Manikfan, who speaks 14 languages, including French, German, and English, once constructed a ship using indigenous technology from Lakshadweep for Irish voyager Tim Sirven.
Marine researcher and Padma Shri awardee Ali Manikfan. (Photo | A Sanesh, EPS)
Kochi :
Marine researcher and Padma Shri awardee Ali Manikfan emphasised the need to return to nature as the only way to escape the impact of pollution, which has led to rising temperatures and natural disasters due to carbon dioxide released into the air.
Speaking as the chief guest at the National Workshop organised by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Kochi, Manikfan shared his experiences growing up on Minicoy, the Lakshadweep island, where people used to rely on tubers, coconuts, and fish for their existence. However, the introduction of rice and other products from the mainland in 1956 caused a cultural shift, resulting in people leaving the island and settling on the mainland.
Manikfan, who speaks 14 languages, including French, German, and English, once constructed a ship using indigenous technology from Lakshadweep for Irish voyager Tim Sirven. The 27-metre vessel, named Sohar, was made of timber and coir and was used by Tim for a 9,000 km voyage from the Oman coast to China.
The ship is now kept at the palace of the Sultan of Oman. After dropping out of school after Class VII, Manikfan got a job at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) as a lab boy due to his keen observation of fish species in Lakshadweep lagoons.S Jones, a former director of the CMFRI, helped him in getting the job. He worked with the CMFRI for 20 years and discovered a rare fish that was named Abudefduf Manikfani after him. Manikfan also developed a lunar Hijri calendar, which he claims is the most scientific one to accurately calculate months and years.
(Photo | A Sanesh, EPS)
“The burning of petroleum fuel has caused climate change but the concerns over rising sea levels and submergence of Lakshadweep islands are uncalled for. There is no change in the ecosystem of Lakshadweep. People from the mainland brought diesel generators for power generation in Lakshadweep which has polluted the water and atmosphere.
We should tap renewable energy sources,” said Manikfan. Regarding the intervention of the Lakshadweep administrator in the cultural sphere of the islands, Manikfan is of the view that no one should impose their culture on others.
“He wanted to stop the distribution of meat for mid-day meals in Lakshadweep. The people in the islands have been consuming meat for ages and nobody should interfere with the food culture,” he added.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Manoj Vishwanathan / April 07th, 2023
Shabeena M overcame the criticism of relatives and neighbours to become the first woman from the Lakshadweep Islands to get a doctorate. She defended her PhD thesis on Aquaculture and Microbiology last month.
Sabeena, 35, has been felicitated by the Lakshadweep administration. The topic of her research was ‘Composition, Importance, and Diversity of Different Species of Algae in Lakshadweep Peninsula’.
Officials praised Sabeena for showing new aspects of the marine life in Lakshadweep through her research.
Hailing from the picturesque island of Lakshadweep, about 500 km from the Indian mainland, Shabeena M. showed an incredible performance through sheer courage and perseverance.
“What will you, as a woman, do studying aquaculture and microbiology?” was the repeated question that Shabeena encountered during her college days growing up at Androth, one of the inhabited islands in the Union territory of Lakshadweep.
On November 5 this year, she successfully defended her thesis titled ‘Zonation patterns, composition and diversity of macroalgal communities in the Lakshadweep Archipelago’ and has become the first woman from Lakshadweep to earn a PhD in marine sciences.
This was her befitting reply to all the naysayers.
At her felicitation ceremony, Sabeen said after her post-graduation, she was appointed as a teacher of fisheries at a local school in Androth in 2014.
Ever since she enrolled in graduation many people have been asking Shabeena, who lives in Kar has seen struggle since childhood. Her father died when she was in the 4th standard, the death of the head of the family made further education uncertain, but despite the circumstances she completed her graduation as well as post-graduation in Lakshadweep. She was the only female among only four students. After completing her studies, she joined a local school as a fisheries teacher in 2014-15.
Due to very limited opportunities in Lakshadweep, he never thought of doing PhD. Not only this, they were not sure whether they would be guided to pursue higher education after graduation. But seeing Shabeena’s interest in aquatic biology and microbiology, Idrees Babu, an aquatic biologist at the Lakshadweep Institute of Science and Technology, and Suresh Kumar, a professor at the Kerala Malayalam University of Marine Biology, guided her to a Ph.D. Dr. S. Suresh Kumar also helped Shabeena, in 2016 Shabina enrolled for PhD and started research from 2017.
Shabina had to travel to different islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago to collect various samples of marine plants and algae for research. She studied and researched marine plant and algae species on 12 islands, including two uninhabited islands, and used to take her infant daughter to Kochi for university research.
She used to stay there for a month or two and work on the thesis during that time. Meanwhile, she candidly admits that she could not complete the work due to the support of her husband, and parents-in-law.
Several important aspects emerged from Sachina’s research. Of the 182 species of algae that once existed on the Lakshadweep Islands, only 96 species have been found to survive.
They highlighted the decline of the species due to marine mining and reliance on algae for turtle skin. Interestingly, seven new species were found for the first time in Lakshadweep waters. She says that in my childhood I saw a lot of grass, and algae in the coastal areas but now many of them have disappeared. Being the first female PhD holder in Lakshadweep is not only Shabina’s achievement but her research is seen as the main source of knowledge in the field.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Bhakti Chalak / December 03rd, 2024
It may come as an irony to some and a paradox to others that a person from the extended family of a man who is facing charges of sedition and has been in jail for fover four years had qualified to be a judge (magistrate).
The story is from the Kako village of Bihar’s Jahanabad district; the jailed person is Sharjeel Imam, a JNU student who made inflammatory speeches during the Citizenship Amendment Bill agitation in Delhi and his cousin (Uncle’s daughter) is Farah Nishat, who has qualified the 32nd Bihar Judicial Service Examination to be a judge.
Sharjeel’s cousin and Farah’s brother Muzzammil Imam, who has been campaigning for his release on bail, wrote about Farah Nishat’s achievement on social media. The post titled “This is the philosophy of life…” was full of emotions.
Sharjeel Imam‘s father Akbar Imam was a leader of Nitish Kumar’s party Janata Dal United in Bihar. He contested from the Jehanabad Assembly constituency. He is no more.
Sharjeel Imam who even studied abroad is a well-qualified person. He had completed his master’s degree in technology and studied history at the JNU when he got involved in the student and later Muslim-left politics.
Sharjeel shot into the limelight due to his inflammatory statement during the CAA-NRC agitation in Delhi in 2019. A case of treason was registered against him. Later he is also an accused in the Delhi riots.
He was arrested on 28 January 2020 and is lodged in Delhi jail.
Farah’s achievement has made the Kako village proud and brought happiness to the family that was looking for relief for a long time.
Villagers said this was the first happy occasion for Sharjeel Imam’s family after he went to jail. Farha’s success has brought smiles back to her family’s faces. Farha Nishat has achieved this position with hard work and dedication.
Farha received her primary education in Kako. Her mother Akbari Khatoon is a housewife and her father Nishat Akhtar is retired from the government. Farah studied law at the Hidayatullah National University, Raipur.
From 2018, she worked as a Law Clerk cum Research Assistant in the Supreme Court and understood the judicial process closely.
After this, she started preparing for the Bihar Judicial Service Examination.
Farah credits her parents, sister, brother-in-law, and younger siblings for her success. She cleared the preliminary and main exams with self-study and family guidance, while she sought help from institutes partially for the interview.
Farah is fond of reading books, teaching children, and watching serials. She said that she is committed to serving society through quick and just decisions.
Farah says that after getting a law degree, I completed my internship. Then I thought of doing something different and moving forward. I started preparing. For this, I used to study for eight to ten hours daily.”
Farah says that during the lockdown, she got a chance to do an internship with Justice R Bhanumathi. She later worked with him for 2 years. She was so inspired by him that she decided to become a judge.
Farah Nishat says she is in favour of quick and just decisions and will try her best to work in this direction. She said, “I am committed to serving society through quick and just decisions.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / December 02nd, 2024
Styangkung village, (Kargil) Ladakh , JAMMU KASHMIR & LADAKH :
Abdul Gaffar Zargar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kargil Development Authority at Akhone Muhammad Shareef shrine at Styangkung village.
Kargil :
Embracing the preservation of cultural heritage and community empowerment, a significant initiative has been revealed for the revered shrine of Islamic preacher Akhone Muhammad Shareef in Styangkung village on December 26.
Abdul Gaffar Zargar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kargil Development Authority, announced the inclusion of the shrine in the Sustainable Development Program (SDP) for restoration, recognizing its status as a heritage site.
During his recent visit to the shrine, Zargar pledged comprehensive efforts to revive the shrine’s original essence, drawing from available historical records.
Historian Mohd Sadiq Hardassi expounded on Akhone Muhammad Shareef’s legacy and the profound contributions made by him and his descendants to Purig’s rich history. The briefing emphasised their historical influence on the region’s cultural, religious, and social dimensions.
Zargar emphasised that the village’s development will pave the way for sustainable progress among the local community. His commitment reflects a holistic approach aimed at improving livelihoods, fortifying infrastructure, and nurturing the overall well-being of the villagers, aligning with the broader vision of sustainable community growth.
The officials’ visit and subsequent commitments signify a promising stride toward safeguarding this priceless cultural legacy while nurturing comprehensive development within the Styangkung village community.
source: http://www.reachladakh.com / Reach Ladakh Bulletin / Home / by Reach Ladakh Correspondent (headline edited) / Kargil – December 27th, 2023
PG students of Department of Pharmacology with chairman Prof S Ziaur Rahman during the IPSCON 2024
Aligarh:
The Department of Pharmacology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), achieved a distinction at the Indian Pharmacological Society Conference (IPSCON-2024), held at AIIMS, New Delhi, from November 28 to 30.
Faculty members and residents actively participated, showcasing their research acumen and academic prowess.
Prof. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Chairman of the Department, received the Dr. SB Pandey Oration Award and delivered a lecture titled “Exploring Medicinal Plants for Morphine De-addiction,” which drew recognition for its innovative approach. Additionally, Prof. Rahman also chaired a scientific session.
Dr. Jameel Ahmad, Assistant Professor, presented his research on “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Inhalers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” comparing their performance across varied age groups.
Dr. Syed Shariq Naeem, Assistant Professor, delivered a lecture on “Microplastics: Emerging Challenge for Pharmacology,” addressing critical environmental and health concerns.
Dr. Irfan Ahmad Khan shared his study on “Evaluation of Radio-Contrast Agent-Induced Adverse Reactions in Patients Undergoing Radiological Procedures.”
Residents, including Dr. Aditya Vikram Singh, Dr. Ammar Khalid, and others, presented their research, while several participated as delegates, enriching their academic exposure.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / December 04th, 2024
It was the late evening of October 25, 2023. I was fresh to the city of Riyadh, only having arrived two days prior, and had just secured a job in the construction industry. Out of the blue, I received a message from someone I’d come to admire even before meeting him—a humble and kind-hearted gentleman whose companionship would soon become an immense learning experience. He invited me to his office, and, understanding my unfamiliarity with the city, graciously arranged for someone to pick me up.
When I entered his office, I was greeted by a sense of calm and warmth, as though this was a place where great ideas took shape. It was here, in this serene setting, that I first met Mr. Wayez – Syed Wayez Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Innovwayz Technologies Company, KSA. Though we’d only spoken over the phone before, his welcoming embrace and the genuine warmth with which he received me made me feel as if I’d found a brother in this unfamiliar city.
I handed him a box of sweets I’d brought from Hyderabad, a gift from Brother Akram Muhammad, who had introduced us. With a modest smile, Mr. Wayez shared a bit about his journey, explaining that he had been running Innovwayz for over a decade but had visions of doing much more, particularly in empowering communities back in India.
Just then, a man entered the room with a charming smile. It was Mr. Mohammad Zaki, the Vice President of Innovwayz. Turning to him, Mr. Wayez instructed, “Mr. Zaki, take Azhar’s interview. Find out his interests and strengths, and see where he might best fit in our team.” I was taken aback. I had come expecting only a casual meeting but was now being offered an impromptu job interview. Although I had just secured another job, I didn’t hesitate and agreed to the interview.
What followed wasn’t an interview in the traditional sense – it was more of an introduction, a conversation where I shared my background, my education, and my experiences back in India. Mr. Zaki listened attentively, and by the end, I felt less like a candidate and more like a member of the Innovwayz family.
Returning to Mr. Wayez’s office, I was introduced to another remarkable individual: Mr. Abdul Khaliq. With a warm demeanour and a quick smile, he welcomed me with kindness. A close friend of Mr. Wayez, Abdul Khaliq wasn’t merely an employee at Innovwayz; he was its backbone. Over time, I would come to see his tireless dedication, his unwavering calm even during the busiest days. In that moment, though, we only exchanged a few words, but his commitment and humility left an impression that would deepen with every encounter.
As the night grew late, and the conversation grew warmer, Mr. Wayez extended an offer for me to join Innovwayz. When I hesitated, explaining that I’d already accepted another position, he simply looked at me with a calm resolve and said, “Chotey motey jagah kya kaam karte, yaha aye. Hum ko bhut kaam karna hai” (“Why work for smaller places when there’s so much we can achieve here?”).
I left his office that night feeling a sense of purpose and excitement, sharing the experience with friends and family. After performing Istikhara – a prayer for guidance when facing a significant decision – I decided to join Innovwayz. On October 29, I stepped into my new role as Business Development Associate, eager to contribute to a company that felt more like a mission than a job.
Spark of Collaboration: Founding the Business Friends Forum On my very first day at Innovwayz, I mentioned to Mr. Wayez that I knew a few businessmen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and suggested a casual meet-up to connect and explore potential collaborations. Without a moment’s hesitation, he agreed. “Invite them over,” he said warmly. “We can meet after Maghrib.”
That evening, our office buzzed with the energy of a gathering that would become the first of many.
Eight of us came together – Anees Mohammad, Director of Seahath Canning Company from Goa; Abdul Jabbar, the Country Manager for Seahath in KSA; Hamza Ali, Co-Founder of Standard Touch from Karnataka, alongside his brother and Country Manager, Abul Ala; Imranuddin, Founder of DB Systems; Abdul Khaliq, Innovwayz’s dedicated Business Development Manager; and, of course, Mr. Wayez and myself.
The conversation flowed naturally as we shared ideas, challenges, and aspirations over the next couple of hours. Toward the end, inspired by the potential in the room, I suggested the formation of a Business Friends Forum – a network to bring together Indian entrepreneurs in KSA. Everyone was enthusiastic, and the idea took root.
That humble gathering sparked something incredible. Within a year, over 70 entrepreneurs and aspiring businesspeople joined our community, each contributing their unique experiences and dreams. And so, the journey of the Business Friends Forum began, growing with every meeting, with every new connection.
Mr. Wayez Ahmed grew up in Karimnagar, Telangana, and after completing his MBA, he set off for Hyderabad in search of a job. There, he poured his energy into supporting his friends’ business ventures, but the early attempts didn’t pan out as he’d hoped. When opportunity didn’t knock, Wayez looked outward, eventually relocating to Saudi Arabia, where he had relatives who had already established themselves. He joined SAB as a developer and, over the next decade, gained invaluable experience while quietly nurturing his own ambitions.
Building Innovwayz Technologies
Through those years, his passion for business was unwavering. He worked tirelessly on various projects, from school initiatives to community functions – constantly experimenting, always learning, and never discouraged by setbacks. Finally, with his uncle’s support, Wayez founded an IT consulting firm a decade ago, inviting his closest friends to join him in the venture. The result of this relentless dedication and teamwork was Innovwayz Technologies, now a thriving business in Riyadh.
To build a company in Saudi Arabia is no small feat, especially for an expatriate from a modest Indian town. Unlike India, where the unorganised sector allows room for experimentation, Saudi Arabia’s highly regulated environment adds layers of complexity. For expatriates, starting a business meant partnering with a Saudi national. But recent changes to KSA’s business laws through the Ministry of Investment (MISA) allowed foreign entrepreneurs to operate independently, provided they maintain a parent organisation in their home country.
Today, Innovwayz stands tall – a company rooted in India, operating mainly in Saudi Arabia, and now expanding into the UAE. Mr. Wayez’s journey from a small town in India to the bustling business scene of Riyadh is a testament to resilience, vision, and the unwavering belief that he could succeed against the odds.
Venturing Beyond IT: Subhan Bakery & Alipapa Distribution A few days into my new role, I sat down with Mr. Wayez Ahmed for a meeting where he shared details of a few ambitious projects his team was working on. Among them were plans to introduce Subhan Bakery, a celebrated bakery brand from Hyderabad, to Riyadh, and a food distribution company named Alipapa, a project with groundwork that had been laid for over a year.
Before we concluded our discussion, curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “With our IT business running successfully, what made you venture into other fields?”
His answer was nothing short of inspiring. “What good is the money we’re saving if it doesn’t create opportunities? By investing in new ventures, I can provide employment to deserving young people,” he said, with a conviction that made me admire his vision even more.
After over a year of hard work, Subhan Bakery finally launched in Riyadh during Ramadan 2024, complete with a fully operational production unit and an outlet. To my surprise, Mr. Wayez asked me to take the lead on the project. I hesitated, admitting I had no prior experience managing such a venture. He responded with the same encouraging wisdom he had shown before: “I’m just as new to this as you are. Let’s learn as we go, and if we make mistakes, we’ll grow from them. Don’t worry; just give it your best.”
His words gave me the confidence to dive into the project wholeheartedly, embracing the learning curve and tackling each challenge as it came.
Meanwhile, he was also dedicating his time to overseeing the progress of Alipapa, which was officially registered in India and on track to launch in Saudi Arabia. With every step, he encouraged the team working on this food distribution company, confident that soon it would be yet another successful venture in his growing portfolio.
Bridging Borders: Shaheen’s Journey to Riyadh One fine afternoon, I found myself in an insightful conversation with Dr. Thouseef Ahmed, the CEO of Shaheen Group of Institutions. During our discussion, he mentioned that Dr. Abdul Qadeer, the Chairman of Shaheen, was planning a visit to Saudi Arabia in September 2024. Without a second thought, I immediately messaged Mr. Wayez about the upcoming visit. True to his proactive nature, he replied right away, saying, “Okay, arrange the meeting and coordinate with the team,” even though he was vacationing in India at the time.
Together, we prepared everything meticulously. When Dr. Qadeer arrived, we held a productive meeting with the Shaheen team, followed by a social gathering and interactions with other community stakeholders in Riyadh. Inspired by this, we planned a visit to Shaheen School in Bidar the following week. After a series of discussions, an MoU was signed in Hyderabad between Dr. Abdul Qadeer and Mr. Wayez, marking the beginning of a new chapter: the establishment of Shaheen School in Riyadh, set to open in the upcoming academic year (around March 2025).
Through this experience, I observed remarkable leadership qualities in Mr. Wayez – his ability to delegate, his knack for identifying potential in others, and his unwavering commitment to uplift friends, family, and those in need.
The Visionary Journey from Hyderabad to Hara: Mr. Wayez Ahmed’s Path of Purpose
His entrepreneurial journey from Hyderabad to Hara wasn’t easy; it was filled with challenges, learning from setbacks, and continuously engaging and inspiring people around him. To those reading this, he may now appear as a business tycoon, but at heart, he remains simple, humble, compassionate, and deeply kind.
In a nutshell, his journey so far is marked by the following ventures:
Startup 1: Innovwayz Technologies Company (IT Services) – Brought together childhood friends to build a team.
Startup 2: Subhan Bakery, KSA (Food Production) – Partnered with an experienced businessman to launch a new team.
Startup 3: Alipapa Global Merchandise (Food Distribution) – Engaged his cousins to form a dynamic team.
Startup 4: Shaheen Group Middle East (Educational Services) – Brought friends and relatives together to expand into the education sector.
One thing is clear about Mr. Wayez: he is driven by purpose, not greed. His aim is to grow across multiple sectors, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive alongside him. He embodies collaboration over competition, fostering a shared vision of collective success.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Syed Azharuddin, Radiance News Bureau / November 05th, 2024
Samaira cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years..
An inspiration: Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura who has obtained commercial pilot licence at the age of 18. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura has obtained a commercial pilot licence at the age of 18.
Her father Ameen Hullur, an interior designer, has said that she is the youngest in India to clear all tests and get the licence.
Ms. Hullur was trained at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi and later, she joined the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati of Maharashtra.
She cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years.
She credits Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav for training and mentoring support. Her initial training was with VYAA after which she faced several examinations and cleared them. She went to Baramati after obtaining her licence. She has about 200 hours flying experience.
Ms. Hullur said that she was inspired by Captain Kumar who got his licence when he was 25. “I always dreamt of being a pilot. My parents supported me in my pursuit,” she said.
Her father Ameen Hullur recalls that it was a joy ride in a helicopter that made her decide on a career in the skies.
A few years ago, the Vijayapura district administration arranged helicopter rides over the city during the Bijapur Utsav.
“We bought tickets and were seated next to the pilot. Samaira was attracted by the pilot’s attire and style and began asking him several questions. He patiently answered them. That was the day she decided she wanted to be a pilot. We supported her by saving money and looking for good quality aviation academies,” Mr. Hullur said.
A bright student all through, she completed her SSLC at 15 and 12th standard at 17. She has been a student of Sainik schools, Shishu Niketan and Shanti Niketan. She has joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya for her 12th standard science course.
“She cleared five of the six examinations conducted by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation before she turned 18. She was not allowed to appear for the radio transmission technology paper as eligibility was 18 years. She cleared it later. The examinations are apparently tough but she passed all in her first attempt,” Mr. Hullur said.
She obtained over 200 hours of flying experience in night flying and various airplanes, including multi engine aircraft, in around eight months of flying in Baramati, he said.
Mr. Hullur and his wife, a fashion designer and teacher, were pleasantly surprised when her academy declared that she is the youngest in the country to get the licence.
“She is an inspiration for several other girls from backward North Karnataka, where the education levels of girl students is less than the State average,” Omkar Kakade, who is a professor and head of the Department of Journalism in Karnataka Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, said.
“Samaira Hullur’s success will definitely inspire more girls to make courageous and non-traditional career choices. We are proud of her and thankful to her parents for supporting her decision,” Dr. Kakade said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / December 03rd, 2024
Ten teachers were felicitated and presented ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards in memory of Nambiyapanda Gowru Ponnavva at a function held in the premises of Akkana Balaga School in Agrahara in the city on Tuesday.
The award presentation function was jointly organised by Cauvery Balaga and Hiranmayi Pratishtana.
Speaking at the function, writer Bannur K. Raju said it is essential that education and health must be provided to everyone without any bias like in many developed countries.
“Unfortunately in our country, both these vital sectors are in firm grip of private organisations which has deprived both education and health to poor and middle class people,” he regretted saying it has become essential that these two sectors be nationalised in the interest of majority of people in the country.
Teachers S.N. Janaki of Alanahalli Government Lower Primary School, H.D. Kote taluk; M.P. Manjula, Hunsur Govt. Lower Primary School; K. Parveen Taj, Arenahalli Govt. Urdu Lower Primary School, Periyapatna taluk; G. Ratna, Beeregowdanahundi Government Lower Primary School, Mysuru taluk; M.T. Akkamma, Ammathi Govt. Higher Primary School, Virajpet taluk; M. Rani, Head Mistress, Bharati Sthree Samaja Higher Primary School, Yadavagiri in Mysuru; T.S. Maithili, Physical Education teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Vysarajapura, T. Narasipur taluk and M.T. Saralakumari, Head Mistress, Kajoor, Somwarpet taluk were felicitated at the function with ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards.
City’s renowned Sculptor Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah was given a special award.
Noted Danseuse Dr. Tulasi Ramachandra, retired teacher A. Sangappa and artist Dr. Jamuna Rani Mirle spoke at the function.
President of Cauvery Balaga and retired teacher N.K. Kaveriamma, President of Hiranmayi Pratishtana A. Sangappa, Jnana Vignana Samiti District President H.V. Muralidhar, Art teacher Manohar, Social activist Malini R. Palaksha and teacher Anupama were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> News / May 23rd, 2024
Professor Subuhi Khan Elected as Academic Secretary of the Executive Council
Aligarh:
Prof. Subuhi Khan from the Department of Mathematics, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been elected as the Academic Secretary of the Executive Council (2024-27) of the Society for Special Functions & Their Applications.
The Society plays a role in coordinating national and international research in special functions and promoting their application in mathematics, science, and industry.
Prof. Khan also delivered a talk at the International Conference on Special Functions & Applications (ICSFA-2024) held at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. Her presentation, “Exploring a Degenerate Family of 2-Variable Appell Polynomials Using an Algebraic Perspective,” highlighted the significance of degenerate forms in mathematics and their applications in differential equations and probability theory.
The conference witnessed participation from eminent scholars and researchers from Italy, Thailand, Nigeria, and across India.
Prof. Khan also chaired a technical session of invited speakers, contributing to the success of the 23rd annual meeting of the Society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 02nd, 2024
Osman sagar lake or Gandipet, commissioned by Mahbub Ali Khan after the 1908 flood and completed by Osman Ali Khan, has been serving the water needs of Hyderabad for over a century.
A true Hyderabadi is one who has tasted the water of Gandipet. And once that happens, even heaven cannot entice one to leave Hyderabad. Such is the magic of Gandipet, a crucial lifeline of the city that is turning 100 this year. The city of Hyderabad got Gandipet in 1920, the reservoir then being constructed with the dual purpose of controlling floods and supplying drinking water to the citizens.
The idea of the Gandipet, it is said, stemmed after the havoc caused by the 1908 flood in Hyderabad. The aftermath of the flood forced Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, to think about the possibility of a repeat of such a grisly situation. Around 12 floods had already hit the city before the 1908 floods, each leaving behind its own trail of death and destruction. The 1908 floods alone claimed around 15,000 lives apart from rendering over one lakh people homeless.
Moved by the destruction, Mahbub Ali Khan pondered on finding a permanent solution to the problem. Historian Sajjad Shahid says Mahbub Ali Khan wanted a long-term and effective solution to prevent the flooding of Musi River. He was determined to find a permanent end to the problem and started a process to find an expert familiar with the local irrigation systems to devise a plan to prevent reoccurrence of floods.
The first to come to the rescue of the Nizam were the British who offered services of their experts. “However, the Nizam refused to consider the recommendations of the British who offered the service of Sir Michel Esthesol, the then Director General of Irrigation, Government of India. He also did not consider another British engineer, TD Mackenzie, who was chief engineer of the Nizam State,” said Sajjad Shahid.
And that is when the name of M Visvesvaraya came up. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka in 1861. He worked with the Bombay Public Works Department for 25 years after joining in 1883. He resigned in 1908 and later went around the western countries to study different irrigation systems and designs. To his credit, Visvesvaraya had constructed several irrigation projects and other structures in Mysore and other places then.
After touring western countries, he returned to India in 1909 when he was approached by the Nizam to help in improving the Hyderabad irrigation system and to prevent flooding of the city. “The Nizam wanted a local expert to find a solution to the problem. He had heard about Visvesvaraya and was keen on taking his services,” said historian Mohammed Safiullah.
After accepting the task, Visvesvaraya conducted a detailed survey of Hyderabad’s network of rivers and reservoirs. He also studied the rainfall pattern in other places in India before devoting time towards understanding the engineering aspects of the problem.
After a detailed study, Visvesvaraya proposed to create storage reservoirs above the city to control floods. He submitted the report on October 1, 1909, and the suggestion was accepted by the Nizam. Soon, work began on the construction of two reservoirs – Osman Sagar across the Musi River and the other, Himayat Sagar, constructed across Esi – the tributary of Musi River.
While Osman Sagar was completed in 1920, Himayat Sagar was finished in 1927. It cost Rs 56 lakh for Osman Sagar while Rs 46 lakh was spent for construction of the Himayat Sagar, it is said.
The work started by sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan was completed under the supervision of the seventh Nizam Osman Ali Khan. “The reservoirs are based on the Kakatiya model and are 100 feet above the level of the city. The flow of water was based on the reverse gravity principal,” said Saifullah.
Water was supplied to the city through dedicated water channels laid during the Nizam era. “The Nizam had promised free food to every household. He ensured that at least water was supplied free of cost to the household and he lived up to it. At no point of time, the administration collected any tax or money for water from the common man,” said Captain Pandu Ranga Rao, a historian.
Hundreds years have passed and still water from Gandipet is supplied to a few colonies in the city. “It is cost effective as the cost of supplying the water from Osman Sagar is bit cheaper compared to drawing water from far of places and supplying it to the city,” points out Captain Ranga Rao.
‘Never in his dream might the Nizam have thought that Gandipet, the popular moniker for Osman Sagar, would become a part of the local Hyderabadi lingo.
Hyderabadi standup comedian Khairuddin Baig alias Jani says Hyderabadi lingo has plenty of one-liners or idioms with reference to Gandipet. “See, it depends on the context and situation where the term is used. For example, if a person is a foodie, people generally say ‘tera pet hain ya Gandipet’,” he says and also recalls the popular idiom, ‘Jo bhi Gandipet ka pani piya woh Hyderabadi hua’.
Several local poets and standup comedians have highlighted Gandipet, a popular picnic spot for Hyderabadis for decades, in their narrations. “The sher-o-shayari describes the mood of young boys and girls meeting at the place or a newly-married couple visiting the place. Similarly, comedians refer to the family gatherings there with baskets full of meals and tiffin boxes or men spending time trying to catch a fish from the fresh waters,” he said.
Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates.
Gandipet, popularly known Osman Sagar, along with its twin reservoir Himayath Sagar, has been quenching Hyderabad’s thirst for the last 100 years and continues to do so without any major operational costs.
Such is the significance of Gandipet that, apart from quenching thirst, the common belief for decades among denizens has been that the water reservoir bestows health and vitality.
Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates. All the components like gear boxes, sluice gates, bushes, and ropes have to be maintained well to avoid any glitches during operations.
All the components used at the twin reservoirs belong to the Nizam era and have been functioning without any snags all these years. It is 100 years and not a single component has been changed and they are working perfectly without any signs of wearing out or damages, says a senior official from Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
Gandipet was constructed in the year 1920 followed by Himayath Sagar in 1928.
HMWSSB conducts overhauling of all components at the twin reservoirs before the onset of monsoon to avoid any glitches. Together, they have the capacity of supplying 40 million gallons per day (MGD) to the city without any cost as the water flows by gravity unlike Krishna and Godavari drinking water schemes.
But with growing population and the city expanding geographically in all areas, supply from Gandipet over the years has been depleting. Presently, only 5 MGD is being drawn from the reservoir and that too through emergency pumping from dead storage level and supplied to different areas in Mehdipatnam, Old Mallepally, Asif Nagar, Humayunnagar, Chintal Basthi and other areas.
Did you know?
Osman Sagar was named after Mir Osman Ali Khan Nizam VII
Dam was built in 1920 by Nizam VII
Built to protect city from flooding after Musi Floods of 1908
