Mazin Mansoor and Iram Quazi are among the 17 medical aspirants who are in the NEET UG 2024 revised toppers list released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) Saturday.
NEET UG 2024 Revised Result:
Mazin Mansoor and Iram Quazi are among the 17 medical aspirants who are in the NEET UG 2024 revised toppers list released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) Saturday.
Why NEET UG 2024 Toppers List is revised?
The NTA had conducted medical entrance NEET UG 2024 on May 05, 2024. The NTA declared the NEET UG 2024 result on June 04. It released the NEET UG 2024 Toppers List on June 06 consisting of a total of 67 candidates .
However, names of 06 toppers were removed from the NEET UG 2024 Merit List after the NTA annulled the grace marks accorded to them.
These 06 candidates were from the same centre in Haryana, and there inclusion in the merit list sparked a huge controversy, leading to a legal battle.
Besides cancelling the grace marks the NTA also announced re-exam for 1,563 medical aspirants.
The NTA released revised NEET UG 2024 result after a row over a Physics question. During the hearing on petition demanding re-exam of all candidates, the Supreme Court of India sought the help of IIT Delhi for the correct answer.
The answer to the controversial question given by IIT Delhi affected over 04 lakh candidates, including the 61 toppers.
The NTA consequently released the revised NEET result and toppers list. As per the revised toppers list, the number of NEET UG 2024 toppers are now just 17.
NEET UG 2024 Toppers List – Revised
Mridul Manya Anand (Delhi)
Ayush Naugraiya (Uttar Pradesh)
Mazin Mansoor (Bihar)
Prachita (Rajasthan)
Saurav (Rajasthan)
Divyansh (Delhi)
Gunmay Garg (Punjab)
Arghyadeep Dutta (West Bengal)
Shubham Sengupta (Maharashtra)
Aryan Yadav (Uttar Pradesh)
Palansha Agarwal (Maharashtra)
Rajaneesh P (Tamil Nadu)
Sreenand Sharmil (Kerala)
Mane Neha Kuldeep (Maharashtra)
Taijas Singh (Chandigarh)
Devesh Joshi (Rajasthan)
Iram Quazi (Rajasthan)
All these NEET toppers have scored a perfect 720/720 in the medical entrance exams. The score of the 44 students who have been removed from the NEET toppers list is 715, according to the NEET UG revised list.
NEET UG 2024 Cutoff
The candidates should note that the NTA has also revised the NEET UG 2024 cut off marks. According to the latest update, the NEET UG cut off has been lowered by 02 marks across al categories.
Following the release of the NEET UG 2024 revised result today, all hurdles for medical and dental admission counselling has now been removed.
Candidates should note that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) should release the NEET UG counselling schedule any moment. After MCC, the states will release the counselling schedules for admission in MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BHMS and other medical courses.
The NEET UG score, besides admission in Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy, is also used for Pharmacy courses (B Pharmacy or B Pharm). Hence, counselling for these courses should also start now.
[The featured image used here is AI generated.]
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Ummid.com News Network / July 27th, 2024
All students of government and aided Schools across the State will be served eggs for four days a week as per an agreement signed between Azim Premji Foundation and the Karnataka government in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The agreement was signed by Azim Premji Foundation and the state education department officials in the presence of Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Siddaramaiah said the Azim Premji Foundation has offered to bear the cost of serving eggs to the school children in order to ensure that the children were healthy and had nutritious food in their diet.
CM to rush to Ankola on Sunday
The Chief Minister later told media persons that that he has received about the widespread devastation in Uttara Kannada district due to heavy downpour and also landslides and he has directed officials to initiate relief measures immediately.
He said he will be leaving to Ankola in Uttara Kannada to inspect the damages and also the havoc caused by collapse of bridges.
Roads have been damaged causing disruption in traffic and also several houses have collapsed due to the rains, he said.
The Chief Minister said he has released Rs 775 crore to the Deputy Commissioners to take up relief works and promised to release additional funds if needed.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent, Daijiworld Media Network / July 20th, 2024
A new PG (Paying Guest) facility was inaugurated on Sunday at the Euro Complex located on Jeppu Shadimahal Road, offering much-needed accommodation for students in the city.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Moulana Syed Shuaib Hussain Nadvi, the Head of the Arabic Department at Hira College. He formally opened the facility and performed a Dua for its success and the well-being of its residents.
Abdulla Monu Moideen Qatar, the owner of Euro Complex, shared that the PG facility was established to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation for students attending various colleges in Mangaluru. The facility spans three floors and can accommodate up to 90 students. He expressed his long-held ambition to create a well-equipped living space for students, and he was pleased to see this dream become a reality.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Dr. UT Iftikhar Ali, a Syndicate Member of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; SM Rasheed Haji, President of Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Muhammad Kunhi, Manager at Shanti Prakashan; motivational speaker Rafeeq Master; businessman Shaukat Shourie; and Mansoor Asad. Other attendees included AK Group’s Abdul Razzaq, Nisar Mohammed, Ismail Mubarak, Parvez Dubai, Ibrahim Gadiyar, and M.K. Suhail, along with M.K. Jalil, M.K. Mohammad Ali, MSM’s Iqbal, Rahim, and Rashid, who all extended their good wishes for the success of the new facility.
The last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar would get absorbed in the melody of Sarangi echoing through the walls of his Palace. The court musicians Ustad Haider Baksh and Ustad Badal Khan played the tiling tunes on the emperor’s favourite instrument even when the Mughal Empire lost its sheen and grip.
Ustad Ghulam Ali, a renowned Sarangi player and vocalist of today, remembers his two grand Gurus – Ustad Haider Baksh and Ustad Badal Khan – who played Sarangi and soothed the frayed nerves of this last Mughal Emperor.
Ghulam Ali, successor of Sonipat-Panipat Gharana told Awaz-the Voice, “The lone Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar could find solace in the soothing tunes of Sarangi; he even learned to play it. “Bahadur Shah Zafar was obsessed with the lilting tunes of Sarangi and it was a lifeline for him in the darkest period of the Mughal empire.”
Narrating stories told to him by his Guru, Ustad Fayaz Khan about his gurus (who were in the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar) Ustad Ghulam Ali said that the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was in love with Sarangi. “It was the darkest phase in the more than 300-year-old Mughal Empire and the last powerful Ruler was trying his best to fight against the British East India Company.”
Ustad Ghulam Ali playing sarangi in show
The Mughal Court was about to be captured by the British. Amid the falling Empire, the only solace for the Emperor was music.
Ustad Ghulam Ali told Awaz-the Voice, “It is not only about Sarangi’s connection with the royals but with the human souls. This is the reason we compare Sarangi to the human voice and maybe this was the reason the instrument could become one’s companion. I am obsessed with the real-life story of the Mughal Emperor who saw Sarangi as his companion. I feel so thrilled when I think about that era and wish I could be one of those musicians in the Mughal Court.”
Ustad Ghulam Ali started learning music at the age of 3 years. “My father Ustad Tajuddin Khan, a famous Sufi singer of Dilli Gharana, was my first Guru and my inspiration,” he told Awaz-the Voice in an interview.
“I am the successor of the 500-year Sonipat-Panipat Gharana of Sarangi which was renamed as the old school of Sarangi during the British Period. Sourangi was the old name of Sarangi and Punjab was its birthplace. You may call it a magical instrument which is suitable with every kind of vocal music.”
He told the story of his grandfather Ustad Niyaz Ahmed Khan who wanted him to be a great musician who would be able to carry on with the legacy. He said “Once a renowned musician Ustad Wazir Hussain Khan joined AIR Delhi as a staff Sarangi artist. My grandfather Khan Sahab was also a singer in Air and he met him there He requested Ustad Wazir Hussain Khan to teach me Sarangi and initiated the ‘Ganda Bandhan’ (tie between the teacher and student). It was because of his sole interest I could learn Sarangi.”
Ustad Ghulam Ali has been playing Sarangi as a solo musician for the last 5 decades now and is the 17th generation in his family to play Sarangi with boundless efficiency that could hardly be compared with any other Gharana in the country.
Ustad Ghulam Ali in a TV reality show
What is the specialty of this old Gharana of Sarangi?
Ustad Ghulam Ali said “Our Old Gharana used four fingers and the musicians sang along. There are different types of Sarangis like, Chewie ki sarangi Gatte ki sarangi, and Gaj Gatta ki sarangi. In-depth melody or ‘Dhun’ of Sarangi is the most attractive thing to treasure and Dhai taan and Firat ki taan are both very famous among the eminent musicians.”
When asked about the most rewarding moment in his life as a musician Ustad Ghulam Ali said “When I was a budding artist, I was lucky enough to meet Naushadji during a show on Bagam Akhtar. He appreciated my work and showed his blessings upon me. I am thankful to the almighty for giving me a moment to cherish for a lifetime.”
He also worked as a background musician for films like Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and Dangal and also participated as a Sarangi player, in reality, music shows like Sa Re Ga Ma, Indian Idol, Rising Star, and The Voice of India, for the special episodes of Sarangi.
UstadGhulam Ali told Awaz-the Voice that he found France the most beautiful country after his visits to almost all parts of the world. “I loved the calmness of France, especially places like Leon, and Loots.”
He said “Those places are so calm and their serenity made them heaven on earth and there was a beautiful statue of Jesus in a Catholic Church which Was unparallel. My most pleasant experience was playing Sarangi on the Sixth floor of the Eiffel Tower. I was the only Sarangi player invited there and after playing there I felt as if I was the king of the world.”
To him, music is like an ocean. “I am trying to understand the actual depth of my Sarangi. So, this is a never-ending search and I will be continuing with it till the end.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Sumana Mukherjee, New Delhi / July 19th, 2024
Meritorious AMU undergraduate students during the Singapore Summer Camp 2024
Aligarh :
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced its prestigious Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award for the year 2024, which was instituted in the year 2022 in memory of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a great Indian social reformer and founder of the Aligarh Muslim University.
The third consecutive award has been given to Ms Ananya Mathur, a student of NUS. Earlier, the first and second awards were given to Ms Archana D Bala and Ms Karimi Zara Nayab Ahmed, respectively for the year 2022 and 2023.
Ms Ananya Mathur was selected for the award for standing First with Highest Distinctions in Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics with honours from National University of Singapore and for her overall extraordinary academic performance.
Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award was instituted by the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore at the National University of Singapore, to honour the academic merit of the students who have demonstrated academic excellence and reflected a strong interest in the study and culture of South Asia.
The founding President of the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore and a J.N. Medical College pass-out, Dr Babr Nazir said that the credit for the institution of the Syed Ahmad Khan AMU Memorial Award goes to Mr George Abraham, a Singapore-born senior AMU alumnus and the Patron of the AMU Alumni Association, who conceived the idea of starting an award in Sir Syed’s name as a tribute to his great contributions and as a way to return to his Alma Mater.
Dr Nazir also said that the AMU Alumni Association, Singapore recently organized a Singapore Summer Camp 2024 for 10 AMU students who participated in a two-week Asian Undergraduate Symposium organized by the National University of Singapore College (NUSC) and themed Interconnected Communities.
He said that the symposium aimed at bringing together undergraduates from Asian regions, with a special focus on ASEAN participants, for cultural exchange, networking, and capacity building.
He added that Mr George Abraham liaised an understanding with the National University of Singapore to sponsor fully-funded trip of 10 meritorious AMU undergraduate students including Akash Gupta, Arooj A. Wani, Genis J. Doyle, Hajra Bari, Khizer A. Khan, Maryam Hameeda, Mohammad Saim, Sania Arif, Sheeza Jamshed and Syed A. Abdullah, who engaged with domain experts, trained in project proposal writing, and collaborated to propose projects based upon one of their chosen problem statements.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / July 18th, 2024
A felicitation programme for the toppers in X and XII standard students was organised here recently. Renowned career guidance specialist Md. Anees Kutty from Pune enlightened the students about various career opportunities available. Around 100 toppers in various disciplines were invited along with their parents.
A centenary old organisation, Anjuman-e-Hadiqat-ul-Adab, Mysuru, organised the programme as their annual feature.
Anees Kutty, who runs a training institute for NDA (National Defence Academy) aspirants in Pune, has been instrumental in helping more than 650 of them reach their coveted goals.
Addressing a huge gathering in his unique interactive style, Mr. Kutty pointed out that there are equally and also more lucrative and attractive careers, beyond just medicine and engineering. Most of the students consider these two as their first option.
He lamented that upon failing to make it to these two goals, out of sheer ignorance, they settle down for some very ordinary choices that lead nowhere and leave them frustrated and unhappy for the rest of their lives.
A view of the audience attending the programme
He emphasised that all schools, colleges and social service organizations should create good career guidance facilities and regularly invite knowledgeable experts to guide the students at every stage of their education process. Starting this early is of great importance because there are numerous competitive examinations, at the school level itself, that can make students eligible for some very attractive scholarships and fee concessions that can help them all, including the poorer ones, to pursue careers that would otherwise be beyond the financial means of many of them.
Mr. Kutty also underlined the need for all students to appear for the entrance examinations of the Navodaya and Sainik schools. He said that this is necessary, at least to give parents an idea of whether their children are getting the right standard of education in the schools they are going to because the ability to clear any of these two examinations is the best and most reliable indicator of the standard of schooling they are receiving.
He said that focused preparation is the key to success in clearing all entrance examinations and stressed that all students should pay special attention to doing well in Mathematics as it is, without exception, a very important requirement to do well in almost all competitive examinations.
Mr. Kutty offers his services completely free of cost, as a service to society. He reassured the audience and the organizers that he would be most willing to guide them with their efforts in the future too.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 18th, 2024
India, renowned for its kaleidoscope of cultures and religions, proudly harbors the world’s second-largest Muslim population, numbering approximately 182 million individuals. Across centuries, Muslims have intricately woven themselves into the fabric of Indian society, making substantial contributions to its socio-economic and cultural tapestry. While facing sporadic instances of bias and preconception, the broader narrative paints a hopeful picture of opportunity, inclusivity, and individual triumph within the Indian Muslim community.
Dismantling Stereotypes: Embracing a Collective Identity
The prevailing narrative often casts the Muslim community in India as merely a “minority”. However, challenging this perspective and pivoting towards promoting religious representation and inclusivity is crucial. India’s constitution, a cornerstone of its diverse democracy, upholds secularism, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their faith. In contrast to some neighboring countries, India’s political landscape avoids religious appeasement, fostering healthy competition and collaboration among religious communities. This emphasis on meritocracy paves the way for mutual growth and prosperity, where individual success is solely determined by talent, hard work, and skill.
Freedom to Flourish: A Nation of Myriad Opportunities
A significant advantage of being a Muslim in India lies in the freedom to pursue a chosen career path without apprehension of discrimination based on faith. This openness allows individuals the opportunity to excel in diverse fields, contributing significantly to national progress. History showcases numerous Muslim personalities who have carved their niche in fields like finance, entertainment, science, and technology, enriching India’s social and economic landscape.
Pillars of Progress: Inspiring Stories of Excellence
Mohammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economist who studied in Kolkata, India, exemplifies the potential for success. Co-founding the Grameen Bank, a revolutionary microfinance institution, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for efforts in eradicating poverty. Closer to home, the Indian film industry boasts Muslim stars who have captivated audiences for generations. Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as “King Khan,” is a global icon, showcasing the immense opportunities within the Indian entertainment sector. Similarly, figures like Azim Premji (Wipro) and Yusuf Khwaja Hamied (Cipla) have emerged as leaders in the nation’s IT and pharmaceutical industries, respectively. Their success stories are not merely individual triumphs but stand as testaments to India’s potential to nurture excellence irrespective of religious background.
Breaking Glass Ceilings: Leading the Way for Muslim Women
In a society where gender equality is an ongoing endeavour, Muslim women in India are making notable strides, defying societal norms and forging paths to success. These trailblazers are not only establishing flourishing businesses but also becoming role models for aspiring women nationwide. Farah Malik Bhanji, the owner of Metro Shoes, stands as a shining example, leading a vast retail chain with over 700 stores across India. Her story, alongside countless others, serves as a potent reminder that ambition and determination can transcend societal barriers.
Education as the Cornerstone: Empowering the Future
Education plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals and propelling societal progress. India provides its Muslim population unparalleled access to educational institutions, facilitating their intellectual and professional development. This commitment to education equips young Muslims with the tools and knowledge necessary to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to society’s advancement.
Bridging Divides: Cultivating Dialogue and Understanding
While celebrating achievements, it is crucial to acknowledge that challenges persist. Countering negative stereotypes and promoting interfaith dialogue are essential steps toward building a more inclusive and harmonious society. Muslims in India actively contribute to these efforts by engaging in public discourse, fostering understanding between communities, and challenging harmful misconceptions.
Beyond Success: A Shared Responsibility for a Brighter Future
As India continues its journey toward global leadership, the contributions of its diverse communities become increasingly significant. The Muslim community in India plays a pivotal role in this journey, contributing to the nation’s economic, social, and cultural landscapes. It is the shared responsibility of all citizens, regardless of their faith, to collaboratively forge a future grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and shared prosperity.
Conclusion: A Tapestry Woven with Strands of Hope and Opportunity
The narrative of Muslims in India is intricate and multifaceted, weaving a story of challenges and triumphs, resilience and hope. It stands as a testament to the potential of a diverse society where individuals from all walks of life can contribute unique talents and perspectives to build a brighter future for all. As the nation evolves, one certainty remains: India’s Muslim community will persist as a vibrant and integral part of its story, leaving an indelible mark on the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
(Author besides being a Doctor is very active in positive perception management of various political and social issues. He can be reached at: drmalikadil@gmail.com, Twitter @drmalikadil)
source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home> Blog> Viewpoint / by Dr Adil Malik / March 04th, 2024
Indian Association of Bihar & Jharkhand (IABJ), a social and cultural organisation which is associated with Indian Cultural Centre, Qatar held an International Mushaira on the occasion of Bihar Day celebration at Radisson Blue Hotel.
On this occasion Noman Shauq, a noted poet from Bihar was honoured with ‘Shaad Azimabadi’ Award, consisting of a shield and a cash prize of Rs. 21,000 in recognition of his literary services.
Shaad Azimabadi is counted amongst the most imported Urdu poets, needs no introduction to Urdu knowing people. It was also decided on this occasion that this Awrad will be given every year to at least two poets from Bihar in recognition of their literary services.
No’man Shauq, who was born in Aara (Bihar) on 2 July 1965 is presently settled in Noida. His 5 anthologies of poems in Urdu and Hindi, including Freezer mein rakhi Shaam, Jalta Shikara dhoondnay mein etc have so far been published. He is also a senior broadcaster in All India Radio, is a regular contributor to many literary magazines and has also rendered valuable services to the literary website ‘Rekhta’. His anthologies of poems have also been translated into many other languages. This Award was given to him jointly by Dinesh Yudinia, First Secretary in Indian Embassy here (Qatar) and Khalid Ghamdi, Chairman of Alomase Group.
On the occasion of Bihar Day celebration IABJ had for the first time organised an International Mushaira which was chaired by the noted poet, Iqbal Ashhar and many noted poets of India and Qatar including Iqbal Ashhar, No’man Shauq, Mrs. Chaandni Shabnam and others participated.
SHAMSUR RAHMAN FAROOQI
Padma Shri, eminent critic, poet, fiction writer, historian, translator, journalist and novelist was honoured with 26th National Mikash Award-2015 at a function sponsored by Agra’s ligerary Anjuman, Bazm-e Maikash on 17 April in the presence of a distinguished gathering consisting of, amng others, Prof Muhammad Muzammil, Vice Chancellor of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University (Agra), Prof. Sayyad Muhammad Ameen Mian Qadiri Barkati, former President of AMU’s Departmet of Urdu etc.
M. R. CHISHTI
A Hindi poet of Bihar, was honoured by the Indian Association of Bihar and Jharkhand (IABJ), an Urdu, Hindi literary organisation of Bihar, with ‘Ram ‘Dhari Singh Dinkar’ Award’ in recognition of his literary services to Hindi. Ram Dhari Singh ‘Dinkar’ was a Hindi poet of Bihar who was an MP also. It may be stated in this connection that IABJ had almost simultaneously honoured Urdu poet of Bihar No’man Shauq with Shaad Azimabadi Award. The Awrd to MR Chishti also consists of a cash prize of Rs. 21,000 and a shield.
Dr. HAIFA SHAKIRI
Assistant Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia University’s Arabic Department, was honoured by President Pranab Mukherji for writing many books in Arabic and for research in Arabic. She was earlier named by Indian government for Maharishi Badrayan Vyas Award which was given to her by the President at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhawan on 11 April.
Prof. SAGHEER IFRAHIM
Senior teacher in AMU’s Department of Urdu and editor of Tahzeebul Akhlaq magazine was honoured with UP government’s Urdu, Hindi Sahitya Award. The Award, consisting of a shawl, an Insignia of Honour and a cheque of Rs. one lakh was given to him by UP’s Governor Ram Nayek. Prof Sagheer Ifrahim is an author of at least six books and more than 200 resesarch articles.
Bihar Urdu Academy has selected, among others, three books published in 2014 and their authors with its awards. The books are Risala Shahrah: Tajziati Mutala’s aur Isharia by NAUSHAD MANZAR (of Samastipur, Bihar), a senior research Fellow in Jamia Millia Islamia University (Delhi)’s Department of Urdu; Fiction ki talaash mein by Dr. ABU BAKAR EBAAD, teacher, critic and fiction writer in Delhi University’s Department of Urdu and Baatein Meer-e KaravanN ki by MUHAMMAD ARIF IQBAL, an MA (Final Year) student, also of Delhi University’s Urdu Department. The amounts of Awards are Rs. 10,000 for Naushad Manzar, Rs. 21,000 for Dr. Abu Bakar Ebaad and Rs. 15,000 for Muhammad Arif Iqbal. Urdu dailyInquilab and Hamdard Laboratories had jointly held ‘Inqilab-Hamdard Health Quiz’ competiton.
Among the thousands of contestants who had sent correct answers the following ten contestants were selected for performance of Umrah.(Ms) QAMAR JAHAN (Delhi), AZHAR MUNIR (Lucknow), MALIK MUHAMMAD AZHAR (Siddharth Nagar), (Ms) SHAHIDA PARVEEN (Saharanpur), M. YUSUF (Muradabad), ISHTIYAQ AHMAD SIDDIQI, (Kanpur), REYAZ AHMAD (Siwan, Bihar), IMDADULLAH (Madhubani, Bihar),MUJIBUR RAHMAN (Bhagalpur, Bihar),MUHAMMAD KALIMUDDIN (Jaunpur, UP). They will be sent to Saudi Arabia for 15 days for performance of Umrah. Tickets and Travel Kits were given to them at a function held in India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi on 13 April. Their flight, arranged by Aasma Tours and Travels New Delhi, from New Delhi to Jeddah had left Delhi on 14 April.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> Community News> Awards /by The Milli Gazette / May 02nd, 2016
Mujibur Rehman says Muslims need a political voice and without it, democracy in India would remain somewhat wounded.(Representational photo/AP)
Mujibur Rehman’s ‘Shikwa-e Hind’ advocates for Indian Muslims to build solidarity with other marginalised groups like Dalits, actively engage in the political sphere, and reclaim their rightful place as equal citizens to create a truly inclusive India.
The Muslim community needs to invest considerably to build up goodwill with other communities, religious minorities, dominant castes and Dalits to foster solidarity with them and work for a secular polity. They should also work for a ‘humane India’ sensitive towards human rights.
These are some of the findings of Professor Mujibur Rehman’s ‘Shikwa-e Hind – The Political Future of Indian Muslims’ (Simon & Schuster, 2024), which explores the predicament of the political future of Muslims in India. Professor Rehman, who specialises in identity politics and development politics with a special focus on religious minorities in India, teaches at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. According to him, India’s tectonic shift toward Hindu majoritarianism has made the future of the country’s largest minority—Indian Muslims—dark and gloomy. The important question, therefore, is: “Is there a way out?”
For Rehman, the current situation for Muslims in India marks the third critical political moment in their history. While the economic future and cultural rights of Indian Muslims have been debated since 1947, Rehman argues that their political future demands attention because only as an equal and participatory political community can economic or cultural futures be addressed. “If their political will is not strengthened,” says Rehman, “Indian Muslims will be left at the mercy of majoritarian forces, subject to their whims and fancies.” The first critical political moment for Muslims in India was in 1857 when Indian Muslims had to adapt to life under British colonial rule. The second was in 1947 when the community was given equal status in the Indian Constitution.
Mujibur Rehman’s ‘Shikwa-e Hind – The Political Future of Indian Muslims’ .
Drawing heavily on the life and work of Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan, B.R. Ambedkar, and Martin Luther King Jr.—figures who fought for the rights of their respective minorities at different historical junctures—Rehman’s meticulously researched work provides interesting insights and inspiration. He repeatedly asserts that the Muslim community, moving forward, must articulate a clear vision of their democratic rights as equal citizens and define the ethics of human dignity as they strive to reclaim their rightful place within India’s political power structures.
But there are numerous challenges. Muslim politics in India has been dynastic, and two major minority universities, namely Jamia and AMU, do not even hold regular student union elections. As a result, there is always an issue of positive politicisation of Indian Muslims. There is no mechanism to address Muslim causes. Organisations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, AIMIM, IUML and Jamat-e Islami have been counterproductive for secular, modern Indian politics. The subjugation of Muslims, de-Islamisation of the country, normalisation of violence and a tendency to blame Muslims for their own victimhood presents a beleaguered situation for the second-largest population of Muslims in the world.
For Rehman, the challenge before Muslims in India is not merely from the rise of Hindu right forces that are hostile but the indifference of the so-called secular forces and political groups. The representation of Muslims in state assemblies and parliament is constantly on the decline. Another problem with secular parties is that most of them are dynastic and the Hindu right has successfully established a public perception that their loyalties are more with the families than the national interest. Interestingly, these so-called secular parties have deployed a bogey of soft Hindutva which acts against the interests of the Muslim community.
Rehman says Indian Muslims need to look up to African Americans, Dalits and others as sources of inspiration. To conclude, he says Muslims need a political voice and without it, democracy in India would remain somewhat wounded.
The writer is a Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. A well-known political analyst, he has written several books, including ‘24 Akbar Road’ and ‘Sonia: A Biography’. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
RASHEED KIDWAI
Rasheed Kidwai is a journalist, author, columnist and political analyst. He is a visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Formerly, Associate Editor of The Telegraph, Kidwai tracks government, politics, community affairs and Hindi cinema. He is the author of ‘Sonia, A Biography’, ‘24 Akbar Road’, ‘Ballot: Ten Episodes that Have Shaped India’s Democracy’, and ‘Neta–Abhineta: Bollywood Star Power in Indian Politics’.
source: http://www.news18.com / News 18 / Home> Opinion / by Rasheed Kidwai, New Delhi, India / May 27th, 2024
Many scholars say that the time has come for these libraries to digitise their books and manuscripts and grant global access to their literary treasures through payment.
Khuda Baksh Library – Photo by UMAR AMAN
As Urdu libraries across various parts of the country witness a decline in readership, several libraries are adopting new strategies to expand their influence by adding books related to competitive examinations and providing reading space to students appearing for these exams.
One such example is the Alambazar Urdu Library located in Alambazar, near north Kolkata in West Bengal. The library has embraced this approach to attract readers. Arif Hussain, the secretary of Alambazar Urdu Library, says, “We have established an academic unit within our library. This unit houses books catering to a range of entrance tests, including ITI, NEET and other similar exams, for admission into medical and engineering courses. We also provide resources to prepare for competitive exams―for both, the state and Union government―as well as for banks, railways and other exams. Students and educated unemployed youth find it of great value and make use of our academic unit.”
Founded in 1978, Alambazar Urdu Library is located in an area inhabited mainly by the Urdu-speaking Muslim community of the state. Hussain says most residents are workers from the nearby Barnagore Jute Factory and daily wage earners. “A significant portion of these people are either illiterate or semi-literate. Due to the longstanding decline of the jute industry, which has adversely affected people’s financial condition, there is a dearth of educational opportunities. The library was established to serve the students of the local Urdu medium higher secondary school and cater to the needs of these underprivileged residents,” he says. Despite housing a large collection of Urdu novels and books, the library has experienced a reduction in footfall over the years. “One possible reason is that people no longer resonate with contemporary Urdu literature, which may have led them to explore other avenues. Social media has changed the whole scenario and people have moved away from reading,” he adds.
In Patna, the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, a repository of Indo-Islamic knowledge and arts, has also turned its attention to civil services exam preparation. The library has made competitive examination materials, including those for medical and engineering fields, available to students and has dedicated a section for this purpose. The Curzon reading room stands out as a popular space in the library. While scholars from India and beyond frequently visit the library to study its vast collection of manuscripts―Sufi literature, poetry, Persian literature, history, and miniature paintings―students appearing for competitive exams prefer the Curzon reading room. The library also houses books in humanities and social sciences, some dating back to the 1600s and 1700s.
The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, inaugurated for public use in October 1891 by Bihar’s illustrious figure, Khan Bahadur Khuda Bakhsh, initially boasted of 4,000 manuscripts, with 1,400 of them inherited from his father. The Government of India designated it as an Institution of National Importance through a Parliamentary act in 1969. Urdu poet Shahid Jamal, originally from Patna, expresses his concern over the trend of libraries incorporating competitive examination materials. He says, “I am surprised by the insistence of libraries on featuring competitive examination books or providing resources for students preparing for such exams, which seems to have little connection to the core essence of a library.”
Jamal says it is necessary to understand the political dynamics surrounding Urdu in the country to grasp the predicament faced by Urdu libraries. “The current status of the Urdu language in the country, often perceived not just as a spoken language, but as a language solely associated with Muslims, has had an impact on the status of Urdu libraries.”
While stating that both the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library and the Rampur Raza Library receive central funding under the Ministry of Culture, Jamal says his desire is to see these libraries expand their infrastructure and focus on digitisation.
The Rampur Raza Library, a prominent institution, traces its origins back to Nawab Faizullah Khan’s establishment of the library in 1774. The Nawab and his successors supported and patronised scholars, ulema, poets, painters, calligraphers and musicians, contributing to the library’s rich heritage. The library houses manuscripts in various languages including Arabic, Persian, Pashto, Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi and Turkish.
Many scholars say that the time has come for these libraries to digitise their books and manuscripts and grant global access to their literary treasures through payment. “These institutions should introduce library science courses also, apart from making libraries available to the rest of the world through digitisation and a subscription model rather than bringing competitive exam books,” says Jamal. “You find these competitive examination centres everywhere. Don’t turn libraries into coaching centres,” he says.
Syed Kalim Akhtar, vice president of Bhopal’s Iqbal Library, Bhopal, says efforts are on to digitise the library’s resources. Established in 1939, the centrally-located Iqbal library aims to combat the waning interest in Urdu among the younger generation. Akhtar says there is a shortage of Urdu teachers in schools, leading students to opt for alternative languages. “While we don’t discourage learning other languages, we advocate for the preservation of Urdu,” Akhtar says.
He says in the past the library served as a reading room cum library, attracting visitors who came to read newspapers and magazines.
Akhtar says the library’s attempt to enhance its readership base by establishing a study centre and procuring over a hundred thousand books related to competitive examinations suffered due to flooding. A few years ago, the centre housing these resources was submerged after heavy and continuous rainfall, resulting in extensive damage to the books.
Ikram ul Haque, assistant professor in the department of history at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, says his long experience with Urdu libraries, especially in Hyderabad, has made him think that the libraries need to innovate and utilise the available modern tools and technologies to increase readership.
He cites the example of Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu, Hyderabad. He says it started as an organisation to promote Urdu and later its founders converted it into a library and started some courses. The Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu (Urdu Literature Institution) was established in the 1930s by Muhiuddin Qadri ‘Zore’, a Dakkani litterateur and a literary historian. The institute has ancient Urdu, Arabic, and Persian manuscripts, along with a collection of historical Urdu newspapers, and it attracts researchers from various universities across the country.
“Prof Zore was from Hyderabad, and he had established the Idara on the land owned by his mother. This library has rare Urdu books, a huge collection of manuscripts and the earliest collection of Dakkani Urdu manuscripts. But the Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu is today in its worst condition,” says Haque.
He says though the Rekhta Foundation has digitised Idara’s books, their physical copies are in bad shape. “You will not find a permanent librarian at the Idara. It is a retired person who voluntarily gives his service to the library,” says Haque. He says a complete lack of staff and a regular source of income have pushed libraries like Idara into a crisis.
“There are some structural problems with Urdu libraries in particular and other libraries in general. In Urdu libraries, people usually don’t visit. Only researchers and scholars visit these libraries,” he says. He attributes this to the disconnect between the people and libraries. “We have to find ways to attract people to libraries and provide books, reading rooms for competitive examinations and books about competitive examinations could be the possible solution,” says Haque. He also says that the libraries need regular funding to recruit and increase their infrastructure and that aspect has to be looked at by the government. He also says the libraries need to digitise their books and manuscripts to make them available for subscription to the whole world. “That is the only way these libraries will flourish,” adds Haque.
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> National / by Naseer Ganai / August 24th, 2023
