Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

‘Sensational’ Aayan Afzal Khan inspires UAE to historic win over West Indies

Amazing Feats, NRI's / PIO's, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , ,

GOA / UAE :

UAE batsman Aayan Khan plays a shot as Rivaldo Clarke of West Indies keeps during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Plate semi-final 1 at Queen’s Park Oval on January 28, 2022. Photo: ICC

Sixteen-year-old allrounder’s defiant innings sparks remarkable comeback for Covid-hit side in plate semi-final of Under 19 World Cup.

The country’s leading age-group players produced one of the greatest wins in the history of UAE cricket after their Covid-hit side beat West Indies on home soil in the Under 19 World cup.

Aayan Afzal Khan, the prodigiously talented all rounder who only turned 16 in November, played the defining knock in an extraordinary comeback win in Trinidad.

The side from the Caribbean, who have won the World Cup twice at senior level and the age-group version as recently as 2016, were heavy favourites going into the game.

That assessment appeared well founded when the home side reduced UAE to 26 for four within 11 overs.

That brought Aayan to the crease, promoted in the order by a series of events which had deprived the side of senior players. Front-line spinners Nilansh Keswani and Adithya Shetty were among the absentees, as UAE were hit by separate cases of both Covid and food poisoning.

What followed was little short of “sensational,” to use the words of Mudassar Nazar, the UAE coach.

Aayan’s innings of 93, which included a stand worth 103 with Shival Bawa for the seventh wicket, carried the national team to a total of 224 for nine from their 50 overs.

In reply, the West Indies did not get close. While Aayan – whose left-arm spin might have been crucial in the defence – spent much of the innings off the field because of heat exhaustion, his colleagues thrived.

Jash Giyanani took three for 21, and Dhruv Parashar four for 30. Fittingly, after receiving glucose in a pitchside ambulance, Aayan was able to return to the fray, and picked up the wicket which sealed the 82-run win.

“It feels amazing to have beaten a Test nation, especially West Indies on their home soil,” said Alishan Sharafu, the UAE captain.

“I think the boys believed in themselves. We played as a team and grabbed every opportunity to contribute.

“I am really proud of them, and hopefully we can produce another special performance in the final.”

Matthew Nandu of West Indies is bowled by Jash Giyanani of UAE. Photo: ICC

UAE will now take on the winner of Ireland against Zimbabwe in the plate final on Monday. That leaves them two days to recover from the exertions of the game against West Indies.

“Credit to our support staff for helping out with drinks and support,” Sharafu said of his patched up side.

“We had a few setbacks with some Covid cases and some others unfit, but it was a game of 11 of us against 11 of them. I’m glad we put on a performance to remember and cherish for a long, long time.”

Mudassar, the former Pakistan allrounder, labelled the performance “wonderful” given the circumstances.

“It was an incredible win, especially considering three players were not available due to the virus, including our two frontline spinners,” Mudassar said.

“Both of them [Keswani and Shetty] have huge potential and a great career ahead of them in the game. Given the history of Queens Park Oval for being helpful to spinners, we were fairly confident of beating West Indies provided we could put up a decent total on the board.”

Mudassar lavished praise on Aayan, including for his enthusiasm for getting back on the field after his bout of heat exhaustion and cramp.

“Once promoted in the batting order, Aayan was sensational,” the coach said.

“He guided us through a tough time, then blossomed with Shival Bawa and laid the platform for a historic win.

“Jash gave us a head start with three early wickets. While this was taking place, Aayan was lying in the ambulance van receiving glucose.

“He made a big effort to get back on the field. By then we were racing towards victory. Hats off to these youngsters.”

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Paul Radley / January 29th, 2022

Hafiz Aiman of Malegaon appointed Imam at Makkah mosque

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Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA / Makkah, SAUDI ARABIA :

Hafiz Aiman, who has been selected for the respectable post, is persuading graduation at Umm All Qura University Makkah in Saudi Arabia

Hafiz Aiman and Masjid Al Awali in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Malegaon: 

Marking a remarkable and proud moment for India, Hafiz Aiman of Malegaon – the Muslim dominated city in North Maharashtra known for scholarship and textiles , has been appointed as Imam in a mosque in the sacred city of Makkah al-Mukarramah.

Imam is a person who leads five daily prayers Muslims offer in mosques. Hafiz Aiman, who has been selected for the respectable post, is persuading graduation at Umm All Qura University Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

“I joined as an Imam at Al Awali Mosque in Makkah on December 18, 2021”, Hafiz Aiman told ummid.com in a WhatsApp call.

Masjid Al Awali, also known as Masjid Kulliyatul Lugha, is located some 15 kilometres to Masjid al-Haram – the Grand Mosque which is home to Holy Kaaba, and some 9 kilometres to Umm al Qura University Campus in Makkah.

Though it is not the first time when an expatriate or a student of foreign-origin has been appointed as Imam in a Saudi mosque, it is a rarest of rare moment as the Kingdom follows a very strict rule while making appointment to the post.

What makes appointment of Hafiz Aiman as Imam in Saudi Arabia mosque even more significant is also because of the Quality Assessment and Quran Recitation skill requirement for the post that are of very high standards.

After early education and complete memorisation of Holy Quran with Tajweed at Jamia Mohammadia Mansoora in Malegaon, Hafiz Aiman got admission in February 2019 for higher studies at Umm al Qura University Makkah on merit basis.

At home in Malegaon for annual holidays, he got stuck here for more than a year after the pandemic broke out – attending online classes and simultaneously rendering his duty as Imam at Jame Masjid Ahle Hadees Motipura. He had returned to Saudi Arabia in December last when Saudi Arabia lifted the travel ban on flights from India.

Incidentally, Hafiz Aiman’s younger brother Osama and elder brother Abdul Moeed too are Hafiz and acclaimed Qaris. Abdul Moeed also has to his credit the tag of being the first student from Malegaon who got admission at Islamic University of Madinah for higher studies.

Watch: Hafiz Aiman recites Holy Quran

The siblings’ Father Qari Abdul Mateen and Grandfather Qari Abdus Samad are also acclaimed Qaris. Qari Abdus Samad was in fact a regular invitee as judge at national and international level Quran recitation competitions till his death in March 2013.

“The entire family of Hafiz Aiman is hailed for its contribution towards teaching of Quran and Tajweed”, Faizee Shahid, who looks after the management of Jame Masjid Ahle Hadees Motipura, said.

“His appointment as Imam at a mosque in Makkah is not only rewarding for the family but also a proud moment for all of us”, he added.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Life & Style / by Ummid.com Staff Reporter / January 05th, 2022

Udupi’s 6-YO girl wins hearts of crown princes of Oman, Bahrain by her martial arts performance

Amazing Feats, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , ,

Belapu (Udupi), KARNATAKA / OMAN :

Oman: 

Zaara Vasim Asadi, a young girl hailing from Belapu of Udupi in Karnataka, was recently appreciated by Crown Prince of Oman and Bahrain for her performance during the martial arts sport event representing Champ Sports and Arts Club here in Oman.

She was also awarded the “Star of the Event” award during the event and was appreciated by the crown princes and audiences alike. The crown princes also honored her by clicking photographs with her along with her appreciation medal.

Zaara Vasim Assadi is reportedly the youngest kid practicing Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Art) and is also the youngest to hold the belt that she holds currently.

Hailing from Belapu in Udupi, Zaara is the daughter of Mohammad Vasim Assadi and Hasra Sana Banu. She is the granddaughter of Mohammad Zikiriya Asaadi and is practicing martial arts from the age of 4. Apart from Capoeira Zaara is also keenly interested in Karate, Kickboxing and Gymnastics.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / VarthaBharati.in / Home> Karavali / January 18th, 2022

Annual Central Committee meeting of Malnadu Gulf Education and Charitable Trust held

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, SCHOLARSHIPS, Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS

Malnadu, KARNATAKA / SAUDI ARABIA :

ABDUL SATHAR , Cloud Seven, elected new President.

Riyadh:

In the 4th annual general body meeting of MGT (R), which was conducted on Friday at the Marina Compound in Riyadh, new office bearers were nominated for in presence of all central committee members. 

During the meeting which was hosted by MGT Riyadh Zone, Siraj Chakmmakki welcomed the attendees from all over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Outgoing President of the committee Mr. Sharif Kalasa and Secretary Mr. Mohammed Rafi briefed the committee detailing the achievements of the committee for the years 2020 and 2021.  

A new committee was nominated to lead the non-profit trust under the leadership of Basheer Ballupete.

Following unanimous consensus of the committee members, Abdul Sathar Cloud seven – Jayapura was selected as the President of the association and Irshad Abdulrahman Chakkmakki was chosen as General Secretary of the association. 

List of new office bearers to serve the committee are as follows:

Honorary President: Shareef Samkon Kalasa

Vice Presidents: Jalal Baig Sakleshpura, Aboobakker Siddiq Kodlipete & Shamim(Jubail). 

Joint Secretaries: Sameer Hasana, Azgar Talagoor & Zeeshad Balehonnur. 

Treasurer: Basheer Ballupete 

International Coordinator: Iqbal Gabgal

Senior Advisor: Mohammed Farook (Arab Energy), Siraj Chakkmakki & Mustaq Gabgal

Head of Education Department:Muhammed Raafi Jubail

Assisting Member:
Siddique Belur
Siddique Baalehonnur
Nazeer Jayapura Riyadh
Shameem (Jubail)

Head of Medical Department
Junaid (Riyad)

Assisting Members:
Yasin Baalehonnur (Dammam)
Mohsin Coorg (Jubai)

Head of Media Coordination:
Siddique Baalehonnur (Jeddah)

Assisting Members:
1. Hanif Biligula
2. Asgar Khalander
3. Shareef Chakkamukki

Head of Operations Division:

Siddique Belur (Riyad)

Assisting Members:
 Afzal Samad Koppa Dammam
 Iqbal Baalehonnur

Head of Education Department:
Muhammed Raafi Jubail

Assisting Member:
1. Siddique Belur
2. Siddique Baalehonnur
3. Nazeer Jayapura Riyadh
4. Shameem (Jubail)

Head of Medical Department
Junaid (Riyad)

Assisting Members:
1. Yasin Baalehonnur (Dammam)
2. Mohsin Coorg (Jubai)

Head of Media Coordination:
Siddique Baalehonnur (Jeddah)

Assisting Members:
1. Hanif Biligula
2. Asgar Khalander
3. Shareef Chakkamukki

Head of Operations Division:
Siddique Belur (Riyad)

Assisting Members:
1. Afzal Samad Koppa Dammam
2. Iqbal Baalehonnur
3. Abdul Latheef Shantipura – Jubail

District Coordinators: Chikkamagur

1. Abdul Latheef Shantipura – Jubail (Balehonnur sector)
2. Ashraf J. V. C (Chikkamagalur Taluk Sector) 3. Haris Biligula (Mudigere Taluk sector)

Hassan
1. Shameer Hassan
2. Jalaal Baig, Sakleshpura
3. Siddique Belur
4. Basheer Ballupete

Coorg
1. Mohsin Coorg
2. Nasir Baalehonnur
3. Abubakker Siddique Kodlipete

Shimoga District
1. Muhammed Raafi
2. Nazir Jayapura
3. Noorullah Theerthahalli

The new President addressed the committee and assured that under his leadership, he would strive to take the trust to a new level and work with the team closely for the benefit of the organization. 

COVID-19 Warrior Dr. Moideen Beary & poet Assad Baig were honoured for their impeccable service to the community during the event.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / January 10th, 2022

‘This Is Us’ Honours Nasir Ahmed in Ep 8, Season 5 – Who is He?

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / La Jolla California, U.S.A :

Nasir is the man behind Discrete Cosine Transform – the technology which makes it possible to share photos & videos.

If you’ve been following the Pearson family closely, you must have watched episode 8 from the fifth season of ‘This is Us’ introducing two new characters to the show – Nasir and Esther Ahmed.

The first time we see the pair, it’s circa 1963 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where a man introduces himself as “I’m Nasir from India” as a young Esther is seen walking up to him, asking for a light.

The next time we see the couple, Nasir is cradling their son in his arms. Shortly after, another scene reveals their relevance.

As Esther is seen getting annoyed at Nasir for having returned late from work, Nasir replies, “When your mother wants a picture of you, what do we have to do? What if instead of waiting for the mail, she could see it instantly? They will be able to share images… Imagine if you could talk to someone on the screen but with a video.”

These lines from the show piece the puzzle together as viewers learn by the end of the episode that Nasir is the man behind the video-calling technology we use today. He’s the reason the Pearsons are able to stay connected using FaceTime amid the raging coronavirus pandemic .

From Bengaluru to USA

Nasir Ahmed hails from the southern city of Bengaluru, in India. He was born in 1940, and subsequently completed his schooling from Bishop Cotton Boys School. He earned his Bachelors in electrical engineering from the University College of Engineering in Bengaluru in 1961. Thereafter, he moved to the US for his higher studies and pursued both his MS and Ph.D at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

After his graduation, Ahmed worked as the Principal Research Engineer at Honeywell in St Paul, Minnesota from 1966 to 1968. He then took on the role of a professor at the Kansas State University and taught there till 1983, following which he joined the University of New Mexico and retired in 2001. He is currently Professor Emeritus of electrical and computer engineering at the University of New Mexico.

What is DCT?

In the 1970s, Nasir led a research team that developed the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), which makes it possible to share photos and videos.

In a paper on how he built the technology, Nasir says he had written a proposal to the National Science Foundation to study the cosine transform using two distinct polynomials. “Much to my disappointment, NSF did not fund the proposal,” he lamented, adding that a reviewer had deemed his proposal “too simple”. Not one to give up, Nasir kept at it through his P.hD until he finally cracked the DCT.

Today, Nasir and his team’s work on DCT is used in high-definition digital TVs, teleconferencing, and other image-sharing platforms, among numerous other commercial applications.

He is also credited with having invented the .jpg file format for photos, according to Bustle.

Finding Love

The real Nasir and Esther. /(Photo Courtesy: A still from the episode) /Esther and Nasir Ahmed video conferencing with This Is Us show creator Dan Fogelman and executive producers Vera Herbert and Jess Rosenthal in August of 2020.
NBC

Nasir met Esther Pariente, an Argentinian, at the University of New Mexico. According to the College of Graduates in Economic Sciences of Tucumán, Esther holds a master’s degree in English from Kansas State University and a Ph.D in Spanish and Latin American Literature. Their son, Michael Pariente, is a well-known criminal defence attorney based in Las Vegas.

The makers of ‘This is Us’ caught up with the couple over a video chat to know their story, before paying a fitting tribute to the couple in the eighth episode.

According to Bustle, Nasir and his wife Esther released a limited-edition book about their lives called Parallel Lives In Curved Space in 2018. The couple celebrated their 56th anniversary recently.

source: http://www.thequint.com / The Quint / Home> The Indian American / by Rinki Sanyal / February 19th, 2021

Udupi: UAE businessman B M Zaffer Thonse gets Indian Achievers Award-2021

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KARNATAKA / UAE :

Udupi :

 B M Zaffer Thonse Chairman Thonse Health Centre (Nature cure and Ayurveda hospital) has been selected for the prestigious Indian Achievers Award-2021 by the Indian Achievers’ Forum for his outstanding professional achievements and contributions in national building.

Zaffer is a known businessman from UAE and the award is given for recognizing his excellence in business, health sector and social activities.

Zaffer is the founder secretary of Qidmath Committee, Hoode and founder sports secretary of Young Men’s Association Kemmanu.

Zaffer is also the founder president of Thonse Cultural Association in UAE and president of Alumni Association of Government Urdu School Hoode.

He also established Nirmal Thonse, a NGO to protect nature and rendered service as honourary president in the same.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / November 03rd, 2021

Did you know? The Mysuru-born actor Sabu Dastagir fought for the Americans in World War II

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Mysuru, KARNATAKA / U.S.A :

Image Courtesy: Facebook

Sabu Dastagir, or Selar Sabu, might be an overlooked name in Indian Cinema’s vibrant history but many wouldn’t be aware that he was perhaps the first actor to find bonafide success in Hollywood. These are the early 1930s that we refer to, much before the likes of Om Puri, Saeed Jaffrey, Irffan Khan or even Priyanka Chopra made their mark on the foreign shores.


Born in the Mysuru kingdom of the pre-independent India to the then king’s official mahout, Sabu was spotted at the age of 13 by director Robert Flaherty (or his wife, some sources claim) who would later cast him in the screen adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Toomai and the Elephants (from the Jungle Book). While portions of the film were shot in Mysuru, the rest of the film was shot in London which meant that Sabu was flown over, along with his brother, to England where he is said to have attended school for a brief period.

But this was only the beginning for Sabu Dastagir as he chanced upon more such golden opportunities with projects like ‘The Drum (1938), wherein he played prince Azim, or Zoltan Korda’s ‘The Thief of Baghdad’ in 1940 in which he played Abu, the outwitter who ultimately saves the princess. ‘The Thief of Baghdad’ won the Oscars for Cinematography, Art, and Special Effects while ‘The Drum’ ended up causing riots in Mumbai for its subservient attitude towards the British in the film.

Around the time of ‘The Thief of Baghdad’s release, the second World War was looming large over the entire world, and Sabu, during its peak, had just completed shooting for ‘Jungle Book’ in Hollywood.

He would go on to serve the American military and become an integral member of more than 40 air missions across the pacific as their tail or machine gunner. Along with the acting accolades he had received till then, Sabu also became a decorated military officer after being awarded the Flying Cross.

Sabu would then continue residing in the United States of American and become the face of the “Empire Movies” with several hits like ‘White Savage (1942)’, ‘Cobra Woman (1944)’, ‘Man-Eater of Kumaon (1948), and many more to his name.

It was on the sets of ‘Song of India’ in 1949 that he met actor and future wife Marilyn Cooper for the first time.

Sabu Dastagir breathed his last on 2nd December, 1963 in California, despite being in the pink of his health at the time.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / TimesofIndia.com / Home> Entertainment> Kannada> Movies / by Swaroop Kodur / September 07th, 2021

Philanthropist Dr Imtiaz Sooliman named South African of The Year

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INDIA / SOUTH AFRICA :

South Africans across the board voted for Sooliman, putting Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in second place.

Johannesburg: 

Indian-origin philanthropist and founder of disaster relief group ‘Gift of the Givers’, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman has won the prestigious South African of the Year Award run by the Daily Maverick newspaper.

South Africans across the board voted for Sooliman, putting Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in second place. Zondo heads the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which investigates fraud and corruption in the public sector, including state organs.

Dr Sooliman, in his acceptance speech at the Al Quds Mosque in Cape Town on Friday, called on Muslims worldwide to engage in caring for all communities to change Islamophobic perceptions.

“About Gift of the Givers”

Dr Sooliman started ‘Gift of the Givers’ after his religious mentor in Turkey, Muhammed Safer Dal Effendi, asked him to do so in 1994.

Since then, the charitable and relief organisation has undertaken relief work in more than 44 countries after natural disasters such as earthquakes as well as assisting people in war-torn countries.

Besides the Middle East, Eastern Europe and many countries in Africa, ‘Gift Of The Givers’ teams have also assisted during natural disasters in India and Pakistan.

“Utlization of Zakat”

Relying almost entirely on donations and the obligatory ‘Zakat’ paid by Muslims, ‘Gift of the Givers’ has provided almost 4 billion rand (USD 260 million) worth of aid to drought-stricken areas, ranging from mobile hospitals, food hampers, and digging boreholes.

The doctor recalled how Sheikh Muhammed Safer Dal Effendi, his religious leader in Turkey, had instructed him to establish the organisation ‘Waqful Waqifin‘, which translates to ‘gift of the givers’ from Arabic.

“My son, the Sheikh said, you will serve all people, of all religions, of all races; all colours, all cultures; all classes, of any geographical locations and of any political affiliation, but you will serve them unconditionally. You will expect nothing in return, not even a thank you,” recalled Dr Sooliman, who practises medicine.

“When we go into an area to do our work, we don’t look at their belief systems. Whether they are Hindu, Muslim or Christians, whatever they may be, we don’t go to be judgemental about anyone,” he said.

“This award came by South Africans who had voted across cultures, across religions, across people who do not have any faith too, but all of them were willing to vote for me,” Dr Sooliman said this symbolised that people in their souls, support goodness.

“Other Awards”

Dr Sooliman is recognised internationally for his works, winning scores of awards and accolades over the decades, lauded by South African and foreign heads of state for his organisation’s assistance during times of crises.

Dr Sooliman has also received National Orders, South Africa’s highest civilian honour, and earlier this year was named Social Justice Champion by the University of Stellenbosch in Western Cape province.

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was born on March 07, 1962 in Potchefstroom. He completed his high school education at Sastri College in Durban, Natal in 1978, and later qualified as a medical doctor by obtaining his MBChB at the University of Natal.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India> Life & Style / by ummid.com with inputs from PTI / December 26th, 2021

Uzra Zeya appointed U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibet

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Bihar,INDIA / North Carolina / Washington, U.S.A. :

File photo of Uzra Zeya.   | Photo Credit: AFP

The coordinator’s role involves promoting “substantive dialogue” between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

U.S. official Uzra Zeya has been appointed the country’s new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. She will hold the position concurrently with her current role as Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said via a statement.

The coordinator’s role involves promoting “substantive dialogue” between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama. The coordinator is also supposed to promote the unique identity of Tibet, safeguards human rights of Tibetans and coordinates U.S. policy on Tibet.

“Specifically, she [ Ms. Zeya] will promote substantive dialogue, without preconditions, between the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Dalai Lama, his representatives, or democratically elected Tibetan leaders in support of a negotiated agreement on Tibet,” Mr Blinken said in a statement, as part of a list of activities Ms Zeya would undertake in her new role.

In addition to her responsibilities around promoting human rights and preserving the distinct heritage of Tibetans, Ms. Zeya “ also will promote activities to protect the environment and sustainably manage the water and other natural resources of the Tibetan plateau,” Mr Blinken said.

The position, which was established by U.S.’s Tibetan Policy Act (2002), had been lying vacant for much of the Trump administration, i.e., from January 2017 to October 2020, when State Department official Robert Destro was appointed to the role.

Ms. Zeya was born in North Carolina to parents who emigrated from India. She quit the State Department during the Trump administration (2018), speaking and writing, after her departure, of the decline in diversity at the top levels of the administration.

Ms. Zeya has worked at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi as a  politicial-minister counselor, in addition to deputy chief of mission and charge d’affaires in Paris and postings in West Asia and North Africa.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> World / by Srriram Lakshman / December 20th, 2021

From creators to bloggers, these Bohra women are taking social media by storm

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Mumbai / Indore/ Neemuch, INDIA / KUWAIT :

A bunch of Bohra women harness the power of social media to ace their careers, clad in their colourful traditional wear

The rida is the traditional attire of the women of the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sub-sect of the Shiite Muslims.

After an adrenaline-charged skydive from 15,000 feet in the USA, everyone around Arwa Merchant was in awe, not because of her daring performance, but for her insistence on doing so in the rida. She wrote about this in a blog post for Dawoodi Bohra Women’s Association for Religious Freedom in October 2019. 

The rida is the traditional attire of the women of the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sub-sect of the Shiite Muslims. The two-piece dress is distinguishable from other forms of the hijab by its bright colours, decorative patterns and lace. With their roots in Gujarat, the members of this peace-loving trading community follow the teachings of their spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Although embedded in a tradition dating back to more than 1,400 years, this two million-strong Dawoodi Bohras in India have never been shy to embrace the latest technologies. They even have celebrated festivals like Eid and Shab-E-Baraat online due to the pandemic.

Not one to fall behind, the women of the community have taken social media platforms by storm. From content creators to food bloggers to creating clothing brands, they have managed to expand their careers online, but without giving up their rida.

Mariya Kanchwala, 31
Makeup artist and beauty influencer, Indore
Instagram: 28,000 followers
Kanchwala has carved a niche for herself in the glamour industry by showcasing her makeup skills while wearing her rida. After a brief stint as a public relations executive for a fashion brand, she turned her full attention to makeup. She started posting on Instagram in 2017 as a food blogger, but 2020 made her realise her passion for makeup and she began posting beauty looks on Instagram. In the past year, she has started working on beauty and looks projects for weddings and shoots for makeup.

Rashida Jawadwala, 20
Content creator, Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh
Instagram: 32,700 followers
Known online as GirlInRida, Jawadwala started posting comic content on Instagram while pursuing her degree in Computer Engineering from Indore in September 2020. And the follower count went up to 32,000 in a year. Jawadwala has brand deals from companies such as VLCC, Urban Clap and Dresscode. Also, offers came her way for anchoring TV and stage shows, but she declined them to focus on her studies.

Arwa Zakir, 25
Fitness expert, GoFit Studio, Salmiya, Kuwait
Instagram: 4,200 followers
Also known as GoFit Arwa on Instagram and YouTube, Zakir is a certified trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine and owns the GoFit Studio fitness centre in Salmiya, Kuwait, where she trains people of all ages and genders. Her parents are originally from Sagwara, Rajasthan, and until she turned 16 she never paid heed to her health and was an obese child. Today, she posts content around health and workouts on Instagram. Even though some people initially mocked Zakir for posting content in the rida, she never let negativity come in the way of her passion. Zakir believes that social media is the best place for small business owners to grow and for creative people to showcase their talent. 

Rabab J Ghadiali, 35
Founder, Rabab Life Coaching and Counselling, Mumbai
Instagram: 19,000 followers 
LinkedIn: 5,000 followers
YouTube: 700 subscribers 
(over 10,000 views)

Winner of the 2019 Women Icon of the Year Award in the field of coaching and the Best Life Coach of the Year Award, Ghadiali conducts workshops and seminars on motivation, personality development, life skills, etc—both online and offline—along with personal therapy sessions. Born in Tanzania, but working in Mumbai for the past 17 years, she has a master’s in Counselling Psychology along with a Life Coaching Certification from the International Learning Centre, Manchester, the UK. Ghadiali started posting videos and content on Instagram and Linkedin in 2015 when she found a lot of misinformation being circulated about mental health. It helped her grow from 2,000 to 19,000 followers on Instagram, which helped her garner many clients as well.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Magazine / by Zainab MM / December 12th, 2021