Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Boston (Massachusetts), U.S.A.:
Photo: twitter.com/swachhhyd/
Omar Khalidi Hall, named after the late renowned Hyderabadi scholar, was inaugurated at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on Thursday. The hall, which now houses Khalidi’s personal library comprising scores of rare books, marks a significant milestone for the university.
The collaborative efforts of Khalidi’s daughter Aliya Khalidi, his wife Nigar Sultana Khalidi, historian Prof Salma Farooqui leading MANUU’s H.K. Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies, the United States Consulate General in Hyderabad, and admirers of the Hyderabad scholar based in the USA made it possible to bring his personal library back to his hometown of Hyderabad.
Khalidi’s library is an impressive collection with over 1,000 Urdu, English, Persian, French, German, and French titles. It covers a wide range of subjects including the history, culture, and administration of the Deccan, Hyderabad State, Golconda, religion, Sufis and Sufism, heritage, and numerous journals. Notably, the collection includes rare books such as L’Inde Anglaise, published in 1845, The Hindu reported.
Khalidi’s strong connection with his hometown led him to compile an exhaustive list of books on Hyderabad’s history, culture, and archaeology. Many of these books were either unknown or had faded from public memory due to the passage of time.
Apart from his personal library, Khalidi was also renowned for his authored works. His book Khaki and Ethnic Violence in India explored the complexities of religious composition within the armed forces and police, as well as the Muslim community. L.K. Advani had verbally attacked Khalidi for the book and reportedly acknowledged that the book provided “inspiration to the Sachar Committee to seek a communal census in the Armed forces.”
Among his other important works were Muslims in Indian Economy and Hyderabad: After the Fall, a collection of essays edited by Khalidi.
Khalidi, who worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture, passed away on November 29, 2010, leaving behind a significant intellectual legacy.
The inauguration of Omar Khalidi Hall at MANUU on Thursday not only celebrates the life and work of this distinguished scholar but also provides a valuable resource for students and researchers. The inclusion of Khalidi’s personal library in the hall will serve as a source of inspiration, enabling a deeper understanding of Hyderabad’s history, culture, and heritage.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by The Cognate News Desk / June 16th, 2023
The winner of the game Sahajan Mohammad who hails from Jaspur town of Odisha works as a chef at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi:
A 28-year-old United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Indian expatriate won the grand prize of Dirhams 20,000 (Rs 4,48,927) in Dream Island’s scratch card game.
The winner of the game Sahajan Mohammad who hails from Jaspur town of Odisha works as a chef at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Mohammad has tried his luck at different raffle draws in the past to no avail.
On June 7, he purchased scratch cards through an ongoing promotion and won a free ticket.
Mohammad has decided to contribute a portion of his winnings towards assisting the victims of a tragic train accident that took place in his hometown. The accident killed at least 288 people and injured more than 1,000 people.
He will also use the prize money for construction expenses and some for his relatives who are in need and struggling for their livelihood.
“I am flying home on June 25. I have become a father now. I will be meeting my baby girl. She has brought this luck,” an elated Mohammad told Khaleej Times.
About Dream Island
Dream Island, the UAE’s gaming platform rewards players with the chance to win cash prizes by playing a selection of games.
With each play charged between Dirhams 10 and Dirhams 50, participants have the chance to win prizes of different sizes – the largest being Dirhams 10 million.
The rules and prizes of different Dream Island games vary, as do the prize amounts.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Middle East> UAE / by Sakina Fatima / June 10th, 2023
Ganjimutt (Mangaluru), KARNATAKA / Jubail, SAUDI ARABIA:
Al Jubail :
The Elite Cup – Saudi Arabia 2023 sports tournament will be held on a grand scale in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
The tournament, which will be held at Expertise sports grounds, Al Jubail from May 10 to 12, is being organised by Elite Support Contracting Company CEO Ijaz Ganjimutt, a resident of Ganjimutt in Mangaluru, for the promotion of the company.
The trophy, jersey and final draw of the tournament were unveiled at Al Jubail Cocoon restaurant on April 29. Company CEO Ijaz Ahmed Ganjimutt, company founder Ibrahim Al Rowaishid, Expertise Company’s Abdul Azeez, Excelsion Company’s Razin were present.
Company’s organising committee members, Elite Company employees and entire cricket tournament in charge, Zameer and Safwan were also present. The captains of 12 teams that will be participating in the tournament sported the new jerseys that were released.
Janab Sayyed Shekabba, Janab Mohammed Ashfak, Janab Mohammed Asif and Janab Mohammed Ijaz who gave the ground for the tournament were thanked by company CEO Mohammed Ijaz on the occasion.
The concluding programme of the tournament will be held on a grand scale at the grounds on May 13. Specially invited artists Tulunada Manikya, Arvind Bolar, Umesh Mijar, Mohammed Iqbal Katipalla and international host and dost Sahil Zaheer will participate in the programme.
The programme will not be restricted only for cricket but will also have food fest, kid games, music and family events along with a lucky draw besides other spot games.
The first prize of the tournament will consist of Elite cup and cash prizes of more than Rs 7 lacs. The second prize will be worth more than Rs 4 lacs in cash.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Media Release – Daijiworld Media Network – Saudi Arabia / May 01st, 2023
The city of Preston in the UK has elected Gujarat-born Yakub Patel as its first Indian-origin Muslim Mayor for 2023-24 following the completion of Councillor Neil Darby’s term in office.
In his new role, Patel will chair council meetings, and act as ceremonial head representing the city at engagements throughout their year in office.
“I am honoured and delighted to become the Mayor of Preston, a city I am proud to call my home. I hope to make positive differences to the communities that I serve and also provide additional support through my Mayoral charities for the coming year,” Patel said.
Prior to his new role, Patel has been serving as the city’s Deputy Mayor since May 2022.
The long serving councillor has been undertaking civic duties and hosted the visit of the Royal Family in summer alongside the then Mayor.
“…It gives me great pleasure to be handing over the chains of office to the Mayor-elect, Councillor Yakub Patel. The last year has been the most outstanding experience of my life and it has been a huge honour to have been the Mayor of our fabulous city,” Preston’s outgoing Mayor Darby wrote in a tweet.
Birth and Migration to UK
Born in Bharuch, Gujarat, Patel graduated from M S University of Baroda with a degree in BA and MA in English Literature. He came to the UK in June 1976 and started his career in 1979 with Preston Corporation.
Patel also held roles as a Revenue Inspector, Traffic Inspector, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector and Operations Manager before he retired on July 4, 2009.
Political Career
He has been involved in politics since the age of 10 when he started canvassing and delivering leaflets for his late father, who was a strong supporter and a member of the Congress party.
He was first elected as a Labour Party councillor for Avenham Ward in 1995 and was the first Muslim councillor in the history of Preston City Council.
In addition, Patel was also elected as a Lancashire County Councillor for Preston West Division during 2001-2009.
The new Mayor is also an active member of the local community and serves as a co-opted member for Preston Jamea Mosque and Preston Muslim Burial Society.
He is a school governor for Frenchwood Community Primary School. Rosemere Cancer, Preston Domestic Violence Services and Emmaus will be Patel’s Mayoral Charities for 2023-24.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United Kingdom / by IANS / May 23rd, 2023
Healthvarsity LLC, the GCC region’s biggest online learning platform for health professionals, using AI and blockchain technology, was launched in Dubai on Wednesday by one of the region’s pioneers in healthcare and medical education.
Headquartered and registered in Dublin, Ireland, Healthvarsity is the brainchild of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder president of Healthvarsity and Thumbay Group, the Dubai-based international business conglomerate, with operations across a wide range of verticals, including education and healthcare.
Designed to positively impact healthcare professionals by helping them progress in their careers, the new EdTech venture offers currently more than 200 courses-which can be paid for in cryptocurrency. The platform aims to expand the reach and accessibility of well-defined programs for up-skilling doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and aspiring medical students, among others. Going forward, the platform will also introduce features such as an AI-based Virtual Instructor, AI-based Virtual Mentor and AI-based Virtual Assessor.
Dr. Moideen, Founder President of Healthvarsity, introduced the platform to 200 stakeholders and guests attending the official launch ceremony today at the Palazzo Versace Hotel, Dubai.
Guests of honour present at the ceremony included Dr. Richard Grose, Dean for Global Engagement, Professor of Cancer Cell Biology, Queen Mary University of London, UK, and Mrs. Wendy Palmer, Director, Global Studio, Deakin University, Australia. They were among a panel of international experts who took part in a multi-stage process to design the Healthvarsity audio-visual courses and full curriculum.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Moideen said: “Healthvarsity embodies the highly engaged, focused, interactive and unique learning that has been a hallmark of medical education programs for decades. The interconnected world that we live in has experienced unprecedented growth in recent times, and preparing healthcare professionals to succeed in this challenging environment demands a flexible and real world-based approach to education.”
“Healthvarsity will, thus, provide a powerful channel for communicating ideas to and engaging with new and wider audiences, nurturing lifelong journey of enquiry and discovery and achieve better career outcomes using latest technology.”
Healthvasity courses are available in the English language for all users, at different designations and levels of education and professional experience, from students to administrators, doctors, and other healthcare professions. After the initial registration, users can select courses optimally meeting their professional requirements from several options, including diploma, advanced certificate courses, master classes and self-study programmes. On completion of each course, they receive a certificate on blockchain to maintain security and authenticity.
Healthvasity offerings are differentiated by multiple course styles, including recorded webinars, guided tours, case studies, test preparation, demonstrations, and leaders’ insights.
Mrs. Wendy Palmer, Director, Global Studio, Deakin University, Australia, “We are honored, excited and proud to partner with Healthvarsity to lead the transformation in medical education. With unique set of courses, the platform will provide not only provide easily accessible tool for professionals and learners in refining their skills and increasing the accuracy of their work, but will also bring together renowned academicians of the world on one platform to make the Halthvarsity the center of engagement for research, innovation, education and collaboration in the years to come.”
Fee structure for students, and revenue model for instructors, are built on a robust and forward-looking economic model. Partnering local banks, payment gateways, ‘Learn now and pay later’, Healthvarsity offers easy and flexible payment methods for learners to make healthcare education more accessible, and economically sustainable, to enable future investment and growth.
Dr. Richard Grose, Dean for Global Engagement, Professor of Cancer Cell Biology, Queen Mary University of London, UK: “We are excited to join forces with Healthvarsity to equip health professionals, learners in the region, and beyond, with the essential skills they need to achieve better career outcomes. Learners across the world have embraced online learning at a greater pace since the beginning of the pandemic. And, therefore, expanding our range of partnerships with some of the region’s pioneers in medical education and research, we look forward to continuing to deliver transformational, relevant learning to everyone.”
The panel responsible for designing the Healthvarsity courses and curriculum also included experts from University of Arizona (USA), Medi-AI (Australia), Skills for Health – UK, e-Integrity (UK), Learna (UK), AIN Shams (Egypt), Raaonline (India), The Behavioral Training Institute (Ireland), IBCCES (USA), Arlington Medical Academy (UK), Gulf Medical University (UAE), Thumbay Labs (UAE), Advanced Laparoscopic Training (United Kingdom), Newcastle Australia – Singapore, AIO Compass (Japan).
About Healthvarsity
The Healthvarsity registered in Ireland, aims to positively impact healthcare professionals by helping them progress in their careers. The newly established ed-tech venture is a brainchild of the visionary leader in Healthcare and Medical Education, Dr. Thumbay Moideen.
Healthcare and alternative medicine are growing sectors, and the demand for working professionals in these segments has seen a meteoric rise in recent times. Accredited health courses provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience to stand out and develop the tools they need for a rewarding career. The objective of this platform is to make healthcare education more accessible, engaging, and beneficial for people everywhere. Healthvarsity courses are organized to help focus on learning with a more comprehensive study of key topics related to health, wellness and beyond.
Healthvarsity will provide professional development, career-focused education, and in-demand healthcare programs in a self-paced online format. Enrolling in online courses is an excellent way to demonstrate commitment to a healthcare specialization.
About Thumbay Group
Founded by Dr. Thumbay Moideen in 1997, Thumbay Group is a diversified international business conglomerate with operations across different verticals. These include education, healthcare, medical research, diagnostics, retail pharmacy, health communications, retail opticals, wellness, nutrition stores, hospitality, real estate, publishing, technology, media, events, medical tourism, trading and marketing & distribution. Headquartered in Dubai, the group presently employs around 3,000 people.
Thumbay Group is committed to provide quality care to the community. The Thumbay Hospital Network, which today has the distinction of being the biggest chain of private academic hospitals in the region, treats patients from as many as 175 countries. Thumbay Group’s Healthcare Division operates eight academic hospitals, ten family clinics and medical centers, five diagnostic labs, and 46 retail pharmacy outlets.
Thumbay Group’s pioneering role in the GCC has helped establish the UAE as a regional hub of futuristic medical education, state-of-the-art healthcare, and cutting-edge research.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / May 03rd, 2023
Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim served time on Robben Island as a political prisoner alongside Nelson Mandela.
Dr Aboubaker Ebrahim Dangor is known for his ground-breaking physics research.
National Orders winners (Photo | Presidency | South Africa Twitter)
Johannesburg :
Two South African Indian-origin citizens, the late struggle icon Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim and scientist Dr Aboubaker Ebrahim Dangor, were among the many recipients of National Orders when President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted the annual event in Pretoria on Friday.
National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa country bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and have made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
The National Orders also recognise the contributions made by individuals towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in our Constitution.
Popularly known as ‘Ebie’, Ebrahim passed away after a long illness in December 2019, shortly before his autobiography ‘Beyond Fear — Reflections of a Freedom Fighter’ was released by his wife Shannon.
Ebrahim served time on Robben Island as a political prisoner alongside Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and others.
After his father was arrested twice for defying laws that restricted the movement of Indians in South Africa, he joined the liberation struggle at the age of 13.
Ebrahim often shared how he had been inspired by the Satyagraha style of Mahatma Gandhi, which he used in his passionate representation of the ANC in global conflict situations in Sri Lanka, Palestine, Rwanda, Kosovo, Bolivia and Nepal.
After his release, Ebrahim went into exile to continue his work with the ANC, but was abducted by apartheid-era security police from neighbouring Swaziland, tortured and sentenced to a second term on Robben Island. He obtained two university degrees while on Robben Island.
After the release of all political prisoners and the election of Mandela as South Africa’s first democratic president, Ebrahim served in various capacities, including as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Counsellor to Mandela.
Ebrahim’s citation said he was receiving the Order of Luthuli in Gold for his lifelong commitment to the liberation of all South Africans. “He lived by the courage of his conviction and became a formidable opponent to the repressive apartheid government,” it read.
Shannon Ebrahim described her late husband as a “gentle giant, even to his family.”
“He inspired us with his undiluted moral values, his absolute commitment to transform South Africa for the better (even beyond political liberation), and his willingness to engage warring factions in conflicts around the world as a peacemaker. He was the essence of humility and never expected recognition for any of the hardships he endured throughout his life in the cause for freedom,” she said.
His one hope was that South Africans would read his memoir “Beyond Fear” to better understand what revolutionaries of his generation went through to bring about a new South Africa, his wife added.
“(Our children) Sarah, Kadin and I miss him dearly, but will always cherish his legacy,” she said.
“Dr Dangor was awarded the Order of Luthuli in Silver — for his admirable and distinguished contribution to the field of science through his ground-breaking research in physics,” his citation read.
Dangor has been based in the UK since he went there to continue his studies after getting his first Honours degree at Wits University in 1961.
He could not return home permanently because the white minority apartheid government denied entry to his wife from Bermuda, as she was of Black descent.
Widely published in academic journals, Dangor has also overseen scores of doctorate candidates in his career.
“It is particularly humbling for me that the first recipient of the Award was Nelson Mandela, our first post-apartheid president. I hope that being the recipient of this award will encourage the youth in the sciences in South Africa,” Dangor said.
Dangor’s niece, Zubeda Dangor, founder and director of Nisaa Institute for Women in Johannesburg, said he was very shy and did not like the limelight.
He could not attend the ceremony and his award was accepted by his grandnephew Mohammed Raees Dangor.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> World / by PTI / April 30th, 2023
Warangal, TELANGANA / Longrove Village Board (Illinois), U.S.A :
Dr Mohammed Jameel NRI has become the First Indian American Muslim to be elected for LongGrove village Board elections.
Speaking on this occasion in winning celebrations in Long Grove Dr. Jameel thanked the voters of Long Grove who voted for him and urged the community to increase participation in civic activities and build a strong community which thereby can lead to more participative and inclusive participation in all levels of Government.
Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim was the Chief Guest and congratulated him .
Dr Jameel is very active in Local politics heads the Americans Democratic Forum and has supported in win of the first Indian Muslim woman Nabeela Syed as a state representative in the state of Illinois.
Dr Jameel is also very active in all spheres of engagement socially and politically in India as chairman of the Indian Americans forum .
He belong to warangal India and graduated from Deccan medical college.
Many eminent personalities both from India and USA congratulated him on his success prominent amongst them is the President of DAANA Moizuddin.
Alumni association from his school Y SUNITHA, Inner wheel president Dr. Ashish Chauhan MD, Tarun Joshi IPS, Zaheeruddin Ali Khan Editor Siasat, Padmaja Shaw former prof of communications OU .
From the US Dr. Rehan khan ISPJ Washington, Holly Kim Lake county Treasurer, CK Schmidt chief Ela democrat, Roy Manthena Dalit activist Newyork, Irshad khan ex-chairman CIOGC congratulated him on being elected and wished him all success .
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Election / by Shifa (headline edited) / April 06th, 2023
Just an 11-year-old girl astonishes the world with her extraordinary development skills. She recently created an AI Application that uses advanced models to determine eye diseases or serious conditions such as Melanoma, Cataracts, etc. Read below about this creative Kerala-origin girl.
An 11-year-old Dubai-based girl called Leena Rafeeq has designed a modernistic application integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This young girl from Kerala proclaimed that this smart app can locate common eye disorders and symptoms. Moreover, this can be determined through a unique scanning method built into the app and only the iPhone supports this advanced model so far.
iPhone users will be able to check their eye-related problems and conditions with 70 per cent accuracy. The intelligent app that has been going viral for a couple of days has been named ‘Ogler EyeScan’ by Ms Leena Rafeeq. She was just 10 when she built it and now after so much research at the age of 11, she exuberantly launched it.
Self-taught Techie
On a social media platform called LinkedIn, she vividly presented the model. She further expounded the workings of her self-made in an online video that she posted online after which several viewers are impressed with her knowledge and skill set.
She asserted that this AI-based application has the capability to evaluate various parameters. The specifications include light and colour intensity, distance and look-up points in order to track down the eyes.
It scans the human eyes within the available range of the frame and this is possible through the “advanced computer vision and machine learning” used in this model’s design.
Features of ‘Ogler EyeScan App’
Leena Rafeeq explains her exceptional achievement and said that the Ogler EyeScan App can also identify any light burst issues. Additionally, this app will first check the eye positioning inside the scanner frame and after that through advanced technological scanning procedures, it can identify some of the common eye problems.
Built with Machine Learning Algorithms and Computer Vision Systems, eye conditions like Arcus, Melanoma, Pterygium and Cataracts can be checked however 70% accurate results have been recognized till now.
How AI App is developed?
Ms Rafeeq told that this smart technology app was developed natively with high-level programming developer ‘SwiftUI’ without the involvement of any third-party libraries or packages. She also reveals that she dedicated herself for almost six months to conducting research and development to come up with this initiative.
Along with this, she continued her learning about different eye conditions, computer vision, algorithms, machine learning models and other advanced levels of Apple iOS development which involves sensors data, AR, CreateML, CoreML and many such tools.
It is notable that the Ogler EyeScan is supported solely in iPhone 10 or Apple phones with iOS above 16. The app is under review on the App Store and this young girl hopes that her model gets listed soon.
Appraisal of her Project
This young Kerala girl leaves many flabbergasted by the invention of such a little girl. People congratulated her as she attains this level at this age. A user commented that this is a pretty good example of how AI can be effectively used in the health sector.
Another goes on to say that this is such an amazing creation and wished her good luck with her future endeavours. They all wished her positive reviews on her app. Ms Rafeeq responded that the model accuracy is “almost 70 per cent”.
However, she is handling some difficulties with the presence of glare and burst from lights caused by the distance required for capturing scans through the phone device. She has implemented metrics and detection for light-related issues so that the users will be able to re-scan. Her current focus is on training more elegant models. As soon as Ogler is accepted by the Appstore, she will be releasing an update in the software.
source: http://www.jagranjosh.com / Jagran Josh / Home> Current Affairs> Science – Technology Current Affairs / (headline edited) April 2023
Indian Muslims are having their own ‘spring’. It may not have the shape of an organised movement, and we may not see people going around waving banners or picketing ‘mullahs’, but it is genuine, widespread, and it looks like it is here to stay.
pic: Amazon
Editor’s note: Firstpost contributor Hassan Suroor has written a book that looks at the Muslim community in India today. He explores and dismantles the stereotypes and holds up a mirror to their reality. Here’s an excerpt from Suroor’s India’s Muslim Spring: Why is Nobody Talking About It?
Let me confess that this is not the book I set out to write. The book I had in mind was about the unchanging face of Muslim fundamentalism in India. But barely a few weeks into research, I discovered I was completely on the wrong track. The big story staring me in the face was quite the opposite— far from flourishing, Muslim fundamentalism was actually dying a slow death. As I travelled across the country and spoke to people, I found that over the past decade there had been a profound change in the Muslim mindset. Today’s Indian Muslim, I discovered, was altogether a different species—educated, aware, wiser, less sectarian and more pragmatic ….
Away from the sensational headlines about Islamic extremism, a quiet revolution is taking place. The Muslim discourse has moved on from an obsessive focus on sectarian demands (does anyone remember the last big debate on Muslim Personal Law, for example?) to the more secular bread-and-butter issues. Where once the dinner table talk in Muslim households was unremittingly negative and pessimistic (it was all about how Muslims were being ‘crushed’ and trampled upon, and had no future in India), today it is about change and looking forward. There is a new optimism abroad that is hard to miss. What is significant is that the change is being urged upon not by the usual suspects—the agnostic left-wing Muslim intellectuals…— but by ‘gold-plated’ practising Muslims, deeply conscious of their Muslim identity and unapologetic about flaunting it.
There is a new generation of Muslims who want to rid the community of its insular and sectarian approach by concentrating on things that affect their everyday lives: education, jobs, housing, security. They despair of mullahs and self-styled Muslim ‘leaders’. And they speak a language that is modern and forward-looking. Their interpretation of Islam stresses inclusion and tolerance. They abhor the use of violence in the name of Islam. They may not be wildly enthusiastic about the western notion of free speech and … some even tend to share the conspiracy theories about Salman Rushdie’s alleged motives [behind writing The Satanic Verses], but they condemn the campaign of intimidation and harassment to which he has been subjected in the name of ‘defending’ Islam and the Prophet. They are embarrassed by such antics which, they say, bring shame to the community and, indeed, Islam itself. There is a feeling of having been let down by previous generations—their parents, grandparents—who they believe were too timid to challenge the fundamentalists. ‘We want to draw a line under all that and move on,’ is a common refrain.
Notably, it is the young women, often in ‘hijab’, who are driving the change. Contrary to the stereotyped image of the ‘Muslim woman’, they are educated, articulate, conscious of their rights and have aspirations that are no different from those of any other modern Indian woman. I found them more progressive in many respects than their male peers. And their struggle is greater as they are engaged, simultaneously, on two fronts—challenging the male Muslim orthodoxy and fighting for a wider change in the community that they hope would alter the prevailing negative perceptions of Muslims.
Paradoxically, at one level this is also perhaps the most religious post-independence generation of Indian Muslims … . More Muslim youth wear beards today than ever before and young Muslim women proudly show off their ‘hijabs’. … Yet, it is also the most open-minded and self-confident generation; and—most importantly—optimistic about its future in India. India is their home and this is where they see their future.
‘It is the best place in the world,’ is a phrase that I heard over again and again. For all the talk of Muslim ‘alienation’, today’s young Muslims are remarkably well-integrated … . Today’s young see no contradiction in being proud practicing Muslims and proud secular Indians. They find it insulting to be asked whether they regard themselves as Muslims first or Indians first. To them the question smacks of the questioner’s own prejudices. On the Muslim street, it is dismissed as a ‘bogus’ debate contrived to force Muslims to choose between their religion and their country—a choice that Hindus are not asked to make.
‘It is a false choice that we are asked to make. Call me an Indian Muslim or a Muslim Indian, it makes no difference. When I’m abroad and people ask me my nationality I simply say I’m an Indian, but when they ask me my religion I say I’m Muslim. It’s as simple as that. There is no question of one taking priority over the other,’ said Ishrat Jahan, a hotel executive.
… Indian Muslims are having their own ‘spring’. It may not have the shape of an organised movement, and we may not see people going around waving banners or picketing ‘mullahs’, but it is genuine, widespread, and it looks like it is here to stay. The media has largely ignored the change that is sweeping India’s Muslim community and continues to play up the extreme voices because they make ‘news’. Yet, five or ten years from now, it might realise that it missed the biggest story of its time unfolding right under its nose.
Living through the worst phase of Indian Muslim fundamentalism from the 1970s through to the 1990s, I never thought I would live to write its obituary. The depressing prospect of having to live the rest of my life in a climate of competitive Muslim-Hindu fundamentalism, feeding on each other in a toxic double act, was one reason why at an age when many migrants contemplate returning ‘home’, I decided to take a break from India and moved to Britain. I simply couldn’t take it anymore.
At one extreme, there was the creeping ‘Hindutva-isation’ of India with a resurgent Hindu Right flexing its muscles, and at the other, a wave of Muslim fundamentalism dragging the whole community into a long dark tunnel of isolation… . With such friends, Muslims didn’t need external enemies. … The Babri Masjid fiasco was as much the doing of chest-thumping Muslim ‘leadership’ as it was a calculated act by the right-wing Hindu middle class, to humiliate Muslims. Arbitrary ‘fatwas’ based on the most regressive of interpretations of Islam were commonplace. I heard of more fatwas in the 1990s than I had in the previous half century. Those who didn’t agree with the fundamentalist view were denounced, portrayed as closet ‘RSS stooge’, and hounded.
That was then. A decade later, there is a sea change, thanks to the coming of age of a new generation of Muslims—less excitable and wiser—having learnt from the follies of their predecessors. And certainly more realistic about their place in a Hindu-majority India. All you need to do is to get out a bit more, talk to people, listen to the voices around you, and you’ll discover how refreshing the air smells today … .
India’s Muslim Spring: Why Is Nobody Talking About It?, by Hasan Suroor (Rupa, Rs 395).
source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> Living / by Hassan Suroor / January 24th, 2014
The Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA) held its annual general body meeting on April 8th, during which elections were conducted for the executive committee for 2023-24.
The program, held at MRA Restaurant in Doha, began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Master Rehan Rashid.
Following the dissolution of the executive committee for 2022-23, Ahmed Saeed Assadi, the election commissioner, conducted the process of electing the new committee members.
The KMCA has announced that Saquib Raza Khan has been elected as the new president, while Suhaib Ahmed has been elected as the new vice president. Shahim Mohammed Sheikh is the new general secretary, Khaleel Ahmed is the new treasurer, Mohammed Yunus is the new joint secretary, Sayed Ashfaque is the new cultural secretary, and Shakeel Mohammad is the new sports secretary.
In his acceptance address, the newly elected president, Saquib Raza Khan from Mangaluru, put forth the future plans of the KMCA. He also stated that the other office-bearers would be elected soon during the first meeting of the new executive committee.
The outgoing president of KMCA, Fayaz Ahmed, welcomed the gathering, while outgoing general secretary Suhaib Ahmed presented the annual report of the events organized by the KMCA in the last year. Khaleel Ahmed presented the treasure report. Abdullah Moideen was the Master of Ceremony.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Ahmed Saeed Assadi.
Following the elections, a quiz contest was held, and the top five winners were awarded prizes.
The KMCA also held an Annual Iftar for its members and heads of other organizations, which was attended by approximately 150 people.
Dignitaries from other associations and community leaders, including Hassan Chougle and Ikhlas Farid, ICC President Manikantan, and officials of the ICC, ICBF, and ISC Subramanian Hebbagilu and Deepak Shetty, graced the occasion.
Leaders of Karnataka-based organizations such as Mahesh Gowda, Ravi Shetty, Arun Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Kuduri, Abdul Razzak, Ibrahim Beary, Mumtaz Hussain, Abdul Rahiman Saab, and Abdullah Khatri were also present.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / April 11th, 2023
