The Shaheen Group of Institutions is set to host a groundbreaking international conference on November 30 and December 1, 2024, in Bidar, Karnataka.
Touted as India’s first event of its kind, the conference aims to spotlight the contributions of Indian Muslims in critical sectors such as education, politics, media, economics, IT, social services, and madrassa education, envisioning their role in shaping a developed India by 2047, the centenary of the nation’s independence.
The conference will serve as a platform for thought leaders, intellectuals, and influencers from India and abroad to network and exchange ideas. Attendees will deliberate on the community’s potential to drive transformative change in various fields, aligning with India’s vision for growth and development.
This pioneering event highlights the Shaheen Group’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the Indian Muslim community to contribute effectively to the nation’s progress.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by Shifa (image source: shaheengroup.org) / November 27th, 2024
In a book introduction programme held here on 2 November, the author of the book “Islam in 21st Century: The Dynamics of Change and Future-making”, Abdul Rashid Agwan anticipated that Muslims will play their constructive role in the third millennium as effectively as they played it in the past two millennia, especially during the current century.
The author based his optimism on extensive data he collected regarding recent developments in the Muslim World. He underlined that during the past decade or so the average literacy rate of Muslim countries has increased from 40 percent to 72 percent, the number of universities has gone up from 500 to 2137, the graduation enrolment rate and the rate of science research publications have been improving faster there than in other parts of the world. He also mentioned that the average GDP growth in OIC countries was 6 percent during the last decade in spite of serious turmoil in parts of the Muslim World. He argued that powered by the increasing strength on many fronts and aided by sound vision and proper strategies, Muslims can shape a better future not only for themselves but also for the mankind at large.
Agwan further argued that the western strategies of oil wars and terrorism have not yielded much for the USA-led countries. They have rather caused the USA huge revenue loss, economic recession, failure in diplomacy, loss of credibility, widespread impoverishment of veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, revival of Russian clout in global affairs, total absence of America from Afghanistan’s mine auction. This was called “a decade from hell” by Time magazine. Agwan further mentioned that the situation has so much gone contrary to the western aspirations that the current century is gradually turning into an Asian Century rather than an American Century as envisaged under a unipolar world.
Journalist and author, Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan said in his presidential remarks that in spite of the positive growth story of many Muslim countries, the gap in terms of quality between the West and the Muslim world is still very wide and this calls for Muslims’ accelerated endeavours on all fronts of human development. He felt a dire need of promoting think-tank activities in the Muslim World and emphasised on innovation and science-research output. Dr Khan was critical regarding lack of freedom in many Muslim countries and wished that the Muslim leadership should rise to the occasion and generate a better environment for development and progress.
While presenting his keynote address on the occasion, well-known author Dr Javed Jamil welcomed the publication of this thought-provoking analysis of the present day standoff between the West and the Muslim World and also for coming out with some wise proposals as a roadmap. Dr Jamil aspired that academics should undertake deeper studies regarding the anti-human policies of the western world and make the global society aware about their pernicious impact on human life at large.
A written note of Dr Mohammad Rafat, professor in physics in Jamia Millia Islamia, was read out during the presentations. He stated that the given book could be included among those few works which have focused on the issue of change and future-making. He expected that Muslims will take proper initiatives and make conscious efforts in this fast-changing world and play their guiding role in future.
Advocate Aslam Ahmed Jamal, the assistant general secretary of All India Educational Movement, appreciated views of the author regarding the nature of change and stated that the book can make a prompting impact on the mind of educated Muslim youths who are serious to contribute some way in shaping human future.
Mohammad Moinuddin, former assistant registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, briefed the audience about various academic and social contributions of Abdul Rashid Agwan and appreciated that he wrote the book while bed-ridden for more than two years recovering from a crippling condition called paraplegia, which speaks of his optimism and also of the book that inculcates hope and optimism in its readers towards the realization of a better world not only for Muslims but also for the mankind at large.
The publisher of the book, Gloriords Publications, Shahabuddin Yaqub, wished that Muslims would develop deeper faith on God and deliver their best in future without bothering about the vicissitudes of time. He reminded that the very advent of Islam was from a wretched land sandwiched between two contemporary super-powers, Rome and Persia, which were reluctant to rule Arabia but became its early causalities within a few decades. Therefore, he said, physical conditions are not that much important for the believers as regards future-making than the depth of their faith and commitment.
(For more information about the book, visit islamin21stcentury.com)
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> National> News / by The Milli Gazette / November 28th, 2014
New battle-lines are being drawn in Parliament, and out of it, with waqf and its management at the centre of a major political slugfest.
New battle-lines are being drawn in Parliament, and out of it, with waqf and its management at the centre of a major political slugfest.
At this juncture, it is appropriate to recall the achievements of Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the founder of Jamia Hamdard, whose birth centenary was celebrated in December 2008, and the waqf he founded ~ the Hamdard (Waqf) Laboratories ~ is well into its ninth decade. Speaking during Hakeem saheb’s centenary celebrations at Jamia Hamdard, then Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari observed, “in our recent history Hakeem Abdul Hameed is probably the first, and the most successful, to resurrect the waqf concept in innovative ways so that a modern company was registered as a wakf institution whose income was to be used for public good in the areas of education, medical relief and the advancement of knowledge.
It was an important signal in the immediate aftermath of the painful Partition of India to thread together the religious element with socio-economic progress and alleviation of poverty.” The Vice-President added, “Since the 1930s and 1940s, over 25 educational research institutions were established, culminating in the Jamia Hamdard. The range is astounding ~ ranging from primary education to post-doctoral research, from Unani Medicine to Information Technology, from Islamic Studies to Business Management. Besides the university, the colleges and hospitals established for service to society, there are a set of institutions that bear testimony to his scholarly interests.
I refer to the Institute of History of Medicine, the Institute of Islamic Studies, the Ghalib Academy and the Institute of Federal Studies. Each of these has rendered significant service to scholarship.” Undoubtedly the list of achievements is long but as Hamid Ansari commented, “these achievements hold a mirror to the potential of what public-minded personalities can achieve through the institution of waqf for the socio-economic, educational and cultural betterment of the community. Future generations would behold Jamia Hamdard and Talimabad and wonder at the capacity, vision and dedication of an individual.” Truly so, for in ‘100 Great Muslim Leaders of the 20th century’, a publication of the New Delhi based Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), Dr Mohd Manzoor Alam provided a larger global context to understanding the achievements of Hakeem Abdul Hameed as an outstanding educationist and social reformer, along with his equally illustrious younger brother Hakeem Mohammad Said.
“In the face of formidable challenges which marked the lives of a selected 100 great Muslim men and women of the 20th century,” wrote Dr Alam in the preface, “their lives, struggles and contributions reflect the response of Muslims to the multiple challenges over the century…the ‘100 Great’ belonged to five continents and they came from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, they were inspired by the eternal values and principles of Islam and the precepts of their illustrious forebears in the annals of Islamic history.” Through the tumultuous decades of the 20th century, Dr Alam observed that the ‘100 great Muslim leaders’ were unwavering in their “faith in the Holy Quran describing Muslims as ‘good people’, whose mission on earth is to help others live a meaningful life.
Even in the darkest hour the world of Islam was not plaued by a dearth of men and women who had the stature, mettle and competence to rise to the occasion. The two revered Hakim brothers ~ Hakeem Abdul Hameed and Hakeem Mohammad Said ~ who revived the Unani or Greco-Arab system of medicine and created two institutions, the Hamdard in India and its twin in Pakistan, are inspiring examples of leadership. They did not really belong to any one place. This is aggravated by Western colonial redrawing of the Muslim world map: Hakeem Abdul Hameed in India and Hakeem Mohammad Said in Pakistan were, in fact, two sides of a single sub-continental picture of Islamic excellence.”
The lifetime achievements of Hakeem Abdul Hameed were myth-busters: it had been an enduring myth of the 20th century that the Muslim world had been in deep slumber, their state of somnolence stretching back to centuries. Said Dr Manzoor Alam, “the 20th century instead turns out to be a period of extraordinary intellectual, moral and social awakening and struggle across the Muslim world with societies from Malaysia to Morocco trying hard to reform, promote and practice Islam as a living reality that could guide them through difficult times.” The Hamdard story began over a century ago when Abdul Hameed’s father, Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, established the Hamdard Dawakhana in 1906.
The vision was implicit in the name. Hamdard means ‘the sharing of pain’ and willingness to mitigate it was to be the motto of future generations as well. The vision was also to break the exclusivity of medicinal preparation of each Unani Hakim and make it available to the masses through modern laboratories along scientific lines. A traditional system of medicine was thus modernised with a nationalist inspiration and an indigenous base. “For this reason, Hakeem saheb can rightly be called a Mujaddid (or reformer) of Unani medicine,” said Ansari in the centenary speech.
Writing in ‘Muslim Mirror’, Abdul Rashid Agwan detailed the story. After Independence in 1947, Hamdard University or Jamia Hamdard has been the first institution that was established and managed on the basis of waqf income. In 1948, the manufacturing and selling unit of Hamdard Daw – akhana, Hamdard (Waqf) Laboratories, was converted into an endowment. Its deed dated 28 August 1948 provided for “Qaumi Income” (Public income) and “Khandani Income (Family income). However, the concept of family income was abolished by a declaration of the Settler/ Founder-Wakif Mutawalli in 1985, with retrospective effect from 1 January 1973. From the profits of the company, Hamdard Tibbi College was set up in 1963 in Old Delhi which later shifted to its present 90-acre campus in Tughlaqabad. In order to effectively manage and utilize the income accrued from Hamdard Waqf Laboratories for the promotion of its objective, Hamdard National Foundation was created on 12 May 1964 to disburse company profits to promote interests of society.
All profits of the company were obligated to go to the Foundation. Both Hamdard and the Foundation were registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. Coinciding with the establishment of the Hamdard National Foundation in India, Hamdard Waqf Laboratories Pakistan also formed Hamdard Foundation Pakistan the same year. Its founder, Hakeem Muhammad Said, expressed the mission in these words, “Hamdard … has chosen to serve through activities for the promotion of good health and education ~ the twin pillars of progress.” Through the 1950s and 60s, when educational institutions namely, Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, AIIMS and Jawaharlal Nehru University ~ were being established with Government resources and with the focus of providing a new nation the benefit of modern science and education, Hakeem Abdul Hameed was single-handedly building schools, colleges and the university under the Jamia Hamdard banner, relying on internal resources of Hamdard Waqf Laboratories, and focused on rejuvenating the millennia-old Greco-Arab medicine which came to be simplistically known as Unani medicine. In this long process of reviving ancient knowledge, Hakeem saheb’s original contribution was the use of modern scientific methods and technology for the standardisation and manufacture of Unani medicine. “Quite early in life, when he was studying medicine at the Tibbia College, he was deeply impressed by the systematic and methodical approach of Hakeem Ajmal Khan towards the classification and standardisation of Unani medicines,” the IOS publication narrated. The Hakeem brothers travelled across Asia and Europe in the 1950s closely observing modern methods and techniques of drug making. They were convinced of the relevance and necessity of using modern technology for medical experimentation and manufacture of Unani medicines. At Hamdard Laboratories, Hamdard University, Hamdard Nursing Home and Majidia Hospital, these modern methods and technology were put into good use, ensuring the regimen of Unani system of medicine could co-exist with modern science and technology.
“This integrated, holistic approach to diagnosis and therapy is one of the most original and outstanding contributions of Hakeem Abdul Hameed,” the IOS publication stated. Eleven books on Unani medicine: Arab medicine and its relevance to modern medicine; Earth, elements and man: Search for a solid foundation of the theory and practice of medicine; and the magnum opus Qarabadin-e-Hamdard or Hamdard Pharmacopoeia are testimony to Hakeem Abdul Hameed’s medical observations, experiences and researches. In the 1980s, he initiated path breaking research on Ibn Sina’s Al-Qanun fit-Tibb or The Canon of Medicine. The 3-volume study was made available in multiple languages, including English.
Several national and global awards were bestowed on Hakeem Abdul Hameed who lived an austere life on campus till the age of 91, with a Gandhian determination to build the new nation through promotion of medicine, modern education and public charity. Like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Hakeem Ajmal Khan, Hakeem Abdul Hameed remains a towering personality whose contribution to modern education and medicine is second to none. It is in the domain of waqf management that Hakeem saheb gave modern India a new path for sustainable, equitable development.
(The writer is a researcher writer on history and heritage issues and a former deputy curator of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya)
source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Statesman / Home> Opinion / by Raju Mansukhani, New Delhi / October 07th, 2024
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Professor Mohammad Zahid Ashraf has been honoured with prestigious Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) award for research on oxygen regulation.
Prof. Mohammad Zahid Ashraf receives Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize, an award instituted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Mohammad Zahid Ashraf, professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) has been awarded the prestigious Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize, an award instituted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The prize was given by Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan yesterday in recognition of Prof. Ashraf’s research excellence.
Basanti Devi Amir Chand Prize is one of the earliest instituted awards of the ICMR in the year 1953 for the significant research contributions in the field of biomedical sciences.
What was Prof Ashraf’s research famous for?
Prof. Ashraf’s lab has been instrumental in understanding the role of low oxygen due to high altitude in the development of cardiovascular disorders including blood clotting.
The significance of research of cellular reactions in response to low oxygen could be analyzed from the fact that this year’s Nobel Prize committee for physiology or medicine recognized the potential of the discovery of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability and jointly awarded the three scientists for their landmark discoveries in this field. Oxygen is required for the process of oxidation that produces energy. Therefore, its short supply might result in lung damage, brain dysfunction, heart problems and many more.
” Prof. Ashraf’s research has provided an insight into the role of oxygen-regulated mechanisms behind blood clotting disorders and demonstrated the detrimental effects of low oxygen availability at high altitude.
About Mohammad Zahid Ashraf
Dr Ashraf is Fellow of both National Academy of Sciences and the Indian Academy of Sciences. He is also the recipient of prestigious DBT’s S Ramachandran-National Biosciences Award 2018. He is currently holding the position of Director (Academics) in the university.
Prior to his joining at JMI, he was Head of Genomics Division at Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Delhi.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Education> Today> News / by India Today Web Desk / October 17th, 2019
Edited excerpts from an essay by the translator of the renowned writer and poet’s novel ‘Scene 75’.
The first thing I read when I opened Scene: 75 was the ‘Vasiyat’ (‘Will and Testament’). I was so moved, I kept going back to it until, finally, I took a picture and pasted it on my laptop screen so that I could see it every time I opened my computer. At that time, all I knew about Rahi Masoom Raza was that he was a highly respected poet and novelist, though his success as a writer of Hindi films had somewhat overshadowed his literary accomplishments. But what eventually eclipsed everything – at least in the popular imagination – was that he was the writer of the majestic dialogues for the blockbuster TV series Mahabharat. Over time, as I read more and more about him and his life, I realized that the ‘Vasiyat’ was a true mirror of the kind of man he was: an unsparing critic of fundamentalists and hypocrites of every hue, with deep roots in his hometown in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. All this found reflection in his writing, which also had a strong dose of biting humour that made you laugh out loud and wince at once.
Satire about the stars
Scene: 75 itself is a darkly funny, surreal novel in which Rahi sahib casts an unsparing, satirical look at the Hindi film industry of the 1970s and also writes about Hindu–Muslim relations with his customary blistering honesty. The book begins with Ali Amjad, a struggling scriptwriter from Benares, trapped in a lonely Bombay flat, and ends with him still trapped in that lonely flat. But in the middle is a teeming, intertwined, untidy throng of cynical and manipulative characters and their equally fantastic stories, narrated with a no-holds-barred candour by Rahi sahib. Unscrupulous film producers and ambitious clerks rub shoulders with wealthy lesbians and bigoted middle-class social climbers. There are few lovable characters. When I finished the novel, I realized that the only character I cared for was Ali Amjad (Rahi sahib himself, I think) – nevertheless, all of them held my undivided interest. They made me laugh even as I shook my head in disbelief at their doings.
Rahi sahib wrote several novels between 1966 and 1986, the best-known of which is the first one, Aadha Gaon, a vivid, true-to-life depiction of the Shia community in a village, Gangauli, in the United Provinces at the time of Partition. The lives of Muslims in India and their relationship with Hindus formed the central motif in many of Rahi sahib’s works, including the brilliant Topi Shukla (1968) and Os Ki Boond (1970). Even in Scene: 75, this fraught relationship is thrown into sharp focus. Ali Amjad is hunting for a house and can’t find one because he is a Muslim. He is asked to pretend he’s a Sindhi by a prospective landlord, but Ali Amjad refuses:
“‘I am a Muslim and I also work in films,’ Ali Amjad said. He thought it was necessary for him to say this. He was not a religious man. He didn’t believe in Allah. He didn’t do namaz. He didn’t fast during Ramzan. He was an uncompromising critic of organizations like the Muslim League and the Jamate-Islami … But he was not ashamed of the fact that he had been born into a Muslim family. And he did not want to insult himself or his country by hiding his name and identity.”
Dialogue with cinema
Rahi sahib came to Bombay in 1967 to try his luck in Hindi films, and lived and worked there until his death in 1992. He wrote the script and dialogues for over 300 films, including enduring hits such as Mili (1975), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), Gol Maal (1979), Karz (1980), Lamhe (1991) and many others. But he is best remembered for his dialogues for the 94-episode mega TV series, Mahabharat, in the late 1980s. There’s an interesting story about how Rahi sahib took up this challenging project. According to his close friend and colleague at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Kunwarpal Singh, when filmmaker B.R. Chopra requested Rahi sahib to write the dialogues, he declined, saying he didn’t have the time. But B.R. Chopra went ahead and announced Rahi sahib’s name at a press conference anyway. In no time, letters of opposition from self-styled protectors of the Hindu faith arrived: Were all Hindus dead that Chopra had to give this task to a Muslim? Chopra promptly forwarded the letters to Rahi sahib. Ever the champion of India’s syncretic culture, Rahi sahib called Chopra the next day and said, ‘Chopra sahib! I will write the Mahabharat. I am a son of the Ganga. Who knows the civilization and culture of India better than I do?’
He was born in 1927 in Ghazipur in eastern Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Ganga, and retained a deep attachment to his childhood home all his life. (Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar said in an interview that Rahi sahib found a way to introduce his hometown into every conversation, even if it was about the United Nations Security Council.)
After finishing his school education in Ghazipur, Rahi sahib went to Aligarh for higher studies and did a doctorate in Hindustani literature. By the early 1960s, he had got a job as an Urdu lecturer in AMU. Javed Akhtar, in an interview, says, ‘Rahi sahib was a cult figure [on the campus]. He enjoyed a huge fan-following among the students, boys and girls both, owing to his charming and stylish persona. His admirers would walk by his side whenever he roamed [around] in the campus. He would limp a bit, for he had been affected by polio in his childhood, but his elegant sherwani, which he would never button, and the classy kurta, would make it clear that he was no ordinary man. He was a star.’
Moving to Mumbai
If things were going so swimmingly in Aligarh, why did he uproot himself and shift to Bombay? According to Kunwarpal Singh, this decision was triggered by his wedding to Nayyar Jahan in 1965. She had been previously married, but Rahi sahib fell in love with her and, despite opposition, went ahead and made her his wife. A fullblown scandal erupted and Rahi sahib lost his job at AMU (though Kunwarpal Singh says that the scandal merely gave his rivals and foes an excuse: they had always been opposed to his attempts to introduce Hindi courses in the Urdu department and vice versa).
Aadha Gaon had been published by then. It had brought him renown but was of no help in securing a livelihood. Nadeem Khan, Rahi sahib’s son, says that it was filmmaker Ramesh Chandra, an Aligarh acquaintance of Rahi sahib’s (also the older brother of actor Bharat Bhushan), who invited him to come to Bombay and try his luck in the film industry.
And that’s what he did. Initially, there was no work. He tided over that difficult period with the help of his writer friends like Kamleshwar (who was editing the magazine Sarika then) and Dharamvir Bharati (who was editing Dharmyug). His writings were published in their magazines; often they paid him in advance. But slowly, he began establishing himself in the film industry. He worked closely with film-makers such as Raj Khosla, B.R. Chopra, Yash Chopra, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and others. He became acquainted with the art of writing dialogues. Kunwarpal Singh recounts how once Rahi sahib had to write the dialogues for a Raj Khosla film. When the latter came to read the script, he kept saying, ‘Kya baat hai! Bahut khoob!’ as he turned the pages. At the same time, he kept cutting the dialogues. In the end, he kept just two or three lines out of every two pages. Rahi sahib learnt his lesson – in cinema, you don’t need verbosity; pages of dialogue can sometimes be communicated through a single close-up on screen. Over time, he became a consummate practitioner, winning two Filmfare Awards for Best Dialogue (for Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki and Mili).
Nadeem Khan remembers how he got his third award. Rahi sahib had written the dialogues for Lamhe and was very disappointed when it performed poorly at the boxoffice. He was proud of the work he had done in the film and had hoped for a Filmfare Award. But soon after Lamhe released, he passed away. He was just 65. Not long after that, Nadeem Khan, who was then working as the cinematographer for a Rakesh Roshan film, King Uncle, got a call from Filmfare. Rahi sahib had won the Best Dialogue Award for Lamhe posthumously. Khan remembers going to the function and collecting the award on his behalf. Jeetendra, the actor, was on stage and started crying. Khan says he felt his eyes welling up too. ‘As I came down, there was B.R. Chopra on one side and Yash Chopra on the other. Both kept hugging me,’ he recalls. ‘I went home and put the award in front of Rahi sahib’s photograph.’
The masterful dialogues for Mahabharat and the decision to make Samay (Time) the narrator were what elevated the series to another plane. The production values and acting left much to be desired, but the powerful dialogues by Rahi sahib made the show the astounding success that it was. He coined new words, such as ‘Pitashri’ and ‘Matashri’, which became so popular that people thought this was how characters must have spoken in ancient times. The truth is that Rahi sahib adapted these words from the way family members are addressed in Urdu – ‘Ammijaan’, ‘Abbajaan’ and so on.
Nadeem Khan says that those years of writing the Mahabharat took their toll on Rahi sahib: ‘He aged fifteen years in that time. It was very stressful – he couldn’t afford to take one wrong step,’ he says. ‘After Mahabharat, he was supposed to write another TV show, Om Namah Shivay (he was a great Shiv bhakt). But that was not to be.’
Excerpted with permission from Scene 75, Rahi Masoom Raza, translated by Poonam Saxena, HarperCollins India.
source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Book Excerpts / by Poonam Saxena / December 30th, 2017
How do we celebrate our achievements, especially when it is an academic milestone? For many, it is posting a proud announcement on social media, celebrating with family and friends and sharing the moments with the world. But for Noorjahan, a 37-year-old woman from Malappuram, the celebration of her doctorate was a unique affair — one that blended tradition, personal triumph and community spirit in a way rarely seen. Instead of a quiet reflection or a typical party, she hosted what she called a ‘Ph.D. wedding’, erecting a grand pandal (a traditional tent used for large gatherings) outside her home and inviting close family, friends and those who had supported her journey.
She wanted to highlight the significance of the occasion in a way that went beyond the usual. “Why not celebrate an academic achievement like we celebrate a wedding, the arrival of a child or a baby’s first haircut?” she asked, reflecting on the importance of her journey.
Noorjahan invited not just her friends, but also those who had been part of her research or who had supported her along the way. “We always focus on the results, but we do not often talk about the process that leads to them,” she told TwoCircles.net. Her aim was to open a conversation about that very process —the often-overlooked work behind the doctorate.
Despite her active presence on social media, she chose not to post about the event herself. Instead, the world learned about her unconventional celebration through the posts of her friends and well-wishers. It was one of these posts that led to the term “Ph.D. wedding”, coined by writer and social critic Emmar Kinalur, who attended the event. In his Facebook post, Kinalur recalled the loud applause that followed when Noorjahan spoke about her journey, particularly from the women and girls in the audience.
Dr Noorjahan with her PhD thesis
The Everyday Lives of Malabar’s Muslim Women
For Noorjahan, the uniqueness of her celebration mirrored the unconventional nature of her research. Her thesis, titled Negotiating the Everyday: A Study on Marital Practices in the Patrilineal Kinship System of Malabar Mappila Women, delves deep into the lives of Muslim women in the Malabar region of Kerala. What inspired her to choose this topic? For Noorjahan, the subject was deeply personal and autobiographical.
When she began her Ph.D. journey in 2014, the societal discourse was dominated by debates over reducing the marriageable age of Muslim girls to 16. This reminded her of the negotiations she herself had to make to pursue higher education. “I had to convince people at every stage of my life — why I was doing a Ph.D.; why I was going to Mumbai; and whether it would delay having children,” Noorjahan explained.
The decision to pursue her research at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai was also a negotiation, as the institution offered an off-campus option for those with an M.Phil. She was one of many women balancing education, work and family, all while negotiating the pressures of everyday life.
Noorjahan’s research journey was not an easy one. It took her a decade to complete, during which she juggled the demands of raising two children, teaching in colleges, working as a psychiatric social worker, co-authoring a book on a prominent Kerala journalist and contributing to social media and magazines. “This process has elevated my perspectives beyond skill development and knowledge growth,” she wrote on her Facebook wall. “Looking through that lens, this was also an evolutionary process; and I am proud of it.”
Guardianship and Widowhood
When asked about the most significant findings from her research, Noorjahan pointed to two key aspects: guardianship and widowhood. These issues, though long present in society, took on new meanings in the context of her work. She explored the concept of wali (guardian) in Islamic law, a role typically filled by a father or brother, but in the absence of a male guardian, a qazi or judge assumes this position during the wedding ceremony. However, Noorjahan highlighted how, in practice, this system often lacks real responsibility, and the role of the guardian is reduced to a ceremonial one.
Dr Noorjahan speaking at the ‘PhD wedding’ function held at her home
Equally important in her research was the issue of widowhood. Noorjahan pointed out that the traditional practices surrounding widowhood in the Malabar region have been influenced by Brahminical patriarchal systems, despite Islamic principles that allow widows the freedom to decide their future once the iddah (waiting) period is over. Instead of offering this autonomy, society often seeks to rehabilitate widows within the same patrilineal framework, framing their inclusion as a virtuous act of charity. “While we call it charity or virtuous deeds, it is women who suffer under this framework,” she argued.
The Support of Women in Her Life
Throughout her academic journey, Noorjahan found steadfast support in the women around her, particularly her mother, Saleemath V – a retired teacher from their hometown in Areekode. Saleemath was a constant presence, travelling with her daughter to Mumbai, caring for the children when Noorjahan was busy and offering her moral and emotional support. “My mother was also learning and changing in her own way, just as I was evolving through my education,” Noorjahan said, underscoring the importance of familial support for women pursuing careers or higher education after marriage and children.
Saleemath herself reflected on her daughter’s resilience, saying it was Noorjahan’s determination and steadfastness that had enabled her to complete her Ph.D. despite the many challenges, including the demands of family life. “Many women give up halfway, but Noorjahan did not,” she proudly noted.
The ‘PhD wedding’ function at the home of Dr Noorjahan
Empowering Women
Now, Dr. Noorjahan works as the head of the Department for the Child and Women Resilience Project at Thanal – an NGO in Kozhikode run by the Daya Charitable Trust. The project aims to improve the lives of widowed, deserted, divorced or separated women and their children in the Wayanad and Kannur districts of Kerala.
Noorjahan’s work continues to reflect her dedication to empowering women and advocating for their rights, a theme that runs through both her academic research and her professional life.
Through her unique “Ph.D. wedding” and her groundbreaking research, Dr. Noorjahan has not only celebrated her own academic achievement but also sparked a wider conversation about the roles of women – especially in the context of the Malabar Muslim community. Her work, her resilience and her commitment to her community continue to inspire those around her — especially the women whose lives she seeks to improve.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News / by Najiya O, TwoCircles.net / November 17th, 2024
Thousands Attend Last Rites in Karnah; Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Dar, CUK, and KU Mourn Demise; Institutions Across J&K Express Grief
Thousands Attend Last Rites in Karnah; Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Dar, CUK, and KU Mourn Demise; Institutions Across J&K Express Grief
Karnah (KNS):
Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi, a prominent scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir University, passed away on Sunday at SKIMS Soura Srinagar.
According to KNS Correspondent Karnah, Professor Qureshi, originally from Karnah area of Kupwara, had a distinguished career in academics and administration. After completing his early education at Higher Secondary School Kandi Karnah, he pursued higher studies at SP College Srinagar and later earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University.
In 1996, at the age of 26, he began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Kashmir University. He later served as Vice-Chancellor of the university from 2004 to 2007, followed by a tenure as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir from 2009 to 2012.
Professor Qureshi was known for his contributions to education and the community. He was a strong advocate for educational opportunities in his home region of Karnah and supported students through guidance and financial assistance.
He is survived by his wife and three sons, who are professionally established as a doctor, an engineer, and a college professor.
Thousands of people gathered at his Lal Bazar residence in Srinagar to pay their respects before his body was transported to his ancestral home in Karnah. He was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Kandi on November 17, 2023, with a large number of mourners in attendance.
Professor Qureshi’s death is being widely mourned in the region, with many recognizing his significant contributions to education and society.
Meanwhile, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) faculty members, administrative staff, research scholars and students, led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, deeply condoled the demise of its founding Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi was also the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, and an eminent Economist.
In his condolence message, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, the demise of a founding figure is a moment of profound reflection and mourning, especially when that person has contributed significantly towards the establishment and growth of the varsity.
“Prof. Qureshi was a visionary leader who laid the foundation of CUKashmir and was instrumental in the creation and growth of the institution. His unwavering dedication, passion for education, and commitment to academic excellence were the cornerstones upon which this university was built,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath said, adding that Prof. Qureshi, played a pivotal role in the academic growth of the varsity and guided the faculty members for achieving academic excellence in their respective fields. Prof.
A Ravinder Nath further said, “We will continue to honour his memory through our work, our commitment to education, and our dedication to shaping the future Prof. Qureshi so passionately envisioned.”
In his message, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said, the passing away of the founding Vice-Chancellor marks not only a loss of an individual but a pivotal moment in the history of the institution itself. “Prof. Wahid Qureshi, contributed through his expertise, academic and administrative standing for the overall progress and holistic development of the university since its inception,” Prof. Shahid Rasool said.
“Prof. Qureshi’s leadership extended beyond the classroom, as he endeared himself to all with his humility, wisdom, and generosity.” “For me it is a personal loss as I have had the opportunity of working under his affectionate leadership for over two decades and a memorable association of over three decades.”
In his message, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, said, “Prof. Qureshi’s vision for a forward-thinking, inclusive, and student-centered university continues to guide the institution today.” He said the entire CUKashmir mourns this great loss, and stands united in our commitment to uphold the vision and principles of Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
The CUKashmir faculty and staff expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the CUKashmir employees said.
The CU Kashmir has organised Condolence meetings at all the Campuses on Monday at 3:30pm.
With profound grief and a heavy heart, the University of Kashmir is mourning the sad demise of former Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Kashmir (KU), Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
Prof Qureshi passed away Sunday due to cardiac arrest at a hospital in Srinagar. A distinguished academic and senior professor, Prof Qureshi served as KU Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2008.
In a heartfelt message, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, expressed her deep sorrow and offered her condolences.
“Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi’s passing is an irreplaceable loss for the academic community. His leadership and visionary contributions have left a lasting impression on the University of Kashmir,” she said, adding that Prof Qureshi’s work will be remembered by generations.
“His legacy of dedication and compassion will continue to inspire us. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah,” Prof Khan said in a statement issued here.
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, on behalf of the KU administration, extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
“Prof Qureshi’s profound impact on higher education in Jammu and Kashmir, his commitment to student welfare and his tireless efforts for academic advancement will remain forever in our hearts,” he said, reiterating that the region has lost a mentor and revered academician.
The university community, including faculty, students, scholars and staff, joined in collective mourning for Prof Qureshi praying for eternal peace to his soul.
Teachers and students remembered him as an inspiring figure whose contributions strengthened the foundation of the institution and enriched the lives of countless individuals.
Scholars reflected on his mentorship and expressed gratitude for his dedication to education and learning. “In this moment of grief, the University of Kashmir stands in solidarity with Prof Qureshi’s family. May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and bestow patience and forbearance upon his family to bear this irreparable loss,” a spokesperson said in the statement.
To pay homage to the departed soul, KU scheduled a condolence meeting on 18th November (today) at 11 am in the main campus, added the statement.
Also, Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Masood has condoled the sad demise of former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University (KU) and Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Prof. Abdul Wahid Qureshi. In her condolence message, Sakeena Masood described the late Prof. Qureshi as distinguished academic leader and visionary, who dedicated his life to advancing education and fostering excellence.
She added that during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, he played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of University, bringing significant improvements in curriculum, infrastructure and faculty development. She underlined that through his acumen and vision for future, Prof. Qureshi started the entrance based exams for admissions in KU, adding that he also has been the pioneer of starting several new courses in the Varsity.
The Minister also remembered the role of Prof. Qureshi in hand holding the students of far-off areas and downtrodden communities and nurturing them to excel in education. She also said that Prof. Qureshi, as first Vice Chancellor, played a vital role in establishment of Central University of Kashmir. She added that during the infancy years of the University, Prof. Qureshi played critical role in starting various courses in different programs at the Varsity.
She further highlighted that Prof. Qureshi, because of his integrity and honesty, has served as the Chairman of J&K Bank selection committee for a considerable time. The Minister, while playing glowing tributes to former Vice Chancellor, said that Prof. Qureshi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations and his absence will be deeply felt in the academic community. She also extended her deepest sympathies with bereaved family and prayed for highest place in Jannah for the departed soul.
Minister of Agriculture Production, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of former Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University (KU) and Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi.
The Minister described late Wahid Qureshi as a visionary academic leader who not only excelled in his field but also motivated others to strive for excellence.
Paying glowing tributes, the Minister said that Professor Wahid Qureshi was a person of par excellence, who dedicated his life towards taking education to new heights. He said that the deceased played a pivotal role in establishing both University of Kashmir and CUK as great campuses for learning and academic leadership.
Javed Dar extended sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. He acknowledged that Prof. Qureshi’s teachings will continue to inspire students and professionals to improve educational scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that late Prof. Wahid Qureshi was a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for academic world.
source: http://www.knskashmir.com / Kashmir News Service / Home> Education / by KNS Desk Srinagar / November 17th, 2024
Thahaani Hashir released her 3rd book at the SIBF on Sunday afternoon. Kamal Kassim/Gulf today
Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday was full of hustle and bustle. Lots of beautiful minds landed in Sharjah to regale audiences in the evening.
Celebrated Indian writer Chetan Bhagat inspired his fans, while Bollywood star Huma Qureshi mesmerised her audience. Malayalm actor, author and presenter Aswathy Sreekanth also arrived at the book fair on Sunday evening to talk about her latest book “Kaali.” She also enchanted her fans with her exciting talk.
On the other side, Writers Forum of the SIBF was swarming with school-going children in the afternoon. They were all chirping and giggling with excitement and joy. They were at the venue to cheer their young friend and classmate Thahaani Hashir. Thahaani’s journey to the world of writing is indeed incredible. Her brush with pen and paper started very early in life.
We expect a 16-year-old student to read books to develop his or her intellect, but Sharjah-based Indian student Thahaani Hashir was gracing the podium of SIBF with her third book of poetry, “Made For Love,” in the presence of a huge gathering, who were constantly clapping for this young girl. It was indeed a moment to behold.
Thahaani is an 11th grade student of Our Own English High School, Sharjah. Born and brought up in the UAE, she hails from Kollam, Kerala, India.
Thahaani made her debut at the age of 10 with her book “Through My Window Panes.” The book was released in 2018 and she became the youngest author at the SIBF. She received lots of praise for her debut book. Her second book of 30 poems “Flames That Never Died” came in 2021, while she was 13.
Talking to Gulf Today before the launch of her book, she said, “I always had the habit of writing. I must have been six years old when my class teacher noticed the talent in me. I would write short stories or something in song format. I did not know then how a poem looks like. But it was my class teacher Madhavi ma’am who saw this talent in me and she encouraged me to carry on and that’s how I got into writing.”
Thahaani’s ability to express her emotion with so much of maturity at this age is what makes her a shining star.
“Made For Love” is a compilation of 60 poems written by Thahaani Hashir and illustrated by Ashar Gandhi. Each of the 60 poems are depicted through one line illustration (entire illustration is drawn with a single continuous line, the pen is only lifted when completed). It is a rare occurrence to see all the poems in a book depicted through one line art.
Talking about her book she said, “Majority of my poetry is about love.” When asked how much time it took for her to complete her third book, she informed, “After my second book, I did not write for a good while for some reason. It could be writer’s block sort of thing. But in the last one year I could find my rhythm back and here I am with my new book.”
When asked to reveal her favourite author, she said, “Palestinian poet and author Mahmoud Darwish is my all-time favourite.”
Daughter of a civil engineer father and journalist mother, Thahaani has received several accolades.
Praising Thahaani, one of her teachers, who was present at the event said, “While she was in Grade 1, she was brilliant in all the subjects. She would always come to meet me with different ideas. Everyday she would write and show to me. I really have no words to express her talent and I am extremely happy to have been her teacher.”
The 12-day cultural extravaganza, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, is themed “It Starts with a Book,” and has in store 1,357 activities for children and adults alike. It will come to a close on November 17 after playing host to 2,520 publishers from 112 countries.
source: http://www.gulffoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter / November 14th, 2024
Muhammad Musthafa is an award-winning director and actor who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry.
Muhammad Musthafa is an award-winning director and actor who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. The critically acclaimed actor-turned-filmmaker made his directorial debut with the 2020 film Kappela. The film earned Anna Ben the Best Actress Award and Musthafa the Best Debut Director Award, respectively, at the 51st Kerala State Film Awards. Additionally, its production design by Anees Nadodi was honored at the 68th National Film Awards. Musthafa also won a special mention for his performance in the film Ain at the 62nd National Film Awards.
Musthafa’s second movie, Mura, with all its tropes of a gangster drama — revenge, high-end action, and bloodshed — is running in theatres now. The film features Suraj Venjaramoodu and All We Imagine As Light-fame Hridhu Haroon in the lead roles. Mura also stars Maala Parvathi, Kani Kusruti, Kannan Nayar, among others.
Musthafa talks to Maktoob’s Nikita Ramanarayanan:
Nikita Ramanarayanan:Mura takes a raw, intense portrayal of violence and revenge, marking a shift from the subtle suspense and drama in your debut work Kappela. What inspired this gritty new direction?
Muhammad Musthafa: After Kappela, I wanted to explore something more visceral and intense. The scriptwriter and I had been discussing various subjects, and ultimately, we felt most drawn to a story rooted in the raw realities he had witnessed in his hometown. He brought with him a wealth of experiences and observations from his own community events and stories he had seen or heard, each carrying an edge of realism and grit.
By weaving these together, we shaped a story that felt grounded yet powerful. This approach not only only allowed us to create a narrative that is genuine and impactful, but also gave us the opportunity to work with new talent.
Nikita:Mura features elements of Trivandrum’s local culture, especially in its use of dialect and slang. Could you share how you approached the cultural aspect of the film and why it was important to root the tale in Trivandrum?
Musthafa: Our screenwriter, who is from Trivandrum, drew heavily from his own observations of the city. The culture, stories, dialect, colloquial slang, and mannerisms of the people he grew up around naturally influenced the story’s setting and language, adding a layer of authenticity that we aimed to preserve, resulting in a narrative that feels raw and relatable.
However, while the essence of Trivandrum is embedded in the film, we wanted to creatively craft a story that could resonate with it. By setting Mura in Trivandrum, we were able to showcase a side of the city that often goes unseen, using the dialect and local flavor to bring a distinct realism to the characters and story.
To further root the film in Trivandrum’s culture, we chose actors with ties to the location. We held auditions there to find emerging talent who could bring the local nuances to life. Also we were fortunate to have talented actors like Hridhu, Suraj, and Mala Parvathy, who also share ties with Trivandrum. Their performances brought depth to the characters, helping us capture the city’s spirit in a genuine way.
Nikita: You brought in new talents for this film. The friendship between the four main characters is central to the plot, how did you approach directing this group dynamic?
Musthafa: Working with fresh talent was a rewarding experience, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly they adapted to the demands of their roles. Although most of them were newcomers, they didn’t let that hold them back. To build their confidence and help them develop a natural rapport, we organized a 10 day workshop before filming. This preparation was essential for addressing any initial camera fear, allowing them to fully embrace their characters and form a close bond as a group.
Hridhu, the only one with prior film experience, played a key role in this process. We brought him into the workshop, so he could help guide and support the others, allowing them to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. His presence was a big boost to their confidence, and it set the tone for the group dynamic we wanted to achieve. Suraj also visited the workshop to interact with the cast and share his insights.
By the time we started, the actors had developed a beautiful camaraderie that felt genuine and natural on screen. Their friendship became the heart of the film, adding depth to the story. Despite being new to acting, they brought a raw, candid energy to their roles.
Nikita: The film incorporates powerful visual motifs that enhance the storytelling and highlight the film’s deeper themes. Could you talk about the visual choices and how they contribute to the overall mood of the story?
Musthafa: The pre production phase was absolutely key in developing the visual motifs that shape Mura. We dedicated significant time to brainstorming and experimenting with visuals that could subtly convey the film’s deeper themes and emotional tone.
There was a strong sense of dedication across the team, with everyone committed to making the film as visually and emotionally compelling as possible. By the time filming began, the visual motifs had become an essential storytelling tool, allowing us to communicate the film’s underlying themes.
Nikita: character of Ani, portrayed by Suraj Venjaramoodu, acts as a mentor figure for the younger men in Mura. And why did you choose to place Rema Devi, a female character, as his superior in the power hierarchy?
Musthafa: When the scriptwriter first shared the story, Rema Devi’s character already stood out as a strong, commanding presence. Her role was envisioned with a sense of dominance and authority. In many recent cases, there’s often a significant, sometimes unexpected, influence of women in positions of power or control.We wanted to reflect this complexity.
Rema’s position not only adds depth to the narrative but also challenges typical power structures. Her authority brings a new layer to the story. Ani, a seasoned figure himself, respects and even defers to Rema’s judgment, reflecting her formidable influence.
In developing Rema’s character, we aimed to craft a figure who could embody both strength and a touch of mystery, someone whose actions and decisions are respected, even if they may seem unconventional. Audiences have started taking notice of Rema, which is encouraging.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / MaktoobMedia.com / Home> Film & TV / by Nikita Ramanarayanan / November 17th, 2024
Amidst an unprecedented victory for Mahayuti in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, all eyes were on the Malegaon constituency, which has the highest number of Muslim voters. The counting of votes in this constituency was the most thrilling thing. The voting pendulum swung with every round of counting. In the initial rounds, former MLA Asif Shaikh of the ‘Islam’ party led and after the 15th round, MIM candidate and MLA Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail emerged in a dominating position.
In the end, Maulana Mufti emerged victorious in a recount of votes.
The battle for Malegaon Central, with over 80% Muslim population, kept everyone on edge until the last moment. Finally, it was announced that Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail (MIM) received 109,653 votes. Asif Shaikh, contesting from the new ‘Islam’ party, was just 162 votes behind with 109,491 votes.
By securing victory in Malegaon, Maulana Mufti opened AIMIM’s account in Maharashtra and retained his seat. This marks his second consecutive win. He has thus become a MLA for the third time.
Towards the end of the assembly election, Maulana Mufti’s health deteriorated and it led to a sympathy wave in his favour. His supreme religious position as a Mufti, Imam of Idgah, respect among voters, and his strong opposition to crimes contributed to his victory.
On the other hand, independent candidate and former MLA Asif Shaikh got entangled in answering criminal allegations against him during the campaign. His responses failed to satisfy the voters. Additionally, the consolidated votes of the Momin (Ansari) community went to Maulana Mufti.
Asif Shaikh’s assumption that the Momin (Muslim) votes would be divided due to the Samajwadi Party’s Shan-e-Hind proved wrong.
Shan-e-Hind, daughter of former minister Nihal Ahmed, who had a record of winning five consecutive terms from the constituency, received only 9,580 votes while Congress’s Ejaz Beg received 7,485 votes.
Conversely, Maulana Mufti received strong support from the Dakhni community and the influential Yunus Isa family.
Maulana Mufti successfully convinced voters that Asif Shaikh and his family, who established the ‘Islam’ party, had a hand in the city’s crime. This significantly impacted Shaikh. Due to these allegations, the power loom factory owners in the city supported Maulana. This time, the campaign focused more on personal attacks rather than development issues.
It is said that Maulana benefited from his cordial relations with Nashik district guardian minister Dada Bhuse. Record development works were carried out in the Malegaon Outer constituency.
The campaign that these works would continue in the central constituency with Bhuse’s support also helped Maulana. On the other hand, Asif Shaikh’s direct opposition to Bhuse did not sit well with some. Despite being an opponent, Bhuse’s development works are appreciated by Muslim voters in the central constituency.
The campaign for the opportunity to complete approved important works in the constituency and the inauguration of some development works in the final stages proved beneficial for Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail. Despite facing opposition from Shan-e-Hind and Ejaz Beg, who were with him in the previous election, Maulana Mufti emerged victorious.
The influence of these two was minimal. Both secured only ten thousand votes. However, the narrow defeat of Asif Shaikh left him and his supporters disheartened.
With Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail’s victory, AIMIM opened its account in Maharashtra. The party had fielded 16 candidates in the state but only managed to win the Malegaon Central seat. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi congratulated Maulana Mufti Mohammad Ismail on this victory.
In his tweet, he wrote, “Congratulations to Mufti Ismail Sahab on being elected as Malegaon MLA for a second time. I am thankful to the people of Maharashtra who voted for us in large numbers. To our candidates, party workers, and supporters, I urge you all to not lose heart and to work with renewed resolve. If anything, the election results show that the people are looking for a genuine political alternative and that Majlis has established itself in Maharashtra’s politics.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>Story / by ANI / November 25th, 2024
