Category Archives: Business & Economy

How This Waste Collector In Bengaluru Is Making Entrepreneurs Out Of Ragpickers

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Karnataka (under research project), Uncategorized

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

How This Waste Collector In Bengaluru Is Making Entrepreneurs Out Of Ragpickers

Using technology and people management skills, read how Mansoor is making waste collection a well organized profession. Thanks to his efforts, Bengaluru now sees ragpickers with ID cards, fresh uniforms and better incomes.

Using technology and people management skills, read how Mansoor Ahmed is making waste collection a well organized profession. Thanks to his efforts, Bengaluru now sees ragpickers with ID cards, fresh uniforms and better incomes.

“The waste pickers’ community is very enterprising. If their entrepreneurial skills are channelized and steered in the right direction, they can work wonders,” says Mansoor . “Not only will this put fellow waste pickers on the right path of hard work and integrity, but it will also be an opportunity to include them in the mainstream economy.”

He believes that one man can only do so much to solve the garbage crises of the city. The idea is to involve the entire community in problem solving. On the one hand, Bengaluru citizens are keenly looking for a solution to the garbage menace, while on the other hand there is tremendous energy to be unlocked in the waste picker community who can come to their rescue.

“My father started as a scrap dealer around 30 years ago. ‘Segregation’ was an alien word then. However, he used to promote the practice like we do today. He is no more but I am inspired by him and want to do the same,” he says.

Mansoor, who operates the Dry Waste Collection Centre in ward 168 of Jayanagar in Bengaluru, is not just another somebody who manages the city’s waste, but a trained scrap dealer trying to bring about change much beyond his job description.

Thanks to Mansoor, ward number 168 is now emerging as a systematic waste collection system, with a team of collectors and sorters who ensure that the waste is responsibly recycled and not dumped in a land-fill.

“When I was a kid, I would help my parents in waste collection and sorting. We used to manage around 500 kgs of waste every month,” he remembers. Today, his vision is beyond just numbers.

Mansoor’s dream of better waste management and giving a better life to waste pickers went one step forward when he got associated with HasiruDala, a Bangalore-based NGO that works with the city waste pickers. They not only gave him the initial support but also helped him scale up with financial aid, when required.

Today, Mansoor has a team of 10 sorters & collectors at the Jayanagar Dry Waste Collection Centre. He manages the inventory of 10-12 tons of dry waste every month and sorts the same in 72 different categories before it goes for recycling.

Mansoor with his wife.
Mansoor with his wife.

But Mansoor does not stop just by adding value to waste. He also aims to make a scrap dealers’ cooperative which will play a role in creating a fair price marketplace, provide access to transparent data and geo-tag scrap dealers as the first point of sale for household waste.

He coined the brand name Clean City Recyclers Association (CCRA), and has MBA graduates assisting him in implementing his plans.

Reaching to this scale wasn’t easy for him. He had no stable source of income to support the operations or pay salary to the workers he had hired. HasiruDala came to the rescue and helped him stabilize operations. “Gradually, I got hold of things and today this centre is self-sustainable,” he says.

“Waste collection should not be considered as petty work. Thanks to HasiruDala, people don’t look down upon my work & have respect for what I do. HasiruDala has also provided ID cards to fellow waste pickers and a good uniform. It feels like we are all a part of something good.” he says.

Talking about the impact of his work, he has seen a tremendous positive change in the lives of the sorters and his team mates.

“People would sometimes be very careless while disposing the waste. They would mix wet and reject waste also in the dry category. This made our centre an unhygienic place to work. We later stopped collecting waste if it wasn’t segregated properly”.

Thanks to his hard work in spreading awareness, 75 percent of his customers are now segregating at source.

Dry waste collection centre.
Dry waste collection centre.

Apart from altering people’s mindset towards waste, Mansoor has made an impact in his work force as well. We learned that one of his new recruits, Arunachalam, who was a waste picker and an alcoholic, also had an unattended serious leg injury. From the day he has started working with the team, his condition has improved significantly, he earns more than what he used to and is now on a healthier diet towards recovery.

“Though I am still learning, I have realized that technology has a role to play. I Got Garbage team has developed android apps for managing our daily operations making it much easier than ever before. It helps us keep track of waste pick-ups, waste inventory and more,” says Mansoor.

Satyam Gambhir, client partner – Social Inclusion at Mindtree Ltd. adds, “At I Got Garbage, our focus is on waste picker livelihood and building solutions on the cloud platform that are repeatable and scalable. In Mansoor we see a long-term strategic partner, his unrelenting dedication and expertise has been instrumental.”

Mansoor is the chosen partner with I Got Garbage, a Mindtree initiative that positions waste pickers as recycling managers. I Got Garbage, along with Mansoor, is piloting a project ‘Donate Dry Waste’ in some parts of Bengaluru.

As Mansoor describes it, “Every waste picker will have a well-branded Rickshaw, a uniform and a smart phone, and will be put on-route to collect segregated dry waste from households and apartments.”

Mansoor segregates the waste in over 30 different categories.
Mansoor segregates the waste in over 72 different categories.

“Currently, waste pickers are at the end of the chain, scavenging for waste on the street. They venture out on roads during odd hours of the day in hope of getting sufficient waste to make ends meet. We intend to place them at the beginning of the waste supply chain, i.e. at the source, like your house and mine,” says Gambhir.

He envisions a day when waste pickers will turn into waste managers, collect segregated waste from households on a weekly basis in a uniform, and wants to formalize the same; and Mansoor plays an important role in making this happen.

Mansoor and his unique people management skills have enabled waste pickers to earn Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month, which is far more that what they do while working informally and scavenging on the street for recyclables.

With Mansoor’s amazing enthusiasm and willingness to see change in the society, we definitely hope to see the much ignored sector getting its due credit.

source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> English> Bengaluru> Changemakers – Waste Management / by Shreya Pareek / February 19th, 2015

The many hues of faith

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , ,

KERALA:

Nasreen Anshad’s brand SAWB makes beautiful garments specially created for Namaz with dreamy designs.

Nasreen Anshad

Picture this. The next time you offer Namaz, you are in a single, free-flowing, comfortable garment adorned with flowers or stars and sometimes even polka prints. The prayer dresses or Jilbabs may not be that familiar to people in Kerala . However, 28-year-old Nasreen Anshad is bringing Jilbab into vogue among the women here through her venture SAWB. 

The whole idea is to offer dresses for Muslim women that they could wear with elegance during prayers. An MCA graduate, Nasreen’s foray into garment designing happened by chance. It all started last year when Nasreen was just searching for modest wear on the web. “I came across the prayer dresses on my search. But these weren’t available here. So I thought of making one for myself. I designed a Jilbab and my mother stitched it. After a few trials, we eventually got the attire right,” says Nasreen.

Nasreen started getting some customers  for this specially designed prayer garment. And soon it turned into a huge business with over 1,000 pieces of Jilbabs getting sold every two weeks. Usually, women wear an Abaya and a Makhana while praying. The Jilbab comes as a single piece, making it a convenient garment for the prayers. It is also easy to carry as well. “A lot of people prefer buying Jilbab because it is comfortable and convenient. It is also beautiful and elegant to wear and is travel friendly,” says Nasreen.

The prayer dresses that Nasreen makes are modelled after the kinds available in Dubai. Nasreen says the style of these dresses changes according to the country. “The prayer dresses made in London or Indonesia are completely different. The reason Jilbab isn’t available here is since it is very pricey to even import. I wanted to make them and offer them to everyone at an affordable price,” says Nasreen.

The main challenge the novice designer faced was to convince people of the faith that wearing a colourful dress while praying was okay. “There is a misconception that you should wear only white. But this is nowhere mentioned in the Quran. What the Quran says is that one should wear the best dress while offering prayers,” says Nasreen.

So, Nasreen’s Jilbabs come in a grand array of colours and patterns, all designed by her. When she started out, it was her mother who used to stitch the garments. Now she has employed a women’s collective to stitch the garments. The Jilbabs are available in three sizes — for kids, teens and adults. The garment is made out of soft crepe and will last for three to four years, she says. “I feel so happy and proud now. This is a venture that happened by chance and people have embraced it. I want to incorporate more styles into the Jilbab, like the different versions available in various countries,” Nasreen says.

source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / The Indian Express – INDULGE / Home> Fashion / by Aathira Haridas / April 13th, 2022

Dive into Dr. Salim Ali’s world at Bombay Natural History Society’s exhibition

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Leaders, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

The ongoing exhibition on iconic birder Dr Salim Ali at Bombay Natural History Society offers rare insight into the meticulous life of the man who shaped India’s avian conservation programme.

Dive into Dr. Salim Ali's world at Bombay Natural History Society's exhibition
Barure (in saree) guides a visitor

In the quiet landmark of Hornbill House at Fort, a buzz is slowly developing. On International Bird Week (November 5 to November 12), the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is celebrating one of the pioneers of Indian ornithology, Dr Salim Ali, with an exhibition from his personal archives. Today might be the last opportunity to peek into the life of a man whose efforts paved the way for conservation study in the country.

Dr Salim Ali. File pic
Dr Salim Ali. / File pic

“Research and conservation were two very important facets of his life,” shares Kishor Rithe, director, BNHS. The exhibition brings to fore his professional expanse and personal meticulousness. The collection was brought together by curator and BNHS librarian, Nirmala Barure. The work began in 2014, she reveals. “The process is still ongoing since it is such a monumental record of correspondence, research and notes over a period of 60 years,” Barure remarks.

The tape recorder used by Dr Ali to record bird sounds
The tape recorder used by Dr Ali to record bird sounds

The theme for the exhibition, Rithe adds, is a focus on the layman. It includes correspondence to prime ministers, policy makers, as well as people on the ground — from forest officials to students and villagers. Barure points out that the correspondence also has some touching personal moments.

His filming equipment. Pics/Atul Kamble
His filming equipment. Pics/Atul Kamble

“There are greeting cards from Mrinalini Sarabhai, and a commendation letter from the famed botanist Ethelbert Blatter of St Xaviers’ College,” she notes. One of the more remarkable objects was a complaint written by Dr Salim Ali to a Bandra neighbour — Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar — complaining about the noise the latter’s watchman made in the night.

A letter written by Dr Salim Ali to Dilip Kumar from 1975
A letter written by Dr Salim Ali to Dilip Kumar from 1975

Then, there is his equipment — from typewriters and cameras to telescopes and lenses. “While technology has advanced, this equipment is proof of how challenging it was for the early pioneers to make audio visual records and document their studies,” Rithe notes. Among the equipment on display is a rare find of 16mm films, shot by Dr Ali during his many journeys, that were preserved by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

Dr Ali’s portable typewriter
Dr Ali’s portable typewriter

The society is already in the process of dedicating a space to honour Dr Ali’s collection. Rithe shares, “This year, we plan to begin renovation work on the space, and will dedicate some part of it to Dr Salim Ali’s collection. This exhibition is just a rehearsal of those plans.” For now, visitors would want to hurry to Hornbill House to catch a glimpse of the rare treasure trove. 

A collection of Dr Ali’s correspondence
A collection of Dr Ali’s correspondence

On: Today; 10 am to 5 pm
At: BNHS, Hornbill House, opposite Lion Gate, Fort.
Call: 9594953425 
Log on to: bnhs.org

Kishore Rithe
Kishore Rithe

source: http://www.mid-day.com / mid-day.com / Home> Mumbai Guide News> Things to do News/ Article / by Shriram Iyengar (shriram.iyengar@mid-day.com) / November 10th, 2023

When freedom calls…

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , ,

xxxx

Meet Shahana Parveen, a homemaker-turned entrepreneur, who was able to improve her financial condition significantly by simply taking the first step towards freedom.

Shahana Parveen. (Photo |Sri Loganathan Velmurugan, EPS)

Hyderabad : 

Shahana Parveen, a dedicated wife and mother of three, had never envisioned herself as a businesswoman. For two decades, her life revolved around her family, raising her children and maintaining her household. However, unforeseen financial struggles and a strong determination to secure a better future for her children led her down a path she had never imagined. 

Shahana’s life took an unexpected turn six years ago when her family moved to a rented house owing to deteriorating financial condition. Her father, a retired army officer, encouraged her to open a general store. She had never received any business training before as she got married immediately after finishing her class 10 from Kendriya Vidyalaya. It was during this time that she connected with SAFA, an organisation working in the Old City area for the socio-economic empowerment of women. 

SAFA, led by Rubina Nafeez Fatima, has been able to reach out to around 3,741 women in the area through its Micro Enterprise Development Program (MEDP) and other projects that help women entrepreneurs formalise their businesses. SAFA aims to help around 250 women through its project Ujaagar. It provided business training to about 50 women, out of which 36 finished their course in the first cohort. The Department of Minority Welfare, Government of Telangana later provided Rs 1lakh as loans to each of these women to encourage other women in the community as well. The project is being supported by WE Hub, led by Deepthi Ravula.

Shahana began attending business classes with SAFA, which eventually led her to explore opportunities for personal and financial growth. Even though she was managing a small grocery shop, she did not know the basics of handling the business. “Women in my community do not have the freedom to go out and work on such initiatives. For me, my children and SAFA became the driving force. During those six weeks of training, I would go and attend classes and my children would manage the shop meanwhile,” Shahana Parveen said. 

After immediately joining SAFA, Shahana was made part of a Self-Help Group (SHG) consisting of ten women. Collectively, they learned some basics of business including profit margins, savings, and the intricacies of running a business. This enabled Shahana to navigate the complexities of business paperwork, including licensing and identity proofs. She became aware of credit schemes offered by banks and could secure a loan worth Rs 1 lakh. 

She also received a personal loan from SAFA, amounting to Rs 20,000. She committed herself to repaying these loans to the best of her ability, steadily improving her family’s finances.

Challenges and Triumphs
Shahana Parveen’s journey was not without its challenges. Her husband initially did not support her business endeavours. Over time, her husband could see the progress she was making which somewhat made her entrepreneurial efforts more sustainable. However, she never got a clear green signal from him. 

Shahana and other women who finished the training through project Ujaagar had the opportunity to meet with KT Rama Rao, the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Government of Telangana. “That was the best thing that happened to me. KTR sir recognised the resilience of Muslim women and encouraged us to share our challenges and support one another,” she said. This meeting boosted Shahana’s confidence and determination to continue her journey. 
It is to be noted that due to upcoming elections in the state, the loan transactions have not been completed due to the code of conduct being enforced. The cheques these women received from the government can now only be cashed in after the elections are over. 

Since embarking on her entrepreneurial path, Shahana Parveen’s profits have seen a 50% increase, allowing for greater savings. “I can repay my loans and also fulfil all my children’s needs,” she said. “I want to ensure the best future for my children. I want to support their educational dreams,” she added. 

Shahana’s aspirations do not end here. She envisions starting a wholesale business, sourcing goods in bulk and empowering others to join her entrepreneurial journey. She plans to stock products such as oil cartons, which can yield a significant profit margin. Additionally, she utilises her tailoring skills, ensuring that she remains proactive in her business endeavours. She has motivated and involved ten to fifteen more women to take training with SAFA, empowering others in her community. Shahana Parveen’s journey from a homemaker to a businesswoman is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Mumbai’s travel company sets example with influencers, sends them to Umrah for a spiritual connect

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Mumbai’s travel company sets example with influencers, sends them to Umrah for a spiritual connect© Provided by Free Press Journal

While the world is fast moving forward with technology, how could search for spiritual journey lag behind. Sometimes you don’t aim to offer your services just to increase your clientele or followers, it’s just a way to open the door to a spiritual journey, especially when you are young.

Mumbai’s Cosmic Tours and a few social media influencers joined hands for this very reason. While Cosmic provided their expertise, the social media influencers dished out their  platforms as they embarked upon the journey to the Holy cities of Makkah & Madina.

“It was an attempt to help people connect with their spiritual side,” Baba Ebrahim of Cosmic Tours made their intentions clear.

Based out of Pydhonie, Cosmic has been operating Hajj, Umrah excursions since 1990.

The operator claims they have spread their wings not only in India, but even abroad with just word of mouth publicity.

“Besides India, pilgrims join us from America, UK, New Zealand, Barbados. Currently we have a couple pilgrims from Japan. We are slowly working on that region as well,” the operator said.

Cosmic Tours, however, is aiming to move with time. They feel social media influencers and actors are now paying attention to their spiritual side as well. “Even Shah Rukh Khan went for Umrah recently,” he said.

Check Instagram handle of Cosmic Tours

“They want to connect with the fans who seek spiritual motivation. They not only on Instagram, but are on YouTube as well. They are, in fact, on all over social media channels. They are present in the Metaverse. They are everywhere now, on TV soaps, dance shows and reality shows.”

Recently, Cosmic Tours had Faisal Shaikh aka Faisu (29.4 million Instagram followers), Faiz Baloch (9.6 million Instagram followers) and Shayan Siddiqui (7,80,000 Instagram followers) for Umrah.

Check pictures below

If Cosmic Tours is to be believed, there is no particular age group that goes for Umrah. Today, even children go for Umrah. “Earlier, only old people would go for Umrah, but now everyone goes,” he said. 

According to them, their only motive in taking social media influencers was not only to target youngsters for Hajj and Umrah, but every individual who is active on social media.

“We are not chasing results. We have already achieved the result. Those who have joined us bear testimony to our services. Apart from our achievements and awards received in this field, it is just that people are acknowledging our effort and services,” he said.

Most pilgrims for Cosmic are repeaters. “We wanted to target their followers, especially the young lot. We want to reach out to people in each and every corner of the world. And that is possible through this move and their own presence on social media,” he said.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Lifestyle / by Mufeed Mahdi Rizvi / April 05th, 2023

International Forum For Trade And Business Prepares To Redefine Global Business Connections

Business & Economy, , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

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.

Interested people can register to become a member using the IfTab Membership Registration Form: IfTab Membership Registration Form.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Business / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / November 15th, 2023

Tamil Nadu factory to start making Crocs in India as footwear company looks at India expansion

Business & Economy, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

TAMIL NADU:

Tamil Nadu factory to start making Crocs in India as footwear company looks at India expansion  © Provided by Business Today

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

Book Review: Muslims In Indian Economy By Omar Khalidi

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, INDIA / Boston (MA), U.S.A:

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.

Featured image source: Three Essays Collective, Indian Muslim Observer

source: http://www.feminisminindia.com / Feminism In India – FII / Home> Culture> Books / by Zeeshan Husain / July 11th, 2022

Heritage walks uncover new angles of Indian history

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DELHI:

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 National
The Chronicles of Mehrauli heritage walk. Sonia Sarkar for The National
The walk takes visitors through Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Sonia Sarkar for The National
The walk takes visitors through Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Sonia Sarkar for The National
it is led by Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein. Sonia Sarkar for The National
it is led by Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein. Sonia Sarkar for The National
It is one of the oldest inhabited places in the subcontinent. Sonia Sarkar for The National
It is one of the oldest inhabited places in the subcontinent. Sonia Sarkar for The National
Mehrauli is rich in historical ruins, tombs and monuments from many eras of Delhi's past. Sonia Sarkar for The National
Mehrauli is rich in historical ruins, tombs and monuments from many eras of Delhi’s past. Sonia Sarkar for The National
The Qutb Minar heritage tour. Sonia Sarkar for The National
The Qutb Minar heritage tour. Sonia Sarkar for The National
Pigeon-watching on a tour. Photo: Purani Dilli Walon Ki Baatein
Pigeon-watching on a tour. Photo: Purani Dilli Walon Ki Baatein
A 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 National
A 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 National
The 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 National
The 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 National
A tour group on the steps of Jama Masjid. Photo: Enroute Indian History
A 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
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

Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community leader in Surat, Zampa Bazaar decked up to host annual seminar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Surat, GUJARAT:

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