Monthly Archives: November 2014

Dr.Najma Heptulla Inaugurates Office of Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills

November 11, 2014Community Involvement / Social Issues, Educationmpositiveone@gmail.com

Dr.Najma Heptulla, Union Minister for Minority Affairs unveiled and garlanded portrait of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad here today on the eve of his 125th Birth Anniversary. The Minister also unveiled the Foundation Stone for launching of activities of Maulana Azad National Skills Academy (MANAS) set up by National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) under the aegis of Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The office of MANAS was also inaugurated by the Minister located at Maulana Azad Bhawan, Opposite New Delhi Railway Station Reservation Counter, Chelmsford Road, New Delhi. The office space has been leased out by Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF). To begin with, MANAS will operate from 4 rooms and first Floor premises in the Maulana Azad Bhawan. The open space in front of the building is also planned to be utilised for construction of training facility for MANAS.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Najma Heptulla, who also happens to be Grand Niece of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad informed about the life and time of Maulana Saheb. She described him as a towering figure on the Indian political scene and a scholar rated high in the realms of Urdu Literature. He was a dogged freedom fighter and an un-failing upholder of secular and democratic values, she said.

She also highlighted his contributions in shaping the Education System of the country as First Education Minister of Independent India. He gave lot of thrust to Adult literacy, Universal primary education — free and compulsory for all children, girls education, diversification of secondary education and vocational training.

The Minister specially appreciated the commendable efforts by MANAS and NMDFC to completely renovate the Maulana Azad Bhawan in record time of one week. With the efforts of MANAS, the entire building in neglected condition so far has been repaired, painted, polished, open space levelled/cleaned and brought to its present shape for use as office and training centre.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Government Press Release> News / AT / Delhi – November 10th, 2014

Erode girls win handball championship

November 11, 2014Education, Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

The triumphant Erode handball team receiving the prize fromM. Ramasubramani, Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone, in Tiruchi on Sunday.

Erode clinched the title in the State sub-junior handball championship for girls, which concluded here on Sunday.

The two-day tournament, played for the M.A.M. Rolling Trophy, was jointly organised by Tamil Nadu Handball Association (TNHBA), Tiruchi District Handball Association (TDHBA), and M.A.M. Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

Teams from 24 districts took part in the tournament that was played on knockout basis.

Erode defeated Tiruvannamalai in the final. Thanjavur got the better of Coimbatore in the third place playoff. R. Vimala of Tiruchi and S. Amirtha Varshini of Erode were adjudged best player and best goalkeeper respectively.

M. Ramasubramani, Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone, and president, Handball Federation of India, gave away the prizes in the presence of A. Saravanan, general secretary, TNHBA; M.A. Mohamed Nizam, secretary, MAM Group of Institutions; M.A. Fathima Mansoor, correspondent of the school; S. Amala Ruban, principal; SP. Annamalai, president, TDHBA; and R. Karunakaran, secretary.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by Staff Reporter / Tiruchi – November 11th, 2014

Sweet shapes at your service

November 11, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & EconomyAeliya 'Cake Toppers Shoppe Bangalore', Aeliya Bangalore, FB page 'Cake Toppers Shoppe Bangalore'mpositiveone@gmail.com

Unique Hobbies

Aeliya always had a passion for making things from scratch. “My romance with clay started when I was in college. I used to make jewellery with potter’s clay or terracotta and my creations were very popular on campus,” she recalls.

Slowly, Aeliya moved on to make things out of coal porcelain. “By then, I started using candle as a medium and would make flowers and insects like ladybirds and beetles on it,” she adds.

But once she graduated and started working in an MNC, she was left with little time to pursue her hobby. “But my hands would twitch even at work,” she laughs. So she would create things whenever she got some time off. “I also started making customised clay magnets and using my artwork on gel candles and started experimenting with different clays,” she says.

She then realised that she could do the same with edible ingredients. “I realised that there are certain food items that have the same quality and could be used for cake decoration. Slowly, I came across sugar or gum paste which is also known as fondant and thought why not make edible shapes with my passion. Also innovative cakes are a trend in the market nowadays and unique cake toppers add to their beauty,” she notes.

Soon after she had her second child, Aeliya left her corporate job and started pursuing her passion full-time. She used this period to sharpen her skills. “I didn’t go to any institute and learnt everything on my own,” she adds.

“My friends then told me that I might as well learn the art of baking. Though baking sounds like an easy process, it’s far from that. It requires a lot of scientific techniques which I learnt by reading. My brother-in-law, who is in London, sent me a book to learn more. He also started sending me cutters of different sizes,” she notes.

Today, Aeliya bakes amazing cakes and cupcakes with toppers that are equally stunning.
“Since cupcakes are in trend and a lot of people bake them, I like making unique cupcakes with floral toppings. I even make bouquets on them,” she explains. She even makes ‘Angry Birds’ and superhero-themed toppers like ‘Batman’. Name any theme and she can make a topper and cake as per that.

One her most beautiful works is the sandal topper. The delicate piece takes around two days to make. Explaining the process of creating the topper, she says, “I first cut the basic shape out on the paste with a knife and then fine tune it. I don’t use any mould to create the shapes. So on an average, each topper takes around two or three days. A shape like sandal takes a day to be created and then the finer details like fixing the buckle take another day.”

Aeliya’s toppers are so popular that she gets a number of orders. “If a person has something in mind, I tell him or her to send me a photograph. So I can make it according to their wish. My speciality is half-kg theme cakes,” she explains. She also enjoys experimenting with as many shapes as possible. “So far except one or two designs, I have never repeated myself,” she notes.

Another favourite design of hers, which is unique, is the handbag cake. “It’s something that college girls really like.” She gets a number of requests on her Facebook page — ‘Cake Toppers Shoppe Bangalore’ too. She perfectly sums up her love for making cake toppers as she says, “I have finally found my nirvana.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Deepa Natarajan Lobo, Bangalore / DHNS – November 10th, 2014

Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road now open to both-way traffic

November 11, 2014Community Involvement / Social Issuesmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kolkata :

Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which was one of several roads that became one-way after traffic direction was realigned in the 1990s to decongest major streets in the city, has been reverted to a two-way street following concretization of tram tracks.

The new traffic alignment will enable both south and north-bound traffic between Park Street and Bowbazar intersection to flow unhindered along Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and Nirmal Chandra Street.

Actually, north-bound traffic can now flow from Park Street to Shyambazar while south-bound traffic will have to continue making the detour between Vivekananda Road and Bowbazar via Ahmerst Street.

Kolkata traffic police officers said that the new rule, which begun on Friday, was part of a “long-term experiment”.

“We are studying the results. We will wait for Monday to study the full impact. We will then take an informed decision on whether to allow parking on this road or whether to restrict it,” said DC-Traffic V Solomon Nisha Kumar.

Sources said that the South traffic guard had no reservations on two-way traffic on the road even if trams were re-introduced between Bata and Wellington.

“But we have to wait to study the impact and speak to Calcutta Tramways Company about it,” said a source. Kumar though insisted that traffic between SN Banerjee crossing and Lenin Sarani crossing will have to continue to take a detour.

Though the new alignment came into effect from Friday, north-bound vehicles were seen attempting to venture into the road between 8am and 1pm as Kolkata Police did not launch any drive to make commuters aware of the changes. Similarly, south-bound vehicles continued to avoid this stretch between 1pm and 10pm despite signs that mentioned that the road had been thrown open to two-way traffic.

Before Friday, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street) used to change directions alternately. When the former road was open to south-bound traffic, the latter carried north-bound vehicles.

While Mirza Ghalib Street remains a one-way road, traffic constables posted on the Park Street end and on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road felt traffic will become two-way only after the traffic signals were suitably changed.

For motorists, making the road two-way will be a boon as frequent disruptions on SN Banerjee Road owing to political demonstrations will enable them to look for other alternatives. However, unless parking is banned along both kerbs on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, the traffic will get impeded once trams resume service along the stretch. CTC managing director Nilanjan Shandilya has already indicated that trams would resume plying on the stretch sometime during November-December.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / November 09th, 2014

‘Vocational Training has a bright Future’

November 9, 2014Education, Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Says Syed Amanulla, ‘National Brand Ambassador’ from Mysuru

Amanulla is seen receiving the award from Alok Kumar, Director General of Employment and Training, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GOI.

As a general trend, pass-outs from education system do not take admission in ITIs as their first choice. They mostly end up in ITI after exhausting all other options for higher education. This is because the blue collar work is not respected and regarded in society. But there are many who have excelled professionally after passing ITI.

Meet A. Syed Amanulla, who passed ITI course in ‘Fitter’ trade in the year 1975 at his native, Kolar Gold Fields. He is presently serving as Principal-cum-Deputy Director of Government ITI, Srirangapatna. He was awarded ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014’ in the Service Sector (Salaried Employee) by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, at a National-level Programme held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Oct.16, 2014 for his exceptional achievements and excellence in Vocational Training. He received the award from Alok Kumar, Director-General, Department of Employment and Training, New Delhi and was honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After passing ITI and getting a job, Amanulla did not stop his education. Along with his job, he completed Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and B.E, both with a first class by attending evening college. He is an example for the saying “Education has nothing to do with age” because at the age of 50, he did his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Throughout his education, he has been a topper and received many merit scholarships.

Amanulla is married to Shaheen. He has two children, who are married and well settled in Bangalore. Amanulla resides in Rajivnagar, Mysuru, with his mother and wife.

Star of Mysore caught up with this ‘Brand Ambassador’ and spoke to him regarding vocational training sector and his professional achievements. Excerpts…

by Arafat Ahmed Aizaz

SOM: What got you the ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014’ award?

Amanulla: I have provided 100% placement to all my students who have passed ITI course. They are working in reputed firms and drawing high salaries. I am in good terms with companies and factories in India as well as abroad because of which they contact me to get ITI pass-outs for their firms. My students are highly skilled and sought after by the companies. I have consistently maintained pass percentage of 95% at Government ITI, Srirangapatna. I have personally met wealthy people and NGOs and made them to donate for poor meritorious students of Government ITI, Srirangapatna. Regarding my career success, academically I have grown from ITI-level to Master degree and professionally from Instructor to Deputy Director. Considering all these achievements, the Government has honoured me with the ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014.’

SOM: Recently you were featured in Doordarshan Channel. Tell us about it.

Amanulla: Doordarshan TV channel crew had come all the way from Delhi to Mysuru to interview me on my achievements. The interview was telecast in DD’s ‘Hunarbaaz’ programme on Aug. 31, 2014.

SOM: What are your other achievements?

Amanulla: I was selected as Hajj Officer by Ministry of External Affairs during 2001-02 and 2005-06; I was appointed as Wakf Board Administrator in Hassan district. I was also honoured with “Eminent Engineer Award” by the Institution of Engineers (India) on Sept.15, 2013 during 46th Engineer’s Day. I have met Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at his office in the year 2006, when he was the President of India and apprised him about improving Vocational Training in India.

SOM: Do Vocational Training (ITI) pass-outs have better career opportunities?

Amanulla: Yes. Just by studying for two years after 10th, ITI pass-outs can get jobs in both Government and Private sectors. They can even establish their own Industries. ITI pass-outs get jobs quickly because of shortage of skilled labour in India. After ITI, along with earning through a full-time job during day, one can upgrade his qualification by pursuing courses such as diploma in Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in evening colleges.

SOM: Even PU course pass-outs can get jobs. What advantage does ITI have over PUC (12th)?

Amanulla: Blue-collar job requirement for any industry is more compared to white-collar jobs. For example in a factory, there will be hundreds of workers who indulge in production but there will be few Administrative staff. Blue-collars’ salaries are high these days because there is shortage of workers of this class. So, ITI pass-outs have an edge over Pre-University Course (12th standard) pass-outs. And even promotion chances are more for blue-collar jobs.

SOM: Usually in Government ITIs, faculties are not punctual. You being the Principal-cum-Deputy Director of Government ITI, how do you check on their attendance and discipline?

Amanulla: They are Government employees and they can take their leave for which they are entitled. But I don’t spare the teachers who are lazy and those who are not punctual. I visit all the classes daily and take the feedback from students regarding classes and teachers. When a staff goes on leave, I engage the classes myself.

SOM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured you recently when you were awarded ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014.’ What is Modi doing to improve Vocational training?

Amanulla: Narendra Modi has a good view for Vocational training. He is giving priority for the improvement of Vocational Training in India. Modi has said “ITIs are shishu mandir of technical education. Those who may have knowledge other than that of books, that of skills, must be respected. The talented among the ITI graduates must get new opportunities.” To fulfill ‘Make in India’ vision Modi believes in skill development among the youths in India.

SOM: Why are they calling ITI pass-outs as ITI graduates these days?

Amanulla: Western countries consider ITI pass-outs as ITI graduates. According to me, not only persons who have passed 10+2+3 is a graduate, but also those who pass ITI after 10th should be called ITI graduates in India hereafter because graduate means “a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training and acquired some skill.” Even Narendra Modi has called them as ‘ITI graduates’ in his speech at New Delhi recently.

SOM: Your message to students and parents?

Amanulla: China has improved because of skilled labour. India has shortage of skilled labour. I request the parents to admit their wards into ITI courses so that India can get more skilled labours and become a developed country soon. Vocational Training too has a bright future and more youth should opt for this stream.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Tuesday, November 04th, 2014

‘Explore BioTechnology to Enhance Quality Silk Production’

November 9, 2014Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Says Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Advisor, Dept. of Bio-technology

A section of delegates at the Brain-storming Session on Mulberry and Silkworm at CSR&TI.

Mysuru :

“Explore networking technology to enhance quality silk production,” said Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Advisor, Department of Bio-technology (DBT), New Delhi.

He was speaking during the one-day Brain-storming Session on Mulberry and Silkworm sponsored by DBT and organised at the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, (CSR&TI), Mysuru, on Oct. 31.

He recalled the 20-year association of DBT with CSB in this area. He informed that during this period, DBT has organised a series of brainstorming sessions at different places across the country including North – Eastern States.

Speaking about the major objectives, he said application of biotechnology for increasing the productivity, improving the host plants, enhancing the silk quality, productivity utilisation and developing areas like silkworm seeds should be focused.

“The expert group had decided to have a separate session on silkworm and mulberry to develop the road map for the next 3-5 years and review the research outcome generated so far,” he informed and hoped to develop some transgenic network programmes in both on silkworm and mulberry.

He further added that DBT has taken up collaborative work with CSR&TI in this area. He appreciated Dr. Sivaprasad, Director, CSR&TI, Mysuru, for his initiative to organise this session.

Dr. L. Shashidhara of IISER, Pune, in his address, felt that research goals have already taken an in road in agriculture and now, it is the turn of sericulture to join and explore the possibilities of utilising it by working together with other institutes for the betterment of the industry.

Mentioning about the brisk technology activities of the world, he evinced keen interest in the collaborative studies in the field of sericulture.

Appreciating the phenomenal growth of silk industry, Dr. M. Uday Kumar, UAS, Bengaluru, spoke about few major constraints like irrigation and yield gap. He said that there is a need for genetic enhancement to improve the quality and the productivity. “The transgenic technology could be of immense use in this area,” he felt.

Dr. Sivaprasad, Dr. Mohd.Aslam, Prof. L. Shashidhara, Prof. Paramjit Khurana, UDSC, New Delhi, Prof. M. Udaya Kumar, UAS, Dr. S.K. Ashwath, CSR&TI, Mysuru, Dr. K.P. Arun Kumar, CDFD, Hyderabad, Dr. A.K. Awasthi, SBRL, Bengaluru, Dr. V. Satyavathi, CDFD, Hyderabad, Dr. P.J. Raju, APSSRDI, Hindupur, Dr. Nataraja Karaba, UAS, Bengaluru, Dr. Girishi Naik, CSR&TI, Mysuru, Dr. Jhansi Lakshmi, CSB, Dr. M.S. Sheshashayee, UAS, Bengaluru, Dr. B. Rita, CSB, Dr. T. Mogili, V.Kota, Dr. Rajashekar, CSR&TI, Mysuru were the invited speakers on the subject.

Various areas of networking and its applications in sericulture were discussed and the vital areas to be focused for the improvement of silk industry were earmarked in the session.

Eminent scientists from DBT, New Delhi, IISER Pune, CCMB, Hyderabad, CDFD, Hyderabad, UAS, Bengaluru and several Universities, R&D Institutes of Central Silk Board and State Governments participated.

Dr. Thippeswamy, Dr. Girish Naik and Dr. Ashwath co-coordinated the programme.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday, November 04th, 2014

HIDDEN HISTORIES – The forgotten legacy of Makthi Thangal

November 8, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Educationmpositiveone@gmail.com

A view of the burial place of Makthi Thangal at Calvethy, Fort Kochi. Photo: Thulasi Kakkat / The Hindu

Syed Sanaullah Makthi Thangal, one of the earliest progressive Islamic scholars of Kerala, lies buried in the ancient Juma Masjid at Calvathy

In the middle of the khabaristan or burial ground adjoining the historic Juma Masjid at Calvathy, among the many grave markers, weeds and grass is one ancient grave. The tombstone is worn out and cracked, a row of laterite bricks mark out the grave, and a small neem plant has grown right in the middle. This is perhaps the only surviving memory of Syed Sanaullah Makthi Thangal (1847-1912), the famous Islamist reformer and author.

Historical documents reveal that Makthi Thangal was born at Veliyankodu, Malappuram district. But most of his creative pursuits and death happened in Kochi. He studied Arabic from his father Syed Ahmed Thangal and then enrolled at the Chavakkad Higher Elementary School. He went on to become an expert in Islamic studies and an expert in Malayalam, Arabic, Hindustani, Persian and Tamil languages.

He began his career as an excise inspector in the British government. This was a period when the Muslims in Kerala had not opened up to public education, were bound by superstitions, were gullible to accept anyone as their spiritual leader. Added to this was the government supported conversion threats. Thangal quit his job and plunged into public life. His mission was to help his community rise from the social and cultural depths into which it had fallen.

Thangal began writing, speaking and propagating his views that were bold, poetic, reformist and directed to benefit the Muslim community. Thangal wrote in the newspapers that were in circulation at that time, those that were ready to publish his articles and also published books on matters relevant to the community in British India. His speeches and all what he wrote turned out to be a clarion call to many who towed his line of thought. Thangal is considered to be the first Muslim to write, publish books and launch a daily newsletter.

Dr. C.K. Kareem, in his Kerala Muslim History, Statistics and Directory, Volume 1 (History of Kerala and of her Muslims), records that Thangal had to suffer a lot for his work. He quotes from Thangal’s concise autobiography, Makthi Manaklesham that gives a graphic account of his travails. The fierce attacks came from the conservatives within his community and from the British. But Thangal was not one to be cowed down by all this.

For nearly 30 years Thangal is said to have travelled the length and breadth of the State spreading awareness about the need for education, women’s empowerment, calling for a fight against superstition, conversion and non-Islamic beliefs.

Book cover of Makthi Thangal's complete works / The Hindu — Book cover of Makthi Thangal’s complete works / The Hindu

E. Moidu Moulavi, in his preface to the collected edition of Makthi Thangal’s works (Makthi Thangalude Sampoorna Krithikal) published by Kerala Islamic Mission, Tirur, states that Thangal must have written 40 books. Though he did not have the means, found no publishers, did all that on his own. Moidu Moulavi considers Thangal’s works as a value addition to the ancient Malayalam literary style and an invaluable historical document. What makes these works more important is when one considers the time during which they were written. The language may not have the finesse but certainly did not lack the power.

“Some of Thangal’s works like Kadora Kudaram, which was a resistance against the British supported religious conversions, Muslimugalum Vidyabyasavum that exhorted Muslims to embrace Malayalam and English education and Naari Narabhichari on the need for women’s education are all revolutionary, progressive works of a genius. As Dr. C. K. Karim observes and from what I have read they were brave views that shook the conformist mindset of the community. Thangal had to suffer a lot for his writings with many slapping court cases against him,” says M.A. Aboobacker, cultural activist.

What made Thangal unique was that he was the first reformist who studied the religious aspects of various religions before formulating his views. As historian M. Gangadaran notes Makthi Thangal as a reformist who used his vast knowledge to find a way out for the Muslim community from the darkness. He understood the significance of language and insisted that it should not be a barrier for Islam.

Failing health forced Thangal to settle down permanently in Kochi. He died on September 18, 1912. Among his many disciples and followers was C.V. Abdurahman Hydrose, editor of Malabar Islam. “Hydrose Sahib stayed at Darussalam Road. His father was also known to Makthi Thangal. It is said that Thangal presented his pen to Hydrose Sahib telling him that he has nothing else to give him and prayed that this pen would be helpful to him.

As Moidu Moulavi writes, Hydrose Sahib, true to the legacy he inherited, went on to publish many of Thangal’s works including Makthi Vijayam,” says Aboobacker.

Once in a while people visit Thangal’s grave, people who have read about him, who have read his works. “It was my friend Gaffoor who first told me about Thangal’s grave. I had read a lot about him and also some of his writings. In January 2013, when Gaffoor came down from Muscat, we went for the Biennale. We then decided to find out where Thangal’s grave was. It took us a lot of wandering, asking many people to finally find it. I feel Thangal who has contributed so much for nourishing and reforming the Muslim community deserves more”, feels R.P. Sivan, a Malayalam teacher at SRV High School.

Apart from a literary award instituted by an organisation in Makthi Thangal’s name there is nothing else to perpetuate the memory of this visionary reformer.

Perhaps, adapting Emily Dickinson’s lines, after a hundred years nobody would know this place. Weeds will rage triumphant, strangers will stroll past this lone tombstone, no one to tell them of the man buried there; lost to memory.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Hidden Histories / by K. Pradeep / Kochi – October 31st, 2014

Shariff’s City’s First Home Appliance Store

November 8, 2014Business & Economympositiveone@gmail.com

checks out… but checks into a new location

by S. Kenneth Shishir

City’s first home appliance store Shariff Electricals, established in 1938, is now on the move. The present store housed in the old building opposite the Bata Showroom on Sayyaji Rao road, which also housed other old popular stores of Mysore like Krishnaswamy Stationeries and Panchacharya Press, is now being vacated as the building is weak and the old iconic stores are finding new locations. And so Shariff’s, the most popular among the shops and the most sought after place for home appliance in city for more than 75 years too is moving out. Luckily for the old customers they are not moving very far from the old. The new store is still on Sayyaji Rao road opposite Devaraja Market main entrance.

M.A. Shariff, Managing Director of Shariff Electricals and his father late Hyder Shariff, were electrical contractors who not only dealt in electrical items but also specialised in wooden electrical casing. Hyder Shariff did most of the electrical casing work in the Mysore Palace and then his son M.A. Shariff ventured into electrical appliance business and took up distribution of GEEP torches, dry cells and bulbs under the name Shariff Sales and General Agencies on Old Bank Road in city. Soon companies such as Philips, Crompton Greaves, Usha and Khaitan came calling noticing that Shariff had become Mysore’s one-stop-shop for basic home electrical items. As business grew, in 1981 they opened their official electrical appliances store, Shariff’s-1. Then the second Shariff’s-2 was opened in 1995. In 2006 Shariff’s-3, a multi-brand and multi-storeyed showroom of home appliances began. M.A. Shariff’s children Maqsood and Faizy now manage these stores.

When M.A. Shariff was asked how he felt about moving out of the old store, he says “it feels bad, but it was bound to happen. The building was old” and adds “but I have to thank our customers in Mysore who made us what we are today.” When asked how he has managed to have such loyal clientele, he says “in sales you must make customer the king…and service is the king- maker. That’s what makes customers keep coming back.”

Speaking of the new challenge posed by online retail, Maqsood, the elder son of M.A. Shariff says, “we have to accept the challenge and we must learn from it. The best way is Omni-line: have both an online store and a brick and mortar shop. This way it removes the hassle of returns and service. It also helps the touch and feel factor which is missing in online stores.” Maqsood says Shariff’s will launch their shopping website soon.

Faizy, the youngest son of M.A. Shariff, speaking about the new multi-floored Shariff’s says that with the large space available now, they can display more products and also stock more. He adds, ” ‘NO, we don’t have that’ is something our customers will never hear from us.” Looks like the mantra of “service is king-maker” rings deep in this family.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Monday, November 03rd, 2014