Ikram Ahmed Khan is gearing up to introduce, International Forum for Trade and Business (IfTab)
In the realm of business networking, Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Ikram Ahmed Khan is gearing up to introduce a groundbreaking platform—the International Forum for Trade and Business (IfTab). With a slated soft launch in December, IfTab aims to redefine the way professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders connect on a global scale.
Ikram Ahmed Khan’s Trailblazing Background:
A serial entrepreneur driven by a passion for innovation, Khan embarked on his business journey in 2004. With nearly two decades of experience and a proven track record in various ventures, he is the force behind Spacewell Ventures Pvt Ltd, where cutting-edge solutions in personalizations and customizations are the norm.
Khan is also the founder of IKRAMAAC Properties, a consultancy committed to transforming real estate aspirations into reality.
His venture into the art world led to the creation of Callithon.com, a platform dedicated to the promotion of calligraphy.
Khan’s impact extends far beyond the realm of business. As a devoted Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Bangalore Koramangala, he has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to community service. He is also the founder of the Spacewell Foundation, an organization with a focus on local community development and well-being.
Introducing IfTab – A Forum for Global Collaboration:
Set to soft launch in December, IfTab is poised to be a dynamic and innovative international forum for trade and business. Khan envisions it as a platform that brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, fostering valuable connections and collaborations worldwide.
IfTab will operate on an invitation-only basis, a departure from traditional networking platforms. Khan emphasizes communication through social media platforms like LinkedIn, steering clear of WhatsApp groups. The forum will offer training sessions led by industry professionals, business/investors meetups, and extensive networking opportunities, targeting markets from B2C/D2C to B2B on both local and global fronts.
Distinguishing Features and Benefits:
IfTab sets itself apart with its invitation-only membership, inter-state seminars, and exhibitions. It promises skill development workshops and emphasizes privacy by avoiding WhatsApp groups. Beyond networking, IfTab aims to provide resources for professional development, collaborative projects, mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, international exposure, and media/public relations support.
When asked about the motivation behind IfTab, Khan stated, “I wanted to create a platform where people not just network with people, but also get to learn something.” With this vision in mind, IfTab is positioned to be more than just a networking hub—it’s an ecosystem where innovation meets collaboration, and professionals can learn, grow, and connect globally.
As the soft launch date approaches in December, the business community eagerly awaits the unveiling of IfTab. With Khan’s track record of turning ideas into successful ventures, IfTab is poised to be a game-changer in the world of global business networking.
A new factory near Chennai is set to start making popular foam footwear Crocs in India as the brand tries to diversify its manufacturing beyond China and Vietnam.
JR One Footwear, a joint venture between Phoenix Kothari Footwear and Shoetown Footwear, will start manufacturing ‘Crocs’ at its new factory near Chennai from November 28, 2023.
The foundation stone for the factory was laid by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in 2022. “The (Tamil Nadu) factory has been built in a record time of one year. This stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Phoenix Kothari Footwear team and its commitment,” said Phoenix Kothari Footwear Chairman J Rafiq Ahmed in a statement.
The new factory, which will specialise in making Crocs, is opening about a year after Tamil Nadu became the first state in the country to launch an exclusive footwear and leather goods policy. It is spread across 50 acres within a footwear park developed by Phoenix-Kothari Footwear at SIPCOT Industrial Park in Perambalur — about 250 kilometres to the south of Chennai.
The factory is expected to generate 4,000 jobs. The Phoenix Kothari Footwear park, which has tied up with internationally renowned brands such as Nike, Adidas, Skechers and Puma, among others, is estimated to create more than 50,000 jobs totally. “The Perambalur footwear cluster is expected to provide significant job opportunities for women. This is also expected to give a big push to the social development goals of the state,” Ahmed added.
The integrated cluster is expected to promote self-sufficiency by reducing import reliance and fostering indigenous footwear production. With the big international brands seeking to rely less on China in the post-Covid era, it is also expected to position itself as a footwear production hub.
Phoenix Kothari Footwear Limited is promoted by both Kothari Industrial Corporation Limited and Taiwan’s Evervan Group. The business committed to investments totalling Rs 1,700 crore when it signed a memorandum of understanding with the government’s agency to promote investments in the state Guidance Tamil Nadu in August 2022.
In August 2022, Tamil Nadu unveiled a Footwear and Leather Products Policy 2022, through which it aims to attract investments to the tune of ₹20,000 crore and create over two lakh jobs. This policy will be valid till March 31, 2025, and will be periodically revised.
source: http://www.businesstoday.in / Business Today / Home> News> Latest> Corporate / by Vidya S / November 17th, 2023
The narrative is lucid, and the book is an important read for individuals, policymakers and think tanks to understand the ground reality.
pix: amazon.in
Written by an independent scholar Omar Khalidi, the book Muslims in Indian Economy tries to describe the economic condition of Muslims in India. The narrative is lucid, and Khalidi’s target audience are laymen along with policymakers and think tanks.
The whole book is divided into two major sections. The first is the description of the economic condition of Muslims at the pan-India level. It has two sub-sections dealing with the economic status of Muslims: in colonial India and Independent India. The second major section is the description of the economic conditions of Muslims in the six states of India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. These two sections are followed and preceded by an introduction and conclusion chapter, respectively.
Written by an independent scholar Omar Khalidi, the book Muslims in Indian Economy tries to describe the economic condition of Muslims in India. The narrative is lucid, and Khalidi’s target audience are laymen along with policymakers and think tanks.
The book states that the revolt of 1857 and the Partition of India in 1947 were the two most important events that affected the lives of Muslims. The Mutiny of 1857 nearly completed the destruction of the Muslim aristocracy in northern India, thus curtailing the prospects of the soldiery, intelligentsia and artisans dependent on feudal patronage. However, the event which affected a significant population of the Muslims of South Asia was the partition of India. It had severe economic consequences, as the poorer Muslims had to stay in India without any protection from the elites. Some Congress leaders also took an anti-Muslim stance during the partition. Similarly, Operation Polo had an enormously negative impact on the Deccani Muslims.
From its extensive research, the book elucidates how a detailed description and analysis of the state of education among Muslims during British times are absent. An 1870 report shows Muslim students to be a lower percentage when compared to other communities. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs sponsored a survey in 1981 of forty-five districts in states with a large Muslim population. It showed that Muslim enrolment in elementary, secondary, and high schools was poor.
This is not to deny that Muslim elites in various parts of the country made efforts for the promotion of modern education. Nawab Syed Wilayat Ali Khan’s efforts for Patna College, Syed Ahmad Khan’s for MAO College, which later became AMU and Khan Bahadur Mir Abu Saeed’s endeavours for an educational society in 1865 in Bihar need to be focussed upon.
The whole book is divided into two major sections. The first is the description of the economic condition of Muslims at the pan-India level. It has two sub-sections dealing with the economic status of Muslims: colonial India and Independent India. The second major section is the description of the economic conditions of Muslims in the six states of India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. These two sections are followed and preceded by an introduction and conclusion chapter, respectively.
Jawaharlal Nehru and his colleagues like Mahavir Tyagi (Minister of State for Defense) were well aware of the declining number of Muslims in the central services and armed forces in the 1950s. Suren Navlakha, in a study of the elite Central officers like IAS and IES, found that there is a proportionate representation of all religious groups except Muslims and Buddhists. Muslims are not in proportion to their population in the Railways, Armed Forces, and various PSUs.
A Panel headed by Gopal Singh (1983) showed that the economic condition of Indian Muslims was at par with that of the Scheduled Castes. A vast majority of Muslims are landless labourers. More Muslims are unemployed than Hindus. The majority of the big trading and banking concerns are Hindu owned, where Muslims and Dalits are nominal. Contrary to popular perceptions, Muslim women, especially those of the working class, are involved in economic activities.
The book stresses how a major educational institution such as Jamia Millia Islamia also became a victim of the partition and was forced to move from its campus in Karol Bagh to Okhla. It also explains how before Independence, Urdu was the language of instruction in a number of schools. Since the early 1950s, Urdu has been edged out of government schools. One reason many Muslim organisations want to establish their own schools is to escape this discrimination.
One of the major reasons for the poor education among Muslims is the discrimination by both the State and the society. A survey in Delhi showed that poor Muslims are concerned about female education. A psycho-social examination of slum-dwelling Hindus and Muslims showed no difference in positive attitude toward education.
The book stresses how a major educational institution such as Jamia Millia Islamia also became a victim of the partition and was forced to move from its campus in Karol Bagh to Okhla. It also explains how before Independence, Urdu was the language of instruction in a number of schools. Since the early 1950s, Urdu has been edged out of government schools. One reason many Muslim organisations want to establish their own schools is to escape this discrimination.
Similarly, the book concludes that the major reason behind poverty among Muslims is discrimination in the job market. It can be as overt as anti-Muslim pogroms and/ or as systemic as State apathy. Interpersonal discrimination is usually couched in the form of efficiency. Unlike the stereotypical image of Muslim women, various studies find that Muslim women are not averse to earning their own living if conditions are proper. Daily wage earners are normally a highly insecure group dependent on the management’s hire or fire at will. The book narrates how sometimes the government itself has segregated Muslim artisans from the mainstream of business at international fairs!
It has been well established by vast scholarship that communal violence is mainly to quell the upward economic mobility of Muslims. It happens particularly in places where Muslims have either made inroads into or displaced Hindu businesses. As long as the Hindu-Muslim relationship in businesses remains asymmetrical, peace tends to prevail.
Throughout the books, various issues come to light. Political representation for religious minorities was accepted by Vallabhbhai Patel in 1947 but rejected later. Recent scholarship has shown that discrimination against Muslims and Dalits is rampant in the private sector. Muslim Dalits and Christian Dalits do not get SC status. Leaders like Ijaz Ali demands giving SC status to OBC Muslims.
Years after years, the government has constituted committees to estimate poverty among Muslims and the policies to remove it. The majority of those were just for tokenism. For example, Justice Ranganathan Mishra headed National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), and Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui headed National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), and Justice Rajindar Sachar headed the Prime Minister’s High-Level Committee for the Muslim Community of India (PMHCMCI).
This book must be read by all those who are sensitive to the plight of minorities in an increasingly parochial society and development practitioners who work for an inclusive plural society.
Zeeshan Husain has done BSc (AMU), and MSW (TISS). He is presently pursuing PhD in sociology from JNU. His research interest is in the society and polity of Uttar Pradesh. You can find him on Twitter.
Historians and enthusiasts are taking public education into their own hands to tell the story of the country’s Muslim communities.
The Chronicles of Mehrauli heritage walk. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalThe walk takes visitors through Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Sonia Sarkar for The Nationalit is led by Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalIt is one of the oldest inhabited places in the subcontinent. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalMehrauli is rich in historical ruins, tombs and monuments from many eras of Delhi’s past. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalThe Qutb Minar heritage tour. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalPigeon-watching on a tour. Photo: Purani Dilli Walon Ki BaateinA kotha, now a private property, in old Delhi taken during the walk titled ‘Tawaifs and Kothas: Exploring Chawri Bazaar’ by Enroute Indian History. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalThe road leading to Jama Masjid in old Delhi, with guide Anoushka Jain showing an old picture of the same road in the 19th century. Sonia Sarkar for The NationalA tour group on the steps of Jama Masjid. Photo: Enroute Indian History
Chaotic narrow lanes lined with opulent old mansions, shops selling spices, dried fruits and kebabs, all overhung by dangling power cables – any trip to Old Delhi, a bustling Muslim hub built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, is a full sensory experience.
Abu Sufyan weaves through the crowd with about 20 people in tow, making his way through streets smelling of flatbread soaked in ghee, the call to prayer at a nearby mosque mingling with the bells of a Hindu temple.
He is on a mission to change negative perceptions of Muslims by showing visitors more of their history in the capital.
“People in old Delhi were labelled as ‘terrorists’ and ‘pickpockets’ because they were predominantly Muslims from the lower economic background, and Mughal rulers were vilified as cruel invaders, as they were considered the ancestors to Indian Muslims,” Abu Sufyan, 29, says.
“My walks involve the local community members including calligraphers, pigeon racers, cooks and weavers with ancestral links in the Mughal era to showcase old Delhi’s heritage beyond these stereotypes.”
Abu Sufyan is one of a growing crop of enterprising men and women using the medium of heritage walks to educate the Indian public and tourists on the nation’s lesser-known history.
He started his walks in 2016, when hatred against Muslim communities was on the rise after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party introduced several anti-Muslim policies.
People walk on a road earlier named Aurangzeb Road, after the Mughal emperor, now renamed to Dr. A. P. J Abdul Kalam, India’s former president, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 2, 2022. / AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
In 2015, a BJP politician urged the local civic body in Delhi to change the name of Aurangzeb Road to APJ Abdul Kalam Road. The civic body immediately obliged, removing the reference to the Mughal ruler from the road by naming it after the former president of India, who was always considered a “patriotic” Muslim.
Later, the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act caused further division, as critics said it could be weaponised against Muslims, who are designated as “foreigners” under the National Register of Citizens.
Occasionally, divisions lead to violence: Thirty-six Muslims were killed in Hindu mob attacks for allegedly trading cattle or consuming beef between May 2015 and December 2018, according to Human Rights Watch.
‘A sense of belonging and togetherness’
Chennai city is also a major cultural site, offering many things to do and sights to see. Frederic Soltan / Corbis
Over 2,000 kilometres away in Chennai, documentary filmmaker Kombai S Anwar hosts walks in Triplicane to tell stories of Tamil Muslim history, Tamil Nadu’s pre-Islamic maritime trade links with West Asia, the arrival of Arab traders, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s rule, the appointment of a Mughal minister’s son Zulfikhar Ali Khan as the first Nawab of Arcot, and the lives of the subsequent nawab’s descendants.
“Predominantly, non-Muslims participate in these walks because they are ‘curious’ about local Muslims and their heritage. During [Ramadan], they are invited to the historic Nawab Walaja mosque, where they experience the breaking of fast and partake in the iftar meal,” Mr Anwar says.
Tickets for heritage walks across India range between 200 and 5,000 Indian rupees ($2-60).
Historian Narayani Gupta, who conducted heritage walks in Delhi between 1984-1997, said any controversy related to history generates more interest.
“Whether history is right or wrong or good or bad, it has to be backed by research findings,” she says.
17th-century Jami Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Unsplash
Saima Jafari, 28, a project manager at an IT firm, who has attended more than 30 heritage walks in the past five years, says it is hard to ignore the historical monuments in the city since they are almost everywhere.
Delhi-based Ms Jafari recalled one of her best experiences was a walk, in 2021, trailing the path of “Phool Waalon Ki Sair”, an annual procession of Delhi florists, who provide sheets of flowers and floral fans at the shrine of Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and floral fans and a canopy at the ancient Hindu temple of Devi Yogmaya in Mehrauli.
“When I walked along with others in that heritage walk, I realised that heritage enthusiasts across religion walk together in harmony,” Ms Jafari says.
“One of the best parts of heritage walks is the storytelling that connects places with lives of people of a certain period. Plus, it always gives a sense of belonging and togetherness.”
Anoushka Jain, 28, a postgraduate in history and founder of heritage and research organisation Enroute Indian History, which holds walks to explore the erstwhile “kothas (brothels),” and “attariyas (terraces)” of old Delhi, said during pandemic lockdowns, posts on Instagram helped sparked interest.
“Before the pandemic, barely 40 people participated in two weekly walks as opposed to 50 in each of the four weekly walks which we conduct now,” she says.
But it is not all smooth sailing.
Ms Jain says some people feel uncomfortable when they are given historical facts and research that show Hindu and Jain temples constructed by Rajput rulers were repurposed during the rule of Delhi Sultanate, Qutb ud-Din Aibak.
Iftekhar Ahsan, 41, chief executive of Calcutta Walks and Calcutta Bungalow, adds that sometimes, participants come with preconceived notions that Muslims “destroyed” India for more 1,000 years – but walk leaders hold open conversations to “cut through the clutter” with authentic information.
For some, heritage walks often change perceptions.
“Until I visited mosques in old Delhi during a walk, I didn’t know that women were allowed inside mosques,” law student Sandhya Jain told The National.
But history enthusiast Sohail Hashmi, who started leading heritage walks in Delhi 16 years ago, cautions that some walk leaders present popular tales as historical fact.
A mansion called Khazanchi ki Haveli in old Delhi’s Dariba Kalan is presented as the Palace of the Treasurer of the Mughals by some walk leaders, Mr Hashmi says. The Mughals, however, were virtual pensioners of the Marathas – Marathi-speaking warrior group mostly from what is now the western state of Maharashtra – and later the British and had no treasures left by the time the mansion was built in the late 18th or early 19th century.
Another walk leader had photo-copied an 1850 map of Shahjahanabad, now old Delhi, passing it off as his own research, he adds.
“The walk leaders must be well-read and responsible enough to ensure that the myths are debunked,” Mr Hashmi says.
source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> World> Asia / by Sonia Sarkar / June 01st, 2023
On the sidelines of the educational seminars, various stalls and exhibitions on environment, and business have also been set up at the community’s sports ground in Khaimat al-Riyada to provide a holistic learning experience to the attendees.
Mufaddal Saifuddin is the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community (Express File Photo)
The leader of the global Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, arrived in Surat from Rajkot on Thursday on the occasion of ‘Istifada Ilmiyya’ (education seminar). He will be in the city till first week of November.
Every year, the education seminar — ‘Istifada Ilmiyya’ — is held in Surat that is graced by his presence, said organisers. ‘Istifada Ilmiyya’ comprises a series of learning and skill development sessions that cover a wide variety of topics such as Islamic philosophy, history, and jurisprudence, as well as contemporary topics. The attendees include students, business people, professionals, and teachers as well as members of Syedna’s administration, and graduates of the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy.
Thousands of community members annually register their presence at the event. This year, the event kicked off on Friday, and myriad programmes will continue till the first week of November.
Hatim Fakhar, public relations coordinator for the Dawoodi Bohras in Surat, said, “The anticipation and excitement to host thousands of attendees for this annual educational seminar in Surat are palpable, and we hope we will be able to provide them with a memorable experience. This year, the event is even more special as we will mark the 80th birthday of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin on 3rd November.”
“We are grateful to the local authorities and government agencies for rendering their timely support and assistance as always in hosting thousands of community members in the city,” Fakhar added,
A large number of members of the Dawoodi Bohra community have already arrived in Surat from various parts of India and the world to attend the events in the Zampa Bazaar area on Thursday. With the venue intricately decorated, boasting of colourful lights and freshly painted buildings, hundreds of volunteers are also present to guide visitors.
The Surat unit of the community had been preparing for the event over the last 15 days by hiring open grounds and plots on rent and by erecting tents with various facilities for visitors to stay. Besides hotel rooms, several houses in Zampa Bazar, Sagrampura, Begampura, Salabatpura (walled city areas) have been rented out for visitors. Apart from this, the organisers have also arranged staff to maintain cleanliness on roads and halls. . Apart from this, Burhani Foundation & local organisers have also arranged staff to maintain cleanliness on roads and halls.
The Zampa Bazaar area in Surat is home to a large number of members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in India, where one can find religious places, an Arabic university, and shops run by the community.
On the sidelines of the educational seminars, various stalls and exhibitions on environment, and business have also been set up at the community’s sports ground in Khaimat al-Riyada to provide a holistic learning experience to the attendees.
Ummehani Ismail, a lawyer and a mother of two who travelled from the United States to attend the annual seminar, said, “Every year, I look forward to attending these seminars which have helped me develop new skills and broaden my knowledge base and understanding on various aspects of life. These sessions empower me to be a better person and create a positive impact on society. Throughout the event, we engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend workshops, and benefit from the speakers’ insights.”
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Surat / by Express News Service, Surat / October 21st, 2023
Jaan Nissar Lone was graced with the illustrious global humanitarian award by the World Humanitarian Drive. He is mainly known for his song ‘Harmukh Bartal’ featured in Manoj Bajpai Starrer Webseries ‘The Family Man’. This momentous occasion, graced by esteemed luminaries, reverberated with the essence of his contributions to the realm of music, particularly his role in fostering a sense of unity among diverse populations, including those residing in the picturesque yet troubled valley of Kashmir.
Jaan Nissar Lone’s musical artistry has transcended geographical confines and tugged at the heartstrings of individuals from all walks of life. His melodious compositions served as a wellspring of inspiration, galvanizing countless souls to embark on a journey characterized by love and mutual comprehension, not just for their homeland but for the entire global community. Through his educational music videos, he has empowered a legion of youthful enthusiasts to partake in endeavors aimed at heightening awareness of human unity, thus laying the foundation for a more harmonious and all-encompassing world.
The World Humanitarian Drive lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations.
The ‘World Humanitarian Drive’ founder Dr Abdul Basit Syed lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations. Lone’s journey as a musician and humanitarian transcends borders, languages, and cultures to promote harmony and peace worldwide. His work resonates with people globally, earning him recognition as a symbol of peace and tranquillity.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Times Entertainment> Hindi> Music / November 08th, 2023
Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain’s scientific research has changed the complicated regimen for the diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and the Indian Basmati getting its patent and trademark in the UK in the fight against the Pakistani variant. This Bihar-born scientists’ findings have saved patients suffering from Drug-Resistant TB money and time and helped the Indian government and farmers earn through exports of the Basmati.
He told Awaz-the Voice in an interview that the government of India has taken at least two major policy decisions based on his research. “One decision was that previously the testing of tuberculosis (TB) was based upon antibody-antigen reaction. So, the antibody formed was based on the antigen of a bacterial protein, and the sequence (genetic) used was mostly European or American isolates.
“When I did sequencing in India, I found out that the Indian variant is completely different. Therefore, the test could give false positives or negatives…. I published this finding and had a meeting with the DG of ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) and recommended that the tests based on foreign kits be banned and that made a big impact.”
The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Prof. Seyed E. Hasnain, renowned biologist, at an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 29, 2006.
Padma Shri recipient Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain said. E. Hasnain was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest Civilian decoration of Germany in 2014. Nature, a famous scientific journal, reported on his receiving the award, “With the Order of Merit, he joins the league of outstanding personalities from various fields including Nobel laureate biologist Paul Herman Muller, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and music conductor John Crosby.”
In 2006, he received Padma Shri in recognition of his scientific work. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1995) and J. C. Bose Fellowship (2006), two of the most prestigious Indian Awards in the field of science have also come his way apart from numerous other decorations.
Hasnain was born in Gaya, Bihar in 1954. He was born seven years after India had attained independence. At that time Bihar was not the most developed of the Indian states. Hasnain’s father was a college lecturer and he nursed a dream of studying abroad. He studied at the Nazareth Academy, an expensive school in the town. It’s said that almost 20% of his father’s salary would go into children’s school fees.
He did his M.Sc. from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. However, though he was selected for his post-graduation studies by Harvard University, for some reason he could not join.
In 1981, Hasnain moved to Canada as a Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF). He worked in Canada and the USA for the next six years. At this stage, his father asked him to return home to serve his country and people. He was advised by many people that he must try to get his green card before moving back to India.
Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain with Dr Venky Ramakrishna, Nobel Prize Winner and President of Royal Society, UK, in Cambridge
In 1987, he joined the National Institute of Immunology (NII) as a scientist. Hasnain says, “I thought that after getting a green card, I would have a fall-back and a plan B. I did not want a plan B. My plan was the only plan A. I will work in India and do something good in India.”
Hasnain broke the convention by not continuing the research he was doing abroad. He started afresh and soon made a name for himself in research of baculoviruses. He established a baculovirus insect cell expression system (BEVS) for the first time in India and used this to express foreign genes and also to ask fundamental questions concerning gene expression in BEVS. The idea was to make India a scientific power.
Hasnain says that when his career was at the peak with research on baculovirus one day, Dr. Sandeep Basu, the then director of NII, asked him, “Seyed, you are publishing in good journals, it is fine, but how does humanity benefit? What is India gaining out of it? How are the common men benefiting from your papers? Doing research is good but do something which will benefit the common man.”
This was the turning point in Hasnain’s life and career. He says “I decided to do something where I can do direct application.” He started his research on tuberculosis.
Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain at the Global Health Conference organized by the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, Halle, Germany
Hasnain initiated studies on molecular epidemiology and genetics of multi-drug resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis (M.tb). He says, “second important observation that was published, again the first time in the world. We used to test TB for drug resistance. The bacteria was tested against each drug. I showed with my study that if the bacteria are resistant to one drug then it will be resistant to almost all other drugs. I established the correlation and proposed that you don’t need to do multi-drug resistance testing for all the drugs. Just test one drug rifampicin and if it is confirmed then 95%-99% of drugs will be resisted by the bacteria. That has become a standard treatment all over the world. He is still working on developing cheaper methods of diagnosing TB.
In 1999 Hasnain was invited as the first director of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. It was based on his work on Indian Basmati Rice DNA fingerprinting that India won the Patent case against Pakistan enabling the export of the Indian Basmati to the UK. This prevented a major economic loss to India. Subsequently, the Ministry of Commerce established the CDFD-APEDA Basmati DNA Analysis Centre, where all Basmati exports are certified.
Hasnain also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (2005-11), and Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and is currently A National Science Chair of SERB, at the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at IIT-Delhi.
Hasnain Mantra is: “Nothing is a substitute for hard work.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / November 03rd, 2023
One such figure on the list is Azim Premji, the IT magnate from Wipro, who along with his family gave Rs 1774 crore, making him the second most generous person in India. Premji’s donation has exceeded Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani’s contribution, which was Rs 376 crore.
DNA Web Team / Updated: Nov 02, 2023, 07:14 PM IST
Indian millionaires have been recognised for participating in several charitable endeavours to give back to the community across a variety of fields. The Hurun India Philanthropy List includes some well-known people, like Shiv Nadar of HCL and Mukesh Ambani, the head of Reliance.
One such figure on the list is Azim Premji, the IT magnate from Wipro, who along with his family gave Rs 1774 crore, making him the second most generous person in India. Premji’s donation has exceeded Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani’s contribution, which was Rs 376 crore.
Who is Azim Premji?
Azim Premji, a Mumbai native, served as Wipro’s chairman and is currently a non-executive member. Hashim Premji was the name of his affluent businessman father. Azim graduated from Stanford University in 1966 with a degree in electrical engineering. Following his father’s death in 1966, Premji left Stanford to manage the family’s cooking oil company before branching out into software.
Remarkably, he used distance learning to finish his engineering degree from the institution in 1999. Azim Premji has built an enormous empire and is referred to be the “Czar” of the IT sector. Wipro has an innovation centre in Silicon Valley where they work with entrepreneurs and create new technologies.
Rishad, Premji’s son, took over as executive chairman of Wipro in July 2019. Wipro, the Rs 2 lakh crore company owned by Indian IT billionaire Azim Premji, is one of the biggest software services companies in India. Azim Premji is a wealthy Indian tycoon who also happens to be one of the most generous with a staggering net worth of $11.4 billion or Rs 94,000 crore.
He committed to donate half of his money in 2013. He gave the Azim Premji Foundation, which supports education in India, 2.2 billion dollars. In the 1980s, he founded Wipro in response to a request from the government to remove IBM. The 1990s saw a sharp surge in Wipro’s worth.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Business / by DNA Web Team / November 02nd, 2023
Highland Islamic Forum (HIF India) on Saturday honored motivational speaker Munawar Zama with the HIF Global Youth Icon Award here at the TMA Pai Hall in the city. Munawar Zama was in the city to hold a talk for youth and parents organised by HIF India.
The recognition was presented by UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, after Zama’s address to youth and parents.
In his address, UT Khader commended Zama’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of the youth, emphasizing the transformative impact of such efforts in shaping a brighter future for the world.
During the event, Munawar Zama emphasized the importance of mentorship and support systems for the younger population.
HIF members and other dignitaries including Shaz Ahmed AK as the program anchor, and Ashraf Ali – Trustee of Sana Shaheen Charitable Trust, Niyaz AK – Managing Director of AK Apple Ply Group, Naushad AK – Director of AK Apple Ply Group, and SM Farook – Director of SM Fisheries and Export, were present during the event.
HIF India President Adil Parvez presided over the event.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 30th, 2023
Abdulla Madumule (On the left), Ibrahim Adkasthala (On the right)
Mangaluru:
In an announcement made on Tuesday evening, the prestigious DK District Rajyotsava Awards have been revealed, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 46 individuals and 17 organizations. Among the awardees are figures such as Prominent Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman Abdulla Madumule, journalist Ibrahim Adkasthala, and literary expert Dr. Prabhakar Neerumarga.
Ibrahim Adkasthala is a senior correspondent at Vartha Bharati.
Additionally, recognition has been bestowed upon organizations, including the Ullal Syed Madani Charitable Trust, for their noteworthy work in various fields.
A notable recipient of this honor is Badruddin Farid Nagar, the former president of Harekala Gram Panchayat, acknowledged for his significant contributions to rural development.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Nehru Maidan in the city on November 1, starting at 9 am. Dinesh Gundu Rao, the DK District In-charge Minister, will preside over the event, with Speaker UT Khader in attendance to present the awards to the deserving recipients.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/6SURHLI3U5GFHIKZAHWPTRSI7Y.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/NMJCTTFTNFA4LG63XQWZD3FJZM.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/KIUTISW4DFCIJIZZWPSWFNBO7M.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/WK4SP6572FDITEWC3ZFRW4BJMQ.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/FQN33UZUQBBHFFOMZBUUHNUZRE.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/TQMPVWCPANB3TBZO3ZLBNJDYLY.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/XEMAS2AQCRCHHJFMFYRWXRCFSE.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/MZL6F5Q2ZZCWFCI5VHCGX3SYH4.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/PUNDIPNOZFDMBOW2RXK5I7E6LY.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/VSAVCCM56RGUPC7CH7QPSPAOIU.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/thenational/DK66JSEL3NH63PKODJVBAKGCEU.jpg)
)
