“If we only remember Sir Syed over a plate of biryani once a year, we miss the essence of his mission. AMU was created to serve the community, and it’s our duty as graduates to stay true to that vision.”
The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) recently celebrated the 207th birth anniversary of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a visionary leader known for his contributions to education and social reform. On this occasion, Wali Rahmani, a prominent speaker and recipient of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award 2024 for Excellence in Education, delivered a compelling message urging the audience to deeply understand the compatibility between science and faith.
During his address, Rahmani challenged the common notion that science and religion are separate, emphasising that the Quran encompasses scientific principles. “To say that one hand holds science and the other the Quran implies that the Quran lacks scientific understanding, which is a misconception,” he stated.
“The Quran isn’t void of science; it contains scientific wisdom. When we speak of education, we must start in the name of Allah. Education divorced from His name isn’t complete.”
Reflecting on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s legacy, Rahmani highlighted how Sir Syed dedicated his life to the cause of education, building AMU to serve the community. He noted that Sir Syed’s vision extended beyond the establishment of a university; it was about empowering the community through knowledge and service.
“It is essential to remember why leaders like Sir Syed did the work they did,” he remarked, adding, “If we merely commemorate his work without continuing it, we aren’t doing justice to his legacy.”
Rahmani emphasised the need to go beyond token celebrations, stating, “If we only remember Sir Syed over a plate of biryani once a year, we miss the essence of his mission. AMU was created to serve the community, and it’s our duty as graduates to stay true to that vision.”
Expressing his gratitude, Rahmani acknowledged the honour of receiving an award in Sir Syed’s name, though he humbly expressed his doubts about deserving it.
“It’s an honour for my work to be recognised, but I also feel a sense of responsibility,” he shared. “While I cannot force anyone to become like Sir Syed, I can call them towards the truth, towards what is right.”
Rahmani’s words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the values and mission that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan championed – education, community service, and a harmonious integration of science and faith.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / October 26th, 2024
Mumbai’s 16-year-old prodigy fights all odds to study in Singapore
Mumbai :
Sheikh Tayyaba Kausar Muhammad Arif, a 16-year-old student from Holy Mother English High School in Malvani in the northern area of Malad in the country’s financial capital, has secured a ₹2 crore scholarship to study at the United World College (UWC) in Singapore, starting August 10. Her achievement has brought immense pride to her family and community.
Tayyaba scored 93% in her SSC exams despite her modest background. Her father is a tailor, her mother a homemaker, and she has two younger sisters. Her disciplined study routine included early mornings and late nights, demonstrating her dedication.
Her journey began in October 2023 with an essay competition, followed by a rigorous selection process and a challenging interview in Pune on January 20. “Without the support from my school and NGOs, the documentation process would have been daunting,” she said.
Principal Rafiq Siddiqui of the Holy Mother School played a crucial role. He recalled how Tayyaba, who had to leave her previous school due to unpaid fees, joined Holy Mother in the sixth grade. “Moved by her determination, we assured her she’d never have to worry about fees again,” he said. NGOs like Smile Foundation and Teach for India also provided vital support.
In an interview, Tayyaba expressed her gratitude: “I thank Allah, my parents, my sisters, my principal, and the NGOs. I am excited to study in Singapore but aim to return and serve my country.”
Tayyaba’s journey from Mumbai’s Malvani to securing a ₹2 crore UWC scholarship is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and community support. Her success is an inspiration, showing that with determination and the right support, anything can be made possible.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editors’s Pick> Indian Muslim> by Team Clarion / August 07th, 2024
Asma Memorial Trust felicitates 80 educators including retired ones and specially-abled who served without recognition
Kolkata:
When the name of Junaid Kamal was announced, a 32-year-old man, with the help of two crutches, tried to stand up from his seat and began moving towards the stage to be felicitated at Asma Memorial Trust’s function. Soon, the fine art teacher was assisted in walking to receive a memento, a plant, and a set of notebooks and pens.
It was the first time in his 13-year teaching career that the art teacher, who is associated with four different organizations in Kolkata and serves the community, was recognized as a specially-abled person (left leg and right paralysed).
“I am thankful for the felicitation. For someone like me, it is not only difficult to study, but getting a respectable job is another challenge. Even when you succeed, it is rare that people appreciate it in this fast-paced life,” the Academy of Fine Arts graduate told eNewsroom.
Junaid was not alone; at least 15 retired educators, from both government and private schools, were also felicitated at the event.
Dr Umar Khyyam (70) of Maulana Azad College, Mobark Ali Mobarak (65) from Bankura district Urdu School, Nurul Hoda (62) of Kankinara Himayatul Ghurba High School (underprivileged), and Ashraf Ahmad Jafri (65) of Karaya School, Kolkata, were among them.
There were also current teachers, such as Afaf Jameel of Frank Anthony Public School, Sangita Gurung of Assembly of God Church School, Michael A Panja of GD Goenka Public School, Dr Khalid Hossain of Monu Memorial Institution (Kolkata), Debashish from Well and Gold, Md. Shahnawaz of Noble Mission School, Mubashshreen Shakil of KS Consultancy & Academy, Shaguta Adnan, who teaches French, and Manwar Sultana of Sir Syed English Medium School, among the total 80 teachers who were felicitated.
The felicitated and the felicitetors together after Asma Memorial Trust’s event
Teachers from South Point, East West, Goenka, Albani Hall, Islamia, Mohammed Jan, Flair International, and Izma International schools were also honored.
Noor Alam, the founder of NEET Basket , who also established the Asma Trust in memory of his wife to promote value-based education and encourage those involved in it, told eNewsroom, “We used to celebrate Education Day on the birthday of India’s first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But this year, we started the celebration earlier and began by felicitating educators who have served society but have not received any recognition for it.”
Alam, the Rashtriya Shiksha Ratan Award winner also pointed out that during the felicitation, a plant was given to each honoree to symbolize how educators nurture children. Just as trees benefit society in many ways, a well-nurtured child can positively impact the community.
The chief guest, Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Shamsher Ahmad, who took voluntary retirement and started Crescent School in one of Kolkata’s ghettos—Topsia—shared his journey as an educator. “When I started the school in Topsia (in 2002), I decorated the building very well. People asked me why I was doing so. I told them that to build confidence in the Topsia students, they must study in a place that is not inferior to other major schools in the city.”
“In later years, to boost their confidence to appear for the Union Public Service Examinations, I used my contacts and made my school a center for the UPSC exam, which produces IAS and IPS officers. As a result, today our school produces doctors and students who pursue higher education after graduating from Crescent,” Ahmad said to the gathering.
Sangita Gurung of Assembly of God said a one liner for the teachers, “Teach what your preach and preach what you teach, is the motto remained in my career and it should be with every teacher.”
Dr Sarfaraz Adil, founder of Izma International School, reminded attendees of the importance of education in Islam and how it has been emphasized. “Getting an education is one of the fundamentals of Islam. It not only includes religious education but also opens doors to physics, astronomy, and chemistry. Before Islam, there was no scientific temperament in religion. Only the rich could study, but Islam made education accessible to everyone. Prophet Muhammad announced that any slave who learned and became educated would be freed. Later, a slave named Hazrat Barira became educated and declared that she should be freed, according to the Prophet’s word. And she was freed. Although it was difficult because she was married to an uneducated slave, she wanted her freedom and to be separated from her husband, so she was granted it.”
Dr Adil also had a message for today’s teachers: “Information is easily shared among students. So, what is important for teachers is to teach students skills and show them the practical significance of what they learn in life and society.”
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom / Home> Bengal> Education / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / September 16th, 2024
Dr Suhail Sabir, a retired Professor from the Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has donated Rupees 50 lakh to establish an Endowment Fund at the university.
Aligarh:
Dr Suhail Sabir, a retired Professor from the Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has donated Rupees 50 lakh to establish an Endowment Fund at the university.
This is one of the highest single donations made by an individual from the teaching community from his/her funds to the university, a press release from the PRO of the university said.
Prof. Suhail Sabir has been a guiding force in promoting education and uplifting the student community through his teaching career till his retirement in 2023.
His contribution to his alma mater is an example of the transformative power of education in shaping the future of students.
“The income generated from Prof. Suhail Sabir’s Endowment will be utilized to provide scholarships to deserving students through an open, interview-based selection process, helping students realize their academic aspirations and lifting the needy in the community.” the press release said.
With such a generous gesture, Prof. Suhail Sabir truly embodies the spirit of giving back to the university what he has achieved after studying and teaching at India’s prestigious Aligarh Muslim University.
Such acts of generosity signify that the true greatness lies in the willingness to give back to the institution, and what it has given to him. His generosity encourages alumni and well-wishers of the AMU to follow in his footsteps and support the alma mater in more meaningful ways.
Prof. Suhail Sabir is a role model in philanthropy and community service. His contribution will set a new benchmark for alumni engagement and support for the AMU student community.
Prof. Suhail Sabir deserves these lines of Shakespeare in praise of his philanthropy.
“His life was gentle; and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!”
― William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Syed Ali Mujtaba (headline edited) / September 24th, 2024
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[The writer, Dr Syed Ali Mujtaba, is a Journalist based in Chennai. Currently, he is a Professor at Dr. MGR University, Chennai. He has taken undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from AMU Aligarh. He lived in room no 16 Nasrullah hostel, VM Hall from 1978 to 1984. He represented the AMU senior football team from 1978 to 1982. Syed Mujtaba can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com.]
Areeba Anwar, an undergraduate student of the Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), has won the prestigious Damodarashri National Award for Academic Excellence 2024.
Her essay on the topic “Victory Will Be of Human Spirit” emerged as the best among participants from across the country. The Prayagraj-based SS Khanna Girls Degree College, affiliated with Allahabad University, has been giving away this award for 15 years.
This year, more t2,000 participants submitted their essays in the competition, out of which only 10 essays were selected for the final round.
Areeba Anwar’s essay not only featured in the top 10, but was also declared the winner for the best undergraduate essay across the country.
The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 30,000, a memento, and books worth Rs 5,000.
The award is given every year in a function on October 2. Areeba Anwar represented the university in the competition organized under the aegis of Literature, Fine Arts, Quiz and Debate Club under the DSW (Dean Students Welfare) office of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Before leaving for Prayagraj for the final defense of the essay, she presented her essay and discussed her ideas with Dr. Rumi Naqvi, a member of the Sahitya Club. Dr. Naqvi gave her important suggestions to make the essay stronger.
This 5,000-word essay by Areeba Anwar underlined the resilience of the human spirit. She explained how this spirit is important not only for our survival but also for the development of the nation.
Her essay was adjudged the best among 2,003 essays received from central universities, making her eligible for this prestigious award. This achievement is a proud moment for both Ariba Anwar and Jamia Millia Islamia, a testimony to the academic quality of the institution and the creativity of the students.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / October 09th, 2024
‘Patent Man of India’ Prof Shamshad Ali so far bagged seven patents for his multifarious innovations. The professor of engineering at Aligarh Muslim University’s polytechnic is differently abled and keeps underscoring the need for innovation to achieve progress.
Professor of engineering Shamshad Ali at AMU
Aligarh:
Shamshad Ali, a professor of engineering at the polytechnic college of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has become popularly known as Patent Man of India for his multifarious innovations. Prof Shamshad Ali, who after taking classes keeps busy with his inventions, has over seven patents to his credit till now, granted by the Patent Office, Government of India, Delhi.
This differently-abled professor never loses heart and always strives for excellence. Be it teaching students or discovering something new, this physically challenged person’s hard work has become a source of inspiration for other teachers and innovators. Prof Shamshad Ali was granted three patents in 2022 alone.
The professor underscores the need for innovation to achieve progress. In his appeal to students and teaching faculty in the AMU, he said, “Innovation plays an important role in upping the university’s ranking. Discovering new things helps teachers and students. So they should keep on doing new research. I have bagged seven patents so far and two more patents will be granted soon.”
“When someone discovers new things. Then the innovator is supposed to apply and submit application online to Delhi patent office. Thereafter an exam is conducted. If you pass the test, they will grant you patent. If not, then you will have to work on it again. It all depends upon the examiner,” said Prof Shamshad.
source: http://www.etvbharat.in / ETV Bharat / Home> ETV Bharat> Bharat / January 07th, 2023
The flight had three doctors on board and they managed to stabilise him and take him safely up to the Kolkata airport.
Doctor couple Dr MM Samim and his wife, Dr Naznin Parvin
Bengaluru :
High drama unfolded on an IndiGo flight that had taken off from Bengaluru to Kolkata on Saturday when a flyer in his 40s with preexisting health issues developed an emergency. The flight had three doctors on board and they managed to stabilise him and take him safely up to the Kolkata airport.
Dr MM Samim, who was conferred a gold medal just a day earlier during NIMHANS convocation, and his wife Dr Naznin Parvin, a paediatrician, along with a surgeon from MS Ramaiah Hospital saved the flyer’s life.
Man suffered from chronic liver issue
Their timely action also saved a potential diversion of the flight to Bhubaneswar airport and a disruption of weekend travel plans of 200-plus passengers.
The Flight No 6E 503 took off from Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport at 10.42 am, which was late by 20 minutes. It was an hour later that the flyer, who is from West Bengal and works as a labourer in Kerala, developed breathlessness and threw up. He was travelling with his son to get himself admitted to a government hospital in Kolkata for his chronic liver condition.
Harilakshmi Ratan, a retired chartered accountant seated on 1B, told TNSE, “A flyer seated in the middle (Row no. 16) started vomiting blood. One of the cabin staff made an announcement appealing for doctors on board to assist the patient. Three of them stepped forward and saved his life.”
Dr Parvin, who works at a private hospital in Siliguri, said they rushed to the patient. “He was struggling to breathe and was vomiting blood. His BP was low. We gave him oxygen from the cylinder and also administered drips with normal saline, all of which were available on the flight. The vomiting was brought under control immediately. Soon, the oximeter too showed a stable oxygen level (95),” Dr Parvin said.
Dr Samim, who is the recipient of Best Outgoing Resident in Doctor in Medicine (DM) (Neurology) and who also works at a private hospital in Siliguri, said, “Since the patient was not in a good financial position, I decided it would be better if he reaches his hometown. We had stabilised him too.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by S Lalitha / October 06th, 2024
On Teachers’ Day, over 150 educators from around the world were celebrated with the 8th AMP National Award for Excellence in Education 2024 at a distinguished ceremony held at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal.
The event was presided over by Bhopal Shahar Qazi Maulana Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, with former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and current Rajya Sabha Member Digvijay Singh serving as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony drew attendees from various educational backgrounds, including award recipients who were present in person, special guests, AMP members and volunteers, and members of the academic community. Many other winners participated virtually, and the event was widely followed on social media.
In his address, Bhopal Shahar Qazi Maulana Syed Mushtaq Ali emphasized the profound role of teachers, citing a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “I have been sent only as a teacher to you.” He highlighted the Prophet’s impact through education and quoted Allama Iqbal, who praised the fertile soil of Hindustan for nurturing good deeds. The Qazi reminded attendees of the honor and responsibility of being a teacher, suggesting that a dedicated educator can approach the level of Prophets.
Bhopal Shahar Qazi Syed Mushtaq Ali speaking on the occasion, with senior Congress leader and former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh on his right.
Digvijay Singh commended the AMP initiative for uniting Muslim professionals to contribute positively to society. He stressed the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare for national progress. Singh noted the underrepresentation of Muslims in government jobs compared to SC/ST categories and highlighted the need for increased professional education within the Muslim community.
Senior Congress leader and former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singhspeaking on the occasion.
Singh also criticized the state of the education system, pointing to corruption and the prevalence of contract-based teaching positions, which he argued undermine the quality of education. He lamented the shortage of permanent teaching positions and the poor condition of many government schools.
A view of the audience
Prof. Furqan Qamar, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and Central University of Himachal Pradesh, delivered a keynote address advocating for increased participation in higher education and greater public investment to make education more accessible, particularly for rural populations, women, and landless laborers.
Dr. Usha Khare, a National Teacher Awardee and recently retired Principal of Jahangirabad Girls Government School in Bhopal, shared her inspiring journey of advocating for girls’ education in impoverished neighborhoods. She revealed that she donated her prize money from the Kaun Banega Crorepati show to her school and left significant assets upon her retirement.
The awards were presented in seven categories: Primary and Secondary Teachers, College and University Teachers, Principals/Heads of Institutions, Islamic Education (Arabic/Fiqh/Islamic Studies), Educational Institutions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and the Late Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Award. Prof. Furqan Qamar was honored with the Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Award for his exceptional contributions to education.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to:
Hazrat Maulana Sayyed Muhammad Aqil, Shaikh-ul-Hadith, Mazahir-ul-Uloom, Saharanpur, UP
Jamaluddin Ahmad Khan, Former Lecturer, Halim Musim Inter College, Kanpur, UP
Sharifa A. Azeez, Correspondent, Crescent Matriculation H.Sec. School, Chennai, TN
Sheila Lawrence, Former Headmistress, Lucknow Christian College, Lucknow, UP
Additionally, 78 educators received Special Jury Awards in various categories, and 50 “My Favourite Teacher” Awards were presented based on votes from students and parents nationwide.
In Bhopal, local awardees included:
*Bushra Parveen, Oakwoods School (Primary & Secondary)
*Dr. Shazia Ali, Campion School (Primary & Secondary)
*Dr. Mohammad Athar, Institute of Excellence (Higher Education)
*Dr. M. M. Malik, MANIT (Higher Education)
*Dr. Sana Khan, Azim Premji University (Higher Education)
*Dr. Siraj Ahmed, MANIT (Higher Education)
*Prof. Dr. Ghayur Alam, National Law University (Higher Education)
*Prof. Asma Rizwan, People’s University (Higher Education)
*Dr. Abid Husain Saify, All Saints’ College of Technology (Higher Education)
*Dr. Faiqa Saulat, Trailblazer International School (Principal/Head)
*Ms. Nikhat Ara, A.U. School (Principal/Head)
The ceremony was also graced by Guests of Honour including MLAs Arif Masood and Atif Arif Aqueel, and Mohammad Wazir Ansari IPS (R), Former DGP – Chhattisgarh. They praised AMP’s significant achievements in education and employment over the past 17 years and commended the thorough selection process and professional execution of the event.
Farooq Siddiqui, Head of the AMP National Coordination Team, hosted the event, reflecting on AMP’s growth from modest beginnings to its present reach across over 200 cities and many countries worldwide.
Kalim Akhtar, Zonal Head – Central India, AMP NGO Connect, presented an English translation of the Holy Qur’an to Digvijay Singh, who accepted it with reverence.
Sajid Qureshi, Acting President of the Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Study Circle, thanked AMP for their support in organizing the event, and Rafat Iqbal Farooqi, State Head – AMP Madhya Pradesh, offered the vote of thanks to all attendees and the Bhopal Chapter team for their hard work in making the event a success.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Pervez Bari / September 09th, 2024
Affan Abdul Aziz Momin, son of a paan shop owner from the slums of Zaitoonpura here, has achieved what many dream of but few attain – admission to IIT Kanpur, one of India’s top engineering institutes. His journey, marked by immense perseverance and sacrifice, saw him rise from humble beginnings in an Urdu medium school to earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Today, Affan serves as a Control Engineer at Vestas Wind Technology, a multinational leader in wind turbine manufacturing, showcasing that hard work and dedication can indeed turn dreams into reality.
Affan Momin with his parents
Affan’s path to success was not easy. Financial difficulties threatened to derail his education on more than one occasion. When he secured admission to Defense Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, his family couldn’t afford fees.
It was then that his sisters made the ultimate sacrifice, selling their cherished jewelry to ensure that their brother’s dreams did not go unfulfilled. This act of selflessness kept Affan’s aspirations alive, allowing him to continue his studies and eventually secure a place at IIT Kanpur.
Even after securing a spot at IIT Kanpur, the financial strain persisted. The family’s resources were stretched thin, and Affan feared his dreams might remain unrealized.
However, the kindness of his BE professor, Dr. Rahul Makade, who paid his admission fees, proved that humanity and compassion transcend all barriers. This support, combined with the monthly stipend Affan received from the government, enabled him to focus on his studies without the burden of financial worries, paving the way for his eventual success.
Affan’s journey is a beacon of hope for the community, illustrating that perseverance, faith, and the support of loved ones can overcome even the most daunting challenges. He encourages others to never give up on education, no matter the difficulties, as help will always come to those who strive sincerely. His story is a reminder that every obstacle can lead to greater success, and that with determination and the right support, even the most improbable dreams can come true.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / September 02nd, 2024
Prof Zia ur Rehman Siddiqui (R) receives the National Urdu Award from Mr Dharmendra Singh Lodhi at Bhopal
Prof Zia ur Rehman Siddiqui, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Urdu, Aligarh Muslim University has been conferred with the National Urdu Award by the Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, for his contributions to Urdu literature and research.
The award was conferred upon him by Mr Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of Culture and Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Director of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy in a function held at Bhopal.
Prof Siddiqui has authored several books, including “Tehreek-e-Azadi aur Urdu Nasr”, “Urdu Adab Ki Tareekh”, “Urdu-Hindi Dictionary”, “Armughan-e-Tehqeeq”, “Asaleeb-e-Fikr”, “Bengali Kahaniyan”, “Doon ka Sabza” (Urdu translation of Ruskin Bond’s writings), “Hsuan Tsang ka Safar-e-Hindustan”, “Asan Urdu Grammar,” etc.
He has also contributed over 200 research papers to various journals of repute in India and abroad.
Prof Q.H. Faridi, Chairman, Department of Urdu, Prof S. Siraj Ajmali and other faculty members congratulated him for getting this prestigious award.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / September 11th, 2024
