Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

Assam: Elias Hossen Ansari’s journey from Madrassa to London law firm

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Chakla Village (Bongaigaon District) ASSAM / London, U.K :

Elias Hossen Ansari in London

A madrassa student has smashed the myth about education in Islamic seminaries. Elias Hossen Ansari of village Chakla in the Bongaigaon district has secured his dream job; he has been appointed a paralegal officer at an Oyini firm in London, United Kingdom.

Elias Hossen Ansari comes from a financially poor family. His parents sent him to a small madrasa in the nearby Bajali district from where he completed his Hifz (Quranic study) course followed by the Maulana course.

As luck would have it, the Ajmal Foundation picked him up in Hojai for regular academic studies. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Meghalaya close to Guwahati, and later a Master of Laws degree from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. Elias excelled in all the examinations he wrote.

Elias Hossen Ansari (Center) with classmates at the USTM

However, Elias did not end his higher education with Jamia Milia. He explored chances of securing a legal job in London, the city of his dreams. To raise money for his education, Elias taught religious prayers (Tarawih) at the Station Mosque in Rangia near Guwahati every year during the month of Ramazan. This also helped him revise his leaning at Madrassa.

“Besides, I believe that the Almighty has always guided me to the right path in pursuing my dreams because I have always served Him the way He has commanded,” Ansari told Awaz – The Voice joining in from London on an internet conversation.

Ansari shifted to London nearly two years ago to pursue higher studies in international law and has since been also performing as an imam leading the Friday congregation and other prayers in local mosques along with his studies.

On January 23, he joined as a paralegal officer at Barristers and Solicitors Legal Firm and AA Homes and Housing Ltd in London on a salary that his peers back home can only dream of. His annual emolument comes to around ₹37 lakh Indian Rupees.

“I’m happy that my prayers have been answered! My job here will be to assist the barristers, and solicitors, and other seniors in drafting and pursuing various legal matters, including those of immigration, visa, and a lot of other things … Migrating to England is not so easy for someone like me who hails from a middle-class family, because the cost of living here is exceptionally high. I’ve never left any stone unturned to find sponsorship for my stay in the UK which is very essential, and finally, I’ve got a permanent sponsorship by the grace of God,” a beaming Ansari said.

Elias Hossen Ansari being felicitated on Independence Day at USTM

Asked if his initial madrasa education posed any hurdle in chasing his dream, Ansari said: “Not at all. Nowhere, neither in my own country India, nor abroad. I’ve travelled to around 20 countries on study tours, and I’ve never come across anything as such … I am grateful to the makers of our Constitution where Articles 29 and 30 guarantee freedom of education of one’s own choice even for minorities. Here, in London also, I face no hurdle in offering five times Salah a day reciting the Holy Quran, or following my religious commandments. What I’ve seen in my life is that everyone is free to follow his/her faith. In this respect, India is the greatest country as far as peaceful coexistence is concerned.”

He also said that he does not believe in the narrative that madrassas are breeding grounds for fundamentalism or radicalism. “Religious educational institutions are no different from modern educational institutions, except that there are few extra subjects in religious studies which help in holistic development of students. And, no religion teaches hatred or violence. Religion always teaches love and compassion. So, I don’t believe in such negative narratives,” Ansari said, adding that there happen to be moles in every beautiful thing, but that should not be generalized.

Elias Hossen Ansari during his Madrassa days

About his life’s struggles to pursue such higher education, Ansari said: “I am grateful to many people, including (chairman of Ajmal Foundation Badruddin) Ajmal Saheb, (USTM Chancellor) Mahbubul Hoque Sir, (USTM academician) Baharul Islam Sir and many others whom I can’t name because they don’t want me to name them in public, but have helped me a lot. It would not have been possible for me to dream so high without their benevolence. I’m always grateful to all who have helped me so selflessly. Besides, I believe in the philosophy of greats like Napoleon Bonaparte and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam that everything can be achieved through hard work and perseverance, which helped me a lot.”

This is not the end of Ansari’s dream though. He has even higher dreams – to serve the people among whom he grew up. “Everybody asks me the same question; will you ever return to India or Assam? I’ll return and I nurture a hope to serve my people back home. I want education to spread in our country. I want to set up accessible and affordable schools and colleges in my country. I want colleges and universities in every town and district of our country. I’ll certainly go back and work for the people of my land,” he said.

Asked what he would like to suggest to the younger generation to pursue difficult dreams like himself, Ansari said: “The only way to success is hard work and burning midnight’s oil. Read the biographies and autobiographies of great people, you can draw all the inspiration. All the great people, including Mahatma Gandhi, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, and others have worked exceptionally hard to be such great leaders. Everything is possible if you persevere to achieve it and keep focus.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Imtiaz Ahmed, Guwahati / January 27th, 2025

CM’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed visits Ajman Ruler’s Court, Thumbay Medicity

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Ajman, U.A.E/ / KARNATAKA :

Ajman, UAE: 

Karnataka Legislative Council member and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Naseer Ahmed, visited the Ajman Ruler’s Court and Thumbay Medicity, strengthening ties between Karnataka and the UAE.

At the Ruler’s Court, Ahmed met Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Court, to discuss avenues for collaboration in healthcare, education, and research. He extended an invitation to Sheikh Majid to visit Bengaluru and proposed a future delegation of high-level officials from Karnataka to Ajman and Thumbay Medicity.

As part of the visit, Ahmed toured Thumbay Medicity’s state-of-the-art healthcare, medical education, and research facilities. Praising the institution’s achievements, he described it as a global hub for healthcare excellence.

Commending the efforts of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, founder and president of Thumbay Group, Ahmed acknowledged his role in establishing Thumbay Medicity as a leader in the field. “It is a matter of immense pride to witness Dr. Thumbay’s remarkable progress and the iconic achievements of Thumbay Medicity,” he said.

Dr. Thumbay expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the importance of collaborations that benefit both the UAE and India. “This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening our shared vision for excellence in healthcare and education,” he stated.

Thumbay Medicity in Ajman is known for its advanced healthcare services, cutting-edge medical education, and pioneering research. It continues to gain global recognition as a model for integrated healthcare and education.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / January 21st, 2025

Women who helped Netaji Subhas in the Great Escape

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Kolkota (Calcutta) to Berlin :

Janakinath Bose, Bivabati Devi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Sarat Chandra Bose in Shillong, 1927

‘The Great Escape of Subhas Chandra Bose’, i.e., his escape from house arrest by the British Government in Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Berlin in 1941 is now part of folklore. Almost every Indian with a basic knowledge of the Indian Freedom Struggle knows that Bose escaped dressed as a Pathan and reached Berlin via Delhi, Peshawar, and Kabul.

Historians have overlooked the role of women in many historical events and this case is no exception. Writers have discussed in detail how Mian Akbar Shah, Sisir Bose, Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat Khan, Uttam Chand, Haji Amin, etc. helped Bose in this journey to Berlin. They have failed to note the contributions of Bivabati Devi, Ramo Devi, Larissa Quaroni, and Mrs Haji Abdul Sobhan in the great escape.

Netaji held Bivabati Devi, wife of Subhas Chandra Bose’s elder brother Sarat Chand, in high esteem. Bhagat Ram Talwar, who had accompanied Subhas in his journey through Peshawar and Afghanistan, writes, “He considered her as his second mother. He said that in times of difficulty, he always turned to her for advice and guidance. He took her into confidence as also did Sarat Chandra Bose and their son Sisir Bose. With their help, he succeeded in dodging the police.”  

Larissa Quaroni and Alberto Pietro Quaroni

It was Bivabati who ensured that after Subhas’ escape all his meals reached his room and empty dishes removed so that police did not know about his absence till 27 January 1941, and by then he had reached Kabul.

Talwar also noted, “He had spoken to me of her (Bivabati’s) capacity to judge a particular situation and understand things and of her tact to adapt and prepare herself to meet a certain situation and thus how she was of tremendous help to him all his life.”

Ramo Devi, wife of Uttam Chand, an Indian who owned a shop in Kabul, was another person who helped Netaji in his escapade. Uttam was a revolutionary who served the jail in India during the 1930s for his nationalistic activities. Subhas stayed at his house in Kabul for a few days.

Talwar recalled, “Ramo Devi played a great and noble role in affording us protection in our difficult days during our stay in Kabul. She displayed wonderful tact and presence of mind in handling the situation. Credit goes to her for the fact that during our stay for such a long period, the neighbours or visitors never got suspicious of us. She spared no pains to make Netaji’s stay in her house as comfortable as possible. She always provided good food for Netaji and looked after him with great care, particularly when Netaji was unwell. She managed the children so well that we never had a reason to suspect that they would let the secret out. Under her control, even the servant proved to be useful and reliable. I think she gave very valuable support to her husband in this difficult task of sheltering a personality so well-known and so much sought after by the police.”

 Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat Khan Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat KhanBhagat Ram

Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rehmat Khan

Larissa Quaroni was married to Mr. Alberto Pietro Quaroni, the ambassador of Italy in Kabul. After his futile attempts to get help from the USSR and German embassies, the Italian ambassador extended all the help to Subahs to get out of Kabul and reach Berlin. He gave him a new passport with the fake identity of an Italian, Orlando Mazotta.

The government in Kabul would not support anti-British activity on its soil. Larissa acted as a messenger between the Italian embassy and Subhas. She would take the messages from the embassy to Uttam Chand’s shop. She procured Bose’s new Italian passport and also arranged clothes for his travel.

Haji Abdul Sobhan, an Indian revolutionary based in Kabul, had served jail as a member of the Ghadar Party. He married a German woman. He and Uttam Chand looked after Subhas’ stay in Kabul.

Sobhan’s wife was Subha’s link with Germany. She suggested that if everything went as planned the German forces could reach Afghanistan in six months and with their help tribals could attack the British in India. When Subhas was living in Berlin, she kept sending clothes and messages to him through her sister.

There is no denying that Subhas Chandra Bose and other men with him did something heroic but these women were no less. It is unimaginable that the escape could have succeeded if these women were not there. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / January 23rd, 2025

MSUB readies to part with long-time Professor Dr. Khaleel

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

After teaching for over 40 years, Dr. Tasneem Khaleel is retiring

MSUB readies to part with long-time Professor Dr. Khaleel

Retirement party in honor of Dr. Khaleel set for 2 p.m., April 26 in the Beartooth Room in the Student Union Building. Food and refreshments will be served.

Retirement party flyer here

Contacts:

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Hanging on the wall in Dr. Tasneem Khaleel’s office are the many awards and accolades marking the dedication and service she has given to Montana State University Billings over the past several decades.

Khaleel is retiring at the end of this semester and her presence and legacy will be with the science department and University for years to come.

Dr. Christine Shearer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said that without the dedication and perseverance of Khaleel, the College and its students would not be where it is today.

“Dr. Khaleel has devoted her professional career to Montana State University Billings in a variety of capacities. She has been a tireless researcher and developer of the internationally-renowned Herbarium, a deeply committed advocate for the sciences and science education, a leader of a complex and diverse unit, and has been a staunch supporter and mentor of female scientists and academic professionals in all disciplines,” Shearer said. “Her tenacity and resilience advanced the College of Arts and Sciences and its programs, including the establishment of the Women’s and Gender Studies Center, which serves the university and the community. Her involvement in Girls-n-Science impacted hundreds of young women planning STEM careers.”

Khaleel has been paving the way for women in STEM since the beginning of her career. She has the honor of being the first woman recipient of a Ph.D from Bangalore University, India, where she graduated with a degree in Botany in 1970.

In 1976, Khaleel would begin her tenure with MSUB, as would her signature project: the establishment, maintenance, and management of the internationally known MSUB Herbarium.

“The Herbarium is one of my professional accomplishments that I am most proud of,” Khaleel said.

Dr. Tasneem Khaleel, center, assists Heidi Carter, left, and an unknown student during a lab experiment. (Photo circa 1980)

Post-retirement, she will continue being involved in the herbarium, which includes some 16,000 vascular plant specimens, some of which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Herbarium serves as a tool for basic research in plant systematics, ecology, phytogeography, and evolution.

While Khaleel’s career is highlighted by the 11 years she served as dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, from 2004 to 2014, she has no regrets to returning to the classroom before retirement.

Throughout her time on campus, she moved up from an assistant professor to department chair and says coming full circle made her last two years with students, “the best.”

“I wanted to retire as a faculty member,” Khaleel said. “Having that time as Dean allowed me to hear so many perspectives that my focus shifted when I returned to the classroom. My focus shifted from teaching to learning, to becoming a mentor and being more supportive.

These last two years have been very rewarding.”

This year, Khaleel received the Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award.

For the last eight years the Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowment for Scholarships to Science has provided $1,000 awards to two students.

source: http://www.msubillings.edu/ucam/releases.2017/2017apr19Khaleel.htm / University Communications and Marketing / April 19th, 2017 / Montana State Univeristy Billings

Dr. Tasneem Khaleel – Professor, botany and biology, Billings, MT

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

Tell me about your education?

My Ph.D is from India, at Bangalore University and I was the first woman to get a Ph.D from that university. I started education at a very young age because I started school when I was about 3. In those days there was not an age limit to start school, when your parents felt you were ready they took you to school. From then on it was up to you. When I started off, there was no kindergarten or pre-school, it was first grade. I sat on the teacher’s lap most of the time because I was so little.

Why did you study botany?

When I was a student in India, botany was a man’s field. They did not really take women in graduate courses for botany because they look at botany as a field science. Since the graduate seats were so limited they didn’t take a whole lot of graduate students. They thought if they took in a girl student, the only option for her would be to teach botany, not go out to the field.  They still looked at women in those days as better at home and in the classroom than in the field. That was a challenge for me. I just wanted to prove to them one could be in the field as well.

When did you know you wanted to become an educator?

Oh I loved teaching right from the beginning. One of the reasons you do your masters in any discipline in India was so that you can teach in college. When I graduated with my masters degree in botany, I was 19 years old at the time and so I went off to find a job. There was one person who was in charge of recruiting and allocating all of the lecturer positions. So I talked to him and said, I need a job but he took one look at me and said, you look like you just came out of high school. He didn’t think I would be impressive enough in front of a classroom and to be able to control a classroom, the kids wouldn’t take me seriously. So I sat there and cried, I wanted the job and he refused to give me something that I had a passion to teach. I didn’t want to keep all the knowledge to myself. So then he said how about if you went and did a Ph.D. and then came back a few years later and by then you will have grown up a bit. I took him up on that option but there was no Ph.D. program at the university so he said he would help start one, which he did. And then we got the university grant fellowship to support me and I did my Ph.D. By then I wasn’t interested in going to him anymore to teach because people were after me to come and teach being I was the first woman with a Ph.D. there.

Tell us about your passion, building the herbarium at MSUB?

The value of the herbarium is based on what plant collections you have in it. When I first came here there were just two wooden cabinets here, with maybe 500 specimens. And they said, this is your herbarium. It was shocking because where I came from there is a whole building dedicated to the herbarium. So I challenged myself to build a herbarium here.  The very first grant I wrote was to buy herbarium cabinets. The next step I did was to call out to local agents here who had small collections to see if they were willing to consolidate to a central location. The US Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management and Rocky Mountain College were all very willing to give collections and we incorporated those in our herbarium. Over the years, the herbarium is a part of the national database with about 16,000 specimens.

Of the classes you teach, what is your favorite?

All of my classes are my favorite classes. I love teaching. I teach freshman biology, in fact that’s one of my most favorite classes to be honest. That’s when students are first starting out and I’m introducing them to biology for the first time and to get them excited about that. I really enjoy doing that and it gives me opportunities to mentor students because they’re just starting out. My second most favorite is plant systematics, they are both equally enjoyable classes for me. I just love teaching botany.

source: http://www.msubillings.edu/snapshots/2015-16/Khaleel.htm / msubillings.edu / by Cassie Winter, University Communications and Marketing / October 09th, 2015 / Montana State Univeristy Billings

The Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarship

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

Giving back to the community that has supported them for over 30 years was so important to Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel that they set up an endowed scholarship at MSU Billings in 2006. The Khaleels place a high value on education and where it can take you in life. From the moment Billings, Montana, became their home, they have reached out to the community to share their Indian culture and to offer help to those in need or educate those who would discriminate against them.

Since those early years at MSU Billings, Dr. Tasneem Khaleel has achieved full professor, was chair of the Biological and Physical Sciences department for many years, served as chair of Graduate Studies, and was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Shafiq Khaleel has built a successful veterinary practice and a rose garden that is the envy of Billings. According to Tasneem, “We both came to this country with an education that has allowed us to be who we are today. If the scholarship allows even one student to achieve his/her goals, it will be one more educated citizen who will have the potential to make a difference.”

The Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarship was designed to help motivated students achieve their goals and ease some of their financial burden in completing their education. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2008-2009.

Impact

I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to receive the special scholarship from you both. Dr. Tasneem Khaleel, you have been a role model for me since I had you as my first science class professor at MSUB. I was honored to meet Dr. Shafiq and shake your hand that one afternoon when you picked Dr. Khaleel up from work. The scholarship you both have provided will give me the opportunity to help pay for my college another year at MSUB; it will forever be remembered. Impacting my life to support one more year of school is a stepping stone that will forever support my future endeavors. Again, thank you.” — Sarah G., Biology and Pre-Professional Medicine major

Scholarships

source: http://www.msubillings.academicworks.com / Montana State University University Billings Scholarships

Thumbay Group to open Sharjah’s first private psychiatric, rehabilitation hospital

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

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Ajman / Sharjah, U.A.E:

Sharjah (UAE): 

In a first, the Thumbay Group has announced plans to establish the region’s first private Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Hospital in Sharjah Healthcare City. The Hospital is set to become the largest private facility of its kind in the region.

The hospital will focus on Innovation and Patient-Centered Care and the hospital is equipped to meet the highest clinical standards, offering Advanced Therapeutic Modalities, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs, Integrated Tele-health Solutions and Precision Medicine among others.

The hospital’s multidisciplinary model includes psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction counselors, family therapists, physical therapists, and occupational specialists, ensuring a holistic and individualized approach to patient care.

Thumbay Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Hospital will be developed in two phases. Phase 1 includes 60 inpatient beds and 12 outpatient clinics (OPDs) and Phase 2 adds another 60 beds, bringing the total capacity to 120 beds. Construction is set to begin in June 2025, with the hospital expected to be operational by mid-2026.

Key Features of the Hospital:

1. Psychiatric Care:

  • Diagnosis and Treatment.
  • Therapeutic Interventions.

2. Rehabilitation Services:

  • Substance Abuse Rehabilitation

3. Long-term Care and Aftercare:

  • Aftercare Programs
  • Inpatient VIP Villas.

4. Swimming Pool and Spa

5. A mosque (Thumbay Masjid) with a capacity for 500-600 worshippers, open to the public.

Commitment to International Standards

Thumbay Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Hospital seeks to achieve Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certification, reflecting its adherence to rigorous global benchmarks in safety, quality, and effectiveness. The hospital will also comply with all UAE healthcare regulations, further emphasizing its commitment to ethical and evidence-based practices.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of Thumbay Group, said, “This is the first private Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Hospital in the region, catering to regional and international patients seeking world-class care. Our goal is to make it the best facility serving the community.”

In a statement, His Excellency Dr. Abdelaziz Al Mheiri, Chairman of Sharjah Health Authority and Sharjah Healthcare City, lauded the initiative, saying, “This project aligns with our vision for Sharjah Healthcare City, where we prioritize all aspects of healthcare. Mental health is increasingly critical and often overlooked, and we are proud to host such a pioneering hospital.”

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 26th, 2024

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025

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Gulbarga, KARNATAKA / SAUDI ARABIA :

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia, has been honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest recognition given by the Government of India to overseas Indians. This accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering stronger ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

With an illustrious career spanning over 45 years, Dr. Khursheed has held pivotal roles, including three decades of service at King Faisal Hospital and 10 years as a Royal Protocol Physician at the National Guard Hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a beacon of support for the Indian diaspora, offering essential healthcare, vaccine advocacy, and 24/7 consultations. He also provided unwavering support to Indian pilgrims during Hajj, offering medical assistance at Mina and Arafat for over 30 years. Notably, he served as the personal physician to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Khursheed’s contributions extend beyond healthcare to education and community development.

He established the International Indian School in Taif, promoting academic excellence and cultural integration for Indian expatriates.

His philanthropic endeavours include supporting underprivileged Indians through collaborations with organisations such as the Gulbarga Welfare Society and MESCO.

Since January 2021, he has also served as Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum, an initiative under the Embassy of India in Riyadh.

Fluent in Arabic and deeply connected to Saudi culture, Dr. Khursheed has been a vital link between India and Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral relations in the domains of healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. His recognition with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award underscores his lifelong dedication to the Indian community abroad and his role in elevating India’s global stature.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025

Muslim Mirror unveils 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024

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INDIA :

New Delhi :

Muslim Mirror, in collaboration with the Minority Media Foundation, has released its highly anticipated list of the “100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024.” This initiative, celebrated as a benchmark of excellence, acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Indian Muslims across various fields, showcasing their leadership and societal impact on a national scale.

A Mission to Shift Narratives

The project aims to counter the negative portrayal of Muslims often propagated by corporate-funded media serving political agendas. By curating this list, Muslim Mirror presents a positive narrative, celebrating the vibrant and diverse contributions of Indian Muslims to the nation’s development and society.

Comprehensive and Inclusive Representation

The selection process emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, representing achievers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Assam to Gujarat. The list spans a wide array of sectors, including politics, religion, activism, literature, entrepreneurship, academia, sports, and entertainment.

In an effort to reflect the broad spectrum of the Muslim community, individuals from all sects—Barelvis, Deobandis, Ahle Hadith, Shias, Bohras, and others—have been recognized. The selection underscores the community’s rich cultural and social diversity.

Spotlighting Leadership and Impact

The list features leaders from prominent Muslim organizations and unsung heroes who have made unparalleled contributions in their respective domains. Special attention was given to young achievers, whose recognition aims to inspire future generations of leaders.

Notably, the initiative also includes individuals facing legal challenges and imprisonment, underscoring the principle that they are accused, not convicted. This approach highlights their contributions despite the adversities they face, reaffirming the importance of justice and fairness.

A Rigorous and Ethical Selection Process

Selecting 100 individuals from a community of over 200 million posed significant challenges. Extensive consultations with grassroots representatives across India informed the process. A team of experts finalized the list, which is presented in alphabetical order due to the absence of a ranking mechanism.

While the team strived for accuracy and fairness, they acknowledged the possibility of unintentional exclusions. Readers and stakeholders are encouraged to provide suggestions for deserving individuals to be included in the 2025 list. To maintain ethical standards, members of the Muslim Mirror team and the Minority Media Foundation were not considered for the list.

The Muslim Mirror 100 serves as a testament to the exceptional contributions of Indian Muslims in shaping the nation. By shining a light on their achievements, the initiative not only celebrates their successes but also fosters a sense of pride and inspiration within the community.

As the list continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience, talent, and leadership within the Indian Muslim community, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Big Story> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / January 03rd, 2025

Indians Dr. Shamim Butt and CEO Faraz Khalid conferred with Saudi citizenship

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JAMMU & KASHMIR / NEW DELHI / SAUDI ARABIA :

Dr Shamim Ahmad Butt and Faraz Khalid

New Delhi :

To retain talented expatriates working in the Kinddom, Saudi Arabi has granted citizenship to two Indians – Dr Shamim Ahmad Butt and Faraz Khalid. The two are in the first batch of outsiders who have been given this privilege. Others include young professionals from France, Singapore and Lebanon.

This comes in the wake of a royal decree issued on July 4 that aims to grant Saudi citizenship to individuals with exceptional talents in various fields and is also in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to foster an environment that attracts, invests in, and retains exceptional creative minds, the local media reported.

Dr Shamim Ahmad Butt is the Deputy Head of the Emergency Department at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh.

Dr Butt is accredited by the Saudi Commission as a resident of the Saudi Council of Emergency Medicine.

He is also the winner of the 2007-2008 Zonn Perkin Gold Medal for Emergency Research.

Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon holds an MBA in entrepreneurial project management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He serves as the CEO of Noon, co-founded Namshi, and has been instrumental in the creation, launch, and expansion of the e-commerce platform.

According to Saudi Gazette Newspaper as per a Royal decree, Saudi citizenship can be granted to scientists, medical doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished talents with unique expertise and specializations.

The announcement aligns with the Kingdom’s initiative to attract experts and exceptional global talents in religious, medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technological fields.

This move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of creating an attractive environment that fosters retention and investment in exceptional creative minds.

This decree is an extension of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract prominent talents whose expertise contributes significantly to economic development, health, culture, sports, and innovation.

Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported on several notable individuals who have been granted Saudi citizenship by the recent royal decree. Among them is Mehmood Khan, an American and the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, recognized for his contributions to the health sciences.

Jackie Yi-Ru Ying, an American scientist of Singaporean origin, has also been granted Saudi citizenship. Ying was the founding Executive Director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore and currently leads the NanoBio Lab.

Lebanese scientist Niveen Khashab has been honored with Saudi citizenship for her advanced scientific expertise and contributions to bioengineering and nanomaterials. Khashab is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an Associate Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering there since 2009.

Noreddine Ghaffour, a French scientist, has been recognized for his expertise in environmental science and engineering, particularly in desalination technologies. Holding a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier, Ghaffour is a Professor at KAUST.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 11th, 2024