Dr. Syed Altaf, Director Kidwai Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru
Bengaluru :
Dr Syed Althaf, professor and head of the Department of Surgical Oncology, has been appointed as Director of the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.
The government order was issued by Mohammed Mohsin, Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department, following a report by the investigating committee headed by Arundhathi Chandrashekar, Commissioner, Department of Treasuries.
The report highlighted that the institute, under Dr Lokesh, misused funds, provided low-quality treatment to patients at much higher costs, lacked necessary medicine stocks, violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act in tender procurements, and committed corruption, among other things.
Dr. Syed Althaf has been practicing as General Surgeon in Karnataka for a considerable amount of time, and is respected by his peers. Whether you’re coming for a simple check-up or a more complex treatment, you will be treated with utmost empathy.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is a cancer care hospital here. It is an autonomous institution of the Government of Karnataka and a Regional Cancer Centre funded by the Government of India. It was granted Regional Cancer Center status on 1 November 1980.
Rafi Ahmed Kidwai played a major role in donating 20 acres of the campus land and Rs.100,000 for the radiotherapy machine. It was founded on 26 June 1973. The Government of Karnataka, by an order on 27 December 1979, converted the institute into an autonomous institution.
Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (18 February 1894-24 October 1954) was a politician, an Indian independence activist and a socialist. Kidwai served as a Minister of Communications in the first Cabinet of Independent India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 17th, 2023
The inauguration of the new college building for the Nursing College at Deralkatte, part of the ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions’ under the Ullal Charitable Trust, took place on Friday.
The inauguration ceremony was jointly led by the State Health and Family Welfare Minister and DK District In-charge Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Constituency MLA and State Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, UT Khader expressed satisfaction with the growth of the education and health sectors in the Deralkatte area. He referred to the new building of the Nursing College as a crown jewel by ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions’ run by the Ullal Charitable Trust to the growing reputation of Deralakatte. Khader urged the institute to introduce new courses that would invigorate and inspire students, emphasizing the importance of serving the community locally after obtaining medical education.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, the DK District In-charge Minister, stressed the need to introduce new courses to harness the youth resources in the country effectively. He suggested recognizing students’ skills from the outset and creating an environment conducive to their development. Gundu Rao highlighted the high demand for nursing graduates, both nationally and internationally, and encouraged nursing students to capitalize on these opportunities.
Dr. Sayyid Mohammed Khilar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions,’ noted the organization’s significant milestone in healthcare. He emphasized the priority given to starting new courses in health and education to benefit the next generation and leverage evolving opportunities in the field.
The saw the participation of prominent figures such as Dr. Habeeb Rahman, Chairman and Medical Director of Unity Care and Health Service Pvt. Ltd., and UK Monu, Chairman of Kanachur Medical College. Trustees and directors of the institution, including Dr. C.P. Abdulla Yasser, Dr. N.A. Mohammad, Dr. Mohammed Sameer, Mohammed Yoonus, and Titto Mathew, were also present.
Dr. Ahmed Rizwan C.M., a Trustee, and Administration Director recited the Qiraat.
Dr. Alam Nawaz, Vice Chairman and Trustee of ‘Mangalore Group of Institutions,’ extended a warm welcome to the attendees.
Speaker Khader highlighted ongoing developmental projects in Ullal taluk, including road development and 24-hour drinking water supply. He assured that measures would be taken to address the electricity problem with a forward-looking vision for the next 30 years.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavalli / by Vartha Bharati / January 26th, 2024
The tableau designed by Masjid-e-Aqsa Meelad Committee, which was taken in a procession along with other tableaux during Eid Meelad celebration in city on Sept. 28, has bagged the first prize.
ABS Abbas, Syed Umar, Zubair Ahmed, Corporator Basheer Ahmed, Zakir, V.V. Puram Inspector Arun Kumar, Moulana Abdul Salam, Khateeb of Masjid-e-Aqsa and others were present at the prize distribution ceremony.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 05th, 2023
The Bharat Scouts and Guides are set to host the First Kalyana Karnataka Jamborette at Shaheen College premises in Bidar. Scheduled from February 8 to 12, the Jamborette will witness the participation of over 3,000 Scouts, Guides, Rovers, Rangers, and Heads from across the region.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer, founder of Shaheen Group of Institutions and District Vice President of Scouts and Guides, Bidar, has been nominated as the Chief of the event by PGR Sindhia, the state Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Dr. Guramma Siddareddy is appointed as the Additional Chief of Jamborette.
From 6:30 am to 8 pm daily, attendees can engage in a diverse array of activities encompassing adventure, cultural pursuits, yoga, meditation, district fair scenario displays, and more.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer emphasizes that these activities aim to foster discipline, physical fitness, mental agility, social skills, moral values, and spiritual development among the youth.
Shaheen College, well-equipped to handle the influx of participants, has made arrangements for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential facilities. The preparations are in full swing, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
The Jamborette will be inaugurated by Cabinet Minister Ishwara Khandre, Union Minister Bhagavanth Khuba, Urban Administration and Haj Minister Raheem Khan, and Former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Science and Technology Minister N. S. Bhosaraju, Educationist Basavaraj Patil Sedam, KKRDB President Ajay Singh and other leaders will participate.
At a recent press conference, Jamborette Chief Dr. Abdul Qadeer, along with Additional Chief Dr. Guramma Sidda Reddy, Jamborette Secretary Dr. H.B. Bharshetty, Coordinator Malleshwari Jujare, Co-coordinator Rachaiyyah Nasi, Camp Leaders Ramesh Tibshetty and Jaisheela Sudarshan and District Organizer Nagaratna Patil, shared insights into the upcoming event.
The press conference featured discussions on the wide array of activities, ranging from Mehndi and Rangoli to Quiz Competitions and Sustainable Development Training.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> Education / by The Hindustan Gazette / January 28th, 2024
The ladies’ wing of Sahebaan Welfare Trust (SWT) hosted the inaugural session of the ‘Community Welfare Talks Series 2024’ at Senate Hall, Inland Ornate Complex, in the city on January 21, with Siraj Ahmed, Managing Director, Inland Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, inaugurating the event.
Ahmed, in his inaugural address, lauded the efforts of SWT at initiating the talk series for the benefit of the community members as well as the society at large.
Meraj Yousef, Executive Director, Inland Buiders, who spoke on the occasion, pledged his support towards community welfare activities of SWT.
Educationist and Motivational Speaker Obeida Shoukath, who was one of the speakers of the day, spoke on the challenges faced by students on campus and the remedial measures while the second speaker Dr. Mohammed Noorulla, Senior Unani Consultant at the District Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru, explained on the occasion the history and benefits of AYUSH, the Indian Alternative Medicine system, and the services available at the Ayush Hospital in the city.
Syed Siraj Ahmed, Secretary of SWT, welcomed the gathering on behalf of the President, Afroze Assadi Saheb. The program was ably compered by Zaiba Khatib.
The Qirat was read by Fariha Fathima and Ayesha Shahnaz.
The event was conducted by the Ladies’ Youth Wing of the SWT under the leadership of Amreen Khatib, who was ably assisted by Aliya Imtiaz and Rifaa Sheikh, with the support extended by Ayaan Sheikh and Luqman Tonse.
Umme Kulsum proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Senior Sahebaan Community members and SWT trustees Althaf Khatib, Rafik Assadi and Imtiaz Khatib were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 26th, 2024
In what is set to become a remarkable testament to the enduring bonds of family and the preservation of cultural heritage, the Chammanad Mahinka lineage is set to host a grand family get-together on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Unity Academy Campus in Ashok Nagar, Mangaluru. This reunion holds particular significance as the family, which boasts a staggering count of over 20,000 registered descendants, has successfully spread its roots across various corners of the globe.
Chammanad Mahinka family is gearing up for a grand get-together, bringing together the 15th generation of descendants. What sets this gathering apart is not just its historical significance but also the unique opportunity it presents to connect with family roots and celebrate the enduring legacy of Chammanad Mahinka. Unlike the frequent get-togethers that punctuate family life, this event serves as a rare convergence of generations spanning centuries, offering a platform for shared stories, cultural exchange, and the passing down of familial traditions.
Behind the scenes, there’s a trust that looks after the family’s rich history. The trust was founded by Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman, Dr. TP Ahmed Ali, TCM Sheriff, and Prof. PCM Kunhi. Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman, the chairman of this trust, is excited about the upcoming gathering. The trust’s primary objectives are twofold: firstly, to affirm the lineage’s historical contributions in the domain of faith, practice, mercantile pursuits, ethical values, and services to religious, educational, and socio-economic development over the last two and a half centuries. Secondly, the trust aims to lay a strong foundation for consolidating these heritage elements, with the overarching goal of contributing to the spiritual, intellectual, and material growth of society.
(Chammanad Mahinka ancestral home known as Maliga)
Anticipation is running high for the upcoming family gathering, with Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman expressing his eagerness to welcome nearly a thousand family members to the Unity Academy Campus. As the founding trustee, he envisions this reunion as an opportunity to not only celebrate familial ties but also to reinforce the shared commitment to the values that have shaped the Chammanad Mahinka lineage over generations.
Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman, the visionary behind the Chammanad Mahinka Trust, shared the diverse initiatives undertaken by the trust to fulfill its objectives. Among the notable initiatives, the trust is actively involved in sponsoring academic scholarships and merit awards to encourage education and career growth. Additionally, it provides valuable career counseling and placement assistance to students, ensuring they are well-equipped for the professional world.
Another important facet of the trust’s work is its commitment to building strong alliances within the community. By creating avenues for parents to promote good marital alliances for their children, the trust aims to create a supportive network within the Tharawad. Furthermore, the trust seeks to perpetuate the memory of Chammanad Mahinka and other distinguished Tharawad members through various activities and programs.
In line with its broader societal goals, the trust is dedicated to promoting general awareness on significant issues affecting society. This includes pursuing academic, literary, sports, and game programs, as well as initiating social service activities and supporting poverty alleviation programs. Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman emphasized the trust’s dedication to propagating spiritual, moral, and ethical values, along with principles of religion and faith.
As narrated by Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman, the tale of Chammanad Mahinka unfolds during the era of the formidable Mysore rulers, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who held sway over the Canara region from 1766 to 1792. Chammanad Mahinka, a young and enterprising individual, emerged as a key figure during this period of historical significance. His diligence and entrepreneurial spirit earned him the prestigious position of a royal merchant, appointed directly by the rulers. Notably, he had the honor of being received at the Durbar of Tipu Sultan at Sriranga Pattanam.
One enduring legacy of Chammanad Mahinka’s philanthropy is the Chemnad Juma Masjid, a landmark reflecting his commitment to community welfare. Additionally, the renowned Tharawad house at Chemnad, known as Maliga, stands as a testament to his vision and contributions to the local infrastructure during those times.
Born in the year 1750 to Kumbol Hassan Musliyar, a respected Arabic and Islamic scholar residing in Kumbol, Chammanad Mahinka’s roots were embedded in a vibrant trading hub of the period. Kumbol, known for its bustling trade and strategic importance due to the fort built by the Ikkery rulers, provided the initial backdrop for his journey. Hyder Ali had previously utilized this fort for military purposes.
Initiating his mercantile pursuits in this fertile environment, Chammanad Mahinka ascended to become one of the prominent merchants of his time. His strategic acumen led him to secure the role of the royal contractor for civil supplies. Choosing Chammanad, one of the largest paddy-growing villages in the Bekal Taluk, as the center of his operations, he fostered connections with the Bekal Fort administration, which was evolving into a significant military cantonment under the Mysore rulers.
In the early years of his career, he undertook a daily journey on foot from Kumbol to Chammanad, covering a distance of approximately 15 kilometers and crossing three rivers. His open-minded approach facilitated strong relationships with prominent landlords and merchants in the region. Notably, Kannan Karnawar, also known as Achambar, the head of the renowned Mavila Tharawad, emerged as his closest friend and trading associate.
The alliance between Chammanad Mahinka and Achambar went beyond business, as Achambar played a key role in arranging Chammanad’s marriage to Beefathumma Vallapoth, the daughter of Vallapoth Vaidyar, a distinguished member of an eminent Muslim family in Chemnad.
“Chammanad Mahinka and Beefathumma Vallapoth were blessed with seven children, comprising four sons and three daughters, each contributing to the flourishing legacy of the Chammanad Mahinka Tharawad. The names of their children stand as testaments to the rich cultural and familial ties that continue to shape the narrative of this remarkable lineage,” Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman said.
Mahinka’s strategic alliances through marital unions significantly expanded the family’s influence and connections with distinguished families of his time. His eldest son, Hassan Kutty, married Puthur Beefathumma, whose lineage included the eminent Puttur Ahmed and the illustrious Kumbol Mahi Fakhi, both belonging to respected landlord families. Notably, Beefathumma’s sisters formed alliances with Cherangai Soopikutty and Padoor Beeran, further integrating two prominent local families into the Tharawad of Chammanad Mahinka.
“Mahinka’s daughters also played a role in extending the family network, as two of them entered into marriages with the merchant family of Kottikulam. Beeyathumma married Kottikulam-Edakkad Bappan Kutty Haji, while Khadeeja became the wife of Kottikulam-Edakkad Bava. These marital ties with a family traditionally from Edakkad in North Malabar bolstered business connections for the Mahinka family,” Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman said.
Hassan Kutty Haji, Mahinka’s most prosperous son, continued to strengthen the family’s reach by forging alliances with prominent families even farther away. His son Zainuddin married into the Valia Peedika family of Kaikodkadavu, Trikarpur, and his daughter Pakrichumma married Edakkavu Arabi Haji of Nileshwar. The subsequent generations sustained these influential connections, establishing relationships with notable families such as Menath Mahin, Povval Kombanthan Kunhahmad, and the Khaje Vamanjoor family of Manjeshwar. In a relatively short span of time, the Mahinka Tharawad successfully solidified its prominence in and around Kasargod Taluk of South Canara.
Within a century since Mahinka’s birth in 1750, the Tharawad expanded its reach from the Nethravathi River to the Kavvayi River, covering nearly 100 kilometers of coastal belt and fallow lands in the Bekal Taluk of Canara. Evolving into wealthy landlords and recognized village leaders, the family engaged in extensive charitable works encompassing spiritual, educational, and humanitarian activities. The construction and renovation of mosques at various locations, including Chemnad, Thekkil, Kaikotkadav, Angadi Mogar, Povval, Baykare, and Adhoor, showcased the family’s commitment to religious centers for the community.
“The Mahinka family also contributed to education by establishing schools in various villages. Moreover, during the month of Karkkadakkam, when agricultural activities slowed due to heavy monsoon rains, the affluent households of the Tharawad initiated public kitchen services to assist the poor and needy. A portion of the annual paddy yields was dedicated to Zakaat, strictly distributed among deserving families. This philanthropic model was sustained through the Waqaf, where large portions of land were set aside as endowments, and their produce funded the family’s charitable endeavors,” Dr. CP Rahman shared.
Functioning as indigenous courts for dispute resolution and grievance redressal, the main Tharawad houses played a crucial role in local administration. Referred to collectively as Kachodakkar, a mark of honor, family members took on the responsibilities of Potails during the British rule. This hereditary position, an integral part of the three-tier revenue administrative system introduced by Tipu Sultan and continued by the British, made them community leaders. However, with the establishment of the Kerala State in 1956, the system of hereditary Potailship was abolished.
By the third generation of Chammanad Mahinka’s descendants, the family had established a considerable presence in the then Bekal Taluk, now known as Kasargod District, stretching from Trikarpur to Manjeshwar. As time progressed, the family’s reach expanded, and by the seventh generation, they had spread across Kerala, Dakshina Kannada, and even reached a few cities in other South Indian states. Remarkably, the family’s influence reached beyond national borders, with members settling in Sri Lanka and other overseas locations.
The early generations received their education under the guidance of renowned Arabic and Islamic scholars of the time. Notably, arrangements were made for the education of women within the family, reflecting a progressive approach. The tradition of performing the Hajj pilgrimage was followed by many family members, including women.
“The Chammanad Mahinka family has been a prolific producer of prominent citizens, contributing to various fields such as social work, academics, spirituality, politics, and bureaucracy. The family’s notable figures include thinkers, spiritual scholars, academicians, social workers, freedom fighters, political leaders, and bureaucrats, showcasing the diverse talents within the Tharawad,” Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman said.
“The endeavor to document the family’s genealogy began with Mammunhi Musaliyar, a son of Bappankutty Musaliyar of Kottikulum. He, along with other contributors like Chemmad Andru Musaliyar, Chekkarankode Hassan Kutty Musliyar of Kalanad, and Mr. Mahin Schemnad, a retired police inspector and former M.L.A. of Madras Assembly, initiated the first known effort to compile the genealogical data of the Chammanad Mahinka family. This historical work, completed in 1930 AD (1352 H.), was prepared in Arabic and covered five generations of descendants,” he added.
“In later years, Ahmed Kutty Sherule, a scholar and researcher, along with AQ Schemnad, translated the Arabic document into Malayalam. Following A.Q. Schemnad’s demise, a comprehensive family chart of the Tharawad was produced in two manuscript volumes, containing approximately 2500 names of seven generations of descendants,” Dr. CP Habeeb Rahman said.
A Q. Schemnad’s passing in 1999 led to the continuation of the genealogical efforts by a group of academically inclined descendants. The task of updating the records became more challenging as the family reached the 14th generation of Chammanad Mahinka’s lineage. Presently, it is estimated that about 50,000 living descendants, scattered across the globe, need to be incorporated to bring the genealogical records up to date.
In response to this challenge, the Chammanad Mahinka Family Foundation has taken a proactive approach to streamline the task of collating family data. The foundation employs electronic processing for data compilation, validation, and dissemination. With machinery in place for fieldwork, a dedicated website, personal contacts, and a combination of print and digital media, the foundation aims to preserve and share the rich genealogical history of the Chammanad Mahinka family.
“Chammanad Mahinka Tharawad family has a well documented and authenticated history of 250 years. Presently estimated to be approximately 50,000 members dispersed into different parts of the world. Every generation has left a legacy. The primary success of the family was their religious faith and practices, involvement in education, agriculture and trading. Recently the family has spread into tens of thousands of people dispersed all over the world. We, the trustees have taken considerable interest to renew this family tree and maintain its heritage. The younger generation has awakened to the family values and I am happy to know that they are actively involved in promoting the family legacy,” Dr C P Habeeb Rehman, Chairman, Chammanad Mahinka Trust.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in/ Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 27th, 2024
Bangalore, Mangalore, KARNATAKA / New York, U.S.A :
Sameer Shariff, the CEO of Impelsys, a prominent IT company with global offices, including one in Mangalore, successfully completed the IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain triathlon on December 8, 2023. The challenging event, held at Reef Island, witnessed the participation of over 1500 individuals, with more than 1000 successfully completing it.
By accomplishing the IRONMAN 70.3 course, which comprises a 1.9 KM swim, 90 KM cycling, and a 21.1 KM run, Sameer Shariff joined an exclusive club of global business leaders who have conquered this grueling challenge. Beyond personal achievement, Shariff aims to inspire others to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. He expressed, “Completing the IRONMAN triathlon pushed my endurance limits, and I believe it sets an example for others. We are making strides with the CEO Fitness Challenge for associates at Impelsys.”
Shariff’s achievement has motivated many colleagues at Impelsys to pursue their fitness goals. Sripad, heading cloud services, shared, “Sameer’s dedication motivated me to run a half marathon in 2023.” Prachi, a project manager, added, “After seeing Sameer’s preparations, I decided to participate in a half marathon. I completed my first half marathon on November 5, 2023, in Mangalore.”
These accomplishments mark the beginning of a broader wellness initiative envisioned by Sameer Shariff. In 2024, Impelsys aims to encourage more participants, extend the challenge to partner organizations and customers, and promote overall well-being. The ‘CEO Fitness Challenge’ is a voluntary program that has seen over a hundred associates engaging in specific health and fitness activities, collectively achieving impressive milestones.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / January 12th, 2024
Bibi Tabassum and Suraiya Quraishi who embroidered the Quran.
Bengaluru :
This is a miracle. An awe-inspiring phenomenon took place in this city a few days back, as two sisters- Bibi Tabassum and Suraiya Quraishi- embroidered the sacred Quran onto 604 pages of plush velvet cloth.
Showing excellent craftsmanship, they used needles and threads to meticulously prepare an embroidered holy Quran. This embroidered Quran, prepared under the watchful guidance of an Alim-e-deen (religious scholar), is not only easily legible but also heavenly captivating.
Bibi Tabassum, the younger of the two sisters, holds a great fondness for doing embroidery ever since she was a child. In the beginning, she used to embroider only small verses of the Quran, but one day, an idea graced Bibi Tabassum’s mind – to intricately embroider the entire holy Quran. This took her on a laborious journey, one fueled by love and devotion.
Expressing extreme gratitude to Allah for giving them the opportunity to prepare this embroidered Quran, Bibi Tabassum says that she aspires to gift this embroidered holy Quran to a library in the holy city of Madina.
Venturing on this embroidery voyage of the Quranic verses along with her elder sister Suraiya Quraishi, Bibi Tabassum started with the first inaugural Surah of the Quran i.e. Surah Al-Fatiha, and continued diligently. The last surah- Surah An-Nas marked the culmination of their hard labour.
This embroidered holy Quran is divided into five volumes, and each volume consisting of six chapters. It went through a meticulous binding process by the skilled hands of its creators.
Initially, in the detailed process of embroidery, Bibi Tabassum used to inscribe the verses of the Quran with a pencil on the velvet cloth, followed by both the sisters intricately weaving threads along those sacred lines.
Carrying on the demands of daily life, both sisters, driven by unwavering dedication, used to finish their household chores and then engage in the embroidery work of the holy Quran.
To ensure the utmost accuracy of the embroidered work, a learned religious scholar closely scrutinized each verse upon the completion of a page. Bibi Tabassum says, ‘After completing every page of the embroidered holy Quran, we would show that to our scholar and do any correction if required.”
In the aftermath of this big achievement, family members are thoroughly elated for the two sisters. They say that the two sisters have utilized their time for a very noble endeavour. Extending heartfelt gratitude, they thank Allah for the manifestation of this lovely artwork, which stands as a testament to the beautiful blending of devotion and artistry.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News> Society / by India Tomorrow (headline edited) / February 05th, 2024
By her appointment as the member of the Karnataka State Wakf Board, a new chapter has been added to the history of the state where perhaps has never been a Muslim woman appointed on a statutory body like wakf board.
By profession a journalist and social activist Sheema Mohsin (36) is based in Bangalore.
She has been with “Spradha Prapancha” an educational magazine and All Rounder News Weekly.
Congratulating her on being appointed as the first woman member of the 11-member Wakf Board, TwoCircles.net asked her if she was taken by surprise at her appointment. Her answer was a simple No as she has been in the public field for long both as journalist and social worker.
She has been working in the areas of communal harmony, development of women, health awareness and awareness among backward classes.
She has been actively involved in creating awareness among the minorities about the schemes of Central and state wakf boards through the Institute of Research and Harmony (IRH).
She is the Secretary for Karnataka Chapter of Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA), an organization formed in the post Babri Masjid demolition era by Justice Rajinder Sacchar, Swami Agniwesh and Kuldip Nayyar.
Being with FDCA she was part of fact finding committee into the riots which flared up in certain parts of Bangalore from January 19-21, 2007. Then FCDA submitted its report to the National Human Rights Commission.
Mother of three Sheema Mohsin is also the Convener of the Women’s Cell of Centre for Community Development (CCD).
She is also the Founder Secretary of Institute of Research and Harmony (IRH) and group leader of Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS).
At present among other social works, she is working with NIMHANS, a hospital in Bangalore.
She has also been actively engaged in providing awareness amongst the deprived classes and pursuing them to readmit the school dropouts, creating health awareness towards a better hygiene in the slums, conducted several free health camps for women and children.
Her mother Momina Naseer was the professor of Hindi Literature and also Principal of Al Hasnat Junior College, Bangalore. She studied literature in the college.
Not only this, she has a historical connection also. She said she is the great great grand daughter of Khumaiden Md. Ali, who was the Commander in Chief of Haider Ali.
The role of the man who appointed her as member of the state wakf board is not less. He is Mumtaz Ali Khan, Minority Welfare Minister of Karnataka.
“This is the first time in the recent government history of Karnataka that Muslim women are being given representation through their appointment on public post,” said Mumtaz Ali Khan to TCN.
The fact is that women constitute almost half of the total Muslim population in the country and also in the state. Who else will think about women’s development issue in a better way than the Muslim women themselves. They need to be given opportunities to raise topics pertaining to their problems and development, he reasons his decision to appoint Mohsin.
He further said that the person he has appointed is very dignified, reputed and hardworking social activist.
“Soon I am going to appoint not one or two but three Muslim women on the Tipu Estate Wakf Council, Shri Rangapatnam. I will also ensure that Muslim women are there on Minority Development Corporation,” points out the man.
Asked how he is going to address the conservative quarters of the community who are against this, the minister said, I will try to convince them. I told them when they raised questions on the appointment of Sheema Mohsin that I am not doing and I won’t do any thing against Islam. Whatever I am doing is sanctioned by Islam itself because Islam gives equal status to women.”
He said that the appointment has broken the stereotype, and made an initiative. It will go a long way in providing Muslim women of the state a representation and in their overall development itself.
Two.Circles.net learnt that there were some opposition of her appointment from a lobbying group named as the Waqf Protection Committee which recommended to the minority welfare minister the name of the Sajjadah Nashin of Gulbarga.
But largely it has been hailed as a historic and path-breaking decision when it comes to the representation of Muslim women, says Mohsin.In fact most of the Muslim scholars and religious organisations welcomed this historic decision.
TwoCircles.net talked to Syed Tanweer who is associated with Jammate Islami( JMI) and Muslim Muttahida Mahaz (KMMM),which is a conglomeration of JMI and Jamiatul Ulama Hind and others.
He welcomed her appointment as a “historic” and progressive and as the need of modern times.He appreciated her merit and her work in the social sector
Apparently agitated at the sheer lack of logic in opposing the representation of Muslim women, she pointed out that it doesn’t make any sense in keeping Muslim women isolated form such posts.
After all women constitute about 50% of the total Muslim population. Only women can understand the seriousness of women’s problems. In that case she questions,”who else will raise their problems and issues which concern them, if not they themselves, And that is not going to happen if they are not given proper representation.”
She said that on the issue of empowerment of Muslim women, the traditional quarters have always squirmed. There hasn’t been much work in the area. There is an urgent need to empower them on every level through the tool of empowerment like education, creating awareness among them about their rights.
What is also important that they be given representation at the higher decision making bodies, so that they should raise the problems of Muslim women at that level. This is how they will be able to influence and formulate the policy making so that the concrete decisions would be made for their welfare and development.
She said, “it should be kept in mind that if we are working for the development and empowerment of Muslim women it is actually the community itself which is being empowered and developed.”
She said that she wants to congratulate Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan that he realized this need to work for the cause of Muslim women.
But what are the ways through which she is going to serve the interests of Muslim women.
She said that there are so much of Wakf properties which are going simply waste. They are not put to good and beneficial use.
What we can do is that they should be used to generate money. And this money can be used to uplift Muslim women.
She said that why every time we need to ask for the funds from the government when to an extent we can ourselves generate money if the Wakf properties are properly put to use.
So she wants to push the Wakf Board in this direction.
Until and unless women are empowered, how can you expect these women who are actually enslaved and helpless, to produce children who are on par with the merits of Sir Syed Ahmad khan and Moulana Azad.
It seems that her question is to all those who are against the idea of women on the key posts.
It is quite revealing here that her appointment is a part of the efforts to provide representation to women on higher posts. But actually this representation is not at all satisfactory as Sheema Mohsin will be a lone member of an 11-member Wakf Board.
Will she be able to break the stereotyped mindset It is early to say. TwoCircles.net wishes her all the best in her mission.
(Sheema Mohsin can be contacted at sheema.mohsin@gmail.com)
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Md Ali, TwoCircles.net / September 11th, 2008
TN chief minister M.K. Stalin with Mohammed Zubair at the awarding ceremony. Photo: Video screengrab.
The government noted that his “work helps prevent the occurrence of violence in society likely to be caused by fake news.”
New Delhi:
Fact-checker and journalist Mohammed Zubair is the recipient of the 2024 Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award given by the Tamil Nadu government.
The citation notes that Zubair has been “rendering various services to promote communal harmony.”
It observes that in creating the website Alt News – which he co-founded with Pratik Sinha – Zubair has set up an instrument to analyse the “veracity of the news coming out on social media,” giving primacy to real news.
The government noted that his “work helps prevent the occurrence of violence in society likely to be caused by fake news.”
The citation especially says that in March 2023, when there was a rapid spread on social media of the disinformation that migrant workers were being attacked in Tamil Nadu, Alt News‘s verification of the authenticity of the video was instrumental in proving that the footage was not from Tamil Nadu at all.
It “stopped the spread of rumours against Tamil Nadu and acted to prevent violence caused by caste, religion, race and language in Tamil Nadu,” the government said.
In 2022, Zubair was arrested by the Delhi police for a 2018 tweet in which he shared a screenshot from a 1983 Hindi movie. Six cases were slapped on him during the period of his incarceration until the Supreme Court gave him bail.
Zubair is often attacked online by Hindutva commentators for fact-checking viral claims and disinformation.
source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Media> Government / by The Wire Staff / January 26th, 2024
