Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Karnataka chapter has elected Yaseen Kodibengre as its new district president of Udupi district.
Sham Raj Birti and Najma were elected as vice presidents. Salahuddin was elected as general secretary, Prashant Mogaweera as joint secretary, Mujahid Ali Navunda as treasurer and Shahrukh Theerthahalli as Communications and Media secretary.
The new Advisory Committee members are Riaz Kodi, advocate Asadullah, Rihan Trasi, advocate Manjunath Giliyar, Dinakara Bengre, advocate Raghu, Tajuddin, Muneer Kandlur, Idrees Hoode, advocate Afwan Hoode, Muhammad Taufeek Gangolli, Riaz Mudrangadi, Siddique Kannangar, Zakaria Nejar, Ayyan Malpe, Sameer, Simran were selected.
State general secretary Muhammad Kunhi who presided over the meeting said, “We should not have the desire for power but should deal with the power that has come honestly and fairly. APCR has been continuously working to provide justice to the oppressed and downtrodden community in the society for the past 20 years and has also been working to create awareness among the public about the law.”
APCR state secretary Hussain Kodibengre and Waseem Abdullah were present on this occasion.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / August 04th, 2024
Dehradun, UTTARAKHAND / NEW DELHI / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :
Dr Syed Farooq with King Charles in London
Dr Syed Farooq, the soft-spoken director of the famous Ayurvedic medicine company Himal Drug, gives all credit of his success to his maternal grandmother whom he called ‘Nani Aapa’. He is so influenced by her that even today his childhood memories revolve around her.
In a special; conversation with Awaz-The Voice, he narrated many stories of his childhood and all were linked to his grandmother.
Dr Syed Farooq was born in 1955 in Dehradun in the family of Syed Rashid Ahmed, a renowned Ayurveda researcher.
He completed his M.Sc, Ph.D, D.Sc degrees from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. Apart from this, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from AIMA Delhi.
The Delhi-based Dr Syed Farooq is the editor-in-chief of Universities Journal of Phytochemistry and Ayurvedic Medicine. He is also the chairman of Tasmiya All India Education and Social Welfare Society. He was nominated for the Padam Shri Award in the year 2004.
He is the director of Himalaya Drugs and patron of many degree colleges and schools besides being associated with many state and national-level educational institutions.
For the uninitiated, Himalaya Drug Company is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bengaluru. It was originally founded in 1930 in Dehradun by Mohammed Manal. It produces healthcare products containing Ayurvedic ingredients under the name Himalaya Herbal Healthcare.
Its operations are spread across India, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Oceania while its products are sold in 106 countries.
Speaking about his days growing up in Dehradun, Dr Syed Farooq says, “My house was in Dehradun and my grandmother’s house was in Muzaffarnagar. We used to go there during summer vacations. In my grandmother’s house, water came from a hand pump that was used by all the neighbours. A portion of the house was made of mud and I liked it very much. It had a pleasant fragrance and remained cool in the summer days.”
He goes on, “I remember that in summers we used to sleep under a Jamun tree and a mosquito net. In the morning, ripe Jamuns would be lying on the mosquito net. The taste of those fruits was so different from what we get today.”
Going down memory lane, Dr. Syed Farooq says, “When I was young, I was fond of hunting and horse riding. I would go far away from home and hunt, there was no restriction. In our orchard, a variety of mangoes grew, and on ripening, we used to enjoy the delicious fruit.”
“When I was studying in a school in Dehradun, I wore a tie as part of my school uniform. Strangers often stopped me and asked me to read a passage or text. Back then children were not afraid of being beaten or abused by elders; people loved children. The line in the poem is that
The elders including unknown people gave blessings to the children while walking on the road. Where are the people who give blessings these days? Now there are neither takers nor givers.
In a philosophical tone, he says people should realise that the colour of hair turns white for a purpose. “Allah changes it to white with age as white symbolises peace.”
Recalling his memories of his Nani Appa, Dr. Syed Farooq said, “My grandmother was a simple lady. Nani Apa was so incredulous that she fell for all the naughty things children did and presented the same differently to her. When the truth was out, she used to complain to our mother and say, “Noor Jahan, my eyes are opened and mind is surprised after seeing your children.”
Nani Apa never sat idle, she always kept doing some work. If there was no work to do, she would sit and talk with the children and listen to stories but she never told them any stories.
Nani Apa loved chaat. If Nani Apa ever felt upset the children offered her a treat of chaat after making her promise that she would not complain to their mothers. “As soon as we got her chaat, Nani Apa would be happy and say, “It’s okay, you are forgiven but never do it again.”
Dr Syed Farooq recalls says he was 10 years old when his grandfather Niaz Ahmed passed away. He was in the police during the British rule. He was a very cheerful and affable person who loved children.
He says his grandfather used interesting phases while narrating stories to the children.
He remembers every moment spent with him; his face while his body lay in the coffin. “I remember that Nana Abba used to sharpen pencils for us with his pocket knife. The pencil tip was sharper than what we get today with a sharpener.”
Dr. Syed Farooq says his great-grandfather Syed Hamid Madani was a businessman. Our great grandfather Syed Mohammad Baranjad Madani lived in Roorkee and was into the carpet business. His great-grandmother hailed from Kashmir.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mohammad Akram, New Delhi / July 21st, 2024
“Khush kismat hain woh log jo Aligarh chhor dete hain; I was once told that leaving Aligarh was a stroke of luck,” says Eijaz Maqbool, a senior Delhi-based senior advocate as he reflects on the pivotal points in his life.
“It was a decision driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to society through the practice of law,” he told Awaz-the Voice. His tenure as the Vice-President of the Students’ Union at AMU was formative and one particular seminar which he organized left a lasting impression on him.
With his mother a teacher and father an assistant collector in customs, he reflects on the bare minimum salary that was just enough to sustain their family.
He left Aligarh with 20 recommendations and a dream no less than that of becoming the Prime Minister, Maqbool arrived in Delhi after having cycled for 138 kilometers.
Maqbool faced significant challenges in Delhi while trying to settle as a lawyer. “The reality of establishing myself in the legal fraternity struck hard,” he says. He found it challenging to find accommodation in Delhi for for prospective landlords held his being a Muslim, a law graduate, and hailing from Bihar, as his disqualifications as a tenant.
Advocate Eijaz Maqbool with his book
Undeterred, Maqbool found a mentor in Justice Tarkunde, who was already an established advocate in Delhi.
Maqbool started working for Rs 800 in Karanjawala, a law firm that is one of the major law firms in Delhi today. “In the Supreme Court, specialization does not exist as there’s no strict divide between civil and criminal cases and one handles all branches of law,” he explains. “We are jacks of all trades and masters of none,” he quotes.
Maqbool speaks about a few landmark cases in the legal history that he was associated with. “One of the pivotal cases in my career was the ‘Kihoto Hollohan’ or the ‘Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’ case,” he recalls, highlighting its constitutional significance in addressing political defections. Another watershed moment was his representation in the Babri Masjid dispute, where he advocated for the Muslim side – a role that garnered his media attention and scrutiny.
Beyond his legal achievements, Maqbool holds a passion for travel – he has visited 63 countries. He feels travelling not only enriches his experiences, it also informs his global perspective on legal matters. He says he plans his vacations well in time, before the Supreme Court vacations.
Interestingly, Eijaz Maqbool intends to write his travelogue scoring 100 countries.
On the challenges young lawyers face, Maqbool says that they face problems in securing mentorship and recognition. “The early years are pivotal,” he comments.
He admits that post-COVID, there is a decline in remunerations and placement for young lawyers, he advises greenhorns: “There is no substitute to hard work and as it is said, the genius is 1% intellect and 99% perspiration.” He asks young lawyers to work on networking, good command of the English language, and being technologically adept.
“The adoption of digital filings and virtual hearings by the Supreme Court has revolutionized legal practices,” he says and hopes it would percolate to the lower courts.
Maqbool is committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and instilling in them a deep sense of integrity and commitment to justice. “My sons and my daughter-in-law have followed my footsteps,” he says proudly.
“Many of my juniors have flourished in their legal careers, which is immensely gratifying.” As he contemplates his legacy, Maqbool emphasizes the importance of upholding judicial independence and the rule of law.
“The judiciary must serve as a vigilant guardian against governmental overreach which is currently not the case”, he asserts.
The advocates often face ethical dilemmas in the need to draw a balance between working for the client’s best interest and upholding their responsibility as a law officer of the court by doing one’s best and leaving it to the court to decide in favour or against the case at hand. Maqbool quotes Urdu poet Akbar Allahabadi on this:
Paida hua waqeel toh shaitaan ne kaha,
Lo aaj ham bhi sahib-e-aulaad ho gaye’
(When a lawyer was born Satan said, “I have become a father today”)
During the COVID lockdown he studied the writings of about a hundred legal luminaries, dabbled in his love for Urdu poetry, and most importantly authored ‘Law, Humour, and Urdu Poetry’ that showcases his work as a advocate.”
A member of the Delhi High Bar Association, Supreme Court Bar Association, and International Bar Association, London, throughout his distinguished career, Advocate Maqbool has indeed touched the pinnacle of glory in his profession.
Starting as a law student in Delhi to establishing his boutique law firm in Noida, UP, his story reflects personal achievement and the profound impact of legal advocacy in shaping societies.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Rimsha, New Delhi / July 02nd, 2024
On this day, Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah was at the gates of Fort William in Calcutta with an army of 50,000 soldiers, 50 cannons and 500 elephants.
Siraj-ud-Daulah / File image
On this day, Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah was at the gates of Fort William in Calcutta with an army of 50,000 soldiers, 50 cannons and 500 elephants. By that time the British had retreated to the British East India Company’s ships. John Zephaniah Holwell was in charge of the British side, which had less than 200 soldiers left at the fort. Holwell surrendered to Siraj on June 20 afternoon.
June 20, 1756, is marked by “the Black Hole Tragedy”. According to Holwell, the surrendered British were forced into a small chamber at the fort by the Nawab’s army.
More than a hundred of the prisoners died. Only 23 of them survived, Holwell’s account said. Later, commentators and historians have questioned Holwell’s account and claimed that fewer people had died.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> West Bengal / by Chandrima S Bhattacharya / June 19th, 2024
Asad Haque’s commitment to innovation, technological advancements, and dedication to philanthropic initiatives, including date farming, makes him an exemplary figure in both technology and environmental sustainability. An expatriate from Bengaluru, now thriving in Dubai, Asad’s inspiring story illustrates the incredible value of pursuing one’s passion with unwavering enthusiasm and dedication.
Asad’s journey began in Bengaluru, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in CAD/CAM with a distinction from R.V. College in 1989 and simultaneously completed a CNC, NC machines project at the National Aeronautical Lab (NAL). Asad was also passionate about sports and was awarded the Best All-Rounder award by the KSCA for state schools in 1982. Additionally, he won the Best All-Rounder award again in the Karnataka Junior Colleges Cricket tournament in 1984.
His career took flight at Infosys, leading to senior positions in renowned companies such as Hewlett Packard Distribution (Emitac Group), Samsung, Xerox, and Dubai Internet City. His significant contributions to the ICT, AI, and security industries have not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards including the Award of Appreciation from Dubai Police Headquarters, Government of Dubai, and the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum.
Asad Haque honoured with the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award in 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum
As a distinguished alumnus of Bangalore University and an executive founder member of The Alumni Association, Asad Haque has been recognized for his expertise in Artificial Intelligence. Over the past 30 years, he has been a key player in the UAE’s ICT landscape, instrumental in launching the first PC made in the UAE by the brand CUB PC. This success paved the way for other achievements, such as the launch of Samsung’s HDD storage and TFT Monitors, and multi-million dollar XEROX printing and copying solutions for the SME segment.
He also introduced various niche technologies across market segments, including firewalls, antivirus, unified and convergent solutions, IP networking, data and voice encryption and cryptographic solutions, enterprise servers and data-centre solutions, IPTV, and AI-based solutions to major enterprise clients. Additionally, he mentors younger professionals and aspiring university students.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Asad Haque’s philanthropic spirit is complemented by his passion for date farming. For the past 19 years, he has grown palm trees and generously donated the harvest to charity. Dates, a staple in the UAE, are particularly cherished during the summer months. Asad’s experience in date farming, though challenging, is a testament to his patience and hard work. His palm trees now towering at 25-30 feet, produce large quantities of dates each year, which he distributes to labour camps and other charitable organizations.
“Thanks to a bountiful harvest, Asad Haque generously donates a substantial quantity of dates to charity.”
Asad’s love for nature and gardening dates back to his childhood in Bengaluru, where he tended to plants and flowers. In Dubai, he embraced the challenge of date farming, a pursuit that requires meticulous care and patience. The process of nurturing date palms from pollination to harvest is labour-intensive, involving skilled gardeners who scale the tall trees to pollinate the flowers by hand. Despite the challenges, Asad finds great joy in the spiritual and cultural connection that date farming brings.
“I experience profound joy in the spiritual and cultural connection fostered by date farming, which allows me to forge a deep bond with the Creator and marvel at His creations. I am immensely grateful for the Creator’s magnificent ecosystem, the harmonious cycles of nature, and the intricate tapestry of life,” says Asad.
In addition to his role as CEO of ICT Consultants and his advisory roles in various other companies, Asad recently expanded his professional horizons by assuming a pivotal leadership role as the Representative for the Middle East Region on behalf of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and its affiliated entities. He was appointed as a Consultant for the Middle East at Wahed Inc. (“Wahed Invest”), an ethical and values-driven digital investment platform.
His work involves bridging business sectors and fostering collaboration across diverse regions, with a notable emphasis on connecting the Middle East, USA, UK, and ASEAN countries.
Asad Haque’s far-reaching legacy is reflected in numerous accolades, underscoring his exceptional contributions to technological innovation, security advancements, and societal development. As a philanthropist, Asad endeavors to uplift underprivileged children with scholarships and educational support. He also provides access to clean drinking water and assists orphanages. His unwavering commitment to societal improvement cements a legacy of magnanimity, solidifying his position as an esteemed leader in technology and environmental sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of water conservation, Asad Haque states, “No Water, No Life.”
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Business / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / May 27th, 2024
Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a renowned oncosurgeon, announced his candidacy for the presidency of the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) during a press conference at Hotel Riverview in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi.
Dr. Talikoti highlighted his diverse interactions with people from various walks of life as a key factor in his decision to engage with IICC. “As a surgeon, I interacted with people from different walks of life, and I know how to deal and serve people. That’s why I decided to engage myself with IICC,” he stated.
Dr. Talikoti, who is well-regarded in the medical community, aims to showcase IICC as a beacon of Islamic heritage and culture. He emphasized the peaceful nature of Islam and the importance of promoting this message through IICC. “Given a chance, I will try to showcase IICC as a prominent center of Islamic heritage and culture. Islam is a religion of peace, and I would try my best to send the message of peace through this Centre. We are supposed to welcome our non-Muslim brothers on Eid and join them on Diwali,” Dr. Talikoti said.
Dr. Talikoti outlined his vision for IICC, focusing on maintaining a non-political, brotherly atmosphere during the election and beyond. He stressed the importance of adhering to IICC’s aims and objectives, which include fostering youth empowerment and initiating interfaith dialogues to bridge community gaps. “We will not fight this election as a political battle, but in a brotherly manner in a very congenial atmosphere and try to keep the center away from politics, following the aims and objectives of IICC. We will develop IICC as a center of empowerment for youths and start interfaith dialogues to bridge the gap between communities,” he asserted.
With the support of former IICC president Sirajuddin Quraishi, Dr. Talikoti’s campaign has garnered significant attention. He is also the convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated organization formed in 2002 to facilitate dialogue with the Muslim community.
Established in 1981, IICC is a premier institution in New Delhi dedicated to promoting and preserving Islamic culture and heritage. It aims to foster cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and communal harmony through various educational, social, and cultural programs.
The election campaign for the governing body of IICC has officially commenced, with candidates contesting for posts of president, vice president, and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Committee (EC) promising significant shifts in the center’s functioning. The election is scheduled for August 13th.
Among the other presidential candidates are ex-cabinet minister Salman Khurshid, retired IRS officer Abrar Ahmad, former bureaucrat Afzal Amanullah, businessman and philanthropist Waseem Ghazi, businessman M. Asif Habib, and BJP activist Suhail Hindustani. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and visions, making this election a pivotal moment for IICC’s future.
Interestingly, Dr. Majid Talikoti’s panel includes Kaleemul Hafeez, who is contesting for the post of vice president. Until recently Hafeez has been a sharp critic of Serajuddin Quraishi, the former IICC president, who is also running for membership on the Board of Trustees (BoT)
Md Irshad Ahmad Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Former President, AMUOBA-DELHI is also contesting for BoT from this panel.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Special Correspondent / June 25th, 2024
Khaleel ur Rehman, a noted Urdu poet and former Inspector General of Police, Karnataka breathed his last on Friday after a cardiac arrest.
Born here in 1948 and better known by his pen name Mamoon, he won the 2011 Sahitya Academi Award for his poetry collection Aafaaq ki Taraf. In 2004, Mamoon became the first Urdu writer to win the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti.
After working as a staff artist for All India Radio, Delhi and later working as an Assistant editor of Daily Salar, Mamoon joined the Indian Police Service in 1977 and eventually promoted to IPS and retired as IGP in 2008.
Mamoon has published a number of works. Lissan Falsafe Ke Aine Me on the philosophy of language. Unnees Lillahi Nazmen is a translation of poems written in praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by Scherzade Rikhye. Nishaat-e-Gham is a collections of Ghazals. Kannada Adab is a collection of translations of Kannada language poetry and fiction. His poems are published in ‘La Ilah’ and ‘Andherey Ujaley Mein’ – two voluminous poetry collections.
His poetry stands out for its animated use of everyday images, sometimes shocking metaphors and use of wit that lay bare everyday experiences. His poetic sensibilities are steeped into the sufi-mystical traditions of Indo-Persianate culture. He experimented in the genres of both classical ghazal and azad nazam in a collection Saanson ke paar. He was most prolific in the genre of nazm which he thought suited to articulate the changing experiences of contemporary times – Jism-o-Jaan se door, Banbas ka Jhoot, Saraswati ke Kinare.
He served as the President of Karnataka Urdu Academy during 2008-10. During his tenure, he also edited the literary organ of the Karnataka Urdu Academy Azkaar.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / June 22nd, 2024
Ali Husain Aasim Bihari who was a freedom fighter, big leader, organised workers in Bihar & Bengal, brought out newspapers, formed multiple organisations.
He, led Momin Ansari community, and all his life fought for workers’ rights. Suffered a lot in process and his family also lived in challenging circumstances.
Hailing from Bihar Sharif, Nalanda, he had to shift to Kolkata to earn a living and it was here that he began involved in freedom movement and started an unprecedented political and social journey despite financial constraints.
Aasim Bihari left a huge legacy but led a tough life. His family bore consequences of his immense passion for awakening the masses, at the cost of his own health and finances. He opposed partition of India and worked for uplift of downtrodden. He passed away in independent India and was buried in Allahabad.
I don’t think it is easy to write about his missionary zeal and his sacrifices without getting tears in eyes. He faced personal tragedies, the death of his brother, the lack of money that caused hardships to his daughter, the suffering of his wife and entire family.
He was ailing and couldn’t be treated. He had declined the post of minister, also refused to take a princely sum, luring offer from a major political party, and his integrity for the cause was unquestionable.
In a life of constant struggle. Aasim Bihari formed organisations, led agitations, ran campaign to release nationalist leaders from jails after Jallianwalabagh massacre by sending letters from people of all parts of country to Queen & Viceroy. Brought out journals, weavers were organised amd turned into a political force.
Born in 1889 [1890*], he passed away in 1953. From Jamiatul Momineen, his lifelong fight for rights, awareness, awakening and education among masses, continued.
CM recently released book on him and it has been decided to add a chapter on his life in school textbook.
Book ‘Banda e Momin Ka Hath’ by Prof Ahmad Sajjad , pic: rekhta.org
[There is slight variation in references about his year of birth. However, the date of birth is April 15.]
source: http://www.anindianmuslim.com / Indscribe / Home / by Shams ur Rehman Alavi (image of book cover edited – source: rekhta.org) / June 22nd, 2023
Mohibbullah Nadvi’s nomination by the SP and his road to victory in the general elections were peppered with confusion and drama. He was not the party’s first choice candidate and filed his papers at the last hour on the final day of nomination on March 27.
Mohibbullah ‘Nadvi’. Photo: Omar Rashid
New Delhi:
Mohibbullah ‘Nadvi’ took 19 years – and a detour through his home town, Rampur in Uttar Pradesh – to traverse the roughly 25-30-metre-wide tarmac separating Indian parliament from the mosque where he leads prayers as an imam. Surprising everyone, the Samajwadi Party nominated the 48 year old as its Lok Sabha candidate in Rampur; and, battling several odds, Nadvi came through, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party by over 87,000 votes.
It is a little past noon and the sun is blazing down on Parliament Street, where the Jama Masjid is located in the capital. Nadvi has been its imam since 2005. With a small group of associates, he is seated in his office, still receiving congratulatory phone calls.
Nadvi was one of the five Muslims who were elected as MPs from UP this time. Six had contested. Nadvi hoped that now that the Opposition had performed better, taking the BJP head-on on issues of livelihood, the question of the worryingly low Muslim representation may be addressed better. But it should not be seen solely through the lens of numbers, he said.
“Our political representation should not be seen in terms of quantity but quality…even if there is one person, who is good, 100% faithful to the community, understands Islamic things and sentiments of Muslims, and raises their questions correctly,” Nadvi told The Wire. Muslims in India were not asking the government for anything beyond the rights the Constitution promises all citizens, he added.
Nadvi’s nomination by the SP and his road to victory in the general elections were peppered with confusion and drama. He was not the party’s first choice candidate and filed his papers at the last hour on the final day of nomination on March 27. Nadvi’s nomination also caught several party leaders by surprise as he did not have a political background. Fielding a Delhi-based maulana from a communally-sensitive constituency marred by internal divisions in the SP did not seem like a clever decision to many.
Though he had met SP president Akhilesh Yadav once when the latter was chief minister in 2012, the breakthrough came when they spoke in Lucknow in January this year. According to a source, Nadvi, who harboured electoral ambitions, had gone to Lucknow to invite Yadav to an event of Muslim leaders in Delhi. In Lucknow, Nadvi came in touch with Uday Pratap Singh, former MP and a close associate of Akhilesh’s and his late father Mulayam Singh Yadav’s, and also met Shafiqur Rehman Barq, former MP, with whom he already shared a good connection. Barq, a Turki Muslim like Nadvi, pitched for the maulana. That would be Barq’s last visit to the SP office as he died a month later, aged 93.
Mohibbullah ‘Nadvi’. Photo: Omar Rashid
Akhilesh did not promise Nadvi the ticket right away, but kept him on stand-by as an alternative, if needed. As nomination day approached, the SP was caught in a mini-crisis as it failed to zero down on candidates in two important and winnable seats, Rampur and Moradabad, both with a record of electing Muslims. Much of this had to do with the stubbornness of senior leader Azam Khan in having his say in candidate selection in his bastion.
On March 22, Akhilesh visited the Sitapur jail to meet Khan, who is incarcerated there, to discuss the candidates in Rampur and adjoining seats. Khan, who has faced the endless wrath of the Yogi Adityanath government, apparently proposed that either Akhilesh contest himself from Rampur or nominate one of his family members. This did not sound feasible to the party.
According to sources, the party asked several leaders to contest from Rampur but Saleem Shervani (ex-MP from Budaun), Kamal Akhtar (former minister) and S.T. Hasan (elected Moradabad MP in 2019) all rejected the proposal. Nobody wanted to encroach on Khan’s territory.
The SP’s top leadership wondered if it would be feasible to field Tez Pratap Singh Yadav, Akhilesh’s nephew and former MP, from Rampur but apparently the idea was turned down by Akhilesh’s uncle Ramgopal Yadav, the party’s national general secretary.
Only a day was left for the nomination and the SP was without an official candidate. A disaster was on the cards.
A similar situation prevailed in neighbouring Moradabad, where two candidates of the SP, sitting MP Hasan and former MLA Ruchi Veera, a close associate of Khan’s, both filed nominations, confusing the rank and file of the party. To Hasan’s dismay, Veera even received the party’s authorisation letter as its official candidate. He was obviously not happy.
In Rampur, too, the matter got out of hand after Asim Raja, an aide of Khan’s, filed his nomination while claiming to be the SP’s candidate. Raja, who had lost the Rampur seat in a by-poll in 2022, even led the Khan camp to declare a boycott of the 2024 election as Akhilesh had not paid heed to their request of contesting himself.
It was around 5 pm on March 26 that Nadvi received a call from the SP informing him that he would be the official candidate in Rampur. Along with his aides, he left for Rampur overnight. With the clock ticking, SP state president (and now MP) Naresh Uttam Patel along with a trusted lawyer boarded a chartered flight to deliver the Form AB to Nadvi, and in a change of tack, nominate the disgruntled Hasan as the official candidate in Moradabad by handing him the party’s authorisation letter. The flight landed on an airstrip in Mundha Pande, midway between Rampur and Moradabad, at around 11 am, sources said. Nadvi managed to file his nomination on time but Hasan could not receive the authorisation letter within the stipulated period. Their first priority was Rampur.
“It was a difficult time. We didn’t even have a back-up candidate. Time was running out,” Nadvi told The Wire, recalling the tense moments before his first-ever nomination. Later, Hasan in an interview to PTI alleged that some leaders had “conspired” to ensure that the party’s authorisation letter did not reach him on time.
After his nomination, Nadvi battled the ‘outsider’ tag, the internal opposition of the Khan camp, BJP’s communally-driven campaign and hostility from the administration. He brushed aside the outsider tag, underlining that he was born in a village, Razanagar, in Suar tehsil of Rampur. His uncle was a former pradhan. Nadvi, who owns 7.44 acres of inherited land in his village, completed his Quranic education or Hifz from Rampur city before spending time in a madrasa in Sambhal.
Following that, he went to Lucknow to pursue his higher education in Islamic studies from the renowned seminary Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, from where he got his title. Nadvi then went to Aligarh for further education but as he did not appreciate the heated political climate on campus, he instead enrolled in Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi and graduated from there in Arabic Honours. He went on to complete his MA in Islamic Studies and got a BEd from Al-Falah University. In 2005, he was appointed as an imam at the Parliament Street Mosque after clearing an interview. “I didn’t have much inclination towards politics earlier. But I did develop some interest as the people who offered namaz behind me included some very important political people,” said Nadvi, on being asked why he suddenly jumped from the pulpit to politics.
Given the mosque’s location, top Muslim politicians and officials come there to pray. Even the likes of Liaquat Ali Khan, Maulana Azad and Zakir Hussain, former president of India, prayed at the mosque or used to visit it, said Nadvi. Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi too have visited the mosque, whose compound houses an elegant white tomb of former president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Nadvi, who took over prayers at the mosque at 29 years of age, was delighted to share that even former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had prayed behind him.
The maulana feels that Akhilesh took a “strong decision” by nominating him in Rampur, where he initially faced opposition from a section of party workers loyal to Khan.
“I faced some problems from our party friends who were unhappy. But I managed to tackle them beautifully. Credit to them, they also did not hype it so much, maybe due to public pressure or my acceptance in public,” said Nadvi. He feels his identity as an Islamic scholar and imam may have helped him win acceptance in his native land. “I have roots in Rampur. I want to take everyone forward and work on education and health,” he said.
While his nomination process was controversial, following his victory, too, Nadvi has garnered the headlines. He was trolled by supporters of Khan after he met the divisional commissioner of Moradabad, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, who while serving as the district magistrate of Rampur had initiated a wave of action against Khan and his family members. Nadvi downplays the meeting. “I am a mazhabi alim. I don’t have negativity towards anyone,” he said, adding that he had met the official to discuss plans for the betterment of his constituency.
He also landed in a soup for his comments on the jailed Khan. When asked by reporters if he would visit the leader in jail, Nadvi said, “People are sent to jail for correction. Jail is a correctional facility and I can only pray for Azam Khan.”
Azam’s wife and former MP Tazeen Fatima lashed out at Nadvi for the comments. “He said that jail is a correction home. It seems like he had a deep experience of going to jail and he has been to jail,” she said.
Nadvi said his comments were misrepresented and exaggerated by the media. “I said that the jail is not heaven, that we would like to go there. We have our empathy for Azam sahab. What else can we do for him? The media gave it unnecessary hype,” said Nadvi. When I asked him if his relationship with Khan was fine, he took a long pause and before he could answer, an aide of his cried from the other end of the small room, “Abhi tak toh theek hai (So far, it’s fine)!”
Ruchi Veera, the newly elected Moradabad MP, visited Khan’s family following her win. She criticised Nadvi for his comments on Khan. “He should not forget that he won because of the party and Azam Khan sahab has made a lot of sacrifices for the party,” Veera said. She called him out for his “political immaturity”. “He’s not a political person. I don’t know how he got the ticket for the election and won.”
In Rampur, Nadvi not only saw off the challenge from the BJP but also ensured that the Muslim candidate of the Bahujan Samaj Party did not spoil his chances. The BSP candidate received 79,000-odd votes while he beat the BJP by over 87,000 votes. Had the election been conducted in a “fairer” manner, the margin would have been over one lakh to 1.5 lakh, said Nadvi, alleging that voting had been disturbed on 12 to 15 booths where the SP had a strong voter base.
Despite the BJP’s shrill anti-Muslim campaign, Nadvi says even Hindus voted for him, as he went to people with a “positive message”. “I spoke about education, health and employment. Who would the people choose? Someone who is abusing others or one who is asking them about their needs?” he asked. In an election where the BJP lost the election in the land of the Ram Mandir, a maulana scripted a successful political debut in a district bearing the name of the Hindu deity.
source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Reportage> Politics / by Omar Rashid / June 15th, 2024
In a significant development aimed at revitalizing the activities of a prominent Muslim organization, the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (Registered) convened a General Body Meeting on June 9, 2024, at New Horizon School in the Hazrat Nizamuddin area. The primary agenda was to elect a new president and establish a new administrative framework.
The meeting was chaired by the former president, Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan, and attended by 33 members from across India, alongside three additional invitees. Five members participated online via Zoom. The assembly unanimously elected Dr. Zafrul Islam Khan as the president for a two-year term.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Khan underscored the organization’s goal to rejuvenate the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) and reaffirm its role as a premier forum for Muslim organizations and institutions. He addressed the challenges that arose from previous leadership under Mr. Navaid Hamid, which led to internal discord and inactivity.
Dr. Khan recalled the resignation of the late Syed Shahabuddin from the executive committee due to the organization’s adverse direction under the new leadership. He criticized the expulsion of 70 key members and unconstitutional amendments to the organization’s constitution, which marginalized significant voices within the Majlis-e-Mushawarat.
He also mentioned that efforts to merge the Majlis-e-Mushawarat (registered) with the Navaid Hamid group would continue.
Resolutions Passed
Election Satisfaction: The assembly expressed satisfaction with recent general election results, noting a majority of secular votes and urging secular parties to unite for national progress.
Condemnation of Hate Politics: The organization condemned the rise in hate politics over the past decade and advocated for unity and resilience among Muslims against divisive tactics.
Condemnation of Gaza Attacks: The Majlis-e-Mushawarat condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, 2023, calling for global condemnation and support for Palestinian autonomy.
Addressing Muslim Marginalization: The body highlighted increased efforts to marginalize Muslims since 2014, urging the community to focus on education, trade, and legal recourse against injustices.
Notable attendees included Ms. Uzma Naheed from Mumbai, Muhammad Wazir Ansari (Rtd. IPS), Khawaja Muhammad Shahid (Rtd. IAS), and many other distinguished members and former officials from various parts of India. Some members participated online, including Munir Ahmad Khan from Indore and Dr. Obaid Iqbal Asim.
The meeting signifies a renewed effort to strengthen the organization’s influence and address key issues affecting the Muslim community in India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / June 15th, 2024
