Uzma Shaikh’s decision to join the police force was inspired by a senior Police Inspector who visited her college as a guest when she was preparing for the 12th board exam.
Ashti (Beed):
Azm mohkam ho to hoti hai balaayen paspa, Kitne toofan palat deta hai sahil tanha. This Urdu couplet which loosely translates as ‘If the determination is strong then the evil calls are pushed back, How many storms does the shore turn away alone’ best describes the journey of Uzma Shaikh who will soon don the hat of a Police Sub-Inspector in Maharashtra.
Uzma Shaikh was 3 months old when her father passed away. Acute poverty forced her mother to leave her in-laws home in Ashti – a city in Beed district of Maharashtra, and shift to her parent’s home.
Uzma’s maternal grandfather was not too well off to take care of his widowed daughter. A small bhangar shop was the only source of income of her Nana – maternal grandfather. Then he also had two other daughters to feed and look after.
Realizing the hardship of her father, Uzma’s mother started working first as a help and later as a cook for a school to prepare Mid-Day Meal for students.
“Despite facing hardship economically, my grandfather will never agree for his daughters to work anywhere. My mother however continued to work albeit without the knowledge of my grandfather”, Uzma recalled.
A few months later, Uzma’s mother got a temporary job at the Forest Department on someone’s recommendation to plant soil in a nursery. Uzma’s grandfather expressed displeasure but was helpless by the situation.
Unfortunately, Uzma’s Nana and Nani too passed away after a few months.
“Now, besides raising me, my mother had the responsibility of other members of the family”, Uzma recalled adding, “Ammi started working even harder.”
Uzma was lucky that she continued with her studies except for two years when she was forced to drop out because of the financial burden. Nonetheless, Uzma passed the Class 10 SSC exams from Zila Parishad Kanya Parshala Marathi Medium School in Ashti and 12th board from B.D. Humbarde Mahavidyalaya, Ashti.
In two years when Uzma dropped out, she learned Mehndi art and went one marriage to another to apply Mehndi on brides and newly-wed, and also to women and girls during festival season.
“This helped me raise some money and start my education afresh”, she recalled.
Uzma’s Journey to becoming Police Sub-Inspector
Uzma’s decision to join the police force was inspired by a senior Police Inspector who visited her college as a guest when she was preparing for the 12th board exam.
“I was immensely impressed by the greatness and dignity of the police uniform. An aspiration arose in me, I asked, how to become a Police Sub Inspector. He explained the details”, Uzma recalled.
After 12th, Uzma took admission in the same college to pursue the BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application) degree course. It was during her second year in the degree course that Uzma started seriously thinking to fulfil her dream of becoming a police officer. One of her college lecturers guided her further. Uzma needed to crack the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam to become an officer which required an extensive training.
For Uzma, the time then came for the toughest – to take permission from her mother.
“I shared with my mother my desire to become a Police Inspector and asked her permission to go to Pune”, Uzma said.
She was reluctant for the obvious reason.
“From where the additional expenses would be managed?” she asked.
Uzma was able to convince her mother somehow. Other family members from Uzma’s parental as well as maternal sides, too were taken on board. They promised moral and financial supports.
In Pune, Uzma searched for the cheapest available hostel and mess. It was 2019 and Covid 19 Pandemic had just started to spread. Unfortunately, Uzma became the early victim of the Pandemic and she was forced to leave Pune and return to her home in Ashti.
Not to let Covid-19 spoil her ambitions to crack the MPSC exams, Uzma enrolled herself in a local library and continued with her studies. But, in an unfortunate turn of event, someone complaint to the Librarian about her Covid infection who cancelled her registration.
“The only option now I had was to study at my home half of which was destroyed by the PWD as part of its road widening project”, she said.
“A small corner of my home was now the area of my all academic activities. The money I raised by applying Mehndi during marriage and festival season was used to buy books and study materials”, she recalled.
Her hard work paid and she cleared the MPSC Prelims in her first attempt. She returned to Pune in 2020 when the Covid-19 Pandemic subsided to prepare for Mains.
“The MPSC Main was deferred because of the Pandemic. The delay provided me additional time to prepare for the coveted exams, and Alhamdulillah, like the Prelim exams, I cleared the MPSC Mains in my first attempt”, she recalled.
Police job requires Physical Test. Uzma cleared it too with an impressive 90 per cent score.
So far so good, Uzma however had a nervous breakdown in the Interview phase of the exam. When the final result was announced, Uzma did not find her name in the Merit List.
“Due to nervous breakdown, I couldn’t do well in the interview and got out of the final cut-off list though by only one mark”, she said.
Uzma still had a chance as her name was on the 3rd position in the waiting list. Uzma was in low income category and an EWS Certificate could have definitely come to her rescue. But, due to lack of the necessary documents she could not get one.
Against this backdrop, Uzma pinned her hope on someone to opt out and allow her to move from the waiting list to the main list. At the same time, Uzma decided to re-appear for the MPSC exams.
Then there was a miracle. Uzma’s earlier waiting list was confirmed and she finally made her way to the final selection list.
“After 11 months of the training period, I am set to become a Police Sub-Inspector”, a beaming Uzma said.
Her dream of becoming a Police Officer coming true, Uzma has a message for other girls.
“If an orphan poor child of a remote place can do it, why not you? You have everything. I would especially like to tell girls to be attracted towards government jobs where there are countless opportunities waiting for them”, she said.
[A version of this article is published by Roznama Inquilab, Mumbai on April 10, 2024. The writer Akhlaque Shaik is Career Counsellor and Columnist at daily Inquilab.]
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Life & Style / by Akhlaque Shaikh / April 11th, 2024
In a proud moment for the Muslim community of Maharashtra, Dr. Sara Shaikh secured the top position in Masters in Obstetrics and Gynecology in all the Medical Colleges of Maharashtra.
This remarkable feat was recognized with the prestigious Gold Medal during the convocation ceremony of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) held in Nashik. The convocation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Vice Chancellor retired Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitikar and State Cabinet Minister for Medical Education Hasan Mushrif. State Governor Ramesh Bais addressed the event online.
Dr. Sara Shaikh, a beacon of excellence and perseverance, hails from a family deeply rooted in the medical profession. Graduating from MIMER Medical College, Pune, she embarked on a journey marked by determination and dedication. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to excel in All India Quota of NEET PG examination, through which she chose to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the esteemed Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Sara’s brilliance shone brightly, earning her accolades for presentations and even international publications. Notably, she obtained qualifications in DNB, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, further solidifying her expertise. Last year, she achieved another milestone by passing MRCOG Part 1 from the Royal College of England.
Dr Sara Shaikh with her parents
In an exclusive conversation with Radiance News, Dr. Sara Shaikh attributed her success to her unwavering determination and the solid support of her family. She expressed gratitude to her mother, Dr. Nasreen Shaikh, father, Dr. Gayasuddin Shaikh, and husband, Dr. Muhammad Kashif Ali, for their steadfast encouragement throughout her educational journey.
Addressing the significance of her choice to wear hijab, Dr. Sara emphasized that it never hindered her path to success. Firmly committed to her principles, she remarked that adhering to the conditions of Purdah had never been a barrier in her academic or practical life.
Dr. Sara Shaikh urged Muslim students to forge ahead with diligence and determination, assuring them that success awaits those who persevere. She emphasized the importance of overcoming adversity and the pride that comes with accomplishing one’s goals. Dr. Sara’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals, transcending boundaries and proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of challenges faced along the way.
She stands as a torchbearer for others, igniting hope and determination in the hearts of countless students aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / March 14th, 2024
In a remarkable ceremony held on Tuesday, TWEET (The Women Education & Empowerment Trust) honored 30 dedicated volunteers in the state of Jharkhand for their exceptional commitment to eradicating illiteracy.
The event, marking the culmination of a yearlong campaign titled “Freedom from Illiteracy, Each One Teach Ten,” saw the volunteers being presented with certificates in recognition of their significant contributions.
Ms. Shabnam Parween, a distinguished Member of the Jharkhand Food Commission, graced the occasion with her presence and extended heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers for their unwavering dedication to the cause of education, particularly in empowering women. In her address, Ms. Parween underscored the profound impact of women’s education on the socio-economic fabric of society, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping future generations.
Dr. Hena Tabassum, a prominent figure in the field of education, shared her insightful perspectives on the crucial role that educated women play in fostering societal development. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the transformative potential of education in uplifting communities.
Dr. Naaz Aafreen, the esteemed State Coordinator of TWEET in Jharkhand, took the opportunity to provide an overview of TWEET’s mission and initiatives, underscoring the organization’s steadfast commitment to promoting literacy and education across the region. Dr. Aafreen also presented a comprehensive account of the organization’s achievements, reaffirming TWEET’s unwavering dedication to its noble cause.
The felicitation ceremony not only celebrated the exemplary efforts of the volunteers but also served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility towards fostering a literate and enlightened society. As the applause reverberated through the venue, it was evident that the spirit of altruism and service embodied by the volunteers continues to inspire and ignite hope for a brighter, more educated future in Jharkhand.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 24th, 2024
Maulana Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, who has been successfully running his book store ‘Mirza Book world’ in Aurangabad has hit upon another novel plan to quench the thirst of the poor and needy on the roadside.
Every day he buys some cartoons of 300 ml water bottles, refrigerates them overnight and in the morning around 10 am on his way to his book store, when the sun is already hot and shining bright, distributes the water bottles to the road side vendors, beggars and whoever asks for it.
He shared that he began this water distribution activity around 5-6 years back on the occasion of World Water Day. “ At that time, I used to collect empty water bottles from functions, events and gatherings, take them home, sterilise them with hot water, then fill them up, keep them in the fridge and distribute them in the morning to people who were thirsty and could not afford to buy a water bottle”.
“Now, I no longer collect water bottles, I buy them. When my friends saw what I was doing they too joined in and together we pool the money and buy the water bottles. It is much easier,” he explained.
Maulana Abdul Qayyum is not new to social work. He also supports the Mohalla libraries with his daughter Maryam Mirza who is running more than 30 small libraries in the slums of Aurangabad. Many of the books in these mohalla libraries have been donated by the Maulana from his book store.
He runs a foundation called Read and Lead Foundation (RLF) which is mostly about promoting the culture of reading, preserving Urdu language and other social-charity activities with some of his like-minded friends.
“Books have always been my passion”, he said. “ And I chose the career of running a book store so I get to spend my time amidst books. I started the book store in 2002 but before that I used to sell the books on my bicycle cycling around the whole city. It was quite a struggle but it paid off when there were patron demanding books to be supplied in the libraries of schools and colleges,” he added sharing his journey.
Apart from that he has also donated almost 50000 kiddy banks to children in schools in 30 English and Urdu medium schools for the children to save money and buy a book of their choice. His sole aim is to revive the dying culture of reading books.
“ I want children to inculcate the habit of reading a book instead of spending their time playing games on mobile phones. Reading is such a rich hobby, it ignites imagination, helps the children to improve their vocabulary and grasping abilities. But today we see children are no longer interested in reading but after this kiddy bank campaign, I have received positive feedback from the school teachers that students are now reading books in their free time.” he explained with a note of satisfaction in his voice.
His initiative of gifting kiddy banks was picked up by other schools who began gifting the same to their children to get them into the habit of saving money to buy books.
The Maulana then takes time in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak to ride around the vicinity with his bags of water bottles and distribute the cold water to the thirsty people irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, he sees on the roadside. His daughter ordered customised bags with the caption: ‘ Choti si neiki, Pyase ku pani’ which can hold at least 50 bottles.
“ Many passersby give coins to these beggars but when I give them a water bottle, they are happy and utter blessings, their happiness clearly visible on their faces. It gives me satisfaction when I see them drinking the cold water”, he shared beaming with happiness.
He also explains that he is not after recognition or awards. He does these activities because he wants his 5 children to look up to him and learn good values. Good morals and principles to lead a righteous life as per Islamic Values is the legacy I want to leave behind.
But awards have also come his way when he has been covered by the media for his earlier work of mohalla libraries, distribution of kiddy banks, promoting Urdu, water distribution program.
Nadvi’s efforts for preserving Urdu through the foundation have not gone unnoticed. He received the ‘Shaan- e- Aurangabad’ award in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2023 by the Aurangabad Jeddah Association. The Maharashtra Urdu Academy and the Telangana Urdu Academy have both awarded him. Many other organisations have felicitated him for his efforts to promote Urdu and reading culture.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Nikhat Fatima / by Muslim Mirror / April 01st, 2024
In a bid to bolster access to professional education for economically disadvantaged students, Bengaluru-based Danish Education Trust (R) awarded scholarships to 624 students pursuing professional education across Karnataka with a total scholarship amount of Rs. 1,60,00,000/- for the academic year 2023-24. The Trust selected students through an online application process at www.danishtrust.in.
The scholarship recipients are pursuing various professional courses, including Engineering, MBBS, Law, Journalism, Pharmacy, BUMS, BAMS, BHMS, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, and B.Ed, and are from economically underprivileged backgrounds.
Danish Educational Trust (R) was established in March 2006 by a group of concerned citizens led by philanthropist Mrs. Husna Sheriff, with the belief that education is the seed for development and progress. Since its inception, the Trust has continued its scholarship scheme for poor and needy students pursuing higher education.
Over the years, the Trust has sponsored the education of more than 4000 students, and this year’s scholarship program is another step in empowering young minds to achieve their educational dreams.
Expressing her pride in the trust’s achievements, Mrs. Husna Sheriff emphasized the importance of empowering young minds through education. “We firmly believe in providing a platform for students to thrive academically, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By investing in their future, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter tomorrow,” she remarked.
Looking ahead, Danish Educational Trust envisions expanding its reach further, with plans to increase the scholarship amount to Rs. 1.8 crore and support over 750 students in the upcoming academic year 2024-25. Such ambitions underscore the trust’s unwavering dedication to fostering equitable access to education and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Education / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / March 14th, 2024
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali (In white dress) Counsel General of Afghanistan in Mumbai
Caught in the panoramic whirl of life, there are thousands of affluent ladies one interacts or brushes shoulders with, but Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali shines out amongst many with her warm charming smile, down-to-earth nature, while showering pearls of knowledge. Born in an affluent home in Mumbai, she holds no superficial airs and graces. When someone mentioned to her that she should get the Padma Shri award for her remarkable service, she replied, “My greatest reward is when my students run up to me telling me they never forgot what I taught them in class.”
She told me, “Even you, asking me for an interview is like a reward for my service to the nation.” She said that during her daughter’s birthday party when she was in Dubai, a girl came up to her daughter and asked her, “Are you Zeenat’s daughter? You look just like her”, and when she replied, “Yes’, the girl said, “Let me tell you what she taught me I have never forgotten!”
Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali is a former professor of Islamic studies at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, fluent in English, and a seasoned speaker during debates on leading television channels and also heads the World Institute of Islamic Studies for Dialogue, Organization of Mediation and Gender Justice. She is clear on her religion: “I follow Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and no sects made by humans, these are all here to divide us.”
On Women’s International Day, speaking to Awaz-the Voice about Indian Muslim women, she said with a sigh of relief, “Indian Muslim women have a stronger and larger voice today than earlier, cutting across all sects and today, we have a long way, hundreds of Muslims contributed to India and I think all-around whole education is the answer to all problems. Women should be given a key role in the decision-making process, and be able to implement laws for the nation.
There are 33% seats for women in parliament. Ilm in Arabic means knowledge and there are 800 plus verses upholding ilm or knowledge and it’s derivatives. There are hundreds of verses in the Quran elucidating scientific facts. In Indian society, we see that the Parsees are highly educated and have become the best doctors, and lawyers, excelling in all spheres because they proficiently educated themselves.
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali participating in an interfaith conference
“We are no longer the India of a hundred years back. With education, we can get rid of misogyny, and inequality, giving equal respect and equal understanding to each other. On a flight back to Mumbai, I watched Sri Devi’s excellent movie, English Vinglish and one line that stood out was the aspect of respect where she said, “Teach me, don’t make fun of me, and don’t take it for granted that I will only sit in the kitchen and make ladoos …”
Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali on reminiscing about her early life said, “My interest in studying the Quran began early, around the age of 16 when I was trying to understand a paragraph (ruku) a day in depth to try and comprehend its meaning, and very often, I would be the only girl sitting among all the wise spiritual white-haired Maulanas some even in their 80s, learning from them. With their help, I began to understand the message of compassion, peace, and harmony. My prayers also began at that age and continue to date.
At a young age, she looked up to her excellent teachers who were like father figures and sculptured her thinking to analyze as she went into research. “Dr NS Gorekar was my teacher of Islamic Studies and my Ph.D guide and Professor Kamran taught me how when one goes deep into relics, where the finishing steps are like jewelled stones and thesis is like a manuscript which should never be discussed with anyone or they would steal your thoughts!”
Her childhood home was always buzzing with activity, guests filling the home with visitations, while house helpers hurried around in their daily tasks. Lunchtimes were blissfully wonderful for Zeenat Ali when her father’s friends visited, Dr. Shukri and Maulana Abdul Rahman who were both very knowledgeable and the young Zeenat could pour out all her questions quenching her thirst for deeper spiritual understanding. Her spare time was immersed in activities visiting the club and libraries. Her favourite sports were badminton and horse riding and a day was never too long for her and she spent more time in libraries than in clubs, though!
Fortune smiled on her with her happy family life, with one brother and being the only daughter always felt the warm arms of her parents embrace her equally. In this close-knit family, they shared everything and were like the best of friends. “There was a gender parity in our household,” she says. While her brother went on to study engineering and business management, she went on to study English Literature and delve deeper into Islamic Studies. Both parents, Gulam Ali and Sheereen were advocates of intellectual secularism. Traditionally, every Friday, her father gave the queues of poor people outside their homes a delicious meal. Good works were an integral part of her family’s faith and her great-grandfather and his dear brother opened an orphanage in Pune giving solace to hundreds of children. She also received personal care from her grandmother as she was growing up.
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali with a Minister in Azerbaijan
Her mother was anxious to see her well settled in marriage at a young age, but her father and grandmother opposed an early marriage wanting her to only get married after her education. When the day of a suitor arrived, her future husband Shaukat Ali was informed that he could only marry her if he allowed her to complete her graduation, to which he readily agreed and in fact, encouraged her to pursue her higher gradution after marriage in the 1980s.
While her mother was a great source of inspiration, it was her father, Zeenat Shaukat Ali says, who stood as a powerful influence in her life, always urging her to study more, taking a keen interest in her subjects, and asking her questions about the subjects in her class, discuss enriching topics with her and always spurred her on for higher graduation. Her taught her the concept of humanity drawing her into the world of all people as one, where he had friends from all religions, Hindus, Parsees, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and others and he looked at all people as humanity.
She grew up with Muslim cooks crafting delicacies who skillfully knew the art of laying out an elaborate meal on a dining table, Hindu and Christian domestic workers and maids rich in their traditions and beliefs and all were respected. She specially mentions Abdul the cook who made her beloved cheese sandwiches with hot tea, so she could concentrate on her work without interruptions.
The school was all about sharing tiffins as constantly hungry students generously shared each other’s lunch boxes. “Those were happy days in St Xavier with long animated discussions in the college canteen and festival seasons were times of sharing and visiting Hindus, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Parsees, and others alike.”
When she got married, her Christian maid, Rosy Fernandez helped to bring up her three children amidst her very hectic schedule. Rosy had her method of praying as did the other house helpers and she says, “We learned the art of humanity.”
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali at St Xavier’s Alumuni meet
Her husband and three children (two daughters and a son) used to tell her that her quest for knowledge was insatiable and likened it to taking a “deep dive into the ocean to touch the ocean floor,” meaning, she always had to dig deeper and was never satisfied with just bright glimmers of knowledge and also went to the roots of William Shakespeare’s literature, which in themselves were always complicated. Her husband, Shaukat Ali was a remarkable sportsman, a great businessman, and a wood connoisseur who at parties would often delve into a rich conversation on any type of furniture wood, being an interior designer, he was artistic and loved flowers, music, and took a profound interest in Zeenat’s writing, even though at times, he fell asleep in the middle of it, she says with a laugh. When her father suddenly died of a heart attack, it was a shock to her and Dr. Zeenat found her comfort in the pristine purity of the Quran she grew up with.
She said, “After the sudden loss of my Father, it was my husband who said I should take up my PhD seriously instead of dropping tears.” With eyes filled with tears and a choked voice, she said that her husband and her mother both passed away in 2018 and it was a particularly difficult time for her.
She says, “I matured bit by bit as I was doing my thesis until I realized the ideas and values of Islam had to be brought out as there was an alarming deafening silence from our scholars, very disappointing as they also have a responsibility to bring the right representation of Islam to the nation.”
Her husband and three children (two daughters and a son) used to tell her that her quest for knowledge was insatiable and likened it to taking a “deep dive into the ocean to touch the ocean floor,” meaning, she always had to dig deeper and was never satisfied with just bright glimmers of knowledge and also went to the roots of William Shakespeare’s literature, which in themselves were always complicated. Her husband, Shaukat Ali was a remarkable sportsman, a great businessman, and a wood connoisseur who would often in parties delve into a rich conversation on any type of furniture wood, being an interior designer, he was artistic and loved flowers, music, and took a profound interest in Zeenat’s writing, even though at times, he fell asleep in the middle of it, she says with a laugh. When her father suddenly died of a heart attack, it was a shock to her and Dr. Zeenat found her comfort in the pristine purity of the Quran she grew up with.
She said, “After the sudden loss of my Father, it was my husband who said I should take up my PhD seriously instead of dropping tears.” With eyes filled with tears and a choked voice, she said that her husband and her mother both passed away in 2018 and it was a particularly difficult time for her.
Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali receiving an award
She says, “I matured bit by bit as I was doing my thesis until I realized the ideas and values of Islam had to be brought out as there was an alarming deafening silence from our scholars, very disappointing as they also have a responsibility to bring the right representation of Islam to the nation.”
A recent book entitled “I Am ?” a Hinduja Foundation Publication brought out by Mr. Gopichand Hinduja and Mr. Ashok Hinduja is the result of Mr. Gopichand Hinduja’s inspiration. In the Introduction of “Why this Book ?” Mr Gopichand Hinduja, a great spiritualist states that he wanted an “l state to bring all virtuous teachings of all the important religions of the world that have influenced and shaped humanity in a single book to share their oneness.”
A Par Excellence Message has been penned by Sheikh Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE as Dedication to Humanity” where the message of the book is “dedicated to those who want to explore their life beyond the known and visible,” she said,” It was an honour for me when I was invited to write the conclusion to the book. It was to be on the commonalities existing among religions. I titled the chapter “Connecting the Magical Dots in the Infinite Cosmos” where I wrote, “We are all like a beautiful rainbow, where all colours stand together yet remain distinct to form the exquisite rainbow. We say similar things at different times, in different languages but have to stand together to form the rainbow. Our commonness lies in our humanity, to be compassionate, to care for each other.” She added, “A Chart of the Commonalities has been drawn up and affixed at the end of the book.”
Achieving powerful landmarks, invited all over the world as a delegate, she is an integral part of many organizations. She is the Founder and Director-General, of Wisdom Foundation, founded in 2006 in Mumbai, a registered body that has many national and international advisors which focus on Gandhian values of nonviolence, and humanitarian service.
She bagged the Vijaya Shree National Award for Education Enriching Human Life and Outstanding Attainment in 1997-98. She spearheads an innovative peace initiative in the city. With over three years of existence, the program features a cricket match at the Brabourne Stadium, involving teams comprised of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian clerics, deliberately not segregated along religious lines. Additionally, Ali leads the World Institute of Islamic Studies for Dialogue, Organization of Mediation, and Gender Justice. She actively participated in the International Higher Education Interfaith Leadership Forum.
She has attended very important, excellent Conferences in Doha, Qatar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Interfaith Dialogue in 1922 and 23 where interfaith scholars and dignitaries around the world were invited. In 2022, she attended an Excellent International Conference in Azerbaijan on Dialogue and Preservation of Cultural Sites.
Also known as an activist and author of several books, she has made a powerful impact with her writings. Her famous book The Empowerment of Women in Islam With Special Reference to Marriage & Divorce, was highly felicitated by great leaders in India.
Justice A. M. Ahmadi, Chief Justice Supreme Court of India said, “The author in her book seeks to knock on the doors of Islamic Jurisprudence to secure gender justice for Muslim Women. It is path-breaking in the sense that it is a bold endeavour to show how social reform can be introduced into the Muslim society through traditional strategies…”
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali Presenting her book I AM to Sheikh Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE
Achieving powerful landmarks, invited all over the world as a delegate, she is an integral part of many organizations. She is the Founder and Director-General, of Wisdom Foundation, founded in 2006 in Mumbai, a registered body that has many national and international advisors which focus on Gandhian values of nonviolence, and humanitarian service.
She bagged the Vijaya Shree National Award for Education Enriching Human Life and Outstanding Attainment in 1997-98. She spearheads an innovative peace initiative in the city. With over three years of existence, the program features a cricket match at the Brabourne Stadium, involving teams comprised of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian clerics, deliberately not segregated along religious lines. Additionally, Ali leads the World Institute of Islamic Studies for Dialogue, Organization of Mediation, and Gender Justice. She actively participated in the International Higher Education Interfaith Leadership Forum.
She has attended very important, excellent Conferences in Doha, Qatar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Interfaith Dialogue in 1922 and 23 where interfaith scholars and dignitaries around the world were invited. In 2022, she attended an Excellent International Conference in Azerbaijan on Dialogue and Preservation of Cultural Sites.
Also known as an activist and author of several books, she has made a powerful impact with her writings. Her famous book The Empowerment of Women in Islam With Special Reference to Marriage & Divorce, was highly felicitated by great leaders in India. Justice A. M. Ahmadi, Chief Justice Supreme Court of India said, “The author in her book seeks to knock on the doors of Islamic Jurisprudence to secure gender justice for Muslim Women. It is path-breaking in the sense that it is a bold endeavour to show how social reform can be introduced into the Muslim society through traditional strategies…”
M Hidayatullah, Former Chief Justice and Vice President of India said, “This is a treatise of Marriage and Divorce in Islam…written in a scholarly way, it will keep these difficult subjects alive for lawyers, teachers, and students. I wholeheartedly recommend the book.”
The Implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, Winning the Peace: A Quest/edited by Dr. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, contributor Shaukat Ali. She wrote Healing Memories – Civilizations in Dialogue; The Legacy of India – Pluralism, Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence, and many other erudite thesis papers.
Among her cherished mentors are Father Simon D’ Souza who had been teaching at St. Xaviers College Mumbai and serving as in-charge Principal for a while, and Raymond Bodin from UNESCO, among many others. She also says, “I pray to Allah with my hands folded.”
She explained that the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam from Hinduism which means “The World Is One Family” is similar to the words of Prophet Muhammad who said” All creatures form the family of God and he is best loved by God who best loves his creatures”.
Jesus taught similar ideologies to love all people, as did Buddha and other religions. Unfortunately, religion over time has been manipulated for political gains. Islam means peace comes from Salam.
She expressed, “One of the people who were dear to me was Father John Misquitta SJ, Principal of St Xavier’s when I began to teach, who loved my thesis. He was dynamic, encouraging he believed in academic excellence like all other principals. Fr John Correia-Afonso, Director of the Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, St Xaviers College was a distinguished renowned historian who invited me to join the Heras Institute. He was an exceptional person – a legend who guided many a student. He was a great instructor and teacher who inspired many academicians, including me.”
“The whole world of Islam where Muslim majorities prevail are now re-thinking issues so it’s time for us now that our Ulema, our learned, our scholars should not drown themselves in silence or should not give misleading misinformation, where Islam is teaching you to preserve life. If you kill one person, it is as if you have killed all mankind Surah 5:33, so we have to bring these to life not only in words but in our actions…”
Reiterating that learning and knowledge were an essential part of their lives as Islam teaches “Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make the path to Jannah (Paradise) easy for them.’ it was incredible that her grandmother at the age of 70 was learning to read and write Urdu,” Zeenat Ali said that similar to her male counterpart, every woman is morally and religiously obligated to pursue knowledge, enhance her intellect, broaden her perspective, nurture her talents, and subsequently utilize her potential for the betterment of both her soul and her society.
She shares special nuggets of gold with Indian Muslim women today, and on Women’s International Day, with this message, “Have a wonderful vision for your country and your family. Educate yourself to the fullest, endeavour to be the best in the world, and be part of nation-building. Be compassionate and caring. Dream big! Know that you are beautiful in the heart and the soul, you are an achiever, you are a doer, you can do it and you will make a difference!”
Rita Farhat Mukand is an independent writer
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Rita Farhat Mukund / March 08th, 2024
Dr Ayshath Safoorah Gynaecologist, Dr Muralidhar G K.. Fetal Medicine Specialist, Dr Abdul Bashith Pediatrician and Dr Preetham Tauro Pediatrician
Mangaluru:
In a remarkable medical achievement, an Rh ISO immunised baby was successfully discharged after undergoing multiple blood transfusions , including rare intrauterine blood transfusion.
Dr. Ayshath Safoorah,consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Lifeline Health Care plus falnir, recognizing the complications of the case, referred the expectant mother to Dr. Murlidhar( fetal medicine ) at Father Muller Hospital for ultrasound evaluation of foetal anemia.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Murlidhar carried out the intrauterine blood transfusion when the patient was in her 31st week of pregnancy.
The expectant mother, who came to Dr Ayshath Safoorah at 28th week of her pregnancy, faced complications due to antibodies present in her blood against the fetal blood cells ,along with increased blood pressure.
Three weeks following the intrauterine blood transfusion, the mother was induced at 34 weeks and delivered vaginally a preterm girl baby weighing 2.2 kg at Manglore Nursing home on 29th February . Both the mother’s health and the baby’s condition were closely monitored by the team of doctors at the hospital.
On Sunday, March 10, the newborn has been discharged.
What does positive Indirect Coombs Test mean?
When an Indirect Coombs Test is positive, it means that antibodies against red blood cells are present in the patient’s blood serum. The test detects these antibodies indirectly by mixing the patient’s serum with red blood cells of a known blood type. If antibodies in the serum react with the red blood cells, it indicates a positive result.
“In the context of pregnancy, a positive Indirect Coombs Test suggests that a pregnant woman has developed antibodies against the red blood cells of her unborn baby. This situation is often associated with Rh incompatibility, where the mother is Rh-negative, and the baby is Rh-positive.Injection Anti D is given after delivery to all Rh negative mothers to prevent this kind of iso immunisation,” Dr. Ayshath Safoorah told Vartha Bharati.
What is Intrauterine blood transfusion?
Intrauterine blood transfusion is a complex medical procedure performed during pregnancy to address severe fetal anemia. Through the procedure, the baby in mother’s womb is transfused blood.
Before the procedure, the mother undergoes thorough assessments, including ultrasound scans and blood tests. Continuous ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to visualize the fetus, placenta, and the specific blood vessels involved. A thin, specialized needle is carefully inserted through the mother’s abdomen and into the amniotic sac, guided by real-time ultrasound imaging. The goal is to reach the umbilical vein of the fetus.
Once the needle is correctly positioned, compatible blood is slowly transfused into the fetus through the umbilical vein. The amount of blood transfused is carefully controlled to avoid overloading the fetal circulation.
“Prior to the intrauterine blood transfusion,the hemoglobin of the foetus was just 4 g/dl. While this situation presented complications of cardiac failure , our medical team implemented measures to ensure a smooth transfusion ,” Dr. Murlidhar who has handled cases of intrauterine blood transfusion during his practice abroad, told Vartha Bharati.
“Once the baby was delivered , she needed 2 exchange transfusions and one blood transfusion to combat the rising bilirubin levels due to hemolysis. Throughout the exchange blood transfusion, our medical team comprising Dr Preetham , faced challenges associated with the fluctuating and rising hemoglobin levels of the baby. The unexpected variations required vigilant monitoring and immediate responses to ensure the baby’s stability,” Dr. Abdul Bashith said while also adding that the team was overjoyed with the successful procedure and to see the baby and mother healthy.
Dr. Abdul Bashith also added that both mother and baby would require follow up at the hospital with their first visit being scheduled after 1 week .
Dr. Abdul Basith thanked and appreciated other members of the team including Manglore Nursing home NICU staffs and management, for their care and support.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 10th, 2024
Dr Aboobaker Siddique, coordinator of Mangaluru Byari study forum said that the study that is done on Byari language, literature, art and culture should touch the grassroot level. Then only it is possible to extend the work of Byari field.
Dr Siddique spoke after releasing ‘Byari: Nanu Kandanthe’ Kannada book authored by senior literatteur Haji T A Aliabba Jokatte at the Ravindra Kalabhavana of Mangaluru university campus on Friday.
Dr Siddique further said, “Many variations of literature have arrived in the Byari language. However, there is lack of grassroot level study. In this context the study bench will give more priority to field work. Let the book of experiences of Aliabba be a model book for research students.”
B A Mohammed Hanif, former president of Byari academy presided over the function. The programme was inaugurated by retired principal of Badriya college Dr Ismail N. Aliabba Jokatte, author of the book shared his experience with regards to the writing of the book. Journalist Hamza Malar gave introduction of the book.
Students Mohammed Swadik, Ayisha Zahima, Mohammed Simak and Nausheena presented their thoughts on Byari language, literature and culture.
Guests Dr Anusooya Rai, principal of University college, Basheer Baikampady, editor of Byari Varthe, Khalid Ujire, president All India Byari Parishad, Ashiruddin Sarthabail, president Melthene and R Manohar Kamath, registrar of Byari academy spoke on the occasion.
Sameera K A, member of study bench welcomed the gathering. Kahlid Tannirubhavi rendered vote of thanks. Shahala Rehman compered the event.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS) / March 02nd, 2024
Kashmir’s Wushu Sisters, Ansa Chishti and Ayeera Chishti brought laurels to India by clinching Gold medals in the Russian Moscow Stars Wushu International Championship.
The ongoing championship started in Moscow on 28 February and will conclude on March 5, 2024.
Both players performed exceptionally in their respective weight categories of 52 and 56. They beat their Russian opponents in the finals and made their fans proud as well as the entire sports fraternity of J&K.
J&K Sports Council Chief Nuzhat Gull asked people to cheer the two bright women sportspersons fromthe Valley on X:
Both players performed exceptionally in their respective weight categories of 52 and 56. They beat their Russian opponents in the finals and made their fans proud as well as the entire sports fraternity of J&K.
This is the 3rd International medal for Ayeera as she won Gold in Georgia and Bronze in the World championship in Indonesia earlier. Now it’s 3rd consecutive medal in the international Wushu Championship and last year she was also shortlisted for the State Award.
Ayeera is the 1st Wushu Female Athlete who was shortlisted for this prestigious award. Similarly, Ansa, who won the 2nd Medal in the international Wushu Championship, had won Silver in the Georgia International Wushu Championship.
With today’s medal, she has won her 1st Gold medal in an international championship. Notably, both players are National Champions in their weight category as they won many medals in National championships.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / March 04th, 2024
Rukhshi Kadiri Elias (Third from left) with her team of Taajira
“Empower the men to empower the economically empowered women,” jokes Rukhshi Kadiri Elias, an articulate lady with her mellow voice igniting the conversation. She is the founder of Taajira – (The Businesswoman), a massive network of entrepreneurial women creating a revolution, not only in Kolkata but in other places bringing two different kinds of women together, to work together and empower each other.
Warm eyes, glowing skin with her royal demeanour, and her energy kindles hearts, which is probably why she was able to garner a massive community of thousands of women that all started in 2019.
Born and brought up in a caring home, Rukhshi helped her father with his business, looked after his office in his absence attended to his phone calls, and set up his appointments. At that time she was in the college. During her school and college days, she always stood up for friends.
Good at maintaining humans relationships, she remains in touch with her schoolmates at the Loreto School in Bowbazar and today 35 of her childhood friends are joined in by a WhatsApp Group.
Since 1974, the friends have encouraged each other, and met each other’s emotional needs, and financial difficulties, where some were going through midlife crises. Rukhshi made a special effort to initiate these get-togethers.
At the Taajira exhibition Titliyaan
Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, she recounts one of Taajira’s inspiring stories, “One incident shook me. One day, a girl reached out to us on Facebook. She was a victim of domestic violence and in a state of shambles. As I shared this with some of the administrators in our group “Taajira-The Businesswoman”, having now reached over 32,000 members, I was hesitant to approve her post publically. Some of the legal advocates said she needed immediate legal help. While that was right, I said that she presently needed strong emotional support, because she would have to pay a lawyer if she went the legal way.
“We decided to reach out to her and we reached her home and counseling made the husband realize his mistake. I finally approved her Facebook post and I was stunned to find a rush of support for this girl from hundreds of other women with similar stories. This was a big eye-opener to me that domestic violence is a huge unspoken issue in many homes. Most of the women do not know their legal rights and continue to live in abusive situations for years, incapacitating their ability to even work.
“After this incident, Anuradha Kapoor who founded Swayam, a feminist organisation dedicated to advancing women’s rights did an online talk on Taajira’s Facebook group which was a great success. The happy end of this girl’s story is through Taajira, she got into a flourishing resin art business and her husband changed realizing his failings, and supports her now, and she is a transformed woman – what a miracle!”
I asked her who her greatest inspiration to start Taajira was, she replied, “Way back then in my college days, Noor Jahan Shakil, President, of All Bengal Muslim Women’s Association used to take me along with her on her outreaches to the slums of Kolkata which jolted me out of my comfort zone. I suddenly realized there was a big world out there where millions were still suffering and living in deplorable unhygienic conditions. She had two centers – one for vocational training, tailoring, and fashion designing, actively involved with Muslim women, bringing them out of the four walls of their homes into the world, and teaching them about hygiene and health. I still connect with them helping them to create events.
“Noor Jahan Shakil is an amazing lady, now way beyond 90 years, still very agile and interested in what we are doing, coming forth with suggestions and it was her life that inspired me to think beyond the limitations of my home.”
Rukhshi Kadiri Elias
The story of the inception of Taajira was set in 2019 when Rukhshi Kadiri Elias found herself being added to many WhatsApp groups all seeking some sort of sense of identity apart from their homes. It was at that point that Rukhshi said, “Instead of adding me to different WhatsApp groups, let us get together on one platform, let’s set up a Facebook group.” The group aimed to help women set up businesses that networked together because the seller is also the consumer, so in some way, they all needed each other. The biggest challenge of this group was getting women, who were not tech-savvy to learn to use social media and basic skills.
Their first meetings started in Rukhshi’s home, later, went on to be hosted in their newly formed restaurant, and later, also others offered their halls.
There was a conglomeration of all kinds of women from different strata of society with different needs, from restaurant owners to maids.
There are two groups in Taajira, one group is an elite group who made brand names for themselves through Taajira, and the other group is the economically deprived.
The Elite group helps the economically weaker women with startups, not with money but with goods to the other group to help launch their businesses and out of the profits of the retail rates, they pay back the elite group only at the wholesale rates so that they make a large marginal profit.
There are also intense training programs at the Tajara Elite Club where makeup artists, teams, stylists, bridal packages, ladies who make their organic herbal products, sari drapers, henna designers, masseurs, seamstresses, and even taught driving, grooming, polishing, and other crafts.
At their monthly meet, they pair up, and here the weaker women are imparted skills. During the pandemic, garments were sold online, but they now have their showrooms and stores, so the elite group needed salesgirls, managers, accountants, chefs, and other staff.
She said,”50% of our staff from our restaurant Shaikh’s is from Taajira. While we started as a group to financially empower women, even men were getting jobs. Husbands, sons, and brothers as chauffeurs, chefs, cooks, and other such help so the entire family gets help.”
She said, “We have a legal panel with lawyers and advocates, another panel for counselling for those who need emotional help, doctors who help women with their illnesses, lady police officers who help women with their paperwork, food licenses, and advice.
We have a marvelous doctor who runs The Soul Clinic, Dr. Shabtab Elahi who unlocks the healing power of yoga, with her set of yoga trainers, and focuses on weight loss.
Rukhshi Kadiri Elias with Taajira members
Taajira members from the Wellness Center hold nutritious tea parties with healthy snacks. The focus on hygiene, health, mental well-being, and financial stability is a big boost to Taajira’s growth because we are not just a workforce but a caring community and like a large family with a very personal touch.”
Mysteriously, as Taajira was established in 2019, it seemed a divinely appointed timing as they helped hundreds of families during COVID-panic-driven days in 2020 and beyond to tide through this rough season and come across safely. She says that Taajira was the only online portal open those days for help to the public. Food was the biggest need during COVID-19, and home-cooked food was delivered directly to homes. Since there was no bread in the markets, the ladies in Taajira started baking bread, making thalis (meals) supplying the ones trapped at home and without food.
In one instance, a member of Taajira from the UAE send an SOS message to Taajira to reach out to her septuagenarian parents stranded without food. The Taajira chef delivered food for free until a maid could look after them. Incredibly, the Taajira team delivered not only food, but also medicines, and other assistance to families, and college students were given money and food. In this great season of caring, Taajira grew to be a more community-focused and family-hearted organization.
Taajira’s recent big venture was Titliyan, an annual big exhibition, held once a year, with 111 stalls in the year 2022 and 175 stalls in 2023 and close to 10,000 people visited it.
Rukhshi said with a note of pride that many exhibition curators are now getting their ideas drawn from Taajira members getting 90% of their income through their wares in these exhibitions. She said, “I am, after this appointment on my way to an exhibition in Khidirpur.”
Rukhshi’s journey to create Taajira also required her supportive family, husband, and two sons, who incidentally are great sportsmen, swimmers, footballers, and hockey players, and her wonderful daughter-in-law. She proudly shares the addition of her grandson to the home, now six months old whom she is very involved in taking care of while her daughter-in-law, who is a counsellor in Loreto, goes to school.
All family members proudly pat each other’s backs for their accomplishments. Their recent achievement was their famous restaurant, Shaikh’s, a 42-seater lavish but affordable restaurant launched three years back by her sons, with its cutting-edge culinary excellence seated in the Park Circus area in Beckbagan, near Quest Mall, famed for its aromatic rich Indian, Middle Eastern flavors drawing flocks of people.
As a graduate of Fine Arts and a diploma holder in fashion design, she honed her skills to help the processing of Taajira smoothly. Rukhshi says that the journey to making Taajira a reality has only been possible with the assistance and dedication of her panel of moderators, such as Zainab Saigal, Shumaila Khalid, Ifra Nadeem, Sujata Latif, and Sumaiya Munir applauding the strength of networking together. She said, “We have a strength of 33000 women, now, so we need at least six women to herd them!”
An encouraging moment arrived when the globally connected Calcutta University asked Taajira to suggest a few names of their women to train guide and support them technically. These ladies were picked up and it was a good venture of collaboration to bring profit to both.
Shaikh’s restaurant
On another occasion, a lady who makes chocolates got a huge order from the American Consulate to supply them with 500 boxes of chocolates during Christmas, another lady got a massive order for jute bags and a lady who makes momos and other delicious nutritious snacks now gets regular orders from The American Consulate, business avenues that transformed their incomes and lives.
Recounting one amusing incident, Rukhshi said, “One day, I received a call from a lady announcing that she wanted to work on an online business, but she was not tech savvy. The lady also mentioned that due to her arthritis and other problems, she was unable to work outdoors but needed the money to maintain herself and pay for her medicines. After giving her some ideas, I asked her, “Ma’am, how old are you?” and she replied brightly, “I’m only 73!” I visited her and got her in touch with an Anglo-Indian seamstress who used to stitch nighties, so the lady was able to get into an online trading business and sell nighties to meet her financial needs.”
While membership to Tajeera is free, there is a fee to join the talk shows. She mentioned that there are women who broke away from Tajeera and started their businesses for their reasons, but this was never the aim of Taajira whose power lay in massive networking to support thousands to lakhs together. She said, “Everything is changing fast. Eating habits changed where people now are more into fast foods, apparels changed from saris to most women now in jeans and kurtis, society is transforming quickly.”
She said, “In a strange twist of fates, the men who once mocked the efforts of Tajeera exclaiming it was a taboo for their women to work outside the home are now accepting women working outdoors, and even standing alongside and helping them, and some are even staying at home and looking after the children while their wives are out selling their wares at grand exhibitions,, isn’t it incredible! Things have changed so much in just a few years. Each day, we are moving towards a brighter light and now society is changing so much that when women don’t work, people ask, “How come you’re not working?”
She said emphatically, “Taajira has two ideologies – to help the poor and to economically empower women and we are starting to network a revolution!”
The day is too short for her and she said, “I still have not arrived, we are still on the way, one target is related to another and then it opens another dimension.”
Rita Farhat Mukand is an independent writer.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Rita Farhat Mukund / February 24th, 2024
