Eva Fathima Basheer, a Grade 3 student of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, has been recognised by the India Book of Records for her exceptional feat of reading English storybooks for the longest uninterrupted duration by a child.
At just nine years old, Eva read aloud from six English storybooks for 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 38 seconds without a break. She received the India Book of Records Achievers Award for this accomplishment at a ceremony held on 29 March 2025 at the organisation’s centre in Faridabad, Haryana.
Apart from this record, Eva has excelled in academics, securing gold medals in various national and international Olympiads conducted by reputed institutions. She is also actively involved in extra-curricular and social activities, including cleanliness drives, environmental awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and promoting safety practices.
Eva’s interests extend to writing stories, poems, and articles, as well as drawing and singing.
She hails from Aramboor in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, and currently lives in Sharjah with her parents.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / March 29th, 2025
Shakhapur Village, KARNATAKA / NEW DELHI / Bokharo, JHARKHAND:
Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti
The India GCC (Gulf Corporation Council) Trade Council has announced renowned oncologist surgeon Dr Majid Ahmed as its Honorary Health commissioner.
Dr. Talikoti was recently recognised as one of the 100 most influential Indian Muslim figures by Muslim Mirror. He is a chairman of a ‘Medicant Hospital’ in Jharkhand’s Bokaro. The hospital is known and praised for treating patients at very affordable fees.
In an event in Delhi, Dr. Talikoti was presented with the appointment letter of honorary health commissioner. The India-GCC Trade Council presented the offer recognising his contributions in the field of oncology and his health initiatives between India and Gulf countries.
Accepting the letter, doctor talikoti said the role offered to me is a significant step and I am eager to contribute to health initiatives that bridge India and Gulf countries together. Let’s work to build strong diplomatic ties and healthy Nations across borders.
Earlier, Dr Talikoti had gained recognition in Dubai and was awarded with Healthcare “Excellence Asian Arab Award 2025.”
Her dedication to enhancing people’s quality of life sets her apart. With patience, empathy and strong communication skills at the core of her work, she has built deep connections with those she serves.
Introducing Irfana Husen, whose unwavering commitment to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with speech and hearing impairments not only improves their lives but also highlights the power of compassion in transforming communities.
In this special interview with Star of Mysore on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Irfana shares her journey, insights and the driving force behind her mission to create a more inclusive world. —Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): Tell us about the significance of the ‘Karnataka Brain Health Initiative’ and your involvement in it.
Irfana: The Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KABHI), launched by the Government of Karnataka in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), aims to facilitate the early identification and management of neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia and headache. The initiative has established Brain Health Clinics in District Hospitals, integrating neurological care into primary healthcare.
My role involves assessing and rehabilitating patients with speech, language and swallowing disorders caused by neurological conditions. I work closely with neurologists, physiotherapists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, I actively participate in awareness campaigns and trainings to promote brain health and early diagnosis.
SOM: What inspired you to take up this profession?
Irfana: My motivation to pursue Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology was shaped by my experiences at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru. Witnessing children seeking help ignited my passion for a field that can profoundly impact individuals with communication and hearing challenges. Many children suffer due to late diagnoses and societal stigma, which inspired me to focus on early detection, rehabilitation and community education. My goal is to bridge this knowledge gap and ensure communication accessibility for all, especially for children with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
SOM: How do you demonstrate patience, empathy and effective communication in your profession?
Irfana: These qualities are essential for building strong connections with patients, especially children with disabilities. Patience is crucial, as progress can be slow, particularly for individuals with speech delays or autism.
I tailor each session to their pace, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Empathy allows me to understand the struggles faced by individuals with speech and hearing impairments. I actively listen to both patients and their families, providing them with emotional support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Strong communication skills enable me to simplify complex medical information for families, ensuring they understand the treatment process. Additionally, these skills help me collaborate effectively with other professionals, ensuring holistic care.
Awareness programme in the Maternity Ward of District Hospital, Mysuru.
SOM: How do you provide guidance to patients and their families regarding their health issues and treatment options? What about children with special needs?
Irfana: Counselling patients and their families requires compassion and clear communication. I hear their concerns, provide emotional support and simplify medical explanations to help them better understand their condition and treatment. For families with children with disabilities, I emphasise the importance of early intervention, educate them on the benefits of therapy and set realistic expectations for progress.
When working with children with special needs, I build trust through play-based therapy, incorporating sensory tools and visual aids to make sessions engaging and effective. I tailor therapy to each child’s strengths and use positive reinforcement to encourage their progress.
SOM: What is the most difficult part of being an Audiologist and Speech Pathologist?
Irfana: The most challenging aspect is addressing the emotional needs of children with disabilities and patients with severe neurological disorders. Families often struggle to accept diagnoses, especially after life-altering events like strokes or brain injuries.
Balancing emotional support with therapy can be demanding, as slow progress sometimes leads to frustration. However, witnessing patients regain communication skills and achieve milestones makes it all worthwhile.
SOM: In what ways do you believe the current lifestyle of young individuals will impact their hearing?
Irfana: The modern lifestyle, particularly excessive headphone use and exposure to loud music, poses a significant risk to hearing health. Prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds, noisy environments and poor ear hygiene can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.
Individuals should limit exposure to loud noises, avoid using cotton swabs for ear cleaning and maintain proper ear hygiene. A balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding tobacco can improve blood circulation and nerve function.
SOM: Can you share some tips on maintaining composure and managing time? How do you handle stress?
Irfana: To maintain composure and balance multiple responsibilities, I rely on structured planning, prioritisation and self-care. Creating a daily schedule and setting realistic goals helps me stay organised and efficient.
When dealing with stress, I adopt a calm and solution-oriented approach. Taking short breaks allows me to reset and refocus. Most importantly, the unwavering support of my family keeps me strong. Spending quality time with my children and engaging in activities that bring me joy helps me rejuvenate.
SOM: What message would you like to give to youngsters who want to pursue a career in your field?
Irfana: They must be patient and committed to making a difference in people’s lives. It is not just about diagnosing and treating communication and hearing disorders — it’s about giving individuals a voice, restoring their ability to connect and improving their quality of life.
The demand for skilled professionals is growing, with opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, research and private practice.
SOM: How do you define women empowerment?
Irfana: Women empowerment is about enabling women to access their rights, opportunities and confidence to make independent choices. It involves ensuring equal participation in all fields while dismantling societal barriers.
True empowerment is achieved when women attain financial independence, social respect and control over their decisions — both in their careers and personal lives.
ACADEMICS & PROFESSION
Irfana Husen holds a Master of Science in Audiology from Dr. Chandrasekar Institute in Bengaluru and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing from JSS Institute, Mysuru.
Beginning her career at AIISH in 2010, she specialised in advanced assessments and has accumulated over a decade of expertise in healthcare and rehabilitation.
From 2011 to 2013, she gained clinical and research experience at the Samvaad Institute and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital in Bengaluru. Between 2013 and 2016, she served as a Speech Therapist and Audiology Specialist at Shifaa Hospital.
From 2018 to 2024, she contributed to the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre in Mysuru, supporting individuals with disabilities. In her current role, she focuses on speech and swallowing disorders related to neurology.
Beyond her clinical work, Irfana is passionate about advocating for disability rights and actively engages in community interventions and awareness programmes.
In her personal time, she enjoys travelling, cooking and cherishing moments with her children.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by Shadan Muneer / March 13th, 2025
Muhammad Bishr Karaya from Karaya in Uppinangady has achieved an 11th rank in the prestigious Yamani Degree Examination, conducted by Shamshul Ulama E.K. Aboobacker Musliyar Memorial Islamic Centre, Jamia Yamaniyya, in Kuttikkattoor, Kozhikode, Kerala.
Bishr, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the SKSSF Karaya Unit, has been recognized for his academic excellence in Islamic studies.
He is the son of KH Hamid Musliyar, a teacher at Karaya Badriya Juma Masjid, and Hazra. His achievement has brought pride to his family, institution, and community
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 11th, 2025
Cemeteries representing Patna’s chronicle of history and heritage are dying a slow death
Unkept Legacy: The grave of Shahzada Karim Shah, the great-grandson of Tipu Sultan.
Like every other city, Patna also owes, to an extent, its cultural and literary existence to the courtesans who blended with the local society and provided it with a new dimension. One among them was Allah Jilai, who had settled in Patna from Allahabad. She was considered a gorgeous woman and sported a honey-dipped voice which had an arresting power. While visiting Calcutta, she developed a terminal illness. She was barely 24 when she died in 1918 and was buried in the Pakki Dargah Muslim graveyard. Her tombstone with 12 lines of Urdu couplets helped in figuring out her biographical information. Had there been no tombstone one would have never known her existence in Patna and the services that she rendered to the city.
Patna, other than being the capital of Bihar, served as a home to multiple cultures, identities, art forms and families. Today, the city has almost lost the reminders of its glorious past. But a few graves still stand as reminiscent of a bygone era. These tombs, or time capsules, where hundreds of stories remain buried, are largely deserted, ignored and unknown.
Bihar is home to more than 9,272 graveyards, according to the government’s estimate. The Bihar government planned to fence these cemeteries, and in 2022-2023, a total of Rs 93.74 crore was approved for this purpose, while an additional amount of Rs 1.25 crore was set aside for the same. According to Bihar Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the fencing of about 7,647 graveyards has been completed, and the remaining will be done shortly.
In addition to the 9,272 cemeteries, Bihar also has a sizable number of privately-owned graveyards maintained by the families of former nobles, aristocrats, zamindars, jagirdars and nawabs. Thus, the overall number of burial grounds in Bihar would be close to 10,000. Moreover, several Christian cemeteries are located in Patna.
Further east on Ashok Rajpath, one can find the Gurhatta cemetery which chronicles the gruesome massacre of the British prisoners at the house of Haji Ahmad Ali in 1763 at the command of Mir Qasim, the nawab of Bengal.
The tomb of Mir Mohammad Naseer, the father of the first Nawab of Awadh Photo: Ali Fraz Rezvi
Padri Ki Haveli is the final resting place of people from Armenia, Portugal, France, Persia, Italy and the UK. In a sense, this place is a symbol of international harmony. Here, one can find a Jewish grave next to a Chinese, and a Greenlander adjacent to a Mozambican.
Near Patna Ghat Railway Station is the Danish Kothi—established in 1775—signifying the presence of Denmark in Patna in the past. It was the house of Jorgen Hendrich Berner (1735-1790), Chief of the Danish Factory in Patna, who was buried on the premises as demonstrated by his tombstone. There are at least three more tombs here which are bereft of inscriptions. Later, the Kothi became the residence of the station master of Patna Ghat, and is at present, the office of the store in-charge of railway electrification.
The Lost Glamour
While Zohra Bai, the queen of thumri, remains buried within the campus of Rauza Masjid at Maharaj Ganj, Haider Jaan, Najban, Ramzu, and Chhottan were also the tawaifs (courtesans) whose presence had made Patna a lively place.
These courtesans participated in religious activities as well, and the existence of the Imambara at Chowk is a living example of their dedication towards such pious endeavours.
As we move towards the eastern corner of the city, another story lies buried in the deadlands of Begumpur.
Father of a Persecuted Son
Popularly known as Nawab Shaheed Ka Maqbara among the locals, is the tomb of Ihteram-ud-Daula Nawab Zain-ud-Deen Ahmad Khan Bahadur Haibat Jung, the father of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula of Bengal. Nawab Haibat Jung successfully defended Patna during the Maratha attacks but was later murdered by the Afghan rebels. His wife and children were imprisoned when he was killed.
The tomb of this martyr lies deserted in Begumpur, guarded by Dashrath Gope Yadav who comes at dawn and leaves by dusk. “The tomb, mosque and the several acres of land belong to the State Waqf Board which is least interested in the property unless there’s a chance to sell,” says Dashrath, as he cleans the interiors of the tomb. The place also had an Imambara which used to host majlises during the month of Muharram in the presence of Raja Ram Narain, the then deputy governor of Bihar.
Padri Ki Haveli is the final resting place of people from Armenia, Portugal, France, Persia, italy and the UK. it is a symbol of international harmony.
Dashrath has devoted 45 years of his life to this tomb of Nawab Shaheed. “This place had a dense jungle and I cleared it all on my own. No one from the Waqf Board or the caretakers helped me. There was no roof at this tomb, so I went around begging in the streets of Patna so that there could be a roof at the grave,” he says.
Affectionately, he calls Nawab Haibat Jung as Data Sahib—a term usually used for Sufis. Dashrath believes that he is at peace and his children are married because of the blessings of Nawab Haibat Jung.
This is not the only case of a burial place turning into a mazar. While he is aware of Nawab Haibat Jung and the history, another tomb in the city’s centre has been converted into a Sufi shrine by the people unaware of the person buried inside.
Nawab Munir-ud-Daula Raza Quli Khan Bahadur Nadir Jung, a minister of Mughal emperor Shah Alam, was the founder of the Patna Bhiknapahari and Bhagalpuri families. He was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the emperor for the East India Company and assisting the reappointment of Shuja-ud-Daula to the Vizarat. He remained in charge of Korah and Allahabad until a little before his death in Benares on October 11, 1773. Later, his corpse was transported to Patna, where he was laid to rest.
His tomb, embracing a Persian inscription of eight lines, is located west of the Government Hospital in Patna. The vicinity is collectively known as Bawli. The grave is located on a raised platform of about four feet from the ground level and enclosed by intricate lattice designs of stone.
Surprisingly, his grave has lately attained the status of a Sufi shrine where devotees of all faiths converge to venerate him. His followers used to organise a majlis (a religious discourse to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussan, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad) at his shrine during Muharram. It is imperative to observe how the mausoleum of an astute politician is providing spiritual respite to everyone and is acting as a melting pot of different cultural, religious and ethnic affiliations, thereby bridging the communal and sectarian divides.
The Awadh Connection
Mir Mohammad Naseer Nishapuri was the father of the first Nawab of Awadh, Mir Mohammad Amin. Being a descendant of the Seventh Shiite Imam, Musa Kazim—a progeny of Prophet Mohammad—he was considered among the nobles. He along with his eldest son, Mir Mohammad Baqar, reached India in the reign of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah and settled in Patna, where he was provided with subsistence allowance by Murshid Quli Khan, the governor of Bengal, at the recommendation of his son-in-law, Shuja Khan, who also had his roots in Persia.
When his son, also named Mir Mohammad Amin (Saadat Khan Burhan-ul-Mulk), came to Patna in 1708-09, his father had already passed away and was buried in a cemetery. Subsequently, both brothers, Mir Mohammad Amin and Mohammad Baqar, in search of employment, set out for Delhi in the beginning of 1709.
The tomb of Nishapuri is located to the north of Patna City Railway Station. It borders the Kachchhi Bagh Cemetery and the nearest landmark is the now-defunct Pradeep Lamp Factory. It lies in a roofless rectangular enclosure, supported by ornamental arches and turrets of small heights. There are remains of flower motifs on the walls. The intricate stone lattice work on the arches has disappeared and the horizontal beams supporting the enclosure have also fallen at places due to the absence of proper maintenance. There is a garage in the vicinity which is using the site as its dumping ground, thereby causing further damage to it. Moreover, the overgrowth of trees and shrubs is also playing its notorious role to damage the place. This neglected heritage, which should have been a symbol of Patna’s glorious past and its royal association with Awadh, is counting its final days.
Several tombs are scattered across the city of Patna; some are fortunate to bear a name or a tombstone while the others remain deserted and ignored.
When Safdar Jung visited Patna in 1742 to support Ali Vardi Khan to push the Marathas out, he paid a visit to the grave of his maternal ancestor and recited the Quranic verses or Fatiha to his soul. It was at his instance the walled enclosure and latched screen (carved jaalis) were built around the burial place.
The aforesaid site had an attached Imambara where Muharram majlis were held, but nothing remains now. The disappearance of such heritage is swiftly obliterating the past of the city and disconnecting the cultural thread which joins several eras.
The Prince of Mysore
Among all the legendary personalities buried in the city, there exists a chapter of Mysore’s history in an unimaginable grave at Meetanghat, Patna. In the compound of Khanqah Bargah-e-Ishq Takiya Shareef—where rests the great Sufi mystic and poet of the 18th century, Shah Rukn-ud-Din Ishq Azimabadi—exists the burial place of Shahzada Karim Shah, the great-grandson of Tipu Sultan.
He was a man of mystic inclination and was thus affiliated to the Khanqah of Hazrat Ishq Azimabadi, through his pir, Syed Shah Khwaja Amjad Hussain Saheb. He died in Patna in 1915, and Shamshad, a poet, composed a Persian inscription of 10 lines for his tombstone.
He was a man of mystic inclination and was thus affiliated to the Khanqah of Hazrat Ishq Azimabadi, through his pir, Syed Shah Khwaja Amjad Hussain Saheb. He died in Patna in 1915, and Shamshad, a poet, composed a Persian inscription of 10 lines for his tombstone.
There exists as a cemetery of history in Bihar—the grave of Shahzada Mirza Zubair-ud-Deen Bahadur Gorgani, the grandson of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, at Darbhanga or the tomb of Yusuf Shah Chak, the Sultan of Kashmir who reigned from 1578 to 1586, and was exiled by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He along with his family members now rest in Biswak, Nalanda. Furthermore, Mahmud Shah, the fourth king of the Hussain Shahi dynasty of Bengal, died in 1538 AD in Kahalgaon (previously spelled Colgong), Bhagalpur, and was buried there. Similarly, Hussain Shah, the last king of the Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur, took refuge at Kahalgaon and died there, and Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur dynasty, lies buried in Sasaram. Sadly, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is busy presenting a model of development upon the ruins of Patna’s heritage, while these graves representing the chronicle of history are dying a slow death.
Syed Faizan Raza is the area representative of the British Association For Cemeteries In South Asia
Ali Fraz Rezvi is an independent journalist, theatre artist and a student of preventive conservation
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> National / by Syed Faizan Raza and Ali Fraz Rizvi / Novmber 04th, 2023
Former Deputy Mayor of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Mohammed Kunjathbail, known for his contributions as social activist, died following a heart attack on Saturday morning. He was 60.
His body is kept at his house in Kunjathbail for people to pay respects.
Kunjathbail, who was a bachelor, had been elected to the Corporation three times and was an active member of the Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee. He had also contributed to the works of the All India Beary Sahitya Parishat.
Muneer Katipalla, social activist and convener of the Toll Gate Virodhi Horata Samithi, expressed shock and sorrow at the demise of Kunjathbail. “The Samiti has lost a prominent leader with the untimely death of Kunjathbail, who always worked for the welfare of the people. He also remained untainted till the end, given that he never faced any corruption charges,” Katipalla said.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 08th, 2025
The students of Citizen Convent, Udayagiri, Mysuru, have made remarkable achievements in State-level Sports and Games Competitions 2024-25 and in the Karnataka State Arm Wrestling Championship 2024-25.
The winners who brought laurels to the school are as follows: Mohammed Maweeya Qureshi — Gold Medal in State-level Wrestling held at Kanakapura and qualifying for the National Championship in New Delhi.
Arzan Khan — Bronze Medal in State-level Weightlifting Competition, held at VJEMHS, Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada.
Mohammed Umar — Bronze Medal in 55-60 kg category at the Karnataka State Arm Wrestling Championship 2024-25, held in Mysuru.
Mohammed Huzaifa, Bronze Medal in 75-kg category at State-level Sports & Games contests for School Children 2024-25, conducted by Department of School Education, Karnataka.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 06th, 2025
In a historic moment, Hamza Hussain and Altaf Hussain, two brothers serving in Karnataka’s law enforcement, have been honored with the President’s Award for Meritorious Service on India’s 76th Republic Day.
Hamza Hussain, Superintendent of Police (S.P.) Commandant, 12th Battalion, KSRP, Tumkur, has been recognized for his leadership in critical police operations and public safety. His brother, Altaf Hussain, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) at Wilson Garden Police Station, Bangalore, has played a vital role in crime prevention and community policing.
The award, one of the highest honors in Indian law enforcement, acknowledges their dedication, integrity, and commitment to justice. Their achievement is a proud moment for Karnataka and the nation, inspiring future generations of police officers.
The brothers expressed their gratitude, stating, “This award is a tribute to all officers who tirelessly serve the nation. We dedicate it to our department, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support.”
Their recognition on Republic Day underscores their exceptional service in upholding law and order, marking a milestone in Karnataka’s police history.
source: http://www.islamicvoice.com / Islamic Voice / Home> Cover Story / Vol. 37-03, No. 448 March 2025
The Southern India Plywood Manufacturers’ Association (SIPMA) held its General Body Meeting on February 22, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss key issues affecting the plywood sector.
The meeting, held in Bangalore, focused on crucial matters such as the QCO order, sustainability initiatives, emission norms, and industry standards. Discussions also included labour welfare and modernization efforts aimed at improving productivity in the sector.
A major highlight of the meeting was the election of new office bearers. Dr. Prashant MA was elected as the President of SIPMA. He is currently the Director of AK Apple Ply, a company founded by the late M. Ahmed in 1984. Originally from Kochi, Dr. Prashant has been associated with AK Apple Ply for over three decades, having joined the company in the 1990s. He gained valuable experience under the mentorship of M. Ahmed and played a key role in expanding the company’s operations. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Prashant acknowledged the vision of his late mentor and said he was honored to take on the responsibility of leading SIPMA to serve the plywood industry.
Alongside Dr. Prashant, Jitendra R Patel, Managing Director of Raaj Wood Products in Nelamangala, was elected as Vice President, and K. Hariraya Kamath from Karnataka Plywood in Sullia, Karnataka, was appointed as Secretary.
During the event, SIPMA also recognized the contributions of industry veteran Siraj Bhai of Veneer Mills by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A member of SIPMA since 1980, he has dedicated his career to the growth of the plywood sector and has been actively involved in its development.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / February 25th, 2025
