Monthly Archives: January 2020

A safer alternative to treat aggressive prostate cancer found

Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , ,

Kanpur, UTTAR PRADESH :

Counterproductive : The methods currently used produce encouraging results initailly but the cancer often returns in a more aggressive form, say (from right) Bushra Ateeq, Nishat Manzar and Ritika Tiwari.
Counterproductive : The methods currently used produce encouraging results initailly but the cancer often returns in a more aggressive form, say (from right) Bushra Ateeq, Nishat Manzar and Ritika Tiwari.

Drugs routinely used for treating prostate cancer may actually be worsening the condition

A study shows why drugs used for treating prostate cancer which mainly functions by blocking the activity of androgen receptor signalling or stopping the production of androgen or testosterone is actually counterproductive in the long term. While both methods initially produce encouraging results, the cancer very often returns in a more aggressive form, and becomes resistant to these drugs. With cancer no longer responding to these drugs, it grows unchecked and ultimately causes death.

For the first time, the study sheds light into why the FDA-approved drugs against androgen signalling to treat prostate cancer can backfire after initial success.

Mechanism of return

The study was done by a multi-institutional team led by Bushra Ateeq from the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The team has also found a mechanism by which the cancer growth at aggressive stage can be safely reduced. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Several studies have already shown how stopping the production of androgen or androgen signalling through ‘androgen deprivation therapy’ at some point unintentionally helps the prostate cancer cells to become resistant towards this therapy and progress further to lethal forms. Now, Prof. Ateeq’s team has found the mechanism.

Using mice implanted with prostate cancer tumours, the team found how administering anti-androgen drugs (enzalutamide and apalutamide) results in increase in the expression of a particular gene (SPINK1) which is generally associated with the aggressive type of prostate cancer present in 10-25% of the patients.

“When androgen signalling was inhibited using anti-androgen drugs, an increase in the levels of SPINK1 protein was recorded, which makes the cancer cells more aggressive. The tumours isolated from the mice treated with these drugs exhibit elevated levels of the protein as well as markers for neuroendocrine prostate cancer, which triggers change in cellular plasticity,” says Prof. Ateeq.

Role of SPINK1 protein

“In another set of experiment, we implanted mice with prostate cancer cells with basal levels of SPINK1 protein and we found manifold increase in the protein levels when we administered anti-androgen drugs,” she says. There was also an increase in the levels of neuroendocrine markers which are only found in most aggressive form of prostate cancer. These results reflect a catastrophic situation similar to prostate cancer patients undergoing anti-androgen therapy. Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer which may arise de novo or as a mechanism of resistance due to anti-androgen therapy.

“Our findings emphasise the importance of SPINK1 protein in maintaining neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The results highlight the repercussions of using anti-androgen drugs which are meant to control the prostate cancer but actually aggravate the disease,” says Prof. Ateeq.

Repressor of SPINK1

“Using mouse models, prostate cancer cell lines and patients’ samples we discovered that androgen receptor functions as a repressor of the SPINK1 gene. Using drugs to inhibit the androgen receptor actually results in stopping the repressive activity of the receptor,” says Nishat Manzar from the IIT Kanpur and one of the first authors of the paper. “And this leads to increased level of SPINK1 gene expression.”

“We found the SPINK1 gene is also responsible for maintaining the characteristic features of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The tumour becomes aggressive when the SPINK1 protein level increases while upon inhibiting the protein a decrease in the neuroendocrine markers was observed,” says Prof. Ateeq.

In addition to androgen receptor, the researchers found that REST, which is a cofactor of androgen receptor, too, has repressive action on SPINK1 gene. “Our study is the first to show the role of the androgen receptor and REST in repressing the SPINK1 gene expression. This was not known so far,” says Prof. Ateeq.

The SPINK1 protein level is high when the amount of REST is low in prostate cancer, and also in the case of neuroendocrine prostate cancer. A particular protein (Casein Kinase 1) is responsible for reducing the level of REST. “When we used an already approved drug to inhibit the activity of Casein Kinase 1 protein, the levels of REST increased,” says Manzar.

Clinical trials needed

And when the REST level increases there is a reduction in the SPINK1 protein level accompanied with a reduction in the oncogene properties of prostate cancer cells. Treating prostate cancer cells showing elevated SPINK1 with a drug against Casein Kinase 1 show reduced cancer cell growth as well as aggressiveness.

“We need to conduct clinical trials using Casein Kinase 1 inhibitor to investigate whether it can reverse neuroendocrine prostate cancer and reduce SPINK1 in prostate cancer patients,” Prof. Ateeq says.

“Our study warns about the possible adverse effect of androgen-deprivation therapies, and the benefits must be considered against treatment, before putting the patients on this therapy.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Science / by R. Prasad / January 25th, 2020

Guardians of the Urdu art of calligraphy wait for Telangana government to fulfil its promises

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

In contrast, speaking or writing in Urdu today is often deemed as ‘anti-national’ by multiple sections of the Indian society.

Calligraphy artist Mohd Abdu Gaffar with his students at the Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu; (left) A close up of his sheet (Photo | S Senbagapandiyan, EPS)
Calligraphy artist Mohd Abdu Gaffar with his students at the Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu; (left) A close up of his sheet (Photo | S Senbagapandiyan, EPS)

Hyderabad :

Seated on a wooden stool, under a tinted glass chandelier, Mohammed Abdul Gaffar peered over a handmade paper on which he made a slow swish with a reed pen dipped in black ink.

Standing before him, was a group of burqa-clad women, who mirrored the movement of the reed. Over the next 15 minutes, the single stroke on Gaffar’s paper transformed first, into an Urdu alphabet, and then took the form of a decorative Urdu calligraphy verse.

“Calligraphy teaches you patience. It fills one up with peace of mind and also helps in developing your personality,” said Gaffar, a calligraphy artist and teacher.

Gaffar teaches at the Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu, India’s oldest Urdu calligraphy school — established in 1938, under the patronage of the then-Nizam, Osman Ali Khan Bahadur.

When the school was established, the socio-political scenario of Hyderabad was entirely different: Urdu was the official language of erstwhile Hyderabad State, and its various applications, including calligraphy, found its patronage in the administrative quarters.

“Back then, proficiency in Urdu calligraphy was a necessity for those aspiring government jobs,” said Rafiuddin Qadri, son of the school’s founder, Syed Mohiuddin Qadri Zore. Even candidates trying for police and army jobs needed to be skilled in Urdu calligraphy, Qadri added.

In contrast, speaking or writing in Urdu today is often deemed as ‘anti-national’ by multiple sections of the Indian society.

Case in point, in 2016, Urdu publishers were asked to declare the ‘fealty’ of the content of their works. In that context, Gaffar said that Urdu calligraphy has just now been restricted to being an art form.

From 2002 to 2014, Gaffar fought for the inclusion of Urdu calligraphy in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh government’s school curriculum.

With the formation of Telangana State, where Urdu is the second official language, his fight saw a success and calligraphy was included in school curriculum.

However, teachers for Urdu calligraphy are yet to be appointed by the government. This in spite of several reminders by not just Gaffar but also the ministry of human resource development.
“By not implementing its own order, the government is denying teaching jobs to many,” said Gaffar.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Aihik Sur / Express News Service /  August 25th, 2019

Padma Shri awards for disabled social workers Javed Ahmed Tak & S Ramakrishnan puts disability in the spotlight

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

JavedAhmedMPOs31jan2020

The government’s move to recognise Javed Ahmed Tak, the well-known social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, and S Ramakrishnan, founder of Amar Seva Sangam in Tamil Nadu with Padma Shri awards has been welcomed by the disabled community. These are rare instance when disabled people outside the realm of sports have been acknowledged for their efforts in the space of social work and activism.

It was after he was disabled by a bullet in the spine in 1996 that Javed Ahmed Tak realised the struggles faced by wheelchair users in India. He also discovered how much one can do with a disability and he decided to dedicate his life to the welfare of people with disabilities.

Javed fights for rights of disabled in tough circumstances

Be it fighting for the rights of people with leprosy, helping physically disabled students at Kashmir University form a union or ensuring that ramps were built at entrances of all buildings in the state, Javed has reached out to different groups. It was his PIL that led to the implementation of the Disability Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

Javed works in such a difficult environment and in such hard circumstances. It is admirable how much he has done and the Padma Shri is well deserved. J&K is in the news for all the wrong reasons and when something like disability is recognised, it is quite special. This shows that people with disabilities are leading from the front. – Arman Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People

 

Since 1999 Javed has been running the Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline and a school for children with disabilities. “I decided to see my life as a challenge. I tried to forget my accident and make the most of my present situation”, said Javed in an earlier interview to the magazine Civil Society Online. “I realised that society, especially my community was accepting me and needed me despite my physical inability”.

Javed is well known across India for its efforts to empower the disabled community. “Though many disabled people get the Padma awards as sportsperson or artists, they are usually not social activists”, says disability rights advocate Dr Satendra Singh. “To bring change we need to acknowledge the work of activists bringing social justice. I applaud his work in behalf of disability sector”

RamakrishnanMPOs31jan2020

Ramakrishnan was paralysed neck down after injury

In social activist S Ramakrishnan‘s case too, it was personal experience coping with a disability that him to start working for disabled people. He was 20 years old and studying engineering when he was disabled. He was asked to leap 15 feet from a tree as part of a series of obstacle tests to join the Indian Navy. The jump fractured his spine.

Ramakrishnan started the Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA) in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu with the goal of reaching out to disabled people in rural areas. Ramakrishnan is paralysed from neck down and uses a wheelchair.

“Once I realised there was no denying my condition, I was keen to know what was in store for me. I wanted to continue living life to the fullest,” he told The Hindu in an interview some years ago. ASSA is well known for its social outreach work. This includes conducting polio camps in villages, and integrated schools where disabled and non-disabled kids study together.

Well deserved honour says community

Describing them as a determined change maker, Chennai-based disability rights activist Smitha Sadashivan said Ramakrishnan is a “very quiet yet scintillating personality, spreading love for everyone around”. The honours will bring disability into mainstream discourse, believes Arman. “This shows that disability cuts across everything else and that disabled people can be a part of nation-building. This will open the discourse on political participation of people with disabilities and non-discrimination”.

source: http://www.newzhook.com / Newz Hook / Home> Get Hooked / January 2020

With the End of 2019, A Great Scholar Also Departs for Heavenly Abode

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

Deoband, UTTAR PRADESH / KENYA / Croydon (South London). UNITED KINGDOM :

With 2019 saying goodbye, Maulana Izhar Ahmad Qasmi, an embodiment great scholarship, piety, humility, patience and perseverance, also said adieu to this mortal world.

Maulana Izhar Ahmad Qasmi, 74, was born in Deoband, India, and breathed his last on 30 December, leaving his family and admirers in tears.

MaulanaIzharMPOs31jan2020

He belonged to a very rare breed of ulema who had dedicated themselves to the service of Islam. His funeral prayer and burial was attended by thousands of his admirers from all over UK.

A widely respected and admired person, Maulana Izhar worked tirelessly to propagate the message of Qur’an without indulging in controversial issues.

In 1970 when Indian Muslims living in Kenya approached the great scholar and rector of Darul Uloom Deoband, late Maulana Qari Tayyab, and requested him to send a scholar to Kenya for their religious guidance, his choice fell on Maulana Izhar, a man Allah SWT had blessed with a spiritual attraction, humility, politeness and deep knowledge of Deen. He convinced Maulana Izhar to accept this responsibility.

From 1970 – 1983, Maulana Izhar served as the Imam in Pangani Mosque of Kenya. Following political unrest in the country, like several other Asians, Maulana Izhar had to migrate to Britain with his family.

In Britain he established the first mosque in Croydon, a town in South London, and served as an Imam for 15 years until he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to undergo a delicate surgery in the 90s.

As an Imam Maulana Izhar earned admirable love and respect of the local community. His knowledge of Qur’an and deep love to spread its message earned him wide respect all over Britain.

After his surgery, doctors said that his days were numbered and that he would not be able to survive more than a few days. But Allah SWT’s plans and works in strange and mysterious ways. When He chooses someone for the service of His Deen, He does it in ways that are beyond human comprehension. Not only did Maulana Izhar lived for at least 21 years but also completed his seminal translation and interpretation of Qur’an, titled, Izharul Qur’an in ten volumes, and continued his Qur’anic lectures even after suffering from stroke after his brain surgery and becoming partially paralysed. Gradually he became bedridden and spent the last few years in this condition.  Strangely until it was possible for him to sit in a chair he continued his Qur’anic lectures on Iqra TV without letting the viewers feel that his body was paralysed and that he was bedridden.

A comment on my Facebook from Dr Atif Suhail Siddiqui, University of Yale, says it all about Maulana’s resolve. He writes, ‘You did not mention one of the most important qualities of Maulana: He performed 42 Hajjs. After every Hajj he used to travel to Deoband to see his parents. In Deoband, my house is next door to his. So whenever he came to India, I used to visit him. When his [extended] family members noticed his swollen shoulder, they were shocked. I am a witness to it myself. They immediately called for a doctor who advised them to take him to an orthopaedist. His x-ray showed a fracture in his shoulder. It was then that it was found out that during Hajj he got pushed during tawaf and fell down. Due to the stroke one side of his boy had become so insensitive that he did not feel any pain and did not realise that his shoulder had been fractured. He performed all the arkans of Hajj in this condition and even travelled to Deoband. May Allah SWT shower His mercy on him.’

Despite such severe condition Maulana did not like to take anybody’s help. Another Facebook friend, Chicago based alim, social media activist, blogger  and YouTuber, Mufti Yasir Nadeem al-Wajidi, said that he had seen Maulana performing Tawaf and SaI during Umrah without anybody’s assistance or a wheelchair despite the fact that ‘He was virtually dragging himself.’ He added, ‘On one occasion Maulana said that his ailment and his bedridden condition had become a blessing for him because it allowed him to finish one Qur’an every day. Seeing this [and his contentment] one of his Christian doctors had embraced Islam.’

Among Maulana’s survivors is the renowned Alim of Britain, Mualana Qasim Rasheed, who himself is an institutions-maker. Lest this be confused with merely establishing mosques and madarsas, let me make it clear that he is the founder and chairman of one of the major charity organisations, Al-Khair Foundation , that does not only send food and other temporary aid to the displaced people in war-torn and hit by natural-disaster-hit regions of Africa, Middle East, Bangladesh and Pakistan but has also built schools and health clinics for them. He has also established two secondary schools and two TV channels in Britain. However, most important of all these is a full-fledged hospital in Gaza . I have mentioned it only to reflect on the impact of tarbiyah on one’s children.

May Allah SWT bless Maulana Izhar saheb with huge rewards for his services and bless Imam Qasim Saheb and all the survivors with patience and perseverance to tolerate this loss.

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> Online News> Community News / by M Ghazali Khan , The Milli Gazette Online / January 04th, 2020

The Underrated Career Of Zaheer Khan Is Deservedly Honoured With Padma Shri

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Zaheer Khan enjoyed one of the most illustrious careers for Indian pacers. His ability to swing the ball at pace was a sparkling feature in his armoury.

ZaheerKhan01MPOs31jan2020

For someone who was India’s talisman in bowling department for years, his contributions on pitch have always been less appreciated. Whenever Zaheer  stepped out on the pitch to represent India, he wore his heart on the sleeve.

But his significant service to Indian cricket have finally been honoured with Padma Shri, country’s fourth highest civilian honour. It is a rich deserved recognition for the former Indian pacer.

ZaheerKhan02MPOs31jan2020

The left-armer, who has a winners’ medal from the 2011 World Cup ,  is India’s joint leading wicket-taker in World Cups. With 311 wickets, he’s only behind Kapil Dev for most wickets by an Indian seamer in Tests, while also boasting of 282 wickets in ODIs – the fourth-highest for an Indian.

Zaheer made his debut for India in 2000, and – for the most part of his 13-year career – remained a vital cog in the team in the Test and one-day formats.

ZaheerKhan03MPOs31jan2020

For such illustrious career, it feels though Zaheer wasn’t given enough credit during his playing days. His major contribution to his country came at the biggest stage of it all – World Cup. He was India’s go-to man in critical situations.

His 21 scalps were the joint-most with Shahid Afridi at the 2011 World Cup, and he was key in giving India those breakthroughs at right junctions. He has finally seen his services rewarded in the best way possible – Padma Shri awardee  now, he can be proud of his career.

source: http://www.indiatimes.com / India Times / Home> Sports / by Basit Aijaz / January 26th, 2020

Entrepreneur Hafeez Kudroli Has A Million-Dollar Advice For All The Entrepreneurs Out There!

Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

In an exclusive conversation, Hafeez speaks about the vision of his company, its biggest achievements and a lot of other things about his entrepreneurial life

Hafeez Kudroli
Hafeez Kudroli

Conglomerates are changing the entire scenario in the market with having a large number of subsidiaries under it. Kudroli World is the name which has shook the entire market and the companies under it are integrated with each other. Offering services in infrastructure, real estate, apparel, broadcast media, hospitality, food, sports, entertainment and fundraising among others; the business is surely a 360-degree model giving the best of everything to the end-users.

The man behind this huge business, Hafeez Kudroli took over the family business, ‘Kudroli Builder  Infrastructures Pvt Ltd’ and in 2 years, he has completed projects worth over millions. In an exclusive conversation, Hafeez speaks about the vision of his company, its biggest achievements and a lot of other things about his entrepreneurial life.

Q: What is your main vision of Kudroli World?

A: With the company having its subsidiaries in almost each and every field, the vision of Kudroli World is to create employment opportunities for maximum Indians. By employing them, my further plan is to utilize the people and make a dream team which will help to transform all the underprivileged people of India by making the country as one of the best business hubs of the world.

Q: What are the innovations you want to bring with Kudroli World?

A: I own a company named ‘SapienHR’. It is a human resource and technology-based firm. I am aiming to bring all kinds of technologies which can be availed by the youth at an affordable rate thus fulfilling their dreams. I am very keen to integrate this company under Kudroli World and bring this innovation by this year itself.

Q: What are your thoughts of getting into E-Commerce business?

A: A business idea is never wasted. I have been considering it but till now, I have not given a thought about it. E-Commerce has seen a drastic rise in the market with the products being just a click away. As per my current works, I don’t see myself getting into the E-Commerce section anytime soon.

Q: What has been the biggest achievement of Kudroli World?

A: The biggest achievement lies in the people of the company. It is not just my company but the people’s company as well. I am the face of the company who runs it. However, some people are functioning excellently, and it is my team who is the real strength of Kudroli World. Their passion for work is what makes the company a big conglomerate. No money or power is more powerful than the passion for doing something.

Q: How do you manage to handle so many subsidiary companies under Kudroli World?

A: As I mentioned earlier, I have a good team of people who execute the plans in the best possible manner. I have shown immense trust and given the freedom to my team. With these two aspects, they have managed to handle many subsidiaries with much ease. As an entrepreneur, I understand to give employees the freedom to work by which they can easily take care of this multi-giant company.

Q: Any pro-tip for aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: If you have a plan, work towards it. If you have a dream, chase it. No force can stop your dream from to become a reality. Be as creative as you can and stand out of the box. To be the best, you need to be different from the rest. Don’t be a blind follower. Instead, create your own way and let people follow you.

source: http://www.mid-day.com / mid-day / Home>  Lifestyle News> Culture News / by Partnered Content , Mumbai / January 27th, 2020

Man who fought for Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims gets Padma Shri

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

Abdul Jabbar’s family members are very happy about him getting this honour.

Abdul Jabbar, who died on November 14 last year left behind a wife and 3 children

Abdul Jabbar of Bhopal, who fought a long battle for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, has been awarded the Padma Shri. Abdul Jabbar is receiving this honour posthumously.

Abdul Jabbar’s family members are very happy about him getting this honour.

When India Today reached Abdul Jabbar’s house in the Chandbad area on the outskirts of Bhopal, we found that the condition of his house is very bad.

Abdul Jabbar, who died on November 14 last year left behind a wife and 3 children.

Abdul Jabbar’s wife Saira Banu said, “I am happy that the government is giving this honor to us but I am sad that my husband Abdul Jabbar is not with me in this moment of pride and happiness.”

Wife Saira Banu says that if Abdul Jabbar were alive, the joy of getting Padma Shri would have been doubled.

Jabbar’s wife said, Abdul Jabbar never thought about his own family. He made the gas victims his family. Abdul Jabbar’s wife expressed anguish that when her husband was ill, no one took care of him initially. At the last moment, the government approached the family but it was too late.

“He always kept thinking about the gas victims, and at the last moment he had told me not to let the gas victims fight end here but to take this fight further”, added Jabbar’s wife Saira Banu.

Speaking to India Today, Abdul Shamim, brother of Abdul Jabbar said, “When Abdul Jabbar was ill, no one from the government and gas-affected organisations took care of him. His treatment was also not taken seriously.”

Jabbar’s brother demanded a government job for Jabbar’s wife. ‘Financial condition of Jabbar’s family is very bad and sometimes children eat only once a day’, said Jabbar’s brother Shamim. According to Abdul Shamim, if his sister-in-law gets a job, she will be able to take care of her kids and her children will get a good education too’.

Abdul Jabbar’s eldest son Sahil said that he had learned to serve the poor from his father. Sahil said that ‘his father used to stay at home very rarely, he used to go out in the morning to help the gas victims and sometimes when there was no money in his pocket, he would borrow and help the gas victims. ‘I learned the same from my father’.

source:  http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> India / by Ravish Pal Singh, Bhopal / January 26th, 2020

The Aam Admi’s Mughal Feast

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA  :

A food historian goes beyond the tables of badshahs and sahibs to decode what the common man ate in the Mughal and post-Mughal colonial India. And it’s not starkly different from what we eat today

Shubra Chatterji channeled her research into Mughlai food for commoners for a recent talk at a food conference. Pic/ Ashish Raje

Shubra Chatterji channeled her research into Mughlai food for commoners for a recent talk at a food conference. Pic/ Ashish Raje

When we think Mughlai food, we think rich eats ranging from galouti kebabs to biryani and korma. Television producer, director, writer, and founder of food blog Historywali, Shubra Chatterji travelled the length and breadth of the country, shooting people in their homes to trace and document the food habits of people during the Mughal era.

“If you eat a particular food, it says something about where you come from, your ancestry, who you are. The Mughal period spanned 1530 to 1857, with the last 100 years being considered as the post-Mughal era, after the emergence of the East India Company, along with the Dutch, Portugese and French colonists. Over the next couple of centuries, a lot of new foods came to India, including potato, tomato and chilli, which are now a staple in Indian homes,” says Chatterji, adding, “This was also a period when documentation was on a high due to what was recorded as part of court documentation.”

But, most Mughal texts focus on royal life, and foods whenever mentioned, only illustrate elaborate feasts and the workings of imperial kitchens. “There was always a connection to royalty. We didn’t have any recipes used by commoners,” she adds. Chatterji says that by the late 1800s, women began to turn to education and that was the start of literary texts surrounding food. “This is when we so we see the emergence of recipe books.”

Folk art, including Warli paintings, show deer being hunted. Poems, especially by Ghalib, describe shami kebabs

Folk art, including Warli paintings, show deer being hunted. Poems, especially by Ghalib, describe shami kebabs

At a two-day conference organised by the Kama Institute of Oriental Studies in Kala Ghoda, Chatterji presented a paper that focussed on the sources to study the common man’s diet in the Mughal period. First, she researched prominent Mughal chronicles, Baburnama and Ain E Akbari. She found scant descriptions that helped her make a start. “The main diet of the people then comprised eggplant, fish and rice. Rice was cooked on one day and eaten the next; similar to Pakhala in Odisha today. Khichdi was also important, and finds mention in several texts, especially for the military troops, who survived on it instead of meat.”

Travellers’ accounts were another clue. And art, with illustrations of dishes and utensils. “A painting in the Victoria and Albert museum depicts a poor pilgrim in Ajmer being given food, with boondi and kachori clearly visible in the picture. We also find different fruits, like pomegranate, in inlay work in architecture; and folk art, including Warli paintings, show deer being hunted. Poems, especially by Ghalib, describe shami kebabs. There was food for feasting and fasting, and the latter didn’t use tomatoes,” she shares.

The biggest misnomer is that the Mughal diet was predominantly non-vegetarian. There are entire sections in the Ain E Akbari, dedicated to vegetarian recipes made for days of abstinence, with Akbar banning the consumption of beef during the time. Also, their food was very delicately prepared and not heavily spiced.

Chatterji adds that we continue to consume a lot of what they ate back then, but preparation methods have changed.

The nutritious khichdi was an important food and finds mention in several texts
The nutritious khichdi was an important food and finds mention in several texts

And, we’ve added potato, tomato, onion to our diet.

While pepper was used to spice foods, we now use more chilli. They also ate the humble dal-chawal, but an even simpler preparation. ” We are now slowly discovering the benefits of original methods and moving back to basics.

Over the last five years, the food conversation has surrounded heirloom family recipes.

The common man didn’t have much back then, there was abject poverty. The poor were very poor, and their food was not elaborate. They ate maacher jhol bhaat (fish-curry-rice).

And food wasn’t a conversation starter like it is now.”

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Mid-Day / Home> Lifestyle News> Sunday Mid Day News / by Ela Das, Mumbai / January 26th, 2020

Padma Shri for man who cremated over 25,000 unclaimed bodies

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , ,

Faizabad, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mohammed Sharif from Faizabad lost his son 27 years ago. But he got to know about it only a month later. Ever since then Sharif has taken it on himself to cremate unclaimed bodies.

Mohammed Sharif has been named in the Padma Shri awardee list. (Source: ANI/Twitter)
Mohammed Sharif has been named in the Padma Shri awardee list. (Source: ANI/Twitter)

A man who cremated over 25,000 unclaimed bodies is among those set to receive Padma Shri from President Ram Nath Kovind, according to news agency PTI. Mohammed Sharif from Faizabad lost his son 27 years ago. But he got to know about it only a month later. Ever since then Sharif has taken it on himself to cremate unclaimed bodies.

On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind approved the conferment of 141 Padma awards . The list comprises seven Padma Vibhushan, 16 Padma Bhushan and 118 Padma Shri awards. These awards are conferred by the President at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/April every year.

Earlier today, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had said that honouring unsung heroes with Padma awards is in a way “discovery of India”.

“I appreciate the Government for recognizing the unrecognized irrespective of their visibility. One way, this is a discovery of India,” Naidu wrote on Twitter while congratulating the awardees.

Other relatively unknown names on the list include Jagdish Lal Ahuja, who serves free food to patients and attendants outside PGI hospital in Chandigarh and Javed Ahmad Tak, a specially-abled social worker from Jammu and Kashmir.

(with agency inputs)

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> India / by Express Web Desk / New Delhi – January 26th, 2020

Abid Hassan Safrani, freedom fighter who gave Jai Hind slogan

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Abid Hassan, born in Hyderabad in 1912, hailed from a patriotic family.

Abid Hasan Safrani/COURTESY INDIANMUSLIMLEGENDS.BLOGSPOT.IN
Abid Hasan Safrani/COURTESY INDIANMUSLIMLEGENDS.BLOGSPOT.IN

Hyderabad :

This is the story of Abid Hassan Safrani who, not many may know, was not just the trusted lieutenant of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, but the Hyderabadi who had coined the magical slogan JAI HIND.

I have had the privilege of translating into English the Telugu book on the life of Netaji Bose by the late Ch. Acharya at the behest of the Freedom Fighters Association.

The following are excerpts from the book. Kindly read on:

“JAI HIND ”. No slogan had ever cast a greater spell on the nation than this. It had welded the people of this country of diverse languages, cultures, and faiths during the freedom struggle and filled them with a strong sense of patriotism. It continues to do so even now.

The man who coined this stirring slogan was Major Abid Hassan Safrani of Hyderabad, a close aide of   Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

It was adopted as the national slogan at Free India Centre’s first meeting in Berlin in November 1941. Then, it became a popular form of address and greeting.

Safrani was with Bose when he undertook the death-defying undersea journey from Germany to the Far East. Safrani recalled how calm and composed was Bose when enemy ships rained bombs on the submarine. Unmindful, he dictated notes to Safrani on the future course of his action.

Sisir Kumar, the nephew of Bose, gave more details of the adventure in his book, ‘INA in India Today’.

Abid Hassan, born in Hyderabad in 1912, hailed from a patriotic family. After graduating in engineering with distinction, he went to Berlin for higher studies.

Attracted by Bose’s freedom movement, he joined the Indian National Army. Recognising his leadership qualities, Bose gave Safrani ample scope to grow to his full potential.

Safrani could fluently speak several languages like English, German, French, Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, and Punjabi. This enabled him to build excellent rapport with officers and men of the INA. Major Safrani headed the Gandhi Brigade in the INA. It consisted of men of exceptional courage and valour.

When they eventually surrendered to the British army at Imphal in North East India, top British officers could not help marvel at the bravery of Safrani and his men. He was imprisoned and put in solitary confinement with not even a window to allow light.

He mentioned this in a letter to his mother, Hassans had firm roots in nationalism. Abid’s father, Jaffer Hassan, was dean in Osmania University , and mother, Begum Amir Hassan, a staunch Gandhian. They inculcated patriotic feelings in their sons, Badrul Hassan and Abid Hassan, at a tender age.

All of them were very close to Mahatma Gandhi and used to visit his Sabarmati ashram. Fanatics threatened to kill them and throw their bodies into the Musi. Gandhi would send his secretary, Pyarelal, to railway station whenever the Hassans visited him. Badrul Hassan edited Gandhi’s “Young India” in 1925.

He remained a true Gandhian until his death in 1973. He wore khadi and led a spartan life in a small room.

Abid Hassan Safrani also imbibed these traits.

Begum Safrani was a unique personality who lived a full life(1870-1970). She gave away everything for the freedom of the country, including her paternal property. She was a close friend of Sarojini Naidu and was affectionately called ‘amma Jaan’ by Gandhi, Nehru, Netaji and Abul Kalam Azad.

“Abid Manzil”, their residence in Troop Bazaar, stands as mute testimony to the burning of foreign cloth in 1920 at the behest of Gandhi. In his book, Sisir Kumar Bose gave a graphic account of the escapades of Subhash Chandra Bose and Abid Hassan Safrani such as the submarine journey from Germany to Asia and the INA’s triumphal march through the forests of Imphal.

After the Second World War, Safrani was jailed for six years. Begum Amir Hassan, who did not expect anything in return for the services of the family, was much worried that her son might be sentenced to death in the Red Fort trial. Several INA men were shot dead for participating in the liberation movement. She met Gandhi, Nehru and Sarojini Naidu to plead for her son’s life.

Safrani got a last-minute reprieve after Prime Minister Nehru and Governor-General, Lord Mountbatten, intervened. Nehru had earlier visited a prison in Singapore where INA members were lodged. He spotted a man sitting aloof and asked if he was Safrani from Hyderabad . The man greeted him with “Jai Hind” and nodded ‘yes’.

After his release, an ailing Safrani returned to his “Dhoop Chaon” residence in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad and recuperated under the care of his loving mother and friends like Bankat Chandra, Elizabeth, and C.S. Vasu. He took up radio sales for a living, but with little success. He wrote a civil services examination and qualified for foreign service. He was personally interviewed by Jawaharlal Nehru .

He had served in Indian missions in a number of countries like Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Senegal, Zambia, Ivory Coast. Safrani was Indian Ambassador to Iraq when Jordan King Hashmath-e-Faizal, was killed in an army coup in 1957. The government drew heavy flak in Parliament for his absence in Baghdad at the crucial movement. Nehru defended Safrani. Safrani loved agriculture and raised a horticultural farm in Golconda . It was his practice to visit Netaji’s hometown, Calcutta, in January every year carrying fruit grown on his farm.

That was his way of remembering his mentor, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. He used to recall with moist eyes those memorable years with Bose. He died in 1984 but immortalized himself with the soul-stirring slogan he coined: Jai Hind. It would keep the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others together for centuries and strengthen national integration. He was an ideal Shia and a noble Sufi saint.

Safrani memorial school in Golconda, run by his wife, Suraya, seeks to instill in the minds of young pupils the lofty ideals, values and principles dear to her husband.

Dasu Kesava Rao is a senior journalist who worked for The Hindu, among other newspapers

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Safoora / January 26th, 2020