Monthly Archives: April 2016

PM gifts replica of Kerala mosque to Saudi King

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Riyadh, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA :

ModiMPOs04apr2016

Riyadh :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gifted Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz a gold-plated replica of Kerala’s Cheraman Juma Masjid, believed to be the first mosque built in India by Arab traders around 629 AD.

“PM @narendramodi gifted His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud a gold-plated replica of the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala,” the prime minister’s office tweeted.

The mosque in Karala’s Thrissur district is believed to be the first mosque built in India by Arab traders around 629 AD.

“Cheraman Juma Masjid is symbolic of active trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia since ancient times,” it said.

According to oral tradition, Cheraman Perumal was the Chera King and a contemporary of the Holy Prophet who went to Arabia and embraced Islam after meeting the Holy Prophet at Mecca, the PMO said.

Before he died in Oman due to some illness on the way back to India, he wrote letters asking the local rulers, to whom he had handed over his empire, to extend all help they could to Arab merchants who were planning to visit India.

The mosque has an ancient oil lamp that is always kept burning and believed to be over a thousand years old. People from all religions bring oil for the lamp as an offering.

Many believe that the mosque is a testimony to Islam’s arrival to India long before the Mughals came in from the northwest.

Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, was today received at the Royal Court here by King Salman.

He is the fourth Indian Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia after Manmohan Singh in 2010, Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956.

source:  http://www.ptinews.com / Press Trust of India / Home> International / by Manash Pratim Bhuyan / Riyadh – April 03rd, 2016

NIA officer Mohammed Tanzil given martyr status, probe into murder widens

Community Involvement / Social Issues, , ,

Mohammed Tanzil Ahmad, who has been with the NIA ever since the organisation was formed in February 2009, had been investigating many cases especially related to the banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen.

National Investigation Agency officer Mohammed Tanzil Ahmad. (ANI photo)
National Investigation Agency officer Mohammed Tanzil Ahmad. (ANI photo)

National Investigation Agency (NIA) officer Mohammed Tanzil Ahmad, who was shot dead by two unidentified motorbike-borne assailants in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor, has been given martyr status today.

NIA IG Sanjiv Kumar Singh announced that all provisions shall be provided to the deceased officer’s family. The Border Security Force (BSF) has granted Rs 20 lakhs to Ahmad’s family.

Mohammad Tanzil’s last rites were performed late in the evening amid Inquilab Zinadabad slogans, raised by locals. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal  paid tribute to the NIA officer.

Six teams comprising of officials of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been formed to probe into the brutal attack.

Mohammad Tanzil's last rites were performed late in the evening. (photo: ANI)
Mohammad Tanzil’s last rites were performed late in the evening. (photo: ANI)

The NIA IG refused to comment on Tanzil Ahmad’s involvement in cases pertaining to terrorist outfits like the Islamic State, Indian Mujahideen or Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

An assistant commandant with the BSF, Tanzil Ahmad was on deputation with the NIA. A Bijnor native, Ahmad was posted as an inspector-rank officer at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh  said that he has been apprised of the incident and that a comprehensive report is being prepared.

“Whatever’s necessary is being done. We are talking (to NIA officials),” Singh said.

45-year-old Ahmad, who has been with the NIA ever since the organisation was formed in February 2009, had been investigating several cases related to the banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen. His superiors termed him as a thorough professional in intelligence gathering as well as investigation.

Superintendent of Police (Bijnor) Subhash Singh Baghel said, Ahmad came to Bijnor on Friday to attend his niece’s marriage. Ahmad’s family lives in Sahaspur village in Bijnor.

At around 8.00 pm on Saturday evening, Ahmad and his family left their home for the marriage function organised at Bandhan Guest House at Sohara village, which is around nine kilometers from their residence.

“After attending the function, Tanzil and his family were returning home at around 1.00 am. When their vehicle was around 300 meters away from their residence, two youths on a motorcycle waved their hand. When Tanzil stopped his car, they fired several rounds and escaped. Tanzil and his wife were in the front seat, while his two children, 14-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old were in the back seat,” the SP said.

Hearing the sound of gunshots, locals rushed to the spot and one of them informed the Bijnor police. A police team was rushed to the spot and the officer along with his wife were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors referred them to Moradabad. Tanzil Ahmad was declared dead by doctors upon reaching the Moradabad hospital while his wife was referred to Delhi.

source:  http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News> India /  Arunava Chatterjee / New Delhi – April 03rd, 2016

Hyderabad body to honour city founder

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :
Trust plans to take it up with the govt to issue a stamp and coin in the king’s name besides building a fitting memorial in his honour.
The Trust plans to host an international seminar on the relevance of the king in today's world.
The Trust plans to host an international seminar on the relevance of the king in today’s world.
Hyderabad:
The Deccan Heritage Trust is planning to host year long celebrations to mark the 450th birthday of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the  founder of Hyderabad city, which falls  on  April 4, 2016. The Trust plans to host an international seminar on the relevance of the king in today’s world.

According to Dr Mohammed Safiullah, historian and expert on Hyderabad, the Trust plans to take it up with the government to issue a stamp and coin in the king’s name besides building a fitting memorial in his honour.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / April 03rd, 2016

Vinay, Uthappa bag grand double at KSCA awards

Sports, , ,

VinayKF03apr2016

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

State skipper Vinay Kumar and right-handed batsman Robin Uthappa bagged a grand double at the Karnataka State Cricket Association annual awards ceremony on Saturday.

Uthappa won the best batsman award in Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments while Vinay picked up the best bowler’s honour in Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

D Nischal of Jawahar Sports Club, who amassed 989 runs, was adjudged the best batsman in Group I, Division tournament for Sir Mirza Ismail Shield. Anand Doddamani of Bangalore Ocassionals, who picked up 48 wickets was named the best bowler.

“I congratulate all the teams and award winners. It’s a good sign that we have completed all the league tournaments on time,” said KSCA Secretary Brijesh Patel, speaking on the occasion.

The award winners:

Ranji Trophy: Best batsman: Robin Uthappa; Best bowler: R Vinay Kumar.
Vijay Hazare One-Day: Best batsman: Manish Pandey; Best bowler: R Vinay Kumar.
Syed Mushtaq Ali T20: Best batsman: Robin Uthappa; Best bowler: KC Cariappa.

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division III): Best batsman: Jasper (Mallya Aditi International School). Best bowler: PM Dharshan (Sri Sai Ram Vidyamandir).

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division II): Best batsman: P Abheek (Vidyaniketan Public School). Best bowler: S Yashas (Vidyaniketan PS).

U-14 inter-school BT Ramaiah Shield (Division I): Best batsman: Danish Altaf (St Joseph’s Boys’ HS).

Best bowler: Shray Singh (Delhi Public School, East).
U-16 inter-school (Division III): Best batsman: M Danish (KV, Hebbal). Best bowler: Stany (Baldwin Boys).

U-16 inter-school (Division II): Best batsman: Udbhav Gaurav (Jain IRS). Best bowler: Satvik Gunda (Jain IRS).

Under-16 inter-school (Division I): Best batsman: Shubhang Hegde (Vidyaniketan School). Best bowler: Shubhang Hegde (Vidyaniketan School).
U-14 inter-zonal: Best Batsman: Gautam Dileep. Best bowler: SM Shamanth.
U-16 inter-zonal: Best batsman: Aadarsh Prajwal. Best bowler: Shubhang Hegde.
U-19 inter-zonal: Best batsman: Nikin Jose. Best bowler: G Naveen

Under-23 inter-zonal SA Srinivasan Memorial: Best batsman: Sumanth Bharadwaj. Best bowler: Likith Bannur

Safi Darashah: Best batsman: Abishek Reddy. Best bowler: Mitrakant Yadav
Under-16 inter-club: Best batsman: Sai Prajwal (Jawahar SC). Best bowler: Rishi Bhansali (Jawahar SC).

Under-19 inter-club: Best batsman: V Abhiram (Swastic Union CC-2); Best bowler: BM Shreyas (Jawahar SC).

Under-14 inter-club: Best batsman: BN Yashwant (Swastic Union CC-2). Best bowler: Vishruth Dev (Herons CC).

Group I, Division V for JB Mallaradhya Shield: Best batsman: Vinay (Kengeri Cricketers). Best bowler: Suhas (Engrades CC).

Group I, Division IV for Metro Shield: Best batsman: Yere Goud (Visweswapuram CC-2). Best bowler: Pranav Bhatia (Dolphins).

Group I, Division III for Sri Nassur Memorial Shield: Best batsman: KV Darshan (Friend XI). Best bowler: Latif Patel (City Cricketers).

Group I, Division II: Best Batsman: B Tanu (Jayanagar Colts). Best Bowler: Vinu Prasad (Swastic Union 2).

Group I, Division I: Best Batsman: D Nischal (Jawahar SC (1)). Best Bowler: Anand Doddamani (Bangalore Occasionals).

YS Ramaswamy Memorial: Best Batsman: Sadiq Kirmani (Malleswaram Gymkhana). Best Bowler: B Naveen (FUCC).

KSCA Inter-club T20 for Group I: Best Batsman: CM Gautam (Swastic Union). Best Bowler: Dikanshu Negi (Jawans CC).

Group II, Division III: Best Batsman: Keerthi (BWSSB). Best Bowler: Kemparaju Gowda (ITI SC).

Group II, Division II: Best Bats
man: Nihar Shilar (BEML RC). Best Bowler: IG Anil (RBI).
Special Tournament for Zonal Champions and top teams of Group I: Winners: Swastic Union CC (2).

Inter-collegiate Women’s Tournament: Best Batswoman: Pooja Panchal. Best Bowler: G Divya. Winners: Jain College.

Inter-zonal U-19 Women’s Tournament: Best Batswoman: Sanjana Batni. Best Bowler: Harshitha Jha.

Women: U-16: Best batswoman: Vrinda Dinesh; Best bowler: Shreyanka Patil.
U-19: Best batswoman: Shubha Satish; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.
U-23: Best batswoman: G Divya; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.

Senior women (one-day): Best batswoman: Karuna Jain; Best bowler: C Prathyusha.
Senior women (T20): Best batswoman: G Divya; Best bowler: Akanksha Kohli.
Boys: U-14: Best batsman: Prithvi Sadanand; Best bowler: M Shamanth.
Men: U-16. (Vijay Merchant Trophy): Best batsman: Sudhanshu Sonkar; Shubhang Hegde.

U-19 (Vinoo Mankad Trophy): Best batsman: B.R. Sharath; Best bowler: Vyshak V.
U-19 (Cooch Behar): Best batsman: BR Sharath & Sujith Gowda; Best bowler: Likith Bannur.

U-23 (C K Nayudu): Best batsman: D Nischal; Best bowler: Prasidh Krishna.
U-25 (P S Ram Mohan Rao Trophy): Best batsman: K N Bharath; Best bowler: Mitrakanth Yadav.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports / DHNS, Bengaluru – April 03rd, 2016

Religious Heads Can’t Influence Voters: Justice Kemal Pasha

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders,

Kochi , KERALA :

Justice B Kemal Pasha on Saturday said he did not believe that heads of religious institutions could influence voters.

He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the birthday celebration of veteran journalist K M Roy, and releasing the latter’s book ‘Ananyanayi’ here on Saturday.

“I don’t believe that people would caste  vote as directed by religious heads. If a  person close to me tells me to vote for a particular candidate, I would think twice. People of the State have the ability to take decisions on their own. They will think before casting their vote,” said Pasha, adding that Malayalis would vote for candidates who are fit, without considering religious and social factors.

“The supreme authority of the nation is not the President, Prime minister or the Chief Justice, but its citizens who caste vote.

People should have the rectitude to express their interest, otherwise life has no meaning,” he said, adding that one should always speaks with sincerity.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Kochi / by Express News Service / April 03rd, 2016

Blissfully devoted to music

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

Ustad Jainul Abedin’s talent is indisputable but is yet toget his due.

The coveted “Sangeet Bharati” title was bestowed on Ustad Jainul Abedin, in a devotionally charged ambience at Sree Satyananda Devayatan on the final day of the 115th birth anniversary of Thakur Satayananda. “Sur-yoga is the easiest way to reach God,” was the philosophy of Thakur who groomed Archana Puri Maa, his spiritual daughter, to lead the way through her divine creativity in the arena of music and literature. She, as the beacon of the Devayatan, converted it as the haven of music where eminent musicians offer their music and receive blessings; Abedin being one of them who also encourages his disciples to begin their melodic journey with divine sanctions.

An ardent admirer of the young Ustad, Maa did the honours and listened to his melodious renderings that once again proved that he remains a devout devotee of his Ustad, the late Latafat Hussain Khan and his unalloyed Agra Gharana tradition replete with the elaborate alap. The latter’s intangible beauty, carefully avoided now by almost all Agra exponents, pulsates with piety in Abedin’s musically rich voice and lingering notes which have no trace of the gruff utterances associated with the gharana. All this makes the slow segment of his alap a real treat!

But Agra is far away from the modern abstract-ism a la Indore gharana. Conversely, it is incorrigibly tangible. Abedin’s warm persona unfurls petal by petal during his typically gharana-based “extrovert” style of handling the jod segment of the alap, the bol-baant (lyrics-based rhythmic divisions), the bol-banav (melodic improvisation of the lyrics), the bold and powerful taans, the varied patterns of rhythm-play, the saath-sangat (simultaneous improvisation) and sawal-jawab (dialogue) with the tabla and make his presentations remarkably charming.

Despite being blessed with all the virtues of a great musician, what keeps him under-rated and out of star-studded concert stages; so much so that at a recent all India congregation of Agra gharana representatives in Bhopal did not see him participating while many pedestrians found entry.

Abedin refuses to be despondent and gracefully accepts all as his “destiny”. His attitude reminds one of a sportsman’s spirit or a farmer’s resilience. Curiously, he is both! Born at Bashirhat, far away from Kolkata, he belongs to a family of well to do landlords; loves fishing and is passionate about cricket. Inspired by his latent talent, several eminent musicians groomed him. Hailed as a child prodigy, he started performing successfully in concerts and competitions since the early age of 9. He stood first at a talent search contest organised by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in 1978.

This was destiny which saw him as one of SRA’s earliest scholars at the tender age of 11. Away from home rigorous taaleem in the true guru-shishya tradition from the legendary Ustad Latafat Hussain Khan, followed by training under Pandits Vijay Kichlu and Sunil Bose after the Ustad’s demise, ensured that he learn the true nuances of the Agra gharana gayaki. Growing up in an enviable musical atmosphere amidst some of the greatest luminaries of music world, Abedin also received invaluable guidance from Pandit K G Ginde and Vidushi Dipali Nag.

But destiny prolonged the usual change of voice of the starry-eyed young teen and there came a plateau in his ascending career which, due to the unprecedented success of SRA’s ‘first flush’, placed him in the second row. Though he featured in almost all the major festivals and various ITC Sammelans in India; toured Canada, USA and Bangladesh; successfully conducted workshops in India and various cities in Bangladesh, worked with the prefect’s department of his Alma Mater, the stigma of the ‘second best’ never left him; even if requests came solely for Jainul Abedin’s recitals, they would get spurned for mysterious reasons! When he started enjoying teaching, some of his brilliant disciples were placed under other ‘seniors’!

Destiny it is; especially because Abedin still remains a village-boy at heart and refuses to fight the system by maligning names of his ‘elders’or ‘friends’. Instead, he is blissfully devoted to his music, independently giving taaleem to innumerable students, giving concerts regularly and conducting successful workshops both in India and Bangladesh. He is also an examiner for Hindustani classical music of various universities. His social organisation “South Kolkata Music and Art Foundation” whose primary activities are to help aged musicians, is presently working on building an old-age home for distressed artistes. The divine blessings in the form of “Sangeet Bharati” will see him through ultimately, he knows!

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Friday Review / by Meena Banerjee / March 11th, 2016