The 2023-24 ESL results have been unveiled, showcasing Fatima Samiha’s remarkable achievement. Hailing from Chikkamagalur district, Fatima, a student of Sri Sadguru Vidyamandir in Basarikatte, chose Sanskrit as her primary language and achieved a perfect score of 125 out of 125 marks in the subject.
Her exceptional performance extends across other subjects as well, with scores of 99 in Kannada, 94 in English, 83 in Mathematics, 69 in Science, and 100 in Social Science, resulting in an impressive overall score of 590 out of 625 marks, equivalent to 94.4%.
Fatima is the daughter of Muhammad Rafiq from Chikkamagaluru and Selikhat Begum from Panemangalore.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / May 12th, 2024
Like it or not, modern Indian culture is still heavily indebted to the legacy of the Mughals and the nawabs.
Stamps of both tangible and intangible heritage of India’s prosperous Muslim reign are still vivid, despite more than two centuries of indifference, ingratitude and insolence that followed.
From language and art to cuisine and architecture, every aspect of Indian cultural landscape has strong traces of Muslim sounds, flavours and colours that continue to trickle down from an era that drew the world to India.
Like it or not, modern Indian culture is still heavily indebted to the legacy of the Mughals and the nawabs. The Persianate culture that was dominant well into the decline of the Muslim dynasties, continues to influence our customs and traditions.
Intangible heritage Whether we call it Hindi or Hindustani, the language that is spoken by most Indians, especially in North India, took shape in the hallowed halls of the Mughal Delhi and Nawabi Lucknow.
Though, it’s been nearly two centuries since the sun set upon the fortunes of the Mughals, their cuisine is still in the ascendancy and gaining in popularity everyday. Can a party be complete without the biryani and kebabs?
Urdu may not be a particularly favoured language of our times, but no Urdu basher could be averse from the influence of its sweet melody. Despite some serious attempts at its erasure from the public consciousness, Bollywood or Hindi Cinema still has some strong strands of Urdu in its rapidly morphing personality.
The indelible Urdu legacy lies at the very heart of ‘Hindi’ cinema’s golden era, with some of the best dialogues and songs that most of us swoon over being still its biggest treasure trove.
As much as its intangible legacy, the tangible legacy of the Muslim architects still remains the biggest tourist attractions in India. Not just the Taj Mahal and the Jama Masjid of Delhi, Muslim architects have left towering symbols of aesthetic excellence in architectural marvels such as the Qutub Minar and the Charminar.
Besides Delhi, Agra and Lucknow, cities such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Aurangabad and Bijapur wouldn’t have existed without their Muslim patrons. Their Muslim character is hard to miss despite consistent attempts at altering their nature.
The magnificent monuments, among the greatest landmarks of the tangible human heritage, are so deeply etched on the landscape and the psyche of India, that they have become synonymous to the grandeur of the Muslim ascendancy in India.
Artisanal legacy But, more than the glowing architecture, it is the enterprising artisanal traditions that continue to have the greatest traces of Muslim influence. Importantly, Muslims continue to preserve this legacy against all odds.
From the Pashmina Shawls and Banarasi Sarees to the Rogan Art and Bidriware, some of India’s best known handmade traditions are painstakingly preserved by Muslim artisans, maintaining a living heritage that can be traced to the patronage of the Great Mughals, the Bahamanis, the Adil Shahis, the Nizams and others.
It is no secret that the Mughals were the great patrons of art, craft and industry, with creativity, innovation and industry flourishing during their rule, making India the most prosperous country in the world.
Their generous patronage and facilitation meant artisans from different parts of the world made a beeline to India, adding new forms of craft to a landscape that was already full of life.
From muslin and brocade to diamonds and jewellery, the artisans of India produced some exquisite handmade goods that drew traders from all over the world to India.
Mughal India – World’s biggest economy
During the peak of the Mughal rule in India, when Aurangzeb Alamgir was at the helm, India accounted for 27 per cent of the world’s economy, greater than the GDP of the entire Europe combined.
Until the mid-18th century, when British started gaining greater control over some parts of the country, India was the biggest exporter of manufactured goods across the world.
Despite the unparalleled rapacity and depravity of the colonial administration that had led to the near extinction of the Indian craft traditions a century ago, Indian handicrafts survived largely through the resilience and industry of the artisans.
Though, the policy of erasure continued even after the British left India and continues till this day, Indian artisanal communities have shown remarkable resilience against the onslaught of monopoly, ruthlessly cruel economic policies and unfavourable terms and conditions.
Many craft clusters have also faced communal apathy, discrimination and prejudice.
Under such extreme conditions, it is nothing short of a miracle that ancient handmade craft traditions survive in India.
Story of Bidriware The tale of the Bidriware, primarily practised by Muslims, is one such story of skill, struggle and survival.
Bidriware is poetry crafted in metal
Cast in an alloy of copper and zinc, with silver and gold wires or sheets inlaid or overlaid, a Bidriware artefact is so graceful in its appearance that an indulgent heart longs to feel and touch it, if not wear it!
For more than five centuries, Bidriware objects have been must have pieces of adornment among the royalties and nobilities such as Mughal emperors, Rajput kings and Nawabs of Bengal to Bahmani, Adil Shahi and Vijayanagara Sultans (yes, the Vijayanagara kings loved to call themselves sultans!).
In the pre-modern era, the Nizams of Hyderabad have been the biggest patrons of this magical craft, not only collecting the artefacts such as hookahs (sheesha), vases, vanity boxes, ewers and pitchers, but also relocating several artisans to Hyderabad.
However, despite the early 20th century migration of artisans and losing patronage, Karnataka’s northern town of Bidar continues to remain a hub of Bidriware.
With all of the kingdoms and fiefdoms gone, ancient Bidriware items along with other surviving royal antique pieces are a collector’s treasure now, gracing the leading museums across the world.
The Origin Though, the Bidri metal craft has its origins in medieval Persia, Bidriware in its distinct Indian form blossomed in the capital of the early 15th century Bahmani Empire.
The tale of Bidriware, primarily practised by Muslims, is a story of skill, struggle and survival
The Bahmanis were renowned for their exquisite sensibilities for art and architecture, hence it is no surprise that a complex and intricate enterprise such as the Bidri metal craft originated in their royal atelier.
This, perhaps, is among the last few influences that the medieval Bahamanis continue to have on modern India.
Reinvention Despite the spell Bidriware has on art aficionados and connoisseurs of craft, the enterprise has seen a steady decline over the last few decades, with only a few masters working their magic.
Currently, the city of Bidar has around 150 registered artisans, but only a handful of artisans in the town have the depth of knowledge and the deftness of skills required to be called a master.
MA Rauf Siddiqui is a national-award winning master craftsman who is reinventing Bidriware, catering to the modern aesthetic sensibilities
Among the few masters is the national award-winning artisan MA Rauf Siddiqui.
Even as the overall scene of the Bidriware tradition is not particularly encouraging, the Shilpi Guru-winner is quietly reinventing the traditions, ably-assisted by his young and enterprising children.
Modernising the techniques, motifs and methods, the family has several generations involved in the craft, adopting latest softwares to come up with new patterns and using social media to reach new frontiers.
However, the traditional expression of the art-form continues to find patrons, even as the newer expressions in wearable forms give the craft a new lease of life.
Empowering the community Many Muslim communities in India sit on a huge treasure trove of craft traditions that have been part of the country’s cultural, economic and political legacy for centuries.
Many of these traditions are withering away due to multiple factors, including lack of upgrade or inability to adapt to the changing landscape, little government support and poor marketing.
With necessary attention and support we can not just preserve this precious legacy of India and Indian Muslims, but can also make hundreds of these craft clusters economically independent and sustainable.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture> Forces / by Shafaat Shahbadari / Radiance News Bureau / September 26th, 2023
Dr. Ayesha Sultana stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of Islamic education, particularly for youth and women, through her pioneering online initiatives. Armed with a profound grasp of both Islamic studies and psychology, Dr. Sultana is on a steadfast mission to imbue moral values and Islamic teachings in the hearts of the youth, with a special focus on empowering women, through accessible and dynamic courses.
Her latest endeavor, the “Taalimul Islam Certificate Course,” stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality education. Tailored for children up to 14 years old, this comprehensive 10-week online program provides an interactive platform to acquire fundamental Islamic knowledge. Transitioning seamlessly from physical to online classes, Dr. Sultana, former assistant secretary of the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Telangana, has impacted over 1500 women during the pandemic.
Under the esteemed banner of Al Huda, Dr. Sultana established the Ayat Al-Fariya Islamic Academy, a sanctuary of knowledge catering to women and children alike. Here, hundreds of women benefit from Quranic teachings and personality development courses, while children engage in interactive sessions on Quranic memorization and Islamic principles.
In her pursuit of holistic development, Dr. Sultana organizes summer short courses for children, blending physical activities with essential Islamic values. Moreover, she offers initiatives such as the “Fahm e Quran” course and “Talaash e Qadr” series for women, enriching their Ramadan experience.
Dr. Sultana’s commitment to empowering youth extends to organizing online competitions for children, where participants are recognized and awarded certificates and trophies for their accomplishments in various categories, including video competitions, speech contests, and oral exams. With 300 children joining the course and 100 already certified, the impact of her initiatives is palpable.
The journey of Al Huda Islamic School began in 2013 in Khammam, Telangana, under Dr. Sultana’s guidance. Initially offering offline classes for women, complete with free transportation facilities, the school provided courses such as Certificate in Islamic Studies, Diploma and Memorization of Quran, Basic Arabic Grammar, Tafseer, Seerah, and Personality Development until 2018. Hundreds of women benefited from these courses, with many now actively involved with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind as volunteers and members.
Dr. Sultana’s dedication to education led her to conduct motivational lectures in numerous colleges, including medical and engineering institutions, and to organize moral classes for school children. Despite her busy schedule as the assistant secretary and Dawah secretary of Telangana, she spearheaded various women empowerment programs throughout the region. With the onset of the pandemic in 2019, she seamlessly transitioned to online classes, offering a plethora of courses and short programs for women, including Akse Furqan, Dawah classes, Qasal ul Ambiya course, Qurb e Ilaahi, and numerous quiz and exam series, engaging over 1500 women.
In 2023, Dr. Sultana expanded her online educational initiatives with the establishment of Ayat Al Fariya Online Academy under the auspices of Al Huda Islamic School. Introducing short courses for women, such as Tafseer and Memorization of Surah Mulk, Surah Rahman, and Surah Yaseen, the academy continued to positively impact hundreds of women. Additionally, pre-Ramadan courses like Shahru Ramadan, along with courses during Ramadan such as Fahm e Quran and Talaash e Qadr series, were conducted, benefitting a vast number of participants.
Despite her demanding schedule, Dr. Sultana remains resolute in her commitment to providing education free of charge.
Her recent accolades, including the Rastra Ratna Puraskar Award from the Veniyl Foundation, attest to her dedication to nurturing young minds. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Best Educator and Academician Award from the Book of Excellence and the Worthy Well Foundation, earning her a place in the prestigious Book of World Records.
Beyond her educational initiatives, Dr. Sultana is also an accomplished author, with titles such as “Beyond Ramadan” and “Embodied Wisdom” under her belt. As the Assistant Editor of Radiance News Portal and a member of the Aware Trust at Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Markaz, she continues to inspire and empower individuals through her tireless efforts in education and community development.
In line with her commitment to continuous improvement and advancement, Dr. Sultana announces the upcoming launch of the Taalimul Islam Level 2 advanced course for children from May 16th to May 31st. This 15-day program will further enrich the educational journey of young learners under her guidance.
Dr. Ayesha Sultana’s tireless dedication to Islamic education and community development continues to leave an indelible mark, inspiring countless individuals to pursue knowledge and virtue.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 11th, 2024
Oomerabad Village (Tirupathur District, Ambur Taluk), TAMIL NADU :
Renowned Islamic scholar and Chancellor of Jamia Darussalam Oomerabad, Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri, has passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Oomerabad, Tamil Nadu. He also held the esteemed position of Vice President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri hailed from the distinguished Kaka family of Oomerabad, renowned for their enduring contributions to education and philanthropy. The family’s legacy dates back to his great-grandfather, the esteemed philanthropist and hides and skins merchant, Kaka Mohammad Oomer Sahib. In 1924, Kaka Mohammad Oomer Sahib founded Jamia Darussalam College, a testament to his commitment to education. The college’s location, Oomerabad, was named in honor of his invaluable contributions.
Jamia Darussalam, now a part of a broader educational society, remains a beacon of education and service. It encompasses a Tamil medium primary school, an Urdu medium primary school, a technical institute focusing on computer education, and Jamia Hospital, a comprehensive healthcare facility catering to the community’s healthcare needs.
The passing of Maulana Kaka Sayeed Ahmed Oomeri leaves a profound void in the scholarly and educational spheres. However, his enduring contributions and teachings will continue to inspire generations to come. The entire community extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and associates during this period of mourning.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Obituary / by Muslim Mirror Desk / May 11th, 2024
Ex bureaucrat Moosa Raza has passed away in Chennai on Thursday. He was 87. He is survived by his son and two daughters.
Moosa Raza’s life is a testament to dedication, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service. Born on 27th February 1937 in Minambur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India, Moosa Raza’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected bureaucrat and prolific writer is marked by his unwavering principles and tireless efforts to make a positive impact on society.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Moosa Raza’s worldview. He displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Language and Literature from Madras Presidency College, now Presidency College, Chennai. His academic achievements were exceptional, winning seven college medals across various disciplines. This included a First Class First in his degree, a testament to his dedication and intellectual acumen.
In 1958, Moosa Raza embarked on a dual path of academia and civil service. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor of English at Presidency College, his alma mater, while also preparing for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examinations. His commitment to both teaching and public service underscored his multifaceted talents and passion for contributing to society.
In 1960, Moosa Raza’s dedication paid off as he was selected for the Indian Administrative Service for Gujarat in his first attempt. This marked the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned over three decades and left an indelible mark on India’s administrative landscape.
Throughout his career, Moosa Raza held several key positions that showcased his leadership abilities and commitment to public welfare. He served as Collector and District Magistrate in various districts of Gujarat, managing critical responsibilities such as flood relief operations and drought management with unparalleled dedication and effectiveness. His tenure as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated his administrative acumen in handling complex governance challenges.
Moosa Raza’s contributions extended beyond government service. He played pivotal roles in prestigious industrial and commercial enterprises, including chairing the National Textiles Corporation and Gujarat State Fertilizers Company Ltd. His strategic leadership helped turn around struggling enterprises, saving thousands of jobs and contributing to Gujarat’s industrial growth.
In recognition of his exemplary service and contributions to society, Moosa Raza was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This prestigious accolade is a testament to his lasting impact and dedication to public welfare.
Apart from his illustrious bureaucratic career, Moosa Raza is also a celebrated author. His book “Of Nawabs and Nightingales” offers a glimpse into his early experiences in the Indian Administrative Service, showcasing his keen observations and insights into governance and society. He has also authored books on spirituality and personal reflections, such as “In Search of Oneness” and “Khwab-e-Natamaam” (Incomplete Dreams), showcasing his diverse literary interests and philosophical depth.
Moosa Raza’s contributions go beyond professional achievements. He has been actively involved in educational initiatives, serving as the chairman of the South Indian Educational Trust (S.I.E.T.) and supporting initiatives for women’s education, dyslexic children, and communal harmony.
In his personal life, Moosa Raza is a devoted husband and father, exemplifying the values of family and community that underpin his life’s work.
Moosa Raza’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to a revered bureaucrat, accomplished author, and dedicated advocate for societal progress embodies the essence of service, leadership, and intellectual pursuit. His life and legacy continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Obituary / by Muslim Mirror / May 08th, 2024
Sana Khan, founder Rahat Foundation receiving an award in Dubai
Sana Khan set up the Rahat Foundation on 26 February 2010 and during the 14 years of its existence in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra it helps women school dropouts.
Sitting in her modest office in Jasola village in south east Delhi, Sana Khan, 47, told Awaz-the Voice that presently her most important project is about getting the school dropouts to complete their education. She gets such women admitted to the Jamia’s openm school of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Sana Khan says belueves that the right to education is universal and with this thought she has so far rehablitated 2,000 dropout children back into the educational mainstream.
Sana Khan not only sends the dropouts back to school but also takes the responsibility of imparting them skills and ensuring their job placements.
Her NGO teaches courses like digital marketing, fashion designing, etc. Interestingly, Rahat Foundation also managed to train 256 women drivers and helped them get licenses to drive.
Sana Khan says so far her NGO has employed about 10 thousand young men and women. They had acquired different skills at the classes of the Rahat Foundation.
Of these, 6000 did learn digital marketing, and 4000 fashion designing . Sana Khan says she contacted the fashion designing industry located in Okhla Phase 2 in Delhi, while the digital marketing trainees gots jobs in the IT sector, call centers, Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, etc
Some beneficieries of Rahat Foundation
She also remains in touch with the companies where she enrolls the skilled young men and women of the Rahat Foundation for jobs.
Sana Khan said, “My father died when I was in my 8th class. I was 13 years old. I had two elder brothers and a mother in my house. I can’t even describe the financial difficulties we faced at that time. One day a person from an NGO touched our lives and everything started changing.”
“Back then I got support and today I am at the stage where I have created a successful world of my own. I always try to help others, ” she says.
Rahat Foundation takes utmost care of all their beneficiaries. It arranges their exam fees, books, etc. The NGO does occasional fundraising to meet its expenses.
Sana Khan receiving an award
Sana Khan says she is careful in checking the genuineness of the beneficiery. She says there is a strict system of checking and whetting of a potential beneficiery. Rahat Foundation takens both boys and girls under its wings, she said.
Sana Khan has 70 people in her team who are divided into groups to form sub-units and working at the grass root in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra.
Sana Khan said that soon Rahat Foundation will set up its centers in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Sana Khan says that from time to time she organizes camps in which awareness about education is spread in society. So far, she has set up 500 to 600 campuses under the banner of Rahat Foundation.
Sana Khan receiving an award
Going down memory lane, Sana Khan said that when she did a mass communication course from South Delhi Polytechnic, New delhi in 2010, she also worked with the Sahara group of publications.
“However, while working with the newspaper, my wish to help the needy kept over powering my mind and ultimately, I had laid the foundation of Rahat Foundation.”
Sana Khan says that today her NGO is well-known for its work and people do recognise her work. She said she received immense support from society during the Covid-19 pandemic when Rahat Foundation distributed blankets and dry rations to the people. It also ditributed school bags for children to keep their hopes alibe and essential medicines during that difficult phase.
Recently Sana Khan was honoured in Dubai, the UAE. She had already received several awards and honours from companies and forums in Bengaluru, and Delhi.
Sana Khan is willing to help people who contact her on her website and Facebook page. .
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / May 04th, 2024
Mohd Akeel, a 22-year-old Aeronautical engineer hailing from Ladakh has become the first person from the frontier region to be selected as the Air Safety Officer in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Akeel cleared the Union Public Services Commission’s national examination held for selecting Air safety officers for 2023.
People are congratulating Akeel on social media, praising his achievement at such a young age, and calling it a breaking the barriers phenomenon.
Akeel is one of the youngest people to clear this coveted examination.
He belongs to the village Sankoo Thangdumbdur, located about 42 km from Kargil town in the Union territory of Ladakh.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / May 08th, 2024
Saria Khan of Lucknow has become the second topper in the International Council for Schools Certification (ICSC) Board.
Saria Khan’s family lives in the middle-class neighborhood of Daliganj in the city. Her father Rais Khan is a lawyer by profession. She has two brothers senior to her.
After her results were declared, Saria said since she has an interest in Biology, she wants to become a doctor. She says medicine is a profession in which there is an opportunity to help others.
She said she is determined to become a doctor since her teachers have taught her not to have options in life. Options will not allow one to focus on the goal. Her parents and brothers have been supportive of her dreams and kept encouraging her to continue her focus. Saria says that she left no stone unturned in preparing for the board examination. She used to study for seven to eight hours after school.
The ICSE board released the 10th standard results with 99.97 percent clearing it. The result for the girl students was 99.98 percent and for boys 99.97 percent.
There are four toppers of the exam: Hargun Kaur Matharu from Pune, Anika Gupta from Kanpur, Pushkar Tripathi from Balrampur, and Kanishka Mittal from Lucknow – with 499 marks (99.80%).
Saria says there is only one mantra for success in life -focus on your goal. While doing other work never forget the target. To become a topper, she studied hard and diligently.
“I could see my goal and stay focused by adopting different strategies. Today, I am very happy that I have reached the first step toward fulfilling the dreams of my parents. But the destination is still far away, and I have to work for it.
Saria and her family have been busy receiving the congratulatory message on phone and receiving guests who are dropping in to meet her.
“I will never forget this moment, the way the people of the country are showering love on me. I am even exhausted from attending to the phone, but I am attending to each call and visitor. A total of 110 students are included in the list of top three rank holders for the ICSE board 10th examination. In which there is a difference of one point each between the three ranks.
While four candidates secured the top rank with 499 marks out of 500, 34 students including Saria stood second with 498 marks. Similarly, 72 candidates secured the third rank with 497 marks out of 500.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations announced a merit list after two years. The results were declared based on an alternate evaluation scheme after the examination was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall pass percentage is 99.97, the officials said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Tajo Khan, Lucknow / July 18th, 2022
Dr. Shahzad Ibrahimi’s Maamu Dhaba has captivated patrons with tea and Urdu poetry for about two decades.
New Delhi:
In the bustling corridors of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, a distinctive aroma of tea mingles with the resonant verses of Urdu poetry. This unique sensory experience is courtesy of Maamu Dhaba, a cherished and venerated institution on the campus, nurtured by the academic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit of its owner, Dr. Shahzad Ibrahimi.
Hailing from Bihar and armed with a PhD in Urdu language, Dr. Shahzad’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Twenty years ago, fresh after completing his doctoral thesis, Dr. Shahzad made a pivotal decision to establish Maamu Dhaba within the precincts of his alma mater. Adjacent to the university library, the dhaba swiftly became a sanctuary for students and professors alike, offering not just tea but also a refuge for scholarly discussions and intellectual pursuits late into the night.
Dr. Shahzad reflected on his unconventional career trajectory: “After obtaining my PhD, I briefly explored opportunities outside academia, including a stint at a TV station. However, I soon realised that my true calling lay elsewhere.” With the unwavering support of his wife, Dr. Shahzad embarked on the journey of dhaba ownership, a decision that would shape the cultural landscape of JNU for years to come.
Maamu Dhaba, christened after their shared vision and dedication, stands out amidst the plethora of dhabas in JNU not only for its aromatic tea but also for its unique blend of academia and culture. Dr. Shahzad’s commitment to his craft surpasses even his dedication to his doctoral thesis, as he divulges, “Running this dhaba demands more time and effort than my PhD ever did.”
Beyond serving tea, Maamu Dhaba serves as a platform for fostering a love for the Urdu language and poetry. Dr. Shahzad, with his profound affection for Urdu literature, regales patrons with verses from renowned poets such as Ghalib, Mir, and Momin. “I consider it my duty to share the beauty of Urdu poetry with all who visit, regardless of their familiarity with the language,” he asserts, underscoring his dedication to preserving and promoting Urdu culture.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Clarion Special> Editor’s Pick> India / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / May 07th, 2024
Dr. Ijaz Ali wears many hats: he is a well-known surgeon of Bihar, a former member of Parliament, and a crusader for the rights of marginalized people. As president of the All India United Muslim Morcha, he has extended his support to the BJP for its pro-Pasmanda stance, and, is thereby, supporting the NDA candidates in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, Mahfooz Alam spoke to Dr. Ijaz Ali on his life and mission.
Dr.Ijaz Ali was born in a lower-middle-class family in 1958. His father Sheikh Mumtaz Ali was the first in the family to have received an education and he rose to the position of BDO in the British Raj. Ijaz Ali started his education at a Madrasa Anjuman Islamia School associated with an orphanage in Munger town up to the seventh standard.
However, he joined the government school for his eighth standard and later cleared his matriculation examination from the Hazaribagh District School. He was always a topper in school and also topped the matriculation examination at the State level.
Dr Ijaz Ali at his clinic
Ijaz Ali says that he was the sixth among 10 brothers and sisters. Though his father was paid well due to a large brood of children, the family lived hand to mouth. So as a father, he focused on giving education and imparting moral values to all his children.
Dr.Ijaz Ali says he studied in a school meant for orphans since his father could not afford to send him to a private school. “I was a very good student and stood first in every class,” he said proudly.
Thereafter, he joined the prestigious Science College in Patna for further studies. “I loved mathematics, physics, and chemistry, but my parents wanted me to become a doctor and I shifted to biology. At first, I didn’t like it ( the idea of studying biology), but my family admitted me to the Science College in the Biology stream.
“Studying biology was the turning point in my life,” says the surgeon, who is a name to reckon with in the state and outside.
Dr Ijaz Ali is always surrounded by patients
For him, the first year of college was very difficult, as he had no interest in biology. Soon he realized there was a good future ahead for him if he studied well. “As a student, I never wasted time – he follows this routine even today. I worked hard, and soon I started enjoying the subject I once hated. I also topped the higher secondary examination in the Patna Science College I also was among three toppers of the entrance examination for the MBBS course in the Patna Medical College.”
When Ijaz Ali joined the Patna Medical College in 1975, his family was proud of him as he would be the first one among them to become a doctor. However, he faced financial difficulties while studying in the PMCH, “Food in PMCH canteen was expensive so I arranged to eat at another hostel, next to PMCH and spent two years studying and spending time in the crowded neighborhood. Buying books was also difficult for me. When he reached the second year”
He said, “Books were costly and I didn’t have money to buy them, so I used to manage my studies somehow. “Even during my medical studies, my passion for studies did not let any difficulty stand in the way. I was in the top three in MBBS in medical college and I got admission for M.S.”
Dr. Ijaz Ali says he got some relief while studying for his Master’s in Surgery. In 1980, he married the daughter of Ghulam Sarwar, a prominent political leader. Due to his in-law’s support, he was relieved of basic financial problems and also joined as an assistant to Dr. Kamal Ashraf, a well-known surgeon of the city.
Dr. Ijaz Ali treating a hospitalised patient
“I used to get a Rs 400 stipend from PMCH and most importantly, I got the opportunity to stay with Ghulam Sarwar and learn from Dr. Kamal Ashraf. I was eating home-cooked food and was being trained as a surgeon by the best person.” He completed his MS degree from Patna Medical College and again topped the exams.
On the advice of Ghulam Sarwar, he opened a clinic in 1984 in his house in Patna. In the same year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated and there was uproar throughout the country. Slowly my picked up. “In 1990, Ghulam Sarwar became the Minister of the Bihar Government and he handed over his house to me for use as a clinic.
Dr. Ejaz Ali took up medicine as a social service and while all consultants in Patna charge Rs 300 as consultation fees he has kept it as low as Rs 10.
“A good doctor was available at a lower fee, so a caravan of people started arriving at the hospital. The rickshaw-pullers, thela-walas, sabzi-walas, and people from the rural areas started coming in droves,” he said.
“I was a surgeon but started all kinds of treatment. Many villagers who came to me had no money to eat and I wondered how they would buy medicines. Though I was a surgeon, I was treating patients with tuberculosis, kala azar, and everything.”
He realized most of his patients were poor Muslims. He reduced his fees for surgery to a minimum. I understood that there is so much poverty among Muslims.
Dr. Ijaz Ali
Dr. Ijaz Ali says he became successful because of his hard work and discipline but he is pained to see that children in neighbourhood where he was born were living in the same conditions. “Children are still hurling abuses at each other while playing street games and indulging in Lathi Danda in Muharram
“After I became a doctor and started practicing, many poor Muslims came to me for treatment and consultations. I started visiting the villages to know their conditions. After visiting hundreds of villages and seeing the condition of people, I felt that I should fight for their development and welfare.”
For 44 years, Dr. Ijaz Ali has been traveling to a village every Friday to be with the people and understand their problems. “During 1990-92, the environment across the country was surcharged. Ghulam Sarwar Sahib was a great leader of the Muslims of Bihar, so many people used to visit him. He was my father-in-law, and I lived with him. He did not like people who seek political advantage by inflaming the feelings of Muslims. Under these circumstances, I felt that Muslims do not need emotional slogans but should get opportunities to become good and empowered citizens.”
Dr. Ijaz Ali says that to bring justice to the weaker sections of backward Muslims, he set up the All India Muslim United Morcha. “Our demand to the government is that the Dalit section of the Muslims should also be provided with the facility of Section 341 of the Constitution so that they can also raise their standard of living.
“From what we have seen on the ground’, Dr. Ijaz Ali says, “There is a need for reservation for this section of the Indian population for the overall development of society and the nation If this large section of the population is facilitated to join the developmental mainstream, it will change the situation.”
Dr Ijaz Ali says that no one can be successful in life without clear goals and objectives. The greater the success, the more effort it will demand. Therefore, even in difficult situations, people should not leave the path of justice, patience, and peace.
He says that for a successful person, it is equally important that he thinks about the welfare of the society.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mehfooz Alam, Pune / May 06th, 2024
