Category Archives: Leaders

Ghulam Rasool Khan: Nawab of Kurnool who fought against East India Company

Kurnool, ANDHRA PRADESH :

His fort at Kurnool was turned into an ordnance factory

Ghulam Rasool Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, who created terror among the officials of the East India Company, came to power in 1823.

Since his childhood, Ghulam Rasool Khan never cared foreign rulers. After coming into power, he took every care to protect his state from the British. He was sure that he had to fight against the British, and was prepared for the same. He befriended Gohar Ali Khan alias Mubariz-ud-Doula, a prince of Nizam state. He turned his fort at Kurnool into an ordnance factory.

The jealous cousins of Nawab Ghulam Rasool, who wished to capture power, colluded with the English and hatched conspiracies against him. They informed General Fraser, who was the British Resident, about the preparedness of Ghulam Rasool for war on 23 August 1839.

Alarmed at this, the East India Company appointed Edward Armstrong to probe into the matter and report it immediately. Edward wrote a letter to General Fraser stating that ‘the armoury of the Nawab of Kurnool is enormous. His preparedness for war is hard to describe. He turned the gardens and the royal palaces into ordnance factories.’ This information sent shivers down the spine of General Fraser, who sent the East India Company forces immediately under the command of Colonel A .B. Dyce to capture the fort of Kurnool and arrest Nawab Ghulam Rasool Khan.

East India Company troops attacked and rounded the Kurnool fort on 12 October, 1839. After six days of fierce fighting, the enemy was able to detain Ghulam Rasool Khan, on 18 October, 1839 at Joharapuram, a village near Kurnool.

Later on, they took him to Tiruchinapalli and imprisoned Rasool Khan in Tiruchinapalli Jail. The British rulers wished to eliminate the Nawab of Kurnool. So they bribed his personal servant into serving poisoned food to Nawab, due to which Nawab Ghulam Rasool Khan died on 12 July, 1840.

The Company charged the servant of murder and sentenced him to death. The British rulers tried their level best to hide this conspiracy, but history revealed the fact in course of time.

Ghulam Rasool Khan is still remembered by the people of Rayalaseema region of Andhra pradesh, where they still eulogize him singing the ballad titled ‘Kandanavolu Nawabu Katha’ (Story of Kurnool Nawab).

Syed Naseer Ahamad is a Telugu writer and journalist who has written several books on the role of Muslims in the struggle for the freedom of India. Many of his books have been translated into other languages. He can be contacted at naseerahamedsyed@gmail.com and cellphone number 91-9440241727.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Opinion / by Sued Naseer Ahamed / September 04th, 2022

Thumbay Group honours Dr U T Ifthikar Ali with ‘Star of the Year Award’ at annual conference

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Ajman (UAE) : 

Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital honoured Prof Dr U T Ifthikar Ali, chairman of the Allied & Healthcare Council Karnataka, with the prestigious “Star of the Year” award during the 4th International annual conference on “Innovation in Rehabilitation Practice and Medicine” held at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman.

Dr Ifthikar, a distinguished educationist, healthcare professional, sports enthusiast, and social activist, has played a vital role in overseeing allied and paramedical colleges across Karnataka. His remarkable efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people, were particularly highlighted during the ceremony.

Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Thumbay Group, commended Dr Ifthikar for his unwavering commitment to the fields of education and healthcare. He stated, “Dr. Ifthikar Ali embodies the spirit of hard work and compassion, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. His contributions have not only enriched the education sector but have also significantly improved healthcare delivery in Karnataka. We are confident that he will continue to be a catalyst for positive change in society.”

The felicitation ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Sheikh Dr Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, chairman of the ruler’s court, Ajman, further emphasising the importance of the occasion.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Ifthikar expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It serves as a motivation to continue my efforts in enhancing healthcare and education in our community. Together, we can create a better future for the next generation.”

The 4th international annual conference on “Innovation in Rehabilitation Practice and Medicine”, held at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, served as a pivotal platform for discussing advancements in rehabilitation and healthcare. Esteemed healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders gathered to share insights and explore innovative practices that enhance patient care.

The conference featured talks focused on emerging therapies and technologies, including the integration of holistic approaches in rehabilitation. This year’s event highlighted Thumbay Healthcare’s commitment to leading the way in healthcare innovation, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing the evolving needs of patients, particularly the elderly population.

The conference not only celebrated achievements in the field but also nurtured networking and knowledge-sharing among participants dedicated to improving rehabilitation practices.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / October 19th, 2024

From Wings to Wisdom: Retired Wing Commander Shapes Youth for Success

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Watch | With over 14 years of service left, Wing Commander Akhtar chose to invest his time in nurturing the next generation, recognizing the importance of instilling confidence and resilience.

Former Wing Commander gives ‘soft skill wings’ to students’ dream

source: youtube.com / eNewsRoom

Kolkata:

Wing Commander Shamim Akhtar (Retd) made a remarkable decision to take voluntary retirement from the Indian Army, not to rest but to serve a higher purpose: grooming the youth for careers in the army and beyond. Presently stationed in Kolkata, he dedicates his time to training students from diverse educational backgrounds in essential soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and resilience.

His students, hailing from far-flung areas, converge to attend his sessions, spanning disciplines like engineering, law, and literature. What sets the army veteran apart is not just his dedication but his altruism—he offers these sessions free of cost, a gesture aimed at empowering the youth irrespective of their financial background.

Beyond imparting soft skills, Akhtar serves as a conduit between aspiring youth and Indian Army vacancies, often bringing to light opportunities that students were previously unaware of. For him, retirement wasn’t an end but a new beginning—a chance to inspire and mold future leaders.

“When I took premature retirement, my 14 years of service was left. But I wanted to groom youth and help build future leaders, so it was the right time to quit and start something to motivate students,” the ex- Air Force Officer shared with eNewsroom.

His philosophy is simple yet profound: to instill confidence and uniqueness in his students, empowering them to make a mark in their chosen fields. Through his mentorship, he not only imparts skills but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental strength and physical fitness, essential for navigating the challenges of the future.

Akhtar’s mission extends beyond the classroom; it’s about fostering holistic development and nurturing well-rounded individuals. By encouraging his students to prioritize quality time with family and friends, he underscores the significance of balance in life—a lesson as valuable as any technical skill.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Audio-Video / by Staff Reporter / March 24th, 2024

First Muslim IAS officer from Kashmir Mohd Shafi Pandit passes away

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Pandit was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi after he was detected with cancer about a month ago, his family said

In the bureaucratic circles, Pandit was widely viewed as a chief secretary that Jammu and Kashmir never had. Image: X@Jairam_Ramesh

Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first Muslim IAS officer from Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on Thursday. He was 80.

Pandit was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi after he was detected with cancer about a month ago, his family said.

Pandit was the first Muslim from Jammu and Kashmir to qualify the civil services examinations in 1969. His final assignment with the government was as the head of autonomous Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.

In the bureaucratic circles, Pandit was widely viewed as a chief secretary that Jammu and Kashmir never had.

The soft-spoken Pandit was part of many civil society and philanthropic initiatives in Kashmir. He also played a key role in rolling out of the Mandal Commission report as he was the joint secretary in the Government of India in 1992.

Pandit’s body will be flown to Srinagar later in the day.

“If possible, he will be laid to rest today,” his family said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condoled the death of the IAS officer.

“My good friend of many years. Mohammed Shafi Pandit, has just passed away.He was a 1969-batch IAS officer who occupied important positions with distinction, both in J&K and at the Centre,” Ramesh wrote in a post on X.

“After retirement, he devoted himself to various public causes and emerged as a leading voice of civil society. Soft-spoken and extremely gentle by nature, he epitomised the glorious composite heritage of J&K and was a role model for youth from the Valley to join the civil services,” the Congress leader added.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> India News / by PTI, Srinagar / September 19th, 2024

Razack Family Donates Rs 5 Crore to St Joseph’s Boys’ High School for Infrastructure Development

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

The Razack family, renowned for their legacy of generosity, has donated Rs 5 crore to St Joseph’s Boys’ High School (SJBHS) to support the institution’s ongoing projects.

The unveiling of the ‘Razack Family Block’ plaque in September 2024 marked a significant moment for the school. Present at the event were prominent alumni, including Irfan Razack, Managing Director of Prestige Estates Projects (Batch of 1968), along with his brothers Rezwan Razack (Batch of 1970) and Noaman Razack (Batch of 1974).

The generous contribution will fund crucial developments at the school, including the construction of a playground with a double basement and additional classrooms. These infrastructure upgrades aim to align with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and address longstanding challenges such as parking limitations in Bengaluru’s Central Business District.

During the ceremony, Irfan Razack expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a privilege to give back to my alma mater, which has shaped me into who I am today. Your recognition of my efforts is humbling, and I am deeply grateful.” The sentiments were echoed by Rezwan Razack and other family members, all underscoring their continued commitment to supporting the school’s growth.

Jayashree Prince Jacob, a teaching faculty member at SJBHS, highlighted the deeper meaning of the Razack family’s donation, stating, “This contribution represents more than just financial support. It is a testament to the lasting bond between the school and its alumni, inspiring future Josephites to uphold the tradition of giving back.”

In a statement, the school reflected on its cherished motto, “Fide et Labore” (Faith and Toil), emphasizing that the values imparted through the years continue to resonate with the alumni. “Once a Josephite, always a Josephite” remains more than a saying—it embodies the unyielding love and loyalty of the Josephite community.

The Razack family’s contribution serves as a lasting example of dedication to the school’s mission, ensuring that St Joseph’s Boys’ High School continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 12th, 2024

Omar Abdullah sworn in as first chief minister of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah took oath as the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir since its reorganisation as a Union Territory. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, was administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Saxena.

The event marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as it comes after a 6.5-year period without a locally elected government. “It is a red-letter day,” said NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, adding, “May God give strength to Omar Abdullah to raise the people’s voice.”

The ceremony saw the presence of several top leaders from the INDIA alliance, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat, CPI leader D. Raja, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and NCP’s Supriya Sule.

Omar Abdullah paid homage to his grandfather, National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum before the swearing-in.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Abdullah acknowledged the challenges of leading Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory: “Being a Chief Minister of a Union Territory is a different matter altogether. It has its own challenges, but I hope this status is temporary.”

Abdullah emphasised that his government’s priority would be to work toward restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. He stated, “We look forward to working in cooperation with the government of India to resolve the people’s problems, and the best way to do that is by restoring statehood to J&K.”

The National Conference-Congress alliance secured 48 seats in the 90-member assembly , with NC winning 42 and Congress six. This decisive victory allowed Abdullah to form the government, which comes after Jammu and Kashmir had been under Presidential rule since 2018, following the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / MaktoobMedia.com / Home>India / by Maktoob Staff / October 16t, 2024

Malegaon sees the blossoming of New Educational Institutions under Ahmed Naseem Meena Nagri Education Society

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani laying foundation of the Millat Urdu High School, Malegaon

Malegaon:

The educational journey of the Ahmed Naseem Meena Nagri Education Society is set to become a defining milestone for New Malegaon, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Shakir Sir. In honour of his legacy, Shakir Sir has been instrumental in establishing new educational institutions including the Abdul Shakur Pre-Primary and Primary School and Junior College, Millat Urdu High School, Insha Paramedical College and Diploma Courses. The inauguration ceremony of these institutions was held near Labbaik Hotel in the Malda area of New Malegaon. The residents of Malegaon are expected to benefit greatly from these new facilities.

The foundation stone ceremony of Millat Urdu High School was conducted by General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani. Maulana Rahmani acknowledged the significant contributions of Shakir Sir, saying, “He has been a dedicated teacher, and with the establishment of this institution, he has gifted the community a place of learning that will endure even after him.”

Maulana Rahmani also highlighted that the late Maulana Syed Wali Muhammad Rahmani had close ties with Shakir Sir.

Inaugurating Insha Paramedical and IT College, Dr. Saeed Farani remarked, “This campus offers education from primary levels to medical training. Paramedical services are now indispensable, serving as the backbone of healthcare without which medical care cannot function.”

Dr. Farani stressed that medicine ensures success in both this world and the hereafter if pursued with sincerity. Highlighting Malegaon’s rise as a medical hub, attracting patients from a 150-200 km radius, he noted the growing presence of hospitals and increasing interest from corporate healthcare. However, these hospitals will need qualified paramedical staff, now mandated by the government. He urged residents to enrol in paramedical courses to boost their employment prospects.

Dr. Ayub Khan Poonawala, speaking on the significance of paramedical education, noted that the era of paramedical and IT training has begun. “This is the sixth paramedical college being established after Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Paramedical students have a 100% job placement rate. Malegaon, known as a city of skilled workers, will now benefit from this initiative.”

Headmaster Al-Haj Qureshi Mukhtar also addressed the gathering saying, “In an era where educational institutions are becoming commercial enterprises, establishing such a purposeful campus in the suburbs is truly commendable.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / October 04th, 2024

Kalam Learning Centre Unveils Rs. 50 Crore Scholarships Fund to Uplift Muslim Minority Students

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

In a landmark effort to uplift the educational aspirations of Muslim minority students across India, the Kalam Learning Centre has announced the launch of a substantial Rs.50 crore scholarship fund.

This ambitious initiative, which stands as one of the largest scholarships programs specifically targeting Muslim minority students, aims to provide essential financial support to deserving students, helping them achieve their academic dreams without the burden of economic constraints.

The scholarship program is open to students from Class 5 to Class 12, as well as recent 12th-grade graduates who are preparing for their next academic steps. The initiative covers a wide spectrum of students, making it accessible to a large segment of the Muslim minority population. To qualify, students will need to participate in a scholarship examination conducted by the centre, ensuring that the scholarships are awarded based on merit and need.

By offering these scholarships, the Kalam Learning Centre aims to empower young students with access to quality education, removing financial hurdles that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing higher studies. The centre’s vision aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the educational landscape for minorities in India, especially at a time when educational inequalities persist across different sections of society.

The `50 crore scholarships fund represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education. It is set to play a pivotal role in the academic journeys of thousands of students, allowing them to focus on their studies, reach their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative will not only benefit the students but also strengthen the foundation of India’s future workforce by nurturing young minds through education.

In addition to this, the scholarships program resonates with the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned advocate for education. Several scholarships across India bear his name, each dedicated to advancing his dream of a fully literate nation. These scholarships, offered by various state governments, educational institutions, and organizations, aim to provide deserving and financially struggling students with the necessary resources to complete their education. Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire efforts like the Kalam Learning Center’s initiative, which seeks to build a more inclusive and educated India, one student at a time.

Through this scholarship, the Kalam Learning Centre is not only supporting individual students but also contributing to the broader mission of promoting literacy, equality, and opportunity for the underrepresented and marginalized sections of society. This initiative sets a precedent for other organizations to follow, encouraging more efforts to bridge the educational gap for minorities in India.

For more information or registration, you may click here, or download Kalam Learning Centre App, or call KLC helpline number +91-9335004071.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / October 15th, 2024

Mehboob Ali Kaiser, NDA’s Lone Muslim MP In Bihar, Joins RJD

BIHAR :

“Kaiser-saheb is joining us after a meeting with party president Lalu Prasad-ji. We stand to gain from his experience. It is a development that will send across a strong message in favour of our fight to protect the Constitution, which is facing threat from the ruling dispensation,” said Tejashwi Yadav.

Mehboob Ali Kaiser joins RJD /  Photo: PT

LJP MP Mehboob Ali Kaiser, the lone Muslim to have been elected to the Lok Sabha from the BJP-led NDA in Bihar, joined the RJD on Sunday, in a shot in the arm for the opposition party amid the elections.

Kaiser, who sided with former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras when the latter split the LJP, and was denied a ticket this time by Chirag Paswan despite efforts to seek rapprochement, joined the RJD in the presence of its leader Tejashwi Yadav.

“Kaiser-saheb is joining us after a meeting with party president Lalu Prasad-ji. We stand to gain from his experience. It is a development that will send across a strong message in favour of our fight to protect the Constitution, which is facing threat from the ruling dispensation,” said Yadav.

Born into the family that ruled the erstwhile princely state of Simri Bakhtiyarpur in Saharsa district, Kaiser started his political career with the Congress and headed the party’s state unit till 2013.

He joined the LJP in 2014 and won the Khagaria seat, which he retained five years later.

His relations with Chirag Paswan, the then LJP president, began to sour when the party denied a ticket to his son Yusuf Salahuddin in the 2020 assembly polls.

Salahuddin went on to contest and win the Simri Bakhtiyarpur seat on an RJD ticket.

It was not immediately known whether the RJD, which has announced candidates for all but one of the 23 Lok Sabha seats it is contesting, will be fielding Kaiser in the ongoing elections.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Elections / by PTI / August 21st, 2024

India’s new UNESCO site museum reveals Mughal emperor’s life, legacy

NEW DELHI :

  • Humayun World Heritage Site Museum in New Delhi opened for visitors on Tuesday
  • Latest addition to 16th-century tomb complex ‘brings alive 700 years of heritage’

Visitors look at artifacts at the Humayun World Heritage Site Museum — the newest addition in Humayun’s Tomb complex — in New Delhi on July 29, 2024. (AN Photo)

https://arab.news/4zpjh

New Delhi :

The second Mughal emperor Humayun was widely known as an avid reader fond of journeys, architecture, and storytelling. Almost half a millennium after his death, a new museum in the heart of New Delhi highlights his role in shaping India’s cultural heritage.


Opened for visitors on Tuesday, the Humayun World Heritage Site Museum is the newest addition in Humayun’s Tomb complex — a landmark 300-acre area in New Delhi’s Nizamuddin that features dozens of historical monuments and includes Sunder Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park.


The advent of the Mughal dynasty, which ruled the Indian subcontinent between the 16th and 19th centuries, marked the global revival of Islamic architecture, with works that until today are examples of the highest quality and refinement.


Originally from Central Asia, the Mughals carried cultural elements borrowed from Arabs, Persians and Ottomans. As they settled in India, they fused these with the various local styles found in their new domains.


Humayun was the son and successor of Babur, founder of the dynasty, and ruled the empire from 1530 to 1540 and again from 1555 until his death the following year.


The new museum, established by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, traces Humayun and his descendants’ lives, as well as the 700-year-old history of the whole Nizamuddin locality and its influence on Indian culture.


“There are hundreds of stories to be told, which the stones don’t speak,” Ratish Nanda, conservation architect and projects director at the AKTC, told Arab News. “The idea is to bring alive 700 years of heritage.”


The museum is located in Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the first of the grand mausoleums that became synonymous with Mughal architectural innovations and, three generations later, culminated in the construction of India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal.
About 7 million tourists from across India and abroad visit the complex every year.


“The idea is that people who now visit the World Heritage Site come with a deep understanding of the site,” Nanda said.


“We’ve been able to … combine architectural elements with incredible manuscripts, miniature paintings, calligraphy, textiles, coins, metalware, architectural elements — one is two one scale — with lots of films and digital technology, and models and so on.”


Spanning five galleries, the underground museum has over 500 artefacts sourced from the collections of the National Museum in New Delhi, ASI and AKTC.


“It captures the 700 years of history that is associated with the region of Nizamuddin and the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb …This museum really captures the history,” said Ujwala Menon, AKTC conservation architect.


“The principal gallery talks about Humayun. There’s very little known about this emperor, and one of the things with this museum is to really address that … Then we have a second section of this gallery which talks about the personalities that are associated with Nizamuddin.”


Among the famed figures featured in the second gallery are Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro.
Auliya was an 13th-century Indian Sunni Muslim scholar, Sufi saint of the Chishti Order, and is one of the most famous Sufis from the Indian subcontinent. His shrine and tomb are located near Humayun’s complex.


Khusro was a 13th-century poet and scholar who remains an iconic figure in the culture of the subcontinent.


Both Auliya and Khusro lived during the period of the Delhi Sultanate, which Humayun’s father conquered, leading to its succession by the Mughal empire. The museum shows how the empire did not come to its bloom in a cultural vacuum, but drew from and incorporated the culture of its predecessors.


“There was this idea of pluralism that existed during the Mughal period,” Menon said.
“And this (museum) really captures all of that.”

source: http://www.arabnews.com / Arab News / Home> World / by Sanjay Kumar / July 31st, 2024