The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson.
The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.
Photo of Shahnas Abdul Jaleel
Jeddah:
In a significant development, the governing body of the Indian International School, Riyadh (IISR) is now led by women, with four of the six members being women.
The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson. The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.
The four women in the management committee are in addition to principal Meera Rahman. Previously all management committees had seven members, however, this time only six members were named. Shahnas is a software engineer working in Saudi Arabia and is a native of Ernakulam in Kerala and is a mother of two. Her husband also works as a software engineer.
The women in leadership roles in the school is expected to change the dynamics, especially in matters of the academic affairs of the students. The community-run schools under the patronage of the Indian Embassy play a pivotal role in Indian community affairs in the Kingdom. It is noteworthy to mention that earlier, Dr. Hemalatha Mahalingam was nominated as chairperson of Jeddah’s Indian International School.
Interestingly, social reforms unleashed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman have brought sweeping changes in the Kingdom wherein women benefitted the most. The country, where women for decades had a restricted role in public, is now embracing their potential.
source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> India / by Irfan Mohammed / September 06th, 2024
On Teachers’ Day, AMP held the felicitation ceremony for the 8th AMP National Awards for Excellence in Education 2024. The event took place at an impressive function in Ravindra Bhawan, Raj Bhavan Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It was attended by award winners, invited guests, AMP members, volunteers, and the academic community. Some awardees who could not travel to Bhopal participated virtually, and many others joined through social media platforms.
The Chief Guest for the event was Shri Digvijay Singh, Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Member of Rajya Sabha. He praised the role of teachers and commended AMP’s initiative of uniting Muslim professionals to give back to society. Shri Singh emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare for the progress of the country. He also highlighted the need for Muslims to pursue professional education to foster community advancement.
In his keynote address, Prof. Furqan Qamar, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and Central University of Himachal Pradesh, underscored the necessity of increasing participation in higher education. He stressed the importance of public investment in education to make it accessible to marginalized groups, such as rural communities, women, and landless laborers, who often lack opportunities for higher education.
Maulana Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, Shahar Qazi of Bhopal and the Presiding Speaker at the event, quoted Allama Iqbal, saying, “The soil of Hindustan is very fertile and amenable to good works from its citizens.” He emphasized the special status of teachers in Islam, reminding the audience that according to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a good teacher can attain a rank close to that of the Prophets.
The winners of the AMP National Awards were selected by a jury of 14 distinguished educationists and academicians from thousands of nominations submitted across India. These awards were presented in seven categories:
Primary and Secondary Teachers
College and University Teachers
Principals/Head of Institutions
Islamic Education (Arabic/Fiqh/Islamic Studies)
Educational Institutions
Lifetime Awards
Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award
The Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award was bestowed upon Prof. Furqan Qamar in recognition of his exceptional service in the field of education.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to the following esteemed educators:
Jamaluddin Ahmad Khan, Ex-Lecturer, Halim Muslim Inter College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Sharifa A. Azeez, Correspondent, Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sheila Lawrence, Former Headmistress, Lucknow Christian College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
On this occasion 78 teachers were honored with Special Jury Awards in the categories of Primary & Secondary Education, Higher Education, and Heads of Institutions. Furthermore, 50 “My Favourite Teacher” Awards were presented to teachers who were voted by students and parents from across the country.
One of the Guests of Honour, Dr. Usha Khare, National Teacher Awardee (Govt. of India) and State Teacher Awardee (Govt. of M.P.), recounted her efforts to promote education for girls in impoverished neighborhoods. Dr. Khare, who recently retired as the Principal of Jahangirabad Girls Government School in Bhopal, shared her inspiring story of how she encouraged parents to send their daughters to school. She also mentioned her act of philanthropy, where she donated her entire prize money of Rs. 25 lakhs, won on the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati, to the school. Upon her retirement, she left assets worth Rs. 1.5 crores for the institution.
Other notable Guests of Honour included Mr. Arif Masood, MLA – Bhopal Central; Mr. Atif Arif Aqueel, MLA – Bhopal North; and Mr. Wazir Ansari, IPS (Retired), Former DGP of Chhattisgarh. Each guest lauded AMP’s tremendous achievements in the fields of education and employment over the past 17 years. They also praised the event’s organizing team and the jury for their thorough selection process and the professional execution of the felicitation program.
Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP’s National Coordination Team, hosted the event, reflecting on AMP’s humble beginnings and its expansion to over 200 cities across India. He also noted AMP’s growing global presence, with volunteers in many countries around the world.
The guests were welcomed by Kaleem Akhtar, Zonal Head for Central India, AMP NGO Connect. Sajid Qureshi, Acting President of the Late Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Study Circle in Bhopal, expressed his gratitude to AMP for the opportunity to support such a prestigious event. Rafat Iqbal Farooqi, State Head of AMP Madhya Pradesh, extended a vote of thanks to the guests, awardees, and the entire AMP Madhya Pradesh State and Bhopal Chapter teams for their hard work in making the event a resounding success.
The event was a testament to the immense contributions made by teachers and educators, who continue to shape the future of the country through their dedication to education and their students.
Falkia Khan, the Brand ambassador of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has set a record in HI -VIBE BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS as an EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF A YOUNG GIRL IN HER ACADEMIC AND NON ACADEMIC DOMAIN for energetic achievers platform.
Falkia Khan is the daughter of Ajajulla Khan and Farheen Khan, residents of Rajivnagar in the city. She is studying in Second year PUC in PCMB at St Joseph’s PU College for girls in Sathagalli.
Following is the list of achievements of Falkia :
1. Zone Member for JCI. She serves as CHAIRMAN OF KARNATAKA for Junior jaycees Wing.
2. She is appointed as BRAND AMBASSADOR for the SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN by MYSORE CITY CORPORATION for the year 2023-24.
3. She has been Conffered with the HI VIBE BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS in Intelligence category with the title EXCEPTIONAL TALENT OF A YOUNG GIRL IN ACADEMIC AND NON ACADEMIC DOMAIN.
4. She is INDIA BOOK OF RECORD holder as youngest Teen to give Maximum Public speaking.
5. She has won prestigious PRERANA AWARD 2022 from BJP State Government.
6. She has won GOLD MEDAL in NATIONAL MUAY THAI CHAMPIONSHIP.
7. She has been awarded as the ICONIC SPEAKER OF THE YEAR 2024 in ASIA’s 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
8. She has won prestigious KANNADA RAJYOTSAVA AWARD by Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat
9.She has wonTwice gold in district level
10.Twice gold in State level
11. Once gold in National level Muay Thai, Boxing and Kick Boxing Championships
12. Won Gold and silver in International Maths Olympaid
13. 3 Gold medals in spell bee competitions held in Bengaluru.
14. Gold in National Speech Contest conducted in Delhi
15. Won Twice First Prize in State level Abacus.
16. Participated in National level & State level Effective Public Speaking competitions.
17. Won First Prize in DISTRICT LEVEL ELOCUTION competition held in SHESHADRIPURAM COLLEGE, Mysuru
18. Invited by DCP OF MYSORE in KARNATAKA POLICE ACADEMY for addressing motivational seminar for lady police officers.
19. Invited as Guest of Honour for Women’s Day by TRINITY DEGREE COLLEGE.
20. Invited as guest speaker by HR Forum Mysore.
21. Invited by St Joseph’s Degree College as a guest speaker on occasion of English Literature Fest.
22. She has donated her 11 inches of hair for cancer patients.
23. She was invited by RED FM 93.5 for interview on the occassion of YOUTH SKILLS DAY
24. Won First Prize in STATE LEVEL ELOCUTION Competition held on DIGVIJAY DIWAS 2023
25. She has won Semi Final level debate competition organised by TIMES OF INDIA and selected for zonal level.
26. An article has been written about her in Glowing femme magazine
27. She has won HOYSALA and KELADI CHENAMMA Awards by Mysore District WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Falkia dreams to become Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer and make country proud at international level.
She owns an youtube channel named WHIZZ SIBLINGS, where she delivers speeches on educational & motivational topics. She loves to travel and explore the world. She believes in herself and that’s the secret of her success.
– Team Mysoorunews
source: http://www.mysoorunews.com / Mysooru News / Home> Featured Stories / by Newsdesk – Team MysooruNews / September 07th, 2024
Sarah Rizvi has done her bit to issue a blow to the stereotype of the Muslim woman, moderately educated and socially subjugated, ensconced in hijab. She has cleared the IAS exam, ranking 86th among 734 successful candidates. More remarkably perhaps, she has achieved the feat with Urdu literature as one of her optional subjects.
“Urdu is my mothertongue. I learnt Urdu and Persian from my late grandfather, Khalid Hussain Khan, who was a lawyer in Uttar Pradesh. I have read Urdu poems and novels since childhood. My Urdu writing speed was bad but I wrote a page a day and that improved my pace of writing,’’ Sarah said. Mohammed Iqbal was, for her, the most difficult poet to understand. “But his shayeri is fabulous,’’ she said of the Kashmiri poet who wrote Sare Jahan se achchha, Hindustan hamara.
After finishing BCom from MMK College in 2003, Sarah attended a lecture on competitive exams by K M Arif, educationist and chairman of Alliance Foundation. That inspired her to go for the IAS. “I tried twice but could not clear even the preliminary stage. This was my third attempt and, masha Allah, I passed,’’ the 25-year-old said, adding that her success was the outcome of 10-12 hours of study a day.
While doing her BCom, Sarah also completed her foundation course in chartered accountancy. “I wanted to become a CA but Dr Arif suggested I study for the IAS exam instead. I was clueless about the exam procedure and the requisite study material but my family supported me,’’ she said. Sarah was also awarded a scholarship by MESCO, an NGO.
Sarah is now posted as section officer in the Haryana Accountant-General’s office.
Sarah’s father, Afzal Ahmed, a science graduate, and mother Nigar, an arts graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, run a small garments business.
Her elder brother, Wasif, a civil engineer, is working for a company in Dubai and Sarah’s twin sister, Sameera, a graduate in computer applications, from National College, is married and lives in Bahrain. “I feel more Mulims, especially women, should go for the competitive exams. Many women don’t even know what these exams are about but awareness is spreading,’’ Sarah said.
“This subject gives us an inside knowledge of government administration. And the topics are similar to the business administration course matter I read in college,” Sarah said, explaining why she chose public administration over accountancy as one of the optionals.
Sarah did her schooling from Canossa Convent School and St. Louis Convent High School in Andheri. She later joined CWC College for Commerce and Economics and eventually graduated from MMK College with 75.7 per cent marks.
(Courtesy Times of India)
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Mateen Hafeez, TNN (headline edited)
31 Muslims figure in the list of 791 recommended candidates.
New Delhi:
A girl student topped the list of the successful Muslim UPSC candidates when the results were announced yesterday. Of the total 791 candidates recommended by the commission in its list for various government posts, 31 are Muslims and the girl student topping them in the list is among the top 100 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successful candidates.
According to the press release issued by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Sufiyah Faruqui ranking 20 in the list of 791 candidates is among the list of 100 toppers for which the results were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) yesterday. Sufiyah is on top in the list of 31 Muslim candidates who figure in the list released by the commission that includes three other Muslim girls besides her.
While Sarfaraz Ahmad ranking 26, Shaid Iqbal ranking 51,Tamboli Ayyaz ranking 75 and Sadre Alam ranking 90 are other Muslims who are in the top 100 list, Koya Praveen ranking 120, Ayesha Rania ranking 139 and Sabiha Rizvi ranking 303 are the other three Muslim girls who stand in the list of 791 successful candidates.
The results were announced yesterday based on the written part of Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2008 held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in October-November, 2008 and the interviews for Personality Test held in March-April, 2009.
A total of 791 candidates have been recommended by the commission for appointment including 364 General (including 13 Physically Challenged candidates), 236 Other Backward Classes (including 07 Physically Challenged candidates), 130 Scheduled Castes and 61 Scheduled Tribes candidates.
Owing to the poor representation of Muslims in the Union Public Service sector, the Muslim Institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Hamdard, Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi are running special coaching classes for UPSC students since past three years.
“The result shows that Muslim representation for this year’s UPSC exams stands at 3.92%, a better progress compared to 3.6% in 2006 and 3.1% in 2007”, Omair Anas of Center for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University said to ummid.com adding, “However the achievement is still not at par and the institutions engaged in coaching the Muslim students for UPSC exams should pay special attention to contribute substantially in administrative services.”
The recommended candidates would be eligible for various coveted government posts including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Central Services-Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.
Appointment to the various services will be made according to the number of vacancies available with due consideration to the provisions contained in Rules 2 and 19 of the Rules of the Examination and subject to the final decision of the Supreme Court / High Court / C.A.Ts. on the S.L.Ps. / R.As/ W.Ps. O.As. pending therein.
The number of vacancies reported by the Government for the Indian Administrative Service is 120 (60 General, 33 Other Backward Classes, 17 Scheduled Castes and 10 Scheduled Tribes); for the Indian Foreign Service is 26 (13 General, 08 Other Backward Classes, 04 Scheduled Castes and 01 Scheduled Tribe); for the Indian Police Service is 130 (65 General, 36 Other Backward Classes, 20 Scheduled Castes and 09 Scheduled Tribes); for the Central Services Group ‘A’ is 546 (282 General, 146 Other Backward Classes, 81 Scheduled Castes and 37 Scheduled Tribes) and for Central Services Group ‘B’ is 59 ( 34 General, 13 Other Backward Classes, 08 Scheduled Castes and 04 Scheduled Tribes). This includes 20 vacancies for Physically Challenged candidates.
List of the 31 Muslim Candidates with their Ranks:
20: 002666: SUFIYAH FARUQUI
26: 010669: SARFARAZ AHMAD
51: 192126: SHAID IQBAL
75: 079564: TAMBOLI AYYAJ FAKIRBHAI
90: 001339: SADRE ALAM
120 003004 KOYA PRAVEEN
128: 024509: MASOOM ALI SARWAR
134: 003602: IMTIAZ ISMAIL PARRAY
139: 131443: AYESHA RANI A
169: 056251: ZIAUL HAQUE
244: 114573: ASHIQUZZAMAN
257: 043392: BASIR AHMED
303: 004357: SABIHA RIZVI
304: 010883: ANEES AHMAD ANSARI
353:008606 PATTAN IMTIYAZ KHAN
382: 010383: MASHHOOD UR REHMAN FAROOQUI
393: 104282: SHAHNAWAZ UL RAHMAN
398: 039145:0020: CHAN BASHA M
460: 102384: KAZI SUHAIL ANEESAHMED
472: 147935: T K SHIBU
499: 102579: TARIQ MABOOD
502: 051643: GEELANI BASHA K S M
523: 290928: R GULZAR BEGUM
540: 056907: MOHD SHAHID ALAM
546: 108290: MOHD FAIZAN NAYYAR
582: 303331: MAHFOOZUR REHMAN
595: 004523: MD SADIQUE ALAM
603: 002722: MD SALIK PARWAIZ
606: 018478: MD FAIZUL HAQUE
619: 079717: MOHAMMED YUSUF QURESHI
664: 055051: ABDUL HAKEEM M
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Staff Reporter / May 05th, 2009
The twin sisters – Ramsina Rasheed and Rissana Rasheed – hailing from the small town of Trikarupur of Kasargode district in Kerala have brought laurels to their auto-rickshaw-driving father.
One of them graduated in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology at Roorki, the other from Kharagpur. Both are on the job and working in Bengaluru.
The educational journey of the twin sisters is a source of inspiration for the girls of the country and abroad.
At a time when a particular section is targeting the Hijab and Hijab-wearing girls are not allowed entry into schools and colleges, Ramsina Rasheed and Rissana Rasheed have set a record by graduating from IIT while attending classes in Hijab.
Ramsina and Rissana completed their JEE Advanced examination in 2017. While Ramsina did an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur in Aerospace Technology, Rissana did a B.Tech. from IIT Roorkee in electrical engineering. Both the sisters are in jobs now.
Ramsina and Rissana’s father is not an ordinary auto-rickshaw driver. Despite his modest income, he made sure his daughters received higher education despite taunts by the people in his group.
The twin sisters come from an area of Kerala where girls are married off at a tender age.
Interestingly, the father of the twin sisters was also suggested by people in his circle to save money, like other parents do in the area to buy gold for the daughter’s marriage. But Rasheed ignored them and gave priority to the education of his daughters.
The mother of the twin sisters also helped them in their studies. Their mother did not budge against the taunts of people about her daughters. Rather, she ensured that her daughters were not burdened by the household work as they required more time to study.
Ramsina and Rissana are the first IIT pass out from their village. Both are working in a top firm in Bengaluru. They have become ideal for their area.
In a country where girl children face discrimination on economic, social, religious, and gender bases, Ramsina and Rissana overcame difficulties with grit and set a record by graduating from the top IITs.
As their father is an auto-rickshaw driver, they had to face economic challenges in addition to the social barriers of Indian society.
It can be easily understood that for a father of limited income, it is beyond the reach to get an education for talented children according to their strengths.
One can understand the role of a father through the success of Ramsina and Rissana. Their father dared to get his daughters educated while driving an auto-rickshaw. He dedicated his life to the education of his daughters.
Ramsina and Risssana faced religious discrimination which Ramsina has discussed in her Instagram post.
It will be appropriate to discuss that.
Ramsina discusses discrimination because of wearing a Hijab while replying to a comment of a user to her post.
Ramsina writes, “I was treated differently in the lab while doing practicals due to my Hijab.” She says, “However, my colleagues at Airbus do not judge me on my clothes, instead they see me through my abilities.”
On the other hand, Rissana says that one professor had asked her to remove her Hija in the electrical machine lab.
It is clear from their accounts that talented girls like Ramsina and Rissaana face administrative hurdles due to the Hijab in India.
If there is no discrimination against Muslim girls due to their Hijab, there would be many girls like Ramsina and Rissana progressing in different fields and making the country proud.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Huma Masih / August 19th, 2024
Rashida Parveen (on the right) and Saiyyada Parveen (on the left) at their home.
New Delhi:
“This work not only supports our family but also sustains the entire Uttar Pradesh,” claimed 52-year-old Rashida Parveen, who has been working in Moradabad’s brass industry since her early teens.
Popularly known as “Pital Nagri” (Brass City), the western Uttar Pradesh district is famous for its brass handicrafts industry. It is home to thousands of workers who keep the industry 9alive and thriving.
However, over the years, the market has experienced several changes that have impacted the industry. Despite challenges, two women are striving to sustain and revive the artform, aiming to bring better days not only for themselves but also for other women co-workers.
Having completed her bachelor’s in education and a training diploma in Natakashi (brass work), Rashida began learning the art of carving and sketching in her childhood. “Brass handicrafts have been practiced in my family for generations. Over the years, I realized that the work does neither make your hands nor your clothes dirty. What is required to become a good artisan is dedication and hard work,” she said.
Her sister, Saiyyada Parveen, started working at the age of 10 and has been doing so for the last 44 years. For both sisters, it was their father who sparked their interest in this field. “My father, Abdul Hamim, encouraged me to take up this work. When he went to offer namaz (prayer), I would carve wood, hammer metals and learn the craft of carving in his absence. I once carved a peacock out of wood, which made him very happy. I began with sparing little time for it, but later, with dedication, I became skilled enough to receive a state award,” says Saiyyada.
“When I came home from school, I would observe my father carefully. He used to draw with his pen, and I would use a pencil. My brother, who has received a national award twice, also encouraged me. He helped me with drawing and scaling, which further improved my skills,” she stated.
In addition to working at home, the two sisters also empower young girls and women. “We travel 16 kilometers every day to impart training to 250 children. After returning home in the evening, we give training to another batch of children and women here, especially those who work as domestic help. Many of them are now skilled artisans, who are earning a dignified living,” she claimed.
They train women without any distinction of religion or castes. “We impart training to girls belonging to different religions and castes,” said Saiyyada, emphasizing that this routine continues from morning to evening.
Rashida and Saiyyada have been helping women learn the art since 2002. “It was started after the Central as well as the state government sponsored him under the Training and Extension Scheme. While he began training men, we (the two sisters) worked with women,” explained Rashida.
However, as the number of artisans decreased, the training programme faced setbacks. “There are many mistakes in the artisans’ cards, which are issued by the department of handicrafts through its local offices in Kanpur and Bareilly. Only those with artisan cards could participate in the training. Since 2012, I have been going to the offices concerned to get the issue resolved,” said Saiyyada.
However, change in policies adversely impacted the quality of training. As a result, with the basic training and little support, it is impossible for women artisans to sustain in this industry for a long time.
“It is very similar to how a child progresses from nursery to higher education. Similarly, the women have learned only the basics of the artform, they have not been able to master it yet,” said Rashida, noting the lack of growth opportunities.
She further added that the government-sponsored training has now come to a halt due to the suspension of the scheme. “As a result, the artform is facing the threat of gradual extinction,” she said.
Azam Ansari, a member of Moradabad’s Brass Manufacturers Association, explained the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), which aims to support handicrafts clusters and artisans by providing essential resources and infrastructure to cater to the target market. “In 2012, the NHDP budget stood at Rs 1,500 crore, but it has now been reduced to Rs 500 crore. This budget cut has affected the training programme,” stated Ansari.
To address these problems, Rashida and Saiyyada established an NGO in 2018 to help women become skilled artisans. Gradually, women of all ages and from various walks of life got associated with it.
“We surveyed the women around us, understood their situations and made efforts to introduce them to the art form. They include widows who lost their husbands to COVID-19. We picked up their young children and the women who work as domestic help and began training them so that they become self-reliant,” said Saiyyada.
This initiative not only helped them become financially independent but also enabled them to receive a stipend of Rs 5,000 every month from the government. “We guided them to make good use of the financial assistance,” she said.
These efforts earned Rashida an honour from the state government. In 2022, she received a trophy and a prize of Rs 25,000. “In the first attempt, when I applied for the award, my application form was rejected. My family encouraged me to try again, and in 2022, I was finally shortlisted,” said Rashida, enthusiastically adding that “to achieve something big in life, you have to compete with others”.
“I received the award from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He draped a shawl over me. I am happy that my art is reaching people,” Saiyyada said with a big smile on her face.
“We have mastered the craft, and we want more women to learn it and become skilled and advanced. When this happens, it will inspire and motivate others as well,” she added.
Rashida urged the government to formulate more schemes to help young children and women become self-reliant and empowered. “A college is proposed to be established here to make youngsters certified artisans, and I am glad to share with you that I have been selected as a teacher there. We faced difficulties but it only made us committed to pursue a career in this field,” said Rashida.
“What started as a small initiative has transformed the once hopeless lives of hundreds of women into a promising future,” she remarked and added, “We find joy in supporting and teaching others. Helping others brings blessings”.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Lead Story / by Anushka Kogta and Namya Jain, TwoCircles.net / May 23rd, 2024
Shagufta Hanaphie’s story is incredible, starting from a child as a shy girl who could barely speak, chronically ill with many complications to the point she would fall unconscious. Yet, at one point in her life, a “magic wand” touched and transformed her. She rose to become an Event Curator, Storyteller, Digital Creator, Author, Womenprenuer, Award Curator, and Philantropist.
She is also the co-founder of Best Friendz Society along with her friend Rajiv, and founder of SHE – Shagufta Hanaphie Events – which is a PR and event boutique, and many other organizations.
A turnaround came during COVID 19 – pandemic when Shagufta along with a team provided food for a village of 400 people in Ernakulam, Kerala.
Post Cyclone Amphan that hit Bengal, she and her team also traveled to places in Sundarbans where they provided food, dry rations, and clothes to the needey persons.
Again, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Best Friendz Society reached Sundarbans.
She started a campaign with her team called Hunger Free Bengal. She coaches people who are emerging with startups and does personal counseling for the lonely, and divorcees, and on occasions, has even match-fixed singles. She works with suicidal people and conducts counseling sessions with young girls and boys.
Titled with many monikers such as Event Organizer, Author, founder and Director, CEO at Teacher’s Excellence Award, Founder Director, Owner of SHE Founder, Director, CEO at Inspiring Women Achievers Awards – IWAA, she tells Awaz-the Voice, “I am not a brand but I want to honour, felicitate people for their outstanding work. While I may not be able to give a formal award, I want to prize people for the recognition for their incredible work and dedication which otherwise gets overshadowed by other giants.”
Shagufta Hanaphie
Shagufta lived with her parents and three sisters in a joint family of 17 members in the 100-year-old bungalow-style British-styled house in Kidderpore, South Kolkata.
Her uncle and aunt adopted her. As a little girl, Shagufta was emotional and shy, she hid behind her mother; and never spoke to people outside the family circle. She struggled with illnesses, and due to this could not study well.
“We say bhagwan ka ishara alag hota hain, maybe if a person does not do well in early life, perhaps later in life he will do something different or great.I was a very sick child right from the beginning making me heavily pampered and if I didn’t want to study, they would say don’t put pressure on her. My mom was very strict but others were soft on me. We lived in an extended family, Baarey Papa, Baari Ma used to lavish love on me, to the point that I became lethargic. I had a ligament injury in class 6 which affected the left side of my body. I sometimes even became unconscious.
“When I was 9, I underwent surgical removal of gall bladder; it had 72 stones.This story was reported by newspapers. When I was in class 8, I did not take my exams so I lagged one year. At that time, an angel in the form of my Dad’s friend, Uncle Junaid took the imitative to help me to study saying, “Let us bring back her motivation to study and let me teach her.
“Bedridden, with traction around my neck, my body aching, lying down, he taught me Maths and I started to like the subject. After being bedridden for three months, I returned to school in a robotic dress. My principal called my father and asked him to take me home saying, “You don’t understand, she is going through a mental trauma right now.
Glimpses of events organised by Shagufta’s NGOs
“I repeated classes, and with mocking classmates around, I changed the school and got an A. I could not believe it and thought the mark sheet got mixed with someone else!
“The talk of marriage exasperated me and decided to go to Ranchi and stay at my Aunt’s home to do college.
“After Baari Ma had a fall, I returned in 2002 and refused to go back to Ranchi. Dropping out of college, one day I attended a workshop where Ruby Bhatia and Michele Pinto came to Kolkata. That was a defining moment in my life because I never knew what the other world was.
“This workshop was a beautiful learning experience where I met these amazing people who told me, “Since you don’t want to study higher, help us, since your English is good.” With them, I learned oratory skills. Earlier, I never spoke to anyone outside, but presently, not only am I doing public speaking but now everyone meets me and I am well known.
“My first salary was Rs. 3200 and I spent more money going by taxi to reach my workplace. My Baari Papa used to say, “Let her travel so at least she will learn to talk and mix with people.” All these were life-learning lessons. It falls into place later on in life.
“After this, Rajiv, a good friend and I launched a new brand called Launchers. I have worked with Rajiv for 17 years as a PR Director in a partnership firm.
“My parents got hold of a very handsome boy, who is my husband now. My husband works the whole day; he is very supportive, most of my photographs are clicked by him, travels with me to all the places, and my parents stand right behind me.
“My life changed in October 2018 when my Baarey Papa was diagnosed with cancer. We spent long hours talking till he passed away in 2019. I was shattered.I felt uprooted and disconnected and took a break from work. It was a break tha my Baari Papa used to encourage me to take.
“In 2020 I did my first event and soon went on to do 5 events. On March 22, 2020, lockdown closed everything. People say lockdown was bad, for me lockdown was a boon. Our NGO called Best Friendz Society was helping people.
A wall celebrating women from dfference backgrounds in Shagufta’s office
“One day, one of my friends Nisha, a fashion designer, asked me to help people in an area in Kerala during the COVID 19 Pandemic. I was into PR and media. First I wondered how could I reach out to people in Kerala. I told myself: Okay, we will find a way to them even though we are not into this.
“At first, we heard there were four people, turned out to be 40, and finally they turned out to be 400 people stuck in Bengali Para in Ernakulam. While the BSF was providing food in the general area they were not reaching out to the red done. We had to locate the exact place and then Nisha and I arranged for food for 400 people for a month. I felt new energy and joy rising in me. I started gathering people, and communicating with them.
“While people speak up for daily wagers, I started to have a burden for a class of people that are largely ignored such as models who barely get Rs. 2,000 for an assignment which may be all they have for that month, photographers, and even school teachers. I started to post about and for them and personally WhatsApp them telling them if they need help, let me know. I assured them help will reach theirplace, they don’t have to let anyone know about it.
“I got a huge response from many photographers and models.I learned that many people were on the verge of suicide, and sitting at home. I started helping them and listening to their woes. Under the umbrella of Best Friendz Society, we started a campaign called Phone a Friend.
“I am blessed to have amazing clients. I would message PR clients who were on Facebook and tell them, “Sir, I am going to this area to help so-and-so, if you can help me out, it will be a big support to this person. They were responsive and kind, some sent sacs of rice, dal, and many other goods. They told me that they wanted to help but had no idea what to do. Here, many NGOs are misusing funds and are running corruption rings. They told me that they knew could trust me and that I would use their money honestly. They stood behind me while I ran around with their help. This is how our connection happened.
“I organize a philanthropic club, which is a virtual club and I tell our helpers that they don’t have to go around; just help us with money or goods. Those days, I used to get out of the house at 4 a.m. and visit Sundarbans, and other areas during COVID-19 almost 18 times in 2020, and attend to everyone. Sanjay Mondal, a photographer and boat owner told me point blank that he doesn’t want money, only cash for the diesel tu run his boat. He travelled with us. He had three boats. We went to the village where we found their homes submerged under water. We helped the boat owner families.
“We returned from Sundarbans at 11:30 night, reached home by 12:30 night and my mother woke me up at 3:30 a.m. to tell me to catch the vehicle going for another trip for the COVID team. She said, “They are waiting for you. Since you promised, you have to go, whether it is raining or whatever it is, even if you are sick, you have to go.”
“You need parents like that. While we went out so much during COVID, by the blessings of Allah we never got COVID, but people in 5-Star Hotels got COVID. Believe in yourself, believe in your God who has that specific blessing on you, keep doing good to others, and good will return to you and you don’t have to look back, all blessings are there, and people’s prayers are on your life. Just keep doing your work. When the government is doing 98 percent, I am doing my 2 percent.”
On the difficulties they face, she said, “Bengal is a politically disturbed area so to meet the right person is very difficult. In the last five years since 2020, I have opened small centers in every place I have worked with around 20 people or more in each center. We have adopted 23 orphans, senior citizens, teachers, and daily wagers who sum up to over 70 people and every month we send them food and other goods to help them run their daily lives. Nothing is fixed on what we send, but it is enough to ensure them good nourishing food and other commodities so that they can sleep peacefully without going to bed hungry.
A Poster of the event of Shagufta’s NGO
“In October 2020, the Phone a Friend campaign opened our lives to many people. Each night, we got calls from senior citizens- 65 or 70 years old – or young girls or men, and I listened to and counselled them over the phone. One woman did not even have time to have a cup of coffee and was always serving others suffering mental and physical abuse. Due to this, I launched my new campaign called Abuse Durga, which became Amar Durga, Amar O Durga, with a question mark. I asked the public a lot of questions, such as, “If this is my Durga, who are you to ask me a question whether I should celebrate or not?” Being a Muslim, people found it unusual.
“I felicitated people who had running cases against them for 15-20 years who were not guilty and celebrated 11 people. Last year, we held an exhibition to give table space to NGOs which cannot invest; awarded the LGBT community and single mothers. We will be holding another event for the LGBT community soon.
“My NGO is my charity partner. I did this because I was feeling bad to keep asking people to fund my NGO, so I decided to promote my events, and whatever money I got would go to my NGO so I could help the maximum people with the blessings of the Almighty. I do not want to work to mint money, want to work to make my stand.
“My breakthrough came when an old client called and invited me to his office. He is Rajendra Khandelwal, MD, Dhanwantary. During my meeting, he kept saying, “Very nice, very nice,” I asked him, “Who are you speaking about and he answered, “The event you held, the Teachers Excellence Award, I am going to support you,” and to my amazement, he handed over a cheque. At that moment, I knew I was doing the right thing. He asked me, “Why did you choose this topic, I replied, I am alive because of my teachers. Uncle Junaid who taught me how to hold a pencil and I want to do something in his memory. Without teachers’ investment, I would not be where I am today.”
“I do not work with an experienced group of people because there are a lot of young people looking for work, always take new people and give them scope, If they say, we cannot speak, I tell them you will learn to speak, If they are graphic designers, content writers, etc, I take them on board.
‘While we are a modern family, where I used to wear sleeveless and backless clothes, and my father even took us to Trincas to get us on the dance floor, I got to wearing hijab permanently unexpectedly. On my birthday in 2013 or 2014, my Baari Maa gifted me a hijab. I wore it to my office that day and since then, I have been wearing it. I changed as a person totally after that. While earlier, I was highly strung and emotional, I started to calm down after wearing the hijab believing it was my symbol of strength. My family was cool about my hijab.
“My dream is to meet 10,000 people with their inspiring stories and lift them on all my platforms. I highlight lives through events or writing about them. During the lockdown, I started to write in 2020. While my target is global, I also want to cover the map of West Bengal. I believe everyone can do anything but they just need a spark inside with a belief they can conquer the world, and they end up doing great things. Sometimes, to create that spark, that road is blocked so I just need to push these people and bring that change within them.”
Rita Farhat Mukand is an independent writer and author
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Rita Farhat Mukund / August 24th, 2024
Two students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.
Hyderabad :
Two students of Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) have secured a Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) under Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) of the Department of Science & Technology of the Government of India.
According to Aisha Masarath Khanam, Secretary TGMREIS, students of TGMREIS are continuing their excellence in academics.
Two of our students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.
Asma Sultana and D. Saniya from Vikarabad Girls’ Junior College have made TGMREIS proud.
INSPIRE is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to Science.
SHE component of the INSPIRE aims to encourage meritorious students to study basic and natural sciences at undergraduate level through attractive scholarship and mentorship opportunities. SHE offers 12,000 scholarships every year to meritorious students in the age group 17-22 years.
Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, Vice-Chairman and President, TGMREIS, Shahanawaz Qasim, Secretary to Chief Minister, Tafseer Iqbal, Special Secretary to Government, Minorities Welfare Department and Aisha Masarath Khanam have congratulated the students and teachers on their achievement.
TGMREIS, earlier called TMREIS, was launched in 2017 with the aim of providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to the minority communities in the state.
The society was formed under the Telangana State Public Societies Registration Act with a vision to bridge the educational gap and promote social inclusion among minority communities. TMREIS aims to create an environment where students from minority backgrounds can access quality education, develop their talents, and build a strong foundation for their future.
TMREIS runs 204 minority residential schools and junior colleges across the state, where about one lakh students are getting education.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / August 23rd, 2024
Students of the colleges run under Anjuman Hamai Muslim Bhatkal continue to get ranks at the university level and this time Najda Ekiri, a student of Anjuman Institute of Management and Computer Applications (AIMCA). Anjuman College has made the name of Anjuman College bright in the entire state by securing first rank in Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Karnataka University, Dharwad.
AIMCA Principal Muhammad Mohsin has said in a press release that Najda Ekiri, of Mubeen Ahmed Ekiri and Nusrat Jahan, has also achieved a remarkable feat by memorizing the Holy Quran during her three-year BCA course. According to the press release, Najda secured 3421 marks out of 3700 marks, resulting in a pass rate of 92.46%. The BCA exams were held in August-September 2023.
It has been found that while Najda, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman, secured the first rank in Dharwad University, Dekshanagappa Kharvi, a student of Bhatkal Sri Gurusdhiendra BCA College, secured the third rank at the university level, with an average success rate of 91.73%. has been done.
The university’s second rank went to Shantala Raibagh, a student of Global College of Computer Applications, Hubli, who registered a pass rate of 92.27 percent.
It should be noted that more than fifty BCA colleges are affiliated to Karnataka University, Dharwad, and among the students of all these colleges, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman getting the first rank is a great achievement. In such a situation, memorizing the Holy Quran with modern education is also a big challenge.
The management of Anjuman Hamai Muslimin, the principal and other staff of the college have congratulated Najda for this wonderful achievement and wished her all the best for her future.
source: http://www.sahilonline.net / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by IG Bhatkali, SO News Agency / August 23rd, 2024
