Awaz e Khwateen, a New Delhi-based NGO working towards women’s empowerment, organised its Women’s Personality Development and Skill Enhancement Initiative NIKHAAR (Nurture, Inspire, Know, Hone, Aspire, Achieve, Rise) at the Islamia Girls Inter College here on Wednesday.
The NIKHAAR initiative workshop explained the importance of young women becoming confident, discovering themselves, the courage to question established beliefs and the willingness to keep learning.
Led by Uzma Qamar, Director of Eduvision, the NIKHAAR session explored the importance of personality development, self-awareness and the skills that help women navigate an ever-changing world. Principal Chaman Jahan supported the initiative.
Conceived as a platform for personal growth and skill enhancement, NIKHAAR aims to help women build confidence, strengthen communication, develop leadership qualities and recognise their potential. At its heart is a simple belief that growth is not just about acquiring new skills. It is also about letting go of the fears, assumptions and limitations that often prevent people from moving forward.
Speaking on the occasion, Shariqa Malik, Convenor of Awaz-e-Khwateen, said, “Change is the only constant, but embracing change is not always easy. Sometimes, the first step towards becoming who we aspire to be is unlearning who we have been taught to be. We must be willing to question old beliefs, let go of what holds us back and make room for new learnings. Growth begins when we allow ourselves to see the world differently and, in doing so, discover new possibilities within ourselves. Through NIKHAAR, we hope to create that space for women, a space where they can learn, question, express themselves and grow with confidence.”
The initiative reflects Awaz e Khwateen’s approach to empowerment as a continuous process that extends beyond access to opportunities. It recognises the importance of creating environments where women can develop their abilities, find their voices and feel equipped to make informed choices about their lives.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Mizan / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / October 22nd, 2026
Women candidates created history in the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union elections by winning six of the 13 posts, including the vice-president’s position, as results were announced on Friday.
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh: On the results of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students' Union elections, newly elected Vice-President Nashra Naeem says, "I believe that achieving this in such a short time, with limited resources and a small team, was possible because of the… pic.twitter.com/LFuA0UTopp
Nashra Naim became the first woman to be elected vice-president in the institution’s 105-year history. She secured 7,091 votes against her nearest rival’s 5,818. “I believe that achieving this in such a short time, with limited resources and a small team, was possible because of the dedication, courage, and sincerity of the people who joined us,” she said. “I feel that leadership needs to be redefined.”
Women also claimed a record five of the 10 cabinet member posts, marking a sharp rise in their representation.
Mohammad Noman Ashraf won the president’s post by a margin of more than 4,100 votes, while Mohammad Hamdan was elected secretary. Ashraf described the victory as the result of a long struggle after an eight-year gap in elections. “After a long struggle of eight years, we have finally achieved this opportunity, and it is a moment of great happiness,” he said. Hamdan added, “A victory this big comes with an even bigger responsibility, and I will do my best to fulfil it.”
Results were declared by Prof Javaid Talib, Chief Election Officer for the AMUSU and AMU Court elections, and Prof Nazia Hasan for the Women’s College Students’ Union. The polls were held after persistent student protests over three years. A senior faculty member noted that Gen Z protests had influenced the campaign, shifting focus beyond campus issues to broader national concerns, including those affecting Muslims.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon praised the peaceful conduct of the elections as “a triumph of the highest democratic traditions” and welcomed the increased participation of women. No violence was reported during the campaign.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / November 06th, 2026
Dr B M Zeeshan Hameed, professor and senior consultant, department of Urology and Renal Transplant, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru, has been featured in Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists for 2026. He is among 18 Indian urologists, nephrologists, doctors and scientists recognised under the research subfield of urology and nephrology.
Dr Hameed’s research work spans urology, artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare, medical technology and surgical techniques. His work includes studies on the use of AI and machine learning to identify kidney stones through CT scans and support the management of prostate cancer.
He has also worked on developing medical devices and applications related to urological procedures and patient care. These include Zedd scissors, a surgical instrument designed for the removal of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours, and UROSTENTZ, a mobile application that helps doctors and patients track ureteric stents and monitor symptoms. His Rector scissors-needle system for tissue removal and intracavitary hydro-dissection received a grant of Rs 50 lac under the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council’s (BIRAC) BIG-16 programme in 2020.
His academic work includes 89 indexed research publications and five book chapters. He has also received recognition from professional bodies, including the Urology Society of India, for his contributions to research and innovation.
Dr Hameed completed his MBBS in 2008, MS in General Surgery in 2011 and MCh in Urology in 2015 from Kasturba Medical College under Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Before joining KMC Mangaluru in April 2024, he served as professor and head of the department of Urology at Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru.
He is also associated with several professional organisations, including the SAARC Urology Association, the European Section of Urolithiasis (EULIS) and the International Training and Research in Uro-oncology and Endourology (iTRUE) group.
The Stanford University list recognises researchers based on citation-related indicators of their scientific contributions. Dr Hameed’s inclusion places his research among the work recognised in the field of urology and nephrology.
About Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers serving over 8 million patients annually, focussed on providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services. Manipal’s integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 50 hospitals with over 13,400 licensed beds across 14 states & union territories. The network is India’s largest multispecialty hospital network by bed capacity, supported by a talented pool of 11,000+ doctors and an employee strength of over 25,000.
With a commitment to provide patient-centric care, Manipal Hospitals combines clinical expertise with advanced technology, research and innovation to serve a multitude of patients across the globe. Its continued focus on clinical quality and operational excellence is reflected in its NABH accreditation, with several of its hospitals also accredited by NABL and recognised for its excellence in nursing and emergency care.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld News Network – via Press Release / November 03rd, 2026
‘I might be more Indian than Arab,’ jokes US senator-elect about his South Indian family.
Dubai:
Thousands of kilometres from Washington, a coastal town in Karnataka has found an unexpected reason to celebrate a historic American election victory.
When Democrat Abdul El Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, the spotlight also fell on his wife, Dr Sarah Jukaku — an American-born psychiatrist whose family roots stretch back to Bhatkal, a town about 140km from Mangaluru.
And while her husband has made history in American politics, Sarah has already made one thing clear about who calls the shots at home.
“Nobody tells him what to do, except me!” she joked at a campaign rally, drawing laughter from the audience.
It was a light-hearted glimpse into a marriage that has lasted two decades and brought together Egyptian-American and South Indian family traditions.
A Karnataka connection spanning generations
Sarah was born and raised in Michigan, but her family’s story begins in Bhatkal, where her grandfather, Jukaku Shamshuddin, was a prominent lawyer and public figure.
He served as deputy finance minister in the erstwhile Mysore State government under Chief Minister BD Jatti during the 1950s.
According to family accounts reported by Indian newspapers, Shamshuddin was among the region’s pioneering legal professionals and played a significant role in Bhatkal’s development.
He is remembered for helping bring electricity to the town and supporting improvements in roads, town planning and educational institutions.
His legacy remains visible through a building named in his honour by Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, a charitable organisation that runs educational institutions in Bhatkal.
The family’s roots lie in the Nawayath community, whose history reflects centuries of trade and cultural connections between coastal Karnataka and the Arab world.
From Bhatkal to Michigan
Sarah’s father, Dr Tayeb Jukaku, grew up in Bhatkal and studied medicine in Bengaluru before moving abroad.
After spending time in the Middle East, he settled in Michigan in the 1980s and built a career as a nephrologist, a specialist in kidney diseases.
Although Sarah grew up in America, her father ensured that his children remained connected to their Indian heritage.
Family visits to Bengaluru and Bhatkal helped maintain relationships with relatives and introduced the younger generation to their ancestral hometown.
Her cousin, Jukaku Shamshuddin Zia, who divides his time between Dubai and Bengaluru, told The Indian Express that the family continued to stay in touch through visits and a family WhatsApp group.
For relatives in Karnataka, El Sayed’s victory has become a source of pride.
A doctor who married a future senator
Sarah’s own career is distinguished.
According to USA Today and The American Bazaar, Sarah studied sociology and Near Eastern studies at the University of Michigan before earning a master’s degree from the University of Oxford.
She later graduated from Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2015 and pursued a career in psychiatry.
She has worked in mental healthcare in Michigan and is associated with private psychiatric practice in Ann Arbor.
It was at the University of Michigan that she met Abdul El Sayed.
Both were involved in the university’s Muslim Students’ Association, and their friendship developed into a relationship.
The couple married in May 2006, when Sarah was 19.
They now have two daughters, Emmalee and Serene.
‘I might be more Indian than Arab’
After two decades of marriage, El-Sayed has developed a fondness for joking about his South Indian connections.
In an interview, he remarked that after being married into a South Indian family for 20 years, he had become thoroughly familiar with its culture.
“I might be more Indian than I am Arab,” he joked.
On another occasion, he described himself as being surrounded by “desi women”, referring affectionately to his wife and two daughters.
Sarah, meanwhile, was actively involved in his Senate campaign, appearing alongside him as he sought to make history in Michigan.
A historic victory in Michigan
El Sayed, 42, a former public health official, defeated Republican Mike Rogers in one of the most closely watched contests of the November 3 midterm elections.
His victory made him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate and kept the seat in Democratic hands following the retirement of Senator Gary Peters.
The Democrat campaigned on reducing living costs, expanding healthcare and limiting corporate influence in politics.
But his election also carried a deeply personal significance for a family whose journey stretches from coastal Karnataka to America’s political establishment.
For Sarah Jukaku, the moment brought together two worlds: the American state where she grew up and the Indian town that helped shape her family’s history.
And for Bhatkal, a place thousands of kilometres from Michigan, the election has given residents a remarkable connection to Washington — through a granddaughter of the town who stood beside her husband as he made history.
source: gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> World> Americas / by Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor, Gulf News / November 04th, 2026
India Islamic Academy Deoband (IIAD), has announced a seven-day online leadership and capacity-building workshop for women scholars, educators, students and professionals, scheduled to commence on November 15th, 2026, under its newly launched initiative, U-LEAD FOR GIRLS, which stands for Ulama Leadership, Empowerment and Development.
According to a Press release a total of 147 participants from across India, including professors, lawyers, college-going students, Aalimaat, teachers and school principals, participated in the initiative’s inaugural session. The programme introduced the objectives of the initiative and highlighted the importance of women’s education, leadership development, professional competencies and personal growth.
U-LEAD FOR GIRLS aims to establish a structured learning platform that combines educational and ethical foundations with practical skills relevant to women’s professional development, institutional responsibilities and community engagement. The initiative seeks to bring together women from religious, academic, legal and professional backgrounds, encouraging knowledge-sharing, collaboration and continuous learning.
IIAD Emphasises Leadership Development Alongside Education
Addressing the inaugural session, Maulana Mehdi Hasan Aini Qasmi, Founder and Director of IIAD, highlighted the importance of complementing education with structured training, intellectual development and practical leadership skills.
He emphasised the significant contribution of women scholars and educators to religious instruction, ethical development and the education of future generations. He underlined the need to equip them with contemporary teaching methodologies, effective communication and digital literacy and community engagement skills to strengthen their educational and social contributions.
Describing U-LEAD FOR GIRLS as an institutional initiative for identifying and developing women’s potential, Maulana Qasmi stressed the importance of enabling participants to assume greater responsibilities in educational institutions, professional environments and community initiatives.
He also highlighted the growing relevance of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, in contemporary education and professional development. He emphasised the importance of digital competencies, mental health awareness and women’s health education, noting that the application of modern knowledge and technology should remain guided by ethical principles and responsible practice.
Referring to the importance of ambition, perseverance and continuous self-development, he quoted the renowned Urdu poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Tu shaheen hai, parwaaz hai kaam tera; Tere saamne aasmaan aur bhi hain.
He encouraged participants to recognise their potential, continue developing their abilities and contribute constructively to society through knowledge, integrity and sustained effort.
Khadeeja Mominati highlights need for structured training for Women
Khadeeja Hasan Mominati, Co-Founder of IIAD and an Islamic scholar, delivered the welcome address, extending greetings to the participating women scholars, teachers, students and professionals. She also acknowledged Syeda Ismat, who is expected to play a supervisory role in the programme.
Mominati explained that IIAD’s educational approach extends beyond religious instruction to include capacity-building, personal development and the practical application of knowledge. Following capacity-building initiatives for male scholars and participants, the academy has expanded its training efforts to women through U-LEAD FOR GIRLS.
She emphasised that educational advancement should be accompanied by personality development, self-confidence and practical competencies. Providing women with opportunities to identify their strengths, acquire new skills and apply their knowledge effectively can enhance their contributions to educational institutions, families and society.
She encouraged participants to engage themselves actively in the programme, ask questions, exchange perspectives and apply their learning in practical contexts. She explained that the initiative is intended to support women’s development through continuous learning, greater confidence and responsible participation in society.
Seven-Day Workshop to Cover Leadership, AI, Health & Counselling
The seven-day online workshop, beginning November 15, will address a range of subjects relevant to women’s educational, personal and professional development.
The proposed training areas include leadership and personality development, covering decision-making, teamwork, self-confidence and responsible leadership.
Communication and public speaking will focus on effective expression, presentation techniques and professional communication. Artificial intelligence and digital competencies will cover the responsible use of AI tools and digital technologies in educational and professional settings. Women’s health and hygiene will address foundational health awareness and personal hygiene practices. Mental health and emotional well-being will focus on understanding stress, emotional regulation and self-care.
Counselling and community guidance will address listening skills, understanding individual concerns and providing appropriate basic guidance. Planning and community engagement will focus on practical planning, educational initiatives and community-oriented activities.
The programme is intended to combine subject-based learning with practical exercises and interaction among participants. Its broader objective is to help women apply the knowledge and skills acquired to their educational responsibilities, professional activities and community initiatives.
Through this structured approach, IIAD seeks to strengthen participants’ ability to respond to emerging educational and social needs while encouraging collaboration among women from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was conducted by Alisha Fatima Mominati, a teacher at India Islamic Academy Deoband. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiza and Qaria Nadia Sabri, a teacher at IIAD.
Khansa Salah, a first-year Arabic student at the academy, presented a na’at in praise of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Wasim Sahiba from Nalgonda, Telangana, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of women’s education, structured training and leadership development.
The participation of 147 women from across India, representing academic, legal, educational and religious fields, reflected the initiative’s emphasis on interdisciplinary engagement, shared learning and practical skill development.
The inaugural programme provided an opportunity to introduce the objectives of U-LEAD FOR GIRLS and encourage women from diverse backgrounds to participate in structured leadership and capacity-building activities.
Registration Open
India Islamic Academy Deoband has invited women scholars, teachers, students and professionals interested in leadership development, personal growth and contemporary skills to register for the seven-day online workshop.
Programme Details
Programme: U-LEAD FOR GIRLS, Ulama Leadership, Empowerment and Development
Commencement Date: November 15th, 2026; Duration: Seven days; Mode: Online Registration and Enquiries: +91 95571 13167
Interested participants may contact the academy on the number provided above for registration and further information.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> National Interest / by Pervez Bari / November 03rd, 2026
Raasavrunda has organised a sitar and vocal recital by Ustad Hafiz Bale Khan, disciple and son of the legendary maestro Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan, at its premises, #1095, Devaparthiva Road, Chamarajapuram, on Oct. 29 at 6 pm.
He will be accompanied on tabla by Pt. Mallesh Hugar, harmonium by Pt. Prabhu Sonna and sitar support by Mohrataram Haris Khan.
About the artiste :
Ustad Hafiz Bale Khan is a renowned Indian classical sitarist and vocalist from the Dharwad-Kirana Gharana. He carries forward a six-generation musical heritage in Hindustani classical music.
He is the son and disciple of the late Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan, grandson of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and great-grandson of the celebrated sitarist Sitar Ratna Rahimat Khan.
He frequently performs and collaborates with his brother, Ustad Rais Bale Khan, forming a well-known musical duo.
Ustad Hafiz Khan is known for his sitar playing featuring the Gayaki Ang style (imitating human vocal nuances), which includes elaborate alaaps, jod and jhala. He is also accomplished in Hindustani vocal forms like Khayal, Thumri and Ghazal.
Fluent in Kannada and Marathi, he is widely recognised for rendering Kannada vachanas (such as those of Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi), Dasara Padas and Marathi devotional/ abhang compositions.
He is an A-grade artiste with All India Radio and Doordarshan. He is a recipient of honours such as the Swarasamrat Pt. Basavaraj Rajguru Yuva Puraskar.
Ustad Hafiz Khan has performed across India and internationally in countries like the UK (London), the USA, Iran, Kuwait, Dubai and Sharjah.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Culture / October 25th, 2026
Months after Gazi Jalaluddin’s passing, his two sons are finding it hard to pay teachers, provide midday meals and fulfil his vision of a residential school for girls.
Taxi driver Gazi Jalaluddin, who built three schools in West Bengal (Sundarbans and Narendrapur) for underprivileged children using taxi earnings and donations, passed away on January 9 / All pictures by Amit Datta
Gazi Jalaluddin drove a taxi in Kolkata but his life’s mission was providing education to children from underprivileged families. He founded three schools – two near the Sundarbans and one in Narendrapur – was featured on many newspapers and news clips and was even on Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
Jalaluddin died on January 9 this year and the dream he gave shape to is struggling.
“We are facing a severe shortage of funds for midday meals and the schools’ financial condition is currently very poor,” Israfil Gazi, Jalaludddin’s younger son, the head teacher of the Sundarban Shikshayatan schools that his father founded, told My Kolkata.
My Kolkata visited the schools in Thakur Chak in South 24-Parganas district, around a two-and-half-hour drive from Kolkata.
Schools built on taxi fares and public donations
Following Jalaluddin’s death, his sons, Israfil and Ismail Gazi, are struggling with severe fund shortages / Image sourced by correspondent
Jalaluddin drove his taxi in central Kolkata mostly and his efforts to provide free schooling to underprivileged children stemmed from his life experience; he missed out on education because his family was poor.
His sons became part of that mission.
“I completed my higher secondary examination in 1999 and began serving as headmaster of the free primary school in 2000, working alongside my father,” Israfil said. “I completed my MA in Bengali, becoming the first in the family to hold a postgraduate degree.”
Israfil said the family established the first school at their ancestral home in Thakur Chak as the Ismailpur Iron Foundation Primary School (IIFP).
In 2006, Jalaluddin met two social activists, Ajit Kumar Saha and Dipankar Ghosh, while driving his taxi. After visiting the school, they helped take the initiative forward. They bought land about 2km from the main school, donated it in the school’s name and built a building where classes began in 2009.
Younger son, Israfil Gazi holds an MA in Bengali; serves as headmaster and manages academic/administrative affairs across the schools
That school, Sundarban Shikshayatan, has eight teachers and 134 students from nursery to Class V.
“A society named Sundarban Shikshayatan was registered to manage the institution. He served as its secretary, with Saha as president and Ghosh as vice president. In 2019, the management was formally handed back to the family through a deed that specified that the institution would provide free education to underprivileged students,” Israfil explained.
The schools operate under separate trusts. Israfil said he formed the Sundarban Shikshayatan Trust on November 3, 2023, after difficulties with the earlier society’s annual registration renewals and audits.
The IIFP is housed in three rooms on the first floor of the family home, with the family living on the ground floor. The school offers classes up to Class IV. There are 95 students with five teachers.
The IIFP has not been able to secure approvals to become a full-fledged school because it lacks sufficient open space for children to play.
About 5km away, Sundarban Shikshayatan has open space that meets the government’s requirements for a school.
Midday meals and teachers’ allowances hit
Teachers receive minor stipends rather than formal salaries, relying on community goodwill
For years, Jalaluddin’s taxi was a crucial source of support for the schools. He collected contributions from passengers and other people to pay for school expenses, including teachers’ allowances and midday meals.
His sons have continued the work, but maintaining the network of donors has become difficult.
“My father would drive his taxi in Kolkata and collect donations from passengers. Now my elder brother does the same. But the donations are irregular. We need government and public support to keep the schools running,” said Israfil.
The midday meals in the schools, funded entirely by donations, have stopped. Teachers receive only nominal allowances, which Israfil said could hardly be described as salaries.
“Children in this school come from families where the parents are toto drivers, tailors, odd-job workers,” Israfil said. “The one-time annual admission fee is around Rs 2,700 and is paid in instalments by the family whenever it is convenient. There are government schools nearby with no proper infrastructure or teachers.”
Sundarban Shikshayatan serves 134 students (Nursery to Class V) with 8 teachers and features proper infrastructure, including open play space
When My Kolkata visited the Sundarban Shikshayatan school, the children were taking their art examination.
The school has six classrooms with a staff room, a green open space with swings, a library and a drinking water facility.
The IIFP has only four classrooms with a terrace for cultural activities.
Ismail Gazi, Israfil’s elder brother, who drives a taxi in Kolkata like their father, continues to collect money from passengers for the institutions. He also oversees the school in Narendrapur, where classes from Class I to Class IV are being held.
“My responsibility in this institution is to collect some money from taxi passengers and bring it here. That’s my duty. If anyone can help us with some books and support for midday meals, then we will be able to run the school even better,” Ismail said.
Government approval remains a hurdle
The family’s application for an official No-Objection Certificate (NOC) remains stalled
The family is also trying to secure government approval. Israfil said an application for a no-objection certificate had been submitted in 2012, but they had received no response.
Recently, Israfil attempted to complete the online application process through the Banglar Shiksha portal. Of the 29 proforma forms, they had completed 27 before the portal closed, leaving the process unfinished.
“If the portal opens again, we will try to fulfil all criteria to obtain the NOC,” Israfil said.
A residential school for girls remains a dream
Jalaluddin’s vision of establishing a residential school for girls (Sundarban Orphanage Mission) remains unrealized
The late Jalaluddin had hoped to extend education opportunities for children in the area through a residential institution offering classes from Class V to higher secondary, to help students continue their studies locally rather than lose access to education after primary school.
“We started the project called Sundarban Mission in 2012,” Israfil said. “A building was constructed under the Sundarban Orphanage Mission and classes were run for a couple of years. However, poor road connectivity made the premises difficult to access during the monsoon. The institution eventually had to close, leaving the building unused.”
He also said that Jalaluddin approached local MLAs and MPs and took up the matter with then Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s office.
Israfil said the road project was eventually sanctioned and completed, but his father died shortly afterwards.
The Narendrapur school is another part of Jalaluddin’s plans.
“The money my father received after appearing on Kaun Banega Crorepati was intended to fund a school for Classes XI and XII,” Ismail said. “As the proposed building has not yet been constructed, the institution currently runs classes from Class I to IV.”
Elder son; continues driving a taxi in Kolkata to collect passenger donations and manages the Narendrapur school branch
For both brothers, the immediate concern is to keep the existing schools functioning. Ismail continues to drive a taxi and collect donations, while Israfil manages the academic and administrative responsibilities.
Bijon Kumar Haldar, a teacher at the school, said, “We appeal to everyone across West Bengal, India, and other countries, wherever this news reaches, to extend a helping hand. This school needs your support.”
Israfil Gazi is aware that the schools need more than that.
“If there is one thing that can save my father’s vision, it is government affiliation,” he said.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online, My Kolkata / Home> People / by Jaismita Alexander / October 28th, 2026
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Kanthapuram, founder and chancellor of Jamia Markaz Saquafathi Sunniyya in Kozhikode, Kerala, was conferred an honorary doctorate by Yenepoya Deemed to be University at its Endurance Auditorium on Wednesday.
The honorary doctorate was presented by Dr. Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University.
Accepting the honour, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad said Muslims should give importance to secular education alongside religious education and increase their efforts in the field of education.
He said divine grace had enabled him to serve society for many years and that he had accepted the doctorate as something bestowed upon him by Allah. He praised Yenepoya University for bringing about a transformation in the education sector and noted that the institution had provided medical education to several orphaned children from Markaz. He expressed hope that free education could continue to be provided to orphans and underprivileged people in the future.
Dr. Chullikkode Hussain Saquafi, co-chancellor of Jamia Markaz, said the conferment of the honorary doctorate on Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad fulfilled a long-standing dream of the Sunni Muslim community. He said the recognition by Yenepoya University had fulfilled not only the aspirations of the scholar’s disciples but also the dreams of thousands of Muslims.
He added that academic titles would not change Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and that his contributions to social service and educational advancement would continue. He also expressed gratitude to Yenepoya University for honouring the prominent Sunni Muslim leader.
Presiding over the programme, Yenepoya University Chancellor Y. Abdullah Kunhi said conferring the honorary doctorate on Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, who has made distinguished contributions to education and social service, was a proud moment for the university.
He said the scholar, who commands the respect of millions, had also earned recognition beyond his own community. His visionary leadership and efforts to provide education to disadvantaged and underprivileged sections of society were commendable, he said. Recalling his leadership associated with Jamia Markaz in Kozhikode and his service as Qazi of the historic Ullal Dargah, Kunhi highlighted his contribution to education and social progress.
Recalling his association with his late father, Yenepoya Moideen Kunhi, the chancellor said the blessings and encouragement of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad had consistently supported the institution’s growth. He added that the guidance of eminent personalities had played an important role in the educational journey of the Yenepoya group, which has gained global recognition.
The programme was attended by Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vijayakumar, Yenepoya University Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Registrar Dr. Ashwini Dutt, Dr. Muhammad Farhad, Yenepoya University Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. B.T. Nandeesh, Islamic Academy of Education trustee Dr. Habeeb Rahman, Jamia Markaz Vice-Chancellor Dr. Hussain Saquafi Chullikode, and several political and religious leaders.
The honorary doctorate had been announced for Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, founding chairman of SS Innovations International, as part of Yenepoya University’s 16th convocation. Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, who was scheduled to receive the degree at the convocation held on October 24, accepted it at a felicitation ceremony on Wednesday.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / October 28th, 2026
Over the years, MS came to be seen as an institution that attempted to bridge two worlds — modern education and religious values.
Mohmmad Lateef Khan of MS Education Academy speaking at institution’s 36th Foundation Day in Hyderabad
Hyderabad:
Thirty-six years may not be a very long period in the life of an institution. But it is certainly long enough to show whether a dream has acquired direction, whether an experiment has survived the test of time and whether an institution has remained true to the vision with which it began.
By that yardstick, the journey of the MS Education Academy is a story of sweat, grit and persistence. What began as a modest two-room coaching centre in 1991 has grown into a sprawling educational network with 163 institutions, 33,000 students and a growing presence across Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The journey has been neither accidental nor effortless. Its success has been built brick by brick through determination, discipline and, at times, the courage to confront criticism.
As the MS Education Academy celebrated its 36th Foundation Day recently, its founders, teachers, students, well-wishers and distinguished guests took a walk down memory lane. The gathering included Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academicians, NRIs, journalists and social workers — people from diverse walks of life who have witnessed the institution’s evolution.
Mohd Lateef Khan flanked by Anwar Ahmed and Moazzam Husain.
Affordable modern education for minorities
When Mohammad Lateef Khan, MS founder-chairman, and a group of like-minded people embarked on their educational journey on August 10, 1991, their objective was both simple and challenging: to provide quality and affordable modern education to the community without compromising on Islamic values.
It was a proposition that resonated with parents.
Over the years, MS came to be seen as an institution that attempted to bridge two worlds — modern education and religious values. In an environment where parents often worry about the influence of external factors on their children’s faith and identity, this became one of the academy’s biggest strengths.
The confidence it enjoys among parents was reflected in an anecdote shared by MA Majeed, proprietor of Pista House. “I faced no difficulty in getting a good alliance for my daughter. The moment it was told that she had studied at MS, the marriage was fixed,” he said.
The remark elicited laughter and applause.
But amid the applause came a reminder that no institution should become complacent. Mustafa Ali Sarvari, a faculty member of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), struck a discordant note when he raised questions about the academic standards of the institution and the wider social challenges facing the community.
He wondered why hundreds of highly educated girls continued to struggle to find suitable marriage alliances. While acknowledging that MS had done well, he felt the institution had considerable ground to cover in improving its academic standards.
“Most parents, including myself, sent their wards to this institution because it took care of their Islamic beliefs,” he observed.
The criticism, however, was not seen as an affront. Rajen Habib Khwaja, retired IAS officer, put it in perspective. “Self-criticism is essential for the development of any institution.” He summed up MS management’s determination with this couplet:
” Hum ne ek shaam charagon se saja rakhi hai
Shart logon ne hawaon se laga rakhi hai “
That perhaps was one of the most important lessons from the Foundation Day celebrations. Institutions grow not merely through praise but also through the willingness to listen, introspect and improve.
The numbers tell a story
There is little doubt that MS has come a long way since 1991. The numbers are impressive, both in terms of students and institutions. But it is the achievements behind those numbers that have given MS its reputation.
The story of Ayesha Fatima remains etched in the institution’s history. In 2005, she secured 985 marks in Intermediate, an achievement that became a benchmark for MS students. This year, Hafsa Begum raised the bar even higher, scoring an extraordinary 997 out of 1,000.
For an institution that began with modest resources, such academic accomplishments are significant. The record of professional achievements is equally noteworthy.
According to the institution, 2,116 MS students have secured merit-based MBBS seats. Another 211 have gained admission to IITs, NITs and other premier institutions. The MS Academy has also produced 154 chartered accountants, four Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil servants and more than 50 Group I and other senior government officers.
And there is another number that reflects the other half of the MS philosophy: 481 Huffaz, or students who have memorised the Quran.
For MS, these figures are not merely statistics. They represent an attempt to combine academic achievement with moral and spiritual grounding. The true success of education lies not merely in producing professionals but in producing responsible human beings.
The people behind the journey
Lateef Khan, the man who spearheaded the MS initiative, has never claimed sole credit for its success. At the Foundation Day celebrations, he recalled the contribution of several individuals who encouraged and supported the institution during its early years.
He specifically remembered Siasat newspaper and its late Managing Editor Zaheeruddin Ali Khan. “The Siasat newspaper was a launching pad for us. Particularly, Zaheer sahib encouraged me a lot.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of KM Arifuddin of Madina Education Centre and his own teacher, Fareed sahab. Such acknowledgements are significant because institutions are rarely built by one person. Behind every successful organisation are teachers, administrators, parents, supporters and well-wishers who invest their time, trust and energy in its growth.
The road ahead
Yet, the MS story is not about looking back alone. The academy has set itself an audacious target — to establish 2,036 institutions by 2036. It sounds very ambitious. But Lateef Khan does not appear intimidated by the scale of the challenge.
“A tall order but not impossible,” he says.
Former police commissioner AK Khan suggested another direction for the institution: introducing professional courses in law and chartered accountancy. Both, he felt, had immense employment potential. The management took the suggestion in right earnest as it prepares for its next phase.
Expansion brings its own challenges. The bigger an institution becomes, the greater the responsibility to maintain academic quality, professional standards and individual attention. Growth in numbers must not come at the cost of quality.
That may well be the central challenge before MS in the years ahead.
Beyond the milestones
Looking back, the MS journey is a story of dreams, milestones, values and perseverance. But perhaps the most significant achievement is the confidence that MS has managed to build among a section of the community — confidence that modern education and religious values need not necessarily be mutually exclusive.
The target of 2,036 institutions by 2036 is ambitious. So is the task of ensuring that every new institution matches the standards and vision of those that came before it.
That will require the same qualities that sustained MS through its first 36 years: hard work, discipline, innovation, self-criticism and an unwavering belief in the dream.
As Anwar Ahmed, Managing Director of MS Education Academy, aptly summed up the institution’s philosophy: We don’t FEAR. “We Face Everything and Rise.”
It is more than a slogan. It is, in many ways, the story of MS itself.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by JS Ifthekhar / August 12th, 2026
Shafath Ali Khan demonstrated the precision and composure that have defined his long career
Hyderabad:
At the age of five, Nawab Shafath Ali Khan won his first prize at the Madras State Shooting Championship. Six years later, at 11, he clinched his first National Games gold medal in shooting. Now, at 69, the veteran marksman has added three more gold medals to an already remarkable collection.
At the recently concluded 300-metre Big Bore State Shooting Championship and Elite Big Bore Championship, held from August 16 to 21, Shafath Ali Khan once again demonstrated the precision and composure that have defined his long career.
The competitions were conducted in three categories — the Telangana Big Bore Shooting Competitions 2026, the Deccan Elite Open Big Bore Grand Prix and the 2nd Telangana Super Big Bore Open Shooting Competition.
Khan emerged triumphant in the 300-metre peep-sight rifle, 50-metre telescopic rifle and open single rifle super big bore events, winning three gold medals. Mohammed Abdul Razak Hussain secured a silver medal, while Mohammed Mustafa Khan, former Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar and Amit Sanghi won bronze medals in their respective events. Sartaj Fatima clinched both gold and silver medals, while the youngest participant, Raza Ali Khan, also impressed by winning a gold medal.
The event, held at the Octopus Greyhound Shooting Range in Ibrahimpatnam, attracted nearly 400 shooters from across the country, including about 20 women. It was organised by the Telangana State Rifle Association.
For Shafath Khan, however, the latest victories represent much more than another addition to his trophy cabinet. They are a continuation of a family tradition that spans five generations and is deeply connected with shooting, forests, wildlife and public service.
Shafat Ali Khan on the podium.
Book release
The occasion also saw the release of his coffee table book, “5 Generations of Glorious Shooting.” Published by the Mediaplus Foundation, the 60-page volume is far more than a compilation of photographs and memorabilia. It offers a visual account of an extraordinary family whose lives have been intertwined with India’s forests and wildlife for generations.
Every photograph carries a story, of danger, perseverance, precision and passion. The images capture silent forests, majestic wildlife, tense rescue operations and the determination of men whose work has extended far beyond adventure to encompass public service and wildlife management.
The book takes readers into a world few have the opportunity to witness. Its pages reflect the patience of the tracker, the science of wildlife management and the split-second decisions required during difficult operations. Beneath the drama and adrenaline is a profound respect for nature and the animals that inhabit it.
For readers, the book provides a rare insight into the realities of managing human-wildlife conflict in modern India. It seeks to move beyond popular myths surrounding hunting, wildlife rescue and forest operations, portraying instead the responsibility, skill and sacrifice involved in protecting both people and animals.
A legacy lineage
The legacy documented in the book goes back to Shafath Ali Khan’s grandfather, Nawab Sultan Ali Khan Bahadur, and his father, Nawab Arshad Ali Khan. Their love for forests, wildlife and the outdoors became an integral part of the family’s identity.
The family’s connection with shooting goes back even further. Shafath Ali Khan’s maternal great-grandfather, Nawab Fakhrul Mulk Bahadur, played a pioneering role in introducing shooting competitions in India in 1877. He was also a tutor to the sixth Nizam, Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, whom he introduced to firearms and hunting.
Today, the tradition continues into a sixth generation.
Shafath Ali Khan’s son, Asghar Ali Khan, has stepped into his father’s formidable shoes and carried forward the family’s involvement in wildlife and outdoor pursuits. His grandson, Arshad Ali Khan Junior, is also beginning to embrace the family tradition. The teenager is currently undergoing training in skeet shooting.
Few families can claim such a sustained lineage of shooting, fieldcraft, wildlife knowledge and public service.
“I have inherited the love of wildlife and knowledge of flora and fauna from my ancestors,” says the soft-spoken Hyderabadi shooter with characteristic humility.
More than just a marksman
For Shafath Ali Khan, marksmanship is only one part of his expertise. As India’s only authorised expert entrusted with tranquilising dangerous wild animals, his work demands considerably more than the ability to shoot accurately. It requires an intimate understanding of animal behaviour, extensive knowledge of forests, patience and the ability to make critical decisions within seconds.
His career has placed him at the difficult intersection of wildlife conservation and human safety. When a dangerous animal enters human habitation or a conflict situation escalates, there is little room for error. The objective is not simply to display shooting skill but, whenever possible, to save lives, both human and animal.
At 69, Khan’s latest three gold medals therefore carry a significance that goes beyond sport. They represent decades of discipline, a lifetime spent honing his craft and a family heritage that continues to evolve.
From a five-year-old boy winning his first shooting prize to a 69-year-old veteran standing atop the podium once again, Shafath Ali Khan’s journey is a remarkable testament to precision, perseverance and an enduring passion that has passed from one generation to the next.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by JS Ifthekhar / August 26th,2026
