Jailed Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj, who is currently incarcerated under draconian charges, has been honored with the Human Rights and Religious Freedom Journalism Award for 2024.
Mehraj, who won in the Best Video Story category for his impactful work on the heroin epidemic in Kashmir, shared the award with Akanksha Saxena and Khalid Khan of Deutsche Welle, reported Freepress Kashmir.
The awards, organised by the Indian American Muslim Council, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, were presented at a ceremony in Chicago, Illinois. This year, the competition received over 210 entries across four categories.
The prestigious award for ‘Best Video Story on Human Rights and Religious Freedom’ was jointly won, with the top honour going to the three journalists from Deutsche Welle for their impactful documentary, “On Drugs – Kashmir’s Heroin Epidemic.”
The piece stresses upon the growing heroin crisis in Kashmir and lives of people ravaged by addiction in the region.
According to a Human Rights Watch statement issued earlier, said, “While on a professional assignment on 20 March 2023, Mehraj was summoned for questioning and detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India in Srinagar under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.”
Irfan has been booked under the draconian UAPA. According to the NIA, Irfan was previously summoned to Delhi in a case related to “NGO terror funding”. The NIA in its press note claimed he was a “close associate” of the Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez.
In June 2023, United Nations experts expressed serious concerns regarding the charges against and arrest of Mehraj and Parvez, stating that their continued detention is ‘designed to delegitimize their human rights work and obstruct monitoring of the human rights situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.’
On 7 March 2024, UN experts sounded the alarm on the “harassment and prolonged detention of human rights defenders and journalists” in the country. ( With Agencies Inputs )
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim>Media / August 28th, 2024
The group is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.
Kerala-based travel service operator Alhind Group with a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to launch its airline, aiming to provide economical air travel options for residents.
The group, which has been a significant player in the travel industry for over three decades, has received the Civil Aviation Ministry’s initial nod to start an airline — Alhind Air.
The chairman, Mohammad Haris announced that the Group is in the final stages of obtaining the required approvals.
“Last week, we had a meeting with officials at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); we submitted all documents required for landing permission at the airport,” he said. “We had earlier received the no objection certificate (NOC) to start the airline. We are hoping to begin operations by January 2025, if not earlier,” said Haris as quoted by Khaleej Times.
Initial operations and fleet
According to the reports, Alhind Air will start its initial operations with three Atr-72 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes in southern India, including connections between Cochin, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai with an initial investment of ₹200 crores to ₹500 crores as it adds more planes into the fleet.
“We will have five ATR planes in total to fly on regional routes. We have secured all support from Cochin International Airport for our operations. Once this process is completed, the exercise for hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other ground staff will start, a top official of the group told CNBC-TV18.
The group’s promoter revealed that the Alhind Group offers services including air ticketing, holiday packages, Haj-Umrah services, visas, and money exchange. The group already boasts a turnover of ₹20,000 crore and has a robust sales network that could facilitate the successful launch of the airline.
Pertinently, Alhind Group is one of the leading players in the travel and tourism industry in India and abroad.
The strategic launch into the aviation sector is anticipated to enhance completion, potentially lowering airfares and improving service quality for travellers.
Mohammad Haris stated that the group which is also the General Sales Agent (GSA) for many airlines is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Sayima Ahmad , (Headline edited) / August 22nd, 2024
The Urdu Academy Jeddah, in collaboration with the Hyderabad Education Center, organized a gold medal and merit certificate distribution ceremony for SSC top-performing students and best teachers from Telangana government Urdu medium schools. The event was held at the Education Center in Nezampet, Bownampally on Saturday.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Saleem Farooqui, Founder and Patron of the Urdu Academy Jeddah, and Mr. Sheikh Ibrahim, President of the Urdu Academy Jeddah.
The guests included General Secretary Syed Naeemuddin Bari, Manwar Khan, Qudrat Nawaz Baig, Vice President of Hyderabad, Ahmeduddin, Rifat Siddiqui, and Mohammad Bashir Ali.
The event began with a recitation from the Quran by Hafiz and Qari Syed Naeemuddin, followed by a Hamd (praise of God) and Naat (praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) by Hafiz Ameenuddin Ansari.
Special tributes were paid to the late Mr. Syed Jamalullah Qadri, former President, and Mr. Asif Samadani, former Patron-in-Chief, for their invaluable contributions to Urdu language and literature.
The event continued with the distribution of gold medals to top-performing SSC students and certificates of appreciation to outstanding teachers.
The distinguished guests included Mr. Obaidullah Kotwal, Chairman of Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation, Mr. S.A. Ashkour, Director of Ma’arif University Osmania, Mr. Haqayuqur Rahman Baig, Coordinator of All India Congress Committee, and Mr. Imtiaz Ishaq, former Chairman of the Minority Financial Commission.
Ms. Saadia Fatima Khan from Maharashtra, representing the Urdu Academy Jeddah, conducted the ceremony with great skill. She extended a warm welcome to the guests of honor, patrons, and attendees, expressing gratitude for their continuous support.
The Urdu Academy Jeddah has always strived to support Urdu medium students, teachers, and schools. Their efforts aim to promote and preserve the Urdu language. The academy’s dedication has illuminated the path of knowledge not only in Hyderabad and Telangana but also in other cities, spreading the light of education.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of awards for 25 students who achieved top grades in the SSC exams, including gold medals and cash prizes. Twelve outstanding teachers and two exemplary schools also received honors, including shawls and mementos.
Prominent figures at the event emphasized the importance of creating a supportive home environment for learning, encouraging families to maintain a library at home. The ceremony was a celebration of academic excellence and a tribute to the ongoing efforts to promote Urdu language and education.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by Radiance News Bureau / July 03rd, 2024
Mazin Hammad Al-Himali receives Mohammed Shahid Alam in Jeddah. (Supplied)
Director of Foreign Ministry Branch in Makkah Region Receives Indian Consul General in Jeddah
Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ branch in Makkah Mazin Hammad Al-Himali met with Indian Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam in Jeddah on Monday.
The meeting was held on the occasion of the end of Alam’s tenure, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alam took over as India’s consul general in Jeddah in February 2021. He previously served in Jeddah as the Hajj consul from 2015 to 2018.
An upright officer of the Indian Foreign Service, he has now been posted to the Indian High Commission in London.
source: http://www.arabnews.com /Arab News / Home> News> Middle East / August 06th, 2024
IMPROF President Raja Mohamad (right) and the Chief Executive of Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture Arun Mahizhnan presenting Dr Maliki Osman a token of appreciation.Photo: IMPROF
A newly launched microsite aims to serve as a comprehensive repository of the Singapore Indian Muslim community’s rich history and contributions.
The digital platform, developed by IMPROF, a network of Indian Muslim professionals, in collaboration with the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC), centralises information on important individuals, organisations, institutions and publications in the Singapore Indian Muslim community.
Launched on July 28 at the National Library Building, the microsite serves as a gateway into the insights of the Singaporean Indian Muslim community, said Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, who was the guest of honour at the launch event.
“The story of Indian Muslims in Singapore is one of resilience, cultural preservation and contribution to our nation’s multicultural identity.
“I hope this microsite can serve as a reminder, not just for the Indian Muslim community, but also for the broader Singaporean audience on the importance of preserving and documenting our stories,” he said.
He also encouraged the younger generation to take up the mantle and uphold these traditions.
Mr Raja Mohamad, president of IMPROF, said that Indian Muslims are often misunderstood even in today’s society.
“This microsite aims to address misconceptions and promote accurate information about our community. It is not merely a directory but a well-organised collection of existing information that has been gathered from various sources across the internet,” Mr Raja said.
For example, one can find information about a teacher who is also a community leader, an author, and a sports enthusiast, all in one place, he said.
The microsite documents key developments and notable figures in the Singapore Indian Muslim community, including publications and resources by Indian Muslims as well as those written by others about Indian Muslims.
With 111 subjects, 58 personalities, 30 institutions and 705 links featured, Mr Raja said the site’s content is non-exhaustive and will be continually updated.
The criteria for selection include having an independent mention on authoritative third-party websites, such as government or official institutions, and being recognised through national awards or respected institutions. Additionally, individuals must have excelled in their professional fields or served the community in significant capacities within government or influential agencies.
Mr Raja said he hopes it will be a valuable resource for scholars, community leaders, students and anyone who wants to know more about their community.
The idea for the microsite was conceived four years ago when he gave Mr Raja a call on Hari Raya morning, said Mr Arun Mahizhnan, the chief executive of CSTC.
“The world of the Indian Muslims in Singapore is a continuation of what existed more than 2,000 years ago in this region. They are a small but significant community that helped build Singapore.
“CSTC believes social history is essential for a fuller understanding of our community life. We hope to act as a catalyst in several more of such initiatives,” he said.
Asad Haque’s commitment to innovation, technological advancements, and dedication to philanthropic initiatives, including date farming, makes him an exemplary figure in both technology and environmental sustainability. An expatriate from Bengaluru, now thriving in Dubai, Asad’s inspiring story illustrates the incredible value of pursuing one’s passion with unwavering enthusiasm and dedication.
Asad’s journey began in Bengaluru, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in CAD/CAM with a distinction from R.V. College in 1989 and simultaneously completed a CNC, NC machines project at the National Aeronautical Lab (NAL). Asad was also passionate about sports and was awarded the Best All-Rounder award by the KSCA for state schools in 1982. Additionally, he won the Best All-Rounder award again in the Karnataka Junior Colleges Cricket tournament in 1984.
His career took flight at Infosys, leading to senior positions in renowned companies such as Hewlett Packard Distribution (Emitac Group), Samsung, Xerox, and Dubai Internet City. His significant contributions to the ICT, AI, and security industries have not gone unnoticed, earning him prestigious awards including the Award of Appreciation from Dubai Police Headquarters, Government of Dubai, and the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum.
Asad Haque honoured with the Gulf NRI Karnataka RATNA Award in 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum
As a distinguished alumnus of Bangalore University and an executive founder member of The Alumni Association, Asad Haque has been recognized for his expertise in Artificial Intelligence. Over the past 30 years, he has been a key player in the UAE’s ICT landscape, instrumental in launching the first PC made in the UAE by the brand CUB PC. This success paved the way for other achievements, such as the launch of Samsung’s HDD storage and TFT Monitors, and multi-million dollar XEROX printing and copying solutions for the SME segment.
He also introduced various niche technologies across market segments, including firewalls, antivirus, unified and convergent solutions, IP networking, data and voice encryption and cryptographic solutions, enterprise servers and data-centre solutions, IPTV, and AI-based solutions to major enterprise clients. Additionally, he mentors younger professionals and aspiring university students.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Asad Haque’s philanthropic spirit is complemented by his passion for date farming. For the past 19 years, he has grown palm trees and generously donated the harvest to charity. Dates, a staple in the UAE, are particularly cherished during the summer months. Asad’s experience in date farming, though challenging, is a testament to his patience and hard work. His palm trees now towering at 25-30 feet, produce large quantities of dates each year, which he distributes to labour camps and other charitable organizations.
“Thanks to a bountiful harvest, Asad Haque generously donates a substantial quantity of dates to charity.”
Asad’s love for nature and gardening dates back to his childhood in Bengaluru, where he tended to plants and flowers. In Dubai, he embraced the challenge of date farming, a pursuit that requires meticulous care and patience. The process of nurturing date palms from pollination to harvest is labour-intensive, involving skilled gardeners who scale the tall trees to pollinate the flowers by hand. Despite the challenges, Asad finds great joy in the spiritual and cultural connection that date farming brings.
“I experience profound joy in the spiritual and cultural connection fostered by date farming, which allows me to forge a deep bond with the Creator and marvel at His creations. I am immensely grateful for the Creator’s magnificent ecosystem, the harmonious cycles of nature, and the intricate tapestry of life,” says Asad.
In addition to his role as CEO of ICT Consultants and his advisory roles in various other companies, Asad recently expanded his professional horizons by assuming a pivotal leadership role as the Representative for the Middle East Region on behalf of KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and its affiliated entities. He was appointed as a Consultant for the Middle East at Wahed Inc. (“Wahed Invest”), an ethical and values-driven digital investment platform.
His work involves bridging business sectors and fostering collaboration across diverse regions, with a notable emphasis on connecting the Middle East, USA, UK, and ASEAN countries.
Asad Haque’s far-reaching legacy is reflected in numerous accolades, underscoring his exceptional contributions to technological innovation, security advancements, and societal development. As a philanthropist, Asad endeavors to uplift underprivileged children with scholarships and educational support. He also provides access to clean drinking water and assists orphanages. His unwavering commitment to societal improvement cements a legacy of magnanimity, solidifying his position as an esteemed leader in technology and environmental sustainability. Emphasizing the importance of water conservation, Asad Haque states, “No Water, No Life.”
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Business / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / May 27th, 2024
In an interview with TNM, academician Afsar Mohammad speaks of how Telugu writing suffers from a lack of adequate representation of Muslim voices and the current dearth of research into Telugu literature.
There was a paradigmatic shift in Telugu literature post the demolition of Babri Masjid, says Afsar Mohammad, senior faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in the US. In an interview with TNM, Afsar Mohammad speaks about how mainstream Telugu dailies like Eenadu and Andhra Prabha were unwilling to accommodate voices keen on promoting identity politics, citing his academic paper published in December 2023, titled ‘The Rise of a Muslim Voice: Telugu writing in the Times of Hindu Nationalism.’
According to Afsar, this vacuum created by mainstream papers gave rise to counter-culture magazines such as Kanjira, Ujwala, Chinuku, and others, which ensured representation of female, Muslim, lowered caste voices in the Telugu heartlands. “The Muslim question was discussed using a new vocabulary,” he tells TNM, adding that in Telugu folklore, a visible syncretic relationship between Hindus and Muslims was witnessed.
Afsar speaks of how Sita, from the Hindu epic Ramayana, and Fatima, Prophet Mohammad’s daughter, are both invoked by female storytellers during Muharram in Telangana’s Karimnagar district. “The narrative describes certain commonalities between Fatima and Sita that represent the pain and suffering of many women and transcend the boundaries of a devotional text,” he writes in his paper.
In the interview with TNM, he speaks about how one year following the demolition of Babri Masjid, the Muslim subcaste group of dudekula (cotton cleaners classified as BC-B) started chronicling their distinction from upper-caste Muslim voices in Telugu. He also says that the connections Telugu literature and culture shared with Tamil Nadu were severed, and how as things stand, there exists a visible lack of research into Telugu writing.
source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Telangana / by Anjana Meenakshi / January 12th, 2024
In a ceremony hosted by Australian Premier Chris Minns at the Art Gallery of NSW, Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi, President of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, was awarded the NSW Government Community Service Award. The event, held on May 20th, marked the beginning of National Volunteer Week, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteers across New South Wales.
More than 300 guests representing various volunteer organizations attended the event, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities. The NSW Government Community Service Award recognizes individuals who have significantly enhanced the quality of life for community members, going above and beyond their regular duties.
Among the six distinguished recipients nominated by their State Members of Parliament, Mr. Alvi stood out for his exceptional dedication and selflessness. Nominated by Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown, Mr. Alvi’s unwavering commitment to service has inspired and enriched countless lives.
As President of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, Mr. Alvi champions multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion, striving to foster harmony among diverse communities. His involvement in various associations, businesses, and cultural bodies demonstrates his broad impact and leadership in promoting social cohesion.
Mr. Alvi’s volunteer work extends across multiple sectors, from founding the Australia India Chamber of Commerce NSW to serving on advisory committees in councils. His passion for promoting peace and social responsibility serves as a beacon of civic engagement for others to emulate.
Through his recognition and award, Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi exemplifies the values of compassion and community service, inspiring individuals to actively contribute to the betterment of society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Muslim World> Australia / by Radiance News Bureau / May 27th, 2024
Gastroenterologist Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo of Sopore was the Director of Kashmir’s super specialty hospital and research center, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) when the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism had turned parts of Kashmir into ‘liberated zones’ in the early 1990s.
Khuroo’s fellow villager and eminent CVTS surgeon Dr Abdul Ahad Guroo was abducted and shot dead. The terrorists brandishing AK-47 rifles and rocket launchers had removed ‘SK’ (acronym of its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s name) from SKIMS sign boards to leave the hospital signboards with just IMS.
Terrorists had set up hideouts inside, and taken possession of rooms and wards to control the place. Its walls were covered with posters of ‘azadi’ and ‘jihad’.
Dr M S Khuroo at his graduation ceremony
Dr Khuroo lived and moved around under a thick security cover in Srinagar. A senior IPS officer and a neighbour Veerana Aivalli advised Khuroo to ‘disappear’ for some time. “Aivalli told me that he could deploy 500 Policemen but still I was not safe,” he told Awaz-the Voice.
“My father had made me take a pledge that I would serve my people. He told me that he was releasing me from the bondage of the promise as my life was in danger in Kashmir. I proceeded on a year’s leave and in the next couple of weeks I was in Saudi Arabia along with my wife Haleema”.
He joined the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH) at Riyadh. He was appointed a consultant of hepatology and rose to the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology.
Clipping from an article in which Dr MS Khuroo is seen with father
After seven years, Khuroo established a Department of Liver Transplant at KFSH and supervised more than 100 critical surgeries. He also managed the KFSH clinic and the post-operative care of more than 300 patients whose liver transplants had been conducted at different hospitals in Europe and America. After 10 years of service, Khuroo returned to his home town Sopore.
“In Saudi Arabia, I got incredibly wonderful respect and recognition. While working at SKIMS, I had no time for my family and children. I worked seven days a week, 24 hours a day. In the beginning, my salary was Rs 300 a month. When I left as Director, my total salary was Rs 18,000. I would take home not more than Rs 9,000. I would borrow money from my colleagues to make ends meet. In Riyadh, I was supposed to work for just 6 to 8 hours a day; five days a week. It allowed me to raise my family meticulously. I have a son and two daughters and all are doctors. They are doing well, touchwood”, Khuroo said.
He added that his salary in Riyadh ranged between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
Dr MS Khuroo receiving an award from the Indian Ambassador in Riyadh
“Unlike my peer clinicians, I had a passion for medical research, and money was no consideration but a good earning helps you give your best to society if you have a will”, Khuroo added.
“All through my studies and training in Srinagar, I faced tough times. I used to stay in Srinagar, travel to my home in Sopore on Saturday, and return on Monday morning. For five years, my uncle gave me Rs 10 for my week’s expenditure. I would keep one Rupee and six annas for my weekly travel home and manage things within the remaining eight Rupees and ten annas”.
Khuroo’s real satisfaction, however, flows not from the money he earned as one of the world’s top gastroenterologists and liver transplant experts but from having been the Saudi royal family’s physician.
“I handled the healthcare of the kings Abdullah and Fahad. We used to visit only the King. All other members of the royal family would come to us at the KFSH. Once I had to undergo surgery there. When I regained consciousness, I saw the Director of KFSH carrying me to my room”, Khuroo recollected.
Dr MS Khuroo at his home in Sopore
Even in Riyadh, the unsettling conditions at home didn’t leave Khuroo in peace. His son Yasir, an MBBS trainee at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar, was abducted. Khuroo had to return; somehow the crisis was resolved and he returned.
Born in 1944, Khuroo was admitted for elementary education at the Maharaja’s compulsory education school in Sopore. He also finished High School and FSC (10+2) in Sopore and MBBS from GMC Srinagar in 1967, stood first in order of merit, and got a gold medal. Later, his specialist studies and work earned him over a dozen medals.
Khuroo is the man who discovered the virus Hepatitis ‘E’ while dealing with an epidemic that infected over 57,000 people in a population of 600,000 in 200 villages in 1978. As many as 1,600 people, including many pregnant women, died.
Dr MS Khuroo in Riyadh
“I was a faculty at GMC Srinagar. As the pandemic began spreading to menacing proportions on either side of the Ningli Nallah from Gulmarg to Wular Lake, I virtually jumped into the fire with a small team. I got infected with other members of my family but we didn’t rest until we established that it was an altogether new hepatitis virus. I named it Hepatitis ‘E’. No other virus of the series has been found in the last 45 years”, Khuroo said.
Khuroo completed DM in gastroenterology at Chandigarh’s Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) followed by fellowships in the UK and the USA.
Prof Khuroo has the distinction of being the first Indian medical scientist whose research article was published by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Of the 300 of his research publications, three have been published in the numero uno of peer-reviewed journals NEJM, six in The Lancet, three in the American Journal of Medicine, and many in the American College of Physicians, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and GI Endoscopy.
Khuroo recalled how he discovered new diseases and medical protocols, including the one related to portal hypertensive colopathy, to the world in the 1980s. “I was the first to tell the world how some diseases could be cured with non-invasive medical procedures. The world universities and hospitals followed”, Khuroo said.
Khuroo, nevertheless, has his regrets. “When we set up the gastroenterology department at SKIMS in 1982, it was arguably India’s best. Today, it’s no match to many of its junior centers. I regret that Kashmir’s politicians did not let the liver transplant facility come up at SKIMS in the last 45 years”.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, Srinagar / May 15th, 2024
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has appointed Anwar Manila as the social media committee coordinator of the Dakshina Kannada District Non-Resident Indian (NRI) cell of the KPCC. The appointments were made through an order issued by KPCC President DK Shivakumar on Saturday.
In addition, the party has also appointed Vice President of non-resident Indians forum and All India Congress Committee’s Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) secretary in-charge Dr. Arati Krishna as the chairperson of the KPCC NRI Cell.
Anwar, a non-resident Kannadiga residing in Dubai for the past 18 years, has been an active member of the Congress party for a decade, particularly within its social media unit. He is also serving as the member of the social media unit of INCAS. In 2019, he served as a member of the publicity committee for the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, attended by former AICC president Rahul Gandhi in the UAE.
Alongside, Anwar has also been actively serving in social, religious and educational fields and is also recognised by several non-resident Kannadiga organisations.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavalli / by Vartha Bharati / April 13th, 2024
