Category Archives: Karnataka (under research project)

Preserving Urdu Heritage: A Journey Through Bengaluru’s Muslim Library

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Muslim Library, Bengaluru. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A hundred-year-old Muslim library stands firm in the narrow lanes of Shivajinagar, Bangalore, barely visible from the outside and quite difficult to locate. By asking the locals, one can find a small staircase squeezed between shops leading to the library. You can easily detect the smell of old books on the staircase, and upon entering the library, a sudden sense of calm and peace permeates the bustling market. There have been many highs and lows throughout the library’s long and illustrious history, and in 2014, it celebrated its centenary.

At the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, a group of intellectuals and benefactors in the city of Bangalore came together to promote the Urdu language and raise educational awareness among Muslims. On 5th May 1912, Bangalore’s Muslim Library was founded. The inaugural conference took place at Maulvi Abdul Ghaffar Sahab’s New Market Road (Char Minar Road) building on 9th May 1912. Five months after its establishment, in 1912, the library moved from the New Market Road building to a shop on Masjid Street, where Madarasa Quwwatul Islam was located.

In January 1929, a significant event took place when Amin-ul Malik Mirza Muhammad Ismail Diwan of the Mysore State presided over a grand meeting at the Globe Theatre (Opera Bazaar) in honour of the poet of the east – Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal. During this meeting, Allama Iqbal was presented with a letter of appreciation by the library. The library members raised money for Allama Iqbal’s visit and the meeting under the name “Iqbal Fund.” Additionally, the library celebrated its founding anniversary on 9th May 1937, with a grand celebration presided over by Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, the Secretary of Anjuman Tarqee Urdu.

The Muslim Library was registered under Registration Act 21-1860 on 3rd May 1935, at the Bangalore office of Joint Stock Companies. To ensure the security and maintenance of the library’s assets, a trust named “Muslim Library Trust, Bangalore” was established and registered under the Indian Registration Act 1-1908 in the office of the Sub-Registrar, Civil Station, Bangalore, on 14th September 1957. Donations were received, and the present building of the library was purchased on 22nd May 1958, although there were concerns about the institution’s stability.

Throughout its 100-year history, many notable and famous personalities from the country and the state have visited the library and expressed their good wishes.

These include Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Shaukat Ali (Ali Brothers), Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (Director Zamindar-Lahore), Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, Professor Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Sagar Nizami, Hazrat Josh Malihabadi, Allama Seemab Akbarabadi, Mirza Yas Yagana Chingizi, Ejaz Siddiqui, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi, Hazrat Hafeez Jalandhri, Hazrat Amjad Hyderabadi, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Ali, and Professor B Sheikh Ali, among others.

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The two-storey library houses more than 30,000 books in various languages, though it has a treasured and rare manuscript collection in Urdu and Persian, some of which are even a century old. The library houses rare and valuable books on various subjects, ancient magazines, 1980s newspapers, and manuscripts from the Haidari era. The total number of manuscripts is 29. Some important manuscripts include: Maulvi Abdul Haq bin Saifuddin’s “Completion of Faith and Taqwaity of Faith”, “Al-Tazirat” (Dakhini Urdu), compiled by Hafiz Ahmad bin Muhammad Maghrib in 1235, “Deewan Naziri” (Fari Kalam) by Nazir Neshapuri, “Kaliat Kamal” (Urdu) by Kamal Shah Peer (Dakhini Urdu). Additionally, selected letters from Shaheed Tipu Sultan, written to various friends, are available here. The library also holds many rare books published by the famous publisher Munshi Kishore of his time. Notable among them is “Ajab al-Makhluqat,” published in 1889, and ancient and rare books on medicine such as “Talb Akbari,” Volume I, published in 1895, and the translation of “Makhzan-e-Adawiya” written by Hakeem Muhammad Noor Kareem in two volumes. Moinuddin Farooqi’s books on Islamic medicine are also available in the library.

A thick, long register at the entrance with visitors’ signatures in Urdu is a rare sight, but it simply depicts the library’s love of Urdu. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The first person to greet visitors at the library is Muhammad Altaf, the caretaker who has been looking after the library for the past 24 years. Altaf says, “Urdu is the sweetest of all languages, though the new generation is drifting away from it. There was a time when the library used to be filled with readers. However, most of those readers are no longer alive. Only a few PhD scholars now visit the library for their work.”

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A place that was previously bustling with activity from city dwellers who devoured Urdu newspapers, magazines, and novels is now desolate and silent. Amidst the haunting stillness, the sound of pages rustling from bygone eras is nearly audible. Altaf bemoaned the slow but steady decline of Urdu readers, citing youth as an example of an audience that values instant gratification more than the more reflective practice of reading, especially Urdu.

Altaf emphasised that parents should encourage their children to learn to read and write Urdu in this era. The new generation needs to pay heed to Urdu; otherwise, the language will gradually go extinct.

Altaf added, “The library is open to the public and provides a lifetime membership for Rs. 1,500. Members can issue the books; however, the older and rare collection is aesthetically stacked on the shelf. Over the years, Urdu lovers in the city have considered this place a haven for learning.”

The Muslim Library is one of the repositories of India’s linguistic and cultural wealth, holding the key to Urdu’s revival. By digitising their precious collections, these forgotten sanctuaries can be transformed into accessible digital archives. Coupled with restoration efforts, proper funding, and community engagement through reading clubs, literary events, and language courses, these libraries can become vibrant hubs of learning and appreciation. Strategic partnerships with the government, corporations, and the public are essential to ensuring their preservation and expansion. With a concerted effort, these libraries can ignite a renaissance of Urdu, reasserting its place as the soul of India’s literary heritage.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by Nabeel Ahmad / August 01st, 2024

Advocate Yaseen Kodibengre elected APCR dist prez, Sham Raj Birti as VP

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Karnataka chapter has elected Yaseen Kodibengre as its new district president of Udupi district.

Sham Raj Birti and Najma were elected as vice presidents. Salahuddin was elected as general secretary, Prashant Mogaweera as joint secretary, Mujahid Ali Navunda as treasurer and Shahrukh Theerthahalli as Communications and Media secretary.

The new Advisory Committee members are Riaz Kodi, advocate Asadullah, Rihan Trasi, advocate Manjunath Giliyar, Dinakara Bengre, advocate Raghu, Tajuddin, Muneer Kandlur, Idrees Hoode, advocate Afwan Hoode, Muhammad Taufeek Gangolli, Riaz Mudrangadi, Siddique Kannangar, Zakaria Nejar, Ayyan Malpe, Sameer, Simran were selected.

State general secretary Muhammad Kunhi who presided over the meeting said, “We should not have the desire for power but should deal with the power that has come honestly and fairly. APCR has been continuously working to provide justice to the oppressed and downtrodden community in the society for the past 20 years and has also been working to create awareness among the public about the law.”

APCR state secretary Hussain Kodibengre and Waseem Abdullah were present on this occasion.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / August 04th, 2024

Dr Syed Farooq: Himalayan Drugs director is inspired by his grandma Nani Apa

Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Science & Technology

Dehradun, UTTARAKHAND / NEW DELHI / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Dr Syed Farooq with King Charles in London

Dr Syed Farooq, the soft-spoken director of the famous Ayurvedic medicine company Himal Drug, gives all credit of his success to his maternal grandmother whom he called ‘Nani Aapa’. He is so influenced by her that even today his childhood memories revolve around her.

In a special; conversation with Awaz-The Voice, he narrated many stories of his childhood and all were linked to his grandmother.

Dr Syed Farooq was born in 1955 in Dehradun in the family of Syed Rashid Ahmed, a renowned Ayurveda researcher.

He completed his M.Sc, Ph.D, D.Sc degrees from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. Apart from this, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from AIMA Delhi.

The Delhi-based Dr Syed Farooq is the editor-in-chief of Universities Journal of Phytochemistry and Ayurvedic Medicine. He is also the chairman of Tasmiya All India Education and Social Welfare Society. He was nominated for the Padam Shri Award in the year 2004.

He is the director of Himalaya Drugs and patron of many degree colleges and schools besides being associated with many state and national-level educational institutions.

For the uninitiated, Himalaya Drug Company is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bengaluru. It was originally founded in 1930 in Dehradun by Mohammed Manal. It produces healthcare products containing Ayurvedic ingredients under the name Himalaya Herbal Healthcare.

Its operations are spread across India, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Oceania while its products are sold in 106 countries. 

Speaking about his days growing up in Dehradun, Dr Syed Farooq says, “My house was in Dehradun and my grandmother’s house was in Muzaffarnagar. We used to go there during summer vacations. In my grandmother’s house, water came from a hand pump that was used by all the neighbours. A portion of the house was made of mud and I liked it very much. It had a pleasant fragrance and remained cool in the summer days.”

He goes on, “I remember that in summers we used to sleep under a Jamun tree and a mosquito net. In the morning, ripe Jamuns would be lying on the mosquito net. The taste of those fruits was so different from what we get today.”

Going down memory lane, Dr. Syed Farooq says, “When I was young, I was fond of hunting and horse riding. I would go far away from home and hunt, there was no restriction. In our orchard, a variety of mangoes grew, and on ripening, we used to enjoy the delicious fruit.”

“When I was studying in a school in Dehradun, I wore a tie as part of my school uniform. Strangers often stopped me and asked me to read a passage or text. Back then children were not afraid of being beaten or abused by elders; people loved children. The line in the poem is that

The elders including unknown people gave blessings to the children while walking on the road. Where are the people who give blessings these days? Now there are neither takers nor givers.

In a philosophical tone, he says people should realise that the colour of hair turns white for a purpose. “Allah changes it to white with age as white symbolises peace.”

Recalling his memories of his Nani Appa, Dr. Syed Farooq said, “My grandmother was a simple lady. Nani Apa was so incredulous that she fell for all the naughty things children did and presented the same differently to her. When the truth was out, she used to complain to our mother and say, “Noor Jahan, my eyes are opened and mind is surprised after seeing your children.”

Nani Apa never sat idle, she always kept doing some work. If there was no work to do, she would sit and talk with the children and listen to stories but she never told them any stories. 

Nani Apa loved chaat. If Nani Apa ever felt upset the children offered her a treat of chaat after making her promise that she would not complain to their mothers. “As soon as we got her chaat, Nani Apa would be happy and say, “It’s okay, you are forgiven but never do it again.”

Dr Syed Farooq recalls says he was 10 years old when his grandfather Niaz Ahmed passed away. He was in the police during the British rule. He was a very cheerful and affable person who loved children.

He says his grandfather used interesting phases while narrating stories to the children.

He remembers every moment spent with him; his face while his body lay in the coffin. “I remember that Nana Abba used to sharpen pencils for us with his pocket knife. The pencil tip was sharper than what we get today with a sharpener.” 

Dr. Syed Farooq says his great-grandfather Syed Hamid Madani was a businessman. Our great grandfather Syed Mohammad Baranjad Madani lived in Roorkee and was into the carpet business. His great-grandmother hailed from Kashmir.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mohammad Akram, New Delhi / July 21st, 2024

SKSSF and Falcon Partner to Forge Future Civil Service Leaders

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Karnataka (under research project)

KERALA / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

The Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), the student wing of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, a scholarly body in Kerala, has partnered with the Falcon group of institutes in Bengaluru for a one-year free residential civil service coaching program.

Falcon Civil Services Academy is renowned as one of the premier IAS coaching institutes in Bengaluru, specializing in preparing candidates for the UPSC exam in India. The FALCON IAS Residential Academy represents a prestigious initiative aimed at offering comprehensive and high-quality coaching at no cost to aspiring civil services candidates.

This academy is specifically designed to support individuals aiming for success in the challenging and esteemed field of civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other allied services.

Recently, the academy conducted its inaugural entrance test at Iqra Public School, South Andaman, on June 30. O Bilal, a member of SKSSF, informed Radiance that similar tests are being held wherever SKSSF operates across India, with Iqra Public School being just one of the venues.

Fifteen students participated in the entrance test. Successful candidates will receive free residential civil services coaching in Bengaluru.

One candidate, speaking to Radiance, praised the inaugural scholarship civil service entrance exam in their city, noting the high standards, well-equipped facilities, professional conduct of proctors, and the motivational impact of thought-provoking questions. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by their city to showcase their abilities and move closer to their goals.

Many students expressed concern about the short notice for the exam, which was not widely advertised and announced just one week before its date.

Mr. Shahid, General Secretary of SKSSF Andaman, spoke to Radiance, emphasizing that students in the Andaman Islands have long desired access to scholarship and coaching opportunities available on the mainland. Recognizing this need, SKSSF Andaman collaborated with Falcon and the national committee to establish an examination center on the islands, thereby enhancing accessibility for local students facing financial constraints or other challenges.

This partnership endeavors to provide outstanding education, fostering aspiring civil servants with thorough knowledge and skills. Its goal is to develop leaders who possess critical thinking abilities, capable of addressing complex societal challenges while maintaining steadfast ethics and principled behavior.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / July 01st, 2024

From Bengaluru To Dubai: Asad Haque’s 35-Year Journey In Technology And Date Farming

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai, UAE :

Asad Haque’s commitment to innovation, technological advancements, and dedication to philanthropic initiatives, including date farming, makes him an exemplary figure in both technology and environmental sustainability. An expatriate from Bengaluru, now thriving in Dubai, Asad’s inspiring story illustrates the incredible value of pursuing one’s passion with unwavering enthusiasm and dedication.

Asad’s journey began in Bengaluru, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in CAD/CAM with a distinction from R.V. College in 1989 and simultaneously completed a CNC, NC machines project at the National Aeronautical Lab (NAL). Asad was also passionate about sports and was awarded the Best All-Rounder award by the KSCA for state schools in 1982. Additionally, he won the Best All-Rounder award again in the Karnataka Junior Colleges Cricket tournament in 1984.

His career took flight at Infosys, leading to senior positions in renowned companies such as Hewlett Packard Distribution (Emitac Group), Samsung, Xerox, and Dubai Internet City. His significant contributions to the ICT, AI, and security industries have not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards including the Award of Appreciation from Dubai Police Headquarters, Government of Dubai, and the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum.

Asad Haque honoured with the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award in 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum

As a distinguished alumnus of Bangalore University and an executive founder member of The Alumni Association, Asad Haque has been recognized for his expertise in Artificial Intelligence. Over the past 30 years, he has been a key player in the UAE’s ICT landscape, instrumental in launching the first PC made in the UAE by the brand CUB PC. This success paved the way for other achievements, such as the launch of Samsung’s HDD storage and TFT Monitors, and multi-million dollar XEROX printing and copying solutions for the SME segment.

He also introduced various niche technologies across market segments, including firewalls, antivirus, unified and convergent solutions, IP networking, data and voice encryption and cryptographic solutions, enterprise servers and data-centre solutions, IPTV, and AI-based solutions to major enterprise clients. Additionally, he mentors younger professionals and aspiring university students.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Asad Haque’s philanthropic spirit is complemented by his passion for date farming. For the past 19 years, he has grown palm trees and generously donated the harvest to charity. Dates, a staple in the UAE, are particularly cherished during the summer months. Asad’s experience in date farming, though challenging, is a testament to his patience and hard work. His palm trees now towering at 25-30 feet, produce large quantities of dates each year, which he distributes to labour camps and other charitable organizations.

“Thanks to a bountiful harvest, Asad Haque generously donates a substantial quantity of dates to charity.”

Asad’s love for nature and gardening dates back to his childhood in Bengaluru, where he tended to plants and flowers. In Dubai, he embraced the challenge of date farming, a pursuit that requires meticulous care and patience. The process of nurturing date palms from pollination to harvest is labour-intensive, involving skilled gardeners who scale the tall trees to pollinate the flowers by hand. Despite the challenges, Asad finds great joy in the spiritual and cultural connection that date farming brings.

“I experience profound joy in the spiritual and cultural connection fostered by date farming, which allows me to forge a deep bond with the Creator and marvel at His creations. I am immensely grateful for the Creator’s magnificent ecosystem, the harmonious cycles of nature, and the intricate tapestry of life,” says Asad.

In addition to his role as CEO of ICT Consultants and his advisory roles in various other companies, Asad recently expanded his professional horizons by assuming a pivotal leadership role as the Representative for the Middle East Region on behalf of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and its affiliated entities. He was appointed as a Consultant for the Middle East at Wahed Inc. (“Wahed Invest”), an ethical and values-driven digital investment platform.

His work involves bridging business sectors and fostering collaboration across diverse regions, with a notable emphasis on connecting the Middle East, USA, UK, and ASEAN countries.

Asad Haque’s far-reaching legacy is reflected in numerous accolades, underscoring his exceptional contributions to technological innovation, security advancements, and societal development. As a philanthropist, Asad endeavors to uplift underprivileged children with scholarships and educational support. He also provides access to clean drinking water and assists orphanages. His unwavering commitment to societal improvement cements a legacy of magnanimity, solidifying his position as an esteemed leader in technology and environmental sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of water conservation, Asad Haque states, “No Water, No Life.”

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Business / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / May 27th, 2024

Shaheen Shines in Professional Graduation, Civil Engineering

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Mundgod (Uttar Karnataka), KARNATAKA :

Mundgod (Uttar Karnataka) :

Shaheen Tadipatri, who secured 90% marks in Civil Engineering, was felicitated in a programme jointly organized by Karnataka Dalit Sanghrash Samiti, Adi Jambav High School and Dr. Ambedkar Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society.

While inaugurating the program, Police Sub-Inspector Parshuram Mirjigi appreciated Shaheen Tadipatri for brightening the name of this small town by securing a distinction in engineering. Her future is bright and she will occupy higher positions in life, he expressed.

The SI advised the students to burn the midnight oil in their studies with keen interest. Get up early in the morning at 4 to 5 am and make it a habit to study.

A reception was held for the 8th class students of 2024-25 batch and a meeting was organized to commemorate the performance of the Maher soldiers in the British Army on 18th June.

On this occasion, the founder president of Adi Jambav High School Faqir Appa felicitating Shaheen Tadipatri presented a cheque of Rs.5 thousand on behalf of the society. Office bearers of the society and school staff were present in the program.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff (headline edited) / June 22nd, 2024

Former IGP, Poet Khaleel Mamoon, No More

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru ,KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru :

Khaleel ur Rehman, a noted Urdu poet and former Inspector General of Police, Karnataka breathed his last on Friday after a cardiac arrest.

Born here in 1948 and better known by his pen name Mamoon, he won the 2011 Sahitya Academi Award for his poetry collection Aafaaq ki Taraf. In 2004, Mamoon became the first Urdu writer to win the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti.

After working as a staff artist for All India Radio, Delhi and later working as an Assistant editor of Daily Salar, Mamoon joined the Indian Police Service in 1977 and eventually promoted to IPS and retired as IGP in 2008.

Mamoon has published a number of works. Lissan Falsafe Ke Aine Me on the philosophy of language. Unnees Lillahi Nazmen is a translation of poems written in praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by Scherzade Rikhye. Nishaat-e-Gham is a collections of Ghazals. Kannada Adab is a collection of translations of Kannada language poetry and fiction. His poems are published in ‘La Ilah’ and ‘Andherey Ujaley Mein’ – two voluminous poetry collections.

His poetry stands out for its animated use of everyday images, sometimes shocking metaphors and use of wit that lay bare everyday experiences. His poetic sensibilities are steeped into the sufi-mystical traditions of Indo-Persianate culture. He experimented in the genres of both classical ghazal and azad nazam in a collection Saanson ke paar. He was most prolific in the genre of nazm which he thought suited to articulate the changing experiences of contemporary times – Jism-o-Jaan se door, Banbas ka Jhoot, Saraswati ke Kinare.

He served as the President of Karnataka Urdu Academy during 2008-10. During his tenure, he also edited the literary organ of the Karnataka Urdu Academy Azkaar.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / June 22nd, 2024

New chairperson of Beary Sahitya Academy Umar UH takes charge

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

Social activist and convener Umar UH, who had been recently appointed as the chairperson of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy, took charge at the Academy office situated in the Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat building on Thursday.

Academy Registrar Rajesh G handed over the charge of the body to Umar and heartily congratulated him on his appointment as the new chairperson of the Academy.

Speaking on the occasion, Umar said that his dream of many years, to see a ‘Beary Bhavan’, could now be fulfilled as the Academy had a site as well as funds of Rs 6 crore to support the construction of a hall for the Beary Academy. He added that there were plans of providing the Beary Academy a full-fledged museum and a library similar to those of the Konkani and Tulu academies. The decision would be taken after holding discussions with the Academy members, said the chairperson.

Umar laid stress on working in harmony with the literary bodies of other languages and supporting the cultural co-existence in the coastal belt, adding that the Academy hoped to focus on research rather than cultural programs.

Former chairperson of the Academy Rahim Ucchil, Mohammed Hanif, Tulu Academy Chairperson Taranath Gatti and Konkani Academy Chairperson Stany Alvares were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 13th, 2024

Wildlife photographer from Udupi Haarish Mohammed wins international photography award

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Haarish during one of his jungle visits with his camera

Udupi: 

Haarish Mohammed, a wildlife photographer from Udupi, now residing in Saudi Arabia, has won the international photography competition organized by 35 Awards in the Black and White category. This contest saw a remarkable participation of 465,000 photographs submitted by 111,253 photographers from 174 countries.

Reflecting on his journey, Haarish shared, “I’ve been fascinated with nature and forests since childhood. During my college years, trekking through the Western Ghats became a regular activity. In 2011, I moved to Saudi Arabia for a job, realizing that my connection to the forest could only be maintained through a career in the Forest Department, becoming a naturalist, or pursuing wildlife photography. I dedicated 1.5 years to learning the theory of photography before purchasing my first camera in 2013.

“The period from 2013 to 2017 was all about learning, and in 2017, I met a group of talented photographers in Saudi Arabia called Photomates, which I joined. With their support, I honed my skills. However, my job in Saudi Arabia limited my opportunities to explore the forests of Karnataka. After the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, I decided to resign and return to India to start my own business. Since then, I’ve had many of my works featured and published on various platforms. I visited national parks like Nagarhole, Kabini, and Bhadra, photographing beautiful animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and many colorful birds.”

Haarish elaborated on the story behind his winning image: “It was taken during an evening safari in the lush forests of Kabini, Karnataka. We were waiting for a herd of elephants to cross our path to reach a water body. To our surprise, a single tusker emerged from the dark forest.”

Haarish’s photo that bagged first place in international photography competition organized by 35 Awards

Haarish’s achievements include being featured in BBC Earth, the international online magazine PawsTrails, and Nature In Focus.

He secured third place in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 photography competitions held by Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore. His work was also accepted for the International Wildlife Photo Exhibition held by Alvas Virasat in 2023.

Additionally, he won a certificate of merit in the National Level Photography Contest conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in 2023. His most recent accolade is the first place in the 2023 international photography competition conducted by 35 Awards in the Black and White category.

“Wildlife photography is like a window into the world of animals. It helps us understand and appreciate them better by capturing their beauty and diversity. Moreover, wildlife photography raises awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. By showcasing the wonders of nature, it encourages us to take care of it. When we see how amazing animals are, we’re more likely to want to save them,” Haarish added.

source: http://www.englishvarthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali> Karnataka / 13th, June 2024

Nisar Ahmed Appointed Chairman of Karnataka Minority Commission

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ballari / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru :

Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Nisar Ahmed has been appointed as the new chairman of the Karnataka Minority Commission, Hajj, and Waqf Departments. Ahmed, a native of Ballari, succeeds Abdul Aziz in this key role. Before his retirement in 2012, Ahmed served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Speaking to mediapersons, Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the appointment, which was endorsed by the Chief Minister, several ministers, and MLAs. “The state government has entrusted me with the responsibility of the chairman of the minority commission. Our job is to unite the minorities within the accepted boundaries. It’s important to recognize that Muslims are not the only religious minority; there are about eight to ten minority communities. Our intention is to bring them all onto the same platform, unite them, and work for their welfare. Rather than just making claims, we’ll let our work do the talking,” Ahmed stated.

In related administrative changes, two more IAS officers have been assigned additional responsibilities. Manjunath Prasad N has been relieved of his duties as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Cooperation Department. He will be replaced by Ajay Nagabhushan MN, who is currently serving as the Secretary to the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, and Fisheries Department.

Manjunath Prasad N has now been appointed as the ACS to three departments: Forest, Ecology and Environment, Youth Empowerment and Sports, and Scheduled Tribes Welfare. This reshuffling is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of its administrative functions.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 10th, 2024