Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Keeper of the lost culture

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH / Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Zillur Rahman, a professor, poet and hakim, has established a museum-cum-library in Aligarh to preserve books and artefacts that tell the story of Delhi of yore.

PIONEER: A bust of Ibn Sina, a physician and philosopher, who lived over a thousand years ago, at the Ibn Sina Academy in Aligarh

Nestled in the heart of the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, is Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences, named after famous scholar of philosophy and medicine Abu Ali Ibn Sina (980 -1037), who lived over a thousand years ago. 

Located at Tijara House, the non-profit, non-government and non-political academy was established in the year 2000 by Professor Syed Hakim Zillur Rahman, an academic and a litterateur from Aligarh. 

A one of its kind museum and library, it was aimed at encouraging and promoting researches and studies in medieval sciences, especially Ibn-Sina’s, as well as arts, culture, poetry among other subjects. 

Notably, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India gave accreditation to the academy in 2004 and promoted it as a Centre of Excellence in 2008. The professor had a mammoth personal library that he had established in 1960s. After Ibn Sina Academy was born, the library became a part of it.

The specialty of this museum lies in its varied collection that includes sofas, crockery, jewels, armours, stamps, mirrors, outfits of princesses, queens and kings as well as turbans worn during battles by historical legends. 

The Zillur Rahman Library houses 32,000 rare books and magazines, 1,100 manuscripts apart from paintings, sketches, citations, artefacts and much more.

RARE: A collection of books on Delhi

The Delhi connection 

There are 7,500 books on Delhi of yore in the library, including on poet Iqbal, dictionaries as old as 150 years, authentic diwaan on Ameer Khusrau, books dating back to 1893, on and by the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, British Raj–Victorian Era with pictures in lithographs and more. 

But considering Delhi is dry without the ‘zikr’ (mention) of the poetic legacy of Asadullah Khan ‘Ghalib’, the library has dedicated a special space for the poet: “Ghalib Study Centre”.

A galaxy in itself, this part has 1,350 rare books in Urdu, Persian, English and Hindi on Ghalib apart from several special issues in different magazines (called risala in Urdu) which are now available only in this museum. 

For instance, an important old publication called Sooraj (meaning sun) had special Ghalib edition. 

One of the books has illustrations of most of the ghazals he had penned, while in his own Deewan (collection of his authentic shayri) there, Ghalib’s original ghazals had no pictures or illustrations. 

MASTERPIECE: The translation of the book written by Hakim Zillur Rahman

One of the most important collections here is a book by renowned author Shakeel ur Rahman called Mirza Ghalib aur Mughaliyaat, which has illustrations from Muraqqa-i-Chughtai, an illustrated selection of Ghalib’s work by AR Chughtai, a renowned artist of early last century. The illustrations are based on an important topic or issue that the poet raised in his couplet (sher).

Rare books with names like Jihad-e-Ghalib, Ghalib Satrung, Soz-e-Ghalib, his letters in Persian and many more ornate the archive.

Additionally, a book called Naqsh-e-Rung from Pakistan which was brought to India by scholar Urdu litterateur and poet professor (late) Shamsur Rehman Farooqui enriches the book shelves. 

Tehqeeq-nama Ghalib, Ghalib’s ghazal in Persian called Ghazaliayat-e-Farsi, Ghalib, few rare and special issues of magazines like Shama, Nuqoosh, Hunoon, Taar-e-Nau, film magazines, Al-Ilm, Shayar, Kaarvaan with special edition on Ghalib are the other charms.

A rare pocket-sized edition on Ghalib is a popular one.

Travels to Delhi  

Another section on Delhi consists of travels and trips done in Delhi by the authors, travellers and poets of old times. Rare books like Safarnama Dehli and Sair-ul-Manazir provide an inside view of Delhi in the 18th century. 

LEGEND: Bust of a renowned Indian physician Charaka at the academy in a section dedicated to physicians and medicinal plants

Also, over 200 rare books on Delhi’s poets (shayars) in Urdu and important personalities form another gallery here. For instance, there is Aslam Parvez’s award-winning book on Bahadur Shah Zafar, and his another one called Meri Dilli. There is also a book on Hamare Zamane Ki Dehli, Charagh-e-Dilli, Dilli Wale by famous author Salauddin, Aalam mein intekhab-e-Delhi among others.  

Rare and significant books on personalities include those on Hakim Ajmal Khan, Sir Ross Masood, former India President Zakir Hussain, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Raja Mahendra Pratap and many more. 

An entire unit is also devoted to all the journals that came out of Delhi during the War for Independence “and those from late 17th century to beginning of 19th century. The Delhi College was established in 1824, with it, all these journals rose to a great height. These form an enticing collection in the museum,” apprises Aftab Najmi, the coordinator and convener at Ibn Sina Academy.

On enquiring why such a large collection in Urdu finds space here, Professor Rahman adds, “Our own language and culture is much better described only in Urdu and Persian. So, it was very important to have a different section on Urdu to give a peep into what Delhi was in olden times.” 

However, countless notable oldest books in English and Hindi on Delhi also enrich the collection on the Capital.

A legacy himself 

Professor Zillur Rahman has 56 books to his credit. The subjects are related to Tib (Unani medicine) and Urdu literature. His books on medical sciences with oldest references (100 to 200 years old) are immensely popular. He is also a poet and an ardent admirer of Urdu poets of yore. He has also edited Diwan-e-Ghalib and many books on Urdu shayri. So far, 11 books have been written on him by students from different parts of India and globe in Arabic, Urdu and English. There are two academies, in Meerut and Bhopal, named in his honour. A part of the library has books on Zillur Rahman’s own family and their contribution to academics, medicine, poetry and culture. 

For the next generation

On why he decided to make such a rare museum and library under one roof, Rahman says, “I was just a teacher at AMU. I had no money like businessmen to construct roads and hospitals so I decided to build this museum and library to help those who want to study but have neither books nor a place for the same. I want the current generation to know that books on all our glorious histories and personalities were penned in Urdu before 1947. 

ICONIC: A portrait of Mirza Ghalib at the library, which boasts of rare works on the Delhi-based poet

“So, our generation has to know Urdu to understand their buzurgs (elders) and what charismatic works they had done. Our current generation, which doesn’t know Urdu, is like a blackboard. Anyone can write anything on it and it doesn’t impact them because they are so ignorant of legacies of their own language.”

Professor Rahman has travelled abroad 44 times. He visited Greece, including its capital Athens, Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, Spain, Turkey, Germany and other countries. 

“I went to Iran 11 times to gather books and study how it has preserved its arts and culture, literature, medicine and environment,” he says adding that children of every country know their mother tongue and can read and write in it. 

“India’s children, especially the new Muslim community, is ignorant of its own legacy in Urdu.”

The Ibn Sina Academy has a tremendous collection of Islamic sciences and Islamic medicines. The professor has procured them from across the globe. 

“Some are bought, some gifted and some requested and begged for. Hamaare 3,200 hazaar kitaabon mein, Ghalib ka collection jo hamaare paas hai vo duniya mein kisi ke paas nahi hai (No one in the world has the rare collection on Ghalib that we have among our 32,000 books). Even Delhi’s own Ghalib Institute and Ghalib Academy visit us and take photocopies of the rare material they require. We have made our academy work on Delhi’s poets, littérateurs, historical buildings and monuments,” he adds. 

Most books, he adds, are from Iran, Samarkand and Bukhara. 

“The richest in education, philosophy, medicine and culture is Uzbekistan but it could not present it to the world, the way Iran did.”

Why Delhi in Aligarh?

Why Delhi forms a special section at his library, has its reasons. 

“Delhi was always the capital of India, be it during the Mughal, British eras or post-Independence period. So, it has always been not only a melting pot of cultures but also an abode for the best of poets, authors and travellers. The number of academics, authors, sufis, litterateurs, shayars (poets), lovers of arts and music and academic institutions that Delhi had, no other capital in the world has it till date,” he reasons with pride. 

To know Delhi better, he suggests books penned by the renowned Dehlvi family. 

For instance, there is Dilli jo aik shahar thaa by Shahid Ahmad Dehlvi, who was born in Delhi in 1902. 

He wrote extensively on vanishing culture of Delhi which was a symbol of Indo-Muslim culture ruined by violence and blood of the War of Independence. Post Independence, he went to Pakistan and died in 1967.

Waqyaat-e-Darool Hukoomat in three volumes by Bashiruddin Ahmad Dehlvi published from Urdu Academy, Delhi in 1990, and books on 1857 revolution are also there in the academy.

Delhi just got richer by another book by Zillur Rahman — Dilli aur Tibbi Unani which has just come out in Urdu. It is translated in English by Toronto-based Zakaria Virk, titled ‘History of Unani Medicine in Delhi – 17th Century to 20th Century – Biographies of 261 physicians’.

source: http://www.thepatriot.in / The Patriot / Home> Delhi NCR / by Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Delhi NCR / November 15th, 2023

AMU Students Win Top Honours in Kafka-Themed National Competition

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh:

Students from the Department of Foreign Languages at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) secured top prizes in a national competition organised by the Department of German, University of Mumbai, under the theme “100 Years of Kafka.”

Ramsha Afzal, a Master’s student in German Studies, won first place in the Comic Strip category for her creative take on Kafka’s novella Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis), highlighting themes of alienation and transformation. Azhar Zia, a final-year undergraduate, clinched first prize in the Short Films category for his cinematic interpretation of Kafka’s narrative Gibs auf! (Give it Up!), reflecting a nuanced grasp of existential themes.

Professor Muhammad Azhar, Chairman of the Department, commended the students, stating, “These achievements showcase the academic excellence and creativity nurtured at AMU, reaffirming the importance of foreign language studies.”

Assistant Professor Syed Salman Abbas applauded the winners, emphasising their engagement with German literature and culture.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 23rd, 2025

Roshan Ara Bagh: Where sleeps a princess

DELHI :

Being a heritage site and a monumental garden, Roshanara Park is one of the many gardens Delhi boasts of. With the unmarked tomb of princess Roshan Ara Begum, her elegant palace, and a dense garden, the park narrates a beautiful tale of lost history

All photos: Ali Fraz Rezvi

Within a few kilometres from the Pul Bangash Metro Station, and quite near to Delhi University’s north campus, stands Roshan Ara Bagh – a Mughal monument dating back to the 17th century AD.

Named after Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter Princess Roshan Ara Begum, the heritage site was once a palace and then turned into the princess’ tomb. It now serves as a garden under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The heritage site spans over a large area of 8.5 acres. It houses an open gym, a playground, a garden and an ignored mausoleum, which is yet to be revamped as a world-class nursery by October 2022.

The last surviving memoirs, one being an unmarked grave, lies at the centre of the palace’s garden area. The architecture here is beseeching, with dilapidated walls and pillars, wooden doors and windows.

The tomb, where exists the unmarked grave of Roshan Ara Begum, has suffered the most with its marble jaalis crumbling from three sides and broken at the fourth. The marks of repairs by the ASI on the pillars and walls are nothing more than a cemented patch.

Along with the surviving parts of the palace which includes a bara-dari (a structure with twelve gates) and a well, there exists the last remains of a lake which covers around four acres inside the garden. The lake, enclosing the tomb, was initially a part of the palace of Roshan Ara Begum. But it has now dried up and turned into a garbage dump.

The 372-year-old structure with a garden of Mughal grandeur and architecture was commissioned by Padshah Begum – the First lady of the Mughal Empire in 1650 AD. It is used by the residents and the visitors till date.

Despite being in a distorted condition, the site is still magnificent and stands as a reminder of an ignored past. 

The main entrance to the Roshan Ara Garden.

People chit-chatting after a long morning walk

The open gym in the park area.

A well from the past.

The bara-dari around the tomb often serves as a resting place for visitors in the daytime.

Remnants of the lake.

Structure that survives.

The last breaths of a breath-taking monument.

A man and a dog, on the two sides of the princess’ grave.

source: thepatriot.in / The Patriot / Home / by Ali Fraz Rezvi / All photos: Ali Fraz Rezvi / August 22nd, 2022

Roshanara Begum, the First Muslim Woman Lyricist of Tamil Cinema

Coimbatore, TAMIL NADU :

She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so.

Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young.

Just a mention of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam will take patrons of the classic age of Tamil cinema into a nostalgic drive. The song, which came out way back in 1968, was picturised on two of the biggest stars of the Tamil industry, both of whom would later go on to become Chief Ministers of the state. If that is not a dead giveaway altogether, we are talking about MG Ramachandran and Jayalalitha on whom the song was picturised. It was from the movie Kudiyiruntha Kovil, which was a remake of the Hindi film China Town. However, do you know that one of the contributors to the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam was the first Muslim female lyricist in Tamil cinema?

Yes, the lyrics of the evergreen song were written by Roshanara Begum, which sadly, remains the only cinematic achievement she ever made. She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so. Things were different back then, and for a Muslim woman, from a conservative background, writing lyrics for a film song was historic.

Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young. Having formally learnt music, she used to win awards at school. Even though her family followed strict Islamic traditions, her father Sheikh Mustafa recognised her daughter’s potential and realised she was meant for bigger things.

He decided to support his daughter. Fortunately, Sheikh Mustafa was friends with composer MS Viswanathan, who used to frequent their house in Coimbatore. MS Viswanathan requested the producer of Kudiyirundha Koyil to give the young woman a chance and the result was the beautiful lyrics of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam.

However, unfortunately, this was both Roshanara Begum’s first and last project. Roshanara Begum’s name got lost somewhere in the sands of time but the song will always remind us of her achievement.

source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Entertainment Bureau / by Local News Desk / June 13th, 2022

Indian Journalist Ahmer Khan Wins 2023 Martin Adler Prize at Rory Peck Awards

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Ahmer Khan, a journalist hailing from Kashmir, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Martin Adler Prize at the annual Rory Peck Awards. Khan, a regular freelancer for The Guardian, was recognized for his fearless reporting on some of the most challenging and contentious issues in India.

The award ceremony, held on November 17, showcased Khan’s remarkable contributions to journalism, with the jury commending his work for shedding light on tough issues in India with both impact and sensitivity. The Guardian, which nominated Khan for the award, expressed their unwavering confidence in his journalistic prowess, citing his reliability and dedication to going above and beyond for stories he is passionate about.

In response to winning the Martin Adler Prize, Khan dedicated his achievement to the “brave journalists working in Gaza who, in the line of duty, sacrificed their lives for journalism.” This heartfelt gesture underlines Khan’s solidarity with journalists facing perilous conditions in conflict zones.

The Martin Adler Prize, established in memory of Swedish freelance camera operator Martin Adler, who tragically lost his life in 2006, aims to honor local freelancers or field producers making significant contributions to newsgathering.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by The Hindustan Gazette / November 20th, 2023

Rare prints from Tipu Sultan era acquired by city-based collector

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

One print depicts Tipu’s two sons being taken hostage by Lord Charles Cornwallis, after the third Anglo-Mysore war in February 1792, and the other is a portrayal of their return to their mother.

The prints were made in 1796 by publisher Haines. / Credit: DH Photo/ B K Janardhan

A city-based art collector, Sunil Baboo, has recently acquired two rare prints of paintings from Tipu Sultan’s era. They capture significant moments in the history of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore.

One print depicts Tipu’s two sons being taken hostage by Lord Charles Cornwallis, after the third Anglo-Mysore war in February 1792, and the other is a portrayal of their return to their mother. 

History has it that Cornwallis laid out severe conditions Tipu had to adhere to in the Treaty of Seringapatam. He demanded that Tipu hand over his sons to British custody, until the king carried out all the demands he had agreed upon. 

“While there are multiple artworks depicting the moment of surrender, it is rare to come across one capturing the sons being returned to Tipu’s wife,” says 65-year-old Baboo, who has been collecting historic books, maps, aquatints and documents since 1982.

The creator of the paintings is unknown, but they were turned into prints in 1796 by publisher Haines. This was even before the defeat and death of Tipu during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war in 1799. “Many of these artists never set foot in India. They created these images based on what was described to them. While there was an artistic bent to them, it was more a way for them to document important events,” Baboo explains. Many of these prints were originally etchings and engravings that were coloured by hand, adds the Gangenahalli resident.

He learnt of the prints a few months ago, and was able to edge out some of the biggest auction houses like Bonhams, UK. “They were planning to auction them in June 2024, but I was able to procure them through my contacts,” he explains. Over the years, Baboo has built a wide network of collectors and auction houses that tip him off on new discoveries. Most of this category of prints are found in family collections of descendants of French and British soldiers of the colonial period. 

The prints, once discovered, are restored and framed. Baboo’s 16×14-inch prints came with a lot of archival tape and paper at the back of the frame. “Presumably to reinforce them. They can be kept in this condition for a long time,” he says. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Rashmi Rajagopal / January 24th, 2025

MANUU honours five persons from Hyderabad as ‘Sitara-e-Urdu’

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

MANUU VC Syed Ainul Hasan presenting mementos to Lakshmi Devi Raj, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Mazhar uz Zaman Khan, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, and Oudesh Rani Bawa

Hyderabad: 

Urdu lovers exist and MANUU will bring them to its platform and honour them, said Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU).

He was honoring five eminent personalities from Hyderabad as “Sitara-e-Urdu” (Doyens of Urdu). The university presented Lakshmi Devi Raj,  Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Oudesh Rani Bawa and Mazhar uz Zaman Khan with a memento, a shawl, and a flower plant in recognition of their contribution towards Urdu language, literature and culture on Monday.

The ‘Sitara-e-Urdu’ programme was organized by Centre for Urdu Culture Studies on the occasion of Teacher’s Day at CPDUMT auditorium.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk X / September 05th, 2022

Lit for Life 2025: A daughter’s ode to Ebrahim Alkazi, the architect of modern theatre in India

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

At The Hindu Lit for Life 2025, Amal Allana speaks about her father Ebrahim Alkazi, who led the modern theatre movement in India with an extraordinary vision.

Amal Allana in conversation with Ritu Menon at The Hindu Lit for Life 2025. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Theatre director Amal Allana, who recently released a riveting biography of her father Ebrahim Alkazi:  Holding Time Captive gave a racy account of Alkazi’s revolutionary contributions to arts and culture in the creative landscape that was emerging in pre-independence India into the later decades.

She said the title of her book was apt as she found the words scribbled by her father in his notes that read ‘I wish I could live longer to hold time captive.’

A six-minute documentary on Alkazi charting the journey of his quest for a liberal approach to the arts in the Indian sub-Continent preceded Amal Allana’s conversation with Ritu Menon at The Hindu Lit for Life session on the second day.

Setting the narrative in Bombay of the 1940s when Alkazi came as the son of a migrant trader from Saudi Arabia, Amal spoke about how his innovative ideas from the young age of 22 coupled with daring new experimental projects transformed the theatre movements pan-India and later led to the establishment of the National School of Drama in Delhi in the 1960s. It was the time when creative history was under-researched and Alkazi strode the stage with arrogance, resoluteness, and brilliance.

As the daughter, Amal brought a personal perspective to the intangible landscape of Alkazi’s passions as she step-by-step unfolded the layers of his cultural, artistic and nationalistic identity. “His pedagogical skills took form as a response to the social and political life. He introduced language in theatre and nationalised it,” she said.

With Sultan Padamsee (elder brother of filmmaker Alyque Padmasee) and other independent-minded creative individuals, he broke boundaries and embraced the radical and precarious theatre life. They were all progressives and reinforcing each other. Amal narrated how Alkazi went overseas to study modern theatre and took Nissim Ezekiel along. He had the disposition of taking people along with and their idea of total theatre included all forms of arts feeding into one another.

“So with music, lights, costumes, literature, discussions and brochures he created dramatic experiences translating, producing and directing plays from the Western pantheon,” Amal said and added Alkazi was particularly influenced by Tagore’s concept of Santiniketan integrating liberalism with fine arts.

Not only was Alkazi interested in training a body of thinking actors but he also trained audiences to appreciate modernity in theatre, she said.

The Hindu Lit for Life event is presented by KIA India and is in association with Christ University. Associate Partners: LIC, RR Donnelley, Blue Star, Brigade Group, NITTE Deemed-to-be University, PROchure, Singer, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Ltd, Uttarakhand Tourism, Vajiram and Ravi, Indian Bank, Akshayakalpa and ICFAI Group. Realty Partner: Casagrand. Bookstore Partner: Crossword. Food Partner: Wow Momo, Beverage Partner: Beachville, Radio Partner: Big FM, TV Partner: Puthiya Thalaimurai Gift Partner: Anand Prakash. Supported by: US Consulate, Chennai, Water Partner: Repute

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Lit for Life / by Soma Basu / January 19th, 2025

AMU Alumnus Farhan Khan Secures Global Artist Visa to UK

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh:

Mr Farhan Khan, an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University has been awarded the prestigious Global Talent Visa (Tier 1) by the United Kingdom under the endorsement of Arts Council, England.

This coveted recognition honours the exceptional talent and leadership quality of individuals in their respective fields, and this award to Khan establishes him as a global icon in the field of fine art photography.

Khan’s inspiring academic journey began at the Syedna Tahir Saifuddin (STS) School, followed by his XII from Saiyyid Hamid Senior Secondary School, AMU, and his formative years at AMU cultivated in him a strong sense of discipline, creativity and excellence, which paved the way for his future success.

After graduating from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), in Architecture (B.Arch.), he developed a passion for photography and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Still Photography and Visual Communication from JMI with a gold medal. Later, he developed advanced skills in photography and visual storytelling, with his works being featured in prominent exhibitions.

Khan earned a Master of Arts in Photography: Image and Electronic Arts from the prestigious Goldsmiths, University of London, with Merit and gradually excelled in photography and designing by working out at diverse photography projects across architecture, real estate, interiors, food, and product photography.

He is currently employed as a Photography Specialist and Brand Ambassador at Fujifilm House of Photography, London, where he drives innovation, delivers high-quality results, and engages in client training.

His work has been exhibited globally, including notable exhibitions like Nexus & Now (2022): Degree Show at Goldsmiths, London; International Art Exhibition 3D Gallery (2020): Berlin, Germany; Postcards to Gandhi (2020): A narrative on climate change, JMI, New Delhi and Freedom to Live (2019): Photo series at Modoo Gallery, Brazil.

His evocative art has garnered numerous accolades, including a Top 5 Shortlist for the Historic Photographer of the Year Award (2020) and the First Prize in the National Photography Competition on Urban Eco-Systems (2018). His works have also been featured in esteemed publications like The Week Junior UK, Outlook India, and Outlook Traveller.

Khan’s passion extends beyond photography to teaching and mentorship. He has conducted 44+ beginner photography workshops in London and delivered lectures on innovative topics such as surrealism and graphic design in photography. His interactive and student-focused pedagogical approach empowers young artists to thrive in creative fields.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Art & Culture> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025

Poet Rais Faizi Honoured with Hadouti Gaurav Samman

Kota, RAJASHTAN :

Baran District :

Poet Rais Faizi has been honoured with the prestigious Hadouti Gaurav Samman for his exceptional contributions to poetry. The award was presented at Hadouti Gaurav Samman 2024 ceremony, organised by New Kota International Society at Shiv Jyoti Convent School auditorium in Kota’s Srinathpuram locality.

Programme coordinator K.K. Sharma Kamal and society president Anju Sharma highlighted that the event recognised 101 outstanding individuals across various fields, including social service, animal welfare, philanthropy, and academic excellence. Honourees were presented with shawls, beaded necklaces, and commemorative mementos.

The ceremony’s chief guest was Additional Divisional Commissioner Mamta Tiwari, accompanied by Additional District Collector Anil Kumar Singhal, BJP city district president Rakesh Jain, and other distinguished guests. Nearly a dozen individuals from Baran district were among those honoured at the event.

Rais Faizi’s recognition as a distinguished poet brought joy to his community. Former Baran Haj Committee chairman Haji Liaqat Ali Mev, Anjuman president Majid Salim, former Waqf Committee chairman Sajid Salim, District Congress Committee vice president Zakir Mansoori, minority district president Shahid Kundi, Madrasa Committee deputy chairman Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, and other notable figures, including Sheikh Bahadur, Junaid Ansari, Bobby Rain, and bank manager Alsar Khan Bhatti, expressed their heartfelt congratulations.

The Hadouti Gaurav Samman is a prominent regional award, recognising individuals, who have made significant contributions to the Hadouti region, encompassing Kota, Baran, Bundi, and Jhalawar districts in Rajasthan. This year’s event celebrated the region’s cultural heritage and achievements of its talented individuals.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / January 06th, 2025