42-year-old Fathima Benazir, a molecular biologist has come up with a new non-toxic used to test for viruses in labs
The new dye, derived from natural ingredients, can be handled without gloves and could revolutionise the field of DNA testing
Dye prices have skyrocketed after the pandemic and a 500 ul vial is enough for 10,000 RT-PCR tests
A new discovery could revolutionise DNA testing, which has become so important after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even more remarkably, that breakthrough was made in a kitchen by a researcher whose love of science prompted her to tread the unbeaten path.
With the eruption of Covid-19, the number of RT-PCR tests, regarded as the “gold” standard of testing) have skyrocketed. But with the increased demand for such tests there are also increased lab and environment hazards. This is because the fluorescent (or fluorophore) dyes used in the testing of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, are often heavily toxic to lab staff and pose a serious problem when it comes to disposal.
A new non-toxic fluorescent dye invented by a Bengaluru-based scientist could potentially revolutionise how this testing is done in the near future.
Fathima Benazir, 42, a molecular biologist by training, always knew that she wanted to be a scientist, but that it was ultimately a failure to get into an MBBS programme (by a 2% margin), which pushed her towards biotechnology.
Association of Muslim Professionals President Aamir Edresy.
Mumbai:
City-based NGO Association of Muslim Professionals ( AMP) has announced scholarships of Rs 10,000 to each of the ‘100 Covid-19 orphans’ in the country.
AMP president Aamir Edresy said that the help is part of their “Basic School Education Assistance Programme” launched a couple of months ago.
“The pandemic claimed breadwinners in many families, leaving school-going children anchorless. Some of the families are so desperately poor that, if financial help is not provided to them, their children will drop out from schools. We are stepping in with help initially for 100 children,” said Edresy.
He added that AMP’s wide network across the country would help it verify the applicants and reach out to them with help.
The AMP is also using IndiaZakat.com, India’s first zakat-based crowdfunding platform, to collect funds to support more orphaned children.
“To ensure that more students can be helped, we have started a fundraiser to collect more funds on our Crowd Funding Platform IndiaZakat.com to support many more students,” said Javed Syed who heads AMP’s Zakat Fund section.
Founded in 2008, AMP has its presence now in 150 cities and towns across the country. So far, it has helped 30,000 youths get jobs and provided financial support to over 3000 families.
It has also reached out to many through its mentorship programmes.
Iftekhar Bidkar, the core member of AMP and IndiaZakat.com, appealed to people to make this campaign a success by giving their support. He requested people to come forward and support this cause on the crowdfunding platform Indiazakat.com
AMP is a platform for professionals and volunteers to share their knowledge, intellect, experience, and skills for the overall development of not just the community but also the society at large. It aimed at empowering the underprivileged educationally, socially, politically and financially.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mumbai News / by Mohammed Wajihuddin, TNN / September 01st, 2021
Rejimol, 46, is known as “Thatha”, or elder sister, by everyone in and around her hometown
Thiruvananthapuram:
A burqa-clad, highly-religious woman in Kerala’s Kannur district has become a role model for women and youngsters for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic activities.
Rejimol, 46, is known as “Thatha”, or elder sister, by everyone in and around her hometown. She is not a teacher, doctor, advocate, or social worker, but exemplifies courage, determination, and a kind heart while being owner – and worker – of a private bus service.
She, and her husband Mohammed, bought a bus for plying in Kannur, and while several people joined as attendants, all used to leave after serving for one or two months. This led to the determined Rejimol taking up the job by herself, while her husband became the driver and her son, Ajuwad who has completed his plus 2, the conductor for collecting money.
In Kerala, private buses have an attendant who rings the bell after people enter and exit at their respective stops. It has been a male bastion, as the job also involves cleaning the bus after the daily trips as well as changing tyres as and when they puncture, as also guiding the driver while overtaking a vehicle or when negotiating a curve.
All these jobs are now taken up solely by Rejimol, who has become a role model for women and youngsters alike by the determination, grit, and love for the job that she had shown.
“This is a job like any other job and when people first found a burqa-clad woman entering a male bastion, they were surprised. Some were laughing and I asked them whether they were insulting me, they said no and that they were just surprised and were full of respect and admiration for me. This made me carry on and I now have the courage and strength to face the society and life during any upside or downside,” Rejimol told IANS.
She said that life has been tough during Covid-19 times but in all, her life has been good and she used to save money for her pilgrimages to Makkah, and has done the Hajj as also the Umrah.
She said that daily she saves a portion of her income to be distributed to orphanages, adding that she was also supporting two orphanages. Rejimol also said that she intervenes in any social issue at her neighbourhood and also helps people as much as she can.
She said that she has allowed her daughter to study as much she can before giving her off in marriage.
“Education is important and marriage can come after that,” she maintains.
Her stand is in contrast to the prevailing situation in certain villages of Kerala where Muslim girls are being married off at an early age. However, signs of changes are slowly being seen in the community with more and more Muslim girls studying hard and coming up in academics and entering prestigious institutions like AIIMS, IITs and even qualifying for Civil services. However, there is still a trend of marrying off the girls at a tender age and Rejimol is strongly opposed to this.
Rejimol’s daughter, Ajinas A.M. is a PhD scholar doing her research in political science at the prestigious Karyavattam Campus of Kerala University. She did her Masters in political science from Central University of Puducherry.
The highly-determined woman entrepreneur maintains:
“Life is woven around love and without love and mutual help, nobody can survive and my policy is to love everyone and support everyone in whatever means we can. Women must be hard-working and not sit idle at home but chip in for the support of the family.”
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India> Life & Style / by IANS / September 05th, 2021
During a conversation at home, my father Late Janab Shahid Ahmad Shoaib was telling somebody about this young dynamic person who could be the future of the community. I did not understand much about that then. As the time went by, I did my graduation, went to Mumbai to pursue my engineering and then MBA and simultaneously got involved with my corporate jobs.
At this juncture, when I recollect my memory, I find my father was always concerned about the social, economic, educational backwardness of the community. He was no doubt an intellectual who could prove that anything is possible if there is strong will and focus. A researcher, an educationist, a man with highly fertile mind, he was much ahead of time in his vision. He always believed that there has got to be a dream to serve the humanity and positively impact people, take them along and help them realize their dreams.
It wasDr Hamid Hussain who could understand the feelings of my father. He was instrumental in creating an active and dedicated team which finally culminated in the successful execution of the Biradari Conference at Itki in 1994.
The grandeur of this conference is still considered as a historic moment which provided a unique platform to the community. Dr Hamid Hussain played the most remarkable role as the Chairman of the Bihar Muslim Kalwar (Kalal/Eraqui) Millat Committee Conference so well that he is considered as the architect of the mission.
He has displayed an effective role of the community leader. A Leader with passion & compassion. As far as I know him, his focus has always been to bring in the basic changes in the community and take this to the most desired progressive level. He is actively contributing to the welfare of the community by serving as the President of ; AnjumanFalahMilli, HamdardAnjuman, Munni Masjid, Madrasa MadinatulUloom Management Committee, Qabrastan Committee,
Dr Hamid Hussain has been able to provide a direction to the community members in many ways. Today there are many success stories under his guidance. We have many people in the community who have proved their mettle in the fields of Education, Industry, Politics, Bureaucracy, Social Service and other fields. There are many members who are serving at various levels in many countries. However, there are lot of work to be done.
As an effective community leader, Dr Hamid has provided a Vision, Established Effective Organizational Structure and Communication Protocols, is an Effective Role Model, has Inspired and Motivated many, Delegated and Empowered the next generation of the community. I found him displaying the roles of a Coach, Facilitator, Strategist, Visionary, Change agent, Decision-maker, Influencer and above all a Team player.
Dr Hamid has emerged as s successful Social Leader who has devoted his life and talents to improving society regardless of social standing, wealth, or privilege. He has served and blessed the community. He has lifted the vision of community, broadened our possibilities and deepened our life experiences. He has preserved peace and ensured prosperity for as many people as possible.
As far as I know Dr Hamid, he is a man on mission. He is not going to rest till he sees his community members’ progress to the highest level. He is relentlessly working towards bringing in Unity & Co-operation among the people through the common agenda and unidirectional alignment. He is trying to set a system wherein Intellectuals, Entrepreneurs, Educationists, Politicians, Health Professionals, Government Employees of the community can come under one umbrella to work together for the welfare and upliftmentof needy & deserving members.
Leadership is the activity of persuading people to co-operate in the achievement of a common objective. This is the activity of influencing people to strive willingly for mutual objectives. Leadership always involves attempts on the part of a leader to affect the behaviour of a follower or followers in a situation. And the entire Biradari is happy to note that Dr. Hamid Hussain has proved to be an able Leader of the Community.
source: http://www.maeeshat.in / maeeshat.in / Home> Corporate> Opinions / by Ainain Shahidi for Maeeshat, Mumbai / July 29th, 2021
(L-R: Dr Manoj Kumar Jha, Sam Pitroda, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, Navaid Hamid, Aamir Edresy and Farooque Siddiqui)
inners of 1st AMP National Awards for Social Excellence 2021 was announced on the evening of Independence Day, 15th August in a ceremony attended by guests and a large gathering of participants from across India.
Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is an organisation of volunteer Muslim professionals, who are working towards the socio-economic empowerment and development of Muslims in India. Started in 2007 by Aamir Edresy, AMP is present in more than 100 Cities of India and as many as 16 countries globally.
15 Organizations were given the National Award of Excellence 2021 and the Best NGO Award was given to a minimum of 3 Organizations from all the States of India. Also, the Special Jury Award was given to some top performers of every state.
Apart from NGOs, 200 Individual Change Makers were also awarded, including The Cognate‘s Founder, Editor Shaik Zakeer Hussain. These are individuals who worked in the last year for the welfare of the people, especially during the Corona crisis.
While speaking to the audience Former Advisor to Prime Minister Mr Sam Pitroda said that an active civil society is the most important element of any successful democracy. It is the duty of the people who are governing the country to involve civil society in all its decision and policymaking. He congratulated the winners and spoke about the importance of collaboration in today’s world.
Mr Navaid Hamid (President All India Muslim Majlis e Mushwarat) said that it takes courage to appreciate and recognize the efforts of others. He said this spirit is continuously increasing in Muslims and most of the organizations are now open and ready to work with each other. He further said that he hopes AMP will be the torchbearer in this movement of change and will take the community to greater heights.
Rajya Sabha Member Dr Manoj Kumar Jha said that it is very heartening to note that close to 1000+ nomination has come from three States of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh & Jharkhand where we together really need to do a much better job as these three states is at bottom of all index with respect to education, employment and empowerment.
Renowned Islamic Scholar Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali from Lucknow spoke about the importance of social work and helping the needy and poor in the light of Islamic teachings. He appreciated the efforts of all the organizations and specially AMP in establishing this platform to work jointly.
In his inaugural speech, AMP President Mr Aamir Edresy spoke about AMP’s efforts in the last 14 years for the welfare of the Muslim community and nation. He spoke about the importance of partnership and collaboration among Muslim organizations across India for better results and wider reach.
National Award for Social Excellence was awarded to Rahmani 30, All India Ideal Teachers Association, Centre For Information And Guidance India (CIGI), Hamdard National Foundation, Human Welfare Foundation, Indian Civil Liberties Union (ICLU), Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, Mercy Mission, Millat Foundation For Education Research & Development (MFERD), Minhaj Interfaith And Welfare Foundation, Quill Foundation, Rehab India Foundation, Safa Baitul Maal, Taraqqi Foundation and Zakat Foundation Of India.
The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to the President of All India Muslim OBC Organization Mr Shabbir Ahmed Ansari Sahab for his relentless service for the cause of not only Muslims but for all for the last 50 Years.
Mr Farooque Siddiqui (Head of AMP NGO Connect Initiative) hosted the event. While introducing the Awards Mr Farooque Siddiqui said that getting nominations of 2300+ organizations is a stepping stone for a big transformation of the rural part of the nation. He said that this Award function is just the beginning and we will work closely with all NGOs who all have shown their interest in joining hands with us in Community/Nation Building.
Dr Zahida Khan gave the welcome speech and Mr Shoeb Syed (AMP West Zone Head) gave the vote of thanks. The awards were presented by AMP Team including Mr Reyaz Alam (AMP Bihar Head), Mr Qamar Faheem (AMP Jharkhand Secretary), Miss. Shaheen Islam (AMP UP Head), Mr Chand Mohammed Shaikh (AMP Rajasthan Head), Mr Sayeed (AMP Hyderabad Head), Mr Manzar Hussain (AMP East Zone Head) and Mr Saphat Ajmeri (AMP Central Zone Secretary).
The program was concluded with the Dua by AMP North Zone Head Mr Ameen Mohammed.
source: http://www.thecongnate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / August 17th, 2021
Renowned Bengaluru-based advocate Anees Ali Khan passed away Saturday following a cardiac arrest.
Adv Anees Ali Khan was said to be suffering from kidney ailments for a while. He passed away while he was being taken to a hospital. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Widely regarded as one of the best criminal lawyers in the city, Adv Anees was one of the counsels for the accused in the Bengaluru riots case in which over a dozen people were arrested under UAPA.
He was on the board of many community-based organisations and had recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He was the Organising Secretary of AAP in Bengaluru.
Condoling his passing away, human rights organisation, NCHRO said, “At the time, where Bar Associations influenced by communal elements passed resolution not to represent some of the accused, he dared to represent the innocents, won reversals, or release in fabricated terror cases.”
Adv. Anees Ali Khan Bengaluru,defender of human rights passes away. At the time, where Bar Associations influenced by communal elements passed resolution not to represent some of the accused,he dared to represent the innocents, won reversals, or release in fabricated terror cases.
0726 AM , Aug 21st, 2021
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source: http://www.thecongnate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / August 21st, 2021
One of the very well-known plywood manufacturers K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co’s Satinply brand, has bagged two top awards namely ‘Most Promising & Innovative Plywood Manufacturing Firm of the year 2021’ India award under ‘Ethical Business Approach & Quality Products’ category for the year 2021 (Global Edition) and ‘Outstanding Contribution In Business & Entrepreneurship Domain’ Award.
K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co, Satinply brand, was honoured with the two national awards at the National Architecture & Interior Design Excellence Awards 2021 held at Taj West End, Bengaluru on August 18.
While the ‘Most Promising & Innovative Plywood Manufacturing Firm of the year 2021’ award was received by Syed Rifath Ahmed and Muhammad Rizwan Husaini, and other award under the category ‘Outstanding contribution in Business & Entrepreneurship Domain’.
About K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co, Satinply
The company, K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co, is a family-run business that was founded by K S Maqdoom Peeran in 1930 as a timber logs sawing firm in Karkala. Using his strong determination and focus, he established connections with the Indian defence forces, Indian Railways and film industry and laid the foundation for the future success of the company. His son, K S Nazeer Ahmed, when holding the reigns of the family company, took the initiative to adapt to new technologies that allowed the manufacture of a wider range of timber products and cater to a growing number of customers.
Upon the untimely demise of K S Nazeer Ahmed in 1994, Rehana Nazeer took over the role of managing partner in the family business, overseeing the industrial and agricultural activities.
Under the directive of late K S Nazeer Ahmed and now Rehana Nazeer, their sons Syed Rizwan Ahmed and Syed Rifath Ahmed, the third generation of the family business, identified the change in the consumer demand in India and an opportunity to expand vertically to enter the plywood industry.
The company had to overcome the initial challenge of getting exposure in a competitive industry operating from a relatively remote area. However, due to persistence and hard work, they have grown to reputable plywood manufacturers with sales all over India.
Future plans of K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co, are to delve further into the niche interior design market and launching new brands for upscale furnishings and interiors.
Contact: K S Nazeer Ahmed & Co, Plywood, Blockboard, Timber Merchants & Saw Mill, Salmar Street, Karkala – 574104, Udupi District, Karnataka State, India / Mobile: +91-98457-46620 / Email: ksnazeerahmedco@yahoo.com / Email: info@satinply.com / www.satinply.com
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Business / by Media Release / August 20th, 2021
Born and brought up in New Delhi, twenty-year-old Kaif Ali is an architecture student at Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Ali was honoured with The Diana Award 2021 for his work on Covid-19 Innovation–Space era recently, which is a module for demountable and portable shelter space for Covid-19 era. This is his story.
New Delhi :
Every child has drawn their family with a house in the background and most probably made sandcastles at beaches too. However, in the grownup’s world, not everyone can have a house built like that. Twenty-year-old Kaif Ali, an undergraduate student of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi after entering the world of architecture found out that homelessness is a major issue in the world and there are many without proper houses.
Born and brought up in New Delhi, twenty-year-old Kaif Ali told TwoCircles.net, “Just 200 meters away from my apartment is a settlement made above the sewage lines. In nights, the people there sleep on footpaths since snakes sneak out of sewage.”
Ali could not help noticing how unjustly the metropolitan city is majorly designed commercially for a few per cent of the population. After witnessing these inequalities, Ali wanted to take up architecture as a profession and develop a sustainable model.
Beyond survival Homeless people are of many types, which include urban poor, migrant labourers and refugees. However, the government made arrangements for these homeless people can barely be called a home. There is no privacy nor any sense of security as sought by a family since most facilities are gender-separated. Open cooking and sanitation, poor waste management, unavailability of electricity and potable water, the list go on.
Ali recollects that it was a documentary called “Cry for Syria” that sensitized him into the refugee crisis. As an attempt to address the issue, Ali went on to design shelter spaces for Syrian refugees, during his early college days.
When asked whether he is concerned about these temporary shelter spaces becoming the permanent settlement of refugees and others, as is the norm, Ali said that his concept of shelter is a home for living and not for mere survival. Therefore, along with houses, Ali also designs schools, gyms, and other recreational spaces using the same modular technology, which facilitates easy assembling and dismantling.
Quoting a few success stories of refugee assimilation with the host country, Ali believes that if refugees are housed holistically, they will not remain on the fringes. “Shelter is the start of all,” he said.
From housing to quarantining For the last two years, Ali has invested himself in designing shelter spaces for the homeless. As the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, Ali witnessed the dire demand for quarantining thousands in cramped up cities.
That is how he began working with his project last March and designed a portable intermediary quarantine facility of 2.5m x 6m, using PUF panels or shipping containers, which can be assembled with ease, have massive room for expansion, with natural ventilation and 6 layers of social distancing.
The facility can also be later used as refugee camps or disaster relief camps.
Kaif Ali was awarded the international Diana Award 2021 for the same. His design follows all Covid-19 protocols and is more efficient than home quarantine or mass quarantining facilities.
Ali’s quests stem from his immediate realities. Even his intermediary quarantine shelter came up observing the spread of the virus in enclosed spaces through the air, even before WHO confirmed the spread through the air. “That is the power of observation and study. I apprehended that Covid-19 would spread through the air from my study and by keeping this in mind, I have designed the quarantine facility,” Ali said.
Thinking architecture ‘out of the box’ Having varied interests, Ali is good at juggling different pursuits. The twenty-year-old has taken home several awards in architecture and photography. It is the introduction to various international competitions that expanded Ali’s network.
Upon winning Climate Innovation Lab conducted by Climate Technology Centre and Network, Ali has been receiving mentorship of Biplab Ketan Paul, IIT Kanpur incubation mentor and social entrepreneur.
Referring to Ali’s Covid-19 relief work, Paul said proudly, “Kaif Ali is a good samaritan.”
Soon, Ali’s design would shelter the people of Lagos in Nigeria. His project has received appreciation across the world from architects of Germany, Iran, South Africa, Turkey, the US, & Brazil. Ali has also featured in the United Nations top 11 emerging innovation start-ups solving climate action.
Twenty-year-old Ali has not shied away from approaching several state governments. After the Karnataka government appreciated him, organizations working with the Maharashtra government are willing to implement his project.
To make his designs financially viable, Ali said he uses his father’s counsel, who is in the construction business. “His advice comes in handy, especially when deciding the materials and other factors. It is the context that is my foremost priority,” Ali said, elaborating that climate and clients’ context guides his design.
Moreover, Ali aspires to make the language of architecture accessible to common people. His drawings are easily readable for policymakers and politicians alike. “Future architectures cannot limit themselves to space and cost crises alone. In times of rising refugees of climate, wars and poverty, expanding socially responsible entrepreneurial perspective in architecture is a must,” concludes Ali.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Arfa Backer, TwoCircles.net / July 30th, 2021
On Al Mirqab Street at Al Nasser is a tiny carpet store that’s been there since 2000. Its neighboring stores come and go but this one hasn’t changed its location for 21 years. Now, sandwiched between a shawarma restaurant and a telecom shop, the store regularly brings handmade rugs and carpets from Kashmir and Afghanistan. The store is owned and managed by a man known as ‘The Rugman of Doha’. Why is he known by this name and what is special about his carpets and rugs?
The Rugman For Handicrafts shop on Al Mirqab Street, Al Nasser.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team reached out to ‘The Rugman of Doha’, Riyaz Bhat, to learn more about his passion for tribal rugs and how he sees each rug he brings to Qatar as a work of art. Let’s get to know him better!
ILQ: Please tell us something about yourself.
The Rugman of Doha’. / Image credit: Riyaz Bhat
Riyaz: My name is Riyaz Bhat. I was born and raised in Srinagar City in the valley of beautiful Kashmir in India. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by rugs handcrafted by my family of weavers — how they would fill tiny knots one by one with natural fibers like silk or wool, and then how those tiny knots on looms would take the shape of a beautiful carpet with amazing patterns. When I was in grade 8, I was given permission to use the loom and eventually learned how to weave rugs.
After I finished college I was planning to go for higher education and take a business course, but my destiny had something else planned for me. When I read the story of the nomad tribes of Central Asia and learned about how they make quality handmade rugs, I decided to travel to Afghanistan to see the process myself. So, in 1987 I started my adventure to war-torn Afghanistan. It really was a difficult journey, but very rewarding. I witnessed how the talented nomad women of the region would weave the most beautiful and fascinating rugs, which they would trade for food and money. I traveled back and forth to Afghanistan for more than 10 years, and as I learned more about designs, patterns, and dyes, my passion for carpets and rugs grew more as well.
ILQ: How long have you been here in Qatar and how has your journey been so far?
Riyaz: In 1999, while I was working with my uncle in Pakistan, a customer visiting from Doha came to our store and bought a few rugs from me. He introduced Qatar to me as a fast-growing and developing country and encouraged me to open up a store here. At first, I hesitated but destiny again planned one more great adventure for me. I landed at the old Doha Airport for the first time in October 1999 with a 14-day business visa, and that visa was extended and extended, and I’m happy to say that it’s my 22nd year now in this wonderful country.
ILQ: How did you get the title ‘The Rugman of Doha’?
Riyaz: After searching for many places here, I finally found a location for my store. On 4 April 2000, I opened my showroom at Al Mirqab Street in Al Nasser and have never changed location since then. During the first few days, customers started coming and my store was introduced to a great group of people from VCUarts Qatar. Among them was Cathleen Ferguson Huntington who upon entering my shop saw me and said, “Are you the Rugman?” And that’s how the ‘The Rugman of Doha’ was born.
ILQ: What do you value most about what you do? Why do you love what you do?
Riyaz Bhat weaving a silk rug on his family loom in Kashmir, India. / Image credit: Riyaz Bhat
Riyaz: Weaving rugs has been my passion since childhood, and I really love and value what I do. I value the times I’m with tribal groups and get to introduce nomad women designers and their amazing artworks to the world. By doing this I feel satisfied with what I have done in my life.
I also welcome students and small groups of people in our store for a free discussion about rug art and history. I enjoy discussing and providing information about the history of rugs and the beautiful story behind each rug that we have. I am thankful that I am gifted with the talent to weave and tell important stories.
ILQ: How will you describe your shop to people who’ve never seen it before?
Waji Khan, cousin of Riyaz Bhat, holds a 150-year-old pure wool handmade Shiraz tribal rug. It’s a wedding sufra (dining) rug, made by the mother of the bride.
Riyaz: My store, The Rugman, is not just a carpet store. It is rather a learning class for art and history and I bet once you listen to our stories and see our collections, you are going to love it for a lifetime. Each carpet has a story. Each rug is an art.
ILQ: What motivated you to bring your carpets to Qatar?
Riyaz: As soon as I arrived in Doha, I went around the city and strolled to see different places. I went to markets and to the lone mall during that time – The Mall at D Ring road. I saw one rug store inside that mall with many customers. I also went to the old downtown where there were more rug stores, and I saw people buying rugs. That’s when I decided to open a store here.
ILQ: Was it easy to set up a carpet store here in Qatar?
Riyaz: Yes, at that time it was very easy to open a store and I was very lucky to find a great sponsor who also became my investment partner. He helped in every way to open my shop. Qatar is one lovely country, and living and working here has been a lot easier compared to other countries and has been very encouraging for my business.
ILQ: What kind of rugs and carpets will people find in your shop?
Riyaz: We have extremely high-quality handmade rugs from my family of weavers. Besides that, we also have genuine handmade rugs made by nomads like Turkmen, Kazak, Balouch, Uzbek, Shirwan, Ghazni, and many other small tribes of the region. Each rug collected from them tells a beautiful story.
ILQ: What is the biggest difficulty you have faced in bringing these carpets and rugs from Afghanistan to Qatar?
Riyaz Bhat (left) in Jalalabad, Afghanistan in 2005. / Image credit: Riyaz Bhat
Riyaz: Going to Afghanistan, collecting these rugs from these nomads one by one in person and getting them shipped to Pakistan first by trucks, and then from Pakistan to Qatar by plane. It really is an extremely tiring process.
ILQ: Have you participated in both local and international exhibitions?
Waji Khan, cousin of Riyaz Bhat, describes one of the rugs available in the shop.
Riyaz: Yes, I have participated in both local and international exhibitions and shows. I recently returned from my shows in Houston, Texas, and Arlington, Virginia. These were my 5th and 6th shows in the USA. I have also done many shows for American Women’s Association Qatar, Tuesdays Ladies Group Qatar, Qatar Expat Women, US Embassy Qatar, Exxon Mobil Oil Qatar, Shell Qatar, and many other private shows.
ILQ: Do you have both local and international customers? How do you ship the rugs/carpets to your customers?
On the second floor of The Rugman store.
Riyaz: Yes, we have local and international customers and we ship our rugs all over the world. Our foreign customers are mostly from the USA, Canada, and Europe. We have a very economical door-to-door shipping facility.
ILQ: Why should people own at least one of the carpets/rugs you offer?
A rug inspired by the famous Ardabil Carpet is available at The Rugman store.
Riyaz: Our rugs are not like those commercial rugs you see in many stores. Our rugs are made by nomads and purely handmade using natural resources. These are the rugs that if taken good care of can end up in museums as they are extremely strong.
ILQ: What is the price range of rugs and carpets in your store?
Carpets/rugs and other souvenir items are available at The Rugman store.
Riyaz: It depends on the quality, the material, and the work put into it. Sometimes a very small rug costs much more than a huge rug. But I would say rugs in our collection range from QR 600 up to QR 70,000. It depends on how crazy you are about rugs and how much budget you have.
ILQ: What do you think is the future of handmade tribal rugs and carpets?
Carpets/rugs and other souvenir items are available at The Rugman store.
Riyaz: Carpet weaving is one difficult and time-consuming job. One must be very patient and creative to create rugs. The new generation is not taking it as a vocation, and it’s becoming a dying art. Sad to say, I feel that in the next 30 to 40 years we might not see genuine handmade rugs anymore.
ILQ: What message do you have for the people of Qatar?
Riyaz: Work with all the enthusiasm and confidence in you, and your achievement will just be right there at the corner. Obey and respect the rules and laws of this wonderful country.
In the present day world, where the number of birds and animals is dwindling fast due to environmental issues and man-made calamities, a bird lover has made an attempt to provide shelter to sparrows at his home.
Salauddin, class I civil contractor of Manvi town of the district, is the Good Samaritan, who has given shelter to sparrows in his house for the past four and a half years. He has installed bamboo, tires, pots etc and feeds water and food to these birds through these equipment. In addition, he has built a small house for these birds. The birds use water and have food in this house. Salauddin is well known for his love of birds in the district like another bird lover Saleem Ali.
Salauddin’s house has become a tourist spot. Everyday hundreds of school children visit his house during school days.
Salauddin says that protecting the birds is his aim. In addition to sparrows, he also has Myna, Robin and Bulbul birds making nests in his house. His wife and children provide him full support in his noble work.
Salauddin opines that birds and animals have as much right to live on this earth as human beings. He says that everyone has to at least make arrangements to provide water to birds especially during summer.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Raichur (MS) / August 14th, 2021
