In a remarkable feat of equestrian prowess, a young talent from Mangaluru Armaan Mohammed Asif galloped his way to victory, clinching a bronze medal at the Junior National Equestrian Championship held in Bengaluru on December 22 and 23.
He rode his horse Tara from Covai stables and clocked timing of 47.12 seconds, enabling him to win the Bronze in children 1 category.
It was national championship where a total of about 800 plus entries from all over India had reached to participate.
The Junior National Equestrian Championship is India’s biggest national equestrian championship where the top riders of the country compete with their best horses to get the top positions.
Armaan is the first rider from Mangaluru who won the national equestrian championship whose name is now etched in the annals of equestrian history, displayed a perfect blend of skill, finesse, and a deep connection with his equine partner. The duo maneuverer through challenging courses with grace and precision, earning accolades from spectators and judges alike.
The bronze medal not only symbolizes the individual triumph of the Mangalorean rider but also reflects the growing prominence of equestrian sports in India. As the sport gains traction, such achievements contribute to the broader narrative of the nation’s prowess in diverse fields of competition.
The entire community in Mangaluru is celebrating this victory, proud of their local hero who has made a mark on the national equestrian stage. This accomplishment not only brings glory to the rider but also shines a spotlight on the rich potential that exists in smaller towns and cities across India, reinforcing the belief that talent knows no geographical boundaries.
Armaan is in his 7th grade and the son of Mohammed Asif and Sajida.
Armaan received his initial training at Mangaluru Horse Riding Academy by Avinand Anchanahalli. Since two years, he is been riding and getting trained for nationals in Bengaluru under guidance of Abdul Rahman Shariff and Rajan Diwakar.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / December 29th, 2023
The Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) to the Government of Karnataka L.K.Atheeq has been transferred as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka with immediate effect.
A order issued on Monday stated that Atheeq will be replacing Dr. Rajneesh Goel as Additional Chief Secretary to the Karnataka CM. Dr. Rajneesh Goel will be the new Chief Secretary of the state.
The press release added that Atheeq, a 1991-batch IAS officer, will also hold concurrent charge as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department till further orders.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / November 27th, 2023
“Asma Banu, collector of seeds of various paddy breeds, helping in social and farming activities will be felicitated with B Appanna Hegde agriculture award during an award program on the birthday of religious leader and former MLA B Appanna Hegde on December 24,” said trust president B Rama Kishan Hegde.
He further said, “Asma who works saying that work is worship is collecting various paddy breeds that are on the verge of extinction from various states. She has collected and grown more than 840 varieties of paddy this year. She is conducting a study about those seeds and creating awareness about their benefits to health. She has been selected for the award considering her rare achievements.
“The award programme will be held by Basrur Appanna Hegde Prathistana in the premises of Sharada college, Basrur. Monetary help will be distributed to students, the sick and weak during the program.
“The award will be presented by Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji of Adamar math. Karnataka backward class commission president K Jayaprakash Hegde will preside over the programme,” he said.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Silveste D’Souza / Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP) / December 20th, 2023
26 teachers from Government Primary Schools and 11 teachers from Government High Schools from Yadgiri and Kalaburagi districts were felicitated during the Best Teachers Award Ceremony held at Vintage Palace Function Hall, Kalaburagi on November 16.
The awardee teachers were shortlisted after screening under three criteria – Commitment and Dedication to the profession, Should not be recognized elsewhere with awards and preference was given to teachers working in remote rural areas –
“Purpose of this award program to recognize and felicitate teachers who are doing significant work in Government schools which ultimately helps to improve the outcome of Govt. schools and helps inspire other teachers to do still better” an official statement stated.
Best Teacher Awardees felicitated on event day are :
Sedam: Md Abdul Faheem, Nayeem Sultana, Sujata Hiremat, Asha Taskeen
Chincholi: Umar Huddar, Rizwana Begum, Mubeen Fatima
Jewargi – Md Yousuf, Sarfaraz, Rudrappa Gouda
Afzalpur- Asma Shalam, Shabana Begum, Mohammed Asif Attar
Aland- Seema Rubee, Merajunnisa Begum
YADGIR District: D Subiya, Venkatesh Nayak, Khudeja Begum, Mukhtar Ahmed J Mulla, Zareena, Kasim T
SPIRIT OF EDUCATION AWARD given to three teachers (out of 37 teachers) – Sameena Farzana, Zohra Khanum, Masoom Khan for their outstanding contribution to education beyond schools and school timings.
There were five academic achievers (Dr. Saba Sultana, Zeenat Begum, Nazneen, Md Shujath Hussain, Md Shakir Ahmed) were felicitated and one for Social cause (Jb Jainuddin Shirnifarosh) also felicitated for outstanding social services.
Smt. Surekha Jagannath Dengi, Govt High School Bandarwad, Tq Afzalpur, Dist. Kalaburgi
The program presided by PM Qutubuddin, other guests/speakers invited were Kashif Raza, Dr. Abdul Qadeer (Shaheen Bidar), Mazhar Hussain(Sr Lecturer), Surekha Dengi (National Awardee Teacher 2020), and Mohammed Ali & Mohammed Faiyazuddin (Vintage Palace Function Hall).
The program was a joint initiative of Ummeed Welfare Association, GURMITKAL Yadgir Dist. and Helping Hands Foundation, GURMITKAL Yadgir Dist.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / December 11th, 2020
The winner of ‘MasterChef Season 8’ is Mohammed Aashiq, who fought against Suraj Thapa, Rukhsaar Sayeed, and Nambie Jessica Marak in the finale.
MasterChef India Season 8 unveiled the winner on Friday. ( Image Source : X/@ranveerbrar )
New Delhi:
The long-running Indian cooking competition MasterChef has finally come to an end. After eight weeks of delicious challenges, Mohammed Aashiq emerged as the winner of the show. The talented home chefs are mentored by Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra in thrilling competitions.
Mohammed Ashiq, a 24-year-old contestant, wins MasterChef India’s eighth season. He takes home a coat, the trophy, and a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh. Rukhsaar Sayeed and Nambie Jessica, two home chefs, and Suraj Thapa competed in an exciting finale. Nambie and Rukhsaar won second and first runner-up, respectively.
On social media, judge Ranveer Brar sent his congratulations to Mohammed Ashiq. He wrote, “From an inspirational start to a challenging journey, you never stopped daring for more. Congratulations on becoming the MasterChef Mohd. Ashiq!”
Aashiq sent a press statement and discussed his feelings. “I am immensely grateful for the whirlwind journey I’ve had on MasterChef India. From facing elimination to holding the trophy, every moment was a profound lesson. This experience has completely reshaped my life, and winning this esteemed title feels surreal.”
He added, “Coming back with stronger determination after narrowly missing out last season was tough, but I devoted myself entirely to the culinary craft. This victory isn’t just mine; it’s for every dreamer who defies the odds to chase their aspirations. I owe immense gratitude to the judges- Chef Vikas, Ranveer, and Pooja, fellow contestants, the audience, and all the renowned chefs who pushed me to perform better with each passing day in the kitchen. I’ve grown significantly and noticed a remarkable shift in my cooking skills, all thanks to an incredible boot camp experience.”
Instagram ashiqrex
Who is Mohammed Aashiq?
Mohammed is originally from Mangalore, Karnataka. At the time when Aashiq entered the MasterChef India competition, he was the owner of a juice shop in his village called Kulukki Hub. By combining his passion for cooking with his talent for creating one-of-a-kind meals, Mohammed has been able to support his family financially.
source: http://www.news.abplive.com / ABP Live / Home> Entertainment> TV / by ABP News Service / December 08th, 2023
In an event held at the Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) Auditorium in the city, the Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) unveiled a new book titled ‘Big B,’ a tribute to the late SM Basheer.
Subtitled ‘A Bond Beyond Brotherhood,’ the book is centered around the inspirational thoughts and life of Late SM Basheer.
Addressing the gathering at the book launch, NA Muneer, Ex-Chairman of the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), shared memories of his association with SM Basheer. Muneer spoke about the charismatic personality and powerful aura that SM Basheer possessed, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who met him.
Recalling his memories, Muneer emphasized that even a year after SM Basheer’s passing, he continues to remember and honor the late leader. He praised SM Basheer’s instrumental role in organizing significant events at KKMA and acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the organization while serving as its chief.
Fatah Tayyil, Ex-President of KKMA, also paid tribute to SM Basheer, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the KKMA.
SM Rasheed, Chairman of Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), spoke about SM Basheer’s profound influence on people’s lives and commended his contributions to the BCCI.
Other speakers, including Mohammed Ali Uchchil and Rizwan Pandeshwar, shared their views on the life and impact of SM Basheer during the event.
The book ‘Big B’ was released by AK Niyaz, MD of AK Group of Companies, along with HIF India President Adil Parvez, and other guests present at the event.
Hussain Shafi, the author of the book, was felicitated by HIF for his contributions.
HIF also presented a documentary-style short video introducing SM Basheer and showcasing his life.
Prominent figures such as SM Basha, MD of SM Group of Companies, SM Farooq, KK Abdullah, officials, and executive members of KKMA and BCCI graced the occasion.
The event, hosted by AK Shaaz, concluded with supplications led by Moulana Tayyub, Khateeb Ehsan Masjid.
source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / December 01st, 2023
Using technology and people management skills, read how Mansoor is making waste collection a well organized profession. Thanks to his efforts, Bengaluru now sees ragpickers with ID cards, fresh uniforms and better incomes.
Using technology and people management skills, read how Mansoor Ahmed is making waste collection a well organized profession. Thanks to his efforts, Bengaluru now sees ragpickers with ID cards, fresh uniforms and better incomes.
“The waste pickers’ community is very enterprising. If their entrepreneurial skills are channelized and steered in the right direction, they can work wonders,” says Mansoor . “Not only will this put fellow waste pickers on the right path of hard work and integrity, but it will also be an opportunity to include them in the mainstream economy.”
He believes that one man can only do so much to solve the garbage crises of the city. The idea is to involve the entire community in problem solving. On the one hand, Bengaluru citizens are keenly looking for a solution to the garbage menace, while on the other hand there is tremendous energy to be unlocked in the waste picker community who can come to their rescue.
“My father started as a scrap dealer around 30 years ago. ‘Segregation’ was an alien word then. However, he used to promote the practice like we do today. He is no more but I am inspired by him and want to do the same,” he says.
Mansoor, who operates the Dry Waste Collection Centre in ward 168 of Jayanagar in Bengaluru, is not just another somebody who manages the city’s waste, but a trained scrap dealer trying to bring about change much beyond his job description.
Thanks to Mansoor, ward number 168 is now emerging as a systematic waste collection system, with a team of collectors and sorters who ensure that the waste is responsibly recycled and not dumped in a land-fill.
“When I was a kid, I would help my parents in waste collection and sorting. We used to manage around 500 kgs of waste every month,” he remembers. Today, his vision is beyond just numbers.
Mansoor’s dream of better waste management and giving a better life to waste pickers went one step forward when he got associated with HasiruDala, a Bangalore-based NGO that works with the city waste pickers. They not only gave him the initial support but also helped him scale up with financial aid, when required.
Today, Mansoor has a team of 10 sorters & collectors at the Jayanagar Dry Waste Collection Centre. He manages the inventory of 10-12 tons of dry waste every month and sorts the same in 72 different categories before it goes for recycling.
Mansoor with his wife.
But Mansoor does not stop just by adding value to waste. He also aims to make a scrap dealers’ cooperative which will play a role in creating a fair price marketplace, provide access to transparent data and geo-tag scrap dealers as the first point of sale for household waste.
He coined the brand name Clean City Recyclers Association (CCRA), and has MBA graduates assisting him in implementing his plans.
Reaching to this scale wasn’t easy for him. He had no stable source of income to support the operations or pay salary to the workers he had hired. HasiruDala came to the rescue and helped him stabilize operations. “Gradually, I got hold of things and today this centre is self-sustainable,” he says.
“Waste collection should not be considered as petty work. Thanks to HasiruDala, people don’t look down upon my work & have respect for what I do. HasiruDala has also provided ID cards to fellow waste pickers and a good uniform. It feels like we are all a part of something good.” he says.
Talking about the impact of his work, he has seen a tremendous positive change in the lives of the sorters and his team mates.
“People would sometimes be very careless while disposing the waste. They would mix wet and reject waste also in the dry category. This made our centre an unhygienic place to work. We later stopped collecting waste if it wasn’t segregated properly”.
Thanks to his hard work in spreading awareness, 75 percent of his customers are now segregating at source.
Dry waste collection centre.
Apart from altering people’s mindset towards waste, Mansoor has made an impact in his work force as well. We learned that one of his new recruits, Arunachalam, who was a waste picker and an alcoholic, also had an unattended serious leg injury. From the day he has started working with the team, his condition has improved significantly, he earns more than what he used to and is now on a healthier diet towards recovery.
“Though I am still learning, I have realized that technology has a role to play. I Got Garbage team has developed android apps for managing our daily operations making it much easier than ever before. It helps us keep track of waste pick-ups, waste inventory and more,” says Mansoor.
Satyam Gambhir, client partner – Social Inclusion at Mindtree Ltd. adds, “At I Got Garbage, our focus is on waste picker livelihood and building solutions on the cloud platform that are repeatable and scalable. In Mansoor we see a long-term strategic partner, his unrelenting dedication and expertise has been instrumental.”
Mansoor is the chosen partner with I Got Garbage, a Mindtree initiative that positions waste pickers as recycling managers. I Got Garbage, along with Mansoor, is piloting a project ‘Donate Dry Waste’ in some parts of Bengaluru.
As Mansoor describes it, “Every waste picker will have a well-branded Rickshaw, a uniform and a smart phone, and will be put on-route to collect segregated dry waste from households and apartments.”
Mansoor segregates the waste in over 72 different categories.
“Currently, waste pickers are at the end of the chain, scavenging for waste on the street. They venture out on roads during odd hours of the day in hope of getting sufficient waste to make ends meet. We intend to place them at the beginning of the waste supply chain, i.e. at the source, like your house and mine,” says Gambhir.
He envisions a day when waste pickers will turn into waste managers, collect segregated waste from households on a weekly basis in a uniform, and wants to formalize the same; and Mansoor plays an important role in making this happen.
Mansoor and his unique people management skills have enabled waste pickers to earn Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month, which is far more that what they do while working informally and scavenging on the street for recyclables.
With Mansoor’s amazing enthusiasm and willingness to see change in the society, we definitely hope to see the much ignored sector getting its due credit.
source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> English> Bengaluru> Changemakers – Waste Management / by Shreya Pareek / February 19th, 2015
The Kodava Muslim Association (KMA) illuminated the night with joy as they celebrated the ancient custom of removing the traditional Kadiru (New Rice Crop) on the auspicious occasion of Puttari festival. The festivities took place on Monday night, drawing the spirited participation of hundreds of members from the Kodava Muslim community, marking the Harvest Festival of Kodavas.
At the striking hour of 8:30 PM, the Kadiru removal ceremony unfolded in the Jamma Gadde of the Kolumanda family in Aimangal village, Gonikoppa. Led by KMA President Duddiyanda H. and Sufi Haji, the event saw elders from Aimangala village, KMA members, and Kootambattira Hussain coming together to share in the holy Swalat. Boiled rice milk, a symbol of abundance, was distributed to all attendees, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.
Key figures in the program included KMA Vice President Akkalatanda S. Moidu, General Secretary Italathanda Rafiq Tuchamakeri, Treasurer Harishchandra A. Hamsa, Joint Secretary Karatorera K Mustafa, Organizing Secretary Meetalathanda M. Ismail, and Senior Director Chimmichira K. Ibrahim (Ummani).
The presence of local Jamaat presidents, such as the head of Kondangeri Jamaat and K.M.A. Director Kuppandir K. Yusuf Haji, and the President of Katrakolli Jamaat, Alira M., added a distinguished touch to the celebration.
Residents from various areas, including Kottamudi, Cheriyaparambu, Kunjila, Kolakeri, Kondangeri, Chamiyala, Gundikere, Nalvathoklu, Ambatti Kandangala, Katrakolli, Halligattu, and Begur, joined the festivities alongside children from Aimangal.
The program, hosted by Kolumanda Rafeek, extended its warmth with a traditional Tambittu-Puttari sweet potato breakfast and dinner, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kodava Muslim community.
The Kadiru, symbolizing the new rice crop, was then respectfully taken to households, marking the culmination of a joyous and culturally significant event.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / November 28th, 2023
Mohammad Naushad, a retired man from Bengaluru had plans to travel the world after completing his tenure in the steel industry. He landed as a tourist in Samarkand a year ago and his quest for his morning masala tea and paratha prompted him to settle here and open the only Indian restaurant in the second-largest city of Uzbekistan.
Called “The Indian Kitchen”, the restaurant came as a respite to Indian students who are studying medicine here and used to miss Indian food. The locals here also fancy the wide-ranging menu from lip dosas to chicken biryani.
“I had no plans to work post-retirement and had no experience of working at a restaurant let alone running one. When I came here as a tourist, I headed out to have my usual breakfast of masala tea and paratha.
“I have travelled to so many countries and have always found some or the other place where Indian food is available. I was surprised to find out that there is not a single eatery or restaurant which serves Indian meals,” 61-year-old Naushad told PTI.
“A week more and the vibrant culture and simplicity of people here, prompted me to give it a shot and now Samarkand is my permanent home,” he added.
According to Naushad, the restaurant receives around 350-400 visitors per day and there are catering orders for weddings and events where having Indian cuisine as an option is a hit here.
His day starts with going to the “bazaar” with his staff to buy groceries as he prefers everything to be cooked afresh at the restaurant.
“There are over 3,000 Indian students in Samarkand and they tell me often that they used to miss Indian meals. The shahi paneer and naan and the rotis used to be a rare sight here. I expected the Indians to love the restaurant but the response I have received from Uzbeks is phenomenal,” he said.
Behind the lip-smacking dishes available at the restaurant is Ashok Kalidasa, a chef who hails from Madras. He earlier used to live in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent and is now settled in Samarkand.
“We enquire from each customer about the kind of spices they like us to use, whether they want it less spicy or tangy because Uzbek food is very different. The effort to customise the popular Indian dishes to their taste is what attracts the local crowd here. Indian students come here because they get their home food and the meals are not expensive,” he said.
Kalidasa says the most popular dishes at the restaurant are “masala dosa” and “chicken biryani” which is much different from the Uzbek “Pilaf”.
Asked about her favourite pick at the restaurant, Zarina, an Uzbek woman, said “I love masala chai”.
While right now the Indian Kitchen offers meals at the restaurant, Naushad has expansion plans.
“We are also thinking of starting a tiffin service for Indian students. Also, we get a lot of tourists. So I am contemplating opening similar setups in Bukhara and Khiva which are popular tourist destinations in Uzbekistan but do not have any Indian restaurants,” he said.
According to the Uzbekistan Embassy in New Delhi, the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan has more than 5,000 people. In pre-Covid year 2019, over 28,000 Indian tourists visited Uzbekistan. However, the number has crossed over 30,000 this year so far.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> World / November 19th, 2023
In a story that blends Ripley’s Believe It or Not with Mission Impossible, Musaif Shaan Mohamed and his family have kickstarted their incredible adventure that could potentially earn them a place in the Guinness Book of World Records or the Limca Book.
Bengaluru-based Advocate Musaif Shaan Mohamed, known for his extensive road trips in India and neighboring countries, has crossed Dubai and is currently in Oman with his family on a Mission Impossible-style Road tour of 55 countries spread over 3 continents and 57000 km starting November 12th, 2023.
What makes this journey truly exceptional is that it includes not only Musaif but also his 62-year-old father, mother, sister, and his 6-month-old nephew, Wildan Ezlin Adaam. Musaif has traveled the length and breadth of India by road multiple times in the past 10 years and across Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar too!
Musaif, a legal professional and Chairman of Campus Continent, is also a motivational trainer who guides MBBS students seeking better growth prospects. Inspired by Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days” from his school days, he nurtured the dream of traveling around the world, albeit in a slightly extended timeframe.
An Inspiring Tale of Determination:
Musaif’s travel saga is a testament to determination and living life to the fullest. Over the years, his passion for travel grew, leading him to yearn for more adventure. His latest expedition commenced on November 12th this year from Dubai and is a journey that spans several countries, including Dubai, Turkey, Iran, England, Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and some rarely heard of exotic countries with beautiful landscapes such as Georgia, Albania, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, Moldovia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Latvia, Austria, Ireland, Russia, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. This incredible journey will conclude in India via China, China (Tibet), and Nepal next year.
Customized Ford Endeavor for the Family:
Recognizing the unique needs of his aged parents and an infant, Musaif made the thoughtful decision to customize his Ford Endeavor to make it an all-terrain SUV. A capable team from The Wrench Virtuoso having branches across India and Germany undertook the challenge of customizing the SUV to ensure the family’s comfort, safety, and protection in varying weather conditions, be it rain, shine, hail, sandstorms, or snow. This custom-built vehicle took nearly three months to complete.
Notably, Mr. Nitin Dossa, Chairman, Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) and Federation of Indian Automobile Association (FIA) along with Mr. Edil Katrak flagged off the journey in Mumbai on the 26th of October 2023.
You name it, this SUV has it
Musaif’s commitment to safety is evident as the vehicle includes a side tent, a main tent, foldable chairs, a portable toilet, and a kitchenette. Incidentally, an extended fuel tank is also built-in to ensure there are no stoppages. Every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure the family’s well-being throughout their journey.
A Collaborative Family Effort:
Musaif’s family plays a significant role in this extraordinary expedition. His sister, Dr. Muneefa A.K., a doctor, is responsible for caring for her son and her mother, Mrs. Nafeesath A.K. While Musaif and his father, Mr. Mohammed Kunhi K.M., a retired businessman, manage the driving and handle entry and exit formalities in each country.
For the family, this journey isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a profound opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, history, and nature. It’s a way to step out of their comfort zones and explore new places.
A Mission of Peace:
While the initial intention of their tour was exploration, their plan evolved in light of recent global conflicts. The primary goal of their world tour is to spread the message of living in peace and harmony.
This is the first part of the five-part series that the family has planned out. The 2nd part will witness Musaif covering 47 countries in Africa, followed by Australia in the 3rd part, and the 4th part of the globe will be the Americas and Canada.
Musaif and his family intend to share their experiences and promote the importance of peace in their travels, reinforcing the belief that travel has the power to transcend borders and foster understanding.
For further information, please contact Mr.Musaif Shaan Mohammed at +91-8884421111 or mail him at info@campuscontinents.com
Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Brand Stories / November 16th, 2023
