The Udupi Premier League Season 1, organized by Udupi Restaurant Qatar in association with Smart Cricketers Qatar, concluded with a grand closing ceremony. The tournament, which featured ten auction-based teams comprising Karnataka players residing in Qatar, culminated in a thrilling finale.
Team Udupi Legends, owned by Faisal G and captained by Imran Shirva, emerged as the champions, while Team Royal Qatar, owned by Sheikh Mainuddin and led by Parvez (Pajju), secured the runner-up position.
The tournament paid homage to notable players Imran Koteshwara, Abdul Rauf, Imran Shirva, Deekshit Alva, Parvez (Pajju), Abdul Sathar, Suhel Billi, Abdul Salam Mohammad Sheikh, and Mirza Khaleel for their dedication and contributions to cricket in Qatar.
Awards to best performing players:
Final Match Man of the Match: Safan Pathan Man of the Series (Most Valuable Player): Nizar Arekkal Best Batsman: Abdul Rauf Best Bowler: Mohammad Rabeez Best Fielder: Farhan Shirva Best Wicket Keeper: Abdul Vaheed
The opening ceremony, held on June 19, 2024, was inaugurated by Deepak Shetty and Abdul Khader.
The closing ceremony saw the presence of distinguished guests including Faisal G, Musthafa G, Mohammed Junaid of Udupi Restaurant Qatar, and Asmath Ali, Abdul Shukur, Mohammad Thoufiq from Smart Cricketers Qatar, along with Akshaya Acharya.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / June 25th, 2024
In a solemn and heartfelt ceremony titled “Shahadat Ko Salaam” (Salute to Martyrdom), the Dr. Salauddin Chopdar Foundation honored 130 bravehearts, including Kargil War heroes, their families, and gallantry award winners from the Shekhawati region. The event, held at Karbala Maidan in Jhunjhunu, was under the patronage of Mahant Oomnath Ji Maharaj and Ajaz Nabi Sahib, highlighting the communal harmony of the region.
The chief guest, Rajya Sabha MP and renowned poet Imran Pratapgarhi, along with other distinguished guests such as Major General A.J.B. Jaini, Lieutenant General S.P.S. Katewa, and Kargil War hero Brigadier Ajit Singh Shekhawat, graced the event. M.D. Chopdar, Chairman of the Rajasthan Madrasa Board, welcomed all the guests with mementos, shawls, and capes.
Chopdar praised the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of the district, emphasizing that nationalism transcends religion and caste in this region. He lauded the valor displayed in the Kargil War, asserting that the people of Shekhawati are always ready to sacrifice their lives for the country.
Imran Pratapgarhi expressed his admiration for the heroic land of Shekhawati, stating that those who spread hatred should witness the love and unity of its people. He promised to highlight the sacrifices of Shekhawati’s heroes on a larger platform and organize a similar event in Delhi.
Brigadier Ajit Singh recounted inspiring stories from the Kargil War, emphasizing that bravery knows no religious boundaries. He shared how a Muslim company under his command showcased indomitable courage and defeated the enemy. Colonel Shokat Ali echoed these sentiments, highlighting the region’s deep-seated love and loyalty for the country.
A book chronicling the lives of Shekhawati’s martyrs was released during the event. Poet Vivek Parikh and singer Rukhsana Khan contributed to the patriotic fervor with their performances. Thousands of people from Shekhawati attended to honor the war widows and soldiers.
The program, hosted by Dr. Ajhar Hussain and Mulchand Jhajharia, was attended by several other dignitaries, including Captain Tipu Sultan and Captain Sultan Khan. The event underscored the importance of unity and patriotism, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Shekhawati’s soldiers and their families.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Raheem Khan / Radiance News Bureau / July 27th, 2024
Azeez Belgaumi has been selected for the Bulleh Shah Gold Medal 2025 for his unparalleled Literary Services in Urdu language and will be conferred the title of “Miraj-e-Sukhan” by Tehreek Islah Muashra Pakistan.
Mr. Belgaumi’s poetry has not only enriched the literary landscape of India but also garnered appreciation and accolades worldwide. His contributions to Urdu literature have been recognized by various institutions nationally and globally, highlighting his profound impact on the literary community.
On another occasion, Beacon Light University, Spire College, Fatehpur, Pakistan, honored him with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He continues to chair several world-level Urdu literary fest and poets meets. As a member of the World Literary Committee, the Global Writers Association, Universal Urdu Point UAE awarded him a Certificate of Merit for International Literary Service.
His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to transcend boundaries, resonating with audiences around the world. His work continues to inspire and influence the literary community, cementing his place as one of India’s most cherished poets.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / July 09th, 2024
Did you know that a decade ago something bizarre happened? The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ceased to exist for three days! All those accused facing charges in courts filed by the federal agency started seeking stay on the prosecution on the basis of a ‘non-existent’ organisation.
It happened in November 2013, courtesy verdict of the Gauhati High Court that declared the CBI unconstitutional because it had not originated from a constitutional provision nor was it constituted vide any Union Cabinet decision. It also did not have the President’s assent.
On November 6, a division bench of Gauhati High Court, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and Justice Indira Shah, quashed the April 1, 1963 Resolution constituting CBI under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, and declared all its actions unconstitutional.
Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari
However, a Supreme Court Bench of the then Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam and Justice Ranjana Desai, which held a special sitting at the residence of the CJI on November 9, 2013, stayed the order and the matter remains unsettled by the apex court till date.
According to the Gauhati High Court verdict, the CBI was not formed under any statutory provision, but under an executive order of the Union Home Ministry in the year 1963, and that too, without any backing from the Constitution.
The High Court order had rattled the Indian legal system prompting the Centre to move the Supreme Court immediately.
Awaz-The Voice caught up with Justice (retd) Iqbal Ahmed Ansari, who later on became the Chief Justice of Patna High Court and Chairman of Punjab State Human Rights Commission, to know more about the landmark judgment and its bearing on the legal system as well as his career.
Elaborating on the verdict, Justice Ansari said it was still unsettled and felt the executive was against the settlement of the matter because it would put a question mark on thousands of cases probed by the apex federal investigation agency.
Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari (retd) with Chief Justice of India T S Thakur
“A BSNL employee had appealed against a judgment of Justice Ranjan Gogoi (pronounced in 2007), who later on became the Chief Justice of India, challenging the constitutional validity of the CBI. It came for a hearing before me and Justice Dr Indira Shah and we took the view that it did not have any legal foundation. It has been simply brought into effect by a memorandum or resolution of the Home Ministry.
“So, we gave the ruling that the CBI was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court was moved and a vacation bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice (P) Sathasivam heard it and passed a stay order. Later on, it came up for further hearing (on December 6, 2013) and Justice Ranjan Gogoi was one in the two-judge bench, and since he could not hear it on ethical grounds. So, the hearing could not take place and it is simply written that he has ‘not participated’. A new bench was never constituted and the matter continued to be unsettled by the Supreme Court till now,” Justice Ansari said.
“But in all fairness, this question has been raised, such as by Justice (J) Chelameswar, Justice Madan Lokur, saying the Supreme Court should scrutinise the judgment and decide because, supposing tomorrow, you find that the CBI is not constitutional, what will happen to all the cases over the past?” he added.
The verdict indeed had its bearing on Justice Ansari’s career too. “The collegium takes a call on who can be a Supreme Court judge. But, unfortunately in my case, a person from Assam went against another from Assam. Justice Ranjan Gogoi was even against my elevation as Chief Justice of Patna High Court because he did not want his judgment on the CBI to be disturbed by anyone and I did it.
“I was told by the then Chief Justice of India Justice (TS) Thakur that Justice Gogoi approached him when my name came up as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court and the latter sent the matter to the collegium. When the system was pointed out to him, he tried to coerce the collegium to post me as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. Then Justice Thakur shot off a letter to Justice Gogoi asking him to submit in writing any material that he has against me. And, he gave in writing that he did not have anything.”
Justice (retd) Iqbal Ahmed Ansari with Shatrughan Sinha, and other Bollywood actors
Apart from the CBI verdict, Justice Ansari also cherishes his other judgments such as the NIA case accused should be produced in a special court or sessions court before appealing to High Court, the scrapping of Coal India Ltd’s introduction of e-auction which was not in favour of the people of Assam, a verdict directing doctors to abort a rape victim’s fetus which she wanted to abort as she did not want to give birth to a child begotten by a rapist, and others.
Justice Ansari, who pursued his academics in his hometown of Tezpur in northern Assam, and wanted to be an engineer or an Army officer, was forced into law by his father who was himself a barrister, and he was perhaps right in guiding his son’s career.
“I was very interested in engineering because there were ample opportunities during our times. However, my father had the impression that engineers earn more than sufficient and they tend to be inclined to gambling and alcoholism. Being a barrister, he wanted me to study law which I did despite my impression that lawyers have to lie a lot which I later on found out to be untrue. A lawyer can practice by not lying if he wants to.
“Thereafter, I was very much inclined towards serving in the Army and I did get selected. My father once again persuaded me back because he feared that I was too headstrong and thus, I might get court-martialled and sacked. Then I became a lawyer. During my legal practice, I was quite impressed by the personality of some of the judges. One such judge was Justice SN Phookan. So, I decided to go for the judicial services and I succeeded in the first attempt itself.”
Asked if he felt that the judiciary at times comes under pressure from the legislature, Justice Ansari categorically stated that during his time there was no pressure from the legislature, but the executive could sometimes do so, and it depends on the judge. “In our times there was no such pressure.
Justice (retd) Iqbal Ahmed Ansari at a seminar in Kolkata
However, as it has been appearing these days from what Justice Ajit (P) Shah, Justice Madan Lokur, and Justice Joseph Kurian have been saying, it appears the judiciary at the level of the Supreme Court is under some kind of pressure. There have been shocking instances of people showing a lack of trust in the judiciary. But by and large, I believe that the judiciary is still independent,” he said.
About the perennial problem of the pendency of cases in Indian courts, Justice Ansari said, “It’s a very difficult question. The judges-litigations ratio in India is so poor that it’s even worse than in Bangladesh. To solve the issue, we need more law colleges. To prevent the brain drain from law to the corporate sector, the Supreme Court has allowed the direct entry of law graduates into judicial officers. However, that is also not helping because the process needs proper training where we are lacking.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Imtaz Ahmed, Tezpur / June 28th, 2024
Justice Ansari had, during his time in Gauhati High Court, even initiated such training programmes and said: “I am happy that a lot of young law professionals benefited. Some of them have become senior lawyers and are doing quite well. It gives me a lot of satisfaction… I do participate in such initiatives even now if I am invited.”
Dialysis for only Rs 100 – Sounds incredible! This service by a doctor in Kolkata has indeed saved hundreds of lives and given hope to those who could not afford the repeated and costly treatment for malfunctioning or failed kidneys. The man behind this mission is Dr. Fuad Halim, a Communist politician who is the embodiment of the selfless service that a medical practitioner is supposed to be.
He started this initiative some 20 years ago in association with some like-minded doctors to support someone’s life and keep a family’s hopes alive. This is a unique initiative in the era of increasing fees for medical services every day. This is probably the only service where the charges have been reduced in response to the growing desperation of poor people to cope with the rising costs of treatment.
The charges for dialysis were initially fixed at Rs.600 and today it is Rs.100.
Dr Fuad Halim donating blood
Speaking with Awaz-The Voice, Dr. Fuad Halim, 54, said that the sole thought behind his mission is to support needy families and his passion to protect patients from facing torture in the name of treatment.
Dr. Fuad Halim is a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). His social attitudes and political beliefs are nearly inherited as his father Hashim Abdul Halim was a left leader and former Speaker of the Bengal Legislative Assembly for more than two decades.
Interestingly, his wife Saira Shah Halim, an MLA unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a CPI(M) candidate.
Dr. Fuad Halim also contested the 2021 Assembly elections and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but during his campaign, it was never about politics; he kept on addressing the poor and what he had to offer to them.
Fuad Halim was born in Kolkata and he studied at St. Anthony’s School and later St. Joseph’s Collee. He obtained his degree in medicine from the Neil Ratan Sarkar Medical College. He later did a fellowship under the Apollo Group of Royal College, Hyderabad.
Fuad Halim says that he could launch and sustain this initiative only because of his like-minded friends and helpers who, he says are the bedrock of his work for the poor. “Without their help and support this work was not at all possible,” he says.
Dr. Fuad Halim went into mission mode during the COVID pandemic where he performed about 24,000 done dialysis for a token fee of Rs 50! Back then hospitals were closed for regular patients because of the overload of COVID patients and the income of people had fallen drastically.
Dr Fuad Halim campaigning for his election
“At present, our rate is Rs 100 per dialysis. You will be surprised that when we started it was Rs 600 per dialysis. After two years we reduced it to Rs 550. In 2009, it reduced to 500. In the next two years, it became 450. Before COVID we were offering dialysis for Rs 300 and during the pandemic, it was further reduced to 50 rupees.”
Today the fee for one session of the dialysis is Rs 100.
Also during the dialysis, for accessories the charges are nominal. “We have a daycare center for people undergoing dialysis. I have a chamber in the same, I also see my patients and my consultation fee is Rs 50.”
Dr. Fuad Halim started with a mission to help people get their cataracts removed from their eyes at a nominal fee. “In 2004, we conducted 3,000 cataract operations to correct the vision of people. This was followed by a campaign on blood donation.”
The organization Kolkata Swasthya Sankalp with which Dr. Halim was associated was also conferred upon a national award in 2009. “Thereafter we launched our dialysis mission. Today hundreds of patients are getting dialysis done in our facility,” he says.
Dr. Fuad Halim’s dialysis mission is launched in association with the 82-year-old organization – People’s Relief Committee.
“As its president, I oversee all its mission of providing low-cost screening tests, treatment, and nursing homes, where people are provided with low-cost treatment.”
He said there is no mix-up of his role as a doctor and as a politician. Dr. Halim says, “ There are no two sides in my life; I am doing politics with the same thought with which I became a doctor, i.e. under the spirit of service.”
He says that to save the life of a patient who is suffering from a kidney ailment, it’s important to do the right dialysis for the right period. If a person undergoes half dialysis the quality of his life will not be good; his life will not improve.
Patients undergoing dialysis at Dr Fuad Halim’s hospital
“The biggest problem is that people cannot manage their expenses. So our main idea is that we will reduce the cost of dialysis. That is why we used various methods to reduce the cost of dialysis, in which donation also plays a major role.”
Dr Halim’s interest in social service probably comes from his family background where politics is a way of serving the people. His grandfather contested the Kolkata Corporation election in 1925 with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
After that, his father Hashim Abdul Halim joined the Communist Party and continued to work as an activist and worked at the grassroots.
Dr. Fuad Halim says, “My political life is not different from medical practice. I am the same person and my thoughts are also the same. My service and my politics have the same basis. I treat people as the result of a revolutionary thought because our thought is that people should have the right to health. Since people are facing problems, I try to address these as much as possible. I also realize that a single person cannot change the world; so my association with my friends from school. They are my strength and courage. Such efforts cannot be done alone. I have received tremendous support and backing from everyone.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mansooruddin Faridi and Md Shamim Hossain (Kolkata) / July 03rd, 2024
DSBK, a premier biking platform founded by Kannadiga NRI Nasir Syed, has appointed Fabio Uccelli as its new Race Technical Director. Uccelli, who is also the team principal of Motozoo Me Air Racing in the Supersport World Championship, will bring his extensive expertise to the DSBK Middle east Championship. This strategic move aims to elevate the standards of motorcycle racing in the Middle east.
“The first race in Dubai will be after the last one in the Supersport World Championship,” Uccelli explained to Corsedimoto. “I can manage everything. The commitment with Motozoo will continue for at least another two years, with excellent riders like this season and the aim of always being protagonists. The role in the Middle east championship is a new challenge that gives me great stimuli and fascinates me.”
Journey to Dubai’s Motorcycling Scene
Uccelli’s journey to his new roles began out of sheer curiosity. “I came to Dubai and as a motorbike enthusiast, I went to the circuit. I was curious to know the motorcycling reality of this country and I started to find out,” he recounted. Initially, he was met with some detachment. However, thanks to acquaintances within the Kawasaki branch and some Italians already settled in Dubai, he was able to integrate into the local motorcycling community. “It has enormous potential and plenty of room for growth. I have settled in very well, now I already have many friends. The lifestyle is hectic here too, but less so than in Europe. For the rest, it’s very hot but I don’t suffer from it. Clearly, I divide my time between Dubai and Italy where I continue to follow Motozoo’s activities.”
Promoting Motorcycling in Dubai
Uccelli is keen to develop motorcycling in Dubai. “My goal is precisely to contribute to the growth and development of motorcycling in Dubai by enhancing its potential,” he said. Within the championship, there will be a Kawasaki single-brand series for which Uccelli will create the kits. This initiative could attract international riders, including those from Italy, who wish to experience racing in Dubai. “We want to try to create interest both among locals and internationally, bring drivers and spectators, give new life to the championship. I would like to try to get the population of the United Arab Emirates as passionate about motorcycling as possible.”
DSBK-UAE: A Platform for Superbike Enthusiasts
The DSBK- Middle east Championship was founded by Kannadiga NRI Nasir Syed and has quickly become a notable platform for superbike racers, their fans, and prominent brands. The organization hosted its inaugural racing competition successfully and continues to unite the motorcycling community.
Nasir Syed, who manages several successful ventures in Dubai, including CHS Creative House and VME Valves Factory LLC, also leads DSBK – D Super Bike Racing. Syed’s journey into superbike racing began after he moved to Dubai, finding his passion in the sport despite its dangers and high costs. His dedication paid off, as he became an international champion with 38 professional bike racing victories. Syed has competed in prestigious events such as the UAE National Championship and the Bahrain Superbike Championship, further solidifying his status as a top racer.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / July 05th, 2024
Under the high patronage of H.E. Ahmed Bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Mohammad Mansoor, Founder and Chairman of Saara Group, was honored as one of the esteemed winners of The Times of Bahrain TOB Icon Award 2024. This prestigious award recognizes his outstanding contributions to the business world and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
During the award presentation, H.E. Ahmed Bin Salman Al-Musallam congratulated the awardees for their significant contributions to their respective sectors. He aacknowledged their critical role in the growth of Bahrain’s economy and society.
Mohammad Mansoor, a distinguished businessman and sports enthusiast, has elevated Saara Group to new heights with his exceptional business acumen and innovation. In addition to his business achievements, Mohammad Mansoor chairs the Bahrain Cricket Federation and Life N Style Magazine. His leadership extends to international forums as a Director of The Council in the World Youth Group, affiliated with the United Nations.
Mohammad Mansoor has also served as the Vice President of the KHK Heroes Foundation and a Board Member of the Bahrain India Society. His multifaceted work reflects his commitment to growth, development, and intercultural partnerships.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / July 18th, 2024
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, announced the release of “The Bunder Legacy,” a captivating new book chronicling the life and legacy of Late Moideen Cheyabba. This publication honors Cheyabba, a pivotal figure in Dakshin Karnataka’s transformation from the late 19th to early 20th century. He was the father of well-known late Hasan Hajee, B Ahmed Hajee, B Abdul Khader Hajee and grandfather of Dr. Thumbay Moideen.
“The Bunder Legacy” offers an intimate portrayal of Moideen Cheyabba’s journey, tracing his beginnings in Bolar to his life in Bunder. The book explores his entrepreneurial spirit, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities that shaped the region’s economic and cultural landscape.
The book, enriched by family insights and personal anecdotes, documents the resilience and innovation that defined Moideen Cheyabba’s legacy. The book serves as a comprehensive family record, uniting generations by preserving ancestral roots and celebrating collective successes. Moideen Cheyabba’s story is a story of tolerance, innovation, and enduring family values.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen after releasing the book spoke on the book’s role in inspiring future generations, imparting lessons of perseverance and dedication. “This book is also a comprehensive record of our family tree, providing detailed insights into our ancestry. It is an invaluable resource for all family members to understand our roots, celebrate our achievements, and acknowledge the remarkable individuals who have shaped our history. By knowing each other better, we foster a deeper sense of unity and belonging,” he said.
“The Bunder Legacy” promises to resonate with readers seeking historical insights and timeless wisdom, inviting them to explore the enduring impact of the Bunder family.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / July 17th, 2024
English PEN’s flagship grant program, PEN Translates, has announced its latest round of awards, recognizing 16 titles from 11 regions and 10 languages. For the first time in the award’s history, a work translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi has been honored. Bhasthi’s translation of a collection of short stories by Banu Mushtaq has brought Kannada literature to the international stage, highlighting the growing global appreciation for this regional language.
The awards includes a wide variety of genres, including novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, prose drama, and young adult literature. This year’s list notably includes works from Cameroon and Singapore, as well as translations from the Greenlandic and Mixe languages, reflecting PEN Translates’ commitment to promoting diverse voices and stories.
Deepa Bhasthi, an accomplished writer and translator, who was also a journalist, has been honored for her translation of a collection of short stories by Banu Mushtaq. Bhasthi’s translation project, supported through English PEN’s PEN Presents grant for sample translations, led to the acquisition of the work by the publishing house And Other Stories.
Bhasthi, who works in both Kannada and English, has a distinguished career in translating and writing. Her essays, columns, and journalism focus on the politics of culture and have been widely published in both national and international outlets. In 2022, she translated Kota Shivarama Karanth’s novel “The Same Village, The Same Tree,” and her translation of short stories by Kodagina Gouramma, one of the earliest feminist writers in Kannada, is set to be published in January 2023 by Yoda Press.
In addition to Bhasthi’s work, another title supported by PEN Presents and recognized in this year’s awards is “The Aquatics” by Osvalde Lewat, translated from French by Maren Baudet-Lackner. This project was acquired by Cassava Republic Press, further exemplifying the impact of PEN’s support in bringing diverse narratives to a broader audience.
Other winners of the PEN Translates awards include:
PEN Translates award winners:
This Mouth Is Mine by Yásnaya Elena A. Gil (Mexico), translated from the Spanish and Mixe by Ellen Jones (Charco Press).
Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda (Mexico), translated from the Spanish by Heather Cleary and Julia Sanches (Scribe UK).
Delicious Hunger by Hai Fan (Singapore), translated from the Chinese by Jeremy Tiang (Tilted Axis Press).
The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas (Cuba), translated from the Spanish by Julia Sanches and Jennifer Shyue (Héloïse Press).
The Congress of the Disappeared by Bernardo Kucinski (Brazil), translated from the Portuguese by Tom Gatehouse (Latin America Bureau).
A Man with No Title by Xavier Le Clerc (France), translated from the French by William Rodarmor (Saqi Books).
The Aquatics by Osvalde Lewat (Cameroon), translated from the French by Maren Baudet-Lackner (Cassava Republic Press).
On the Greenwich Line by Shady Lewis (Egypt/UK), translated from the Arabic by Katharine Halls (Peirene Press).
Short stories by Banu Mushtaq (India), translated from the Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi (And Other Stories).
Water: A Chronicle by Ngọc Tư Nguyễn (Vietnam), translated from the Vietnamese by Nguyễn An Lý (Major Books).
The Wild Ones by Antonio Ramos Revillas (Mexico), translated from the Spanish by Claire Storey (HopeRoad).
Jellyfish Have No Ears by Adèle Rosenfeld (France), translated from the French by Jeffrey Zuckerman (MacLehose Press).
Samahani by Abdel Aziz Baraka Sakin (Sudan/Austria), translated from the Arabic by Mayada Ibrahim and Adil Ibrahim Babikir (Foundry Editions).
Zombieland by Sørine Steenholdt (Greenland), translated from the Greenlandic by Charlotte Barslund (Norvik Press).
Elevator In Saigon by Thuận (Vietnam/France), translated from the Vietnamese by Nguyễn An Lý (Tilted Axis Press).
Iran + 100 by various authors, translated from the Farsi by various translators (Comma Press).
Since its inception, PEN Translates has supported 376 books translated from over 90 languages, awarding over £1.2 million in grants. The program has played a crucial role in bringing international literature to English-speaking audiences, with 19 PEN Translates-supported books appearing on International Booker Prize longlists. Recently, the program-supported “Kibogo” by Scholastique Mukasonga, translated from French by Mark Polizzotti (Daunt Books), won the 2024 Oxford-Weidenfeld Prize, and “Of Cattle and Men” by Ana Paula Maia, translated from Portuguese by Zoë Perry (Charco Press), won the 2024 Republic of Consciousness Prize.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> World / by Vartha Bharati / July 18th, 2024
Gauriya Village (Kheri District), UTTAR PRADESH / U.S.A. :
Young Scientist Award recipient Muneer Khan in the USA
A farmer can insert a pencil-like device in the soil of his field; the reading mapped through a mobile app will show minerals in it. He would quickly know whether the soil is acidic or alkaline; which mineral is missing or deficit ior which is surplus and then tackle the situation with fertilizers for a good yield.
This simple mineral-reading device was developed by Muneer Khan, a scientist who was recently conferred the Young Scientists Award constituted for honoring innovators below the age of 40 years by the government of India.
Muneer Khan comes from a nondescript village Gauriya in the Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, located some 400 km east of New Delhi. He is currently an applied scientist at Harvard University and owns a US-based startup of AI Best Glasses.
Muneer Khan receiving Young Scientist Award from Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan
Muneer Khan’s journey began with he completing his engineering degree from a college in Uttarakhand and then moving to the USA for his M.Phill degree from Columbia University.
Wwhile studying for his Master’s degree in Engineering, Muneer Khan developed the mineral reading device which has recently received a patent certificate from the government of India and now can be manufactured for sale.
He was conferred with the Young Scientists’ Award for the same.
After receiving the award he told the news agency IANS, “I made the device to empower farmers with the new technology to get more yield while reducing the cost of production.”
Muneer Khan in the field
Muneer Khan said that this device will essentially prove beneficial for farm owners and small farmers. Farmers will not need to put more fertilizer in their fields. They will be able to know the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, zinc, boron, or any other element required by their crops.
Earlier, Muneer received the International Young Scientist Award and the International Emerging Scientist Award 2020 in Kolkata.
During his studies, he started another project under the guidance of Professor Durgesh Pant on a Smart Water Quality Assessment System based on the Internet of Things (IoT). “I accomplished it with great results, filed for a patent, and published a research paper in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE),” he told the in-house journal of Columbia University.
Working with his team in Columbia University
At Columbia University, he started a project called “Homie Hydro – A Smart Water Bottle,” where he worked to determine several parameters such as Ph, TDS, and temperature of the water. “This information helps access the availability of drinkable water resources around us. This project won the Best Project Award in Fall 2021.”
He and some friends started a startup in India called “Institute of Technical Training and Development Pvt Ltd” (ITTD Pvt Ltd) to provide technical training and counseling for underprivileged students who have faced challenges during this unfortunate pandemic.
He said, “ITTD offers the best in online classes, live project-based classes, and skill-based training programs. I have a long-term goal to be an educationist in my area of interest.”
On his Linkedin profile Muneert Khan write about ITTD: “As the founder of ITTD, my focus on project management has enabled us to launch web-based educational programs across India, fostering technology-driven learning. My dedication to mentorship and education is rooted in a belief that empowering the next generation is crucial for technological advancement and societal progress.”
Patent certfiticate for mineral detecting device
For Muneer Khan to receive the Young Scientist Award from Indian Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in New Delhi was a high point of his career.
According to Muneer, he was also worried about the lands becoming barren, so under the supervision of Dr. Durgesh Pant of Pantnagar University, Muneer Khan and his two colleagues Ashutosh Bhatt and Pankaj Adhikari developed this monitoring device.
It has two devices like the tip of a pen that tell which crop to sow and which nutrients are lacking in the field. When connected to a mobile app, this device can find out how much fertilizer the field needs and how much deficiency of nutrients is there in the soil. Not only this, this device will also tell how much moisture is needed in the field and how much moisture is required.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa, New Delhi / July 12th, 2024
