41 workers have successfully come out of the tunnel after 17 days of effort. Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain’s sacrifices have become immortal forever and the whole country is saluting them.
41 workers came out, Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain sacrifices immortal
41 workers have successfully come out of the tunnel after 17 days of effort. Team Wajid Khan, Munna Qureshi & NDMA’s Ata Hussain’s sacrifices have become immortal forever and the whole country is saluting them.
With this, the sacrifices of all those people who risked their lives to bring those workers out and worked day and night for 17 consecutive days. People are saluting Wajid Khan Munna Qureshi’s team.
Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (Registered) performed special prayers at Sultan ji’s bargah
Special prayers were offered for the health and long life of the laborers trapped in Uttarkashi Tunnel.
Leaders and activists of Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (registered), a nationalist organization, organized special prayers and prayers for the health and longevity of the labourers stranded during the construction of the National Highway Uttarkashi tunnel at Bargah Sharif of renowned Sufi saint and spiritual crown prince Sultan ul-Mashaikh Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya (Khwaja Mehboob Elahi).
After the prayer, good news started coming from the tunnel that the workers were going to leave soon.
In fact, in the capital Delhi, Chadar and Aqidat flowers were presented under the leadership of Alhaj Muhammad Irfan Ahmed, Chief Patron of the institution.
President of the outfit Ehsan Abbasi and other office-bearers offered special prayers.
Dargah Sharif’s Sajjada Nashin Peer Syed Muhammad Hammad Ahmed Nizami, Sarfaraz Ali, Azad Noorani, Muhammad Dilshad Qureshi, Muhammad Saghir Idrissi, Haji Nisar Ahmed Qureshi, Rajesh Kumar and other prominent office bearers of Pasmanda Muslim Samaj Utthan Samiti Sangh (registered) were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive conversation with newspaper and electronic media representatives after Dua, Irfan Ahmed said that the rescue operation to evacuate about 41 workers trapped in Silkia Tunnel of Uttarkashi continues for the 17th day.
Special prayers for how our workers come out safe and healthy. Irfan Ahmed further said that Alhamdulillah all agencies are working hard and a path is being made over the mountain and also inside the tunnel to evacuate them.
The existing workers trapped there have still not given up and a massive rescue operation is going on by the government and administration to take them out safely, especially the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Minister of State (Retd) General VK Singh are keeping a close watch and taking updates from the officials one by one. However, we hope that the workers will be back soon.
source: http://www.watansamachar.com / Watan Samachar / Home> Newsflash / by Irfan Ahmed, New Delhi Correspondent / by Watan Samachar / November 28th, 2023
In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps.
You have been recognized as one of the “Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world”, and are to be among the “100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP”, and listed at “50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year 2023. How do you feel?
It’s truly an honor to be recognized in such prestigious lists. Being acknowledged as one of the ‘Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world,’ making it to the ‘100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP,’ and being listed among ‘50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year’ is humbling.
These recognitions come from esteemed organizations like World Trade Center, RBTC, International organisations like Prodigy, various Trade organisations. They have acknowledged my contributions to the Growth and Development towards Trade and Development, Towards Women Empowerment and declared me CEO of the year 2023. I’m grateful for the support and recognition.
What according to you should be done for women empowerment in India?
Fostering women empowerment in India requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to focus on education, skill development, and providing equal opportunities in all sectors. Encouraging entrepreneurship among women, creating a supportive work environment, and ensuring gender equality are essential. Additionally, awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and cultural norms, along with legal reforms to protect women’s rights, can play a crucial role
For any successful entrepreneur what according to you should be the social responsibility?
For any successful entrepreneur, social responsibility is paramount. Beyond financial success, entrepreneurs should actively contribute to the community and address social issues. This can involve initiatives such as supporting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By giving back, entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on society and contribute to its well-being.
How do you like to share the feelings of your parents after your achievements?
When my father came to know about my achievements, he shared his views to me and all by saying, “On the day of having performed another Umrah in Makkah (20th January 2024), my daughter Khair Ull Nissa has been chosen and honoured on the calendar of 2024 as “MUSLIMS WHO SHAPED THE MODERN WORLD. Allah blesses her with blessings and honour her with more respect and be able to perform the duties of Good Muslim. She has made me a proud father and I am humbled.”
I believe my father’s words are a source of great motivation for me. They’re a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family throughout my journey.
Tell us about your educational, professional journey and family background?
Currently, I am on an international assignment which focuses on USD 500 Billion of Revenue and setting a benchmark for Trade and Investment between two countries.
I had the privilege of being a Board Member of the World Trade Center Association in New York and served as the Executive Director for Asia Pacific and India. In this role, I played a key part in driving monumental growth, catalyzing strategic partnerships, and achieving a 3x growth in global distribution reach. My expertise encompasses spearheading revenue generation, navigating markets in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Overseeing the development of 500+ million square meters to achieving notable sales and lease milestones, fuelling global expansion. My strengths lie in optimism, decisiveness, effective communication, collaboration, mentoring, and adaptability.
Throughout my career, I’ve received recognitions such as the Economic Times ICONIC Women in Realty for 2021 and 2022, as well as the Top 50 Global Inspirational Women Award in 2023.
I’ve also been actively involved as a Founding Member of various organizations like NAREDCO MAHI and the Real Estate Women’s Wing of NAREDCO.
I hold an MBA in Marketing & International Business from Leeds University in the UK, which has provided me with a solid foundation in business strategy and global market dynamics.
As a CEO of the year, what would you like to demand in the coming budget for the women entrepreneurs in India?
As the honored CEO of the year, I stand at the forefront, a voice for change and progress. In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps – increased funding opportunities that go beyond token gestures, robust tax incentives that truly level the playing field, and strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the skill sets and networking capabilities of women entrepreneurs.
We are at a pivotal moment where unleashing the untapped potential of women-led businesses is not just a matter of equality but a strategic imperative for the nation’s economic development. The call is not for mere lip service but for the creation of an environment that not only supports but propels the growth of women entrepreneurs. It’s time for our budgetary allocations to reflect a commitment to inclusivity and to recognize the immense contributions that women entrepreneurs can make to our nation’s prosperity.
This is not just about gender equality; it’s about recognizing and harnessing the power of innovation, leadership, and economic contribution that women bring to the entrepreneurial landscape. As the CEO of the year, I urge policymakers to seize this opportunity, break through conventional barriers, and usher in a new era of empowerment for women entrepreneurs in India. The time for action is now, and together, we can build a future where every aspiring woman entrepreneur has the resources and support needed to thrive and lead.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship / by Mohd Naushad Khan / Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2024
SRINAGAR, JAN 27 (UNI):- Ghulam Nabi Dar, a 72-year-old master craftsman from Srinagar nominated with the Padma Shri for his contribution to wood carving, in Srinagar on Saturday. (With URDU Story) UNI PHOTO-13U
Srinagar :
In Srinagar, where the echo of chisels against wood harmonizes with the whispers of history, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a venerable 72-year-old maestro, has carved his way into the distinguished realm of the Padma Shri.
His unwavering dedication to the delicate dance between chisel and wood spans over six decades, a testament to the enduring love affair with his craft.
Through the rhythmic strokes of his skilled hands, Ghulam Nabi Dar has woven a narrative in wood, earning him a constellation of accolades that now converge in the dazzling brilliance of the Padma Shri.
The announcement of this national honor on the eve of the country’s 75th Republic Day crowns a lifetime of commitment, marking not just a personal triumph but a harmonious resonance with the nation’s celebratory spirit.
On January 27, the air in Dana Mazar Safakadal resonated with the symphony of celebration as the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir orchestrated a commendation ceremony at the residence of the venerable Ghulam Nabi Dar.
The purpose was to pay homage to his latest jewel in the crown – the Padma Shri, a resplendent recognition for his unparalleled contributions to the art of wood carving, with a particular mastery in working wonders on walnut.
Ghulam Nabi’s craftsmanship, a beacon of artistic brilliance, has been a steady force in the cultural landscape. The ceremony not only celebrated his recent honor but also showcased his illustrious journey, embellished with previous accolades such as the State Award in 1984 and the National Award in 1995. His artistic footprint extends far beyond the borders, painting a global canvas of appreciation in countries like Iraq, Germany, and Thailand, establishing him as a luminary on the international stage.
The coveted Padma Shri bestowed upon Ghulam Nabi Dar is hailed by many as more than a personal accolade; it’s a potential catalyst for the renaissance of a craft deeply rooted in the history of Kashmir.
A testament to the resilience of traditions that have endured the test of time, Dar reflects on his arduous journey with a spirit undeterred by adversity.
Born into hardship, Dar’s initiation into wood carving came at a tender age, a refuge from financial turmoil. Despite facing initial rejection from craftsmen unwilling to impart their trade, Dar’s perseverance guided him to Nooruddin Tikoo, a mentor who, despite a paralyzed hand, imparted his knowledge through intricate designs on paper.
Recounting his struggles, Dar narrates being expelled from school at the age of 10 due to his father’s financial losses. His journey led him to a wood carving unit in Sarai Safakadal, sparking an enduring passion for the art form. Determined, he faced rejection from numerous craftspeople but pressed on, thankful for the divine intervention that eventually led him to Tikoo.
As Dar’s artistic journey unfolded, he transcended traditional designs, crafting his own unique pieces inspired by nature. Recognition followed, with a state award in 1984 and an opportunity to showcase his skills in Baghdad during the early 1990s. The pinnacle of his craftsmanship arrived with the National Award in 1995-96.
Amidst the applause, Dar’s happiness resonates through his family. Acknowledging the transformative power of awards, he stresses the importance of government encouragement for artisans, fearing the loss of interest without such support.
Expressing gratitude for the Padma Shri, Dar underscores the critical role of government support in preserving traditional arts. He calls for the establishment of a comprehensive institution or workshop to train and incentivize young artisans, safeguarding the future of wood carving.
With his son following in his footsteps, Dar looks to the horizon with hope, emphasizing the imperative of sustained interest and support from both the government and the public for the seamless continuity of his cherished craft.
source: http://www.morningkashmir.com / Morning Kashmir / Home> Kashmir Latest / by Syed Snober / January 28th, 2024
Two people in Mirzapur have received the Padma Shri award. The first prize went to folk singer Urmila Srivastava and the second prize went to Khalil Ahmed. He has made a special contribution in the field of handmade durries.
Khaleel Ahmed / Photo: Amar Ujala
Thursday was a special day for Mirzapur district from the point of view of art, music and handicrafts. Along with Urmila Srivastava in folk singing, Khalil Ahmed was also selected for the Padma Shri award for his special contribution in the field of Handmade Durry, especially Panja Dari.
75-year-old Khalil, who hails from Imambara area, has not only been associated with the art form for three generations but has enriched it. Khalil was awarded the National Award in 2000 by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2007, he was awarded the most prestigious award of the Ministry of Textiles, Shilp Guru. His entire family is associated with the carpet business.
His three sons Rustam Sohrab, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jalil Ahmed are also associated with this art. Khaleel Ahmed expressed happiness on receiving the Padma Shri award. He said that this is the result of years of hard work and dedication. He said that this award will empower the new generation to join this genre. Explain that the carpet of Mirzapur has got a GI tag.
GI expert Dr. Rajinikanth said that Mirzapur’s handmade carpet is very special. Khaleel Ahmed has been associated with this task for years and gave it a new height. He wished him all the best for the award.
source: http://www.amarujala.com / Amar Ujala / Home> Hindi News> Uttar Pradesh> Mirzapur News / by Amar Ujala, News Desk (translated from the Hindi edition) / by Pragati Chand / January 26th, 2024
Inshorts CEO Azhar Iqubal speaks to IndiaToday.in about joining the latest season of ‘Shark Tank India.’
Azhar is seen as one of the 12 ‘sharks’ on the popular show.
Shark Tank India airs on SonyTV and SonyLIV.
The latest season of Shark Tank India will see Inshorts CEO Azhar Iqubal taking up charge as a ‘shark’. He would be one of the 12 leaders who would be picking up upcoming businesses to mentor. In a chat with IndiaToday.in, Iqubal shared how he had been inspired by many entrepreneurs while he was trying to build his career, and hopes to do the same with this show. He also said that fame was one of the primary reasons behind saying yes to ‘Shark Tank.’
Azhar Iqubal on joining Shark Tank India 3
“Shark Tank India takes entrepreneurship to masses. I have been inspired by many business people when I started out. I am a college dropout and if I can even give the confidence to someone to take that bet, it would be an achievement for me,” he shared.
Azhar Iqubal further added that he has followed the previous seasons, sometimes even on repeat: “I still remember the dialogues,” he added with a laugh. The entrepreneur also revealed that it was his ‘idea’ to take their business to Shark Tank India , and hence it was him who landed on the stage, instead of his co-founder.
When asked about his decision to drop out of IIT and start his business, Azhar Iqubal shared that his father was earning Rs 25k then. And he knew that even if he doesn’t complete college, he would get a job as a teacher for aspirants with double the salary: “I knew I had that backup so I could play that shot. I could lead a better lifestyle even if things didn’t work out. I decided to do business because I wanted to earn big. I realised that everyone rich in the country is an entrepreneur and I wanted the same for me.”
The previous ‘sharks’ have always spoken about how they became popular after the show. When asked if that was the reason he decided to be on the show, Azhar Iqubal laughed, “It was a big reason and I think every person wants that. Money, power, and fame is everything one wants, and enjoys. And if you are getting fame for something good, nothing better than that. I would be lying if I said it was not important.”
‘My mother shared that after being 10 years in Business …’
The business leader went on to recall a sweet moment where his mother told him how he has finally gained ‘recognition’ after so many years of being in business: “After the promos of the show dropped, people in my hometown started calling her. My mother shared that after 10 years of being an entrepreneur, people have finally recognised me and know that I have done something.”
Talking about himself, the businessman shared how he is a ‘number-driven’ man. Even when deciding to invest, Iqubal shared that he asks for numbers as he’s quite ‘objective’ and doesn’t take emotional decisions.
On a final note, the businessman shared that Shark Tank India 3 will see a great mix of old and new sharks, and hence, there would be a lot of changed dynamics: “Also, you would see a lot of pitchers from small towns on the show, which will be quite inspiring and entertaining for everyone,” Azhar Iqubal concluded.
Shark Tank India airs on SonyTV and SonyLIV.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Televison> Reality TV / by Sana Farzeen, Mumbai / January 23rd, 2024
The season three of the business reality show ‘Shark Tank India’ will see a self-made entrepreneur Adil Qadri, who has introduced the Sharks to a desi way of using attars.
Despite failing school in fourth grade due to asthma, Adil’s business has processed a whopping 10 lakh orders, averaging 3,000 per day.
From a software repairer to an SEO expert, he’s now the face of a brand that’s putting Bilimora on the map. Indeed, Adil proceeded to establish a business, defying the odds posed by his asthma.
His brand ‘ADILQADRI’ introduces a new way of using attars, emphasising long-lasting effects and premium packaging. However, Rs 6 crore debt sparks conflict among the Sharks.
Talking about his experience on ‘Shark Tank India’, Adil Qadri (Founder and CEO) said: “Appearing on Shark Tank India with our brand ADILQADRI was a whirlwind, a roller coaster of emotions and opportunities. The intense pitch sharpened my ability to face sharks’ questions and honed my strategic thinking.”
“Their feedback provided invaluable insights for refining my business model. The experience underscored the importance of composure in high-stakes situations, molding me into a resilient and articulate entrepreneur,” he added.
‘Shark Tank India 3’ will soon air on Sony LIV.
–IANS / sp/prw
source: http://www.bhaskarlive.in / Bhaskar Live / Home> Entertainment / by IANS / January 18th, 2024
Kalpakancheri (Malappuram District), KERALA / Dubai, U.A.E:
Indian recalls journey from being a fundraiser to rebuild a mosque to emerging a tycoon.
A young Azad Moopen at the inauguration of one of his clinics / Image Credit: Supplied
HIGHLIGHTS
Dr Azad Moopen came to the UAE in February 1987 to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri in Malappuram district, Kerala.
Dr Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai to start a clinic
In 2008, Dr Moopen invited a private equity firm to invest in the company and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $100 million.
In 2010 and 2011, Dr Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.
Aster DM is listed at NSE and BSE
Dubai:
Azad Moopen came to Dubai 34 years ago to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri, in the Malappuram district, Kerala. He needed Rs1 million then, or Dh250,000 as per the currency exchange rate in 1987. The plan was just to collect the funds and return home. He had no intention to settle in the UAE.
Destiny, however, had other plans for Moopen – a gold medallist in general medicine and a lecturer at the Calicut Medical College at the time. Looking back, Moopen said it was this noble intention that perhaps set the background for something big to happen in his life.
Fast forward to today, he is now a household name in the UAE. Just about everybody in the region knows him well as the multi-billion dollar businessman and developer of health-care facilities in the UAE and Asia-Pacific region. He is the chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, a conglomerate in the Middle East and India that Moopen founded in December 1987, just ten months after arriving in the UAE to raise funds for a mosque.
According to a report published in September 2018, he owned and managed 21 hospitals, 113 clinics and 216 pharmacies. The health-care company serves 50,000 patients a day in nine countries. In 2018, Aster treated 17 million patients across all its facilities. Of this these, 15 million patients were from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while two million were from India.
In 2017, Forbes ranked him sixth on the ‘Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE’ list and his total wealth was estimated at approximately $5.9 billion (Dh21.7 billion).
How it all started
“When I finished collecting money for the mosque reconstruction, my job was over in the UAE. It was time to return home, but when I went home, I was not happy. There was something pulling me back to this country as there was magic here,” said Moopen. “In June (1987), I came back on a visit to the UAE. I stayed with a friend in Ajman who was a doctor as well. There were plenty of opportunities for a doctor like me and I was raring to tap into some of them.”
Azad Moopen receives a Lifetime Achievement Award / Image Credit: Supplied
Moopen’s friend was setting up a clinic in Ajman and he invited him to join there as a physician. Back in the day, there were no post-graduate doctors practising in Ajman and Moopen, who was a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and a Doctor of Medicine, with a a Diploma in treating Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), was already highly qualified. In fact, his varied degrees made him quite a sought-after doctor in Ajman.
“But my friend bowled me a googlie, as we say in cricketing terms! He turned around one day and told me to start a clinic in Dubai. To be honest, I thought he did not like me and that’s why he was pushing me away to Dubai. But I took his advice and today, I believe he is my guardian angel. That moment, when I heeded his advise and came to Dubai, it was the turning point in my life. I know now he was a friend, he was a God-sent and he is ‘the person’ in my life.”
No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success.
– Azad Moopen
In December 1987, Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai close to the Port Rashid area. “Port Rashid was one of the main areas in Dubai where there were many ongoing activities. A lot of people worked here and I wanted to serve them.”
He said the consultation charges were between Dh10 and 15. Some people got reimbursement from their companies while others paid the bills from their pocket.
“The challenge, however, was collecting money from some blue collared workers who could not afford to pay even this amount. So every Tuesday we started offering free consultations for half a day. We also kept sample medicines which we gave to these workers.”
Within a year, the clinic started receiving 100 patients a day. There were just two doctors – Moopen and a gynaecologist.
Dr. Azad Moopen receiving an award from late Indian President APJ Kalam / Image Credit: Supplied
“I myself worked from 8 in the morning until mid-night. But it was becoming very congested and we needed to move to a bigger place,” he said. “I found a three-bedroom apartment in Al Rafa and we moved there. We hired two more doctors – both paediatricians. We were able to see more patients as a result.”
By that time in 1988, Moopen was getting a hang of running a health-care facility. “One of the things we discovered early on was that people came to us for consultation, but were picking up medicines from another pharmacy. So, we thought why not make this in-house? And that is how Al Rafa Pharmacy was born.”
Moopen said that in 2008, he had his real brush with success. “Until then, I was just doing my job of opening clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. I was not really counting or sitting down to see and evaluate the success of my business. In 2008, as part of our expansion plans, we invited a private equity firm to invest with us. They valued our company at $100 million and that reality hit me. We had grown and how! It was an emotional moment for me, reading the valuation report and made me think of how hard the company staff and me had worked to bring it that far,” he said.
Dr. Azad Moopen with his youngest daughter Zeba Moopen who is now a practicing doctor / Image Credit: Supplied
In 2012, a second private equity firm came on board and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $400 million. “This means we had grown four times in four years. It was massive.”
Today, Aster DM is listed at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the company’s total revenue in 2019 was fixed at a massive $1.4 billion.
Reason behind this phenomenal success
“Without batting an eyelid I will say that it is my staff, my people, my doctors who have made this company successful. I am blessed and lucky to have these people working for me for decades. Our doctor turnover at the consultant level is as low as five per cent. This means our doctors practically never leave us. And, because of this, our patients never leave us.
Azad Moopen with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during the latter’s book launch. / Image Credit: Supplied
“No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success. To give you an example, the other day, one of my CEOs brought me a staff member’s performance report. He wanted me to fire him as he was not performing well. When I saw the report I realised he was an old friend’s son. This friend, I remember, had loaned me Dh500 when I had come to the UAE for the first time.”
“As the memories flooded me, I simply refused to sign the sack letter. Instead, I called this young boy and his father and told them about the report. From my part, I have given this boy a second chance. I pray he will make use of the opportunity given to him.”
Challenges
Dr. Moopen during one of his philanthropic activities / Image Credit: Supplied
“There are always challenges in business. If you want your career graph to have a smooth ride, then you must not pick business as your profession. Success in business lies in finding your challenges and meeting them head-on,” said Moopen.
“For example, the UAE’s mandatory insurance has proved to be beneficial for the consumer, but for health-care providers like us, it is a challenge. People would come to us because of our credibility. Now, it has to do with the kind of insurance coverage they have.”
Philanthropy the way to life
Moopen has pledged to give 20 per cent of his wealth to charity. An off-shoot of this has been the ‘Aster Volunteers’ programme to help patients with free consultations, treatment and surgeries. More than 900,000 lives have been touched by the programme.
Dr. Moopen with his family in an earlier picture / Image Credit: Supplied
In 2010 and 2011, Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.
Dr. Azad Moopen awarded the coveted Padma Shri in 2011 / Image Credit: Supplied
“By God’s grace, I have everything in life. Name, fame, wealth, a great family. It is my duty and responsibility now to help others. When I started out, I was in the right place at the right time with the right people. I want others to be in my shoes. I am nearing retirement and my only dream now is to hand over my business to my team of professionals who, I believe, will do a better job than me.”
The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Padma Shri Award to Prof. (Dr.) M. Ahmed Ali, at an Investiture Ceremony II, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 01, 2011./ pix: en.wikipedia.org
Dr. Ahmed Ali can perhaps scale Mount Everest to gain knowledge in surgery, and will come back to serve the poor and needy. That is the thirst he has, and the skill gained by his extra ordinary, photographic memory power.
After obtaining the highest degree in surgery such as M.Ch, he was awarded the prestigious Doctor of Science D.Sc.in surgery.
The Padma Shree Awardees, listed on January 31, 2011, Dr. Ahmed Ali, won the nation’s prestigious award.
A dedicated, and most devoted to his profession, he declined an opportunity, assigned in New York soon after post graduation in gastroenterology and proctology. Surgery is an art to him same as a gifted and a born artist plays with his brush and colors. There is no exaggeration that if it is said that his tournament is surgery.
He visits every month to his native town to impart free service, in addition he gives nutrient suppliments and other vitamins and other additives to less fortunates. He does this as a token of gratitude to the school he studied and for the people who mutually loved.
Born in Ambur in 1940, graduated from Madras Medical College, and after retiring from service, he is concentrating his profession in Mehtha Nursing Home,Chetpet in Chennai.
His only son Dr. Mansoor is a surgical specialist in liver, pancreas, and bile duct (Hepato Pancreato Bilary Specialist) working in Kings Hospital, London UK. Dr. Mansoor is as good as his father, and was the student of Dr. Rela, the world renowned liver specialist.
Ambur, a town in Vellore District in Tamil Nadu is famous for leather industry, as well the elite of the society Ambur Muslim Educational Society, and it is fully devoted in concentrating women’s education and the students performance is par excellent.
Mr. Mecca Rafeeque Ahmed, a renowned leather industrialist, from Ambur also awarded Padma Shree for his industrial achievements.
Dr. Ali was felicitated with standing ovation by different groups elites, but he stood humble and modest.
source: http://www.amityindias.blogspot.com / April 05th, 2011
Dr Valli is the scientist who made the world realise the importance of food grains
He had a comfortable US job that he left to return to India and make it healthy. More than two decades since he launched his mission, India’s ‘Millet Man’ Dr Khadar Valli Dudekula was recognised by the government of India with the civilian honour Padma Shri during the 74th Republic Day celebrations on Thursday, January 26.
Dr Valli is the scientist who made the world realise the importance of food grains. He has numerous researches to his name and has worked extensively for revival of grains over 20 years. As per The Better India, Dr Valli woke up to the problem of diet-related consequences in society around 1986-87 when he came across the case of a girl who had started menstruating at 6 years of age. Shocked by this, he decided to return to his country in 1997 and settled in Mysuru to work towards a healthy society rather than in a foreign nation.
Dr Valli is an independent scientist and food expert. In his pioneering work, he has revived five types of disappearing millets. He is a leading advocate of Millet cultivation and use. He was born in a humble background in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh. He pursued his BSc (Education) and MSc (Education) from Regional College of Education, Mysuru before earning a PhD in Steroids from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Besides being an agricultural scientist, he is also a homoeopath.
After completing education in India, he became a postdoctoral fellow in environmental science at Beaverton, Oregon for three years. He then worked as a scientist with Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) for four years before working with DuPont for a year in India and four plus years in the US. He discovered medicinal properties of grains during his research and named 5 specific types of grains he prescribed as “Siridhanyalu”.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> India / by DNA Web Team / January 28th, 2023
Mohammed Imtiaz, right, and his nephew Mohammed Shahbaz Reyaz are seen at their Pen Hospital in Kolkata on Nov. 30, 2023. (Mohammed Shahbaz Reyaz)
Pen Hospital in Chowringhee Lane in Kolkata was established in 1940s
It is increasingly catering to young people rediscovering fine writing instruments
The nondescript facade with a fading nameplate misses the attention of passersby at Chowringhee Lane in Kolkata, remaining a go-to place only for connoisseurs who still cherish the old-fashioned art of handwriting.
In its quiet and quaint interior, a visitor can try thousands of vintage and high-end fountain pens from brands like Montblanc, Parker, Pilot, Visconti, Wilson, Waterman, Pelikan, or Sheaffer, and watch as Mohmmad Imtiaz brings them back to life.
The Pen Hospital represents a bygone era in an age of instant electronic messaging, but it still draws lawyers, academics and collectors from across India and, lately, also young people who have been increasingly attracted to fine writing instruments.
Established in the 1940s by Imtiaz’s great-grandfather Mohammed Shamsuddin, the shop has stayed in the family ever since. Imtiaz’s partner behind the counter is Mohammed Shahbaz Reyaz, the son of his late brother.
“Despite the popularity of high-tech laptops and iPads, pens are also getting popular and that’s the reason I have roped in my nephew into the business. My son will join, too,” Imtiaz told Arab News.
“There is a renewed interest in fountain pens among the new generation. Today, half of my customers are younger people and this gives me hope.”
Depending on the model, it costs between 25 cents and $60 to have a pen “treated” at the Pen Hospital. Sometimes, parts of older or rarer pens need to be procured from different sources.
Imtiaz repairs seven to eight pens a day on his “operation table” — the shop’s counter.
“Sometimes the workload is so high that some customers have to wait a week for an appointment,” he said.
There used to be many such shops during the time of Imtiaz’s great-grandfather and grandfather, but most ceased to exist in the 1990s, when cheap, disposable ball pens hit the mass market in India.
Now, Imtiaz believes his Pen Hospital is the “only shop in eastern India” that still deals in the trade, which began to thrive again only a few years ago.
“Things started taking up after the COVID-19 pandemic. Long periods of lockdown forced many people to read and write, and people started coming with old fountain pens for repair,” he said. “Some people discovered vintage pens in their cupboards. They have not used them for decades.”
His shop has a special value for collectors like Sarthak Ganguly, a media professional, who has been visiting the Pen Hospital for almost 20 years.
“The Pen Hospital is the only place in Kolkata where you can look for some nice vintage pens,” he said.
“Here you will get a fountain pen that can cost you from $1.20 up to $1,200. Many fountain pen collectors, like me, have at least 1,000 old and new fountain pens. Most of my pens have been collected from the Pen Hospital.”
In a city like Kolkata, known as the cultural capital of India, writing with a pen brings together craftsmanship, style and a touch of nostalgia — something that younger people are increasingly fond of.
It is mostly the new generation of collectors that Ganguly sees at the shop in the morning.
“The young generation is buying fountain pens and that is really heartening,” he said.
“The Pen Hospital not only has nostalgic value, but also it is a pleasure to visit such an iconic shop. It reminds you of history.”
source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home> World / by Sanjay Kumar / December 13th, 2023
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