high-tech medical landscapes of the West, his heart remains firmly tethered to the soil of Telangana.

Shattering the Vernacular Glass Ceiling

Long before he became the Director and Chief Psychiatrist at Star Psychiatric Services in Indiana, or taught the next generation of doctors as a professor at the University of Missouri, Dr. Qutbuddin was a young boy in Narayanpet, studying entirely in the Urdu medium from Class 1 to 11.

Dr. Muhammad Qutbuddin (R) with former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam

In today’s socio-educational climate, where vernacular schooling is often unjustly equated with limited horizons, Dr. Qutbuddin’s trajectory is a masterclass in resilience. Instead of letting language be a barrier, he turned it into a bridge, mastering five languages – Urdu, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Marathi – during his childhood. He independently conquered English by devouring international periodicals like The Herald and Reader’s Digest.

His academic brilliance eventually earned him a highly competitive merit seat at the prestigious Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad for his MBBS and MD. He then transitioned to the United States for advanced training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, later earning a Ph.D., bridging Western Medicine and Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation, an institution affiliated with Oxford University.

Confidant to a King

Among the many extraordinary chapters of his life is a deep, 27-year friendship with the legendary heavyweight boxing champion and civil rights icon, Muhammad Ali. Dr. Qutbuddin was not merely a casual acquaintance to ‘The Greatest’; he was a trusted personal advisor and confidant. Together, they walked through international philanthropic missions and social reform programmes across the United States, bound by a shared, fierce commitment to human equality, dignity, and social justice.

Healing the Homeland

Despite his high-profile life in the American Midwest, Dr. Qutbuddin never turned his back on the community that raised him. He was a critical, quiet catalyst in the socio-political movement that successfully advocated for Narayanpet to be recognised as a distinct district. Utilising his intellectual standing, he actively engaged with senior state leadership to bring vital development to the region, including a state-of-the-art medical college.

His philanthropy rejects the temporary band-aid of charity in favour of institutionalised empowerment. In honour of his lineage, he established the ‘Noor Jahan Library’ (named after his mother) and the ‘Muhammad Qasim Library’ (named after his grandfather), which fund free computer literacy centres and academic competitions for rural youth. Furthermore, he regularly returns to hold medical camps, providing free, specialised psychiatric evaluations and modern pharmaceutical supplies to impoverished communities that would otherwise suffer in silence.

The Clinical Lens on Gen-Z

As a seasoned clinician, Dr. Qutbuddin views the modern digital landscape with deep professional alarm. He writes extensively on the psychological warfare facing today’s youth, warning against the twin epidemics of internet addiction and substance abuse. From a strict neurological standpoint, he notes that persistent exposure to explicit digital content and excessive screen time fundamentally alters basic brain chemistry, weakening cognitive systems and eroding long-term willpower.

Similarly, he views the rising crisis of drug abuse not just as a social vice, but as a severe neurotoxic emergency that shatters families and robs the younger generation of their immense potential. To offer practical interventions, his organisation, American Youth for Positive Living, works globally with adolescents. Through structured mentorship, digital fasting, and goal-setting, he helps teenagers build the moral resilience and psychological armour needed to navigate the modern world.

A Dastarkhwan in the West: Foundations on the Floor

Walk into the private domain of this global medical expert, and you will not find the cold detachment of luxury. Despite his affluence, Dr. Qutbuddin maintains an unyielding adherence to simplicity. Rejecting the formal distance of modern dining, his family continues the sacred custom of sitting together on the floor around a traditional dastarkhwan (cloth-spread) to share meals. For him, this is not just a habit; it is a profound cultural anchor. It ensures that while his mind touches the peak of global achievement, his feet remain firmly planted on the ground.

In an age characterised by rapid cultural erosion and individualistic detachment, Dr. Qutbuddin stands as an inspiring testament to an eternal truth: true success is not measured by how far you travel, but by what you give back to the soil that nurtured you. He remains a living, breathing bridge between two worlds – proof that you can embrace global knowledge without ever losing your local soul.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation> Personality / by Mujahid Md / June 08th, 2026