The Razack family, renowned for their legacy of generosity, has donated Rs 5 crore to St Joseph’s Boys’ High School (SJBHS) to support the institution’s ongoing projects.
The unveiling of the ‘Razack Family Block’ plaque in September 2024 marked a significant moment for the school. Present at the event were prominent alumni, including Irfan Razack, Managing Director of Prestige Estates Projects (Batch of 1968), along with his brothers Rezwan Razack (Batch of 1970) and Noaman Razack (Batch of 1974).
The generous contribution will fund crucial developments at the school, including the construction of a playground with a double basement and additional classrooms. These infrastructure upgrades aim to align with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and address longstanding challenges such as parking limitations in Bengaluru’s Central Business District.
During the ceremony, Irfan Razack expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a privilege to give back to my alma mater, which has shaped me into who I am today. Your recognition of my efforts is humbling, and I am deeply grateful.” The sentiments were echoed by Rezwan Razack and other family members, all underscoring their continued commitment to supporting the school’s growth.
Jayashree Prince Jacob, a teaching faculty member at SJBHS, highlighted the deeper meaning of the Razack family’s donation, stating, “This contribution represents more than just financial support. It is a testament to the lasting bond between the school and its alumni, inspiring future Josephites to uphold the tradition of giving back.”
In a statement, the school reflected on its cherished motto, “Fide et Labore” (Faith and Toil), emphasizing that the values imparted through the years continue to resonate with the alumni. “Once a Josephite, always a Josephite” remains more than a saying—it embodies the unyielding love and loyalty of the Josephite community.
The Razack family’s contribution serves as a lasting example of dedication to the school’s mission, ensuring that St Joseph’s Boys’ High School continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 12th, 2024
That culinary addition is attributed to Chef Manzilat Fatima’s great-great grandfather Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh.
Chef Manzilat Fatima, April 22, 2024. (image courtesy: Umang Sharma)
Manzilat’s great-grandfather did
On most evenings, Manzilat Fatima’s rooftop restaurant in South Kolkata, aptly named Manzilat’s, is packed with food connoisseurs waiting to taste the incredible dishes she prepares for them. But there is another reason foodies climb four flights of stairs to her quaint little eatery.
An engraving of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Pic Courtesy/ Wikimedia Commmons
What Manzilat does, is nothing short of remarkable. Not only does she tantalize the tastebuds of food lovers with exceptional dishes such as Chicken Lazeez Shami Kebab, Lakhnavi Murgh Biryani, or the famed Lakhnawi Mutton Yakhni Pulav – but she also evocatively creates a bridge between the present and the royal past of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh.
Manzilat Fatima is the great-great granddaughter of the Nawab who made his home in Kolkata after the British East India Company annexed his kingdom. He gave the culinary world the famed aloo in Biryani.
A descendant of Awadh
“I am a direct descendent of Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal ,” Manzilat reveals.
After the annexation, her great, great grandmother Begum Hazrat Mahal who took charge of Awadh, put her son Birjis Qadr on the throne in 1857. Birjis Qudr was the son of Jaan e Alam Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal.
Manzilat is the daughter of Dr. Kaukub Qudr Meerza, the grandson of Birjis Qudr, she explains.
Like her pantry, stocked with delectable food, Manzilat is a storehouse of stories and fascinating history.
A conspiracy at play
According to Manzilat, despite having no inheritance, Birjs was still the legal heir of Wajid Ali Shah and Begum Hazrat Mahal.
“Birjs Qadr had a son Mehr Qadr who was my grandfather,” adds Manzilat. “He did not have any siblings growing up. He did have a family, but they were assassinated in cold blood on August 14, 1893.”
Manzilat says that the British invited Mehr Quadr from Kathmandu to Calcutta under a false pretext. “The other descendants of the Awadh royal family wanted to snuff out the last crown king, even though there was nothing to inherit by then.”
There was a deeper conspiracy at play.
A dish of Awadhi biryani (image courtesy: Manzilat Fatima restaurant)
A poisoned dinner
“In order to snuff out this branch they cooked up a conspiracy along with the British and invited him and his family over for dinner where they laced the food with poison. In that tragedy, he, along with a son and daughter as well as his guards and dogs were murdered.”
Only Mehr Quadr’s wife, Mehtab Ara Begum, survived. She was pregnant with Manzilat’s grandfather and did not attend the dinner. “Had she gone for the dinner, the entire course of history would perhaps have been different,” says Manzilat.
Her grandmother, Mehtab Ara Begum, survived along with an unborn child – Manzilat’s father- and a daughter who was four years old at that time. The little girl grew up and married, but died childless. But the lineage of Wajid Ali Shah continued through Mehr Qadr and Manzilat’s father Kaukub Qudr Meerza.
“My lineage shaped me into a very loyal Indian,” she says. “We grew up hearing stories of valor of Begum Hazrat Mahal and Birjs Qadr and how, after 1857, (she) chose to live free in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our history helped us be grounded and honest. We learned the art of sacrifice.”
From lawyer to chef
Growing up, Manzilat heard stories about the tragedy and the conspiracy that destroyed her family – from their time in Lucknow until Birjs Qadr’s assassination, and how her grandfather was protected and grew up very sheltered because of the constant threat to his life.
Being a chef was not always the game plan. Manzilat studied at Aligarh Public School and graduated with an English (Hons) degree from Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University. She enrolled at Calcutta University for her Master’s in English and a few years after her marriage, even completed a five-year LL.B course in 2002.
Chef Manzilat Fatima (image courtesy: (Umang Sharma)
Manzilat opened the doors to her kitchen to food lovers from all over the world. As the smoke rises from her tender Mutton Awadhi Galwtii Kebab, or tear-drop-shaped condensation rolls down her chilled Khus ka sherbet, or even as patrons savor the pillowy soft aloo in their biryani, Manzilat knows that she has not only served some delectable dishes but offered her guests a panoramic view into the world of her ancestors and what they stood for – the mighty Wajid Ali Shah, the indomitable Begum Hazrat Mahal.
In the fragrant aroma of her kitchen, Manzilat Fatima is the custodian of the legacy of the last Nawab of Awadh. Her guests experience more than just culinary delights; they immerse themselves in a narrative of courage, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Awadh.
source: http://www.indiacurrents.org / India Currents / Home> Food> India> Lifestyle / by Umang Sharma / April 26th, 2024
Humayun World Heritage Site Museum in New Delhi opened for visitors on Tuesday
Latest addition to 16th-century tomb complex ‘brings alive 700 years of heritage’
Visitors look at artifacts at the Humayun World Heritage Site Museum — the newest addition in Humayun’s Tomb complex — in New Delhi on July 29, 2024. (AN Photo)
The second Mughal emperor Humayun was widely known as an avid reader fond of journeys, architecture, and storytelling. Almost half a millennium after his death, a new museum in the heart of New Delhi highlights his role in shaping India’s cultural heritage.
Opened for visitors on Tuesday, the Humayun World Heritage Site Museum is the newest addition in Humayun’s Tomb complex — a landmark 300-acre area in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin that features dozens of historical monuments and includes Sunder Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park.
The advent of the Mughal dynasty, which ruled the Indian subcontinent between the 16th and 19th centuries, marked the global revival of Islamic architecture, with works that until today are examples of the highest quality and refinement.
Originally from Central Asia, the Mughals carried cultural elements borrowed from Arabs, Persians and Ottomans. As they settled in India, they fused these with the various local styles found in their new domains.
Humayun was the son and successor of Babur, founder of the dynasty, and ruled the empire from 1530 to 1540 and again from 1555 until his death the following year.
The new museum, established by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, traces Humayun and his descendants’ lives, as well as the 700-year-old history of the whole Nizamuddin locality and its influence on Indian culture.
“There are hundreds of stories to be told, which the stones don’t speak,” Ratish Nanda, conservation architect and projects director at the AKTC, told Arab News. “The idea is to bring alive 700 years of heritage.”
The museum is located in Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the first of the grand mausoleums that became synonymous with Mughal architectural innovations and, three generations later, culminated in the construction of India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal. About 7 million tourists from across India and abroad visit the complex every year.
“The idea is that people who now visit the World Heritage Site come with a deep understanding of the site,” Nanda said.
“We’ve been able to … combine architectural elements with incredible manuscripts, miniature paintings, calligraphy, textiles, coins, metalware, architectural elements — one is two one scale — with lots of films and digital technology, and models and so on.”
Spanning five galleries, the underground museum has over 500 artefacts sourced from the collections of the National Museum in New Delhi, ASI and AKTC.
“It captures the 700 years of history that is associated with the region of Nizamuddin and the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb …This museum really captures the history,” said Ujwala Menon, AKTC conservation architect.
“The principal gallery talks about Humayun. There’s very little known about this emperor, and one of the things with this museum is to really address that … Then we have a second section of this gallery which talks about the personalities that are associated with Nizamuddin.”
Among the famed figures featured in the second gallery are Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro. Auliya was an 13th-century Indian Sunni Muslim scholar, Sufi saint of the Chishti Order, and is one of the most famous Sufis from the Indian subcontinent. His shrine and tomb are located near Humayun’s complex.
Khusro was a 13th-century poet and scholar who remains an iconic figure in the culture of the subcontinent.
Both Auliya and Khusro lived during the period of the Delhi Sultanate, which Humayun’s father conquered, leading to its succession by the Mughal empire. The museum shows how the empire did not come to its bloom in a cultural vacuum, but drew from and incorporated the culture of its predecessors.
“There was this idea of pluralism that existed during the Mughal period,” Menon said. “And this (museum) really captures all of that.”
source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home> World / by Sanjay Kumar / July 31st, 2024
Bearys Group, Mangalore has been awarded the “Outstanding Performance in Construction OHS&E Excellence Award” by the World Safety Organization (WSO), India. The recognition was given for the group’s work on the “Microsoft Data Centre-HYD01” project in Hyderabad.
Syed Mohamed Beary, Founder and CMD of Bearys Group, expressed pride in the recognition and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to prioritizing safety and quality in all their projects.
“Today we have walked the talk and demonstrated our unwavering commitment to ‘Safety First – Project Best’ – ‘Quality First – Project Best’. We remain dedicated to promoting safety, health, and environmental stewardship across all our projects. This is a proud moment for Bearys and we rededicate ourselves to raise the bar further and make Safety & Quality the sine qua non of all our endeavors,” Syed Mohamed Beary said.
The award was presented at the 5th World Safety Organization OHS&E Professional Development Symposium held at Feathers A Radha Hotel, Chennai, on September 27.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / October 01st, 2024
Aamir Qutub, an India-born entrepreneur and CEO of Australian IT multinational Enterprise Monkey, has been awarded the 2024 India Australia Business and Community Alliance (IABCA) Young Professional of the Year Award. The accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship and social service in Australia.
Upon receiving the award, Qutub expressed his gratitude in a conversation with Radiance from Australia. “More than a decade ago, when I left my hometown for Australia, I never imagined standing in the grand Parliament Hall, receiving an international award in the presence of the Prime Minister. I am deeply humbled and honored to have received the 2024 IABCA Young Professional of the Year Award.”
Reflecting on his journey, Aamir shared, “This recognition is not just about my individual efforts but highlights the power of community support. From my early days in India to establishing myself in Australia, the backing of people around me has been crucial. This award is for my work as a founder and CEO, where we have created jobs and contributed to the local economy. Our initiative, Angel Next Door, played a key role in helping over 100,000 Australians during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Aamir also offered advice to emerging entrepreneurs in India, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.
“I come from a middle-class family in a small Tier 3 city, but I dared to dream big. The journey was not easy, but persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning made it possible. Your background does not define your future – your determination does. Every small step you take today contributes to tomorrow’s success,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Aamir acknowledged the many people and institutions that played a role in his success.
“From the regional city of Aligarh and the nurturing environment at AMU, where I laid my foundation, to the vibrant city of Geelong, where Deakin University provided me with a platform to grow – this journey has been shaped by countless hands and hearts,” he added.
A proud alumnus of AMU, Aamir has received numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Australian Young Business Leader Award. He was the youngest General Manager of ICT Geelong and also served as Digital Manager for Australian Sports Tech Network. In the early stages of his career, Aamir worked as a cleaner during the day and a newspaper delivery boy at night to fund his startup. He has also demonstrated his commitment to social causes by spending a night on the streets with other CEOs to experience the life of homelessness, raising awareness for Australians without shelter.
Aamir’s professional journey began with Honda Cars India as a Production Manager before he co-founded the Stand India Foundation, a not-for-profit social venture. He holds an MBA in Information Management from Deakin University and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from AMU, where he served as General Secretary of the AMU Students’ Union.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Award> Markers of Excellence> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / October 07th, 2024
Many believed that the Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose during the Second World War was made of Indian Prisoners of War captured by Japan. This is a misconception, far away from reality.
A Slice Of History
The reality is that INA was a military unit of Arzi Hukumat-i-Azad Hind (The Provisional Government of Free India). Popularly known as Azad Hind Sarkar, this government led by Subhas Chandra Bose had all the working departments of a civilian administration as health, women empowerment, research, civil services, and banks. It also has its currency. The provisional government was recognised by several countries.
Initially, the government was being run on crowdfunding from the Indian Diaspora of Malaysia, Singapore, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries. Soon, Bose felt the need to have a central banking system and currency.
An official notification from the Azad Hind Sarkar declared, “His Excellency Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose inaugurated the National Bank of Azad Hind Ltd., on Wednesday, the 5th April, 1944. His Excellency the Finance Minister of Burma, His Excellency the Ambassador of Nippon, and other distinguished members of the Burmese Government and high ranking Officers of the Imperial Nipponese Army were also present.
“The aims and objectives of the National Bank of Azad Hind Ltd., are primarily two-fold Firstly this Bank will help to mobilise the financial resources of Indians as a part of our programme of Total Mobilisation, and secondly this Bank will serve the interests of Burma where it is now established.
“The Bank will also render service to the Provisional Government of Azad Hind by acting as its Agents.”
In April 1944, Bose was discussing plans to establish a central bank of Azad Hind Sarkar. Everyone was worried about the money. A woman officer of the INA in her book Jai Hind: Diary of a Rebel Daughter noted, “Netaji was discussing finance problems with a Muslim multi-millionaire here in Rangoon. He suggested to him that we must have our own Bank because a Government without a bank is unheard of. Again as soon as Imphal falls, our Government would be issuing its currency, and a bank would be invaluable then. Netaji asked our friend, the multi-millionaire, for his suggestions for it.
“The reply came in the form of a question “Netaji, with how much capital do you wish to make a beginning?” Subhas Babu suggested that fifty lakhs would suffice for the purpose. Prompt was the answer ‘Oh-ho, is that all you want? Then, I myself shall give 30 lakhs, and the rest of the twenty lakhs I guarantee to present to you in a week. And within a fortnight our Bank had taken legal shape and opened its doors to business.”
The man in question was Abdul Ghani. He was an Indian businessman settled in Burma, who had donated his wealth to Bose and Azad Hind Sarkar.
Lt. M. G. Mulkar of the INA later recalled, “Ghani paid more than what he said. He gave a contribution of 63 lakhs of rupees in cash and goods for the maintenance of the Indian National Army. In addition to his princely donation, he also gave an estate called the Ziawari Estate, which is worth several crores of rupees.”
S. A. Ayer was appointed Chairman of the bank while Dina Nath was one of the directors. When the war ended, the bank had 5,343,946 Dollars deposit. Apart from this, jewelry and gold worth 86,310 Dollars were also in the funds of Azad Hind Sarkar.
The bank issued its currency notes which had Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lakshmi Sehgal printed over them.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / October 07th, 2024
‘Patent Man of India’ Prof Shamshad Ali so far bagged seven patents for his multifarious innovations. The professor of engineering at Aligarh Muslim University’s polytechnic is differently abled and keeps underscoring the need for innovation to achieve progress.
Professor of engineering Shamshad Ali at AMU
Aligarh:
Shamshad Ali, a professor of engineering at the polytechnic college of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has become popularly known as Patent Man of India for his multifarious innovations. Prof Shamshad Ali, who after taking classes keeps busy with his inventions, has over seven patents to his credit till now, granted by the Patent Office, Government of India, Delhi.
This differently-abled professor never loses heart and always strives for excellence. Be it teaching students or discovering something new, this physically challenged person’s hard work has become a source of inspiration for other teachers and innovators. Prof Shamshad Ali was granted three patents in 2022 alone.
The professor underscores the need for innovation to achieve progress. In his appeal to students and teaching faculty in the AMU, he said, “Innovation plays an important role in upping the university’s ranking. Discovering new things helps teachers and students. So they should keep on doing new research. I have bagged seven patents so far and two more patents will be granted soon.”
“When someone discovers new things. Then the innovator is supposed to apply and submit application online to Delhi patent office. Thereafter an exam is conducted. If you pass the test, they will grant you patent. If not, then you will have to work on it again. It all depends upon the examiner,” said Prof Shamshad.
source: http://www.etvbharat.in / ETV Bharat / Home> ETV Bharat> Bharat / January 07th, 2023
Hyderabad, TELANGANA / SAUDI ARABIA / California, U.S.A :
Hyderabad:
Syed Burhan Badshah Quadri alias Salik, a well-known media person in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lost a five-year long and painful battle with cancer in Santa Clara, California, the USA, on Thursday (December 22).
Burhan, as he was known among most of his friends, came from a traditional and elite family of Hyderabad. He was 74 years old.
His father Syed Kaleemullah Qadri was the last Subedar of Hyderabad of the Nizam era. After the Police Action of 1948 he was arrested and released after some time. After he was reinstated he worked as head of several departments before his superannuation.
Burhan is survived by his wife Shahnaz and four children–two daughters and two sons.
Burhan after completing his bachelor’s degree with the Nizam College had joined Nizams Sugar Factor as a management trainee and moved over to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia somewhere in the mid-seventies.
Within few years of him arriving in the Kingdom, he became one of the topnotch executives from India. He worked with several companies and finally began his own advertising agency Zee Ads which counted many major companies among its clients. He was one of the few Indian executives in the Kingdom at that time who owned a BMW and lived comfortable, if not luxurious, life. The company had to be closed down owing to some managerial issues. From there started the next phase Burhan’s life.
Among a host of his close friends who are deeply bereaving his loss are Mohammad Majid Ali, Nadir Yar Khan, Zahyr Siddiqi and Syed Inamur Rahman Ghayur.
Burhan a photographer by passion took keen interest in the political developments taking place in India and expressed his opinion without any hesitation. His talk which he considered free and frank was painful for many of his friends. Among his favourite personalities was Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad. He would never keep quiet if he heard any negative comment about the Nizam. In his eyes the Nizam was a symbol of tolerance, development and Hindu-Muslim unity.
It is not yet known when and where he would laid to rest.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Obituaries / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / December 23rd, 2022
Mohammad Hanief Bhat at his workstation. Photo: Aatif Ammad
Srinagar:
In the early morning, as the streets of downtown Srinagar — known for its artisans and art forms — begin to buzz with activity, shopkeepers display their goods and autowalas wait for customers. Mohammad Hanief Bhat, 62, starts his day by opening a window in his workstation, located on the first floor of a 100-year-old building. As sunlight streams into his room, he begins assembling small pebbles, which he will set into a brass shell to create a necklace. This craft, known as Ferozi in Kashmiri and Turquoise in English, involves making jewellery with stones fixed in brass, and Hanief is its last guardian.
“This is a challenging art, but it is my identity. My father practiced it, and back then, this craft was well-recognized and loved by foreigners. They would come here and purchase items from us. In the 1970s, my father employed more than 30 artisans who worked under him,” he said.
Mohammad Hanief displays a variety of necklaces he has crafted over the past few years. Photo: Aatif Ammad
Hanief was young but the eldest in his family when he lost his father. Since this art form was their only source of income, he eventually had to take matters into his own hands and manage the small workstation where 30 artisans who had worked under his father taught him the craft.
He was just a child, a grade five student, when he lost his father. Being the eldest among his siblings, he had to take on the responsibility of managing the family’s turquoise art workshop, their sole source of income. Fortunately, the artisans working in their workshop were kind and taught him the craft very well.
Over time, Hanief mastered the art, but the demand for it mysteriously declined. Consequently, many artisans abandoned the craft as it no longer provided a sufficient income for survival. The number of artisans dwindled from 30 to just 5.
Hanief adding the finishing touch to a pendant. Photo: Aatif Ammad
Hanief’s father crafted hundreds of pieces of jewellery each week, which he would take in a large basket every Friday to a family with a showroom in Zainakadal, just 2 kilometers from Hanief’s home. This family would then sell the jewellery in their showroom. According to Hanief, they always managed to sell everything they made, despite never having any pre-orders, as everything they produced was sold to that business family.
The same trend persisted when Hanief took over; the demand remained steady, and he was able to sell everything he made. However, over time, the demand declined for reasons Hanief couldn’t understand. Consequently, many artisans abandoned the craft, leaving Hanief as the only one who continued it.
Aside from Hanief’s father, more than 60 families were involved in the craft of turquoise. However, over time, everyone abandoned the craft, leaving Hanief as its last guardian. As the artisans departed, Hanief also quit for a few months, leaving no artisans remaining, and he began selling carpets instead.
“In the 1990s, nearly everyone abandoned the art, and I also thought it was not worth continuing since there were no buyers. I eventually left it and started selling carpets. Although I earned more from selling carpets, I was never satisfied with that profession. I felt it would be a great injustice to the art that my father devoted his life to. So, I left everything else and returned to practicing the art of Ferozi,” Hanief explained.
When Hanief resumed making turquoise jewellery, he found that there were no longer any major buyers to sell it to customers, as the previous showroom owners had lost interest due to decreased demand.
However, his sister, whose family runs businesses in Bangalore, suggested he come to Bangalore for art exhibitions to sell his jewellery. There, he discovered that people were attracted to his art, with many NRIs and foreigners purchasing from him. This allowed him to sell a significant amount of jewellery, but the exhibitions only lasted a few days.
Hanief visited Bangalore every year and set up a stall at the exhibition, managing to sell a good quantity of jewellery. However, it wasn’t enough for him to sustain a livelihood solely from the craft.
“Bangalore exhibitions gave me a lot of hope and motivation to continue the craft,” said Hanief, adding, “People used to come and praise me there. It gave me a lot of confidence and recognition”.
New Innovations in the Craft
Traditionally, turquoise jewellery was exclusively blue and featured very simple designs. However, Mohammad Hanief introduced innovations after several buyers in Bangalore expressed a desire for more colours and designs. Upon returning to Kashmir, he thoughtfully incorporated new colourful stones and created different designs. He even added unique elements, such as breaking thin wires into small pieces to use in necklaces for a distinctive look.
Colourful necklaces from Hanief’s collection. Photo: Aatif Ammad
Hanief remarked, “I used to get bored making the same designs and colours every time, but I never thought of doing something new. It was only when some foreign buyers at an exhibition in Bangalore suggested that I introduce more varieties and colours. I then started creating jewellery in different colours that people would love and adore. I felt happy and satisfied making these new types of jewellery.”
He currently makes turquoise jewellery in almost every colour.
No Government Support
Despite the widespread appreciation for Hanief’s art of crafting turquoise jewellery, the local government has never recognized his efforts, even though he received accolades from states like Kerala.
Hanief remarked, “Although I have carried this art on my shoulders for years and I am the only one left practicing it, our government has never appreciated or recognized me. However, officials from Kerala and Karnataka have always praised me and assisted in setting up stalls in Bangalore.”
Mohammad Hanief’s artisan card, issued to artisans of various crafts, expired in 2022. Despite submitting it to officials for renewal, the process is still pending. Hanief believes that the officials do not take his art seriously, which is why they show little interest in his official matters.
Concern for the Art’s Survival
Mohammad Hanief, now in his sixties, is deeply concerned that his craft will perish with him, as he has no children to carry on his legacy as he did after his father’s passing.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Art>Culture / by Muhammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCirlces.net / August 18th, 2024
Wajid Khan Artist with the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi he made with nails.
Few artists are as passionately obsessed with Mahatma Gandhi as Wajid Khan, whose love and reverence for Gandhi manifest in extraordinary ways through his art. Wajid’s devotion to the Father of the Nation is evident not only in the subjects of his artwork but also in the innovative techniques he uses to create them. Whether by assembling nails, arranging goggles, or using other unconventional materials, Wajid Khan’s portrayal of Gandhi is a testament to his deep admiration.
Wajid Khan a multifaceted artist—a portraitist, sculptor, inventor, and patent holder—known for pushing the boundaries of traditional art. He specializes in creating intricate works of art using unconventional materials such as iron nails, bullets, metal, stones, automobile parts, medical equipment, iron rods, and more. His passion for creativity is boundless, and his art often reflects his deep emotions and thoughts about the world and the figures who have shaped it.
Among his many talents, Wajid’s ability to carve canvases using iron nails has garnered international acclaim. His work has earned him places in prestigious records such as the Guinness Book of World Records, Limca Book of Records, and Asia Book of Records. His artistic prowess is admired from Mumbai to Dubai, captivating both art connoisseurs and the general public with his exceptional nail art.
Although Wajid has made portraits of numerous iconic personalities, including Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dhirubhai Ambani, and Nelson Mandela, his fascination with Mahatma Gandhi stands out. His first portrait, fittingly, was of Gandhi—a powerful expression of his love and passion for the man who led India to independence. Wajid meticulously used thousands of iron nails to craft this portrait, each nail symbolizing the unwavering dedication and perseverance Gandhi embodied throughout his life.
Wajid’s connection to Gandhi goes beyond artistic inspiration. His admiration for Gandhi stems from the values of patience and truth that Gandhi represented. “There are many qualities in Gandhiji that impressed me deeply,” Wajid shared in an interview. “His power of patience and his commitment to truth are what stand out the most. For me, those who hold onto patience and never lie are truly great individuals.”
One of the moments that left an indelible mark on Wajid was when he visited a museum and saw letters written by Gandhi in which the leader openly admitted his mistakes. “It takes a big heart to admit one’s mistakes in public,” Wajid reflected. “I greatly admire Gandhi’s patience and steadfastness.”
Wajid’s connection to Gandhi also has personal roots. He fondly recalls stories from his grandfather, who would attend Gandhi’s meetings during the freedom movement in India. “My grandfather used to tell us about the time when he was very young and would participate in Gandhi’s meetings. Enthusiastic crowds would gather to listen to Gandhi, and when they returned, they were always calm and composed,” Wajid recounted. The calm demeanor Gandhi inspired in his followers left a profound impact on Wajid, influencing both his life and his art.
In one of his most ambitious projects, Wajid demonstrated the extent of his dedication to honoring Gandhi. He organized an event where 6,000 people were gathered in a stadium, carefully arranged in a formation that created a massive portrait of Gandhi. This live depiction showcased not only Wajid’s artistic genius but also his ability to bring people together to celebrate Gandhi’s legacy.
Wajid Khan’s artistic journey is a remarkable blend of creativity, innovation, and an unyielding devotion to Gandhi’s principles. Through his portraits, sculptures, and inventive techniques, he continues to keep the spirit of Gandhi alive, inspiring others with the same values of patience, truth, and perseverance that Gandhi embodied.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Syed Zubair Ahmad / October 02nd, 2024
