Category Archives: Business & Economy

Muslim female entrepreneurs, achievers rule the show at first IMEN summit, Start-up showcase

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pune, MAHARASTHRA :

Uzma Nahid addressing the first IMEN summit and Startup Showcase held in Pune on Februray 07, 2016 (ummid.com [Uzma Nahid addressing the first IMEN summit and Startup Showcase held in Pune on Februray 07, 2016. Also seen in the photo are Architect Nafisa Kazi, Sameena Razzaq and Farah Deeba. (ummid.com photo)]photo)

Pune (Maharashtra): 

A new initiative aimed at driving Muslim involvement in India’s startup and technology economy hosted by Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Network (IMEN) in Pune last Sunday ended in double delight when it showcased the upcoming business opportunities along with success stories of Muslim female entrepreneurs and young achievers.

The event, brainchild of Chicago based Indian American Tausif Malik, was organized in association with Pune based trainers Anees Kutty and Gaffar Asim Malik.

Started with National Anthem at about 09:00 in the morning, the event ran throughout the day before ending at 06:30pm, uncovering the inspiring stories of Muslim female entrepreneurs and achievers, and also sharing the experiences of Muslim change-makers who have dedicated them for years for the social, educational and economic empowerment of the Muslims in India.

Besides sharing their success stories, the ‘Role Models’ – as the organizers introduced them, also urged the ‘would be’ entrepreneurs to gear up and prepare to take the benefits of the ‘Start-up India Action Plan’ unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This is an emergency like situation for Muslims, especially the Muslim women. In the situation when we have limited opportunities, it is high time we develop business skills in women so as to fruitfully utilize their skill and talent for the empowerment of the community”, Uzma Nahid said while participating in the panel discussion titled “Role of Women in Business & Community”.

“A huge number of Muslim men and women artisans are skilled and talented. But they are unorganized and hence are vulnerable to exploitation. We should adopt areas dominated by such people, form small groups and establish small scale and cottage industries for them”, Uzma, founder of India International Women’s Alliance (IIWA) which has more than 3000 women members, said.

The views were endorsed by Architect Nafisa Kazi, Educationist and one of the youngest Headmistress of School Farah Deeba and senior journalist Sameena Razzaq, with each one of them adding valuable inputs to the idea mooted by Uzma Nahid.

Participating in another panel discussion Managing Director of Exhicon and Executive President, Imamia Chamber Of Commerce & Industry MQ Syed appealed the young entrepreneurs to use their talent effectively to maintain quality and present innovative products of world-class quality.

“There is no discrimination if you have talent and skill, and there absolutely no challenge and competition to quality”, he said.

Highlighting the importance of business and entrepreneurship in Islam, MQ Syed said, “The Holy Quran gives 9 out of 10 marks to business and trade while discussing the livelihood. Jobs and service have the least priority for us”, Syed, who has mentored over fifty start-ups, said.

Stating that the Muslim community is wasting their energies on useless issues MQ Syed said, “We might have problems with Israel. But, instead of boycotting Pepsi to corner Israel, we should produce a product better than Pepsi.”

Mariyah Rehmani, author of e-book titled ‘The Hijab And Its Purpose: Understanding the veil’ taking the question from Maryam Asif Siddiquee, the winner of ‘Gita Champions League’. (ummid.com photo)

Detailing the key features of ‘Start-up India Action Plan’, Aleem Faizee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Awaz Multimedia & Publications and Founder Secretary of Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA), said if implemented properly the plan is the best suitable for Indian Muslims.

“Everyone suffered due to ‘inspector raj’, and lengthy and tiring bureaucratic procedure in India. But, Muslims were worst sufferer of this menace. The Start-up India Action Plan has many features to end this problematic and unhealthy regime”, he said while opening the Start-up showcase session.

“If implemented properly, the Start-up action plan will surely open the doors of opportunities for Muslim entrepreneurs in India”, Faizee, who is instrumental in establishing a mini Textile Park in Malegaon, said.

Irfan Pathan, founder of ‘Coffe Addict’, showcased the ‘soon to be launched’ product by giving history of coffee and elaborating on the role of Muslims in spreading the coffee drink. During the presentation, he was supported by Khan his cousin and team member.

The event was also addressed by, Managing Director of Idafa Investments Pvt. Ltd. & Rehbar, Regional Head, West India Ashraf Mohamedy, Mariyah Rehmani, teenager who authored e-book titled ‘The Hijab And Its Purpose: Understanding the veil’, Serial Entrepreneur, Mentor and Investor Altaf Rehmani and Program Facilitator UNCTAD-Empretec Program for India Nasser Mehdi.

Among the organisers, Tausif Malik, Anees Kutty and Asim Gaffar Malik detailed the objectives of the event and also shared their valuable experiences in their long careers.

At the end of the ceremony, MQ Syed was conferred ‘IMEN Businessman of the Year Award’, Mohammad Yunus, who saved more than 2000 lives during Chennai flood, was conferred ‘Shaheed Abdul Hamid Award’ and Maryam Asif Siddiquee, the winner of ‘Gita Champions League’, was conferred ‘Educational Excellence Award’.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by Zohair Mohammad Safwan / February 13th, 2016

Furquan Moharkan’s financial thriller on Yes Bank all set for a screen adaptation

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

“I am really excited. A scam of this magnitude has to be taken to masses,” the author said

Furquan Moharkan’s financial thriller ‘The Banker Who Crushed His Diamonds: The YES Bank Story‘, is all set to be adapted for screen. Published by Penguin Random House India earlier this year, the story uncovers the deep rot set in YES Bank’s glittering success story.

The crisp page-turner will now be adapted for screen, and according to a press release, the publishing house has already closed a deal with Almighty Motion Picture for the rights.

The book charts the trajectory of the bank, from its inception to its dramatic rise and meteoric downfall. It also entails the story of the people behind one of the biggest banking failures in Indian history.

About the recent developments, Moharkan said in a statement: “I am really excited. A scam of this magnitude has to be taken to masses, and what better than a book getting made into an AV form. We have also seen growing interest in financial thrillers in the country, which I hope would lead to success of The Banker... This will also help a lot in making the masses financially more literate.”

Almighty Motion Picture launched in 2020 with a web series on MX Player. Headquartered in Mumbai, it is headed by actor turned entrepreneur Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu.

“We have always craved for good content and when I came to know about The Banker Who Crushed his Diamonds by Furquan Moharkan, it did not take me another thought to go for the rights to be adapted on screen,” she said.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Books and Literature / by Lifestyle Desk , New Delhi / April 12th, 2021

Former Vice President Of Jamaat-E-Islami Hind Prof KA Sidheeq Hassan Passes Away

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

Koottil, Eriyad (Thrissur District), KERALA :

Prominent Islamic scholar and former Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Professor KA Sidheeq Hassan passed away today at the age of 75. He was the chief architect of Vision 2026, a flagship project of the Human Welfare Foundation, a public charitable trust working for the development of Muslims.

Prof Sidheeq Hassan worked as an educator in various educational institutions including University College, Thiruvananthapuram and Maharaja College, Ernakulum.

He served as the President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Kerala from 1990 to 2005. Earlier he had held the positions of Chairman of Alternative Investment and Credit Limited (AICL), founding chairman of Baithuzzakath and sub-editor of Probodhanam Weekly.

Sidheeq Hassan was born in Koottil in Eriyad in the Thrissur district of Kerala and was one of the contributing founding members of Madhyamam Daily, a prominent newspaper in Kerala.

He was conferred with many prestigious awards including the Imam Haddad Excellence award, Islamic Online Star of 2010 by Islam Online and Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait Foundation Award.

He is survived by wife VK Zubaida, sons Faslurrahman, Sharafuddeen and daughter Sabira.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Ghazala Ahmad / April 06th, 2021

Meet Azharuddin, a mechanical engineer from Meerut who made an electric cart from junk, earning laurels

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Muradnagar, (near Meerut), UTTAR PRADESH :

Twenty-year-old Azharuddin from Meerut in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is good with his hands. He created an electric cart from junk and he is now receiving online orders from abroad. Apart from this, the 21-year-old has also made an electric bicycle that can cover a distance of 100 km on a single charge.

Uttar Pradesh:

His father laboured all his life and his mother never went to school, yet the twenty-year-old Azharuddin from Muradnagar near Meerut in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh battled all odds and went on to become a mechanical engineer. His is a story of fighting poverty with talent and hard work and emerging victorious.

Azharuddin studied at a government school and today he is a second-year B.Tech. student at Subharti University, Meerut. The university management does not take fees from him. Instead, they provide all the facilities.

Azharuddin is good with his hands. He has created an electric cart from junk and is now receiving online orders from abroad. The twenty-year-old has also made an electric bicycle that can cover a distance of 100 kilometer on a single charge.

In addition to the electric cart, Azharuddin has also made a solar cart, which does not need to be charged. His feat is remarkable as he has accomplished it all by himself.

Presently, the boy from Muradnagar is working to get his e-cart verified by the government.

Electric cart made by Azharuddin

“The e-cart is basically solar powered, but it can also be charged. It will benefit the environment immensely. It is cheaper and more robust. It can be used as an auto. Currently, its demand is coming from societies of large size, where these non-polluting carts are of great importance. Apart from this, they have great importance in places like Zoos, Taj Mahal etc. Till now such carts were running on battery. We have a cheaper alternative to solar and electricity,” Azharuddin told TwoCircles.net.

Azharuddin’s accomplishments have not been in vain. He has received an offer of 6 solar carts from a society in Hyderabad.

For his first electric cart, it cost him INR 1.5 lakh. He has improved its cost of making and his e-cart now has space for more people to sit. An e-cart made by him has been sent to Dubai.

Azhar says that if the government cooperates with him, they can build something that can contribute to pollution reduction in the country and improve the environment.

Azharuddin says that he has made his electric bicycle in the same manner. It can charge up to 100 kilometres at a time, while the company’s cycle runs 30-40 kilometre. It can run-up to the speed of 25-30 kilometre per hour and is pollution-free. He has started getting orders for his e-cycle.

He says his e-cart was used at the Taj Mahal in Agra for six months. “I had built a one-seater helicopter in 11th grade, which was greatly appreciated at the exhibition in Ghaziabad,” he said.

His e-cart is now being used in Haryana’s Hisar Cantt. and Engineering College. His e-carts are also today used at his college Subharti Meerut.

Azharuddin’s father Amirudin Kassar told TwoCircles.net that “Azhar has brought him only joy and pride.”

“People in the village know me because of my son. I respect him more,” he says.

Talking enthusiastically about his e-cart, Azharuddin explains that in the event of solar energy being interrupted, its work will be done by charging and this cart will keep running. “Two batteries of 12 volts and five batteries of 140-ampere lead-acid have been used in the solar panel. This is the biggest feature of this e-cart that it operates from both solar and electricity as well and is cheap,” he says.

At Subharti University, Azharuddin’s work is discussed with excitement.

A staffer at the University Sanjay Kumar points out that Azhar’s talent is natural. “The natural talent inside him is going to take him to places. He has earned a name for himself through his work. His difficult time has passed. We wish him a bright future,” he said.

The story of Azharuddin exemplifies that passion and hard work pays, no matter how humble your beginnings.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story> TCN Positive / by Aas Mohammad Kaif, TwoCirlcles.net / March 30th, 2021

Mechanic Khaleel’s Way Of Aatmanirbhar Bharat: German Car’s Switch Unit Runs With Mixer’s Speed Knob!

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Science & Technology, Transport

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Owning a car was a distant dream till 50 years of my age. Finally, I could buy a petite beauty — a German company car Opel Corsa Sail. It was a “pre-owned” one (decent word for second hand). The running around I made to purchase this would itself make an interesting story as I was a greenhorn then. The pre-owner used all his expertise in explaining its features and convinced me to buy it. He also postured as if he was deeply pained to part with the car.

Well, like any other kid with a new toy, I developed a bond with this beauty. Once, it was a dream to buy a car but soon I used to drive this car even in my dreams. My   obsession for spic and span maintenance of my new love, made her silver-coloured curvatures (I believe Chassis is a very harsh word) shine brighter.

A veteran from Indian Air Force that I am, the lessons on cleanliness has been imbibed by me. I never cared for myself even when I got sunburned in the cleaning process. I thought I had to compensate the time lost in my earlier 50 years without a car and spent more time in adoration of this new car !

This car had an exquisite spacious accommodation and upkeep of the interiors of her beauty was also given equal prominence. Dust was my chief enemy. The sight of dust would horrify me. So cleaning was meticulous. Even the remote and hard-to-access portions were carefully polished.

Well, my wife was obviously unhappy that in the course of car cleaning, my household responsibilities were weaning. Her frequency of nagging had increased. (Friends used to say their wives are also same and that sounded like music to my ears). One fine day (can I call it so?), in spite of my wife’s admonitions, I ventured into cleaning my car.

Matter of just a switch

I do not dare to blame my wife for her warnings, because of which I got a little distressed. But the resultant bad mood had an evil effect as I cleaned the interiors. There was this headlight control switch that became the casualty of my distraught. Unlike the modern-day cars, which have control switch attached to steering wheel itself, in my car, it was a little remotely fixed at right-hand corner below the dashboard. Because of my unusual harsh handling that day, the switch got damaged and so was my sleep that night.

The next day I went to the company-authorised service centre. The service engineer inspected it and gave a verdict that it cannot be repaired and the entire switch control unit needs to be replaced, with an original imported one. He said that it has to be obtained from the manufacturer and may take 15 days and the estimated cost was about Rs. 7,000.

Deft hands

I got worried and decided to have a second opinion. One of my friends advised me to go to a local mechanic, Khaleel, who was an expert in his own way in repairing high-end cars. I thought of giving it a try and went to his garage which was next to a Gujari (dump yard). I was amazed to see several high-end imported cars parked there for different levels of repairs.

I was very anxious about the snag in my car, may be very minor, but was paramount for me. But after inspecting the car for only a few seconds, he showed no expressions whatsoever. He asked me to leave the car and come after an hour. His face was so serious that I did not dare to ask any more questions. The next one hour was the toughest in my life. My restless mind was preparing for the worst. 

Complex problem, simple solution

I went back to the garage, posing with a fictional courage. Cool as a cucumber, Khaleel said the snag is rectified and demonstrated that it worked properly.  He asked me to pay Rs. 100. I was astonished and could not believe. I peeped into the dashboard and I could see a new control knob, which looked pretty familiar as well as bizarre to me. It was totally different from the original one. I wondered how he could get such a part which was supposed to cost a bomb and was not readily available locally in such a short time and that too for a paltry hundred rupees.  

When I expressed my bewilderment and disbelief (though happy within), he nonchalantly said, “Saar, it is very simple technology like a mixer in your house.  I just bought a mixer speed control knob for just ten rupees and replaced the broken switch” and handed over the broken switch to me. I was astounded. I thought to myself, hell with the frightening company-authorised service centre, my job was done so effortlessly and the worry vanished.  

Above all, I thought, it was a classic  example of “vocal for local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” much before our Prime Minister Modi promulgated the scheme nationally. Wonder how many such sophisticated spare parts Khaleel would have  replaced in those imported cars lying in his garage with their bonnets open to the sky. And how many such Khaleels  would be in the trade!

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by S. Vasudevan, Retired Superintendent of Customs & GST / March 26th, 2021

Lutfi Hassan takes oath as chairman of Gandhi Mandela Foundation- American Continent chapter

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Texas, U.S.A. :

New Delhi/Washington :

Prominent businessman and Democratic Party stalwart Lutfi Hassan formally joins Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

Mr Lutfi Hassan is Founder Chairman of the Apex group of companies and a senior member associated with the Democratic Party of the United States of America.

Mr Hassan  took oath as the Chairman of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation for the Americas (United States and the Continent), said a press release of Foundation.

Lutfi Hassan

Shri Nandan Jha, Secretary General, Gandhi Mandela Foundation, administered the oath. The ceremony took place at the Gandhi Mandela Foundation headquarters in New Delhi. Syed Yahya Bukhari, President, Jama Masjid United Forum also took part in the oath taking ceremony. Mr. Bukhari presented Mr Hassan with the Gandhi Mandela Medal as souvenir alongwith a bouquet of flowers.

On his new role Mr Hassan said, “My job would also be to involve younger generation, my children, my grandchildren and generations to come, I would like them to know what GMF is all about, and get them engaged. I see a lot of young people here, who are very excited to be part of this fabric, so similarly I would like to expand that in the United States and carry this mission through.”

After the oath ceremony Mr Hassan, Mr Nandan Jha, Shri Adesh Tyagi, Director(GMF), Mr, Faiz Aksari, Jt. Director(International Relations, GMF), Joint secretaries (GMF), Shri Abhinanv Singh, Shri Adarsh Laddha, Ms Sharmishtha Sharma (Media Relations) visited former CJI Justice Shri KG Balakrishnan (Chairman of Jury, Gandhi Mandela Award) at his residence. Justice KG Balakrishnan welcomed Mr Lutfi Hassan as member of Gandhi Mandela Foundation family and presented him the symbolic flag of Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

This meeting was followed by lunch hosted in honour of Mr Lutfi Hassan at the Shangri La Hotel, New Delhi. The team was joined by several other dignitaries. During this lunch meeting the team discussed further plans for the Gandhi Mandela Foundation global expansion.

Mr Lutfi Hassan, is an established civic leader representing the South Asian community in mainstream American politics. Mr Hassan has served as an advisor on Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senatorial, Congressional, Mayoral and Judicial campaigns in the United States. He has served as a national finance co-chair for the Obama for America campaign in both 2008 and 2012. Over the years, Mr. Hassan has also served on the National Advisory Board (NAB) as a member of Democratic National Committee. Most recently, Mr. Hassan served on the board of advisory for South Asians for Biden. He was one of the select few who were invited at the Biden-Harris inauguration ceremony.

The Gandhi Mandela Foundation a Govt. of India registered trust which promotes individual freedom, civil liberties, and human rights across the globe. The headquarter is situated at New Delhi and Global presence include America, Africa, Russia, Great Briton, Switzerland, China, Nepal, Bangladesh.

The Foundation instituted the Gandhi Mandela Awards during the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji to celebrate those who have carried forward that the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The Chairman of the Foundation is India’s hindu spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Patron Swami RamDev. The Jury committee includes former Chief justices of three countries (India, Nepal & Bangladesh).

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Network / March 11th, 2021

Prophetic Medicine Council Launched To Promote The Practice And Organize Its Practitioners

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Green Products, Science & Technology, Useful / HEALTHCARE, World Opinion, , , ,

KERALA :

Kerala-based Traditional Prophetic Medicine Association Trust (TPMAT) has launched the Supreme Twibb Council in order to promote Prophetic medicine or Tibb-e-Nabawi.

The initiative aims to provide a platform to doctors and physicians involved in Prophetic medicine and will also give training to those doctors who are interested in practising Tibb-e-Nabawi.

Dr Muhammed Gafoor Saquafi, the council’s president highlighted that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recognized Prophetic medicine as one of the alternative medicine as ordered by the ruling of the Supreme Court. TPMAT had filed a petition in the Supreme Court in this regard and after winning the case they decided to initiate Tibb Council.

“Moreover the Prophetic medicines institutes have received various orders from the Central Government in this connection. Based on this and Central Act1882, the TPMAT is registered and Supreme Twibb council is formed under it.

Advice and remedy given by Prophet Muhammad on the matters of health including sickness, hygiene, and treatment are called Prophetic medicine. These remedies are given by the Prophet, which is mentioned in the books of Hadith, and the writings were undertaken by non-physician scholars to collect and explicate these traditions.

In 2014, the Prophetic medicine was recognized as a complementary medicine senate via the Alma Atta Declaration of the World Health Organization. A letter of recognition and appreciation was also provided by the World Health Organization via the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy (AYUSH).

Prophetic medicine was enlisted as an alternate medicine by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2017 and gains the status of independent practice. This liberty to practice prophetic medicine was given by Supreme Court itself. There are many Prophetic Medicine institutions initiated at various locations of India.

The Court managed to draft bylaws of the Council in contrast with a pending petition given by TPMAT to the Supreme Court earlier, that constitute the legal part of the Prophetic medicine.

The council will also provide memberships to the scientific scholars and traditional scholars in different categories. Moreover national memberships will also be given for the structural expansion of the training institutes in the Country with a head-quarter in the national capital, Delhi.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Ghazala Ahmad / March 13th, 2021

Rashid Ali Khan buys Gaya Gladiators Team in Bihar Cricket Legue

Business & Economy, Sports, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Patna (Bihar) / Mumbai:

Mumbai based successful entrepreneur, sportsperson and the founder of Significant Sports Capt. Rashid Ali Khan has bought Gaya Gladiators, a team in the Bihar Cricket League (BCL) T20. The auction for the same was held in Patna today. 

Founded in 2011, Significant Sports holds a reputable position in the world of Sports Marketing & Celebrity Management. The company constantly aims at working towards being the frontrunner across various sports verticals and for being a one-stop destination for everything in and around sports.

Commenting on this development Capt. Rashid Ali Khan said, “We are delighted to be a part of this Bihar Cricket League T20, which will provide an opportunity to flourish and nourish hidden cricketing talent in Bihar. This initiative taken by BCL will bring a paradigm shift in the development of Bihar and will help the young cricketers grow exponentially.” 

“Being a sportsperson, I am always inclined towards promoting young talent and honing their skills in cricket. Gaya Gladiators will nurture the youngsters with potential and I am delighted to announce that legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan would be the mentor of Gaya Gladiators”, he added.

source: http://www.english.newstracklive.com / News Track / Home> Sports / March 10th, 2021

Making screen history

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

Mum bai (Bombay) , MAHARASTHRA :

Liani goes back in time to find out how Alam Ara, the first Indian film with sound that was released on March 14, 1931, was made.

With my travelling severely curtailed, I tried the time machine. I turned a few knobs and wham! I was in March 1931 at a studio in Grand Road, Bombay, that overlooked the railway tracks.

“What’s happening?” I asked a mouse that suddenly appeared by my side. He tittered, “This is a film shooting. These rooms are not soundproofed; so these guys have to wait till the trains stop running.”

I looked at him quizzically. “It’s 1930s, my friend. There were only silent movies. See how they are placing those large microphones inside the actors’ costumes, behind the props and every other place possible.”

“Must be uncomfortable right?”

“You bet. Oh! Look at that. They have musicians hiding behind the trees!”

This was fascinating. I hopped across until I found a man gazing out of the window. I introduced myself and asked him to give me the lowdown.

Getting briefed

“Hello,” he said. “I’m Ardeshir Irani, the producer of this film. I was inspired after watching Show Boat, last year. I knew it was the next greatest thing in films. I decided it would be in Hindustani, which is a mixture of Urdu and Hindi. For my story, I had Alam Ara, about warring queens, palace intrigues and, of course, romance too.”

For his heroine, he had found a young actor named Zubeida, and the male lead was Master Vithal, a Marathi stunt star. The villain was Prithiviraj Kapoor. “If the villain is not good, the movie can fail, you know,” he said. “We are almost done here. This is the fourth month of shooting. It takes just a month to shoot a silent movie.”

My time machine was beeping and my time had run out. Intrigued by what I had seen, I read up about Alam Ara. The film was a sensation. The Majestic Cinema in Bombay was mobbed and the police had to be called in. Tickets were sold on the black market for four to five rupees. But here is the sad part: No copy of this film exists. There are just a few stills to remember this pioneering film.

Fun five

Alam Ara was India’s first talkie.

The shooting was done mostly between 1.00 a.m. and 4.00 a.m.

Released on March 14, 1931, at Majestic Cinema in Bombay, its tagline read: All living. Breathing. 100 per cent talking.

The song ‘De De Khuda Ke Naam Par’ was sung by Wazir Muhammad Khan, a neighbourhood watchman. Irani hired him because of his coarse voice. The film had six other songs.

It introduced the concept of music and playback singing.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Children / by Liani / March 09th, 2021

Meet the hijabi cake artist of Goa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, , , , ,

Panjim, GOA :

Nadia Aslam, a young cake artist, has set up an inspiring example of entrepreneurship by starting her own business from home and becoming a known cake artist in Goa capital city, Panjim, within the span of a few years.

Nadia graduated in home science. One of her hobbies was stitching. Despite being a mother of three kids, she preferred to follow her passion and prepare bakery stuff on the special occasions of her close ones. She then realised that she can turn her passion into a business, with her mother’s support. She began to accept customized orders from people and is now one of the best cake artists in the city.

Nadia also takes cake making classes regularly under the banner of “Nadia’s Sweetooth”. she has trained dozens of girls to become “Atmnirbhar’ [self-sufficient].

Speaking to Muslim Mirror Nadia said, “Muslim women in Hijab can take up a business and support the family, as an entrepreneur. I realised that all we need are opportunities, and support from our family to exhibit our ideas and creativity in business.

”We can support our families financially while practising Islam and following its guidelines,” she added.

The reason why Nadia’s mother was her biggest supporter was that her mother was also a beautician long back and as it is said “An artist can only understand the definition of art”. Maybe Nadia has also inherited the art of creativity and beautification from her mother as can be clearly seen in her work. The startup wasn’t a child’s play.

Coping up with the timings of household chores, care of three kids and baking ruined her sleep several times. She hardly has time to rest as one whole cake took 17 hours of preparation to get completely ready. Also, it became tougher when she began to receive orders from the corporate sectors and grand parties. Keeping taste, decoration and creativity on a track called “perfect” is her art, and she handles it in a perfect way. And people give a lot of love to it.

In five-year span, Nadia has made approximately 2000 cakes and other bakery products including cupcakes. She says that customers command more concentration on the decoration and overall presentation of the cake, which requires a lot of time and efforts.

Orders from wedding parties, corporate sectors, birthday parties, festival celebrations and many more huge functions requires a perfect decoration with eloquent creativity. To provide a perfect taste while handling the measures of sugar syrup and fondant is also a task.

Nadia has bagged the Achievers award 2018, Proud award 2019. Gowomania Goa has also felicitated her with “star of the month 2017” and 2018 consecutively.

Speaking with Muslim Mirror, Nadia’s husband Rehan Shaikh expressed happiness over her success. He further said that there is nothing if a woman pursues her career while following Islamic guidelines. Men should support their wives to prove their abilities.

Dr Afreen Karol, who is one of Nadia’s ”satisfied” customers, said, ”Nadia is the one who makes my dream cakes into a reality, whatever the occasion, and however weird my request for the cake might be, she nails it every time and it tastes heavenly, good looking cakes can also be tasty, only if Nadia bakes them.”

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Featured / by Imran Inamdar and Sobiya Inamdar / March 08th, 2021