A Mosque Study Center was inaugurated in Taj Enclave, Northeast Delhi, with the support of the Shaheen Group. The center aims to provide both religious education and academic coaching for medical, engineering, and competitive exams.
During the event, Faisal Falahi, Director of Shaheen Academy Delhi, introduced the Shaheen Group, highlighting that approximately 35,000 students are currently enrolled in its institutions, where they receive not only general education but also specialized coaching for NEET and engineering entrance exams. He emphasized that the new study center aligns with this vision.
Advocate Feroz Ahmed, President of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, underscored the importance of education, citing former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as an inspiration for students from underprivileged backgrounds. He stressed the need for initiatives like those led by Dr. Abdul Qadeer in the current educational landscape.
Mufti Adil Jamal Nadvi emphasized the necessity of combining religious and worldly education, while former Secretary of the Maulana Azad Foundation, Rizwan-ur-Rahman, highlighted the importance of counseling to help school dropouts return to education.
Dr. Khwaja Shahid, President of the All India Educational Movement (AIEM), shared his long-standing association with Shaheen Group and its founder, Dr. Qadeer. He referred to such study centers as “academic ICUs” for students struggling with education. The center was jointly inaugurated by Dr. Shahid and Advocate Feroz Ahmed.
Before the inauguration, AIEM General Secretary and former President of the Taj Society, Abdul Rashid, expressed gratitude to Shaheen Group and Dr. Qadeer for their support in establishing the center. The event was presided over by Faisal Faridi, President of Taj Society, and conducted by Nasir Aziz. The vote of thanks was delivered by the society’s secretary, Javed Hasan Khan.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Aslam Ahmed, former DSP Mohammad Akhtar, Ilyas Saifi, Dr. Idris Qureshi (President, Mushawarat Delhi), and a large number of attendees.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 03rd, 2025
In an era where medical expenses are skyrocketing, a doctor from Patna has been a beacon of hope for the poor and underprivileged.
For an astonishing three decades, Dr. Ejaz Ali has been charging a mere Rs 10 for consultation, earning him the revered title of “messiah” among his patients.
From March 20, 2008, to July 7, 2010, he represented the Janata Dal (United) in the Rajya Sabha from Bihar. He has also served as the National Convenor of the All-India Backward Muslim Morcha, an organization dedicated to campaigning for Dalit Muslims since its founding in 1994.
Since 1984, Dr. Ali has worked as a general surgeon in Bikhna Pahari, Patna. The kind physician took a different approach, while the others around him charged exorbitant fees. By keeping his fees at Rs 10, he made himself available to those in need.
His clinic, which is situated in Bikhna Pahari on Ashiana-Digha Road, draws patients from all across Bihar who are looking for reasonably priced healthcare.
With more than 100 patients every day and multiple surgeries completed, Dr. Ali’s dedication to affordable healthcare is clear. He emphasizes his consistent commitment to aiding people in need. In order to save them money on lodging and other costs, he makes sure that every patient who has travelled to visit him receives a consultation that same day.
In addition to charging minimal fees for consultations, Dr. Ali performs surgeries at a reasonable cost. He permits his patients to pay in installments and even declines to charge them.
The late wife of Dr. Ali was a doctor as well. His three children now work in the same field, truly carrying on their father’s legacy. They asserted that their father has always put patients first.
His daughter, Gynecologist Dr. Suraiya Anjum, says, “He is the type of person who never yells or becomes agitated. Patients frequently regard him like a messiah.
Despite his fame and recognition, Dr. Ali remains humble and dedicated to his work. His clinic continues to attract patients from all over the state.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / Two Circles.net / Home> Articles> Indian Muslim / by TCN News / February 03rd, 2025
The air is thick with political tension in the bustling lanes of Delhi’s Okhla constituency as the assembly elections in the city draw near. A determined and vocal leader, Nooreen Fatima rallies the crowd with the chant, “Bolega Okhla, Jeetega Insaf (Okhla will speak, justice will win).”Fatima is campaigning for her husband, Shifa Ur Rehman, an outspoken anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) activist, who has been behind bars since April 2020. Accused of being involved in a conspiracy to incite riots in Northeast Delhi, he faces serious charges, but his supporters believe the allegations are baseless.
Steadfast in her mission, Fatima tells the voters, “We could not get justice in the courts, but we trust you to deliver it at the ballot box.” Her voice reverberates through the streets and seemingly resonates with the people of Okhla who still seek justice for what they perceive as wrongful incarcerations.Talking to TwoCircles.net, Fatima explained why her husband decided to contest the elections despite his lack of political experience and imprisonment for five years. “We are a part of this society. Politics is part of our life,” she said. “Although Shifa-ur-Rahman has no political background, he has always had an interest in politics. We are not gullible people. It is not that Shifa does not understand the political landscape. In the past, he was very much involved.”
Nooren Fatima campaigning
She continued, “Owaisi Sahab took a risk by giving us a ticket, something no big party would do. They want big faces, not freshers. But Owaisi took that risk, and now people are learning about Shifa. This is a platform for us, and for that, we are grateful.”
Often seen leading the charge, Fatima passionately addresses the core issues that have plagued the community. “The education system in Okhla has failed us. The healthcare system is a mess. The government promises a lot but delivers little. People need better schools, better hospitals and better opportunities. We will fight for these rights.”
She argues that the local government’s “neglect” has only exacerbated the community’s problems, with basic infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems still in disrepair.
She has a conviction in fighting for her husband. “We cannot just sit back and watch as our future is decided by others,” she said. “It is time for people to rise and take charge. Our fight is not just for Shifa; it is for all of us who have been wronged.”
Rehman’s candidacy, endorsed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has apparently stirred the community.
Once a stronghold for the Congress, the Okhla constituency has shifted to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in recent years, thanks to the party’s emphasis on local issues like education and healthcare. Many now believe AAP is the best hope for keeping the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining ground in the area.
Reflecting on the bigger picture of the elections, Fatima emphasises the need for unity and focus. “This is not just about our family, it is about the future of the community. We need leaders who will fight for justice, for education, for healthcare, for our rights,” she says. “I appeal to the people of Okhla to consider who is genuinely fighting for them and who is merely playing political games. We have had enough of broken promises. Now is the time for real change.”
Always direct, Fatima also critiques the state of politics in the region. “I want to appeal to the people to vote wisely. Take into consideration how the candidate addresses your issues. Making emotional speeches and issuing hollow statements will not resolve the various issues. They will be resolved if your issues are genuinely taken into account. Think about Shifa’s sacrifices, his nature, and the difficulties he has faced.”
Meanwhile, in Mustafabad, another Muslim-majority constituency in North East Delhi, the mood is similarly charged. The area still feels the scars of the 2020 riots, where 53 lives were lost, 38 of them Muslims, and the subsequent arrests of students and activists.
Tahir Hussain, a former AAP councillor, remains behind bars. He is accused of murder and riot-incitement. His wife, Shama Anjum, has stepped up to carry his political torch, campaigning fiercely for his innocence. “The allegations against him are baseless,” she asserts, drawing from her personal pain and conviction. “He is not a rioter. He is a victim.”
Out on a six-day custody parole granted by the Supreme Court, Hussain is campaigning in his constituency, where he is contesting as an AIMIM candidate. “I had announced six months ago that I will contest from Mustafabad. All the parties knew this… they all announced their candidates just a few days ago. None of them reached out to me. The AAP and the Congress could have, but they were scared that the BJP will make this a poll issue,” he tells TwoCircles.net.
Tahir Hussain with Owaisi and others from AIMIM
Hussain expresses gratitude towards the AIMIM, saying, “I am grateful to Owaisi that he gave me a chance. He is a seasoned politician… Parties that I spent time with, I shared meals with and campaigned for, abandoned me. But an unknown person showed faith in me. He hugged me and fielded me on party symbol.”
While Hussain faces political isolation from his former allies, his personal connections with Mustafabad are deep-rooted. “I have grown up here, got married and had children in Mustafabad. I love my people and rule their hearts,” he says. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in his campaign and asserts that he is “banking on 30 years of hard work”.
Further criticising the AAP, he says, “For the last 10 years, Kejriwal has not even shown his face to us. The people will not fall for their trap this time. There is so much work to be done here.”
As posters demanding justice for Hussain adorn the walls of Mustafabad, the political landscape becomes more complex. The AAP has fielded Adil Ahmad Khan, promising a more developed and educated constituency, but criticism lingers over the party’s alleged failure to adequately address post-riot rehabilitation. Attempting a comeback with Ali Mehdi, another local leader, the Congress is challenging the AAP’s grip on the area, while the BJP’s candidate, Mohan Singh Bisht, aims to consolidate Hindu votes by focusing on “justice” for riot survivors within the Hindu community.
The AIMIM’s decision to field Rehman and Hussain, both tied to the 2020 riots, has ignited intense emotional support among Muslim voters, but it also raises concerns about vote fragmentation.
The stakes have never been higher for Okhla, Mustafabad, and the broader political landscape in Delhi. The February 5 elections will not only be a contest of power but a struggle for justice, dignity and the future direction of the city’s diverse communities.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Indian Muslims / by TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter / February 01st, 2025
Laal suffered cardiac arrest on Saturday night and was rushed to Mira Primary Health Center in Plassey, where doctors declared him dead.
Trinamool MLA from Kaliganj in Nadia, Nasiruddin Ahmed aka Laal, passed away at 71.
He suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday night and was rushed to Mira Primary Health Center in Plassey, where doctors declared him dead.
Nasiruddin, fondly known as ‘Laal’ in political circles, was the chairman of the Trinamool Congress’ Krishnanagar organisational district.
By profession, he was a lawyer. He is survived by a son and two daughters.
Expressing her deep condolences, chief minister Mamata Banerjee in a post on X stated: “Saddened by the sudden demise of my colleague Nasiruddin Ahmed (Laal), MLA from Kaliganj, Nadia. A veteran public worker and political representative, he was our trustworthy asset. He was a lawyer and a very good social worker, and I truly valued him. My condolences to his family, friends and followers”.
Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, in a similar post on X, expressed his condolences.
Adhikari wrote: “It’s disheartening to learn about the sad and untimely demise of Kaliganj MLA; Janab Nasiruddin Ahmed (Lal). I express my condolences to his family members, friends & political associates. May his soul rest in peace”.
Nasiruddin’s political journey began in 2011 when he was elected as a Trinamool Congress MLA from Kaliganj. In 2016, he lost the seat to Congress-CPM alliance candidate Sheikh Hasanuzzaman.
However, Hasanuzzaman later joined Trinamool. Nasiruddin also reclaimed the Kaliganj seat in the 2021 Assembly polls.
Nasiruddin’s unexpected death has left the Trinamool leadership in Kaliganj without a key figure.
Nakashipara Trinamool MLA Kallol Khan expressed his sorrow, saying: “It is very shocking for me. I spoke to Laal on Saturday afternoon and he seemed to be fine. I will no longer have him by my side in our political journey.”
With Nasiruddin’s demise, the Kaliganj Assembly seat has fallen vacant.
A by-election will be announced. However, given that the state Assembly elections are scheduled for next year, a new MLA will likely be elected for a brief tenure of around six months.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / Telegraph India / Home> West Bengal / by Subhasish Chaudhuri / February 02nd, 2025
Setting a rare example in communal harmony, the Muslim community in Prayagraj has extended a helping hand to the pilgrims stranded in the city after the stampede in the ongoing Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya, in which more than 30 persons have died.
Muslims have opened their homes, mosques, dargahs and public spaces to accommodate the Hindu pilgrims needing help and depicted the laudable Islamic spirit of compassion during the crisis.
The tragedy of stampede occurred in Prayagraj in the night intervening January 28 and 29 when the pilgrims rushed to participate in the ritual of bathing and taking a dip in the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the night. The people sleeping and sitting on the ground near the rivers were trampled by huge swells of devotees coming towards them in the darkness.
Significantly, the selfless service from the Muslim community for the Hindu pilgrims has come when they were facing a financial and social boycott during the Maha Kumbh. Muslims have been kept away from the Kumbh festivities with an open boycott and banned from taking up the event-related employment works. Despite this, the local Muslims have disregarded their exclusion and are providing food, shelter, and medical aid to stranded pilgrims.
Reports emerging from Prayagraj say that Muslims have actively come forward to the rescue of pilgrims caught in distress. They are offering food, water, clothes, medicine, and even shelter to the devotees, displaying an unshaken commitment to humanitarian values. Videos and pictures circulating on social media depict local Muslims distributing essential supplies and aiding the pilgrims, defying efforts to sow division.
The Muslim community in Prayagraj, earlier known as Allahabad, has historically played an active role in Kumbh Mela, which has benefited both Hindus and Muslims socially and economically. The event had long provided business opportunities for Muslim shopkeepers, transporters and labourers. This year, calls for their boycott from certain religious figures led to their exclusion from trade and services at the event. Even Muslim shopkeepers who attempted to operate discreetly were targeted and harassed.
Despite being told that they were not welcome in the Maha Kumbh and the labour force being denied work, Muslims have not turned their back on the Hindus in the hour of need. Following the stampede, several mosques, including Jama Masjid at Chowk and another in Khuldabad, were opened to house distressed pilgrims.
Moreover, Muslim volunteers have set up food stalls and medical aid stations to assist the injured and hungry. A community-run ‘bhandara’ (free meal service) has been organised, serving hundreds of devotees irrespective of religion. Even the Muslim medical professionals have also stepped forward to help, and a local physician, Dr. Naz Fatima, has turned her clinic into a relief centre, offering free treatment to injured devotees.
The stampede in Maha Kumbh led to a complete collapse of arrangements made for the devotees and their entry to the venue was stopped. Whoever had reached at a nearby point, he was stopped there. In such a situation, Muslims living in more than 10 areas in the city showed a big heart and opened the doors of mosques, shrines, dargahs, imambaras and their homes for 25,000 to 26,000 devotees. Arrangements were made for people to stay and food, water and tea were provided to them, while those who needed medicines were taken care of.
A news report carried in ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ newspaper stated that ‘bhandaras’ were organised for pilgrims in more than 10 areas. On the night of January 28, there were 8 crore people in the 10 km area of the Maha Kumbh. After the stampede, the highways got jammed and all the vehicles carrying the pilgrims came to a halt. A large number of people had to spend the night on the roads.
The devotees had to spend the night of January 29 also on the road. In this situation, the Muslims accommodated the Hindu pilgrims in Khuldabad Sabzi Mandi Mosque, Bada Tazia Imambara, Himmatganj Dargah and Chowk Mosque, 10 km away from the fair area. Some pictures and videos of this were also circulated on the social media platforms.
People of the Muslim-dominated localities, such as Nakhas Kohna, Roshanbagh, Himmatganj, Khuldabad, Ranimandi and Shahganj, accommodated the devotees in their homes. A local resident, Irshad, said: “They were our guests, we took full care of them.” Bahadur Ganj locality’s Mohammed Irshad said: “After the stampede that night, we realised that a large number of people were in trouble. Where would they go in the cold night? After this, mosques and dargahs were opened. Many people were given shelter in Muslim homes. Arrangements for their stay and food were made. Later, bhandaras were organized. They were guests of Prayagraj; we tried to take full care of them.”
The news report in ‘Dainik Bhaskar’ quoted a Muslim man, Masood Khan, as saying: “Muslims were following their religion by helping out the people in need.” Masood Ahmed, a teacher from Chowk area, said: “Such a big event is being organised in Prayagraj. That night when it was time to help, we all worked together. Food stalls were set up. Muslims came forward to help as a gesture of humanity.”
“Our aim was that the people who have come here should not face any problem of accommodation. There should not be any problem of food and water. This is our responsibility. The elderly people walking on foot were helped, they were taken to the places for stay. We just wanted that whoever goes back from here should take the message of humanity with them,” Masood Ahmed said.
Another local resident, Afsar Mahmood, living in Khuldabad area, said: “While earlier it was announced that Muslims should not enter Maha Kumbh, ultimately the fair itself came to the Muslim localities.” Moinuddin of Chowk area said: “The Muslims of Prayagraj only wanted that whoever is coming here should not spend the night under the open sky, so everyone opened the doors of their homes. This is an example of harmony.”
Mohammed Azam of Civil Lines area said: “Food was arranged at night in front of Hari Masjid. People were suffering from cold that night. As many blankets and quilts as possible were made available. We only wanted that they should not face any problem. Arrangements for their food were also made at night.”
The spirit of mutual support was not limited to providing shelter, as the arrangements were made for food, water, and medicines for those in need. Hundreds of blankets were distributed to protect people from the cold. Local Muslim organisations, social activists, and common citizens actively participated in this initiative, making the relief efforts even more effective.
The assistance provided by Muslims in Prayagraj was not just a humanitarian aid, but it also sent a strong message of communal harmony, unity, and human values to the society. The devotees not only appreciated this generosity but also described it as a symbol of India’s rich composite culture, where different communities consider each other’s hardships as their own responsibility.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow.net / Home> News / by Correspondent India Tomorrow / February 02nd, 2025
Zakia Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri – the Legal Crusader who became a Symbol of Resistance, died at her residence in Ahmedabad Saturday February 01, 2025.
Mumbai:
Zakia Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri – the Legal Crusader who became a Symbol of Resistance, died at her residence in Ahmedabad Saturday February 01, 2025.
Zakia Jafri was 86.
Zakia Jafri is survived by sons Tanveer and Zubair, and daughter Nishrin. “Mom passed away at around 11:30 AM”, she told media.
Zakia Jafri’s sad demise was later shared with the world by Rights Activist, Journalist and Author, Teesta Setalvad.
“Zakia Appa a compassionate leader of the Human Rights Community passed away just 30 minutes ago!” Teesta Setalvad wrote on her X account around 01:30 PM Saturday.
“Her visionary presence will be missed by the nation, family. friends & world! Rest in Power and Peace Zakia appa!” Teesta wrote while condoling Zakia Jafri’s death.
Originally from Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, Zakia Jafri had shifted to Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 1971. This after living in a refugee camp after her home in Khandwa was burnt during the 1969 communal riots.
Zakia Jafri’s husband Ehsan Jafri was a freedom fighter and Member of Parliament.
Ehsan Jafri and his family had provided shelter to dozens of Muslim families at their Gulbarg Society in Ahmedabad during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
But, the society, considered to be a safe haven because of Jafri family’s stature, too was targeted by the rioters who burnt alive and killed at least 68, including Ehsan Jafri.
Zakia Jafri later fought a long legal battle to seek justice for the 2002 Gujarat riot victims. She had also challenged the SIT clean chit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Chief Minister Gujarat, during the riots.
During the long legal battle she was threatened and later cajoled by different means and tactics. She however remained firm.
Zakia Jafri is likely to be laid to rest beside her husband in Ahmedabad.
Condolences pour in
Meanwhile, condolences are pouring in from different circles after the demise of Zakia Jafri.
Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, in his condolence message said, “Zakia Jafri, an unwavering voice for the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots, is no more. The widow of former MP Ehsan Jafri, who was brutally murdered by a Sangh Parivar-led mob, she dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice. Her relentless fight leaves behind a legacy of courage and resilience. Her memory will continue to inspire us in our fight against communalism and divisive forces.”
Congress Spokesperson, Pawan Khera, wrote, “Zakia Jafri died today. Her Hope for justice had died in her life time. She chronicled the history of ‘New India’ through her tears, her sobs, her fight and her defeat.”
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi in his condolence message wrote, “Zakia Jafri watched her husband being murdered by a mob in 2002. For nearly two decades, she fought a lonely legal battle against some of India’s most powerful men, never showing fear. She passed away today. May Allah grant her peace and strength to her loved ones.”
Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) who was posted in Gujarat during the 2002 Godhra Riots condoled Zakia Jafri’s death in these words.
“Zakia Jafri Ji was an unshakable voice of truth against power. For decades, she fought not just for justice, but for truth, dignity and the very soul of our democracy. Her strength in the face of unimaginable loss will forever inspire us. Today, India has lost a true warrior, but her courage will live on! Rest in power, Zakia Ji!!”
Condoling the death of Zakia Jafri, Journalist and TV Anchor Rajdeep Sardesai worte: “Sad news: Zakia Jafri, whose husband and former Cong MP Ehsan Jafri was brutally killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots passed away today. For years, she fought a valiant battle for justice. When even an MP’s wife struggles to be heard, imagine the plight of an ordinary citizen. And yet, she remained steadfast and courageous till the end. Refused to give up.”
Mumtaz Patel, daughter of Congress leader Ahmed Patel, condoled Zakia Jafri’s death in these words.
“Zakia Jafri ji, symbol of resilience and an unwavering voice for justice, is no more. Her fight for truth and accountability in the face of unimaginable tragedy will always be remembered. May she rest in power.”
My heart goes out to the brave lady #ZakiaJafri who fought against these devils and those three judges who betrayed you . But they all will have to pay for their karmas before they depart from this world,this also includes the supreme leader . pic.twitter.com/JQUZTueTuI— Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) February 1, 2025.
“Zakia Jafri, widow of former parliamentarian Ehsan Jafri, who was killed by a Hindutva mob in the 2002 Gujarat genocide, Zakia Jafri Survived in genocide and become the relentless voice of Justice”, Noor Mahvish, a lawyer, wrote on X.
“Zakia Jafri . A life time of a fight for justice 23 years out of the 85 she spent on this earth ,waiting for justice for the killing of her husband along with the people they tried to protect inside Gulberg Society in Gujarat 2002”, a social media user, who identifies her as Realm of Bohemia, wrote.
“Brave and fearless, she fought for Justice till the end”, an activist wrote.
“She left this world fighting for justice and showing the whole world how to never give up”, Razia Pathan, an activist, wrote.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India / by ummid.com News Network / February 01st, 2025
Anjum Tabassum, Tahsildar of Humnabad in Bidar district of Karnataka was presented with an award for her excellent performance as Assistant Electoral Registration Officer during Parliamentary elections 2024.
State governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave away the award to her on National Voters’ Day in Bengaluru on January 25.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding efforts and dedication during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Her hard work has paid off, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her commitment to ensuring free and fair election.
Anjum Tabassum Lashkari from Gulbarga cracked the Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) in 2014. She did her masters from Gulbarga University and had schooling earlier in Shahbad town.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / January 27th, 2025
In an interview with The Global Hues, three cousins from Bengaluru – Zeeshan Javid, Zufishan Pasha, and Shehzar Sheriff shared their incredible journey of mission milk ensuring milk supply to impoverished kids in their city since the onset of the first lockdown in April 2020.
In what would arguably be the largest mass exodus in the history of independent India, the plight of migrant workers and their kids — stranded, exhausted, physically battered, mentally drained, forced to travel hundreds of miles on foot, often on hungry stomachs and with no money to get by — brought to the fore the vulnerability, dread, and agony of millions. As the centre and state governments tried their best to ensure the supply of essentials to the needy, milk (a basic source of nutrition for kids ) was being overlooked.
Realizing the urgency of this salient requirement, these young cousins from Bengaluru began Mission Milk in April 2020. The idea of Mission Milk originated with a ration distribution drive that was conducted by the families of this trio. Zufishan recounts how once while conducting these drives, a group of really poor migrant workers had approached them with the woes of their children who often had to go to bed hungry as it wasn’t always plausible to make arrangements to cook the dal and rice that they would receive through the ration kit distribution.
“We are lucky enough to be in a situation where we don’t necessarily have to worry about basic needs such as food,” says Zeeshan. It was a sense of empathy and personal responsibility they felt regarding the condition of poverty-stricken children going hungry during the pandemic that birthed the idea of “Mission Milk”. Today, they are distributing about 500 liters of milk a day throughout the city.
Why Milk?
While brainstorming ways to help out these kids, they came up with the idea of distributing milk. Compared to ration kits, which would sometimes cost up to 3000 rupees per kit, milk was relatively cheap. Moreover, distributing milk which costs around rupees 37 per liter would allow for more people to help out at their capacity. Even a child could help out the needy with milk by saving up some money from his weekly allowances. This would allow for a wider network to join hands with the initiative and amplify its reach.
Remaining faithful to their tagline “By the youth, For the children”, they aspired to take the mission in a direction that surged youth participation, not only for the sake of the children but also for their personal growth as humble individuals. Mission Milk believes in giving back to society by helping the distraught in times of need, such as the pandemic. It teaches one humility and compassion and makes one feel grateful about their own situation.
A Movement To Inspire
Zeeshan, the co-founder of Mission Milk tells us that their goal was to spark a nationwide movement where people felt stirred enough to organize similar initiatives in their cities to help out the needy. He tells us that theirs is not an organization with any secrets which aspires for popularity or recognition. They have put up several videos on their platform showcasing methods to implement such initiatives anywhere in the country. The idea behind its inception is to galvanize people, especially the youth, to take prompt actions in improving the condition of their immediate neighborhoods.
The goal is to allow this movement to set off the build-up of similar organizations like theirs which work dedicatedly in their areas & capacities for the benefit of those hit severely by the pandemic. In the words of Shehzar (co-founder, Mission Milk) “It has been the immense motivation received from donors, milk angels ( anybody who has been involved with mission milk), and the joy on children’s faces that has kept them going at it tirelessly”.
Functioning Of Mission Milk
The first step involves the collection of funds which is followed by a survey to analyze the number of families and kids in a designated area who could benefit from the initiative. To make this happen, local volunteers are chosen who have a better idea about the demographics of the area and are aware of the location of dairy points. An agreement is set up with the dairy partner regarding the designated packets that the local volunteers would be buying to distribute.
A decentralized and adaptable approach is used whereby the local volunteers are free to buy and distribute milk as per the requirement of the community. For example, migration workers who were leaving for train stations as the lockdown was announced last year, were provided with tetra milk packets that guaranteed longevity and did not require refrigeration or heating to be consumed. Taking assistance from the already available databases of various NGOs, they could ensure better reach to those in need. It helped them nearly double their reach.
A decentralized approach of Mission Milk makes local and NGO volunteers work hand in hand in surveying new places and estimating their requirements.
After getting repeated requests from orphanages throughout Bangalore, they have recently started distributing milk to around 5 orphanages in different parts of the city during the second wave of the pandemic.
source: youtube.com
COVID-19 Care :
Their job simply doesn’t end at distributing milk. With the help of local volunteers, information regarding covid-19 safety is spread throughout the communities they serve. The volunteers make sure to make use of masks, sanitizers, and gloves not just for their own safety but also to set an example for these communities.
Overcoming Barriers
“Funding was a roadblock initially but things fall in place once you get into the thick of things and begin the work”
Zeeshan exclaimed. Updates about their activities are regularly given to the donors through texts to maintain accountability and trust. The creation of a fundraising page was premier in helping them gather enough funds to get the mission started. With the second wave of the pandemic hitting people much closer to home, it was not feasible to gather enough volunteers to do the job. This situation was grappled with by seeking help from local NGO volunteers who were dedicated enough to carry out these services during the pandemic.
Delivering milk before it gets spoiled was another challenge that was overcome by coordinating timings with the local milk vendor and making timely deliveries. Future plans of this organization involve getting registered as an authentic company or a trust to spread their reach nationwide and help as many as possible.
source: http://www.theglobalhues.com / The Global Hues / Home> Interview> Magazine / by The Global Hues / May 31st, 2021
After catching thousands of snakes (venomous and non-venomous), featuring in several shows on Animal Planet, Discovery and National Geographic, shooting one-hour documentaries on snakes for the same channels and having acquired the status of a celebrity snake-catcher over 20 long years, what reason could Mohammed Anees have to be slightly bitter about it all? In his words, ‘the lack of respect people have for the profession’.
His passion for snakes began as a child, and he trained himself over the years through various books by respected herpetologists and experts and despite opposition from his family, he made long trips on his bike in the early days to follow up on calls from bite victims and people who wanted snakes removed from their property.
But Anees is quite upset with the government’s approach towards snakes and snake- catchers.
“They are not supporting them at all.
All their pleas have fallen on deaf ears for so long now. Unlike other professions, here you have to put in money from your own pocket to survive. I can’t pin the blame on a single person, it is the system to blame which doesn’t respect snakes or snake-catchers,” says Anees.
“It’s a thankless job, but I have stuck to it for the sake of the many lives which are at risk from snakes, and of course for the snakes too,” he says. It never did and still doesn’t pay enough to clear his overheads, and he addresses that problem with his construction business and by manufacturing billiards tables.
His life is a heady mix of many things, of course snakes figure predominantly, despite him not being able to go out on calls often due to a niggling back problem.
He loves cats and has several Persian cats, besides his beloved Lost-2, the cat he is most attached to. His son Shoaib, is following his footsteps, as is evident from a picture of the spirited kid with large snakes hanging from his body.
Just like any other day in his life which is flooded by calls from people wanting his expert advice regarding snakes, Tuesday began with a call from Tumkur at 6 am, from a family who wanted him to help their daughter, who was suspected to have been bitten by a snake. He gave them real-time advice and asked them to send him pictures of the bitten area. This was followed by a slew of calls from JP Nagar, HSR Layout and a lot of other places.
He now has a team of four boys he has trained personally, who go out on regular calls. When it comes to training people and raising awareness about the reptiles, he has trained over 300 people till now, who are now practising snake catchers across the state. One more thing that he is proud of is the fact that none of his students have ever got bitten.
“By god’s grace till now I have never been bitten by snakes and I have never even killed one in my life.” says Anees.
“A snake-catcher who knows his profession will never need to kill one,” he signs off.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by The New Indian Express – Online Archive / pixs edited from facebook.com / May 16th, 2012
Mohammed Anees was in the 3rd standard and on his way to Baldwin Boys high School, where he studied, when he laid eyes on the first one. It was run over by a truck and the hind part of its tail smashed on the tarmac.
But, little Mohammed, picked it up, put it in his school bag and took it to school. During class, somehow it managed to wriggle out. In no time the whole class was screaming, and Mohammed got beaten by his class teacher, his Principal, and later in the day by his parents and then his uncles, in that order.
It was Mohammed’s first encounter with the species.
The snake.
Since that fateful day, which he remembers with a sheepish grin, Mohammed has rescued caught and rehabilitated more than 2500 snakes, earning him the title ” The Snake Charmer of Bangalore”.
From Majestic to Shivajinagar, residents remember him fondly as the man who ‘charmed’ hundreds of poisonous snakes out of their compounds and houses.
Online Bangalore met up with this extraordinary human who snaked his way into our hearts. He talks fondly of his undying love for snakes, their habitats and our relationship with the most misunderstood of God’s creatures. As we seated ourselves on his balcony, and sipped tea, Mohammed unwraps a cloth covered glass tank, and displays to us two baby snakes, each about 15 centimeters long.
With one eye on these beautiful specimens, and the other on Mohammed, their guardian, we start the conversation.
What Snakes are these? These are baby Trinkets. And this is for the first time in India that they are being bred in captivity. I found their mother almost dead. I brought her home, and nurtured her. She laid 8 eggs. These are the two which hatched ( He tosses in a baby lizard into the tank as feed).
Contrary to what the reptile theoreticians assume, it took 85 days for them to hatch. They said 45 to 50 days. I have proved them wrong. Until you do it by yourself, you’ll never know for sure.
Have you bred any other snakes in captivity before? Yes. I have incubated, hatched and raised 17 cobras in captivity.
When and where was your earliest contact with snakes? On my uncles farm in Chickballapur. It was punishment transfer according to my folks, ‘coz I’d fared badly in my 10th standard exams. But for me, it was some of the greatest days of my life, as I would catch lots of snakes and then release them in the nearby forests. I guess I became an expert from those days on the farm.
How did you become popular as a snake catcher in Bangalore? After I moved to Bangalore after the farm days, I used to help catch snakes initially from the houses of my friends and relatives. Gradually the word spread and then people from all parts of the city started calling me.
Which parts of Bangalore are most infested with snakes? The whole of Bangalore actually. But, the most densely infested areas are Kamanahalli, Bashweshwar Nagar, HAL – Indiranagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Giri Nagar areas.
Which were your biggest and memorable catches upto date? The biggest catch was 57 snakes from the compound of the Drug Testing Laboratory and 21 snakes from the compound of the residence of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, then Mr. Bhaskar Rao, both on the same road.
What is the reaction of the people after you catch the snakes. Relieved naturally. But, I’m surprised at the concern that the people of Bangalore have for snakes. In some cases, after they find out that the snake is not poisonous, they have requested me to release it there itself. Having a non poisonous snake in your yard is actually a prevention against poisonous ones and they also get rid of all the rodents.
Do you have anybody to assist you? Earlier, I was alone, but now I have about 16 persons who have been trained by me.
What is your ‘modus operandi’ so to speak? We are alerted of the presence of snakes by phone calls. We then reach the spot immediately and trace out the snake. The catch is made usually with bare hands, but we use the hook at times when we have to get them out of holes or crevasses. We then put them into specially made snake bags that are 4 feet long and then bring them to my house where they are then placed in snake boxes. After a gap of 7-8 days, we then take them to the Banerghatta forest where they are released in the presence of the Government Forest officer.
Where do these snakes normally tend to hide? Almost anywhere actually. I have caught them from ceiling fans, inside car bonnets, motorbikes, suitcases…..practically everywhere.
What are the varieties common to Bangalore? Cobras, which are poisonous and rat snakes which are non-poisonous. In all there are 19 varieties of snakes in Bangalore, (though the theoreticians wrongly state 21) including the big four poisonous snakes. In fact after all these years I can tell where the snake is from when I see it. The ones from Bashweshwar Nagar area have a dark tinge to their skin, while those from other areas bear different characteristics.
What are the Big Four? They are the four most poisonous snakes in the world, and Bangalore has all four of them. The Cobra, Krait, Russell’s Viper and the Saw-scaled Viper.
Why do snakes attack humans? Actually snakes never attack unless they are provoked or attacked. So if you see a snake, just keep still and look at it in the eye. Don’t ever make a move towards it. 65% of all snake bite cases are those that take place when the snake is attacked. 25% when they are stamped upon unknowingly in the dark. 5% when people roll over them in their sleep, especially in the villages where the snake snuggles up to keep warm. And only 5% to so called ‘freak’ causes. Remember,snakes never bite that which they cannot swallow and all they know is eating, mating and hiding!
How do you manage without any public support? I love snakes. Somehow I feel it my duty to protect these lovely creatures from unwanted killing. By the grace of God or by the strangest of coincidences, every time I rescue a snake after a call, I manage to get an order for making a Billiard table, which is my line of business. So, touch wood, so far I have not felt the pinch. But I sincerely wish someone would come forward with help. It is always welcome. But somehow it is not in me to go around asking for it.
Have you won any awards for your meritorious service? One Government official has been telling me for the last 3 years that they propose to give me the Rajyotsava Award for the service I’m doing for the public. Nothing has happened. Nothing will, even for the next 3 years. ( He laughs) The S.P.C.A. gave me an award last year for my service .I attend to snake calls for the S.P.C.A. also.
Do you have any future plans? Yes. I have a lot of plans. But without funding It’s helpless. I have compiled all my experiences with snakes into a book, which I feel can be read and understood by both 3rd standard school kids as well as medical professionals. I hope to publish it someday, if somebody is willing to fund it.
As we thank him and get up to go, one of his assistants arrive with a cobra, caught that morning from Kamanahalli. Mohammed is suddenly alert as he inspects the snake and instructs the man to put it in one of the snake boxes.
We wonder if the cobra is aware that in a week’s time, it will be free again, in its own habitat, thanks to a 29 year old, who became their protector and guardian since that fateful morning 21 years ago.
Interviewed by Monu D. Surendran
If you wish to donate to the cause of rescuing and rehabilitating snakes or for snake rescue:
Contact: Mohammed Anees / No.15 Coles Road,/ Opp. Bank of Baroda Frazer Town / Bangalore 560 005 / Ph: 5487424, Mobile: 98440 37424
source: http://www.onlinebangalore.com / Online Bangalore.com / Home / by Monu B Surendran
