When Muslims first arrived on the Indian coast 1400 years ago, the land embraced them with the same grace bestowed on the Aryans, Africans, Zoroastrians, Tibetians, and others. These arrivals have uniquely imprinted their gems on our nation’s social, cultural, and architectural heritage. One such gem is the Zeenath Baksh Masjid built in wood.
The exquisite and ornate wooden sanctum of Zeenath Baksh Masjid | Source: Wikimedia
History has proven time and again that old is gold, both figuratively for its preciousness and literally for the permanence of the shelf life of gold counted over centuries. But if something that is the oldest, counted over centuries, is in wood, wouldn’t it be more precious and rare? When wood that decays and crumbles away naturally survives the burn of time and political upheavals, then it becomes the golden grace of heritage. The Zeenath Baksh Masjid in Mangalore, Karnataka, is one such gem of Indian historical treasures. It has survived for centuries and is not just the only Masjid made of wood but also the oldest in Karnataka and the third oldest in India.
In the seventh century, Hazarath Mohammed Malik Bin Deenar and his small group arrived at the Malabar coast of Kodungallur, with a letter written by the former Cheruman Perumal, who passed away while returning from Mecca. The letter instructed his son, the contemporary raja (king), to provide every kind of hospitality and permission to preach the faith of Islam in the kingdom. After observing the pious and honest nature of the guests, the king granted lands and other amenities within his kingdom. Malik Deenar, the first-generation disciple of Prophet Mohammed, with his group, established ten masjids after the first in Kodungallur. Zeenath Baksh is the second out of the ten and was constructed in 643 AD, currently located in the Bunder area of Mangalore city. It was earlier referred to as Beliye Palli or Malik Dinar Valya Juma-ath Masjidand was built by the kith and kin of Malik Deenar, who continued preaching the tenets after the sahaba (companion) departed from our coast.
The carved wooden pillars attest that old can be golden in wood | Source: Wikimedia
The nayaab nature of the original structure is that, all those centuries ago, it was entirely made of wood. The pristine glory of the wooden sanctum is still maintained by the local people and sponsors. Owing to the historical nature of the religious site, the caretakers of the masjid hope to get the site its due recognition and funding for maintenance from the administration. As the Secretary of the Central Muslim Committee, Mr Hanif Ali, informs,
“We have written to the tourism department and the Wakf Board to develop the mosque into a tourist spot. They have shown interest, but nothing concrete is being done.”
Though the original structure, which now acts like the inner sanctum, is enclosed within stone walls after renovation, the ceiling of this part is also made of wood and protected with a brass sheet.
As Mr Ali states, “Even if the stone walls were removed, the structure would still stand.”
The water tank is ubiquitous to all religious sites in the region | Source: Wikimedia
The present structure holds the legacy of the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, who renovated the medieval Masjid during the second half of the 18th century. Though he enhanced the serenity and aesthetics of the heritage, the original model was kept intact. He then renamed the structure after his daughter Zeenath Baksh, and for the past 400 years, it has retained the name. In the 19th century, it was given a new look by adding four minarets while earlier with its tiled roof it used to resemble the Malabar-styled mansion of a local chieftain.
The new look of the Masjid with the outer walls enclosing the original | Source: Deccan Herald
The sanctum is designed with typical Indian architectural blends with the tank within its grounds, keeping in sync with the traditional style of the nearby temples. The carvings on the sixteen pillars that form the perimeter of the prayer hall depict flowers, bells, and Arabic texts narrating anecdotes from the life of the Prophet. The art etched into the wood encapsulates the cultural blends of the region, and each pillar is made of a single block of wood. Despite the rain and humid conditions typical of the belt, the intricacy of the wooden designs has not faded into blurred lines, as usually expected. Even the floor, walls, and doors are adorned with teak wood and rosewood. As the manager of the Masjid shares,
“Every couple of years, we spend more than Rs. 1 lakh to rub in oil to preserve it. Apart from fixing small scratches, we have not modified or replaced any part of the structure.”
Where wooden art is revered in prayers | Source: Mangalore online
Records prove that this house for prayers was established in the Islamic month on the twenty-second day of Jumada al-awwal and approximately on 18 April 643 AD, with Moosa Bin Malik, the son of Malik Bin Abdullah, as the first Qazi (magistrate of the shari’a court). The site is not known just for its worthy heritage, but also for its community activities, which keep the people around bonded in gratitude and harmony. Attesting to the shared communal brotherhood is the Sharavu Ganapathi Temple. Contrary to propagated accusations, the well-known historian, A M Prabhu (who wrote a well-researched history of Tipu Sultan), recorded that the temple was developed by the Sultan, as a tribute to the local Tuluvas, who for centuries, protected the mediaeval Arabs and the Muslims.
The Shrine overlooking the Malabar-style verandah | Source: Mangalore Online
The Masjid is a hub of charitable activities with its sponsored yateemkhana (orphanage), funding the destitute during marriage ceremonies and even conducting funerals free of cost for the ones who cannot afford it. The wide verandah for the past eighty-seven years has also cradled the sacred shrine of the revered Qazi Hazrath Sheikuna Muhammed Moula Jalal Masthan Al Bhukhari.
All in all, the Zeenath Baksh Masjid is one of the gems that adorn our heritage of cultural blends and is a cocoon of brotherhood, serene piety, and harmony in diversity. A site that is the zenith of the glorious South Indian history.
source: http://www.thisday.app / Home / by Waheeda Bi Khan (headline edited)
Ace IAS Academy inaugurated its UPSC/KPSC Batch 2024-25, with Police Sub-Inspector Mushahid Ahmed, an alumnus from the academy’s first batch, officially launching the program.
The event also saw the relaunch of the academy’s website by the Founder President of Ace Foundation, Saduddin Salihi. The occasion was graced by Abdul Salaam, retired General Manager of KIOCL, as the Guest of Honour.
Following the inauguration, a workshop on “Effective Communication” was conducted by motivational speaker and life coach, Saif Sulthan Syed.
The event was attended by the trustees of Ace Foundation, B.S. Muhammad Basheer, Siraj Ahmed, and Shahul Hameed. Nazeer Ahmed, Director of Ace IAS Academy, welcomed the dignitaries and students, while Academic Coordinator Hilaal Raafi hosted the event.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 10th, 2024
Mysuru-based Director Islahuddin believes in movie-making beyond the ordinary
The Kannada film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, has recently witnessed a surge in films across diverse genres, breaking away from the conventional commercial ‘masala’ formula. Films like Achar & Co, Daredevil Mustafa, Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, Tagaru Palya and Orchestra Mysuru have been warmly embraced by audiences, proving that the industry is in safe hands with the new generation of filmmakers stepping up to the challenge.
Joining this fresh wave of talent is N.S. Islahuddin from Mysuru, the director of the Kannada film Anna. Despite hardships, Islahuddin successfully directed a few films, including Nodi Swamy Ivanu Irode Heege, starring Rishi.
Known for inspiring many aspiring actors and technicians, Islahuddin is now back with his latest venture Anna, which tells the story of eight-year-old Mahadeva. Set in the 1980s, the film portrays the struggles of a poor family that cannot afford even rice (Anna in Kannada).
Islahuddin also pioneered Kannada’s first-ever crowd-funded film, Jaagadoreyuthade (Spaces for Rent), an adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s play The Lower Depths.
Star of Mysore caught up with the talented moviemaker Islahuddin during his recent visit to Mysuru for a brief chat. Excerpts…
Star of Mysore (SOM): How do you feel about ‘Anna,’ a non-commercial movie, being accepted by all sections of the audience?
Islahuddin: I am elated. Being embraced by all sections of society feels like a blessing. Our movie doesn’t take sides — except for the side of the hungry. ‘Anna’ is merely a metaphor. While rice, as a staple food for billions, holds deep significance, our story is set in the 1980s when rice was a luxury beyond the reach of the common man. Today, ‘Anna’ could symbolise any unfulfilled desire of the underprivileged.
SOM: What inspired you to choose a subject like ‘Anna?’
Islahuddin: The story found me. It is based on a Kannada Sahitya Akademi award-winning short story by Hanur Chennappa, who had previously served as Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture in Mysuru. The team was already in place, and I joined towards the end. I am deeply grateful to the entire ‘Anna’ team for making this an unforgettable experience.
SOM: For a film like ‘Anna,’ it’s often difficult to secure producers and theatres for release. How did you manage both?
Islahuddin: ‘Anna’ symbolises desire. It highlights the gap between ragi and rice and the divide between the haves and have-nots. Basavaraju, our film’s producer, who faced hardships in his youth, was approached by our music director and executive producer Nagesh Kandegala and he instantly agreed to produce the film. The film has turned out exceptionally well and the overwhelming response during screenings gave us the confidence that we have a winner. Even though Basavaraju is a first-time producer, we chose to take this leap of faith on our own.
SOM: With four gold medals in journalism and mass communication, a master’s from the University of Sunderland and having cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) from the University Grants Commission (UGC), you could have easily settled as a Professor in a reputed university. Why did you choose theatre and films?
Islahuddin: I’ve always liked theatre and cinema and so did my friends. I’ve always valued my friendships and most of my friends are here in my city Mysuru. We are a close-knit group here in Mysuru, bonded by our shared passion for the arts. Our journey began in theatre, but we quickly set our sights on filmmaking.
I took the next step by pursuing my master’s in filmmaking in the UK, then returned to Mysuru to reconnect with my friends. Our primary goal has always been to build a thriving ecosystem for filmmakers right here in our city.
SOM: What are your upcoming projects?
Islahuddin: I’ve been in talks with a few actors, who also happen to be good friends, about directing some scripts I’ve written. Additionally, there are exciting offers from producers interested in bringing my stories to life with me as the director. There’s also an international project in the works, but I’ll reveal more when the time is right. Only time will tell. — VNS
Excelled academically
A graduate in Business Management from D. Banumaiah College, Islahuddin went on to pursue a Post Graduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism at Manasagangothri, where he excelled academically, bagging four gold medals, including the prestigious Star of Mysore Silver Jubilee Endowment Gold Medal in 2006.
His passion for filmmaking led him to secure a scholarship at the University of Sunderland, where he earned a Master’s in Media Production in 2008. Upon returning to Mysuru, Islahuddin embarked on a challenging 15-year journey to fulfil his dream of directing films.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 12th, 2024
More than 800 sports enthusiasts took part in the 14th edition of Celebration Mysore Marathon, organised by Life is Calling in city this morning.
The marathon was flagged-off by Mountaineer Dr. Usha Hegde in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple near the Balarama Gate of Mysore Palace at 6 am.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Usha Hegde said that taking part in sports event is important for people to stay fit and healthy. “Events like marathon should be organised more frequently to enhance the health conditions of those taking part,” she added.
The event comprised 30K Run, 21K Half Marathon, 10K Run and 5K Fun Run/ Walk. Organisers had made all necessary arrangements for the runners including drinking water at various points, medical team and ambulance on stand-by, and direction boards for the benefit of the participants.
Results
Open Male 10K Run
1. S.Y. Prajwal (36:35.7), 2. A. Abishek (36:35.9), 3. K. Kiran (37:00.00).
City-based Rose Wood Inlay artiste Luqman Khan was presented with the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Viswakarma Award during an event organised by the Crafts Council of Karnataka at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru recently.
Crafts Council of Karnataka Chairperson Mangala Narasimhan, former Additional Chief Secretary Chiranjeev Singh and Crafts Council of Karnataka Treasurer Mir Shafi Farooq were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery>Photo News / August 31st, 2024
Mr. Mohammed Ali Khalid, a retired Karnataka Administrative Service officer, has been awarded the prestigious Bronze Wolf, the highest international accolade in the field of Scouts and Guides.
This honour, established in 1935, has been conferred upon only 395 individuals worldwide, with Mr. Khalid, Vice-chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Scout Committee, being the fifth Indian recipient.
The Bronze Wolf is awarded for exceptional services to world Scouting, recognising Mr. Khalid’s extraordinary contributions to regional and global task forces aimed at strengthening the scout movement. His dedication to the Scouts and Guides has earned him numerous national and international awards, with the Bronze Wolf being his crowning achievement.
Previous Indian recipients of the award include Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar (1969), Sardar Lakshman Singh (1986), Ranga Rao (1994), and L.M. Jain (2008). Mr. Khalid’s recognition adds another feather to India’s cap in the global Scouting community.
The award was presented to Mr. Khalid at the World Scout Conference in Cairo, August 23, 2024. His lifelong commitment and professional excellence continue to inspire young people, embodying the values of discipline and service central to the Scout movement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / August 30th, 2024
Kickboxers of Elite Academy won 7 gold medals in State-level Kickboxing Championship-2024 held at Yuvaraja’s College in city recently.
The medal winners — (from left) Mohammed Junaid (Gold medal in Junior category), Riya-ul-arab (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event), Abu Shama (Gold medal in Children’s category), Simra Khan (Gold medals in Kick Light and Light Contact events), Abdul Muheebudin (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event) & Mohammed Adnaan (Gold medal in Junior category) — are seen with Elite Academy Director Sameena Tabbasum and Academy Founder & Head Coach Mohammed Farjath Iyaz.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> PhotoNews / August 21st, 2024
Students of the colleges run under Anjuman Hamai Muslim Bhatkal continue to get ranks at the university level and this time Najda Ekiri, a student of Anjuman Institute of Management and Computer Applications (AIMCA). Anjuman College has made the name of Anjuman College bright in the entire state by securing first rank in Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Karnataka University, Dharwad.
AIMCA Principal Muhammad Mohsin has said in a press release that Najda Ekiri, of Mubeen Ahmed Ekiri and Nusrat Jahan, has also achieved a remarkable feat by memorizing the Holy Quran during her three-year BCA course. According to the press release, Najda secured 3421 marks out of 3700 marks, resulting in a pass rate of 92.46%. The BCA exams were held in August-September 2023.
It has been found that while Najda, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman, secured the first rank in Dharwad University, Dekshanagappa Kharvi, a student of Bhatkal Sri Gurusdhiendra BCA College, secured the third rank at the university level, with an average success rate of 91.73%. has been done.
The university’s second rank went to Shantala Raibagh, a student of Global College of Computer Applications, Hubli, who registered a pass rate of 92.27 percent.
It should be noted that more than fifty BCA colleges are affiliated to Karnataka University, Dharwad, and among the students of all these colleges, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman getting the first rank is a great achievement. In such a situation, memorizing the Holy Quran with modern education is also a big challenge.
The management of Anjuman Hamai Muslimin, the principal and other staff of the college have congratulated Najda for this wonderful achievement and wished her all the best for her future.
source: http://www.sahilonline.net / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by IG Bhatkali, SO News Agency / August 23rd, 2024
In the much-anticipated elections held today, Wednesday, at the Jali Pattan Panchayat, Afsha Qaziya was elected as President, while Advocate Imran Lanka was elected as Vice President. Both candidates, backed by the prominent social organization Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, were elected unopposed.
In a related development, Tanzeem-backed councilor Mohiddin Altaf Kharuri was also elected as Vice President of the Town Municipal Council (TMC) Bhatkal on Tuesday.
The election processes for both the TMC and Jali Pattan Panchayat were supervised by Bhatkal Tehsildar Nagaraj.
The President’s position at Jali Pattan Panchayat was reserved for a General Woman, and the Vice President’s position was reserved for Backward Class A (BCA). In the TMC election, the President’s seat was reserved for an SC woman, and the Vice President’s seat was reserved for BCA. However, since there was no SC woman councilor in the TMC, no nominations were filed for the President’s position. As a result, all three key positions across both bodies were filled unopposed.
The new President of Jali Pattan Panchayat, Afsha Qaziya, is a highly qualified woman with degrees in B.Com, B.Ed, and M.Ed. She has been actively involved in social and community work and has served as a councilor in the Jali Pattan Panchayat for the past 28 months. Advocate Imran Lanka, elected as Vice President, is also highly educated and an active member of the Tanzeem’s political panel. He has been serving as a councilor in the Jali Pattan Panchayat since 2015-16.
The newly elected Vice President of TMC, Mohiuddin Altaf Kharuri, has been serving as a municipal councilor for the past 24 years and has previously held the position of Standing Committee Chairman twice. He also has significant experience serving as the General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, a century-old social organization in Bhatkal.
Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem continues to have a strong influence in local bodies, with their backed candidates consistently securing key positions in the TMC and panchayats.
source: http://www.sahilonline.org / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News> Featured News / by IG Bhatkali – (Headline edited) / August 22nd, 2024
Three siblings from Bhatkal, who study in Mangaluru, achieved remarkable success at the state-level Karate Championship organized by the Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in collaboration with Swami’s Strength Training and MK Ananthraj College of Physical Education, held in Moodbidri on August 17, 2024.
Ismail Nameer, a 14-year-old student of Huda Islamia School, Mangaluru, secured first place in the Kumite category and also earned a place in Kata. His outstanding performance led to him being crowned the Grand Champion in the under-17 category.
Hamdan, Nameer’s younger brother and a student at Presidency School, Mangaluru, followed in his brother’s footsteps by winning first place in Kumite and securing a place in Kata.
Their sister, Umme Kulsum, also a student at Presidency School, claimed first place in the Fighting category, adding to the family’s impressive list of achievements.
Nameer, Hamdan, and Umme Kulsum are children of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin and Nada who reside in Mangaluru.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 20th, 2024
