Category Archives: Leaders

From the memoir: Human rights activist Syeda Saiyidain Hameed writes about her role as a mother

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR / NEW DELHI :

An excerpt from ‘A Drop in The Ocean: The Story of My Life’, by Syeda Saiyidain Hameed.

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed. | The Prime Minister’s Office.

My sons, Morad and Yavar, were born in 1968 and 1972, respectively, and my daughter, Ayesha, in 1974. When I was pregnant with Morad, my husband said to me that he hoped for a girl in my image. But I gave birth to a robust ten-pound son! My male gynaecologist, Dr Beck’s remark is my first recollection when I regained consciousness from the Caesarean section, “Congrats, you have a little football player!” A Canadian could not have given a greater compliment. Later I realised that my husband’s desire to have a daughter had no firm basis. Holding his firstborn, he declared to all in the hospital room that from now he wanted only sons!

When I first set my eyes on Morad, I had just come out of general anaesthesia in the maternity ward of the University of Alberta Hospital. I saw his face and I can still feel my own gasp. His face was my mirror. He was lying, neatly bundled beside me. It had been a breach delivery. It took eight days for the stitches to heal before I could be discharged from the hospital. Hameed brought us home, both mother and child, wrapped and bundled. A memory that lingers is placing him on a white sofa before a large bay window overlooking the front lawn in which the grass had begun to turn brown. It was October 12, 1968.

Over the years, how did I see my older son? Introspective, and sensitive, he used to tease me by saying that his sensitivity was the result of his regressive genes! He was thoughtful, gentle, and he always had the right words for the right moment. One summer in Delhi, my children and I were at the Jamia Qabristan to recite Fatiha at their grandparents’ graves. As we waited in the drizzle for Mohammad Yunus, who was like family, to arrive to recite Fatiha for his son, Adil Shahryar, Morad must have felt the immediacy of death. “The land on which peoples’ marble is placed,” he said to me, “is incredibly fertile.” He remarked how lush and green the place was. Death, Morad said, was just a flash in this evergreen process of incarnation and reincarnation.

I think of another side of Morad: to put away his clothes, to pay his bills, to open his cheques, and to eat his packed lunches may not always happen. But he can pick up the brush and carefully clean the cobwebs. He has beautiful hands and a mane of dark curly hair. Tall like Yavar, a little stooping (which Hameed continually checked). Always a smile and word of encouragement for those around him.

“Mother, I was just thinking about you,” he said once as I came in, sweaty, rushed, and irritated.

“About me? What?”

“How beautiful you look and how much I love you.”

Sitting in my father’s home in Delhi years later, I wrote about my children in my diary. At the end of the piece on Morad, I wrote: I hope people can appreciate his quality and I hope I don’t fall into the trap of wanting to protect him. A man who has just finished studying five months of human anatomy. A man who has been running from work to school for two years. Surely, he doesn’t need his mother in that sense. Am I pig-headed?

My second son, Yavar, was born on Canada’s Dominion Day on July 1, 1972. Morad was the firstborn but Yavar was equally the joy of our life. He grew into a responsible young man, as well as a poet and an artist. One year, when I was away in India, he was invited to deliver his class valedictory address in Grade 12. He wore his father’s sherwani and delivered a beautiful speech. Why didn’t I return for the event? It remains one of the deepest regrets of my life. Through handwritten letters exchanged with him and with my sister I learnt how hard he had worked all year. Cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, hauling the garbage, washing dishes, folding laundry, and shovelling snow. Then he would sit down and compose a beautiful poem, play his guitar, paint, act, or run a marathon for the city. Initially, he had considered a career in community medicine or public health, but then he was accepted for a joint Master’s degree in law at the North Patterson School of Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. So he became a lawyer.

In 2009, I timed my return to Canada so that I could be in Ottawa for Yavar’s birthday. He received me at the train station since I had flown directly from Delhi to Toronto and taken the train from there. We drove straight to his office where I asked him about the landmark case he was fighting. Abousufian Abdelrazik was a Sudanese Canadian who was arrested in Sudan, while he was visiting his ailing mother in 2003. He was denied re-entry to Canada based on a United Nations anti-terrorism listing. The Federal Court of Canada later concluded that this arrest likely took place at the request of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Though never charged, Abdelrazik was beaten, threatened, and tortured during two periods of detention totalling a year and a half. Blocked from returning to his home in Montreal, Abdelrazik went public with his story and took refuge in the Canadian Embassy in Khartoum, where he remained a virtual prisoner for fourteen months. Finally, a groundswell of public support from across Canada and a Federal Court ruling forced the government to issue permission. It was his lawyer, Yavar Hameed, my son, who fought the case with unswerving grit. He flew to Khartoum and returned home with his client.

That night I wrote in my diary: Yavar is on the brink of something big, something which will make him rise to great heights one day. I am so proud of him. His name will be up there with global crusaders for human rights.

From his office, we drove to his apartment which was across the street from the hospital where I had worked when I first stepped on Canadian soil in 1967, General Hospital on Bruyere Street. It has another name now and looks nothing like it was thirty years ago, but its sight revived some precious memories. Looking around Yavar’s well-kept apartment, I was happy to see that my three gifts were beautifully displayed. Three carpets that I had given him over the years: one from Peshawar, a Killam, one from Baku in Azerbaijan, and the third from Bokhara in Uzbekistan. The next morning, Yavar drove me to the airport. I wrote in my diary, “I am going to Edmonton with a heavy heart; it is always painful to leave Yavar.” I told him, “Yavar, you will become our torchbearer towards better climes and hemispheres. I will arrange my work so I can spend a few months with you every year.” Happiness flushed his face. At the end of my life, I say with regret that it never happened.

Excerpted with permission from A Drop in The Ocean: The Story of My Life, Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, Speaking Tiger Books.

source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Book Excerpt / by Syeda Saiyidain Hameed / October 03rd, 2024

AMU Alumna Saba Haider Triumphs in US Poll; Parents Celebrate in UP

Ghaziabad, UTTAR PRADESH / Chicago, U.S.A :

Saba did her MSc in Wildlife Sciences at AMU, earning a gold medal. She moved to the United States with her husband, who is a computer engineer

Ghaziabad :

Saba Haider, a former student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and a native of Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a significant victory in the recent DuPage County Board election in the United States. Standing as a Democratic Party candidate, she won by a margin of over 8,000 votes against Republican candidate Patricia Petty Goston, sparking celebrations in her hometown. Friends, family, and well-wishers are visiting her parents’ home here to congratulate them on this remarkable achievement.

In an exclusive conversation, Saba’s father, Ali Haider, shared insights into her background. Originally from Aurangabad in Bulandshahr, he moved to Ghaziabad for work, where he raised his family. Saba, known for her academic prowess from a young age, completed her intermediate from Holy Child School in Ghaziabad and earned a BSc from Ram Chameli Chadha College. Later, she pursued an MSc in Wildlife Sciences at AMU, earning a gold medal for her outstanding performance. After her marriage, Saba moved to the United States with her husband, who is a computer engineer.

Ali Haider emphasised that Saba’s interest in social service and politics began early in life. In the US, she initially taught yoga and soon became actively involved in community services. Her engagement in local governance led her to run for a school board position, although she narrowly missed victory in that earlier attempt. Despite setbacks, she remained determined, embodying the family’s philosophy of resilience and perseverance.

Saba’s mother, Meh Jabin Haider, expressed her pride in Saba’s determination. “We always taught her that one should never give up,” she said. “When faced with setbacks, it’s important to continue pushing forward.” Reflecting on her previous loss in a close race, Meh Jabin emphasised that Saba’s unwavering dedication and perseverance finally led to success in this election.

In a competitive race with a total of 70,109 votes cast in DuPage County, Saba Haider garnered 39,365 votes, while her opponent received 30,844 votes. Saba’s victory margin of 8,541 votes stands as a testament to her popularity and commitment to the community she now serves.

Saba’s win brings a sense of pride not only to her family and Ghaziabad but also to Aligarh Muslim University, where she built the academic foundation that has supported her remarkable journey. Her parents are hopeful that her success will inspire more young women to pursue their aspirations and make a positive impact both at home and abroad.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Indian Muslim> Women> World / by Clarion India / November 08th, 2024

Shariff Ahmed Appointed Advisor to Andhra Pradesh Government

ANDHRA PRADESH :

Amaravati:

Senior leader of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former chairman of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Mohammed Shariff Ahmed has been appointed as the Advisor to Andhra Pradesh government on minority affairs.

Shariff, who is TDP general secretary, will enjoy the rank of a Cabinet Minister. He is the first Muslim leader to be appointed as Advisor by the TDP-led NDA government.

Shariff’s name figures in the list of 59 leaders appointed on nominated posts by the Chandrababu Naidu government.

This is the second important post given to Muslim leader by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Nasyam Mohammed Farooq is the lone Muslim in Naidu’s Cabinet. The 74-year-old is the minister for law and minority affairs.

Shariff hails from Narsapuram in West Godavari district.  The 70-year-old has been associated with the TDP since the party’s inception in 1982. He holds Bachelor of Commerce degree from a college in Narsapuram and Master of Commerce and LLB degrees from Bhopal University.

Shariff became chairperson of Legislative Council in February 2019 and held the position till May 2021.

TDP State Minority Cell president Moulana Mushtaq Ahmed has been appointed chairman of Andhra Pradesh State Minorities Finance Corporation. Hailing from Nandyal, he studied from Darul Uloom Sabeelur Rashad, Bangalore.

Shariff and Mushtaq are only two Muslim leaders in the second list of nominated posts.

In the first list released last month, the government had appointed TDP leader Shaik Abdul Aziz as chairman of state Waqf Board. Abdul Aziz, a former mayor of Nellore, is currently the TDP president for the Nellore parliamentary constituency. The 64-year-old industrialist-cum-politician was expecting nomination to the Legislative Council but was appointed chairman of the Waqf Board.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 09th, 2024

Mazumder’s second autobiographical book released

ASSAM :

Guwahati:

“Down Memory Lane II”, the second in the autobiographical series of books authored by Abdul Muhib Mazumder, former Minister and Advocate General of Assam, was launched in presence of a host of dignitaries at the Guwahati Press Club on 29 July.

The book has been edited by Abdul Wadud Aman, a lawyer and civil rights activist and published by the Centre for Minority Studies, Research & Development (CMRD) Assam.

At the outset, a citation on behalf CMRD was presented to Mazumder by Anowar Hussain, working president while a sorai was handed over by Zamser Ali, general secretary of CMRD.

Mazumder addressed the audience on this occasion saying, “I am tempted to make an appeal to the readers to enter into a discussion on the subjects dealt with by me which have a pronounced effect on social restructuring of our polity.” He appealed to the legal fraternity, in particular, who were present at the event in good numbers, to take up the issues, discuss them, analyse them and suggest solutions acceptable to all sections of people and the polity to pave way for emergence of a resurgent Assam.

Harsh Mander, Director of the Centre for Equity Studies & Special Commissioner to the Supreme Court of India in the Right to Food case, was the chief guest. Along with other dignitaries on the dais, he released the book. In his address, Mander said that he was born in Shillong and has had a long association with the North East. He has been visiting the region regularly to bring succour to the victims of natural and man-made calamities. He appealed to the youth of the region to stand by the side of the oppressed and the persecuted and raise their voice whenever their human rights are violated.

Others who addressed the event included Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia, former Chief Justice of J&K High Court; Justice DN Choudhury, former Justice of Gauhati High Court; Prof Abdul Mannan of Gauhati University; Ram Chandra Saikia, President of the Gauhati High Court Bar and Chinmoy Choudhury, Advocate General of Assam.

Incidentally, except for Prof Abdul Mannan, all the above mentioned personalities were students of Mazumder when he taught law at Gauhati University and were his junior colleagues when they started practice at Gauhati High Court. 

(Nurul Islam Laskar — nurul.laskar@gmail.com)

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Community News / by Nurul Islam Laskar / August 29th, 2016

Makram Ali Laskar: Legal luminary from Assam no more

Nitaingar Village (Hailakandi) / Guwahati, ASSAM :

One of the reputed lawyers from Assam, Makram Ali Laskar breathed his last on January 10. Veteran lawyer Makram Ali Laskar was not just a legal luminary; he was a great human being too.

Born in 1935 at Nitainagar village, Hailakandi in the then district of Cachar, Assam, Makram Ali Laskar had his early education at his village pathsala.

Laskar completed his Matriculation from Government Victoria Memorial High School, Hailakandi in 1952 and passed 10+2 from Gurucharan College, Silchar, in 1955. Laskar studied BA from Cotton College, Gauhati and then took his law degree from Gauhati University in 1962. Laskar also earned a Masters in Political Science from the same university.

Laskar joined the Gauhati High Court Bar as practicing lawyer and spend his time in researching and studying with Late Justice BL Hansaria who also joined the bar about the same time before Justice Hansaria joined as a District and Session’s Judge, who eventually became judge of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Hansaria noted his companionship and scholarly association with Laskar in his memoirs.

During 1969-1976, Laskar taught law in the Department of Law, Gauhati University, Guwahati. In 1976, he was appointed as the Standing Counsel for Union of India in the Gauhati High Court. He also worked as a Assam government panel advocate in the Gauhati High Court in the beginning of his career.

Laskar commanded a large private practice in civil, criminal and constitutional matters. He was designated as a senior advocate of Gauhati High Court in 1986 along with five other noted advocates. All of them were legal stalwarts of their time.

Laskar was a sincere and dedicated lawyer and he received many offers to serve in higher judiciary but always preferred to practice and remain active in Bar than a higher office.

Laskar was also appointed as an additional advocate general, Assam, in 1991. Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in a note wrote about Late Makram Ali as – “An amalgam of steadfastness and gentleness” while discussing Laskar’s performance as additional advocate general.

Due to high blood pressure and health problems, Laskar had to cut short his legal career where he last appeared in a case in 2002 before the court of Late Justice JN Sharma.

Laskar finally bade adieu to his noble profession on health grounds but his guidance to the young lawyers was indeed commendable. Many of his mentees in law mentioned about his amicability and excellence in his mentorship. One of his juniors who practiced in Laskar’s chamber was Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia, who retired as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court and currently chairperson of Assam Human Rights Commission.

Justice Saikia shared his memory with his mentor as: “During the time of my initial practice, I used to come from my permanent residence to attend the chamber of Laskar sir as I could not afford to have a rented house at Guwahati and my residence was too far from the chamber. It was a very hard life. One fine morning in 1977, Laskar sir asked me to accompany him to a place near his residence. He took me to a room in the proximity of his house. It was a big furnished room with all minimum requirements and a separate kitchen. When I enquired ‘Why have you shown me this room sir?’, he replied, ‘From now, you will stay in this house.’ Then I told him that I had no money to pay the rent. He said ‘Don’t bother for the rent. I will pay the rent. Your only duty is to attend my chamber regularly.”

Apart from his successful career in law, Laskar was a voracious reader of works from Shakespeare, Tagore and Kazi Nazrul. He was very fond of folk music of Assam.

The social life of MA Laskar is equally remarkable. He never hesitated to call a spade a spade. He was a practicing Gandhian and believed in the principle of non-violence and was inspired by the freedom fighter and first education minister of India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Politically, a Gandhian, Laskar was closely associated with Sarat Chandra Sinha and was heavily involved with anti-emergency movements in the late 1970s. He also unsuccessfully fought elections in 1983 as Congress (Socialist) candidate from Hailakandi legislative assembly that was a splinter group formed in protest against the tyranny of Indira Gandhi during emergency.

Hailing from the famous ‘Laskar clan’ of Nitainagar in the district of Hailakandi, Assam, he was born to merchant Habib Ali Laskar who died leaving behind eight children on their own struggles. However, their mother Masurjan Bibi ensured that all her children get education and get succeeded in the struggles they were facing. Advocate Laskar left behind his younger brother, Nurul Huda Laskar, who is the senior-most lawyer in the Hailakandi District Bar. Another lawyer brother, a noted public prosecutor, Nurul Islam Laskar passed away in 2012. The other brothers who had taken the path of family business were Moin Laskar, Gias Laskar and Siraj Laskar.

Two of his sons Azim Laskar and Imran Laskar are noted lawyers who are practicing in the Supreme Court and Gauhati High Court.

Advocate Laskar is survived by a large family who gathered in Gandhi Basti, Guwahati to perform his last rites as they were reminisce the glorious history of the ‘Laskar clan’ and its legacy in the history of Assam.

The author of this article, along with the younger son of Advocate  Laskar, Imran Laskar are compiling a brief history of Nitainagar Laskar clan of Assam – an integral part of the historic colonial legacy of Assam Muslims who are targeted by a vicious circle in Indian politics as Bangladeshi immigrants without knowing an iota of the history and contribution of Muslim clans, societies across Assam who are equal ‘Bhumiputras- sons of the soil’ of Assam and were active in Indian freedom struggle and stood steadfast against the partition of India and social movements that happened post-independent India.

_________________________

About Dr Mustafa Barbhuiya

The author, Dr Mustafa Barbhuiya is a senior postdoctoral research fellow in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. He hails from Hailakandi, Assam and among kinfolk of the Laskar Clan through matrimonial alliance.

____________________________

source: http://www.thenewsmill.com / The News Mill / Home / by Dr. Mustafa Barbhuiya / January 17th, 2017

AMU Prof. Dr. Farhan Ahmad Khan’s proposed device which enables ‘early diagnosis of rare genetic disorders in children’ gets patent from IPO, UK

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Prof Farhan Ahmad Khan, Department of Pharmacology, JN Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University has been granted a certificate of registration by the UK Intellectual Property Office for a novel design of an innovative device that enables early diagnosis of rare genetic disorders in children.

He said that the design paves the way for understanding and solving some of the difficult challenges in medical science today. The device, when ready to use, will help in the management of rare pediatric genetic disorders.

Prof. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Chairman, Department of Pharmacology, congratulated Prof. Khan on the registration of the design of his device, adding that it is a proud moment for the department and the university.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University / Home> AMU News / by Public Relations Office (headline edited) / October 25th, 2024

Mappila Leader In Exile A Political Biography of Syed Fazal Tangal: K.K.Muhammad Abdul Sathar

KERALA :

In the biography of Syed Fazl, Dr. K K Muhammad Abdul Sathar traces the political outlook and disposition of Mamburam Syed Fazal Tangal (1824-1900) from his roots among Ba alwis in Yemen to the Malabar of the 19th century.

There are references to Syed Fazal as a religious scholar, reformer, and spiritual guide, all these roles buttressing his political stance against the British and the feudal aristocracy.

ISBN: 9789380081120 | 1st Edition | 2012 / Paperback | Pages: 208 | 215×140mm | 234gm
Category:Biography, Malabar

source: http://www.store.maktoobmedia.com /

Dr. Abdus Sattar Appointed Chief Advisor to WB Chief Minister

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Kolkata:

Dr. Abdus Sattar, former Cabinet Minister in the Left Front government and an associate professor, has been appointed Chief Advisor to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Department of Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education. Previously a leader of CPI(M), Dr. Sattar has a longstanding record in public service.

According to a notification from the governor’s office, Dr. Sattar will serve as Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister and Department of Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education, holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister. In this role, he will assist the Chief Minister and the department on initiatives and welfare activities benefiting the state’s minority communities. He will receive emoluments, allowances, and perks equivalent to those of a state Cabinet Minister.

Dr. Sattar is expected to assume his new role after obtaining lien from his current institution. A respected figure in West Bengal’s political landscape, he was elected from the Amdanga constituency in 2006 assembly elections and served as Minister of State for Minority Development, Welfare, and Madrasah Education under the Left Front administration.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 07th, 2024

Unani expert felicitated for Padma Shri

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

(From left) N. Ram, chairman of Kasturi & Sons, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, and Padma Shri Hakim Syed Khaleefathullah Sahib — Photo: R. Ravindran

Former Governor of West Bengal, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, on Thursday, urged the Muslim Community to spread the system of Unani throughout the country.

Speaking at a function to felicitate eminent Unani practitioner Hakim Syed Khaleefathullah Sahib, on receiving the Padma Shri, Mr. Gandhi said it was popularly thought that Unani belonged to the Muslim community, and not used by everyone as much as Ayurveda or Yoga.

He said that though modern medicine had its place in healing, Unani and Ayurveda should be used in the treatment of chronic ailments.

Chairman of Kasturi & Sons, N. Ram, said the Hakim was a humble man representing a great tradition of indigenous healing, and he had combined his tradition with modern medicine.

He was an institution builder and wanted his knowledge to be institutionally sustained, enriched and developed. Mr. Ram also released a booklet about the Hakim.

Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, who received the first copy of the booklet, said the connection between the House of Arcot and the Hakim’s family dated back to 150 years.

Among those who offered felicitations were T. Rafeeq Ahmed, convenor, Committee of Hosts, S.K. Khadri, U. Mohammad Khaleelullah, P.S.M. Syed Abdul Khadir, and Akhtarul Wasey, commissioner for linguistic minorities in India.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Special Correspondent / September 05th, 2024

Podar Pearl School named No 1 Indian School in Qatar in global rankings

Thrissur, KERALA / Doha, QATAR :

Podar Pearl School has achieved a significant milestone by being named the No. 1 Indian School in Qatar under the Education Unites World Initiative, as recognised by Education World’s (EW) Global School Rankings 2024-2025, the school said in a press statement.

These awards honour top schools in the EW India School Rankings, the world’s largest and most comprehensive school ranking survey, evaluating over 4,000 Indian schools.

The accomplishment underscores the school’s dedication to excellence in education and its commitment to fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment.

In addition to its academic achievements, Podar Pearl School boasts world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge teaching technologies, including advanced 3D printing labs. The school is also expanding its focus on sports and physical education by building a large sports complex, which will complement its already impressive range of sports facilities.

The Indian Global School Ranking Awards celebrate exceptional educational institutions across the country.

Podar Pearl School’s top ranking reflects its strong emphasis on academic success, holistic development, and student well-being.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Dr Maneesh Mangal, principal of Podar Pearl School. “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our staff, teachers, parents, and everyone who contributes to the growth of our school. I am grateful for their relentless commitment to excellence and for helping us create an environment where students thrive.”

C Muhamed Nizar, president of Podar Pearl School, added: “This award is a testament to the visionary leadership of our management, the dedication of our expert educators, the support of our parents, and, most importantly, the brilliance of our students. We remain committed to providing a world-class education that empowers our students to excel.”

source: http://www.gulf-times.com / Gulf Times / Home> Qatar / October 22nd, 2024