NEW DELHI :

The “Champion of Change” awards presented to proficient Muslim women across various fields at the AIMWA convention in New Delhi.

Dr. Asma Zehra, President of All India Muslim Women’s Association (AIMWA), highlighted the significance of sacrifices in fulfilling societal and religious responsibilities during her presidential address at the three-day AIMWA convention in New Delhi. The event attracted over 300 delegates, including scholars, homemakers, doctors, students, and mothers from 18 states.

According to an AIMWA statement, notable attendees included former Member of Parliament Brinda Karat, Supreme Court Advocate Salman Khurshid, and newly elected Orissa MLA Sophia Firdous. The convention honored distinguished Muslim women across various fields with the “Champion of Change” awards.

A view of audience of AIMWA convention

Dr. Zehra emphasized the necessity of great sacrifices to achieve significant goals and uphold Islamic values. She stressed the continuous efforts needed to protect these values amidst rising challenges for Indian Muslims, including the demolition of homes, restrictions on veiled women, disrespect in educational institutions, and attempts to alter Muslim Personal Law.

Salman Khurshid praised the convention’s organizers and acknowledged the numerous challenges Muslims face in India. He underscored the importance of upholding ethics and exercising constitutional freedoms.

Brinda Karat lauded the Muslim community for having the lowest female foeticide rates and highlighted ongoing issues such as domestic violence and unpaid household work. She commended Ms. Bilquis Banu of Gujarat for her resilience in seeking justice after being a rape victim.

Sophia Firdous shared her journey to the Orissa Legislative Assembly, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions with dedication.

AIMWA’s Vision 2030

Ms. Afroz Jaffari, AIMWA Vice President, outlined Vision 2030, which aims to engage 7-8 crore Muslim women through education, reform, rights, and sustainability initiatives. This vision includes establishing forums for professionals and improving educational standards in districts with higher Muslim populations.

Ms. Uzma Parekh, General Secretary of AIMWA, presented the past year’s activities, showcasing various educational, developmental, and cultural programs for women and students.

The convention highlighted activities from 15 states, with coordinators presenting reports. Key efforts included student support, public movements, and economic initiatives. Coordinators emphasized the impact of utilizing time and skills effectively to shape the nation’s future.

A panel discussion on education featured experts like Ms. Wahida Syed, Prof. Rafique Unnisa, and Ms. Shabana Patil. Legal issues were addressed by advocates Rashida Suhail and Zakia Moin, focusing on recent Supreme Court decisions and violence against Muslim women.

Ms. Tasneem, Secretary of Youth, and Ms. Ifa Lule, Joint Secretary, introduced the Bintul Muslim Council, detailing special sessions for students and emphasizing the need for religious education and reformative gatherings.

The convention concluded with a commitment to ongoing efforts for community development, equity, and resilience, reflecting the collective concern for the welfare and future of the Muslim community.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Pervez Bari / Radiance News Bureau / July 28th, 2024

Betoli Village (Virajpet Taluk -Kodagu District), KARNATAKA :

The family has been facing social boycott for about 30 years now

Madikeri :

A Muslim family at Betoli village in Virajpet taluk has been facing social boycott from members of the community for the last 30 years, all because the woman of the house used to attend prayers at a mosque in Virajpet.

Adding insult to injury, the family members were not even allowed at the Muslim burial ground when the head of the family died on Thursday night. The final rites of the deceased man were conducted by the community members itself while the family was kept out.

The family was not allowed to attend the last rites

The family has been barred entry into the mosque in the village and other community members are forbidden from visiting them or entertaining them at their place.

Violation of the diktat will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000. The family members say they are not even allowed to hire autorickshaws from the village.

The village mosque has barred entry for the family members

About 30 years ago, Rafiq married a woman from Kerala and brought her to the village.

Ever since the woman prayed at a mosque in Virajpet, the family has been facing boycott.

When Rafiq died after a heart attack, the community members took away the body to the first wife’s house. The family was warned that if they even saw the body, the villagers or other family members would not participate in the last rites, they claimed.

Rashid with his mother and sister

Rashid, the son of Rafiq, said, “My father was boycotted when I was about 13 years old because my mother would visit a mosque.

When I was 33, I wrote to the mosque seeking membership and they collected Rs 75,000-80,000 from us for the 32-year period. For two years, we had membership of the mosque, but later, without any information, they cancelled our membership”.

“We approached the district wakf committee, the police and even applied through a lawyer.

When I was bringing back my father’s body from the hospital, they stopped the ambulance and took away the body along with the stretcher. They didn’t even give me a chance to speak.

The family of my father’s first wife has been constantly harassing us. We were humiliated before the whole village by not allowing us to take part in the last rites”, Rashid said.

source: http://www.english.publictv.in / Public TV, English / Home> Karnataka> Latest> Main Post> States / February 23rd, 2024

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Retired Police Officers Association was held at Police Bhavan in city recently.

On the occasion, Association former Vice-President M.K. Pasha felicitated Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar on behalf of all Police personnel.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / July 18th, 2024

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

The South Canara Physiotherapy Teachers Association, Dakshina Kannada organised a programme to honour Prof U T Ifthikar Ahmad on his achievement as the chairman of Karnataka State Allied and Health Care Council.

The programme was attended by all the principals of various physiotherapy colleges and the members of the association.

It was organised in Eden Club.

Prof U T Ifthikar Ahmad has been appointed as the first chairman of the State Council of Allied and Health Care adding another feather to his cap.

This achievement is another milestone in his career and the association is hopeful of a better future for physiotherapy and allied profession in the state as well as in the country.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / July 28th, 2024

Nazirabad Barddhaman, WEST BENGAL :

Ayan Ashraf, a student of Rahmani 30, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing admission to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, India’s premier research institution. Hailing from a modest family, Ayan’s achievement highlights his dedication and strategic decision to pursue excellence in a field that significantly impacts societal welfare.

IISc Bangalore is renowned for its pioneering research and distinguished alumni, including biochemist Obaid Siddiqi, mathematician Harish Chandra, and aerospace engineer and former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan. The institution, which had Nobel laureate C.V. Raman as its first director, continues to produce some of the brightest minds in science and technology.

Ayan’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and his family’s unwavering support. His father, Ashraf Alam, works in the construction sector, while his mother, Nahid Alam, dedicates her time to managing their household. Ayan’s brother Zia completed his engineering degree in electronics and telecommunication from Jamia Millia Islamia and now works at Morgan Stanley. Zia’s achievements have been a major source of inspiration for Ayan.

The family resides in Nazirabad Barddhaman, West Bengal, where they have fostered an environment that emphasizes education and hard work.

Research plays a crucial role in societal development by fostering innovation, solving complex problems, and enhancing our understanding of the world. By choosing to pursue research, Ayan is entering a field that offers personal fulfillment and makes significant contributions to global progress. His determination and perseverance will serve him well in all his future endeavors, illustrating the rewarding career path that research can provide.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 18th, 2024

LAKSHADWEEP :

MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED, having won the election to the 18th Lok Sabha from Lakshadweep, is determined to carry forward the rich political legacy of his father, P.M. Sayeed. At the age of 26, Hamdullah was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 as the youngest MP. P.M. Sayeed, the first and only parliamentarian from Lakshadweep to become a Cabinet Minister, served in various capacities, including Union Minister of State for Steel, Coal and Mines, Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, Hamdullah Sayeed discusses the factors behind his recent victory, the challenges ahead, and his plans for Lakshadweep.

What was the biggest factor in your victory?

We were out of power for the last 10 years. In 2014, I lost the election and again in 2019 with a very narrow margin. In the last 10 years, we worked very hard and carried out a door-to-door campaign. But unfortunately, we could not market all what we did and failed to capitalize on it with the local common people about our policies and approach. Because of that, we failed to create an impact among the people and lost two elections.

All developmental processes, social welfare schemes, and benefits initiated or completed by my late father P.M. Sayeed, who represented the constituency ten times, were taken away. Issues like land, employment, education, healthcare, and disengagement of contractual employees suffered because the then MP failed to intervene as needed. He could not influence, intervene, or interfere in crucial issues.

In the 2024 election, there was strong resentment against the policies and inaction of the sitting MP Mohammad Faizal of NCP. Today, unemployment in Lakshadweep is one of the highest in the country, whereas it was ranked 43rd earlier. This was due to the inaction of the sitting MP and his failure to address issues with the regime and administration.

This time, we worked very hard and effectively communicated our policies to the people. We focused on local issues, which worked effectively. People believed in me and the assurances we gave regarding welfare schemes and developmental work. I aim to strengthen my father’s legacy and use the experience I gained from him to serve the people better.

As an MP, what do you think are the challenges before you, keeping in mind your constituency and the people’s needs?

We have gone 50 years back. Things were totally different when I left as an MP ten years ago. During my period, people were well-off, had jobs, their own things, and their say on everything. But in the last 10 years, things have changed. Nearly 4,000 people have been disengaged. We have many challenges, including creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the medical setup, ensuring a good education system, and addressing land issues. We have already filed a case in the High Court of Kerala and fortunately got a stay. Opponents were trying to take away our land, and we are fighting in court.

For the next five years, what will be your short and long-term plans for your constituency?

The long-term plan would be the development of the islands, creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the lifestyle of the people, increasing per capita income, and ensuring medical facilities. In both the short and long term, we will be fighting for our lands.

Has the present hate-filled atmosphere in the country in any way impacted your constituency?

In our constituency, a majority of people are Muslims, more than 96 percent, so the atmosphere of hate and violence has not affected us. We believe in secularism, work as per the guidance of the Constitution, and always try to preserve and protect constitutional values. We never compromise on our constitutional values.

From 22nd July, there will be a budget session. What issues would you like to raise in parliament?

The land issue is a burning issue for all the people here because we don’t want our land to be taken from us. I will definitely raise it in parliament if I get a chance. Besides land issues, there are many other issues, such as transportation and shipping. There are many pending issues, but the land issue is paramount, and I will leave no stone unturned to fight for it.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Face to Face / by Radiance News Bureau / July 12th, 2024

BIHAR / RAJASTHAN :

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

1. Mridul Manya Anand (Delhi)
2. Ayush Naugraiya (Uttar Pradesh)
3. Mazin Mansoor (Bihar)
4. Prachita (Rajasthan)
5. Saurav (Rajasthan)
6. Divyansh (Delhi)
7. Gunmay Garg (Punjab)
8. Arghyadeep Dutta (West Bengal)
9. Shubham Sengupta (Maharashtra)
10. Aryan Yadav (Uttar Pradesh)
11. Palansha Agarwal (Maharashtra)
12. Rajaneesh P (Tamil Nadu)
13. Sreenand Sharmil (Kerala)
14. Mane Neha Kuldeep (Maharashtra)
15. Taijas Singh (Chandigarh)
16. Devesh Joshi (Rajasthan)
17. 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

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru :

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

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangalore :

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.

source: http://english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / July 07th, 2024

INDIA :

Sarangi exponent Ustad Ghulam Ali

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