Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

Microsite to serve S’pore’s Indian Muslim community

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA / SINGAPORE:

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.

Link to microsite: https://singapore-indian-muslims.glide.page

source: http://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg / TABLA / Home> Singapore / by Yogita Anbuchezhian / August 01st, 2024

From Bengaluru To Dubai: Asad Haque’s 35-Year Journey In Technology And Date Farming

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai, UAE :

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

How Babri demolition threw up new voices in Telugu Muslim writing: Interview

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA / Pennsylvania, U.S.A :

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

NSW Premier Chris Minns Honors Abbas Raza Alvi with Community Service Award

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

INDIA / AUSTRALIA :

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 MS Khuroo of Kashmir looked after Saudi King’s health

Amazing Feats, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sophore, JAMMU & KASHMIR / Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

Dr Mohammad Sultan Khuroo

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

KPCC appoints Anwar Manila as coordinator of DK District Committee NRI cell

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

Karavalli (Mangaluru District), KARNATAKA:

Anwar Manila

Mangaluru:

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

Meet Mohammad Furqan, Madrasa Graduate Selected for University of Notre Dame, Indiana

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Darbangah District, BIHAR / Indiana, U.S.A:

From a humble beginning as a student of a Madrasa to being selected for Masters in Peace Studies at University of Notre Dame, one of world’s leading universities, Furqan’s journey is an answer to those critics of madrasas who refuse to accept their relevance and contribution to the society and academia.

Meet Mohammad Furqan, Madrasa Graduate Selected for University of Notre Dame | ummid.com

While hundreds of Madarasas are being shut down allegedly for being non-productive, a good number of graduates of independent Madrasas are making great academic strides. One such Madrasa graduate, Mohammad Furqan has qualified for the Masters of Global Affairs in Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.

Furqan’s selection has been widely welcomed by graduates of different Indian madrasas and especially by the graduates of Madrasa Discourses Program run by the Keogh School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame.

Buoyed by the good wishes, Furqan said:

“It all started with the Madrasa Discourses, and it would have not been possible without the great leadership of Prof. Ebrahim Moosa and Dr. Waris Mazhari. Coming from an ordinary family, I could have never imagined to study in the USA with scholarship.”

Belonging to Darbhanga district of Bihar, Furqan graduated with a Fazilat degree from Madrasa Alia Arabia, Masjid Fatehpuri, Delhi in 2016, after which he did BA (Hons) in English Literature from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). In 2023, he completed Masters of Arts in Islamic and Arabic Studies from JMI.

[M Furqan with his friends at Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi in a file photo.]

While continuing his formal studies, Furqan also pursued the three-year research program for Madrasa graduates namely “Advancing Scientific and Theological Literacy in Madrasa Discourses”, offered by the University of Notre Dame. It is where he made the most of his time and had the opportunity to interact with a number of renowned academicians and scholars from different countries.

Recalling those years Furqan says:

“It was indeed a life changing journey for me to connect with you all for more than five years”.

Extending his special thanks to his Madrasa Discourses fellows Mohammad Ali, Manzar Imam, Mohammad Ehtesham, Mohammad Fozail, Muhammad Zeeshan, Mohammad Aadil Affan, Ghulam Rasool, Md Khaleeque Rehmani, Abul Aala Subhani, Syed Abdur Rasheed, Tajammul Husain, Saif ul Hadi and others, Furqan expressed his intention to remain connected with what he called “our shared commitment for our society and madrasa community.”

From a humble beginning as a student of a Madrasa to being selected for Masters in Peace Studies in one of world’s leading universities, Furqan’s journey is an answer to those critics of madrasas who refuse to accept their relevance and contribution to the society and academia.

Indian madrasas need some reform but more than that they need to sustain and serve the society to carry forward the huge academic and intellectual legacy which has been the hallmark and pride of India’s story of diversity and open discourse.

(A graduate of Madrasa Discourses Program, the writer, Manzar Imam, is Director of MJ Achievers Academy LLP)

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Manzar Imam / April 01st, 2024

From Jamshedpur to UK, the inspiring journey of Khurshid Alam

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jamshedpur, JHARKHAND / London, U.K :

For ex-health commissioner of London Khurshid Alam, education is the only solution for all the problems currently gripping the Muslim community. Saira Aslam talks to Mr  Alam for muslimmirror.com about his life struggles, a tragic childhood and his growing up braving it all.

He has several feathers to his cap – from being the health commissioner of London, serving the Indian Army, setting up a vocational training institute in the UK to adopting a school in Nuh near Gurgaon, but Alam feels it is important to continue to learn.

Having lost his mother when he was just three years’ old and then later losing his father at six years’ old meant the end of the world for him. And if this wasn’t enough, he also witnessed the 1964 riots in Jamshedpur in which hundreds of people were killed. But, he says what kept him going and helped him immensely later in life was his education, which he managed to complete despite all the challenges that one could think of.

For over 20 years, Alam has been involved extensively in a variety of roles ranging from being an advisor to leading a wide range of charities and public services in health, education and social care. He has developed and implemented several policies and strategic plans of improving public services and access; and promoting good healthcare and education for community, including working with and giving advice to government bodies and other organisations internationally.

Currently based in London, he has adopted a school in Nuh district, about 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Gurgaon. He has also worked out collaboration between the institution and a school in London, and wants to see his school grow to be the region’s leading school in the next three years. Within six months of its adoption, the school has won two prestigious awards, giving him hopes that the future for the institution looks bright. He points out that the people of the district, who are mostly Muslims, are a marginalised lot and the literacy rate is extremely low.

“Muslims are today lagging so much behind than other communities, not only in India but across the world. And unfortunately, this gap is rising rapidly. Hence, a multi-pronged approach should be undertaken backed by innovative projects on the grass-root level by authorities as well as non-government organisations in coordination and support of each other,” he told MuslimMirror.com during his recent visit to India.

Alam, a Commissioner of the Healthcare Commission who currently holds two other ministerial appointments – Member of Employment Tribunal and Member of Mental Health Review Tribunal, has been running training courses on healthcare and business entrepreneurship skills development programme in the UK and UAE for the past few years but feels “most satisfied” by adopting the school in Nuh, which he describes as “a very deprived area”.

He has set up the AOC International and Academy for Advanced Studies & Training International, an institution specialising in education and training in the UK. He added that he has successfully launched skill development programmes in rural areas as well as initiated women empowerment drives focusing on health, adult education, equality and anti-dowry. He says all such community efforts should focus on the youth, women and other weaker groups.

“My one word answer to all misery of Muslims in India and the world is real and meaningful education. At the same time, the community should strive to become economically and scientifically strong,” he says, adding that all efforts should revolve around the unshaken belief in the Almighty. As part of his long-term plan, he remains passionate about bringing about quality education and value added training courses in different countries.

When asked about the skill development areas Muslims should focus on, Alam says innovative and unique skills that are industry-focused and those that will provide early employment or sources of earnings to themselves and the dependents are important. For example, handicraft, stitching and sewing would be helpful for women, and so will be the basic level training for healthcare nursing assistants, primary teachers, nannies, cleaners, cooks and others.

It is also important for the youth (men) to focus on the skills required for plumbing, plastering, tiling, crane operation, taxi or auto driving, guarding, refrigeration, mechanical work, electronics repair. A society with trained primary teachers, healthcare assistants, chefs, etc is extremely important, he points out, adding that entrepreneurship should be encouraged.

Small NGO groups should reach out to more remote areas under schemes like anganwadi with result-oriented programmes. The divisions and prejudices either based on caste or class systems have proved to be huge obstacles and barriers for a progressive society. Islamic learning or other forms of learning and awareness programmes must be undertaken, particularly in rural areas, says Alam.

Teaching the basic tenets of Islam on equality should be encouraged through awareness camps alongside tackling and working with the religious institutions, bringing all stakeholders under one umbrella tactfully and avoiding differences. However, this work must be undertaken with the sole purpose of helping the Muslim community progress on all fronts, he adds.

He says the positive thing is that “awareness is increasing and we must work relentlessly to make use of every window of opportunity presented to us but remaining focused to our goals through teamwork and equality”. “In fact, in my view it is more important for women to seek complete education and acquire necessary skills,” says Alam the father of two successful daughters (one is law graduate from LSE and another doing MBBS)  in his parting reply.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Interviews / by Saira Aslam / January 14th, 2018

Mangaluru NRI Abdulla Monu honored with ICC Long Term Resident Award in Qatar

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

Mangaluru , KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR :

Mangaluru: 

Abdulla Monu Moideen, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, was honored with the ICC Long Term Resident Award 24 by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Qatar.

The award ceremony took place at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, Qatar, where Abdulla Monu, the Managing Director of Euro Group in Qatar, was recognized for his outstanding community service during his over 48-year residency in Doha.

Expressing his gratitude, Abdulla Monu said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition award from ICC Qatar and the Embassy of India. These past 43 years living in Qatar have been nothing short of amazing for me and my family. We are grateful for the opportunities and the wonderful life this beautiful country has given us.”

He continued, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this great nation. Thank you all, and Insha Allah, we will have more wonderful times here.”

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / March 11th, 2024

Prominent NRI Businessman Yunus Kazia is new president of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA:

Bhatkal: 

Noted NRI Businessman Yunus Kazia was on Sunday elected as the new president of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal, a prominent organisation that runs over 20 Educational institutions in Bhatkal.

Along with Yunus Kazia, Ishaque Shabandri was elected as the General Secretary of the organisation. Ishaque was earlier serving as the Additional General Secretary in the previous term.

The development comes days after the election process of the organisation was held last month. The office bearers were elected during the first meeting of the newly elected executive body of the organisation at the Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen’s head office in Anjumanabad, Bhatkal.

Yunus Kazia, a prominent NRI Businessman is also the president of Canara Muslim Khaleej Council and he is also the president of Karnataka NRI Forum. He is also part of various other organisations that participate in the development of locals and NRIs.

Other elected office bearers include Vice President 1 Mohammed Sadiq Pillor, Vice President 2 Dr. Zubair Kola, Additional General Secretary Aftab Qamri, Work Committee Secretary SJ Syed Hashim, Finance Secretary SM Syed Parvez, AITM Board Secretary Mohiuddin Ruknuddin, BBA BCA Professional College Secretary Aheed Mohtisham, PU and Degree College Board Secretary Dr. SM Syed Saleem, High School Board Secretary Sadullah Ruknuddin, Primary Board Secretary Tanveer Kasargod and Deeniyath Board Secretary Dr. Abdul Hameed Ruknuddin.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharti / Home> Karavalli / by Vartha Bharati / March 10th, 2024