Monthly Archives: January 2024

Vatan Ke Ratan Awards 2023: Watan Samachar recognises contributions of eminent personalities

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NEW DELHI:

The community should set its own welfare agenda, instead of depending on govt schemes and reservations

New Delhi :

Several eminent personalities from various fields were honored with the ‘Vatan Ke Ratan Awards: 2023’ in recognition of their exceptional contributions to society.

The award ceremony was hosted by a Delhi-based media organization, Watan Samachar Group, on Sunday at the Press Club of India here, marking the birth anniversary of former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘Missile Man’ and recipient of Bharat Ratna award. Dr. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

In a conversation with Radiance, journalist Muhammad Ahmad, founder of Watan Samachar Group, informed that this year’s ‘Vatan Ke Ratan Awards’ were presented to the following individuals:

1-Dr. Meraj Hussain, the national convener of Volunteers Against Hate

2- Advocate Sapna Dixit, a senior Supreme Court lawyer

3- Kamil Azizi Saeedi, founder of Amrit Ved

4- Advocate Ubaidullah

5- Muhammad Fakhr Imam of Sahara Group

6- Mohammad Mustaqeem Khan, Editor of Siyasi Takdeer

7- Ajay Pandey

8- Javed Ashraf

9- Nidhi Opadhyay

10- Chaudhry Aurangzeb

11- Azharuddin

12- Shadab Ahmed

13- Shayan Ishkar

14- Dr. Zubaidur Rehman, also known as Babban Mian

15- Advocate Nitin.

According to Muhammad Ahmad, the Watan Samachar group honors notable persons every year for their outstanding contributions.

According to Muhammad Ahmad, the Watan Samachar group honors notable persons every year for their outstanding contributions.

Prominent figures, such as veteran journalist and defense expert Qamar Agha, Mirza Qamar Hasan Baig, Chairman of the Jamia Cooperative Bank, Dr. Syed Ahmed Khan, Secretary General of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress (AIUTC), as well as social workers and philanthropists, including Dr. Muhammad Tajuddin Ansari, Mahmud Khan, Muhammad Tahir Siddiqi, and Dr. Zubair Rahman (Babban Miyan), attended the ceremony.

Emphasizing Dr. Kalam’s dedication and hard work as the key to his success, Qamar Agha stressed the importance of following Dr. Kalam’s vision and viewpoint to propel the country forward. He pointed out that a community or group that depends solely on the government for its development never truly succeeds, citing examples from the current conditions of Dalits and tribals. According to him, not many have benefited, aside from a few individuals who have gained from reservation and government schemes. Instead of focusing on reservation policies, government schemes, or funds, he suggested that the community members should set their own welfare agenda and drive it forward.

Hailing Dr. Kalam’s remarkable achievements despite his humble background as the son of an imam, Mirza Qamar Hasan expressed concern about the current trend of religious divisions in the country and urged people to embrace humanity, love, and compassion to uplift the nation. Encouraging people to offer support and be beneficial to all, including the country, he said, “We have no value unless we engage in good deeds at the community level.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tajuddin Ansari encouraged the establishment of educational institutions at the grassroots level and better training for the younger generation.

Highlighting the significance of collective efforts for India’s progress and prosperity, Mr. Tahir Siddiqui underscored the need to eliminate social evils, ultimately leading to a prosperous and well-developed nation.

The event, which was attended by a large number of participants, was co-anchored by Mohammad Ahmed and Dr. Vibhu Kumari.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Anwarulhaq Baig / Radiance News Bureau / January 16th, 2023

Sheer Grit versus hard rock deep down below

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

Silkyara Tunnel, Uttarakashi, UTTARAKHAND:

A week after the incident, Wakeel Hasan, the Delhi-based head of the rat-hole miners, got a call to head to Silkyara with his men.

Gabbar Singh Negi and Wakeel Hassan. ( Sourav Roy)
Gabbar Singh Negi and Wakeel Hassan. ( Sourav Roy)

They are a part of a tribe that always sees light at the end of the tunnel — literally and figuratively. Optimism and a belief in new beginnings define their work profile. Whether it is laying a narrow sewer line or a virtual cul-de-sac, they see a “passage to a possibility” — as Gabbar Singh Negi, a foreman among the 41 miners trapped in the Silkyara tunnel, would describe the 16-day ordeal of life in death-like situation.

Here’s a quick recall of what happened on the morning of November 12 at Silkyara in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, nearly 425 km from Delhi: The under-construction Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel suddenly caved in. Trapped inside were low-wage construction workers in a 4.5km space underground.

The tunnel is part of PM Narendra Modi’s ambitious Rs  12,000 crore Char Dham project, which aims to link four Hindu pilgrimage sites. The region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods.

Insured for Rs 5 lakh for the hazardous work of tunnelling through hard rocks, the trapped miners led by Negi knew little about what lay ahead that morning. “Life overground for us is already tough, we earn hardly enough for our families; most of us are barely literate,” said a rescued miner.

A week after the incident, Wakeel Hasan, the Delhi-based head of the rat-hole miners, got a call to head to Silkyara with his men. “Our expertise is laying and cleaning sewer lines through small tunnels. I didn’t know how I and my men would do this task of rescuing so many people,” says Wakeel.

On the 14th day, when American Auger machines, used in vertical drilling and blasting, went bust due to overheating a few metres before reaching the trapped miners, Wakeel got his head around the situation: his time to chip in had arrived.

Rat-hole mining is a dangerous and controversial method used extensively in Meghalaya to extract thin layers of coal. An environment court in 2014 banned the hazardous practice.

Back in the netherworld of darkness and despair, Negi was trying to keep the fading hopes alive. “We were sad. I told my fellow miners we must accept our fate,” Negi recalls. “For the whole fortnight, I tried to joke around, and told them about miracles in the lives of people. And despite their sullenness, I tried to gather them together for a prayer. After all, that was all I could do, they could do,” says Negi.

Outside the mine, faith was all that prevailed. Even as engineers, geologists, relief teams and tunnel experts went over their plans again and again, the elders living in the sparsely populated hamlet advised them, citing mythological beliefs, to set up a temple at the entrance of the tunnel. Finally, everyone took refuge in the local deity Baba Baukhnag.

Wakeel, who has refused to accept the relief amount announced by the Uttarakahnd CM, said, “The pressure to rescue the workers strengthened our resolve. We had to be glued to our work, and stay focused.”

They worked round the clock in two teams of three each, with one person digging manually, the other collecting debris, and the third pushing it out of the pipe. 

“As soon as we removed the last chunk of debris, the trapped miners were overjoyed. They hugged us like family members meeting each other after long,” says Nasir Hussain, one of the six rat-hole miners.

“None of the rescuers could have done this alone, and this is the message I want to convey: we should live and work in harmony,” said Wakeel after the last of the trapped miners was brought out.

The bigger question is as rescued miners say quietly: why did it take so long? And the question that rat-hole miners ask: when and who will come to their rescue and recognise their value?

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> The Sunday Standard / by Narendra Sethi / December 03rd, 2023

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Kerala Man Comes To Help Rescuers

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Palakkad, KERALA:

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Kerala man comes to help rescuers

Empathising with the 41 trapped workers in Silkyara tunnel, a man has travelled to Uttarkashi from Kerala to help the rescuers. However, since he does not have the skills required in the operation, he is providing all kinds of help to those deployed at the spot.

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand): 

A 41-year-old man from Kerala has arrived in Uttarkashi to help the rescuers engaged in evacuating the 41 workers who are trapped in Silkyara tunnel for the last 15 days. He would return home only after the trapped workers are rescued.

Pained by the trauma suffered by the trapped workers, Sameer Karimba, a resident of Kerala’s Palakkad has rushed to the site. However, since he does not possess the requisite technical knowledge and skills required to undertake the operation, he is helping in arranging bonfires for the security personnel deployed at the spot.

Karimba is a rescuer, who travels to different states to help the victims of disasters and accidents. He said that Mumbai-resident Harsha Koteja helps him financially for this work. It was Koteja who informed him about the 41 labourers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. After which, he reached Uttarkashi on November 21.

Sameer said that he wanted to go inside the tunnel and help in the rescue work. But is unable to do so due to lack of technical knowledge. At present he is trying to run errands for the rescuers and security personnel deployed here. “Until the workers trapped in the tunnel are evacuated, I will stay here and do all kinds of service,” he said

Karimba has appealed people to pray for the safety of the trapped workers. He has sent a message in this regard to his acquaintances through social media. He has himself offered prayers in the mosque while asking his Hindu friends to offer puja in temples for the workers.

source: http://www.etvbharat.com / ETV Bharat / Home> / ETV Bharat English Desk / November 26th, 2023

41 workers came out, Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain sacrifices immortal

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Silkyara Tunnel, Uttarakashi, UTTARAKHAND:

41 workers have successfully come out of the tunnel after 17 days of effort. Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain’s sacrifices have become immortal forever and the whole country is saluting them.

41 workers came out, Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain sacrifices immortal

41 workers have successfully come out of the tunnel after 17 days of effort. Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain’s sacrifices have become immortal forever and the whole country is saluting them.

With this, the sacrifices of all those people who risked their lives to bring those workers out and worked day and night for 17 consecutive days. People are saluting Wajid Khan Munna Qureshi’s team.

Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (Registered) performed special prayers at Sultan ji’s bargah

Special prayers were offered for the health and long life of the laborers trapped in Uttarkashi Tunnel.

Leaders and activists of Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (registered), a nationalist organization, organized special prayers and prayers for the health and longevity of the labourers stranded during the construction of the National Highway Uttarkashi tunnel at Bargah Sharif of renowned Sufi saint and spiritual crown prince Sultan ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya (Khwaja Mehboob Elahi).

After the prayer, good news started coming from the tunnel that the workers were going to leave soon.

In fact, in the capital Delhi, Chadar and Aqidat flowers were presented under the leadership of Alhaj Muhammad Irfan Ahmed, Chief Patron of the institution.

President of the outfit Ehsan Abbasi and other office-bearers offered special prayers.

Dargah Sharif’s Sajjada Nashin Peer Syed Muhammad Hammad Ahmed Nizami, Sarfaraz Ali, Azad Noorani, Muhammad Dilshad Qureshi, Muhammad Saghir Idrissi, Haji Nisar Ahmed Qureshi, Rajesh Kumar and other prominent office bearers of Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (registered) were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive conversation with newspaper and electronic media representatives after Dua, Irfan Ahmed said that the rescue operation to evacuate about 41 workers trapped in Silkia Tunnel of Uttarkashi continues for the 17th day.

Special prayers for how our workers come out safe and healthy. Irfan Ahmed further said that Alhamdulillah all agencies are working hard and a path is being made over the mountain and also inside the tunnel to evacuate them.

The existing workers trapped there have still not given up and a massive rescue operation is going on by the government and administration to take them out safely, especially the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Minister of State (Retd) General VK Singh are keeping a close watch and taking updates from the officials one by one. However, we hope that the workers will be back soon.

source: http://www.watansamachar.com / Watan Samachar / Home> Newsflash / by Irfan Ahmed, New Delhi Correspondent / by Watan Samachar / November 28th, 2023

Rasika Islam Tops APSC, Zohaib Hassan BPSC

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Gauripur (Dhubri District), ASSAM / Purnia District, BIHAR :

Rasika Islam of Assam’s Dhubri district topped Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and Zohaib Hassan from Bihar’s Purnia district in Bihar topped BPSC examination for the recruitment of assistant professor in engineering colleges.

Khursheed Khan of Dibrugarh, a Central government employee, who joined as Inspector of Income Tax in 1996 and was promoted to IT Officer in 2005, said, “We are thrilled at the achievement of Rashika Islam.  It has been amazing journey from Inspector of Taxes to ACS No.1 within a span of 3 years. A living example of women empowerment, she has brought laurels to her community and entire Dhubri district. Dhubri has the lowest literacy rate in Assam – 60 percent; it is also the district with highest percentage of Muslims – 75 percent. Assam’s literacy rate is around 75% while Muslims’ literacy rate is less than 65 percent.

On the performance of Muslims in APSC, he said, “Overall performance of Muslims in the APSC has been very dismal. In the current list out of 86 candidates selected for ACS cadre, 8 are Muslims, 6 male and 2 female. Out of 65 candidates selected for APS cadre, 4 are Muslims, 3 male and 1 female. Muslims account for more than 1/3 of the state’s population. However, their share in the government job is dismal.”

Hailing from Guaripur of Dhubri district, Rasika is the toper of Assam Civil Services (ACS) 2022, result of which was declared by APSC on April 17. She cleared APSC 2018 exam in her first attempt and was selected as Inspector of Taxes and posted in Dhubri. She has worked for three years as Inspector of Taxes.  Her husband Roushin UL Alom is also an ACS and working as election officer in Dhubri district. Her father Shahidul Islam is voluntarily retired colonel of Indian Army.

Rasika scored 89 percent in ICSE-Class X exam, did her XII from Narengi Army School and graduated from Cotton College in 2016.

On the performance of Muslims in BPSC, Dr Maskoor Usmani, former President of AMU-SU, said, “Almost 7 percent of Muslim candidates have qualified for the 67th BPSC examination in 2017. According to reports, among 101 Muslim candidates who have qualified, 50 imparted coaching from Bihar Haj Bhawan, which has set a paradigm for change. I am sure in coming times more Muslims will qualify such examinations and will serve the state and country. Muslims constitute 17% of Bihar’s population and I believe this is a positive step towards achieving affirmative action. More needs to be done to get the results of 20 percent.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / Radiance News Bureau / January 19th, 2024

Khair Ull Nissa is among 100 Inspiring Women List, Top Women CEO for 2023

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , ,

UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps.

You have been recognized as one of the “Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world”, and are to be among the “100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP”, and listed at “50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year 2023. How do you feel?

It’s truly an honor to be recognized in such prestigious lists. Being acknowledged as one of the ‘Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world,’ making it to the ‘100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP,’ and being listed among ‘50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year’ is humbling.

These recognitions come from esteemed organizations like World Trade Center, RBTC, International organisations like Prodigy, various Trade organisations. They have acknowledged my contributions to the Growth and Development towards Trade and Development, Towards Women Empowerment and declared me CEO of the year 2023. I’m grateful for the support and recognition.

What according to you should be done for women empowerment in India?

Fostering women empowerment in India requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to focus on education, skill development, and providing equal opportunities in all sectors. Encouraging entrepreneurship among women, creating a supportive work environment, and ensuring gender equality are essential. Additionally, awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and cultural norms, along with legal reforms to protect women’s rights, can play a crucial role

For any successful entrepreneur what according to you should be the social responsibility?

For any successful entrepreneur, social responsibility is paramount. Beyond financial success, entrepreneurs should actively contribute to the community and address social issues. This can involve initiatives such as supporting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By giving back, entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on society and contribute to its well-being.

How do you like to share the feelings of your parents after your achievements?

When my father came to know about my achievements, he shared his views to me and all by saying, “On the day of having performed another Umrah in Makkah (20th January 2024), my daughter Khair Ull Nissa has been chosen and honoured on the calendar of 2024 as “MUSLIMS WHO SHAPED THE MODERN WORLD. Allah blesses her with blessings and honour her with more respect and be able to perform the duties of Good Muslim. She has made me a proud father and I am humbled.”

I believe my father’s words are a source of great motivation for me. They’re a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family throughout my journey.

Tell us about your educational, professional journey and family background?

Currently, I am on an international assignment which focuses on USD 500 Billion of Revenue and setting a benchmark for Trade and Investment between two countries.

I had the privilege of being a Board Member of the World Trade Center Association in New York and served as the Executive Director for Asia Pacific and India. In this role, I played a key part in driving monumental growth, catalyzing strategic partnerships, and achieving a 3x growth in global distribution reach. My expertise encompasses spearheading revenue generation, navigating markets in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Overseeing the development of 500+ million square meters to achieving notable sales and lease milestones, fuelling global expansion. My strengths lie in optimism, decisiveness, effective communication, collaboration, mentoring, and adaptability.

Throughout my career, I’ve received recognitions such as the Economic Times ICONIC Women in Realty for 2021 and 2022, as well as the Top 50 Global Inspirational Women Award in 2023.

I’ve also been actively involved as a Founding Member of various organizations like NAREDCO MAHI and the Real Estate Women’s Wing of NAREDCO.

I hold an MBA in Marketing & International Business from Leeds University in the UK, which has provided me with a solid foundation in business strategy and global market dynamics.

As a CEO of the year, what would you like to demand in the coming budget for the women entrepreneurs in India?

As the honored CEO of the year, I stand at the forefront, a voice for change and progress. In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps – increased funding opportunities that go beyond token gestures, robust tax incentives that truly level the playing field, and strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the skill sets and networking capabilities of women entrepreneurs.

We are at a pivotal moment where unleashing the untapped potential of women-led businesses is not just a matter of equality but a strategic imperative for the nation’s economic development. The call is not for mere lip service but for the creation of an environment that not only supports but propels the growth of women entrepreneurs. It’s time for our budgetary allocations to reflect a commitment to inclusivity and to recognize the immense contributions that women entrepreneurs can make to our nation’s prosperity.

This is not just about gender equality; it’s about recognizing and harnessing the power of innovation, leadership, and economic contribution that women bring to the entrepreneurial landscape. As the CEO of the year, I urge policymakers to seize this opportunity, break through conventional barriers, and usher in a new era of empowerment for women entrepreneurs in India. The time for action is now, and together, we can build a future where every aspiring woman entrepreneur has the resources and support needed to thrive and lead.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship / by Mohd Naushad Khan / Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2024

Journalist Amer Ali Khan nominated as MLC

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

Hyderabad :

Amer Ali Khan, news editor of Urdu daily Siasat, has been nominated as a member of Telangana Legislative Council.

The Congress government had recommended names of academician M. Kodandaram and journalist Amer Ali Khan as MLC under Governor’s quota.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has accepted the recommendation of the state government.

Kodandaram heads Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), which had supported the Congress party in the recent Assembly elections.

Amir Ali Khan’s nomination is also seen as a thanksgiving gesture by the Congress party for the newspaper’s support.

The Congress has recommended his nomination in recognition of the social, economic, welfare and educational activities of ‘Siasat’, one of the largest circulated Urdu dailies in India.

Amer Ali Khan has been in the forefront of the movement to demand implementation of 12 percent reservation as promised by the previous BRS government.

The 50-year-old is in-charge of various programmes run by the Urdu newspaper. Having completed his Bachelors in Communication and Journalism from Osmania University and Masters in Business Administration from Sultan–ul-Uloom, he has been instrumental in forming an alliance of 10 Urdu dailies for content. Under his tutelage, Siasat has expanded to Bengaluru and Qatar for the Middle East edition.

Amer Ali Khan is son of Siasat chief editor Zahid Ali Khan, who was earlier associated with the TDP and also contested Lok Sabha elections from Hyderabad constituency in 2009.

He is the first Muslim legislator under the Congress government. It may be recalled that none of the Muslim candidates fielded by the Congress in recent Assembly elections was elected. They included former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir and former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

Shabbir was last week appointed as government advisor.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2024

Behind cluster of vintage shops in Pune, a mosque where prayers were offered for success of 1857 mutiny

Community Involvement / Social Issues, First War of Independence 1857 / Naval Mutiny 1946 / Others PreIndependece (wef. July 27th, 2022), Freedom Fighters (under research project), , , , , , , , , , ,

Shukrawar Peth, Pune, MAHARASHTRA:

The City Jama Masjid located in Pune’s Shukrawar Peth was built in 1839 for Rs 15,000 from public contributions.

The Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency of 1885 describes the mosque as a “chief Muhammadan place of worship in the city” built around 1839 by public subscription for Rs 15,000. (Express Photo)

On May 10, 1857, Indian sepoys in Meerut broke into an uprising that is now remembered as India’s first war of independence. While Pune, then Poona, did not see any active conflict unlike several other cantonment towns in the country, tension was palpable as the news reached the city through newspapers and word of mouth. The city did see surreptitious meetings, pamphleteering and a surge in rumours, as per accounts by historians.

Among the reactions to the mutiny that have been recorded by historians is that of prayers offered at City Jama Masjid on May 22, 1857, a Friday, for the success of the mutiny.

“After the usual Friday prayers, some 10-12 men remained in the mosque and commenced talking about the war operations before Delhi. The whole party simultaneously rose clapping their hands in the attitude of prayer, bought with the aid of the Prophet on behalf of the mutineers,” as per a contemporary government report quoted in South India in 1857 War of Independence by V D Divekar.

The attendees were identified as Jaffer Mulla, Mahomed Hayat, Hussain Arab, Rhaimu Naichiwala, Maddar Naichiwala, Imam Pattewala and Jamaluddin who were later reported to the police by the informers. It is not known if any punitive measure was taken against the attendees.

The Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency of 1885 describes the mosque as a “chief Muhammadan place of worship in the city” built around 1839 by public subscription for Rs 15,000.

“The back wall has a niche with a step against it, and is covered with texts from the Kuran. In front of the mosque is a well-sanded yard with a fountain in the middle. On one side is a washing cistern or haud. Attached to the mosque is a Persian school, a rest house and some dwellings whose rent go to the mosque fund. All Muhammadan social and religious meetings are held in this mosque,” reads the Gazetteer.

pune
The mosque’s imam, says that a few decades ago, the mosque’s roof was extended by 15 metres to accommodate more namazees. (Express Photo)

Presently, the entrance of the mosque in busy Shukrawar Peth is easy to miss as vintage shops stand shoulder to shoulder. The narrow entrance opens into a moderately spacious courtyard, 100 feet in width and 15 feet in length, before the enclosed mosque starts. There is a wuzukhana, the washing cistern, on the left side with a small fountain-like structure in the middle and the cistern’s edges lined by stools for the namazees to sit on as they do the ablutions before prayers.

That the mosque is over 180 years old is barely recognisable – due to the fresh construction of the front Sahan, the courtyard where namaz is offered, and several coats of paint on the exteriors – until one enters the innermost area which reveals its stone build, topped by a dome.

Maulana Zameeruddin, 64, the mosque’s imam, says that a few decades ago, the mosque’s roof was extended by 15 metres to accommodate more namazees. The move, however, shortened the length of the courtyard and also required the removal of a fountain that was in front of the mosque.

Zameeruddin has been the imam here for the last 40 years. “Before me, my elder uncle was the imam. Earlier, people from far-off areas such as Khadki, Dapodi and Deccan used to come to offer Friday prayer here as this is a historic place. Now, people have shifted to newer areas of the city, such as Kondhwa, where bigger mosques have come up and people prefer to pray there. Still, some people make it a point to come here, especially for Friday prayer,” he said.

For a long time, the Pune civic body’s Urdu-medium school (School No 22), operated from inside the rooms constructed within the courtyard until it shifted to a nearby location later.

Siraj Tamboli, a 65-year-old namazee who visits the mosque several times a day, said, “I belong to the third generation from my family that prays in this mosque. My sons and grandsons also come here.”

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Pune / by Atikh Rashid, Pune / July 29th, 2024

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA:

Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country and the first woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court of an Asian country.

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

The first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice M Fathima Beevi, was on Thursday posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Justice Beevi received India’s third-highest civilian award in the field of Public Affairs.

The former Supreme Court judge passed away aged 96 in November last year. Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country.

She was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father encouraged her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal.

She started her career as an advocate in Kerala and worked her way up to become a district and sessions judge in 1974. In 1980, she joined the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and was appointed as a High Court judge in 1983.

She made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

As a Supreme Court judge, she became the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court judge in Asia.

After retiring in 1993, she had served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

She had resigned from the post of Governor of Tamil Nadu after rejecting the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Read more about the former judge here.

source: http://www.barandbench.com / Bar and Bench / Home> News / by Bar and Bench / January 27th, 2024

Padma Shri: The journey of Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad from village to Padma Shri, know the story of Lal of Bikaner

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Tejrasar Village (Bikaner),RAJASTHAN / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

The land of Bikaner is very rich in art and culture and it has given uncountable diamonds of talent not only to the country but to the world. Bollywood musicians Ali and Ghani have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the country’s fourth highest honor.

Maand singers Bandhu Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammad from Rajasthan were awarded the Padma Shri.

Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad Padmshree: The Padma Awards for the year 2024 were announced on the eve of Republic Day. President Droupadi Murmu announced the Padma awards to 132 personalities, including five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awardees. The shortlist for this year’s Padma awards includes impersonator Jankilal and Dhrupad singer Laxman Bhatt Tailang from Rajasthan.

Maand singers Bandhu Ali Mohammad and Gani Mohammad from Rajasthan and road safety activist Maya Tandon have also been given the Padma Shri award.

Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad brothers, who live in Bikaner, will jointly receive this award.

Ali-Ghani was completely dedicated to music

The land of Bikaner is very rich in art and culture and it has given uncountable diamonds of talent not only to the country but to the world. In every field, the personalities of Bikaner have proved their mettle. Be it music, art, literature, painting, Bikaner has been rich in every field. Bikaner has established its own place in music and Bollywood. Pakeezah composer Ghulam Muhammad, lyricists Bharat Vyas, Rafiq Sagar, Raja Hassan and Ali-Ghani have all dedicated their all to music.

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Inherited music

But here is the talk of Bollywood musicians Ali and Ghani, who have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the fourth highest honor of the country. Born in Tejrasar village of Bikaner, brothers Ali and Ghani inherited music. His father Sirajuddin himself was a great knowledge of music, due to the death of Ali-Ghani’s wife in childhood, the responsibility of upbringing was on his father. While father Sirajuddin trained him to become a great person, he also inherited the legacy of music.

Struggle in Mumbai

As the mousiki became mastery, the desire to come out of a completely backward village Tejrasar and build a house in a big place also started shaking in the heart. At the age of youth, both brothers turned to Kolkata and from there traveled to the city of dreams, Mumbai. Ali and Ghani, who lived a difficult life in the village since childhood, did not find it strange to struggle in Mumbai and the struggle gradually brought success, the eyes of Bollywood musicians and directors fell on them.

During the struggle, the two brothers started singing together

Ali-Ghani had to starve several times during the conflict. In a metro city like Mumbai, many kilometers had to be traveled on foot. But he remembered the difficult life in the village. Therefore, the struggle of Mumbai seemed to him a game. During this time, the two brothers started singing together and made the basis of their singing Mand raga, which is considered to be the most popular raga of western Rajasthan. The most important raga in the Bikaner region is Mand and not only Rajasthani folk music has been sung on it, but the king of ghazal singing like Mehdi Hassan also made Mand the basis of his ghazals. Inspired by them, Ali and Ghani also decorated their Gulukari with the beauty of the mand.

Mastery in classical music

Ali-Ghani, who received his basic training in music from his father, the late Sirajuddin Khan, has a great influence in classical music. Both brothers received classical music education from Ustad Munawar Ali Khan and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Both are known in the country and abroad as film composers and singers.

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Lata and Asha Bhosle get blessings

Associated with All India Radio since 1981, the brothers have directed music in many films, including Hindi, Rajasthani and Punjabi films. Apart from this, many albums of Naat, Bhajan and Rajasthani folk songs have also been released. Ali and Gani have also decorated the ghazals of big singers like Pankaj Udas, Sadhana Sargam, Chandan Das, Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal and Hans Raj Hans with their music. These big Gulukars have also sung under the direction of Ali-Ghani. Even the nightingale of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle have been blessing Ali-Ghani.

Said – talent got value

Ali and Ghani, who came out of Tejrasar and shined as stars in the glare of Mumbai, have been honored with many awards. Sixty-year-old Ali and sixty-two-year-old Ghani have not moved away politely even after receiving the Padma Shri. On receiving the Padma Shri award, he thanks Allah and says that there is still more to go.

He credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bikaner MP and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for this honor. It is said that the BJP government appreciated our talent and awarded the Padma Shri, also very humbly thanking NDTV, Ali and Ghani say that this channel first informed us and showed us all over the country.

source: http://www.rajasthan.ndtv.in / NDTV Hindi / Home> Sacrifice> Pride of Rajasthan / by Dr Nasir Zaidi / edited by Sachin Samar (and Translated in English) / January 26th, 2024