Category Archives: Education

150 Educators honoured with AMP National Award for Excellence in Education in Bhopal

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

AMP awardees with guests on the stage.

Bhopal : 

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 Singh speaking 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

USTM’s Dr. Faizuddin Ahmed among World’s Top 2% Scientists for Fifth Consecutive Year

MEGHALAYA :

In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Faizuddin Ahmed, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has once again been recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University, USA.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Dr. Ahmed has received this prestigious honor, showcasing his unwavering contributions to scientific research, reported The Hindustan Times.

Despite ongoing political scrutiny of USTM, a Muslim-owned university, by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the institution has continued to excel academically.

Under the leadership of founder Mahbubul Hoque, USTM has nurtured a diverse student body, with 80% of its students being Hindu. Dr. Ahmed’s recognition further affirms the university’s commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.

The list, published on September 16, 2024, highlights global scientific excellence, with Dr. Ahmed being honored for his groundbreaking research in Theoretical Physics, particularly in the areas of General Relativity and quantum mechanics. Over the course of his career, he has published 165 research papers in top-tier Scopus-indexed journals, including the European Physical Journal C, Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, and Annals of Physics.

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ahmed stated, “Being recognized by Stanford University for five consecutive years is a humbling experience. This honor is a testament to the value of persistence, research, and the pursuit of knowledge. I owe a great deal of gratitude to USTM and my colleagues for their unwavering support.”

Dr. Ahmed’s academic journey began at Bholanath College, Dhubri, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 2006. He went on to pursue his master’s and PhD at Gauhati University, receiving his doctorate in 2016.

His consistent recognition on the global stage not only highlights his individual brilliance but also positions USTM as a hub for scientific research and innovation, standing tall against the political challenges it faces.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation / by Radiance News Bureau / September 21st, 2024

Saira Bano Khan Transforms Lives Through Education in Bijapur Slums

Bijapur, KARNATAKA :

Fifteen years of dedication, resilience, and hope led to a school that uplifts underprivileged children and their families in Karnataka.

New Delhi:

In the heart of Bijapur in Karnataka, one woman’s belief in the transformative power of education has changed the lives of countless children and their families. Saira Bano Khan, who started the New National High School 15 years ago, remains unwavering in her mission to offer children from slum areas a brighter future through learning.

Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

“It all started when I saw the children around my neighbourhood,” Saira Bano said. “Most of them were school dropouts, working odd jobs like selling flowers or working in garages. It pained me to see them wasting their potential,” Sanmarg Hindi newspaper cited her as saying.

With the support of her husband, Saira Bano began a small school in a room of her own house, with only four students and one teacher. Today, New National High School serves 200 students and offers education up to the 12th grade. The school has become a beacon of hope for children from the local slums, particularly those from marginalised communities.

New Path

When Saira Bano started the school, many of the students had no basic manners or discipline. “The children used foul language and had difficulty sitting still,” she recalls. “It took months of patience and guidance to help them change. But now, they are polite, well-mannered, and eager to learn. It’s our greatest success.”

Parents have also become part of the process. Saira Bano organises regular meetings to educate them on their role in shaping their children’s behaviour. “We tell them that building a good life starts with teaching good values at home,” the report quoted her as saying.

Despite these successes, the school faces numerous challenges, especially when it comes to finances. “We struggle with funding,” Saira Bano said. “I dream of building a proper school with a laboratory, library, and playground, but for now, we make do with what we have.”

Commitment to Community

Beyond the classroom, Saira Bano has committed her resources to support the school. She and her husband donated their old family home, consisting of seven rooms, to be used as classrooms. She has also invested her savings in buying land for future school expansion. “I didn’t save much for my children. Instead, I saved to build a wall around the land, hoping one day to construct a proper school,” she said.

Her involvement doesn’t stop at education. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, she and her husband distribute groceries and clothes to the students’ families. “Around 40% of the children in our school are orphans or come from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds. My dream is to open a hostel for them.”

Hope Amid Hardship

The COVID-19 pandemic added extra difficulties, with several boys dropping out of school to support their families. “We found some of them working odd jobs during school hours,” Saira Bano recalled. “Our headmistress spoke to their parents and told them they didn’t have to pay any fees, just send their children back to school.” The boys returned, excelled in their studies, and some even achieved distinctions in their exams.

Saira Bano’s work has touched many lives, including a student named Misbah, who was diagnosed with a serious health condition. With no money for surgery, Saira Bano and her headmistress paid for the procedure. “Now, she’s doing well and studying in college,” Saira Bano said with pride.

Instilling Values

Saira Bano’s vision for her students extends beyond academics. She emphasises respect for all religions and cultures. “I teach them about the Gita, Quran, Bible, and other holy books,” she said. “We encourage them to participate in each other’s festivals and to spread love and tolerance. This is how we build a harmonious society.”

The school also focuses on life skills. “We teach boys to respect women, and girls to maintain their dignity,” Saira Bano noted. Her influence on the students’ moral development is reflected in the way older students now correct younger ones when they use inappropriate language. “When I see that, I feel like my work is bearing fruit,” she said.

Looking to the Future

Despite all the challenges, Saira Bano remains hopeful for the future of her school and her students. “I want at least four students from this school to become IAS officers,” she said with a smile. “In sha Allah (God willing), my daughter might also become an IAS officer soon, as she has cleared her CSE exams.”

For Saira Bano Khan, the journey has been one of sacrifice, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of education. “Our work is rewarding. I love my students, and they love me. Watching them grow into disciplined, responsible individuals is the greatest joy of my life.”

As she continues to nurture the school and its students, Saira Bano’s dream remains clear: to see the children she’s helped grow into adults who will change not only their destinies but that of their entire community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / September 19th, 2024

Ace IAS Academy launches UPSC/KPSC batch 2024-25 with inaugural ceremony

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

Ace IAS Academy inaugurated its UPSC/KPSC Batch 2024-25, with Police Sub-Inspector Mushahid Ahmed, an alumnus from the academy’s first batch, officially launching the program.

The event also saw the relaunch of the academy’s website by the Founder President of Ace Foundation, Saduddin Salihi. The occasion was graced by Abdul Salaam, retired General Manager of KIOCL, as the Guest of Honour.

Following the inauguration, a workshop on “Effective Communication” was conducted by motivational speaker and life coach, Saif Sulthan Syed.

The event was attended by the trustees of Ace Foundation, B.S. Muhammad Basheer, Siraj Ahmed, and Shahul Hameed. Nazeer Ahmed, Director of Ace IAS Academy, welcomed the dignitaries and students, while Academic Coordinator Hilaal Raafi hosted the event.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 10th, 2024

Bengaluru hosts workshop on Islamic Psychotherapy for health professionals

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Muslim health professionals in India’s Bengaluru in the last week had a thrilling experience when they were introduced to Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) by renowned Islamic psychologist Yaqeen Sikander.

Bengaluru (India): 

Muslim health professionals in India’s Bengaluru in the last week had a thrilling experience when they were introduced to Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) by renowned Islamic psychologist Yaqeen Sikander.

Yaqeen Sikander was invited for a 5-day workshop jointly organised by Mind and Brain Hospital and Khalil Centre.

The workshop held from August 31 to September 04, 2024 in partnership with the Centre for Study and Research (CSR India) and International Students of Islamic Psychology (ISIP) aimed at introducing the innovative therapeutic framework of TIIP to Indian mental health professionals.

About Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy

Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) is developed by Khalil Centre’s interdisciplinary team of Islamic scholars and psychologists.

The programme integrates contemporary behavioural science within an Islamic epistemological framework.

Originally conceptualised by Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi and Dr. Amber Haque in 2013, the model has been further developed by Khalil Centre’s team, including Dr. Fahad Khan and Dr. Khalid Elzamzamy.

The programme approved by American Psychological Association (APA) is an evidence-based approach tailored to meet the needs of Muslim patients. It has been continuously refined through ongoing research.

About Yaqeen Sikander

Yaqeen Sikander is a clinical psychologist and certified TIIP practitioner based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Sikander, who led the sessions at the workshop, is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, simultaneously receiving specialised TIIP training from Dr. Keshavarzi.

Yaqeen Sikander’s sessions in Bengaluru offered valuable insights into merging spirituality with modern clinical practice, a core aspect of TIIP.

TIIP Workshop Bengaluru

The TIIP Workshop Bengaluru commenced with a Meet and Greet session at Shifaa Hospital, Bengaluru, where Yaqeen Sikander shared his journey through global education and his career in psychology.

This session also featured presentations from Dr. Asfiya Khaleel, Psychiatrist and Director of Ummeed Deaddiction and Rehab Centre, Bengaluru, and Dr. Fiaz Ahmed Sattar, one of the leading psychiatrists in Bengaluru.

Both the speakers provided their insights from years of experience, enriching the discussion on integrating holistic approaches in clinical practice.

Zulekha Shakoor Rajani, Co-Head of the Islamic Psychology Department at Mind and Brain Hospital, shared a presentation on the evolution of Islamic psychology globally and in India exploring its development and future prospects.

Zulekha Shakoor Rajani along with Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar had in June 2024 travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, to undergo TIIP training organised by Khalil Centre where she completed her TIIP Level 2 training while Shujauddin completed his TIIP Level 1 training. While addressing the workshop, Zulekha also shared with the audience her TIIP training experience.

“Attending the TIIP training in Istanbul was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of the vital connection between Islamic principles and modern psychological practices,” she said.

“It became clear to me that Muslim mental health professionals in India needed access to this invaluable approach. By bringing TIIP to Bengaluru, we aimed to introduce Islamic psychology to a broader community of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors, helping them integrate spirituality with their clinical practice”, she added.

After the introductory Meet and Greet session at Shifaa Hospital, the attendees participated in the workshop at Mind and Brain Hospital, focusing on Mastering Therapeutic Excellence. This session covered holistic case conceptualisation, integrative therapeutic interventions, and fostering self-efficacy to enhance client outcomes.

The 4th day of the workshop was held at Ummeed Deaddiction and Rehab Centre, Bengaluru, where Yaqeen Sikander provided introduction to Islamic psychology, discussing its core principles and the role of the practitioner in integrating spirituality into therapy.

The event concluded with a Tafakkur session — a short spiritual retreat emphasising psycho-spiritual contemplation. This session, led by Yaqeen Sikander and Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar, offered the participants a unique experience of Islamic meditation and holistic healing.

‘Just a beginning’

The workshop was a huge success, offering participants practical tools and insights that will enhance their ability to provide holistic, culturally relevant care.

“I am confident this is just the beginning of a much-needed shift in the way mental health is approached in our community.

“The success of this TIIP workshop has exceeded our expectations”, said Dr. Safiya MS, Psychiatrist and Director of Mind and Brain Hospital, the organiser of the event.

“The response from mental health professionals across the country has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a clear demand for approaches that integrate Islamic principles with psychiatric and psychological care.

“We believe this workshop will serve as a catalyst for the wider acceptance and practice of Islamic psychology in India. It is our hope that this initiative will inspire more professionals to explore and implement holistic, faith-based mental health practices, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients alike”, she said.

Mind and Brain Hospital, which hosted the workshop, is a leading neuropsychiatric treatment facility in Bengaluru. The hospital had established India’s first Islamic Psychology Department, co-headed by Zulekha Shakoor Rajani and Shujauddin Fahad Inamdar in 2023.

The department is dedicated to advancing mental health treatments that integrate modern psychological practices with Islamic principles.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Health / by Ummid.com News Network / September 11th, 2024

Women power in full force at Riyadh’s Indian International School

Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson.

The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.

Photo of Shahnas Abdul Jaleel

Jeddah:

In a significant development, the governing body of the Indian International School, Riyadh (IISR) is now led by women, with four of the six members being women.

The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson. The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.

The four women in the management committee are in addition to principal Meera Rahman. Previously all management committees had seven members, however, this time only six members were named. Shahnas is a software engineer working in Saudi Arabia and is a native of Ernakulam in Kerala and is a mother of two. Her husband also works as a software engineer.

The women in leadership roles in the school is expected to change the dynamics, especially in matters of the academic affairs of the students. The community-run schools under the patronage of the Indian Embassy play a pivotal role in Indian community affairs in the Kingdom. It is noteworthy to mention that earlier, Dr. Hemalatha Mahalingam was nominated as chairperson of Jeddah’s Indian International School.

Interestingly, social reforms unleashed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman have brought sweeping changes in the Kingdom wherein women benefitted the most. The country, where women for decades had a restricted role in public, is now embracing their potential.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> India / by Irfan Mohammed / September 06th, 2024

AMP celebrates Excellence in Education: 8th national awards honor outstanding teachers from across India

INDIA :

On Teachers’ Day, AMP held the felicitation ceremony for the 8th AMP National Awards for Excellence in Education 2024. The event took place at an impressive function in Ravindra Bhawan, Raj Bhavan Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It was attended by award winners, invited guests, AMP members, volunteers, and the academic community. Some awardees who could not travel to Bhopal participated virtually, and many others joined through social media platforms.

The Chief Guest for the event was Shri Digvijay Singh, Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Member of Rajya Sabha. He praised the role of teachers and commended AMP’s initiative of uniting Muslim professionals to give back to society. Shri Singh emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare for the progress of the country. He also highlighted the need for Muslims to pursue professional education to foster community advancement.

In his keynote address, Prof. Furqan Qamar, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and Central University of Himachal Pradesh, underscored the necessity of increasing participation in higher education. He stressed the importance of public investment in education to make it accessible to marginalized groups, such as rural communities, women, and landless laborers, who often lack opportunities for higher education.

Maulana Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, Shahar Qazi of Bhopal and the Presiding Speaker at the event, quoted Allama Iqbal, saying, “The soil of Hindustan is very fertile and amenable to good works from its citizens.” He emphasized the special status of teachers in Islam, reminding the audience that according to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a good teacher can attain a rank close to that of the Prophets.

The winners of the AMP National Awards were selected by a jury of 14 distinguished educationists and academicians from thousands of nominations submitted across India. These awards were presented in seven categories:

  • Primary and Secondary Teachers
  • College and University Teachers
  • Principals/Head of Institutions
  • Islamic Education (Arabic/Fiqh/Islamic Studies)
  • Educational Institutions
  • Lifetime Awards
  • Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award

The Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award was bestowed upon Prof. Furqan Qamar in recognition of his exceptional service in the field of education.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to the following esteemed educators:

  1. Hazrat Maulana Sayyed Muhammad Aqil, Shaykhul Hadith, Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  2. Jamaluddin Ahmad Khan, Ex-Lecturer, Halim Muslim Inter College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  3. Sharifa A. Azeez, Correspondent, Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  4. Sheila Lawrence, Former Headmistress, Lucknow Christian College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

On this occasion 78 teachers were honored with Special Jury Awards in the categories of Primary & Secondary Education, Higher Education, and Heads of Institutions. Furthermore, 50 “My Favourite Teacher” Awards were presented to teachers who were voted by students and parents from across the country.

One of the Guests of Honour, Dr. Usha Khare, National Teacher Awardee (Govt. of India) and State Teacher Awardee (Govt. of M.P.), recounted her efforts to promote education for girls in impoverished neighborhoods. Dr. Khare, who recently retired as the Principal of Jahangirabad Girls Government School in Bhopal, shared her inspiring story of how she encouraged parents to send their daughters to school. She also mentioned her act of philanthropy, where she donated her entire prize money of Rs. 25 lakhs, won on the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati, to the school. Upon her retirement, she left assets worth Rs. 1.5 crores for the institution.

Other notable Guests of Honour included Mr. Arif Masood, MLA – Bhopal Central; Mr. Atif Arif Aqueel, MLA – Bhopal North; and Mr. Wazir Ansari, IPS (Retired), Former DGP of Chhattisgarh. Each guest lauded AMP’s tremendous achievements in the fields of education and employment over the past 17 years. They also praised the event’s organizing team and the jury for their thorough selection process and the professional execution of the felicitation program.

Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP’s National Coordination Team, hosted the event, reflecting on AMP’s humble beginnings and its expansion to over 200 cities across India. He also noted AMP’s growing global presence, with volunteers in many countries around the world.

The guests were welcomed by Kaleem Akhtar, Zonal Head for Central India, AMP NGO Connect. Sajid Qureshi, Acting President of the Late Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Study Circle in Bhopal, expressed his gratitude to AMP for the opportunity to support such a prestigious event. Rafat Iqbal Farooqi, State Head of AMP Madhya Pradesh, extended a vote of thanks to the guests, awardees, and the entire AMP Madhya Pradesh State and Bhopal Chapter teams for their hard work in making the event a resounding success.

The event was a testament to the immense contributions made by teachers and educators, who continue to shape the future of the country through their dedication to education and their students.

Click hare for more details and the list awardees.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / September 07th, 2024

City Muslim girl Sarah Rizvi takes Urdu route to IAS

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

Sarah Rizvi has done her bit to issue a blow to the stereotype of the Muslim woman, moderately educated and socially subjugated, ensconced in hijab. She has cleared the IAS exam, ranking 86th among 734 successful candidates. More remarkably perhaps, she has achieved the feat with Urdu literature as one of her optional subjects.
 

“Urdu is my mothertongue. I learnt Urdu and Persian from my late grandfather, Khalid Hussain Khan, who was a lawyer in Uttar Pradesh. I have read Urdu poems and novels since childhood. My Urdu writing speed was bad but I wrote a page a day and that improved my pace of writing,’’ Sarah said. Mohammed Iqbal was, for her, the most difficult poet to understand. “But his shayeri is fabulous,’’ she said of the Kashmiri poet who wrote Sare Jahan se achchha, Hindustan hamara.
 

After finishing BCom from MMK College in 2003, Sarah attended a lecture on competitive exams by K M Arif, educationist and chairman of Alliance Foundation. That inspired her to go for the IAS. “I tried twice but could not clear even the preliminary stage. This was my third attempt and, masha Allah, I passed,’’ the 25-year-old said, adding that her success was the outcome of 10-12 hours of study a day.
 

While doing her BCom, Sarah also completed her foundation course in chartered accountancy. “I wanted to become a CA but Dr Arif suggested I study for the IAS exam instead. I was clueless about the exam procedure and the requisite study material but my family supported me,’’ she said. Sarah was also awarded a scholarship by MESCO, an NGO.
 

Sarah is now posted as section officer in the Haryana Accountant-General’s office.
 

Sarah’s father, Afzal Ahmed, a science graduate, and mother Nigar, an arts graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, run a small garments business.

Her elder brother, Wasif, a civil engineer, is working for a company in Dubai and Sarah’s twin sister, Sameera, a graduate in computer applications, from National College, is married and lives in Bahrain. “I feel more Mulims, especially women, should go for the competitive exams. Many women don’t even know what these exams are about but awareness is spreading,’’ Sarah said.
 

“This subject gives us an inside knowledge of government administration. And the topics are similar to the business administration course matter I read in college,” Sarah said, explaining why she chose public administration over accountancy as one of the optionals.
 

Sarah did her schooling from Canossa Convent School and St. Louis Convent High School in Andheri. She later joined CWC College for Commerce and Economics and eventually graduated from MMK College with 75.7 per cent marks.

(Courtesy Times of India)

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Mateen Hafeez, TNN (headline edited)

Girl Student Tops, The list of Muslim UPSC Candidates

INDIA :

31 Muslims figure in the list of 791 recommended candidates.

New Delhi: 

A girl student topped the list of the successful Muslim UPSC candidates when the results were announced yesterday. Of the total 791 candidates recommended by the commission in its list for various government posts, 31 are Muslims and the girl student topping them in the list is among the top 100 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successful candidates.

According to the press release issued by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Sufiyah Faruqui ranking 20 in the list of 791 candidates is among the list of 100 toppers for which the results were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) yesterday. Sufiyah is on top in the list of 31 Muslim candidates who figure in the list released by the commission that includes three other Muslim girls besides her.

While Sarfaraz Ahmad ranking 26, Shaid Iqbal ranking 51,Tamboli Ayyaz ranking 75 and Sadre Alam ranking 90 are other Muslims who are in the top 100 list, Koya Praveen ranking 120, Ayesha Rania ranking 139 and Sabiha Rizvi ranking 303 are the other three Muslim girls who stand in the list of 791 successful candidates.

The results were announced yesterday based on the written part of Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2008 held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in October-November, 2008 and the interviews for Personality Test held in March-April, 2009.

A total of 791 candidates have been recommended by the commission for appointment including 364 General (including 13 Physically Challenged candidates), 236 Other Backward Classes (including 07 Physically Challenged candidates), 130 Scheduled Castes and 61 Scheduled Tribes candidates.

Owing to the poor representation of Muslims in the Union Public Service sector, the Muslim Institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Hamdard, Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi are running special coaching classes for UPSC students since past three years.

“The result shows that Muslim representation for this year’s UPSC exams stands at 3.92%, a better progress compared to 3.6% in 2006 and 3.1% in 2007”, Omair Anas of Center for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University said to ummid.com adding, “However the achievement is still not at par and the institutions engaged in coaching the Muslim students for UPSC exams should pay special attention to contribute substantially in administrative services.”

The recommended candidates would be eligible for various coveted government posts including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Central Services-Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

Appointment to the various services will be made according to the number of vacancies available with due consideration to the provisions contained in Rules 2 and 19 of the Rules of the Examination and subject to the final decision of the Supreme Court / High Court / C.A.Ts. on the S.L.Ps. / R.As/ W.Ps. O.As. pending therein.

The number of vacancies reported by the Government for the Indian Administrative Service is 120 (60 General, 33 Other Backward Classes, 17 Scheduled Castes and 10  Scheduled Tribes); for the Indian Foreign Service is 26 (13 General, 08 Other Backward Classes, 04 Scheduled Castes and 01 Scheduled Tribe); for the Indian Police Service is 130 (65 General, 36 Other Backward Classes, 20 Scheduled Castes and 09 Scheduled Tribes); for the Central Services Group ‘A’ is 546  (282 General, 146 Other Backward Classes, 81 Scheduled Castes and 37 Scheduled Tribes) and for Central Services Group ‘B’ is 59 ( 34 General, 13 Other Backward Classes, 08 Scheduled Castes and 04 Scheduled Tribes). This includes 20 vacancies for Physically Challenged candidates.

List of the 31 Muslim Candidates with their Ranks:

20: 002666: SUFIYAH FARUQUI

26: 010669: SARFARAZ AHMAD

51: 192126: SHAID IQBAL

75: 079564: TAMBOLI AYYAJ FAKIRBHAI

90: 001339: SADRE ALAM

120 003004 KOYA PRAVEEN

128: 024509: MASOOM ALI SARWAR

134: 003602: IMTIAZ ISMAIL PARRAY

139: 131443: AYESHA RANI A

169: 056251: ZIAUL HAQUE

244: 114573: ASHIQUZZAMAN

257: 043392: BASIR AHMED

303: 004357: SABIHA RIZVI

304: 010883: ANEES AHMAD ANSARI

353:008606 PATTAN IMTIYAZ KHAN

382: 010383: MASHHOOD UR REHMAN FAROOQUI

393: 104282: SHAHNAWAZ UL RAHMAN

398: 039145:0020: CHAN BASHA M

460: 102384: KAZI SUHAIL ANEESAHMED

472: 147935: T K SHIBU

499: 102579: TARIQ MABOOD

502: 051643: GEELANI BASHA K S M

523: 290928: R GULZAR BEGUM

540: 056907: MOHD SHAHID ALAM

546: 108290: MOHD FAIZAN NAYYAR

582: 303331: MAHFOOZUR REHMAN

595: 004523: MD SADIQUE ALAM

603: 002722: MD SALIK PARWAIZ

606: 018478: MD FAIZUL HAQUE

619: 079717: MOHAMMED YUSUF QURESHI

664: 055051: ABDUL HAKEEM M

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Staff Reporter / May 05th, 2009

Hijab-wearing daughters of auto-rickshaw driver become proud IITians

Trikarpur (Kasargode Distrtict), KERALA :

Ramsina and Rissana

Kozhikode :

The twin sisters – Ramsina Rasheed and Rissana Rasheed – hailing from the small town of Trikarupur of Kasargode district in Kerala have brought laurels to their auto-rickshaw-driving father.

One of them graduated in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology at Roorki, the other from Kharagpur. Both are on the job and working in Bengaluru.

The educational journey of the twin sisters is a source of inspiration for the girls of the country and abroad.

At a time when a particular section is targeting the Hijab and Hijab-wearing girls are not allowed entry into schools and colleges, Ramsina Rasheed and Rissana Rasheed have set a record by graduating from IIT while attending classes in Hijab.

Ramsina and Rissana completed their JEE Advanced examination in 2017. While Ramsina did an   M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur in Aerospace Technology, Rissana did a B.Tech. from IIT Roorkee in electrical engineering. Both the sisters are in jobs now.

Ramsina and Rissana’s father is not an ordinary auto-rickshaw driver.  Despite his modest income, he made sure his daughters received higher education despite taunts by the people in his group.

The twin sisters come from an area of Kerala where girls are married off at a tender age.

Interestingly, the father of the twin sisters was also suggested by people in his circle to save money, like other parents do in the area to buy gold for the daughter’s marriage. But Rasheed ignored them and gave priority to the education of his daughters.

The mother of the twin sisters also helped them in their studies. Their mother did not budge against the taunts of people about her daughters. Rather, she ensured that her daughters were not burdened by the household work as they required more time to study.

Ramsina and Rissana are the first IIT pass out from their village. Both are working in a top firm in Bengaluru. They have become ideal for their area.

In a country where girl children face discrimination on economic, social, religious, and gender bases, Ramsina and Rissana overcame difficulties with grit and set a record by graduating from the top IITs.

As their father is an auto-rickshaw driver, they had to face economic challenges in addition to the social barriers of Indian society.

It can be easily understood that for a father of limited income, it is beyond the reach to get an education for talented children according to their strengths.

One can understand the role of a father through the success of Ramsina and Rissana. Their father dared to get his daughters educated while driving an auto-rickshaw. He dedicated his life to the education of his daughters.

Ramsina and Risssana faced religious discrimination which Ramsina has discussed in her Instagram post.

It will be appropriate to discuss that.

Ramsina discusses discrimination because of wearing a Hijab while replying to a comment of a user to her post.

Ramsina writes, “I was treated differently in the lab while doing practicals due to my Hijab.” She says, “However, my colleagues at Airbus do not judge me on my clothes, instead they see me through my abilities.”

On the other hand, Rissana says that one professor had asked her to remove her Hija in the electrical machine lab.

It is clear from their accounts that talented girls like Ramsina and Rissaana face administrative hurdles due to the Hijab in India.

If there is no discrimination against Muslim girls due to their Hijab, there would be many girls like Ramsina and Rissana progressing in different fields and making the country proud.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Huma Masih / August 19th, 2024