Former MLC Haji K S Muhammad Masood, who was recently re-elected as president of The Muslim Central Committee of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, took charge at an official program held at the office of the Committee in Bunder, Mangaluru on Wednesday.
Vice presidents Haji C Mahmood and Haji Ibrahim Kodijal, general secretary Haji Mohammad Haneef, and treasurer Haji Musa Moideen also took charge on the occasion.
Masood, who was unanimously elected to the top post of the Committee recently, took oath from Yousuf Ali, principal of the Badriya PU College. He requested the support of all members to lead the Committee on the path of progress.
He added that committees would soon be formed at taluk-level.
Khatib Abdul Akram of the Central Juma Masjid made supplications and pointed out that not everyone gets the privilege of striving for the development of the Muslim community. “People who lead us should be committed and understand their responsibilities duly. The people of the community, who elect them, should also follow them duly,” he reminded.
He lauded the efforts of Haji Masood for his efforts for the development of the community.
Srinagar ,JAMMU & KASHMIR / Buffalo (New York State) USA :
Srinagar :
The dream project of a Kashmiri doctor couple, Khurshid Ahmad Guru and Lubna Guru, to set up a Kashmiri museum abroad that was envisioned in 2020 has finally become a reality.
In the backdrop of the picturesque yet roaring Niagara Falls, world’s first overseas museum of Kashmiri culture and arts has been set up by the couple.
Khurshid Guru told reporters that over 12 million people visit the Niagara Falls each year and even if a small percentage of them visit the museum, his dream will bear fruit.
To assert its origin, Khurshid has named the museum as ‘Centre for Kashmir’. It includes a number of Kashmiri artefacts depicting the culture, history and art of the region.
The passion of the Kashmiri doctor bears its origin in the brutal assassination of his father, renowned cardiologist Abdul Ahad Guru, who was killed on April 1, 1993 in Srinagar.
Khurshid is a senior robotic oncologic surgeon and heads the urology department of Roswell Park comprehensive cancer centre at Buffalo in the US. He has been working in Buffalo along with his paediatrician wife, Lubna, for the last 17 years.
The couple has assembled 1,500 rare books on Kashmir besides artefacts, which is said to be the biggest collection on Kashmir outside the Valley.
In 2020, the centre purchased the former First Church of Christ Scientist on Park Place. It has its own history. The church had been built in 1917 in the Gothic Revival style by the First Society of Christian Scientists of Niagara Falls that existed since July 26, 1903.
Post-purchase, the interior remodelling started. False ceilings were taken down, the roof was renovated, and windows were resealed, and an elevator was installed. They are also planning to buy two additional houses to provide residential space to visiting Kashmiri artistes, scholars and contributors.
The museum is now ready to be thrown open. The items planned to be displayed include paintings, out of print books, and Kashmiri handicrafts, including shawls, rugs, wood carving, papier machie and other items.
Since costs have shot up post Covid-19, the couple is raising funds from patrons of Kashmiri culture and art and also those interested in synthesis of global culture that consists of different remote yet deeply interconnected cultures of different races and regions.
The centre acquired the property for $200,000 from its owner, Michael Suszek; spent $1.25 million for construction and rennovation, another $250,000 for furniture and equipment, and $300,000 for other costs.
Post the pandemic, the costs escalated. This was despite the fact that the New York authorities approved a tax concession to the 9,400 sq ft building in September 2021. The centre is a public charity that aims to serve as the global focal point on arts, culture and history of the South Asian Himalayan region. To preserve, protect and promote the ‘Kashmiri way of life’ is central to its existence.
The centre hopes that it can run on its own as a business operation, with ticket sales and annual memberships covering the operation costs.
source: http://www.thekashmirmonitor.net / The Kashmir Monitor / Home> Kashmir / by Agencies / January 11th, 2023
Areej Ahmed, a resident of Udupi was awarded the best outgoing student for the year 2021 at the 23rd Annual and Awards day at the Manipal College of Health Professions.
Areej, completed her Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) with distinction. She is the daughter of Udupi’s Khaleel Ahmed and Zeenath.
Areej received the award of best outgoing student of the BASLP batch from Manipal and Mangalore campuses.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 12th, 2023
Recently, the Women Start-up Summit 4.0 was organized by the Kerala Start-up Mission (KSUM). The special thing is that a large number of young entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities participated in this conference and presented their innovative ideas to the audience.
Naureen Ayesha is one of the hundreds of women entrepreneurs who attended the conference in Kochi. Naureen and her husband Nasif Nazar’s start-up Femisafe is a Femitech company, the idea of which came up during one of their conversations.
Naseef Nazar has worked in the fields of Software, HR, and Marketing. In 2020, he too ventured into entrepreneurship.
At the conference, Naureen said that ‘operating from non-metro cities like Kochi also means having a smaller footprint’. However, the products that Famisafe offers are very generic, so Naureen believes that smaller markets are a better option to make a mark before expansion.
In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple noticed that the sanitation workers had to pick up sanitary pads from the garbage. Those days, even janitors would come once a week due to the Covid lockdown.
Naureen said in one of her interviews, “It was horrifying to see bloody pads being lifted with bare hands. Sanitation workers had to separate the gel from the plastic so that the waste could be processed.”
At the same time, Nasif advised Naureen to work on creating awareness among women for use of menstrual cups in place of sanitary pads because these could be reused for several years and is also cost-effective. Most importantly, these don’t end up in garbage dumps for the sanitary workers to clean up.
Naureen Ayesha and Naseef Nazar
Naureen worked on the idea and in 2020 Femisafe became a reality.
The tagline of Femisafe – The best friend of women – thus contributes to women’s hygiene. Besides menstrual cups, the company has also launched menstrual cup sterilizers, intimate washes, face razors, body razors, and skin care.
Naureen and Naseef have focused on making inroads into the smaller markets that have been neglected by the big companies, i.e. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. In that too, South India is their priority. Through Femisafe, Naureen is not only offering quality products to women but is also spreading awareness about their hygiene, especially during their periods.
Naseef said their company’s focus is more on South India as they have a more cultural understanding of the region.
According to an estimate, 12.3 billion sanitary napkins are used annually in the country and nearly half of the women of India are unable to get disposable sanitary napkins.
While the use of sanitary napkins is a good hygiene practice, their disposal poses health and environmental hazard.
In these circumstances, products like menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular. Dr. Sonil Singh says, “Among products like tampons, napkins, etc., menstrual cups are the best as these are comfortable and also environment-friendly.”
The products of Femisafe
Naureen Ayesha writes on her website: “Right now we are reaching out to a section of the society through social media. We are constantly trying to make them aware and for this, we are also organizing seminars, workshops, and sessions.”
According to Naureen, Femisafe is now preparing to enter the market with menstrual cramp patches, health supplements, and products for skin care, mouth care, and baby care.
Femisafe sells its products in small towns and runs campaigns to get the attention of college students, working professionals women, and mothers. Most of FamiSafe’s sales are through Amazon, Flipkart, and its website.
Femisafe products are also available in leading pharmacies in and around Kochi. Currently, the startup has an ARR of Rs 1 crore with an investment of Rs 30 lakh. Naureen handles R&D, HR, and product development while Naseef looks after marketing, branding, and finance. The venture is part of the Wadhwani Foundation Liftoff and the Stanford Seed Spark Accelerator Program.
Naureen writes, “The biggest challenge in this business is to spread awareness because this case is like this. There is a taboo regarding menstrual hygiene in society and people do not like to talk about it. Social media has helped a lot in tackling this challenge. Social media is a great platform to unite people, through which we can eliminate these taboos and inertia.”
source:http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Women / by Manjit Thakur, New Delhi / December 23rd, 2022
Visitors at a book stall at the 25th National Urdu Book Fair at Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu. Photo courtesy: The Hindu.
Vaniyambadi (Tamil Nadu) :
The 25th National Urdu Book Fair organized at the premises of the 100-year-old Islamiah College here is attracting a large number of Urdu lovers from Vaniyambadi and other nearby towns.
The Urdu book fair, which is the first in South India, will continue till January 11.
Organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Languauge(NCPUL), in association with 120-year-old Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society (VMES), the book fair was inaugurated by NCPUL director Dr. Sheikh Aqueel Ahmed and Mohammed Hashim Malack, Managing Director, K. H. Group of Companies.
NCPUL is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Department of Secondary and Higher Education, Government of India.
G. Vishwanathan, founder, Vellore Institute of Technology and Ghani Mohammad Azhal, general secretary, Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society, were among those who attended the inaugural function.
Women managing the stalls at the National Urdu Book Fair at Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu.
Vaniyambadi was chosen as the place for the Urdu book fair because Vaniyambadi is a Urdu hub in Tamil Nadu with many other towns around it like Tirupattur, Ambur, Peranambattu, Gudiyattam, Melvisharam, Krishngiri and Hosur having considerable population of Urdu speakers.
“Despite being small in size, Vaniyambadi has a rich history, especially among its Urdu natives, who speak the refined language similar to that spoken in northern India,” says NCPUL’s educational officer, Ajmal Sayeed, who is also officer in-charge of the fair.
He says the aim of the fair is to promote Urdu literature among people in Tamil Nadu and the region.
VMES vice-president Yusuf MD Patel, who is coordinator of the fair, says that 60 Urdu publishers from all over the country have displayed their books in Urdu at 100 stalls. Guidance Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi, Markazi Maktaba Islami Publishers, New Delhi, Iqra Educational Foundation, Mumbai, Educational Book Service, New Delhi, Goodword Books, New Delhi, and Qazi Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi, are among the major publishing houses who have taken part in the fair.
Most of the books in the fair are on Urdu literature, poetry, grammar, history, biographies, position of women in Islam, stories for children and medicine.
According to NCPUL press release, the most notable works on display are the translated versions of celebrated writers’ works including George Orwell’s Big Brother is Watching You, Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a self-help book, and Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins.
The popular books among the visitors are the pocket-size Quran and the translated versions of Tamil poet Subramania Bharati (also known as Mahakavi Bharathiyar).
Many literary and academic events like Mushairas, ‘tamsili’mushaira in which students dressed up like great Urdu poets present their couplets), meet the author sessions, guest lectures from journalists, debates, Urdu dramas, bait bazi(recitation of Urdu couplets in the form of Antakshri) and many other events are being organized in the fair.
Debates on contemporary issues “Can e-books and electronic media replace printed books”, “Is social media a boon or bane”, “Is the technological development changing temperament and interests,” and “Is online education better than conventional way of teaching” are also planned to be organized at the fair.
An oratorial contest on science for college students are also among the events to be organized.
A special lecture on science and Urdu language by former vice-chancellor of the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) Aslam Pervez is also being organized.
A discussion and interaction on “Urdu Taleem-o- tadrees ke tareeqe” and “funne taleem-o-tarbiyat: jadeed nazariyat” are also among many events to be held in the book fair.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin, India Tomorrow / January 06th, 2023
Mohammad Ahsan Ahsan was known and respected in all the literary circles of Kashmir.
Born in 1930 at Para Mohalla Hajin, Ahsan sahib passed away on September 9, 2017, leaving hundreds and thousands of literature lovers mourning the loss.
As Ahsan Memorial Foundation is being launched on 9th of September this year at Hajin Bandipora, this column is an attempt to remember this great literary figure, teacher, and administrator.
When I talk to literary figures of Kashmir about this great cousin of Professor Mohi ud Din Hajini, I am told that Ahsan was really a doer of Ahsan (favour) in his conduct, attitude, and work.
When he was in the teaching profession, he would not only help students and fellow colleagues but would also encourage them to pursue higher education. He would counsel students from rural areas and help them in reaching different colleges and universities. He was known as the teacher of all the teachers of Sonawari area and had earned high respect for his qualities as a teacher.
Ahsan sahib fell in love with Kashmiri language and literature due to his association with one of the stalwart figures and intellectuals of Kashmir, Professor Mohi ud Din Hajini. Being his cousin, Ahsan sahib would be always with him in different literary and socio-political missions. He stood by him through thick and thin. When Professor Hajini founded Halqa e Adad Sonawari and Adbee Markaz Kamraz, Ahsan sahib was not only among the key members but also among the policy makers of these two of the oldest literary organisations of Kashmir.
Ahsan sahib shifted to Art and Cultural Academy as the editor of the Kashmiri section of its publications. He never compromised on the quality of work that the Academy was carrying out in terms of research and publications in Kashmiri language. He was one of the key members of the editors committee that published the Encyclopedia of Kashmir and the Dictionary of Kashmiri Language. During his tenure at the Academy, Ahsan sahib continued to work for the promotion of Kashmiri language and literature officially as well as non-officially.
However, despite his administrative and official business, Ahsan sahib would always find time to help and guide poets from different villages of Kashmir. Since he was a good poet and prose writer, many poets would approach him for guidance in technical aspects of poetry. Ahsan sahib would sit for hours with these poets and explain to them in detail how they can develop competence in the correct use of prosody and other such things in poetry. Many a good poet from north Kashmir acknowledge that but for Ahsan sahib’s encouragement and guidance, they could not have proved their mettle in the field of poetry. He, therefore, continued to be a good teacher even when he was in administration.
After his retirement from government service, Ahsan sahib became the Principal of MD Hajini Memorial Public School. He also remained a social and linguistic activist. He performed many roles at the same time and he was respected and loved by all sections of society. He even acted as the Convener of the Kashmir Chapter of Sahitya Akademy twice before he passed away. His friends, colleagues and even critics respected and loved him to the extent that nobody could ever question his credibility. Now when a literary foundation is being launched in his name at Hajin Sonawari, his friends, colleagues and companions have attempted to do what was long overdue to him. On this occasion, as I talked to his well-wishers at Hajin, a collection of his prose writings titled Ahsan un Ahsun is being released. The foundation is also releasing a journal titled Shihej Boni in the loving memory of Ahsan sahib. This journal contains articles and papers about Ahsan sahib and his contributions to Kashmiri language, culture and literature.
Earlier, the founder of the association and nephew of Ahsan sahib, Ab Ahad Hajini, had released a collection of poetry of Ahsan sahib titled Achar Katchi Taam Aaabas Peth from the platform of Halqa e Adab Sonawari.
Ahsan sahib was not an ordinary poet. He could have been in the league of legends like Rehman Rahi in poetry if he would have taken it seriously. But since his was a multi-tasking personality, he would write only occasionally and was even averse to publishing it during his lifetime.
His nephew, Ab Ahad Hajini, would say that Ahsan sahib would flare up at hearing him talk of the publication of his poetry and would say that “only after my death you can do what you like”. Nevertheless, Achar Katchi Taam Aabas Peth is a monumental piece of work that students of Kashmiri literature should read for understanding the dilemmas of modern man, the psychological fragmentation of contemporary Kashmiris, and other such interesting themes.
Apart from being a poet, a teacher, an administrator, a social and cultural activist, Ahsan sahib was a great editor and translator. He has edited dozens of books of Kashmiri poetry and has translated Urdu and English poetry into Kashmiri also.
While he is being remembered at Hajin on the launching ceremony of Ahsan Memorial Foundation and two important publications in his name are being released, I would say that Tathi was a great human being, always available for all, and full of love and care for one and all. This is why he commands love and respect in all the hearts and eyes that knew him in Kashmir. May Allah grant him Jannat ul Firdous!
—The writer is a doctoral fellow at University of Kashmir. ahsanulhaq045@gmail.com
source: http://www.kashmirreader.com / Kashmir Reader / Home / by Ahsan Ul Haq / September 10th, 2021
She was one of the first girls in her community of Muslim families in Kasargod to be educated, graduating from a local Kannada school.
Renowned Kannada novelist, essayist, and translator Sara Abubakar.
Mangaluru :
Renowned Kannada novelist, essayist, and translator Sara Abubakar passed away on Tuesday. She was 86. She died around 1 pm at a private hospital due to illness.
Some of her noted works include Chandragiriya Theeradalli, Hottu Kanthuva Munna, and more. Her novels deal with trials and tribulations in Muslims’ lives as well as women’s empowerment.
Sara was born in a Malayalam-speaking family from Kasaragod to advocate P Ahmad and Zainabi on June 30, 1936. She was one of the first girls in her community of Muslim families in Kasargod to be educated, graduating from a local Kannada school.
She bid goodbye to her studies after her marriage with Abu Bakar, an engineer. But Sara was always interested in reading and addicted to the writings of Shivaram Karantaru, Inamdar, Bhairappa, Ananthamurthy and Vaikom Basheer.
Sara had once stated that her desire to pursue her education was constrained by community norms that restricted female access to higher education.
Her mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at her residence at Hathill in Mangaluru and final rites will be held at 8 pm today.
Many dignitaries have mourned the death of Sara Abubakar, including leader of the opposition party, Siddaramaiah who tweeted about the death of the veteran writer.
Sara has won several awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi award of honour, the Karnataka Rajyotsava award, and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe award from the Karnataka Government.
She is survived by four sons and many relatives.
(With inputs from Online Desk)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Divya Coutinho / Express News Service / January 10th, 2023
During the event Syed Khaleel ur Rahman was also given the title of “Iftikhar e Qoum” (Pride of Community). He earlier had the title of “Qaid e Qoum” (Leader of Community).
BMKC, a council of several associations of Muslim community based in Middle-East, had invited several notable personalities including Qazi Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal Moulana Abdur Rab, Qazi Markazi Khalifa Jamatul Muslimeen Bhatkal Moulana Khaja Akrami Madani, from Bhatkal as guests for the even.
Speaking at the event, Syed Khaleel ur Rahman narrated his journey and struggle in achieving what he has achieved.
“There’s no success story without struggle. One has to work tirelessly without looking at their watches to be successful. Success is not when you achieve luxurious life, or when you leave behind hefty wealth for your family, your true success is scaled in what you give back to the society and your community.” He said while narrating his story.
“Throughout my life I have not done anything while expecting any worldly returns or pleasures. I did it for the betterment of my life hereafter. That’ll be success in true essence for me.” He said.
He further added, “Although people say I am a very successful professional, but i have never considered myself a successful professional. For me, I am a failure. I have not achieved even 10% of my dreams, my dreams are big. Good willing, I have plans to embark on a journey to fullfill those dreams soon, I have a plan in accordance with the upliftment of our community.”
He also thanked BMKC for organizing the felicitation ceremony. He advised the younger generation of leaders to work under the supervision of seniors and experienced members of the community and not leaving them out.
A documentary on the life of Syed Khaleel ur Rahman was also released by BMKC during the event.
Moulana Khaja Akrami, Moulana Abdur Rab, prominent businessmen Yunus Kazia, Meera Manegar and others also addressed the event and lauded the services commitment of Syed Khaleel ur Rahman towards the community.
The event was presided by BMKC Secretary General and NRI businessman Ateequr Rahman Muniri Secretary General Of BMKC, and was compered by another Dubai-based Bhatkali businessman Rahmatullah Rahi.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 11th, 2022
Hussamuddin who belongs to Telangana’s Nizamabad town emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline.
Hyderabad:
Mohammad Hussamuddin won a gold medal at the 6th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships on Friday in Hisar.
Hussamuddin who belongs to Telangana’s Nizamabad town emerged victorious with a 4-1 scoreline. The defending champion, Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), led the way with ten medals.
Assam Asian medalist Shiva Thapa defeated 2021 World Youth Championships bronze medalist Ankit Narwal of the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) to win in the 63.5 kg final.
The 2022 Asian Championships bronze medalist Narender (+92) received a walkover in his final fight against the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist Sagar, who could not participate in the matchup due to a minor injury.
The boxers of SSCB at the Men’s National Boxing Championships won six gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Bishwamitra Chongtham (51 kg), Sachin (54 kg), Akash (67 kg), and Sumit (75 kg) were the team’s other gold medalists.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by siasat.com news desk / January 07th, 2023
Sahil Ali of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been offered an annual package of 1.13 crore by a Netherlands-based IT company.
Sahil, a student of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), has thus become the first student of this University to get such a high salary offer.
Sahil Ali is currently completing his M.Tech degree from the University’s IIPS College.
It’s said that Sahil was always a bright student who has many achievements.
Earlier too he was offered what at Rs 46 lakhs has become the second biggest package of the university by a Bangalore-based company.
Sahil says he has worked hard in planning and dreaming of a good future. He believes in uninterrupted hard work and focuses.
Vice Chancellor Professor Renu Jain says that this year the average package in DAVV has been better than last year. The students here are going to very good companies.
The students of the University have received packages of about Rs 6 lakh annually. Sahil says that from the first year of MTech, he made preparations for placement. He dedicates his success to his teachers and his parents.
After the end of the Covid, the job market is rife. So far, 982 students from various departments of DAVV have got jobs this year.
Some students are selected by three to four companies. In this way, students have received 1137 offers from companies. The special thing is that the university has broken the previous year’s records.
source:http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by awazthevoice.in / January 10th, 2023
