Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

Aligarh Alumni Association in US announces 344 Merit-cum-Means scholarships for AMU students

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH / U.S.A. :

Aligarh Muslim University

Aligarh: 

The Aligarh Alumni Association, Washington, DC (AAADC) has announced the award of 344 merit cum means scholarships to students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for the academic year 2022-2023.

According to a press release from the AMU PR Office the scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need and aim to provide support to deserving students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at AMU. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and a stipend for books and other academic expenses.

“The Association is committed to supporting the education of deserving students at AMU,” said Shakeela Raza, President of AAADC. “We believe that education is the key to social and economic development. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders and professionals.”

The scholarship recipients were selected through an application and evaluation process, which included academic achievements, financial needs, and a personal statement. The selection of 344 students came from more than 2000 applicants. Based on the Merit-cum-Means formula the Association short-listed 850 students and AMU Alumni Affairs Committee representative team led by Prof. Ekram Khan finalized the name of 144 new students. There were 200 previous recipients. After verification, their cases were also approved. The selection committee comprised Scholarship Committee Members and faculty members of AMU.

“We are grateful to the Association for its generous support,” said Tariq Mansoor, Vice-Chancellor of AMU. “These scholarships will enable our students to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints. We appreciate the commitment of the Alumni Association to the welfare of AMU students.”

The Association was established in 1975 and has been since supporting education and research at AMU. The merit-cum-means scholarships are one of its flagship initiatives. The scholarships are open to all students of AMU.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by News Desk / March 28th, 2023

US based philanthropist Dr. Qutubuddin holds felicitation ceremony to honor ‘the makers of Narayanpet’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Narayanpet, TELANGANA / U.S.A:

Nagu Rao Namoji senior BJP leader addressing the gatherings.

US-based philanthropist Dr Mohammad Qutubuddin held a felicitation ceremony in honour of the people who struggled to realize the dream of making Narayanpet a district, which was announced on 17th February 2017.

The ceremony, organized in collaboration with the Indian chapter of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian origin (AFMI) and Hayat Foundation USA, was held in Narayanpet district, Telangana.

Dr. Qutbuddin, who remained the key figure in organizing the event, lauded the role of politicians, regardless of their political affiliations, and common people who campaigned for making Narayanpet a district. He thanked the residents of the district for their contribution.

“I might live in the USA but my heart yearns for Narayanpet,” said Dr. Qutbuddin, expressing hope that the new district would flourish in future.

On the occasion, local MLA S. Rajender Reddy pledged to transform Narayanpet’s landscape over the next three years and take the district to new heights of prosperity.

Narayanpet MLA S. Rajinder Reddy presenting Shawl to Dr Qutubuddin.

Reddy lauded Dr. Qutbuddin for his efforts and said that his “immense love for Narayanpet and his tireless efforts for the development of the district prove that he’s a visionary leader”.

Editor of noted Urdu daily Siasat, Zahid Ali Khan spoke about his family’s root in Mehboobnagar and Narayanpet. Ali, who was chief guest on the occasion, recalled that his father Abid Ali Khan was born and raised in this region.

He said that his family understands the region and the community’s intellectual, artistic, and literary endeavors as well as the sincere attitudes of its residents have always given them great heartfelt satisfaction.

Dr. Qutbuddin played a prominent role in representing the people of the region, he said while thanking the efforts he made in the development of the people’s life.

Nagu Rao Namaji, a senior state BJP leader, claimed that he has consistently been in the forefront when it comes to preserving peace and harmony in Narayanpet and vowed to maintain it in future. He pleaded with the MLA to link Narayanpet to the Railways as the Center was prepared to do so. In addition, he stressed the necessity of Reddy’s pledge to complete irrigation projects.

AFMI’s regional president, Prof. Sana Qutbuddin also addressed the gathering and said that her father Dr. Qutbuddin is passionate about his native district Narayanpet. “My father has promised that he will devote more of his time towards the development of the district in the future,” she said.

In this ceremony, Nagu Rao Namaji, K Sudarshan Reddy Principal, Muhammad Nawazi, Moosa, Abdul Saleem Adv, Ameeruddin Adv, Dr. Tabrez Hussain Taj, Mohammad Taqi Chand, Abdul Qadar Maisoori Mujahid Siddiqui, Hafiz Mohammad Taqi and others were felicitated.

The editor-in-chief of the weekly Gawaah, Fazil Hussain Pervez, prominent personality of Arungabad, Maulana Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, Journalist Sadiq Ali, Rasheed, Telugu speaker, Maulana Abdul Qavi and others participated in the event as special guests. MLA S. Rajinder Reddy was presented with the Narayanpet Seva Ratna Award in recognition of his services.

The proceeding of the event was conducted by Abdul Saleem Advocate while the program ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tabrez Hussain Taj.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / February 25th, 2023

Bazme Sadaf International awards announced

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Patna, BIHAR / Doha, QATAR :

Bazme Sadaf International (BSI) award is to be given to famous Urdu poet Shahida Hassan while Ambareen Salahuddin was selected for the new generation writer award, according to a statement received in Doha.

Ibrahim Kamal Khan (Qatar), Zahoorul Islam Javed (Abu Dhabi) and Sheraz Ali ( UK) were selected for Urdu Movement awards.


The awards will be presented in Doha at a grand ceremony on January 26-27, followed by an international literary festival and poetry symposium.

Delegates and eminent literary personalities from 12 counties are expected to attend the gala event.

Speaking at a press conference in Patna, India, BSI director Prof Safdar Imam Quadri announced the names of awardees of 6th BSI awards and enumerated their literary achievements.

Shahida Hassan is a Canada-based Urdu poet who has published three acclaimed anthologies of poems and also translated select pieces from contemporary literature of other languages into Urdu.


The new generation award, given to a promising writer below 50 every year, has been bagged by Pakistani academic and poet Ambareen Salahuddin. Both the awardees will be arriving in Doha to receive their awards and participate in the literary festival too.

BSI also gives awards to individuals who have served the cause of promotion of Urdu language and literature.

For 2020, this award has been given to Ibrahim Kamal Khan who, as the founder president of Anjuman Mohibban e Urdu in Doha, has provided significant service to the cause of Urdu language in Doha.


Abu-Dhabi-based poet Zahoorul Islam Javed would be given this award for 2021 and UK-based academic Sheraz Ali for 2022.

In the last two years, this award has been renamed after the late Sabih Bukhari, who was the chief patron of BSI until his death.

BSI chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad, in a message sent from Doha, congratulated all the winners and informed that eminent Urdu poets and literary figures from 12 counties have confirmed their participation in the event.

They include Shahida Hassan (Canada), Khalid Irfan (US), Zahoorul Islam Javed (Abu Dhabi), Hassan Kazmi, Safdar Imam Quadri, Azm Skakiri, Shadab Azmi and Dr Shakil (India), Ambareen Salahuddin and Ali Zariyun (Pakistan), Sadaf Mirza ( Denmark), Ateeq Anzar, Ahmad Ashfaq, Nadeem Jilani Danish and Wasiul Haq Wasi (Qatar), Masood Hassas (Kuwait), Ayesha Shaikh Aashi (Dubai) Jamil Ahsan ( Sweden), A M Tahir (Germany) and renowned journalist Dr Mohammed Gauhar.


BSI chief patron Hassan Chougule congratulated the awardees and requested all Urdu lovers to attend the poetry symposium in DPS-Modern Indian School auditorium, Al Wakra on January 27.

BSI Doha chapter president Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani also expressed his happiness at the announcement of the awards and congratulated the winners.

source: http://www.gulf-times.com / Gulf Times / Home> Community / January 19th, 2023

Shama Hakim first Muslim American woman appointed as judge in US appellate court

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion,

Mumbai, INDIA / California, U.S.A:

Judge Shama Hakim is the first South Asian American woman and the first Muslim American woman on any appellate court in United States. 

New York: 

In a first, Indian-American Democrat Shama Hakim Mesiwala has been unanimously confirmed as associate justice of the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento, California.

Mesiwala, 48, was administered the oath of office this month by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

She was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which included Chief Justice Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Acting Presiding Justice Ronald B. Robie.

Judge Mesiwala, who would now be the first South Asian American woman and the first Muslim American woman on any appellate court in the country, would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Coleman A. Blease.

She has served as a Sacramento County Superior Court judge since 2017 and was a commissioner there in 2017.

Mesiwala is the co-founder of the South Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and the president of the Schwartz/Levi Inn of Court.

She served as the Americans with Disabilities judge for the Sacramento County Superior Court Hall of Justice and created the first Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom in Northern California.

Armed with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, Mesiwala also teaches appellate advocacy as an adjunct professor in the same university.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United States / by ummid.com with inputs from IANS / February 28th, 2023

Book on Indo-Kuwait Relations by late Dr Abdul Qadir Shams launched in Delhi

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

NEW DELHI / INDIA:

Hindustan aur Kuwait (Tarīkhī, Ilmì aur Thaqafatī Rishte’ by Dr Abdul Qadir Shams launched in Delhi.

New Delhi:

Hindustan aur Kuwait (Tarīkhī, Ilmì aur Thaqafatī Rishte) i.e. India and Kuwait: Historical, Academic and Cultural Relations in Urdu, a book crafted out of the doctoral thesis of late Dr Abdul Qadir Shams Qasmi (1972-2020) originally titled ‘Ulūm-e-Islamī ki Tahqīq-o-Isha’at mein Wazārat-e-Auqaf Kuwait ka Kirdar by Mohammad Khalid Azmi (residing in Kuwait) was launched at Hotel River View, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi on Saturday, 25 February, 2023. The launch programme witnessed a good number of participants from media, academia and other spheres.


The participatns appreciated Khalid Azmi for his timely efforts to turn the thesis into a book with helpful additions to focus on the bilateral role of India and Kuwait in the academic and cultural domains.

The event was presided over by Prof Akhtarul Wasey, Islamic scholar and former president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur. Academics and media persons including Dr Raziul Islam Nadwi, Professor Iqtidar Mohammad Khan, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, Dr Waris Mazhari, Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Dr Mohammad Ajmal, Suhail Anjum, Siraj Naqvi shared their views.


Dr Shahabuddin Saqib Qasmi, senior sub-editor, Urdu daily Inquilab, conducted the event, organised by Qari Zafar Iqbal Madni of Jamiatul Qasim Darul Uloom -il Islamia, Supaul, Bihar.

Mufti Mohammad Ansar Qasmi of Jamiatul Qasim presented vote of thanks.

It should be noted that author and senior journalist, Dr Abdul Qadir Shams Qasmi, had died of cardiac arrest on 25 August, 2020, during Covid-19.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books / by Manzar Imam / February 27th, 2023

American Specialty Foods Co. celebrate 10th anniversary in Dubai

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, ,

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

Unveils new Catalogue with over 650 products

American Specialty Foods Co, on February 19 celebrated its 10th anniversary in Dubai with Valerie Brown, Regional Agricultural Counselor at USDA, US Consulate General Dubai attending the event as the Guest of Honor.

American Specialty Foods Co. that serves the taste of American flavors to over 50 countries with 20 product categories unveiled a brand new catalogue boasting over 650 products. The catalogue was unveiled by worldwide CEO of American Specialty Foods Co. Hany M Haneef, a prominent and dynamic NRI entrepreneur hailing from Mangalore.

“When I founded this company, it was a dream that I aimed to accomplish through passion. Despite the struggles we went through and the challenges we accomplished, it is the undying support of everyone which has enabled the company to achieve more than what we envisioned,” Hany M Haneef said during the event.

Valerie Brown, lauded the company and its achievements adding that the company was epitome of a company that “gets it”.

“They are deliberate, diligent and dynamic in promoting the best the US has to offer. I am delighted to celebrate them,” Valerie said.

Another guest Moroslav Hosek, spoke about the intensity with which Hany works as a professional.

“I have known Hany for five years now, but it feels like I have known him for at least 10 years. So intense a personal and business relationship it is indeed,” he said.

Incorporated in the USA 10 years ago, with a corporate office in Maryland, and a marketing office in New York, American Specialty Foods Co. includes a wide variety of products across 20 categories, including sauces, dressings, mayonnaise, tortilla chips, salsa, potato chips, popcorn, syrups, olives and more.

American Specialty has increased its global footprint, with regional offices in Dubai, London and Mexico.

The company is now venturing into the B2C segment to reach an increased number of households and bring the goodness of American taste to all, a press statement from the company said.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 25th, 2023

‘I would like to see a broader representation of Muslims on American TV and Hollywood’: Indian American actor Mouzam Makkar

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021),

Kerala, INDIA / U.S.A:

Mouzam Makkar

Mouzam Makkar is currently seen on high voltage legal drama “The Fix” on ABC.

Actor Mouzam Makkar, who plays Loni Kampoor on ABC’s ongoing series The Fix, has come a long way since she arrived in the US as an excited 12-year-old. Today, she along with many other South Asians in American entertainment industry, are not only defying brown stereotypes but are also introducing a newer idea of success in otherwise academically inclined South Asian American families.

While The Fix began airing last month, Makkar has been slowly establishing her identity as a talented Indian American actor. Last year, she was seen in Champions on NBC that was created by Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy. Before this, Makkar was also seen in The Following, Exorcist, Law & Order: SVU and many other shows.


“It’s a very exciting time to be a South Asian actor,” she says about being among the few brown actresses who may be changing the long-held stereotypes on American TV. “There are more of us doing TV and film than ever before and the types of roles we play continue to expand. There are also more South Asian content creators and that makes a big difference in expanding the types of narratives we get to tell. It’s been wonderful to be a part of a variety of stories where my characters were not solely defined by my ethnicity.”

Makkar, who hails from Kerala, India, spent a few years in the UAE before making America her home. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and worked in both investment banking and private equity before shifting to entertainment. Asked if it is doubly difficult for a person of color to find a foothold in the highly competitive Hollywood, Makkar says, “Hollywood is a very tough industry and being a person of color when the majority of the stories are still being told through a white lens makes it that much more difficult. However, things are changing and an important aspect of that change come from people behind the camera. Directors, producers and casting agents who are willing to think outside the box when they’re trying to fill a role make a difference in changing what’s on screen.”

Makkar also spoke about a growing number of South Asians in entertainment. “Those creating their own content can make some of the biggest difference in this industry and that’s exactly what the likes of Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Hasan Minhaj and Kumail Nanjiani have done with their projects,” She says. “When you write the story, you no longer have to play the supporting character – you can be the hero, the story can revolve around you and your experience. That what these folks have done with their TV shows and films – they’ve shown that the South Asian character and story no longer has to be an afterthought – they can be the main attraction.”

She spoke about the kinds of roles that she would want to see more on TV and in Hollywood. “As a Muslim artist, I would love to see a broader representation of Muslims in TV and film,” she says. “Muslims are an especially misunderstood group in this country and I truly believe that more nuanced and diverse portrayals of the Muslim diaspora can go a long way in helping the general public dismantle many of the negative stereotypes they may hold against Muslims. Given the recent attack in New Zealand, understanding and compassion is more important now than ever. The stories you see in TV and film can go a long way in humanizing people and experiences that you yourself might not directly encounter.”

On the artists that may have inspired her, Makkar says, “My dear friend, Fawzia Mirza, is an amazing filmmaker, actor and activist and she is absolutely an inspiration for creating and sharing stories boldly. As a queer storyteller, she brings yet another layer to the narrative and filmmakers like her are instrumental in showing the world that there isn’t just one type of Muslim or South Asian in this world. We are a varied and diverse group, dealing with unique and universal struggles and we can’t be neatly boxed into a single category.”

source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> News> Entertainment / by Zofeen Maqsood / April 04th, 2019

Sahebaan UAE, business and professionals meet held in Dubai

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, ,

Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada / UAE & GCC:

Dubai:

Sahebaan Business and Professionals Group (SBPG) and Sahebaan UAE conducted a Business and Professionals Meet at Al Jumairah Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 5th February 2023 from 2.00 PM onwards.

The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a success, with Sahebaan Community delegates from UAE, GCC, and India in attendance.

The event commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The convenor of SBPG, Althaf M.S., welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose of this maiden initiative.

The Program thereafter commenced with a panel discussion moderated by Althaf M.S., an EPC Oil and Gas Professional. The panel consisted of Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, a Professor at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi; Mrs. Ambreen Sheik, a Businesswomen and also an Honorary President of the Indian Ladies Association, Abu Dhabi; Mr. Mumtaz Hussain, an established Businessman from Qatar; Dr. Waleed Ahmed, Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and a well- known consultant and Mr. Syed Siraj Ahmed, Ex banker & Risk Management Consultant.

While speaking during the event, Mr. Imran Hidayath, CEO of Hidayath Group, Dubai, dwelt on his entrepreneurial journey to success.

Mr. Suhail Kudroli, Chartered Accountant, urged all to participate in such gatherings.

While speaking at the sidelines of the meeting, UAE Sahebaan Convenor Mr. Afroz Assadi and Mr. Siraj Ahmed appreciated the initiative and urged all to lend their support.

Business presentations were made subsequently by Mohd Salman on his startup business “The Stepup Ventures,” followed by Sahebaan ladies, Sahara Asif on “Life Skills Education” and Waseem Shaikh & Thanziya Khan on “Tru Choco & Nuts.”

The event’s highlight was Speed Networking, which evidenced active participation by delegates and interaction on a one-to-one basis with every delegate.

The Program was managed by Althaf M.S, Mohd. Samiulla, Mohd Sufiyan, and Faizaan Khateeb and anchored by Mohd. Sufiyan.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023

Mangaluru boy Shaikh Uzayr Mohammed bags Bronze Medal at International Mathematics Championship

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Kankanady (Mangaluru), KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR :

A Mangaluru student, Shaikh Uzayr Mohammed, studying in Qatar has won Bronze Medal at the International Mathematics Championship 2022.

Uzayr is a grade 3 student of MES School, studying in Qatar. He hails from Kankanady in Mangaluru.

The championship was held in December 2022 and the results were announced on Monday, February 20, 2023.

A total of 2288 students from over 20 countries had participated in the championship organised by Champ Yellow, wherein Uzayr secured a place in top 40%, thereby securing a rank in Bronze Medal category.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 20th, 2023

India-born Saleha Jabeen becomes US military’s first female Muslim chaplain

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA / Greater Chicago, U.S.A:

First Lt. Saleha Jabeen

Jabeen wants to show US military has a place for anyone who wants to serve.

India born Saleha Jabeen, who has become the US military’s first female Muslim chaplain, says she has to set an example and show that there is a place in the military for anyone who wants to serve.

“I did not have to compromise on any of my religious beliefs or convictions,” said First Lt. Jabeen, who graduated from Air Force Basic Chaplain Course Feb. 5 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

“The graduation ceremony for BCC Class 21A was a historic event as the Air Force aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive service,” according to a USAF release.

“I am surrounded with people who respect me and are willing to receive what I bring to the table as a woman, a faith leader, and an immigrant,” said Jabeen.

“I am provided with numerous opportunities to learn and develop skills that best equip me to be a successful officer and a chaplain in a pluralistic environment.”

“I get to provide spiritual care to all service members, Guardians and families and advise the commanders on religious and moral matters regardless of my faith, ethnicity or gender.”

“Like our boss says, it has never been a better time to serve as a chaplain in the US Air Force Chaplain Corps,” said Jabeen.

Jabeen says she is passionate about her role as a chaplain and takes her duty as a spiritual mentor very seriously.

“We all have a purpose that is specifically meant for us to fulfill,” Jabeen said.

“We must listen to our heart and follow our conviction. It is important to have people in our lives who model that for us. Choose that kind of mentorship and choose good companionship.”

“I just want people to remember that God, or higher power or the values that people uphold, remind us that we all are created with a plan: to become the best versions of ourselves,” Jabeen said.

“There is a ‘why’ for our existence and ultimately it is meant for us to be the best versions of ourselves. Commit to it, accomplish it and uplift others to do the same.”

“Do all that needs to be done with kindness, generosity, resilience and the grit to never quit,” she said.

All BCC students have advanced degrees and many arrive at the Chaplain Corps College with years of experience as members of the clergy as civilians, the USAF release said.

Throughout the course, Jabeen and her classmates are instructed how to apply their prior experience within the Air Force, it said.

“My goal is to create chaplains who are ready to provide front-line ministry upon graduation,” said Capt. John Richardson, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain.

Capt. Mara Title, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain, said Jabeen’s addition to the chaplain corps will be of great benefit to everyone.

“The Air Force Chaplain Corps endeavors to promote diversity in all respects,” Title said. “Chaplain Saleha Jabeen’s presence enables an even broader scope of spiritual care for our Airmen, and for this we are very grateful.”

“She is as determined to take on the role of chaplain as she is kind, caring and compassionate. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity for her to graduate with the class of BCC 21A.”

Jabeen, who came to the US 14 years ago as an international student, was commissioned in December as a Second Lieutenant at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Jabeen completed her BA in Business and Economics at North Park University, followed by an MA in Theology–Inter-religious Dialogue from Catholic Theological Union and course in counseling psychology from Trinity Christian College.

source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> Religion / by Arun Kumar / February 18th, 2021