In a testament to extraordinary achievements and contributions, Dr. Thumbay Moideen was bestowed with the ‘Gulf Karnataka Ratna’ Award, emphasizing his leadership in healthcare delivery and medical education. Notably, Dr. Moideen holds the distinction of being the only Indian in the world to own and operate the biggest private medical university outside India. This recognition reflects his dedication to enhancing healthcare and nurturing the future of medical professionals. Alongside him, 20 other distinguished businessmen were also honored for their remarkable contributions at the festivities of the Gulf Karnatakotsava- the United Arab Emirates’ most prominent platform for celebrating business excellence and recognizing the remarkable contributions of Karnataka’s businessmen in the Gulf region.
The award was presented by the esteemed Chief Guest, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, a Member of the Royal Family of Dubai and the Chairman of MBM Group to Dr. Thumbay Moideen.
In 1997, Dr. Thumbay Moideen founded the Thumbay Group in 1997, which has grown from a private medical college to a prominent conglomerate in medical education, healthcare delivery research, diagnostics, pharmacies, and hospitality sectors. With over 110 locations across seven emirates, the group partners with over 70 institutions.
Speaking about receiving the award, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder president, Thumbay Group stated, “I am grateful to God Almighty, the support of the Rulers and the government, and my own sincere team. This recognition will inspire me to do more in driving positive change.”
Beyond business excellence, Dr. Moideen has been an ardent advocate for the importance of healthcare accessibility and quality education globally. His philanthropic efforts have reached communities in need, providing medical services and educational opportunities to those who would otherwise lack access.
The Gulf Karnataka Ratna Award is a testament to Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s commitment to improving the well-being of people and his dedication to nurturing the future leaders of the medical field.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / September 11th, 2023
Global NRI Official presenting a memento to Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani, presented by Azmat Ali Emran and Syed Abdul Hadi / SG Photo by Abdul Rahman M Baig
Jeddah:
Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani, winner of the annual Qur’an memorization contest organized by Jamiat Khairokum Li Tahfizul Qur’an Kareem (Khairokum Qur’an Memorization Society) for Makkah region, was recently felicitated by the Global NRIs Youth Club here.
Abdullah Usmani won the first prize from among 1,000 participants out of which 13 candidates were bracketed in the category of those securing between 95 and 99 marks. In the ensuing round involving the 13 finalists of the competition, he was declared the winner.
Abdullah Usmani was presented a car by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal Bin Majed.
Jamia Al Khairiya Li Tahfiz-ul-Qur’an Kareem is a semi government institution and center established for the students to memorize and recite the Holy Qur’an. It holds the competition every year to encourage students and other participants.
Hafiz Abdullah Usmani is an Indian and belongs to the city of Hyderabad in Telangana state.
Syed Abdul Hadi, vice president of Global NRIs Youth Club, presented a Mishla’h (an adornment cloak wore by men) to Hafiz Abdullah Usmani as a token of appreciation. It was followed by a memento presented by Azmat Ali Emran, president of the club. Bouquets were presented to the contest winner by Fysal Ali, Farhan Baig and Syed Khaja Viqaruddin.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Hafiz Abdullah Usmani said: “It took me four years to memorize the Holy Qur’an. I was 11 years old when I started the memorization.”
He is also the alumnus of IISJ from the batch of 2017. Initially he was admitted to Muaz Bin Jabal School where he memorized about one/sixth of the Qur’an. Later he got enrolled in Dar Ul Furqan School from where he completed his memorization of the Holy Qur’an while learning Tajweed. He completed the memorization of the Qur’an four years back. It was last year when the Masjid Al-Aziziyah officials advised him to appear for the Qur’an memorization contest.
Hafiz Abdullah Usmani took the opportunity and appeared from Masjid Al-Aziziyah under the supervision of Sheikh Hamza Rayyan, imam and khateeb of the mosque.
Abdullah Usmani continued with his worldly pursuits along with his Qur’an memorization and took an open school examination from 6th to 8th standard from IISJ. He became a regular student of IISJ from 9th standard after completing his Qur’an memorization.
Initially, he started memorizing of Holy Qur’an on the instructions of his mother. Later after getting admitted in Muaz Bin Jabal School he gained interest in memorizing and was very much motivated by seeing his peers doing so.
While memorizing the Qur’an, he got a chance to meet Sheikh Ayman Rushdi Suwaid, and learned Tajweed from him. He is known to be the Sheikh Ul Tajweed in Jeddah. In his early days of memorizing Qur’an, he used to listen to the Qirat of Sheikh Abdurrehman Al-Sudais and learned the ayats (verses) of the Qur’an that made him memorize the Qur’an faster.
Talking about his future plans, Abdullah Usmani said he would like to learn more Arabic, Islamic history and Qur’an. He said he was interested in pursuing advance accounting courses and build his career. He also has plans to lead Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan in any of the mosques of Jeddah.
Listening to the recitation of Sheikh Meshary Alafasy, Sheikh Mohammed Ayub and Sheikh Al-Sudais helped him learn the correct pronunciation and also helped him in the memorization process.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, the award winner’s father, Abdul Mateen Usmani, said: “I would first thank and express my gratitude to Almighty Allah for the honor bestowed on my son.”
In this context, he said, efforts of Jamia Tahfiz-ul-Quran was exceptional. “This prize is more than a hundred billion dollar for me. I have not even dreamt that my son Abdullah will be winning the first prize.”
He said all his children initially received their early education having British curriculum. “Me and my wife decided that we will invest money on good education for our children. All my children were enrolled in Al-Waha International School for their primary education. It was my wife’s plan that we will encourage Abdullah to be a Hafiz. So after completing 5th standard, we removed Abdullah from the school and admitted him in the institute for Qur’an memorization. I was a little reluctant but my wife played a major role in making my son Hafiz.
“I advise all unmarried as well as married people not to waste or kill their time by watching movies and TV serials and spoil their future but instead focus on their education both for the deen (religion) and duniya (world). Even the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that one should give priority to the Seerah of anbiya (prophets).”
He said his wife started attending religious classes with other women in our neighborhood soon after she landed in Jeddah. She sacrificed her sleeping hours during daytime to attend these classes.
“It’s the parents responsibility to mold their children as they want. One can lay the right foundation from the word go,” he said.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Azmat Ali Emran, president of Global NRIs Youth Club said: “It’s an honor for our club to be the first to felicitate Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani.”
Syed Abdul Hadi, vice president, said: “Abdullah made the Indians and specially the people of Hyderabad very proud by winning this award. I would like to thank Allah the Almighty and also congratulate his parents on behalf of Global NRIs Youth Club.”
source: http://www.saudigazette.com.sa / Saudi Gazette / Home / by Abdul Rahiman M Baig, Saudi Gazette / Headline edited / September 18th, 2018
Nida Anjum Chelat, a 21-year-old rider from Kerala’s Malappuram, became the first Indian to complete the gruelling Equestrian World Endurance Championship for juniors and young riders in Castelsagrat, France on Saturday.
Nida, riding atop Epsilonn Salou, accomplished four laps totaling 120 kilometers within a span of seven hours and 29 minutes.
The goal of the championship is to cover the track without any harm coming to the horse.
Nida demonstrated remarkable skill by successfully finishing all four stages, securing the 23rd position in the initial stage (28.6 kilometers), 26th in the second stage (29.2 kilometers), 24th in the third stage (33.8 kilometers), and an impressive 21st place in the final stage (28.6 kilometers). Throughout the competition, Nida maintained a commendable average speed of 16.7 kilometers per hour.
In this championship, 70 competitors representing 25 different countries participated, with 33 of them unable to finish the race.
The UAE claimed both the individual gold and silver medals, while Bahrain and France emerged as the victorious teams in their respective categories.
“To qualify for the World Endurance Championship, a rider and their horse must complete a 120km distance at least twice within a two-year period. Nida has surpassed this requirement by completing the 120 km distance four times with two different combinations,” said a statement on Sunday.
“Nida has achieved the three-star rider status, becoming the first Indian woman to do so by successfully completing the 120km distance ride more than once,” the statement added.
“I am proud to be the first Indian to have achieved the feat and would try to bring more laurels for the country,” said Nida.
Nida whose parents hail from Kerala’s northern Malappuram district and reside in Dubai, gained entry into World Championships by winning the Gold Sword at the Abu Dhabi Endurance Championship. She is being coached by renowned horse trainer and rider Ali Al Muhairi.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob / Home> India> Latest> South India> Sports / by Maktoob Staff / September 04th, 2023
‘Nine women in the Darjeeling Express kitchen made for a powerful visual’, the Kolkata-born British chef and restaurateur tells My Kolkata.
Simone Ashley and Asma Khan at the Darjeeling Express kitchen. (Right) the thali the actress was served @asmakhanlondon/Instagram
Nine women in the Darjeeling Express kitchen made for a powerful visual when actress Simone Ashley visited the London restaurant, owned by Asma Khan, on August 31.
Ashley, known for her portrayal of Kate Sharma in Netflix’s women-centric hit series Bridgerton, expressed her desire to connect with the all-female kitchen team.
Asma Khan, Kolkata-born British chef and restaurateur, shared her experience with My Kolkata from London, saying, “Simone met the girls with so much affection. They were thrilled to meet her. She’s very sweet, very humble. She also left a generous tip. Recognising and appreciating the women who nourish us holds significance for those of Southeast Asian heritage. Regardless of one’s origins, it’s an integral part of our culture.”
Asma’s mission is to embrace diversity in the hospitality industry
Asma has gained recognition for her unwavering commitment to empowering immigrant women, who form the heart of her kitchen brigade at Darjeeling Express. She articulated her mission to embrace diversity in the hospitality industry in a recent piece for British Vogue , where she wrote: “I have made it my mission to hire individuals from all walks of life, and of varying ages and abilities.”
Simone, who is of Tamil descent, arrived at the restaurant with the film crew of her latest project, including the producer and director. Asma said, “My connection with Simone came through our mutual friend, Charithra Chandran, who plays her half-sister in Bridgerton. We had discussed the possibility of Simone visiting the restaurant before. However, this time, the reservation was arranged by Christine, the wife of David Gelb, the director of Chef’s Table and a personal friend. She inquired about the availability and made the booking.”
‘Bridgerton’ star Simone Ashley is of Tamil descent @simoneashley/Instagram
“She had our thali at Darjeeling Express and was particularly thrilled about the puri (luchi), because we prepare them fresh for the thali. She watched our girls making it, and I’ve heard she’s a very good cook herself,” added Asma, who was a guest judge on a recent season of Padma Lakshmi’s Top Chef. In fact, the episode helped “demystify the thali” and is one of the reasons why the Sunday thali at the London restaurant is “doing so well” , according to Asma.
In recent times, Darjeeling Express has welcomed several notable personalities, including Malala Yousafzai , whom Asma describes as someone “who embodies the invincible spirit of women from South Asia”, Michael Buble , Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek, and Paul Rudd as well as Schitt’s Creek creator Dan Levy, among others.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Food> Star Chefs / by Karo Christine Kumar / September 02nd, 2023
Dr. Hashima Hasan tells AMT about her dream of working for NASA and her extraordinary role in launching the largest, most expensive space telescope in history.
A young girl stands in awe with her family in their yard, as their heads tilt back to watch the Russian Sputnik satellite pass through the clear morning sky in Hazratganj, India, in 1957.
“I still remember watching it and saying, ‘Wow, I’d like to do that,’” said Dr. Hashima Hasan. “That was an inspirational moment.”
Over half a century later, Dr. Hashima is now one of NASA’s leading scientists and has helped develop the device that is currently enthralling the world, by relaying the first quality images of billions of years of the universe.
The James Webb Space Telescope is being used to focus on the first light in the assembly of galaxies in the early universe, the birth of stars and protoplanetary systems, as well as planets.
James Webb Space Telescope
“I am personally delighted to see the hard work of the thousands of talented individuals across the nation, Europe and Canada rewarded by the success of the mission as evidenced by the flawless launch, commissioning and the stunning images,” says Hasan. “My colleagues and I are eagerly awaiting the scientific discoveries which are yet to come.”
From the images captured, which were released at a live event by NASA on July 12, scientists will be able to make discoveries about the life cycle of stars, galaxies, and planets and use that information to understand the ever-expanding universe. Hasan was part of the committee that identified candidate objects to be imaged to demonstrate that the powerful new instruments were ready for science.
“Although I didn’t know which images we would use for the demonstration, I was overwhelmed by the depth and details of the images,” said Hasan.
Hubble Space Telescope
Hasan is an expert when it comes to optics, which are used to control the telescope instruments and keep the mission on track. She was actually hired by NASA in 1985 to write simulation optics for the Webb’s predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, and played a critical role in fixing the flawed mirror that resulted in it relaying blurry images.
“I was appointed as the Telescope Scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute and my job was not only to analyze the error but to keep the telescope ‘in the best focus’ while we were trying to figure out how to fix it,” said Hasan.
A few years later in 1989, Hasan was put on the project, at the time called the next-generation space telescope. This project was renamed in 2002 to what is now known as the James Webb Space Telescope, after the former NASA chief who headed the space agency from 1961 to 1968. In her role as the Deputy Program Scientist for the $10 billion telescope, Hasan and her team are responsible for ensuring the instrument stays on mission.
The Webb telescope will play a huge role in advancing understanding of the origins of the universe. The telescope took 30 days to travel almost a million miles away from Earth and will remain to capture infrared light from stars that formed 15 billion years ago.
Carina Nebula
“Until now, we have not been able to see the first stars and the first galaxies forming, so this is the key knowledge that we are planning to get from this telescope,” said Hasan. “We can even look closer to Earth in our own galaxy and we can see stars being born within our own galaxy. We can also see our planets more clearly and get more information on them. We can also see how the elements which form life.”
The James Webb telescope had a number of false starts through its decades of development due to a myriad of issues. Its first planned launch in 2007 was delayed by over a decade but its 2018 launch was canceled due to technical difficulties. As the Covid-19 pandemic hit it was rescheduled two different times. Finally, on Dec. 25, 2021, the telescope successfully launched from Kourou in French Guiana.
As the Webb joins the Hubble telescope it is expected they will work together in capturing images of celestial objects. However, the Webb surpasses its predecessor in its technological abilities. The Hubble telescope does not have the capability to capture infrared light in the same way and the Webb will orbit the sun rather than the Earth as the Hubble does.
Hasan says scientists have already lined up a menu of observations with Webb for the coming year and will soon submit proposals for which celestial mystery they will begin to uncover next.
“What excites me the most is the discovery of the unexpected and unknown,” said Hasan.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / source: American Muslim Today / by Maya Gayler / July 15th, 2022
Being the first and only Indian Muslim woman selected as a researcher at NASA, Karishma Inamdar aims for the stars through her space outreach program designed to inspire students for space research work.
Karishma Inamdar, the 25-year-old “rocket scientist,” as she calls herself, was born in the Indian city of Baramati. She was selected in June 2015 as a research associate to join a team of professionals at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. Having grown up in India, studied in France and worked in the US, she gained a great amount of cross-cultural experience.
Now she wants to guide other students to pursue a career in space.
“Space exploration is a challenge worth challenging, a goal worth achieving and best of all, a journey worth pursuing. If you want to achieve something, the whole universe opens up for you,” the young scientist said.
With the help of her friends, Karishma launched the International Chapter of the US National Space Society (NSS) in India called Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Initiatives (DKI). The chapter was formed in honor of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, a very good friend of NSS and tireless developer of India’s space program.
“The initiative will focus on space outreach and education. DKI is the platform to encourage, engage and educate all the students,” Karishma told Sputnik News.
“As space engineers and scientists, we have a responsibility to inspire the next generation. While working with the talented team of DKI, I realized we are not only working for students but also for humanity,” she said.
It is her dream not only to see the day humanity takes its baby steps off this planet, but also to play a major role in helping others achieve this goal.
Karishma believes that NASA has offered her a lot, and that, under the guidance of many distinguished researchers, she will be able to make a positive contribution to on-going space research work.
Deralakatte Renjali (Ullal Taluk),Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Saudi Arabia/ UAE:
Dr Abdul Shakeel has been selected for the coveted Asia Achievers award given by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Colombo and High Commission of India Colombo for his social service including providing rice to more than 10000 eligible families cutting across religion and caste during Covid pandemic, adopting students who are financially poor and encouragement to outstanding students.
The award will be presented by Vidura Vikramanayake, minister for religious and cultural affairs, government of Sri Lanka and higher education minister of Sri Lanka Surena Raghavan at the 40th International cultural convention that is organized on August 25 at the auditorium of University of Visual and Performing Arts in Sri Lanka.
Dr Abdul Shakeel is the son of Abdul Khader Harekala and Maimuna couple, residents of Deralakatte Renjadi under Ullal taluk.
He is NRI entrepreneur having business interest in gulf countries. Dr Shakeel is the managing director of MMA Advertisement and interiors Saudi Arabia, Dubai, managing director of Grey Line Interior and Advertisement (UAE) and director of Readymix Concrete, India.
Dr Shakeel reserves 50% of profits of his business for social work through Dr Abdul Shakeel Charitable trust. During Corona pandemic he felicitated doctors, medical profession helpers and social workers who worked risking their own lives. Dr Shakeel supports youth, who are financially poor, to compete in national and international level sports and other activities. He has encouraged hundreds of children to get educated. He has also adopted several children. Dr Shakeel paid the educational expenses of students of backward community who have scored high marks in examinations and also took complete responsibility of their education. He has built houses for homeless people. Dr Shakeel also rendered financial help to those who get stuck in overseas countries. In addition, he has provided employment to hundreds of people in gulf countries.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS) / August 25th, 2023
Khan, who works as an engineering co-ordinator at an IT company in Dubai, purchased the ticket along with some of his colleagues and friends.
39-year-old Sakil Khan Sarwar Khan Photo: Big Ticket
Abu Dhabi:
A 39-year-old United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Indian expatriate from Rajasthan, won the grand prize of Dirhams 15 million (Rs 33,83,29,693) in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly draw.
The winner Sakil Khan Sarwar Khan— bagged the prize after buying ticket number 191115 for the raffle draw number 254, which he had purchased online on July 25, on his birthday.
Khan, who works as an engineering coordinator at an IT company in Dubai, purchased the ticket along with some of his colleagues and friends. He will be splitting the cash prize among 15 people.
“Usually, I select raffle ticket numbers randomly. This time, though, I purchased the tickets on my birthday and really thought hard about the numbers I chose,” Khan told Big Ticket organisers.
He plans to clear his debts and start a business with the piece of his fortune.
Anyone who purchases a ticket for the upcoming live draw this month will have a chance to win Dirhams 20 million on September 3.
Customers will also be entered directly into the weekly electronic draw for a chance to be one of four winners to pocket Dirhams 100,000 (Rs 22,55,221) every week.
Big Ticket was established in 1992 with an initial first prize of Dirhams one million (Rs 2,25,53,420) and is one of the most popular monthly draws in the UAE.
Tickets can be purchased online through the Big Ticket website or by visiting the store counters at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Middle East / by Sakina Fatima / August 04th, 2023
Indian revolutionaries in Kabul where they announced a government in exile
On 24 April 1918, Ram Chandra was shot dead by Ram Singh in a courtroom in San Francisco, USA. A few moments later, a policeman shot Ram Singh. Who were these Indians? Ram Chandra and Ram Singh were the leaders of a revolutionary Ghadar Party in the USA. They were planning to wage a war against the British Empire with the help of the German government. Ram Singh suspected Chandra of being a traitor and thus he killed him on the last day of the trial.
Though Muslims and Sikhs were also accused of being part of the conspiracy, for some reason the case was famously called the Hindu German Conspiracy case. The German High Commissioner had allegedly provided the revolutionaries with money and arms.
Rabindranath Tagore was also featured in the charge sheet. It was accused that he took money from the revolutionaries in the USA and handed it over to the Japanese government to arrange for arms. It was the costliest court case ever argued in the USA till that time.
Indian revolutionaries had always used foreign territories to wage war against the British Empire. In 1845, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki of Saharanpur went on the Haj with a plan to stay there. He wanted to teach at Makkah. Another Indian and his senior Maulana Ishaq met him in Makkah and asked him to return to India and wage a war against the English East India Company rule. Ishaq was one of the many Indian ulemas, who lived in Makkah and Medina to preach anti-colonialism among the pilgrims.
Imdadullah returned to India, planned a revolt in coordination with several leaders, and joined the War of Independence in 1857. He liberated Shamli for a few weeks before the English recaptured it. Thousands of his followers were killed in the battle and he moved to Makkah.
Imdadullah lived for 30 more years and used Makkah as a base to preach nationalism among Haj pilgrims from India and create links among different colonized nationalities.
Shyamji Krishna Varma, an Arya Samaj leader, established India House in London to train educated revolutionaries for the freedom struggle. V.D. Savarkar, Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Haider Raza, Ali Khan, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Acharya were a few prominent Indian revolutionaries trained at this hostel. They were given fellowships to study in England. Asaf Ali, who later argued the case of Bhagat Singh in court, was also associated with the India House. Savarkar’s book describing events of 1857 S inspired a generation of revolutionaries.
Madan Lal Dhingra was one of the most prominent revolutionaries from this house. He assassinated an English official after which the house had to be closed down. Savarkar was arrested and sent to Andamans. After that, these revolutionaries shifted bases to Berlin, Paris, etc.
Indians, especially Punjabis, living in the USA formed the Ghadar Party in 1913. Ghadar is a term used for the War of Independence of 1857. The party aimed to re-enact the scenario by making the Indian sepoys of the English army rebel.
The revolutionaries contacted Germany and Turkey for money and arms. A date doe revolt was fixed in India for the revolt. Hundreds of the revolutionaries came back to India in 1915, Rash Behari Bose, Jatin Bagha, and M N Roy were also working for the success of the plan. A traitor told the British about the plan. Hundreds of revolutionaries were caught and hanged in what came to be known as First Lahore Conspiracy. Kartar Singh Sarabha was one of the more famous among those hanged. Jatin Bagha was killed. Ras Behari Bose and M N Roy had to leave the country.
The Ghadar Party succeeded in causing a mutiny in Singapore. In February 1915, Indian soldiers killed English officers and captured the island country. It took two days and the help of the Russian and Japanese armies to recapture Singapore from the British. More than four dozen Indians were killed by a firing squad in a public execution. At least 40 of the killed soldiers were Muslims from Haryana.
Raja Mahendra Pratap was an Arya Samaj activist from Hathras. As the war started he travelled to Turkey and Germany where the Sultan and Kaiser respectively gave him letters of authority to form a provisional government of India at Kabul. He reached Afghanistan with a Ghadarite, Barkatullah, where Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, a Deobandi scholar, was waiting for them. A provisional government with Pratap as the President, Barkatullah as the PM, and Ubaidullah as the Home Minister was formed in Kabul.
A plan to raise an army was also chalked out. Maulana Mahmood Hasan, a Deobandi scholar, and Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani were coordinating the efforts from Makkah. Letters written on silk cloth were used to communicate which were uncovered by British intelligence. Maulana Mahmood and Madani were arrested from Makkah and sent to Malta as prisoners of war. Hundreds of others were also arrested in what came to be known as the Silk Letter Conspiracy.
The war had ended. M. N Roy, Andul Rab, and MPT Acharya established a military school in Tashkent in the USSR. It trained mostly Muslims who migrated to Afghanistan after a fatwa asked them to in 1915. The people trained here took part in major revolutionary activities in India later on. Mian Akbar Shah is well known for his role in the famous escape of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Peshawar. He is supposed to be the most important person to have planned and executed the escape in 1941.
Ubaidullah went to the USSR and traveled to several countries before settling at Makkah in the 1930s. He used it as a ground to preach like Maulana Ishaq and Imdadullah before him. In 1938 he returned to India and met Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He planned future armed action with Netaji and gave him several contacts with Japan and Germany. Japan already had his old comrades in Raja Mahendra Pratap and Rash Behari Bose.
Around the same time Sardar Ajit Singh, an uncle of Bhagat Singh, and Iqbal Shaidai organized an army in Italy. They had been active in foreign lands since the last World War.
The story of Netaji forming an army in Germany and later leading Azad Hind Fauj formed by Ras Behari Bose in Japan is well-known and needs no retelling.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / August 11th, 2023
Madurai, TAMIL NADU / Alice Springs (Arrernte, Northern Territory), AUSTRALIA:
Shameina Ibrahim and Seeni Mohammed are excited about their future in Alice Springs.(Supplied)
Growing up in Madurai in South India, Seeni Mohammed had always aspired to call Australia home.
“Australia looks after me really well … and I’m happy here with my family and wife, and good culture. And everyone is welcoming,” he said.
Mr Mohammed, 27, believes that “everything is awesome” now that he has obtained his citizenship.
Mr Mohammed is delighted to be an Australian citizen.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)
His wife Shameina Ebrahim, 28, has a firsthand understanding of how significant the transition is for her husband.
“Citizenship might not seem a huge deal for some people but living in that position … as a family, and witnessing the struggle, I can personally say we’re so happy and proud of this moment,” she said.
Ms Ebrahim was born in Darwin to a migrant family from Southern India.
In 2018, the pair met through a mutual friend, and married the year after.
As a married couple, Ms Ebrahim has revisited some of the challenges that her own family experienced in navigating the shift to Australian life.
Mr Mohammed had his citizenship conferred by Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)
“I’ve always been grateful for my parents making that hard choice and leaving their friends and family to get a better life for their kids,” she said.
“So seeing that growing up and also then going through it with my partner as well … it’s insightful.
“But you know, at the same time, it is rewarding because it keeps me humble.”
Making the transition
After marrying in 2019 at a wedding in India attended by over 1,000 people, the couple have prioritised respect and commitment in navigating married life.
Mr Mohammed has appreciated how a shift in values between India and Australia has shaped their relationship.
“Here everyone is equal, everyone has to have the same rights, everyone has the same part in everything. So that’s quite different,” he said.”Give value for men’s and women’s [rights], give respect to them. And give the words value so the life will be smooth.”
Ms Ebrahim and Mr Mohammed married in India at a ceremony attended by 1,000 people.(Supplied)
For Ms Ebrahim, the transition hasn’t been without its “struggles”.
“Every life has its challenges, whether it be adapting to a new lifestyle, or transitioning from single life to being married … it really depends who you’re doing it with, your personalities need to be compatible,” she said.
“I can’t say that it was easy … we argue all the time, we’re not perfect or anything, but in that we’ve just learned to be supportive of each other.
“In sickness or in health, he’s kept his vows.”
Moving to the red centre
After living in Melbourne together for three years, the couple made the switch to Alice Springs when an exciting career opportunity emerged for Ms Ebrahim to work at the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service.
With the majority of Ms Ebrahim’s cases focusing on domestic violence, family law and housing insecurity, the young lawyer describes her daily life as “chaotic”.
At the same time, she has relished the opportunity to connect with the community.
Ms Ebrahim says respect and commitment has been crucial in navigating married life.(Supplied)
Ms Ebrahim’s commitment to women’s rights has been reaffirmed by her positive experiences as a Muslim in Australia.
Growing up in Darwin, Ms Ebrahim started wearing a headscarf when she was 16 and has welcomed the response.
“I haven’t faced that much backlash in the community,” she said.
“I’ve been accepted and as a legal professional, I’m always out and about. I might be the odd one out, but you know, everyone’s been so loving and accepting.”
Mr Mohammed and Ms Ebrahim lived in Melbourne together after marrying in 2019.(Supplied)
The inclusive and welcoming approach she experienced has extended to the couple’s time in Alice Springs.
“The community really supports you here,” Mr Mohammed said.
“It doesn’t matter about their background, or what ethnicity they’re from — they’re really supportive people, lovely people here.”
A future in Alice Springs
With Mr Mohammed’s goal of citizenship complete, they are now considering starting a family of their own on Arrernte country.
“We have fallen in love with Alice Springs,” Ms Ebrahim said.
“We came for better weather … and after falling in love with the town, we do see a future here and potentially raising a family as well as developing our own careers.
Ms Ebrahim and Mr Mohammed are considering starting a family in Alice Springs.(ABC Alice Springs: Evan Wallace)
Regardless of how long the couple stay in the Northern Territory, Ms Ebrahim is excited to continue building a future with a man who she loves “wholeheartedly”.
For Mr Mohammed, the feeling is very much mutual.
“I love her so much,” he said.
“I should say thanks to the god.”
source: http://www.abc.net.au / ABC News / Home> ABC Alice Springs / by Evan Wallace / March 25th, 2023
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