Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

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

Zohaib ‘Zo’ Qadri becomes first Muslim elected to Austin City Council

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , ,

INDIA / Austin (Texas), U.S.A.:

Indian American Zohaib “Zo” Qadri has become the first Muslim elected to the Austin City Council in Texas after winning 51% of the vote in last week’s runoff election against Linda Guerrero.

He will replace Council Member Kathie Tovo, who reached a term limit. Qadri is scheduled to be sworn in on Jan 6.

“Representation matters,” said Qadri, who will represent District 9 which includes downtown Austin, the UT Austin campus area, and portions of Central and South Austin, on the council.

“When I saw folks who looked like me — whether it be in the media or on the news — it was always in a negative light … a villain or the butt of a joke,” he was quoted as saying by KUT, Austin’s NPR station.

During the campaign season, Qadri gained a lot of support among students, and election results showed he polled well in and around UT’s campus.

“We wanted to make sure that every precinct, every neighborhood, every constituency was reached out to,” he said after winning the election on Dec 13. “Whether it be longtime Austinites or young folks who have just moved to the city, I believe everyone deserves to have a voice in City Hall.”

Housing has been at the forefront of every City Council race on Austin’s ballot this go-round — particularly in Central Austin’s District 9.


Qadri said he wants to accurately represent the majority-renter city, and tackle issues including the climate crisis, housing affordability, and public health and safety.

The first-born child of immigrants, Qadri moved to Texas at the age of 12 with his parents and two younger sisters, his website says. After deciding to follow in the footsteps of his mother who worked in a pathology lab and his father who was then an oncologist, Qadri began to pursue an education in science at the University of Texas at Austin.

He switched paths midway to study the structures of political decision-making. He received a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas State and a second graduate degree from Rice in Global Affairs.

Qadri worked on the political campaigns of Beto O’Rourke and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. A local activist and volunteer, he has worked with the Texas Homeless Network, Austin Latino Coalition, and No On Prop B. He also serves on the advisory committee for the Travis County Democratic Party.

source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> Politics / by Arun Kumar / December 22nd, 2022

Sahebaan UAE grand family get-together held in Dubai

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, 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), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DK & UDUPI (Karnataka) / U.A.E & GCC :

Dubai:

Sahebaan UAE, a premier organization for the Urdu-speaking Muslim Community hailing from the twin districts of DK & Udupi, hosted a grand social family get-together followed by gala dinner at Al Jumairah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 4th February 2023 from 5.30 PM onwards.

The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a grand success attended by more than 800 community members from all over UAE, neighboring GCC countries and India. Eminent personalities from the Sahebaan Community graced the occasion.

The event commenced with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Master Fazil Raheel Ali. Althaf M.S Coordinator, Sahebaan UAE welcomed the gathering and stated that Sahebaan UAE has been providing a platform for the community members to come together, connect and strengthen the brotherly bond.

The patrons of the Sahebaan community Janab Hidayathullah Abbas, K.S. Nissar Ahmed and Afroz Assadi were honoured in recognition of their outstanding business achievements and contribution to the local economy, commendable humanitarian service, charity work and unstinted support to Sahebaan UAE and its activities. Janab Syed Siraj Ahmed, Suhail Kudroli, and Althaf Khalife initiated the honoring proceedings.

On behalf of the patrons, Janab Hidayathullah Abbas thanked the organisers and the gathering for the honor bestowed on them. He urged the Community to strive hard for success, prioritize family, help the Community, and give back to society, thus earning goodwill for Sahebaan.

The Chief guest of the evening Janab Kassim Ahmed H.K., founder of Hidaya Foundation Mangalore, while addressing the gathering called for the upliftmemt of the poor and the deprived.

Janab Mohd. Akram, Mohammed Asif, Althaf Khateeb and Irshad Moodbidri conducted the felicitation of Sponsors. Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, Professor at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi & recognised as a top rated scientist by Stanford University and Mrs.Yasmeen Irfan, winner of Foodshala UAE 2022 were honoured on the occasion.

Janab Afroz Assadi Patron and Convenor of Sahebaan UAE presented awards to the talented Sahebaan Youth, namely, Sham Akbar Sheik, Safa Tamadur, Rafa Riyaz Khalife, Daniyal Danish Iqbal, Rafhan Balanthi Baig, Mohd. Rafan, Sheikh Saahir Akbar, Mehek Sheikh, Nuha Riyaz Khalife for excellence in academics.

Anbar Althaf and Saqib Baji for Sports achievement and Anam Aslam for performing arts.

Faizaan Khateeb, Mohd. Samiullaha, Mohd Sufiyan and Abdul Ahad presented a photo journey of Sahebaan UAE through the years.

Well-known bollywood stand-up comedian and mimicry artist Jayvijay Sachan entertained all with his mimicry & comedy. A Sufiana troupe from mumbai mesmerized the crowd throughout the evening with their melodious rendering.

Sahil Zaheer, a fellow Sahebaan and a hugely popular stage & radio artist from Mangalore, compered the program and entertained the crowd with his wit and humor.

Sahebaan Ladies Wing members Sahara Asif, Reena Althaf, Mehek Sheik and Riza Mustafa managed the children’s Program.

The function was sponsored by Hidayath Group, NASH Engineering FZCO, Northern Insurance brokers LLC, Prestige Engineering LLC, Petrosolutions FZCO, Creative House Scaffolding, Advanced Creative Techncial Services, Al Sitara Gulf Contracting, Multiline Technical Co. LLC, Progressive Technology & Services LLC, Sumtech Multiline Trading, Right Choice Trading, Al Bustan Trading, Vertex Engineering, Izza Gold & Diamonds Dubai, Cell Town, Invension Medical Requisities, Core Elements Interior Decoration LLC and Hasmai Mangalore.

The function concluded with a raffle draw and vote of thanks by Syed Mohd. Ajmal.

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

The incredible story of how East African culture shaped the music of a state in India

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , ,

KARNATAKA / GUJARAT / INDIA:

The incredible story of how East African culture shaped the music of a state in India
Siddi children performing Dance Dhamaal in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY-SA

The term Siddi refers to Afro-Indians – Africans who mixed with Indians through marriage and relationships. Africans crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived in India during the 1200s, 1300s and 1400s. They were transported by Islamic invaders and Portuguese colonisers as enslaved people, palace guards, army chiefs, harem keepers, spiritual leaders, Sufi singers singers, dancers and treasurers.

Today, the majority of Siddis are found in the west and south-west of India, in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana states. As they settled, they preserved and practised their African ancestral sociocultural traditions – and also adopted local Indian traditions.

This interweaving of African and Indian cultural values gave birth to various creolised (mixed) food, music and spiritual practices.

As a diversity studies scholar, I have been researching Siddi culture for some time. Working within this community in Gujarat and Karnataka, I found that their creolised cultural practices emerged as a resistance to colonisation, racialisation and victimisation in postcolonial India.

My most recent research – which can also be seen in a new documentary – has focused on the music and dance performances of the Siddi community in Gujarat, called Dhamaals.

The story of Dhamaal performance traditions reveals the rich and complex mixing of cultures in a world shaped by human movement and history.

What are Dhamaals?

Dhamaal is a mix of Sufi and African (mostly East African) musical and dance traditions. It refers particularly to the spiritual practices of the Siddis of Gujarat.

The Siddis begin almost every Dhamaal song by blowing into a conch shell. This is often followed by the slow playing of East African percussion instruments like the musindo and the slow thumping of feet that marks the onset of the singing and dancing Dhamaals. The ritual of foot thumping is a crucial part of spiritual East African dance and musical traditions.

The Siddis are followers of Islam and arrived in India from Muslim communities in East and Central Africa. Dhamaals are performed in memory of their spiritual leaders, among them Bava Gor, Mai Misra, Baba Habash and Sidi Nabi Sultan. According to Siddi folklore they arrived from Ethiopia through the Nubian Valley, Syria and the Indian Ocean to the coast of Kuda in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

Shipping line Shipping ports Railway line
Map: Usifo Omozokpea  Source: Sayan Dey  Created with Datawrapper

Usually, Dhamaal songs and dances are performed to celebrate the anniversary of the birth and death of spiritual leaders. They are performed in two ways – Dance Dhamaal and Baithaaki Dhamaal. The Baithaaki Dhamaal is performed in the sitting position and the Dance Dhamaal is performed in both sitting and dance positions.

During the performance of Baithaaki Dhamaal the focus is more on the lyrics and less on the musical instruments. During Dance Dhamaal the focus is more on the sounds of the instruments. These are often played in a frenzied manner and accompanied by frenzied dance movements. The spiritual songs that are sung during the Dhamaals are known as zikrs.

A mixing of cultures

The creole cultural aspects of Dhamaals are broadly reflected through the Swahili Creole language used to sing the zikrs, the Indian and African musical instruments used to perform them and the Afro-Indian body movements of Dance Dhamaals.

Historically, the Swahili Creole language in India emerged among the Siddis through the mixing of Kiswahili from East Africa with Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu languages from India. As an example, these are the lyrics of one zikr:

Ya bolo sabaya hua wey

Ya bolo sabaya hua wey

Hu sabaya

Salwale Nabi Sultan

This zikr is sung in the praise of Siddi spiritual leader Nabi Sultan, believed to have arrived in Gujarat from the Nubian Valley. The Swahili words that have been used are “hu” (a common expression of consent) and “sabaya” (meaning that everything is alright). The zikr means that with the blessings of Nabi Sultan no evil can befall the Siddis of Gujarat.

The incredible story of how East African culture shaped the music of a state in India
Siddis performing Baithaaki (sitting) Dhamaal in a shrine in Gujarat. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY

The musical instruments used to perform the zikrs are East African percussion instruments. The musindo, for example, is a cylinder-shaped, two-sided drum from Kenya. The misr kanga is a small, funnel-shaped instrument from Ethiopia, containing small stones. The mugarman is a large, cylinder-shaped, one-sided drum from Tanzania. These are played along with traditional Indian musical instruments. These include the harmonium (a keyboard instrument) and the dholak (a two-headed hand drum). The intermingling of Indian and African musical instruments generates creole rhythmscapes which are traditionally African and Indian at the same time.

During the Dance Dhamaal, the hand and the body movements of the Dhamaal dancers in Gujarat are very similar to the Ngoma dancers of East Africa. The Ngoma dancers thump their feet and swing their arms sideways to the rhythm of drums. The Dhamaal dancers also swing their arms sideways, but the thumping of feet depends on the context of their dance. During religious occasions, for example, the foot thumping is slow. This is because the Siddis follow many spiritual aspects of the Sufi tradition. For Sufis, heavy and frenzied feet thumping is prohibited when worshipping spiritual leaders.

Transoceanic roots

These creolised musical and dance performances allow the Siddis in Gujarat to maintain their African ancestral practices. They do so in collaboration with Indian practices so that they do not forget their historical roots yet can respect local traditions at the same time.

Siddis performing Baithaaki (sitting) Dhamaal in a shrine in Gujarat. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY

These creole practices have allowed the community to build a transoceanic identity (one which crosses the oceans). This is done in a collaborative, reciprocal and diverse way.

The Dhamaal tradition of the Siddis has socially, culturally and economically empowered the community as well. Several community members, through the assistance of government and private organisations, travel across India and the world to perform at cultural festivals. This encourages the Siddis to share their creolised cultural values across the globe.

This in turn invites audiences to consider history through an interracial and intercultural lens.

source: http://www.theconversation.com / The Conversation / Home> Global / by Sayan Dey, University of Witwatersrand / February 03rd, 2023

Bohra community leader gets top honours

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , ,

INDIA :

President William Ruto awards the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community Syedena Mufaddal Saifuddin on Monday.[PCS]

His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community, was among 460 people who were feted by President William Ruto on Jamhuri Day.

Saifuddin received the most prestigious award ​of the Order of the Golden Heart for his philanthropic contributions across the world, including in Kenya.

He was among the leaders invited by President Ruto to this year’s celebrations on Monday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxGgOs4EnTE&t=2s

Speaking during the ceremony at the State House, the president thanked Saifuddin for supporting the government’s low-cost housing initiative as well as the ongoing drought relief efforts.

“We are collaborating with the Dawoodi Bohra community to build low-cost houses to address challenges facing low-income earners, especially in the informal settlements,” said Ruto.

Bohra community has established affordable houses in Athi River and Rongai.

The President acknowledged the role of Saifuddin in philanthropy across the world and his leadership role in fostering inter-faith dialogue.

Saifuddin joined the list of eminent personalities who have previously received the highest award in Kenya for their exemplary work.

Others include Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Aga Khan Shah Karim al-Husayni. 

Saifuddin was previously presented with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart award during the inauguration of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah’s Nairobi campus in 2017, the third campus of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s educational institute. 

The award was in recognition of his efforts for the cause of education and literacy. The campus, inaugurated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, offers higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate studies to more than 900 students from 24 countries in various disciplines.

In efforts to restore indigenous tree species, the Bohra community’s spiritual leader donated 76,000 seed balls to Kenya in 2019, which were planted near the Amboseli National Park to mark his 76th birthday.

The East Africa region has more than 10,000 community members and Kenya is home to about 5,500, mostly concentrated in Nairobi and Mombasa and a smaller population in Nakuru, Malindi, Lamu, Kisumu, Eldoret and Kitui. 

Saifuddin is expected to meet the community members and deliver sermons in the course of his visit.

source: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke / The Standard, Kenya / Home> National / by Jacinta Mutura / December 16th, 2022

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Indian-origin businessman/philanthropist Dr.Shamsheer Vayalil donates Rs 11 crore for victims

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , ,

KERALA / Dubai, UAE:

The United Arab Emirates-based entrepreneur/ philanthropist who hails from Kerala donated Rs 11 crore to help relocate the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria last week, killing tens of thousands.

An earthquake ravaged Turkey.
An earthquake ravaged Turkey

Indian-origin businessman Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, who is the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has donated Rs 11 crore as an aid for the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, killing tens of thousands last week.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based entrepreneur/ philanthropist who hails from Kerala donated Rs 11 crore to help relocate the quake victims. The fund will be used to relocate those who have lost their homes and rehabilitate victims and families, the VPS Group, owned by Shamsheer Vayalil, informed.

Vayalil has said that the amount has already been handed over to the Emirates Red Crescent, which is carrying out relief efforts in the region.

“The fund will be used to support rescue efforts by providing medicine and other supplies, relocating those who have lost their homes, and rehabilitating victims and their families,” the VPS group, which owns the super-speciality VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, said in a release.

“This donation is part of our ongoing efforts to provide assistance to the relief work. My heart goes out to all affected by the devastating earthquake, and I hope this contribution will support their needs,” Vayalil said.

Thousands were displaced after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region on February 6, killing more than 34,000 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / Money Control / Home> News> World (headline edited) / February 14th, 2023

The Indian restaurant bringing a taste of home to UAE since 1979

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH / Dubai & Sharjah, U.A.E:

Al Afadhil’s branches in Dubai and Sharjah are known for their spiced, slow-cooked kebabs.

Syed Jafar Husain started the restaurant in 1979. Photo: Husain family
Syed Jafar Husain started the restaurant in 1979. Photo: Husain family

When Syed Jafar Husain arrived in the UAE from India in the 1970s he longed for home.

Like countless others who came in search of a better life, he missed family and friends but there was also one other important ingredient missing — the food.

He longed for the spiced, slow-cooked kebabs and thick sweet lassi of his native Lucknow.

Mr Husain left his job in sales and opened a small restaurant named Al Afadhil dedicated to the traditional food of his home city.

He never hired a chef and made the food himself. Al Afadhil first opened on Dubai Creek in 1979 and moved several times before settling in its current location in Al Nahda, Sharjah in 1990.

View of the Al Afadhil restaurant in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National
View of the Al Afadhil restaurant in Sharjah. Pawan Singh / The National

Today, trucks from the adjacent industrial area rumble past the dark wooden doors, while the clank of weights drifts across from a nearby gym. On the side of the wall is a simple sign stating: “Lucknow Kabab”. Inside is a collection of small tables and booths. A simple menu, barely unchanged in decades, lists only seven recipes.

An old menu from Al Afadhil restaurant. Photo: Husain family
An old menu from Al Afadhil restaurant. Photo: Husain family

Mr Husain died in 2018 but his legacy is being carried on by his two sons, Mohammed, 30, and Mustafa, 27.

It has become renowned among generations from Lucknow and, to this day, has only a handful of items on the menu.

“My dad simply missed the traditional food of Lucknow,” said Mohammed. “In the early 1980s there just weren’t as many options.”

One of the specialities is “galouti kebab” that takes about 14 hours to prepare. The dish has its roots in the historic royal kitchens of Lucknow and consists of tenderised, soft lamb mixed with spices, slow-cooked and served with a tamarind chutney that is a family secret.

This dish costs just under Dh14. A thick sweet lassi that people dip their paratha into is also a favourite.

“Nothing can be changed in the recipe,” said Mohammed. The two brothers work seven days a week from 4am to the afternoon to ensure they respect their father’s legacy.

Customers who have left the UAE have also spread the name of the restaurant far and wide. They even catered a wedding in Bonn, Germany. “We have fans across the world,” said Mohammed. “They tell us our food has to be there when they have guests over.”

Al Afadhil (it loosely translates as “generous”) moved from its first location in Dubai to Sharjah’s Bank Street in the 1980s. Bank Street has since been restored to a heritage area known as the Heart of Sharjah but it was here where the restaurant made its name. Scores of workers in offices and banks there came in droves in search of a taste of home.

“Customers used to fight to get into the place,” said Mohammed, with a smile. “The majority of the crowd told dad to increase their prices and stop giving it for cheap but he said no. He never wanted to overcharge. To this day customers say the same. We say no.”

After Bank Street, it moved to Al Nahda. A second branch opened in Dubai’s Karama in 2014 which is now the most popular of the two.

A second branch of Al Afadhil restaurant opened in Dubai's Karama in 2014. Pawan Singh / The National
A second branch of Al Afadhil restaurant opened in Dubai’s Karama in 2014. Pawan Singh / The National

The pandemic and rising costs hit the business, but now the brothers said it is back to about 60 per cent of what it was.

Today they employ more than 20 staff across two branches. People from the Lucknow community travel from across the UAE to eat there, while it also attracts celebrities from the cricket and entertainment world.

“My dad never thought of customers’ money,” said Mustafa. “He just wanted them to be happy.”

Mohammed said: “It is more than 40 years of legacy here. If we can improve and provide the same quality, then we will be following in our dad’s footsteps.”

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> UAE / by John Dennehy / February 04th, 2023

Masjid Hajira Hassan, Sullia Community Centre of SECT to be inaugurated on February 12

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sullia Taluk (Dakshina Kannada District) , KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru:

The inaugural ceremony of the Masjid Hajira Hassan and Sullia Community Centre is being organized by the Sullia Educational and Charitable Trust (SECT) on Sunday, February 12.

The Masjid and Community Centre will be inaugurated by Mohammed Yunus Hassan, entrepreneur, Al Khobar and trustee, Team B-Human, at 9.30 am on Sunday, SECT has said in a press release.

The inaugural will be held in the presence of T Arif Ali, general secretary, JIH; Maulana Shoaib Hussaini Nadwi, Khateeb, Kutchi Memon Masjid, Mangaluru; Muhammed Kunhi, Khateb, Masjidul Huda, Thokkottu; Hussain Kamil Saqafi, Khateeb, Juma Masjid, Shanti Nagar, Velam; Maulana Yahya Thangal Madani, Khateeb, Havva Juma Masjid, Bolangady; U T Khader, MLA, Mangalore Constituency, former Minister for Urban Development and Housing; Sri Angara S, MLA, Sullia Constituency and Minister of State for Fisheries; A K M Ashraf, Member of Kerala Assembly; B M Farooq, MLC, Karnataka; Zakariya Jokatte, CEO, Al Muzain Saudi Arabia and trustee, Hidaya Foundation; M Sharif Bolar, CEO, Whitestone Group, Saudi Arabia, and trustee, Team B-Human; Mr. Vinay Kumar Kundadka, president, Sullia Town Panchayat; and Mr. M B Sadashiva, state spokesperson, JDS Karnataka, said the Trust.

SECT has added that Riyaz Kattekar, Mrs. Sushila Channappa and Shareef (Kanti) members of Sullia Town Panchayat; Sheik Karnire, MD, Expertise Group, Saudi Arabia; Mansoor Azad, MD, Azad Group, and chairman, Hidayah Foundation; Riyaz Bava, Bava Group and vice-chairperson, Hidayah Foundation; H U Farooq Tarikere, former president of Tarikere Municipality; Inayath Ali Mulki, general secretary, KPCC; Shahul Hamid Ujire, Well Done Group, Saudi Arabia, and president, Al Khobar unit of Team-B Human; Hanif Golthamajal, Hajaj Group, and president of Mangaluru unit, Hidayah Foundation; Mohammed Basheer, Al Falak, Saudi Arabia, and president of Jubail unit, Team-B Human; Ibrahim, Baikampady; K Ahmed Bava, MD, Deals Group; Abdul Salam, CEO, Raqwani Group, Saudi Arabia; Ibrahim M Hussain, MD, Raqwani Group, Saudi Arabia; Mohammed Wazir, vice-president, Sullia Community Centre; Salman Noor Hasan, S/o Late Hajira Hassan; H K Kasim Ahmed, founder-chairperson, Hidaya Foundation; Ashkaf Abdul Hameed; CEO, Plant Solutions; Dr. Abdul Majeed U, general surgeon, Mangaluru; S E Mohammed Kunhi, Koynad; Muhammad Ali, Tamarachery, Sullia; Ibrahim Goonadka, Abdulla P M, Abbas B, Dr. Umar Beejadakatte, Abdul Razak K C and Mohammed Noorullah of Sullia; K M Shareef of Mangaluru; Abdussalam U, Nazim-e-Ilaqa, JIH, Mangaluru Region, and Asif Deals, chairperson of Team-B Human, Mangaluru, Abdul Nasir Luckystar, chairperson of Dakshina Kannada District Wakf Advisory Committee, have been specially invited for the inaugural.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 09th, 2023

Dr. Abdul Salem of Ideal Indian School lauds contributions of HIF Qatar at annual meeting

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangalore, KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR :

Doha:

The HIF Qatar held its 8th Annual General Meeting at Maaza Restaurant on Friday, 3rd February 2023. The program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Master Moiz and Master Shafee. HIF Qatar Unit President Shafakath Hussain welcomed the gathering.

The meeting featured a presentation by Rizwan Ahmed on the overall activities of HIF and future objectives.

The chief guest of the event, Dr. Abdul Salem, founder of Ideal Indian School, addressed the gathering and appreciated the works of HIF. He emphasized the importance of implementing the five values – namely respect, responsibility, excellence, integrity and collaboration – in day-to-day life.

Prominent guests, including Abdul Razak, President of South Kanara Welfare Association; Fayaz Ahmed, President of Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association; Saqib Raza, President of Hidaya Foundation; Ayub Ullal, President of Qatar Indian Social forum; Mohammed Javed, President of Family Friend Circle; and Sheikh Usman, In-charge of Karnataka Unit-Indian Friend Circle, were in attendance at the meeting. They spoke about the importance of collaboration between organizations for the greater good of the community.

In the meeting, the members remembered the contributions of S.M. Basheer to the society who passed away recently.

Shahim, secretary of the HIF Qatar unit, gave the vote of thanks. Imran Mohammed was the master of ceremony.

The meeting was a successful demonstration of HIF’s commitment to community development and collaboration.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / VarthaBharati.in / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 05th, 2023

Meet Hyderabad-origin Dr Raghib Ali who was awarded OBE in UK

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA / UNITED KINGDOM:

OBE is one of the most prestigious honors awarded in the UK and is given to individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

 Hyderabad-origin Dr Raghib Ali

Dr. Raghib Ali, a renowned physician in the UK, was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Prince William in a ceremony held at the historic Windsor Castle. The award, presented by the Prince of Wales, recognizes Dr. Ali’s contributions to the NHS and the COVID-19 response.

Dr. Ali’s achievements in the field of medicine are well-known and have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. His dedication to his patients and his innovative approach to medicine have set him apart from his peers and earned him a reputation as one of the leading medical professionals in the UK.

Order of the British Empire

The OBE is one of the most prestigious honors awarded in the UK and is given to individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Dr. Ali’s award is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it reflects the respect and admiration that he has earned from his colleagues, patients, and the wider

Dr. Raghib Ali is Our Future Health’s Chief Medical Officer, an Honorary Consultant in Acute Medicine at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Senior Clinical Research Associate at the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Public Health Research Center and Associate Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi.

In March 2020, he took leave from his university work and volunteered to return, unpaid, to frontline NHS duties and worked on the frontline in all four waves of COVID-19.

In October 2020 he was appointed as an unpaid independent expert adviser on COVID-19 and ethnicity to the UK Government’s Race Disparity Unit and subsequently worked closely with Equalities Office, the NHS, the media, and community organizations to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.

Graduated from Cambridge University

Dr. Raghib Ali graduated from Cambridge University in 2000 and has been awarded postgraduate degrees in Epidemiology and Public Health from the Universities of London, Cambridge and Oxford and was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2013. 

He has been involved in health inequalities research since 2004 – as secretary of the UK Biobank ethnicity subgroup, Director of the INDOX Cancer Research Network and as Principal Investigator for the first study of cancer incidence by individual ethnic group in England.

He is also the Principal Investigator for the UAE Healthy Future Study investigating risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Dr. Raghib Ali’s has strong family ties to Hyderabad. His dad (late) Mir Irshad Ali attended Osmania University and migrated to the UK in 1963. He was well known in the immigrant community, and he combined his professional career as an accountant with a life-long commitment to community service in various towns and cities across the UK. Dr. Ali’spaternal grandfather (late) Mir Sajjad Ali was a Finance Secretary for the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Ali is married with three children, and he loves to visit Hyderabad whenever his busy schedule allows. 

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home / by Guest Contributor / posted by Sameer Khan / February 05th, 2023