Category Archives: Leaders

Eminent Academician KM Arifuddin No More

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The philanthropist transformed neglected Wakf properties into exemplary educational institutions

Hyderabad :

Khaja Mohammed Arifuddin, celebrated academician, dynamic educationist and one of the founding members of the 1969 Telangana agitation movement, popularly known as KM Arifuddin, breathed his last on Monday. He was 77.

Arifuddin is irrefutably regarded as one of the most powerful educationists in the history of Hyderabad who helped thousands of families fight darkness by illuminating their minds and homes with education, in the process pioneering ‘modern and Islamic education’, a concept that has now promoted by many institutions largely for commercial merits.

The institutions he founded continue to benefit scores of students, including those from society’s weaker sections at different educational strata.

An advocate by profession in his early career, he employed his legal acumen to prevent the misuse and illegal occupancy of Wakf properties in Hyderabad. As a young activist, Arifuddin raised slogans, protested against exploitation and encroachment of Wakf lands, and pioneered an educational movement nearly 40 years ago that continues its momentum in the form of the Madina Group of Institutions and Global Group of Institutions, where thousands of Muslim and even non-Muslim students had the privilege to access modern education in an institution built on Muslim values and Islamic teachings.

He successfully led the movement in freeing the Wakf properties from illegal occupancy in 1977, and was instrumental in transforming them into educational centres with academic and disciplinary standards unprecedented for any minority institution of the time.

By fighting for winning the case and transforming the Wakf land into an educational centre, he set a prime example on how Wakf properties can be rightly used for the benefit of the community. In his own words, social success can be achieved by “conventional reimbursement of the Waqf properties and education”.

On August 15, 1982, former Governor of Orissa Padmabhushan Mir Akbar Ali Khan laid the foundation stone of the Madina Public School. He set up Madina Public School under the aegis of Madina Education and Welfare Society (MEWS), followed by Madina Degree College for Girls in 1983. Promoting education of girls, and making them self-reliant was his dream. In 1984, Prince Muffakham Jah Bahadur inaugurated the new block of Madina Public School.

His uncompromising academic standards and meticulous discipline helped his altruistic yet relentless educational pursuits in establishing 14 educational institutions from K.G. to P.G., including Madina Public Schools, Global College of Pharmacy, Global College of Business Management, and Global College of Engineering and Technology.

These educational power houses over the years have become the pride of the community under his tenure as the Secretary of Madina Group of Institutions. Several notable leaders of national repute, including former Prime Minister of India Chandrashekhar, former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Farooq Abdullah, Indian’s Union Law Minister Ram Jethmalani  were among several others who visited the Madina Public School in the past and appreciated its standards of education.

His patriotic fervour reflected in the several initiatives he pioneered with nationalist sentiment. He conceptualised and granted monthly pensions for freedom fighters of Hyderabad, instituted an educational scholarship of Rs 1 lakh in the name of his deceased son K.M. Razi (IRS) Memorial scholarship for helping aspiring civil service aspirants qualifying the preliminary exams. The Madina IAS Hostel was built for this purpose.

MEWS, as part of its philanthropic initiatives, also provides pensions to widows, funds Muslim and non-Muslim welfare organisations.

In 1989, he constituted the Madina Gold Medal to recognise the talents and achievements of outstanding students at regional and state levels. The first medal was awarded to Dr Ausaf Sayeed in 1989, who is currently the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. The tradition still continues even after more than 30 years.

He was the co-founder and Editor of Awam, an Urdu daily in the late 90s. His weekly column titled Zara Ghaur Kijiye published in Urdu newspapers in Telangana inculcated social activism among the masses by throwing light on the pressing social and economic issues.

Arifuddin, born to Mohammed Qamaruddin in August of 1944, hopped different government Urdu medium schools to complete his schooling, and post-graduated in Law from the Osmania University in 1974. He was the first Muslim graduate to be elected as the Vice President of Students Union of the Osmania University, and was one of the founding members of the Telangana Separation movement in 1969, for which he served a brief time in jail.

Even until a few weeks before his demise, he kept discussing empowering Muslims and the weaker sections with education, knowledge and by securing berths in Indian Civil Services. Arifuddin is survived by two sons K.M. Fasihuddin, K.M. Minhajuddin and daughter Maria Tabassum who must shoulder the burden of great responsibility Arifuddin left behind in his legacy, while living the life of an ascetic despite all the talents and many intellectual virtues.

Earlier, his body was kept at the Madina Public School he founded in Himayathnagar to allow the public to pay homage. In the evening, Arifuddin’s funeral prayers were offered at the Royal Mosque of Pubic Gardens where a large number of intellectuals, academicians, heads of different educational institutions, former lawmakers, civil servants, alumni of the institution and senior community members were present. He was laid to rest at the Osman Nagar graveyard. The great scholar’s departure is an irreparable loss to the Hyderabadi and the Indian education community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.com / Clarion India / Home> India> Politics / by Syed Khaled Shahbaaz, Clarion India / December 07th, 2020

AMU Professor Dr. Mohammad Rihan Appointed Chairperson of BIS Solar Energy Panel

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Rihan, a senior faculty member of AMU, has been appointed Chairperson of BIS Solar Energy Panel

Aligarh:

In a significant development for India’s renewable energy sector, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Rihan, a senior faculty member of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems Sectional Committee (ETD 28) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Prof. Rihan, who previously served as the Member In-charge of Electricity at AMU, is currently on deputation as the Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. His appointment is expected to bolster India’s efforts in standardising and advancing solar energy technologies.

The ETD 28 Committee, operating under the Electrotechnical Division Council of BIS, is tasked with developing national standards for photovoltaic systems, encompassing everything from solar energy conversion to electrical system integration. Prof. Rihan’s leadership is anticipated to play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of India’s solar energy initiatives.

Prof. Rihan’s distinguished career includes roles as Vice Chairperson of the ExCom IEEE UP Section and the IET Delhi Local Network. He has also contributed as a Visiting Scientist at NISE. With his expertise, Prof. Rihan is expected to drive innovation and accelerate India’s transition towards a renewable energy future.

This appointment highlights the growing recognition of academic contributions to India’s renewable energy mission and reinforces AMU’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence in science and technology.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus> Science & Technology / by Radiance News Bureau / December 07th, 2024

Hyderabad: AIMIM corporator Shaheen Begum passes away due to illness

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

She was elected in 2020 GHMC corporator elections. Shaheen Begum was suffering from health issues and was hospitalized

Hyderabad: 

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator from the Erragadda Division Shaheen Begum passed away due to a prolonged illness on Tuesday.

She was elected in 2020 in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. Shaheen Begum was suffering from health issues and was hospitalized, said local media reports.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News / by Tamreen Sultana / June 04th, 2024

Advocate Shahul Hamid Rehman appointed Additional Advocate General of Karnataka

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru: 

Advocate Shahul Hamid Rehman has been appointed as the Additional Advocate General of Karnataka.

The appointment was made on the orders of Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, as communicated by Adinarayana, Under Secretary of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Department. 

Advocate Shahul Hamid Rehman, a senior legal professional, is the son of the late K. Abdul Rahman and Nebisa.

He completed his law degree at SDM Law College Mangaluru, and gained experience practicing under former Advocate General B.V. Acharya. 

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / December 02nd, 2024

Unravelling Kerala’s Islamic history

KERALA :

The Cheraman Islamic Heritage Museum is now home to the largest digital repository of Islamic history in Kerala.

TNIE speaks to researchers of the team to find out more about the project

Kochi :

About 10 years ago, a clutch of scholars embarked on an ambitious project to unravel the Islamic way of life by documenting and digitising its storied legacy. This work is now complete and available for public viewing at the Islamic Heritage Museum set up on the premises of Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungallur.

The project was not confined to unravelling just the centuries-spanning history, but also the lifestyles, literature, cuisine, art and culture. The archive is a treasure trove and contains information on customs, religious rituals, astronomy and navigation, mathematical findings and computation.

To facilitate this, over one lakh documents — texts, sounds, videos and photographs — were analysed by a team spearheaded by the Muziris Heritage Project.

While the data gathered came from all corners of the state, the epicentre was indeed the Kodungallur masjid. Established in 629 CE, it is the earliest mosque in Kerala.

Beyond the colonial lens

Though the contributions of Muslims or Mappila, as they are known in Kerala, are widely recorded, much of it is through a colonial lens. “Of late, historians have been at work to break this norm, shift the practice of tracing history from a land-based approach to encompass our rich maritime heritage. Today, trade documents are also taken into account,” says H M Ilias, an MG University professor and an instrumental member of the team.

As equally important are community lives and the history they tell us, points out P A Muhammad Saeed, another team member. “Documents were collected from families, masjids and madrassas, and private collections of individuals. They provided crucial findings which helped broaden the idea of Islam’s origin in Kerala,” he explains.

The vast collection, which is recorded in four languages — Arabic, Arabi-Malayalam, Malayalam and Persian, also contains the history of migration, the nuances of Sufism and insights into the medical practices of Muslim communities in Kerala.

The origin of Islam

The best place to start tracing the origin of Islam in Kerala was likely within the pages of the first history book in the state — Tuhfat Ul Mujahideen written by Zainuddin Makhdoom II of Ponnani in the 16th century.

“In its two volumes, it talks about the history of Kerala and why Muslims should fight the colonial powers (that it is their religious obligation to do). But beyond this text, we didn’t have much to go by. So during this project, we turned to question that grapples all — the origin of Islam. And Cheraman masjid, the first mosque in India became an intial focus point,” recalls Saeed.

According to the lore associated with the mosque, Cheraman Perumal, a Chera king, on seeing the moon split into two (lunar eclipse), wanted to glean its meaning and possible ramifications. His court and scholars couldn’t offer an answer that convinced him. On learning that there were traders from Arabia in his city, the king summoned them and listened to their ideas.

“Maybe he was found their answers more convincing. For he soon sailed to Mecca to meet the Prophet. That’s what the lore says. What actually transpired could be something different. All kings require a dogma. After the waning of Buddhism, Perumal too was reportedly searching for one. It likely led him to the Arabian shores,” Saeed says.

Perumal converted to Islam on his visit here. But the timeline of this incident remains obscured in history. “For some, it is in the 7th century, and for others, 8th century and 12th century,” says Ilias.

Also, there are two versions to this story, he points out. “One that says Perumal did indeed meet the Prophet. And another one which says otherwise. However, it is said that he died while returning to Kodungallur and was buried at a port in Oman. There are several stories of Perumal entrenched within Omani communities. However, to get epigraphic evidence of this, we need to study archaeological findings there as well,” says Ilias.

According to experts, it is his companions on this journey who, on returning to Kodungallur, propagated the religion in what is today Kerala.

Duffmuttu

Buddhist link

According to Saeed, the Cheraman masjid could also have been a gift to the community’s need for a place of worship. “It very well could have been an abandoned Buddhist temple,” he says, citing the lack of Muslim population around the mosque to back the theory.

Tracing the timeline of Perumal’s travels and the place where he died, he says, the mosque may have come into existence in the 8th century. It underwent major reconstruction after the 15th-century flood that destroyed Muziris port. But confirmations require much more larger research, which includes foreign shores.

However, soon, the project turned big as they began tracing the spread of the religion and the community’s life through centuries. Using lores, folk songs, letters and texts, trade documents and more, they stitched together the larger Islamic history of Kerala.

Rare findings

The digital archive is a repository of rare findings — from the first Quran translated from Arabic to Arabi-Malayalam and the details of Duffmuttu, an art form that some believe to be prevalent even before the time of the Prophet. Originating in Medina, it soon found its way to Malabar and is most prevalent in Kozhikode.

A few medicinal texts — Ashtanga Hridayam (in Arabi-Malayalam) and other ayurvedic texts and documents of Unani are also part of the archive. “Those days, medicinal texts — which included the method of treatment, preparation, precaution and ingredients — were documented in lyrical format,” Ilias says.

The team also found the first travelogue by a Muslim woman. “It was written in the 1920s by a woman who visited Mecca. She talks about her travel and mentions the time both in the Malayalam and Islamic calendars,” Ilias says.

The team included researcher A T Yusuf Ali and the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, which aided in the digitisation part.

“In earlier times, Kerala was not known for using paper. But those who travelled for trade and Islamic traders who arrived here all carried information on paper. Some of it even resembles thick animal skin. These too are part of the collection,” says Yusuf, who helped collect and digitise the work.

Yusuf, along with the C-Dit team, also spoke to a person who was deported from Malabar to the Andaman Islands. “He was more than 100 years old. Maybe 115. In those days, the British punishment system included deportation to various colonies, including Australia and Southeast Asia,” he says.

Much of the documents were found from Edathola house, Thanoor and Ponanni mosques, houses of Nellikuthu Muhammadali Musaliyar, Abdu Rahiman Musaliyar, Kondotti K T Rahman Thangal and T M Suhara.

The research which started at a narrow point in history has now grown into something big. The Islamic Heritage Museum is one of the largest digital repositories of Islamic way of life in Kerala. “Now, available for researchers and scholars all over the world,” Ilias adds, “it widens the scope of history as we know it.”

Architecture

To study Islamic architecture, the team recorded the history and images of various mosques across Kerala. “There are many mosques which use a mix of Arabic, Persian and Kerala architecture,” informs the team.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kochi / by Krishna PS / July 11th, 2024

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Maulana Sirajul Hasan Passes Away At 88

Raichur, KARNATAKA / INDIA :

The former President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and former Vice President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Mohammed Sirajul Hasan passed away Thursday evening at his hometown in Raichur, Karnataka. He was 88 years of age.

Maulana Sirajul Hasan died of a cardiac arrest at his residence after being discharged recently from a hospital where he was admitted to.

Born in 1933, Sirajul Hasan was a lifelong Jamaat member. He served JIH as Zonal Chief of Karnataka for 28 years, before being deputed as Secretary of Jamaat in Delhi in 1984. He was the All India Ameer of JIH from 1984 until 2003. He also played an active role in the All India Mulsim Personal Law Board, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) and the Babri Masjid Coordination Committee.

Describing him as a towering personality of the Muslim Ummah and the Islamic Movement the current Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Syed Sadatullah Hussaini said, “We shall always cherish his contribution towards serving Islam and the Muslim community. His death is a tremendous loss to the ‘Millat’ and the Islamic Movement. He was both a visionary and a caring leader.”

Talking about his personal relationship with the former JIH chief, Syed Hussaini said, “Maulana Sirajul Hasan played an important role in grooming and training me. He prepared thousands of youth like me for the Islamic Movement. I pray that Allah accepts the yeoman service of Maulana Sirajul Hasan, pardons him, grants him Paradise and gives patience to his family members for bearing this loss.”

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / April 20th, 2020

Mohammad Ismail: A Quiet Force Behind Salihath’s Success – A Legacy of Empowerment in Coastal Karnataka

Thonse (Udipi District), KARNATAKA :

Sir Mohammad Ismail – Founder and Chairman Salihath Group of Institutions

In the picturesque hamlet of Thonse, nestled along the Arabian Sea in Karnataka, lies the Salihath Group of Educational Institutions – a beacon of hope and empowerment for the local Muslim community. Established by the visionary Mohammadia Educational Trust®, this institution has become a transformative force in the region. Under the astute leadership of its founder and chairman, Mohammad Ismail, Salihath has grown into a premier institution that not only fosters education but also cultivates values, harmony, and development.

A Visionary Leader with a Mission

Mohammad Ismail, the founder and chairman of Salihath, is a man of extraordinary humility, kindness, and vision. Hailing from the very village he sought to uplift, his dedication to empowering the community through education has left an indelible mark. His down-to-earth nature, simplicity, and relentless drive have inspired countless individuals. Interacting with him at his office was a privilege – his clarity of purpose and passion for community service are genuinely infectious.

A Challenge Turned into a Movement: The Story of Mohammad Ismail’s Vision

When I met Mohammad Ismail Sahab, the founder and chairman of the Salihath Group of Educational Institutions, I was immediately struck by his warmth and humility. Sitting in his modest yet welcoming office, he exuded a sense of calm determination. As our conversation unfolded, I asked him about the inspiration behind his monumental endeavour to establish a school. His response was both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring – a story of resilience, vision, and the transformative power of a single challenge.

He leaned back, his gaze momentarily distant, as if revisiting the past. “It all started,” he began, “when my young son was mistreated by a teacher at his school. Like any concerned parent, I went to the Principal to address the matter. What began as a simple complaint turned into a heated discussion. In the middle of our conversation, the Principal, perhaps out of frustration or arrogance, said something that changed my life: ‘If you think you can do better, why don’t you start your own school?’”

For a moment, Mohammad Ismail paused, as though replaying those words in his mind. “He said it almost mockingly,” he continued, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. “It wasn’t just a personal affront. It was a reflection of how our community was perceived – poor, powerless, and incapable of rising above its circumstances. His words weren’t just aimed at me; they seemed to ridicule the very idea that someone from our background could dream of something better.”

The Principal’s remark, though intended to dismiss, ignited a spark within Mohammad Ismail. “That day, I resolved not just to prove him wrong, but to create something far greater than he could imagine – not merely for my son, but for the entire community. I wanted to provide an education that was affordable, accessible, and dignified for every child in the region, regardless of their background or financial status.”

What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Mohammad Ismail Sahab poured his heart and soul into turning that challenge into an opportunity. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted, “but I wasn’t alone. Others shared my vision. Together, we built what you see today – not as individuals, but as a collective force of determination and faith.”

Today, decades later, Salihath Group of Educational Institutions stands as a testament to his resolve. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a thriving hub of education and empowerment, impacting the lives of thousands. “We did this together,” he concluded with a smile, his eyes bright with pride. “It’s not my achievement alone; it’s the result of a community that dared to dream and worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.”

This story, deeply rooted in personal resilience and communal effort, is the cornerstone of Salihath’s legacy. Mohammad Ismail’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of how a single moment of adversity can ignite a movement that transforms not just lives, but entire communities.

The Genesis of Salihath

The story of Salihath began in 1972, with the establishment of Anjuman Taalimate Mohammadia Madarasa, an institution imparting Islamic education to local children. Recognising the pressing need for quality education for Muslim girls, especially in secondary and higher education, Mohammad Ismail and the Mohammadia Educational Trust® expanded their vision. Over the decades, Salihath evolved into a group of institutions offering diverse programmes, from primary education to college degrees, all while maintaining a firm grounding in Islamic and moral values.

A Timeline of Growth

  • 1972: Anjuman Taalimate Mohammadia Madarasa founded for Islamic education.
  • 1994: Salihath Arabic College for Girls established, offering Islamic studies and Dawah training.
  • 1996-97: Salihath Kannada Medium High School for Girls commenced.
  • 1997-98: Salihath English Medium Primary and High School launched.
  • 2009-10: Salihath P.U. College for Girls inaugurated for higher education.
  • 2014-15: Salihath Degree College for Girls started, affiliated with Mangalore University.

Transformative Impact on the Community

Empowering Girls’ Education: In a region where Muslim girls once had limited access to quality education, Salihath has been a game-changer. By establishing schools and colleges, the institution has enabled thousands of girls to achieve academic success and professional growth. Partial fee concessions and affordable education ensure that financial constraints do not hinder opportunities for deserving students.

Promoting Literacy and Development: The literacy rate in Thonse has seen a dramatic improvement, thanks to Salihath’s efforts. In 1971, literacy in the region was less than 50%. Today, it stands at an impressive 85%, surpassing the state and national averages. This growth reflects the institution’s role in shaping the educational landscape of not just Thonse but the entire Udupi district.

Fostering Cultural Harmony: Salihath is more than just an educational institution; it is a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. By welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, it fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The inclusive ethos of Salihath promotes cultural harmony, making it a vital pillar of community development in Thonse.

Contributing to Nation-Building: Salihath’s graduates are making significant contributions in various fields, including education, business, and social service. The institution instils a sense of responsibility, leadership, and patriotism in its students, ensuring they become valuable contributors to the nation’s progress.

Why Salihath Stands Out

  • Government Recognition: All programmes are affiliated with the Government of Karnataka.
  • Self-Sustainability: Operates without external funding, maintaining autonomy and integrity.
  • Value-Based Learning: Combines academic excellence with Islamic and moral education.
  • Modern Facilities: Offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, digital learning tools, and well-equipped labs.

The Legacy of a Visionary

Mohammad Ismail’s initiative has catalysed the establishment of over 25 Muslim educational institutions in the region, significantly impacting the socio-economic landscape of Thonse and beyond. His life’s work is a testament to the transformative power of education and a reminder that visionary leadership can bring about meaningful change.

Salihath Group of Educational Institutions has ambitious plans for its future. From expanding academic programmes to introducing new disciplines in science, commerce, law, journalism and technology, the institution aims to remain a leader in education. Efforts to engage alumni, document its inspiring history, and strengthen its presence through updated digital platforms are underway.

Salihath Group of Educational Institutions is not just an academic hub; it is a symbol of empowerment, cultural harmony, and progressive change. Its journey from a small Madarasa to a leading educational institution reflects the potential of dedicated community efforts. As it continues to inspire and uplift, Salihath stands as a shining example of how education can shape lives, communities, and nations.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the People of Thonse

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the picturesque village of Thonse in Udupi and spending three unforgettable days amidst its serene beauty and warm-hearted people. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of genuine humility and a profound eagerness to serve, which seemed to resonate throughout the entire village. It felt less like a visit to a new place and more like a return to my own hometown.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people who form the lifeblood of this community. The trustees of the society welcomed me with open arms, sharing their stories and dreams for the institution. Parents spoke with pride about their children’s achievements, students eagerly shared their aspirations, and alumni reflected fondly on how their lives had been shaped by the education they received here. Each interaction was a testament to the close-knit and supportive nature of the Thonse community.

Beyond the enriching discussions, I was also captivated by the breath-taking surroundings of this coastal gem. I enjoyed a peaceful boat ride across the ocean, marvelling at the vastness of the Arabian Sea. I visited Malpe Beach, where the golden sands and azure waters seemed to stretch endlessly. The delta point of Kodibengre offered a mesmerising confluence of natural beauty, a place where the river gently embraces the sea. The entire environment was a harmonious blend of nature’s tranquillity and human warmth.

Staying in the home of Mohammad Ismail Sahab, a visionary leader and an embodiment of hospitality, was the highlight of my visit. His graciousness and kindness, along with the love and care shown by everyone in Thonse, left an indelible mark on me.

As I bid farewell to this enchanting village, I carry with me not just memories of its stunning landscapes but also the deep gratitude for the unmatched hospitality and genuine affection of its people. To the residents of Thonse, thank you for making me feel not like a guest, but like family.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation / by Syed Azharuddin / Radiance News Bureau / December 04th, 2024

Farah Nishat, a cousin of jailed JNU leader Sharjeel, to become judge

Kako village (Jahanabad District), BIHAR :

Farah Nishat with her parents

It may come as an irony to some and a paradox to others that a person from the extended family of a man who is facing charges of sedition and has been in jail for fover four years had qualified to be a judge (magistrate).

The story is from the Kako village of Bihar’s Jahanabad district; the jailed person is Sharjeel Imam, a JNU student who made inflammatory speeches during the Citizenship Amendment Bill agitation in Delhi and his cousin (Uncle’s daughter) is Farah Nishat, who has qualified the 32nd Bihar Judicial Service Examination to be a judge.

Sharjeel’s cousin and Farah’s brother Muzzammil Imam, who has been campaigning for his release on bail, wrote about Farah Nishat’s achievement on social media. The post titled “This is the philosophy of life…” was full of emotions.

Sharjeel Imam‘s father Akbar Imam was a leader of Nitish Kumar’s party Janata Dal United in Bihar. He contested from the Jehanabad Assembly constituency. He is no more.

Sharjeel Imam who even studied abroad is a well-qualified person. He had completed his master’s degree in technology and studied history at the JNU when he got involved in the student and later Muslim-left politics.

Sharjeel shot into the limelight due to his inflammatory statement during the CAA-NRC agitation in Delhi in 2019. A case of treason was registered against him. Later he is also an accused in the Delhi riots.

He was arrested on 28 January 2020 and is lodged in Delhi jail.

Farah’s achievement has made the Kako village proud and brought happiness to the family that was looking for relief for a long time.

Villagers said this was the first happy occasion for Sharjeel Imam’s family after he went to jail. Farha’s success has brought smiles back to her family’s faces. Farha Nishat has achieved this position with hard work and dedication. 

Farha received her primary education in Kako. Her mother Akbari Khatoon is a housewife and her father Nishat Akhtar is retired from the government.  Farah studied law at the Hidayatullah National University, Raipur.

From 2018, she worked as a Law Clerk cum Research Assistant in the Supreme Court and understood the judicial process closely.

After this, she started preparing for the Bihar Judicial Service Examination.

Farah credits her parents, sister, brother-in-law, and younger siblings for her success. She cleared the preliminary and main exams with self-study and family guidance, while she sought help from institutes partially for the interview.

Farah is fond of reading books, teaching children, and watching serials. She said that she is committed to serving society through quick and just decisions.

Farah says that after getting a law degree, I completed my internship. Then I thought of doing something different and moving forward. I started preparing. For this, I used to study for eight to ten hours daily.”

Farah says that during the lockdown, she got a chance to do an internship with Justice R Bhanumathi. She later worked with him for 2 years. She was so inspired by him that she decided to become a judge.

Farah Nishat says she is in favour of quick and just decisions and will try her best to work in this direction. She said, “I am committed to serving society through quick and just decisions.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / December 02nd, 2024

AMU Faculty Elected Prof Subuhi Khan as Academic Secretary of ‘Society for Special Functions & their Applications’

UTTAR PRADESH :

Professor Subuhi Khan Elected as Academic Secretary of the Executive Council

Aligarh:

Prof. Subuhi Khan from the Department of Mathematics, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been elected as the Academic Secretary of the Executive Council (2024-27) of the Society for Special Functions & Their Applications.

The Society plays a role in coordinating national and international research in special functions and promoting their application in mathematics, science, and industry.

Prof. Khan also delivered a talk at the International Conference on Special Functions & Applications (ICSFA-2024) held at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. Her presentation, “Exploring a Degenerate Family of 2-Variable Appell Polynomials Using an Algebraic Perspective,” highlighted the significance of degenerate forms in mathematics and their applications in differential equations and probability theory.

The conference witnessed participation from eminent scholars and researchers from Italy, Thailand, Nigeria, and across India.

Prof. Khan also chaired a technical session of invited speakers, contributing to the success of the 23rd annual meeting of the Society.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 02nd, 2024

How 100-Year-Old ‘Osman Sagar’ Becomes A ‘Water Resource’ To Hyderabad?

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Osman sagar lake or Gandipet, commissioned by Mahbub Ali Khan after the 1908 flood and completed by Osman Ali Khan, has been serving the water needs of Hyderabad for over a century.

A true Hyderabadi is one who has tasted the water of Gandipet. And once that happens, even heaven cannot entice one to leave Hyderabad. Such is the magic of Gandipet, a crucial lifeline of the city that is turning 100 this year. The city of Hyderabad got Gandipet in 1920, the reservoir then being constructed with the dual purpose of controlling floods and supplying drinking water to the citizens.

The idea of the Gandipet, it is said, stemmed after the havoc caused by the 1908 flood in Hyderabad. The aftermath of the flood forced Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, to think about the possibility of a repeat of such a grisly situation. Around 12 floods had already hit the city before the 1908 floods, each leaving behind its own trail of death and destruction. The 1908 floods alone claimed around 15,000 lives apart from rendering over one lakh people homeless.

Moved by the destruction, Mahbub Ali Khan pondered on finding a permanent solution to the problem. Historian Sajjad Shahid says Mahbub Ali Khan wanted a long-term and effective solution to prevent the flooding of Musi River. He was determined to find a permanent end to the problem and started a process to find an expert familiar with the local irrigation systems to devise a plan to prevent reoccurrence of floods.

The first to come to the rescue of the Nizam were the British who offered services of their experts. “However, the Nizam refused to consider the recommendations of the British who offered the service of Sir Michel Esthesol, the then Director General of Irrigation, Government of India. He also did not consider another British engineer, TD Mackenzie, who was chief engineer of the Nizam State,” said Sajjad Shahid.

And that is when the name of M Visvesvaraya came up. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka in 1861. He worked with the Bombay Public Works Department for 25 years after joining in 1883. He resigned in 1908 and later went around the western countries to study different irrigation systems and designs. To his credit, Visvesvaraya had constructed several irrigation projects and other structures in Mysore and other places then.

After touring western countries, he returned to India in 1909 when he was approached by the Nizam to help in improving the Hyderabad irrigation system and to prevent flooding of the city. “The Nizam wanted a local expert to find a solution to the problem. He had heard about Visvesvaraya and was keen on taking his services,” said historian Mohammed Safiullah.

After accepting the task, Visvesvaraya conducted a detailed survey of Hyderabad’s network of rivers and reservoirs. He also studied the rainfall pattern in other places in India before devoting time towards understanding the engineering aspects of the problem.

After a detailed study, Visvesvaraya proposed to create storage reservoirs above the city to control floods. He submitted the report on October 1, 1909, and the suggestion was accepted by the Nizam. Soon, work began on the construction of two reservoirs – Osman Sagar across the Musi River and the other, Himayat Sagar, constructed across Esi – the tributary of Musi River.

While Osman Sagar was completed in 1920, Himayat Sagar was finished in 1927. It cost Rs 56 lakh for Osman Sagar while Rs 46 lakh was spent for construction of the Himayat Sagar, it is said.

The work started by sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan was completed under the supervision of the seventh Nizam Osman Ali Khan. “The reservoirs are based on the Kakatiya model and are 100 feet above the level of the city. The flow of water was based on the reverse gravity principal,” said Saifullah.

Water was supplied to the city through dedicated water channels laid during the Nizam era. “The Nizam had promised free food to every household. He ensured that at least water was supplied free of cost to the household and he lived up to it. At no point of time, the administration collected any tax or money for water from the common man,” said Captain Pandu Ranga Rao, a historian.

Hundreds years have passed and still water from Gandipet is supplied to a few colonies in the city. “It is cost effective as the cost of supplying the water from Osman Sagar is bit cheaper compared to drawing water from far of places and supplying it to the city,” points out Captain Ranga Rao.

‘Never in his dream might the Nizam have thought that Gandipet, the popular moniker for Osman Sagar, would become a part of the local Hyderabadi lingo.

Hyderabadi standup comedian Khairuddin Baig alias Jani says Hyderabadi lingo has plenty of one-liners or idioms with reference to Gandipet. “See, it depends on the context and situation where the term is used. For example, if a person is a foodie, people generally say ‘tera pet hain ya Gandipet’,” he says and also recalls the popular idiom, ‘Jo bhi Gandipet ka pani piya woh Hyderabadi hua’.

Several local poets and standup comedians have highlighted Gandipet, a popular picnic spot for Hyderabadis for decades, in their narrations. “The sher-o-shayari describes the mood of young boys and girls meeting at the place or a newly-married couple visiting the place. Similarly, comedians refer to the family gatherings there with baskets full of meals and tiffin boxes or men spending time trying to catch a fish from the fresh waters,” he said.

Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates.

Gandipet, popularly known Osman Sagar, along with its twin reservoir Himayath Sagar, has been quenching Hyderabad’s thirst for the last 100 years and continues to do so without any major operational costs.

Such is the significance of Gandipet that, apart from quenching thirst, the common belief for decades among denizens has been that the water reservoir bestows health and vitality.

Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates. All the components like gear boxes, sluice gates, bushes, and ropes have to be maintained well to avoid any glitches during operations.

All the components used at the twin reservoirs belong to the Nizam era and have been functioning without any snags all these years. It is 100 years and not a single component has been changed and they are working perfectly without any signs of wearing out or damages, says a senior official from Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).

Gandipet was constructed in the year 1920 followed by Himayath Sagar in 1928.

HMWSSB conducts overhauling of all components at the twin reservoirs before the onset of monsoon to avoid any glitches. Together, they have the capacity of supplying 40 million gallons per day (MGD) to the city without any cost as the water flows by gravity unlike Krishna and Godavari drinking water schemes.

But with growing population and the city expanding geographically in all areas, supply from Gandipet over the years has been depleting. Presently, only 5 MGD is being drawn from the reservoir and that too through emergency pumping from dead storage level and supplied to different areas in Mehdipatnam, Old Mallepally, Asif Nagar, Humayunnagar, Chintal Basthi and other areas.

Did you know?

  • Osman Sagar was named after Mir Osman Ali Khan Nizam VII
  • Dam was built in 1920 by Nizam VII
  • Built to protect city from flooding after Musi Floods of 1908
  • Lake is around 46 square km
  • Reservoir is around 29 square km
  • Total water level 1,790 feet
  • Has capacity of 3.9 tmc
  • Inflow and outflow from River Musi #KhabarLive

source: http://www.hydnews.net / Hyderabad News / Home / by Ahssanuddin Haseeb / March 08th, 2020