Monthly Archives: March 2021

AIADMK MP Mohammedjan dies of sudden heart attack after round of hectic electioneering

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , ,

Ranipet, TAMIL NADU :

Mohammedjan represented Ranipet constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly during 2011-16. He was the Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare for a brief period.

AIADMK MP A Mohammedjan

Ranipet :

AIADMK MP Mohammedjan died of a ‘sudden severe’ heart attack on Tuesday in Ranipet while taking rest after hectic electioneering, sources said.

The 73-year-old Rajya Sabha member returned home at noon for lunch after completing a round of campaigning. He took rest at home before getting ready to resume electioneering in the evening.

Suddenly he developed chest pain and was rushed to the Govt District Headquarters Hospital in Walajapet in a car. As the pain was getting severe, he was shifted to an ambulance and given first aid before he reached the hospital, sources stated.

On arrival, doctors performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation but in vain.

“He had a sudden severe heart attack leading to immediate collapse. We tried performing cardio pulmonary resuscitation but found that he had died on the way to the hospital,” Singaravelu, Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, told The New Indian Express.

Subsequently, the body was handed over to his relatives before it was taken to his residence.

Mohammedjan represented Ranipet constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly during 2011-16. He was the Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare for a brief period.

In July 2019, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha along with his party colleague N Chandrasekaran and PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadass.

Later, in the year, he voted in favour of the citizens amendment bill as per the decision of his party. Subsequently, the Jamaat in Ranipet had stripped him of all responsibilities with the organisation.

Mohammedjan had also served as a councillor of Ranipet municipality.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service / March 23rd, 2021

Delhi’s Jharna gardens, Bijri Khan tomb to be made available for corporate events

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NEW DELHI :

According to the INTACH’s listing of heritage structures in the national capital, Jharna was built around 1700 in which additions were made subsequently by later rulers of Delhi.

The tomb of Bijri Khan is located on the Venkateshwara Marg. (Photo| EPS)

New Delhi : 

Two inconspicuous heritage sites Jharna, a Mughal era garden in Mehrauli and the Tomb of Bijri Khan in RK Puram are set to get a new lease of life.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will develop and promote these historical buildings, victims of urban sprawling, as venues for cultural and literary events under the ‘adopt a heritage scheme’.

The archaeology department of the Delhi government and INTACH have also signed a memorandum of understating (MoU) for regular upkeep and sprucing up of their surroundings. Vikas Maloo, head of office (archaeology), said that the department would soon start working on a plan to develop these site for events.

“We will determine what needs to be done apart from basic amenities such as pathways, installation of dustbins, and toilets. Some requirements are site-specific, which are to be ascertained. Hopefully, both the places will be available for the events soon,” said Maloo.  

According to the INTACH’s listing of heritage structures in the national capital, Jharna was built around 1700 in which additions were made subsequently by later rulers of Delhi.

The walled garden earned its name from a waterfall, which was constructed to drain off excess water from Shamshi Talab located in its vicinity. Mughal kings Akbar Shah II and Bahadur Shah Zafar added two pavilions to the place. 

The Lodi-period mausoleum of Bijri Khan is located at a raised mound along Venkateshwara Marg. Khan was probably a noble. Apart from this fact, no significant information is available about the tomb and the person buried at the site. The grave inside the sepulchre has no inscription.

 As per the MoU, the sites, once ready, will be available for cultural events and activities such as Sufi musical recital, poetry symposiums, book readings, theatrical plays and also for products launches. The officials, in the know of the matter, said that INTACH will tie up with different organisations and corporates for their better maintenance and create awareness about their significance.

“The idea is to promote and bring more footfalls to small monuments. The events, majorly connected with culture, will pave the way for their popularity. They can be utilised for art exhibitions, book launches, musical programmes, and other purposes. Corporates can be roped in to run a cleanliness drive etc. The association will result in their better upkeep and make people more aware of the heritage of Delhi,” said Ajay Kumar, project director, INTACH (Delhi chapter).

 The sites will be available for corporate or private events on nominal charges. INTACH will ensure proper illumination and facilities such as a sitting area, benches, kiosks for refreshments, and signage or information panels about the history of the site. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Parvez Sultan, Express News Service / March 21st, 2021

Mohanlal dedicates Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham’s National Award win to Indian Navy

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KERALA :

Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham director Priyadarshan is a proud father as his son Siddharth Priyadarshan bagged a National Award for Best Special Effects in Mohanlal-starrer.

Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham is directed by Priyadarshan. (Photo: Mohanlal/Instagram)

The team of Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham is in a celebratory mode as the Mohanlal-starrer won Best Feature Film award, Best Special Effects award and Best Costume award at the 67th National Film Awards ceremony, which took place in Delhi on Monday.

The actor dedicated the National Award “to the glory of the Indian Navy.” The Malayalam superstar celebrated the win with his team and shared the pictures on his Instagram account.

Expressing his emotions, the 60-year-old said, “Hearty congratulations to all the National Award winners. Happy and elated to hear the fantastic news…. Marakkar- Arabikadalinte Simham (Marakkar – Lion of the Arabian Sea) has bagged the National Award for best feature film.

My Congratulations to Team Marakkar and the Captain of the ship priyadarshan for this honour. My sincere thanks also to all who supported us on this labour of love. I join Aashirvad Cinemas in celebrating this award and dedicate it to the glory of the Indian Navy.

___________

priyadarshan@priyadarshandir·

Dedicating this overwhelming moment to all such fathers out there in the world aspiring to see their children being succesful and happy. Thanks @Mohanlal, @antonypbvr, Team Marakkar and to all those who supported me . 2/2

#MarakkarLionoftheArabianSea

____________

For the filmmaker Priyadarshan, the win was also a moment of pride as a father as his son Siddharth Priyadarshan won an award for Best Special Effects. Overwhelmed with the win, Priyadarshan dedicated the awards to all fathers who aspire to see their children achieving success.

“It is an affectionately proud moment for any father to see his children getting recognised for excellence in their chosen field of activity. Dedicating this overwhelming moment to all such fathers out there in the world aspiring to see their children being succesful and happy. Thanks @Mohanlal, @antonypbvr, Team Marakkar and to all those who supported me,” the director tweeted.

Suniel Shetty, who played a pivotal role in the film, said that he is “super proud to be a part of this National award winning film.” Celebrating his very first “National Award-winning film,” Suniel thanked Priyadarshan, Mohanlal and the entire team of Marakkar- Arabikadalinte Simham.

“Big big congratulations to my baby, Chandu, Sidharth Priyadarshan for winning the award for the Best VFX. Once again congratulations Team @MarakkarMovie,” he concluded.

Marakkar Lion Of The Arabian Sea stars Mohanlal as a decorated commander in Zamorin’s naval force. The film also stars Pranav Mohanlal, who plays the younger version of the superstar.

The film, made at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, also stars Prabhu, Manju Warrier, Keerthy Suresh and Kalyani Priyadarshan among others.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Malayalam / by A. Kameshwari, New Delhi / March 24th, 2021

Lutfi Hassan takes oath as chairman of Gandhi Mandela Foundation- American Continent chapter

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Texas, U.S.A. :

New Delhi/Washington :

Prominent businessman and Democratic Party stalwart Lutfi Hassan formally joins Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

Mr Lutfi Hassan is Founder Chairman of the Apex group of companies and a senior member associated with the Democratic Party of the United States of America.

Mr Hassan  took oath as the Chairman of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation for the Americas (United States and the Continent), said a press release of Foundation.

Lutfi Hassan

Shri Nandan Jha, Secretary General, Gandhi Mandela Foundation, administered the oath. The ceremony took place at the Gandhi Mandela Foundation headquarters in New Delhi. Syed Yahya Bukhari, President, Jama Masjid United Forum also took part in the oath taking ceremony. Mr. Bukhari presented Mr Hassan with the Gandhi Mandela Medal as souvenir alongwith a bouquet of flowers.

On his new role Mr Hassan said, “My job would also be to involve younger generation, my children, my grandchildren and generations to come, I would like them to know what GMF is all about, and get them engaged. I see a lot of young people here, who are very excited to be part of this fabric, so similarly I would like to expand that in the United States and carry this mission through.”

After the oath ceremony Mr Hassan, Mr Nandan Jha, Shri Adesh Tyagi, Director(GMF), Mr, Faiz Aksari, Jt. Director(International Relations, GMF), Joint secretaries (GMF), Shri Abhinanv Singh, Shri Adarsh Laddha, Ms Sharmishtha Sharma (Media Relations) visited former CJI Justice Shri KG Balakrishnan (Chairman of Jury, Gandhi Mandela Award) at his residence. Justice KG Balakrishnan welcomed Mr Lutfi Hassan as member of Gandhi Mandela Foundation family and presented him the symbolic flag of Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

This meeting was followed by lunch hosted in honour of Mr Lutfi Hassan at the Shangri La Hotel, New Delhi. The team was joined by several other dignitaries. During this lunch meeting the team discussed further plans for the Gandhi Mandela Foundation global expansion.

Mr Lutfi Hassan, is an established civic leader representing the South Asian community in mainstream American politics. Mr Hassan has served as an advisor on Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senatorial, Congressional, Mayoral and Judicial campaigns in the United States. He has served as a national finance co-chair for the Obama for America campaign in both 2008 and 2012. Over the years, Mr. Hassan has also served on the National Advisory Board (NAB) as a member of Democratic National Committee. Most recently, Mr. Hassan served on the board of advisory for South Asians for Biden. He was one of the select few who were invited at the Biden-Harris inauguration ceremony.

The Gandhi Mandela Foundation a Govt. of India registered trust which promotes individual freedom, civil liberties, and human rights across the globe. The headquarter is situated at New Delhi and Global presence include America, Africa, Russia, Great Briton, Switzerland, China, Nepal, Bangladesh.

The Foundation instituted the Gandhi Mandela Awards during the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji to celebrate those who have carried forward that the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The Chairman of the Foundation is India’s hindu spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Patron Swami RamDev. The Jury committee includes former Chief justices of three countries (India, Nepal & Bangladesh).

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Network / March 11th, 2021

Karnataka Bypolls: JD(S) fields Muslim candidate from Basavakalyan, taunts Congress

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, ,

KARNATAKA :

Kumaraswamy also announced that his party would field a candidate in Maski.

The H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S) on Thursday picked a Muslim face for the upcoming Basavakalyan Assembly bypolls, a move the party hopes will reiterate its ‘secular’ credentials amid talk that it was growing closer to the BJP.

JD(S) legislature party leader H D Kumaraswamy formally inducted Syed Yasrab Ali Quadri and announced him as the candidate for Basavakalyan. Syed was earlier with the Congress. Kumaraswamy also announced that his party would field a candidate in Maski, the other Assembly constituency facing bypolls.

Addressing a news conference, Kumaraswamy said the Congress had projected the JD(S) as “being pally” with the BJP. “In the 2018 Assembly polls, we were winning 68-70 seats. But, the Congress hatched a conspiracy to project us as the BJP’s ‘B’ team, urging one particular section of society to not vote for us,” he said.

“Even now, Congress leaders have been saying the JD(S) is getting closer to the BJP. I’ve taken this up as a challenge,” said Kumaraswamy. “I know what the Congress will do now. They will say the JD(S) fielded a Muslim candidate as part of an understanding with the BJP to cut Congress’s votes,” he said. “The Congress has pushed our party into a place where there’s suspicion. So, I want to send a clear message to all 224 constituencies,” he added.

According to Kumaraswamy, Syed has good ties with all sections of society in Basavakalyan. Apparently, he belongs to a family connected with a famous dargah there. “Basavakalyan is a JD(S) stronghold. Our candidate has won seven times here,” Kumaraswamy pointed out.

“Even in Maski, we will put up a fight. The entire Raichur district, where Maski is located, has extreme potential for us to win five to six of the seven Assembly segments,” he said, adding that the party will finalise its Maski candidate on Friday.

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had earlier announced that his party will not contest the bypolls. “But we decided to contest so that our party workers are not demoralised,” Kumaraswamy said. The party is undecided on fielding a candidate for the Belgaum bypolls.

Kumaraswamy said he had enough experience in fighting bypolls. “Perhaps, I’m second after Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in having conducted the highest number of bypolls,” he said. “We have taken the two Assembly bypolls seriously. We will rise above financial difficulties and crooked tactics to fight the bypolls.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / b y Bharath Joshi, DHNS – Bengaluru / March 18th, 2021

YSRC’s Shaik Fayaz Basha: From vegetable seller to Rayachoti municipality chief

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Rayachoti (Kadapa District) , ANDHRA PRADESH :

Basha took part in the party campaign in the previous elections to the Rayachoti municipality and played an important role in the victory of the YSRC candidate.

File photo of Shaik Fayaz Basha selling vegetables at Rayachoti I Express

Kadapa : 

It took just a few weeks for Shaik Fayaz Basha to become the chairperson of Rayachoti municipality from a vegetable vendor. Basha, a degree holder, has been selling vegetables at the local market for a livelihood after he failed to get a decent job. Simultaneously, he used to take an active part in the YSRC activities whenever he gets free time.

Basha took part in the party campaign in the previous elections to the Rayachoti municipality and played an important role in the victory of the YSRC candidate. This time, the party fielded Basha as its candidate in the municipal elections and he won with a good majority. Much to the surprise of Basha, the party fielded him for the chairperson election, which was a cakewalk as the numbers were very much in favour of the ruling party.

Overwhelmed by the opportunity given to him by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Basha said, “I thank Jagan Mohan Reddy for giving someone like me the opportunity to be the chairperson of the Rayachoti Municipality. Despite being a degree holder, due to unemployment, I had to sell vegetables in my village to survive. I had no direction in life. It was then that the YSRCP gave me the opportunity to contest. Now, I was the Chairperson of the municipality. It is an unbelievable journey’’

“This once again proves that the YSRC is a party of the common man,” he said, once again thanking Jagan for giving him the opportunity. Earlier, the party had nominated a Muslim woman, Mayana Jakiya Khanum from Rayachoti, to the Member of Legislative Council (MLC).

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / March 19th, 2021

Renowned Islamic Scholar From Tamil Nadu, Shaikh Dr R K Noor Muhammad Madani Passes Away

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pallikonda (Vellore District), TAMIL NADU :

Renowned Islamic Scholar Dr R K Noor Muhammad Umari Madani passed away Sunday morning due to COVID-19. He was a scholar of hadith and an author of numerous books.

Shaikh Dr R K Noor Muhammad was born in Pallikonda, Vellore District in Tamil Nadu. He Completed his Alim Fazil course from Jamia Darussalam, BA (Adeeb Fazil) from Madras University in 1985. In 1991, he did his BA in Hadith from the Islamic University of Madinah and completed his MA in Hadith in 1996 and obtained his PhD in 2002 from the same university. A meritorious student, Shaikh Dr R K Noor Muhammad was awarded a Gold Medal from Madinah University.

Shaikh Dr R K Noor Muhammad was the All India General Secretary, Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind and President, Jamiat Ahle Hadees Tamil Nadu & Puducherry and Vice President of Ibnul Qayyim Islamic Research & Guidance Centre (IRGC) in Chennai.

The Shaikh presented Islamic programs for many years on Peace TV Urdu, Studio Islam and other TV channels and Dawah organisations.

His thesis on the fatwa of the first four Khalifahs was published by Darussalam under the title, ‘Aqdhiyah Tul Khulafa-er-Rashideen’, Khalid Paulraj reported.

Loss to the entire Ummah

The All India Da’wah Centres Association (AIDCA) in a statement said that the demise of Shaikh Dr R K Noor Muhammad is a loss to the entire Ummah. “We have lost a knowledgeable personality who was revered by one and all because of his knowledge, simplicity and steadfastness,” the statement read.

“The Shaikh had championed the cause of Da’wah and his long association with Da’wah Centres and Da’ees is well known in the Da’wah Field.

Shaikh’s guidance to the Scholars and Da’ees has left a long-lasting impact and benefitted the masses through the initiates taken up as a consequence of Shaikh’s encouragement.

Shaikh’s demise has left a void which we hope Allah (SWT) helps the ummah in finding a worthy heir to his legacy & may Allah help us all endure this loss, Aameen. We pray to Allah (SWT) for the Shaikh’s maghfirah and forgiveness of his shortcomings, May Allah grant him Jannat-ul-Firdaus, aameen, and we stand by Shaikh’s family, students and all those pained at this difficult time,” the statement added.

source: http://www.thecongnate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / March 21st, 2021

SC collegium recommends 13 names for appointment as Bombay HC judges

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

The judicial officers, whose elevation has been recommended by the collegium are – Rajesh N Laddha, Sanjay G Mehare, G A Sanap and S G Dige.

New Delhi :

The Supreme Court collegium on Friday recommended appointment of nine advocates and elevation of four judicial officers as judges of the Bombay High Court.

The three-judge Supreme Court collegium, which held its meeting on Friday comprised of Chief Justice Bobde and Justices N V Ramana and R F Nariman and recommended appointment of nine advocates as judges of the High Court.

The nine advocates are: Aruna S pai, Shailesh P Brahme, Kamal R Khata, Sharmila U Deshmukh, Amira Abdul Razaq, Sandeep V Marne, Sandeep H Parikh, Somasekhar Sundaresan and Mahendra M Nerlikar.

The judicial officers, whose elevation has been recommended by the collegium are – Rajesh N Laddha, Sanjay G Mehare, G A Sanap and S G Dige.

The sanctioned strength of judges at the Bombay High Court is 94 and more than 30 seats are vacant.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Nation / by PTI / March 19th, 2021

Navi Mumbai: Alert auto driver saves girl from sexual assault, gets felicitated

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Navi Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Salman Shah (29) was handed over certificate of appreciation by DCP (zone-1) Suresh Mengade, flanked by senior inspector Ravindra Patil of NRI coastal police station

Navi Mumbai :

An autorickshaw driver from Belapur village was felicitated for saving a 11-year-old girl from being sexually assaulted the second time.

The NRI coastal police felicitated Salman Shah for rescuing the girl on January 31 from a 16-year-old accused.

Senior inspector Ravindra Patil, said, “On January 31, at around midnight, the accused, a stranger, called the girl outside her society, when her parents were busy at a religious gathering held in their society. He took her to an isolated  spot behind a petrol pump near CBD railway station and sexually assaulted her.”

Patil added, “The juvenile accused was arrested a month after the incident when he was traced to a CBD restaurant and bar where he worked as a waiter. We booked him for rape under the Pocso Act. He has been sent to the juvenile remand home at Bhiwandi.

Auto driver Shah said, “The boy was with the minor girl on the streets in the odd hours and the girl appeared scared.  When I questioned the teenager, he panicked and ran away.”

He added that the girl told me that the teenager had kidnapped her and sexually abused her behind the petrol pump . “I contacted the girl’s father with the help of the mobile number the girl gave me. I informed him that  his daughter was safe and I had rescued her from a kidnapper, who escaped. Her father told that they were looking for her since two hours,” added Shah.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City News> Navi Mumbai News / by George Mendonca / TNN / March 20th, 2021

New Assam plant species may aid anti-cancer battle

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Guwahati, ASSAM :

Members of this group have a secondary metabolite used in colon cancer: Expert

Researchers of western Assam’s Bodoland University have recorded a new plant species that may go a long way in fighting cancer.

The species, named Ophiorrhiza recurvipetala, has been found at 675 metres above mean sea level in central Assam’s Dima Hasao district. It has been classified under the Rubiaceae family of flowering plants, to which the plant yielding coffee belongs.

Recurvipetala means petals curved back.

The finding was published in the March 2021 issue of the Nordic Journal of Botany.

“This is a new species to plant science and may be a potential anticancer research candidate. All members of this group have a secondary metabolite called Camptothecin used in colon cancer,” Sanjib Baruah, assistant professor of Bodoland University’s Department of Botany said.

He co-authored the study with research scholars Birina Bhuyan of Bodoland University and Selim Mehmud of Guwahati’s Cotton University.

“It is now our turn to find the Camptothecin content occurring in this novel species. There is a possibility to cultivate this species as a promising medicinal plant for the northeast, but its agrotechnology is not known,” Dr. Baruah told The Hindu.

The researchers had spent a few months in the hilly areas of Jatinga and Haflong in Dima Hasao district to locate a few plants on a wooded mound. “The new species is restricted to this area where it grows in moist shady places,” he said.

Ophiorrhiza is a predominantly herbaceous genus distributed from eastern India to the West Pacific from South China to northern Australia. According to the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, 2017, it is a notably species-rich and taxonomically complicated genus with about 318 species worldwide.

In India, 47 species and nine varieties have been recorded and among them 21 species and one variety are from the northeast.

The Ophiorrhiza recurvipetala is a perennial herb with a maximum height of 60 cm and is branched. It yields a creamy white flower.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National / by Rahul Kamakar / Guwahati – March 19th, 2021