Amtul Suhail, Executive Director at 2nd Generation at Allerton in South San Francisco, CA, is one of one hundred Indian Muslim women across the globe to receive a nomination from Rising Beyond the Ceiling for her contributions and accomplishments in the field of early childhood education.
Rising Beyond the Ceiling is a non-profit organization focused on supporting and promoting Indian Muslim women and their leadership and contributions in their respective fields. Each year they spotlight one hundred Indian Muslim women who have made their mark in countries across the world. All the women have done their initial studies in India, but later moved to other countries where they received accolades and success in their professions.
“I am elated. This is a pure and pleasant surprise,” said Amtul. “I have been working for decades to make a difference in the community by helping one child, one family, one group and mission at a time. I never expected anything in return.”
Working the field of education since 1985, she migrated to the United States in 1990, leaving behind her family on a quest to pursue her dream of caring for and teaching children. Amtul joined Bright Horizons in 2013 and is currently the Executive Director at Bright Horizons Allerton where she oversees the center operations and its programs.
“My passion is children. Every single thing I do, I think “how would this impact a child?’’ This passion that drives me is because of my mother who always taught me what I call the ’golden rule‘ – when things go wrong, you do not go wrong,” said Amtul. “I lead with honesty, transparency, accountability and joy. My mom encouraged me to choose a career to work with children so I can make the difference for children and adults in the community where I work and live.”
Amtul has a Masters in Mass Communication from Aligarh Muslim University. She also volunteers her time and talent for her University Alumni Association of Northern California. She is a guiding force behind the alumni association’s mission and has been involved as a coach and student trainer.
Amtul adds: “My vision is to foster love and compassion for early childhood educators. When they decide to join the education field and under my supervision, they feel empowered, autonomous and committed. I truly believe that consistency and continuity of care is extremely important.”
To learn more about Rising Beyond the Ceiling, visit here.
At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities.
New Delhi:
Ulfat Khan, a Senior Cadet Captain from Uri District, has created history by becoming the first girl cadet to be command the Parade at the Prime Minister’s Rally (PM Rally) during the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.
This remarkable feat not only brings glory to the JK&L Directorate and the 1 J&K Naval Unit but also showcases the Govt College for Women Gandhinagar Jammu, where Ulfat is pursuing her BA Eng (Hons) despite all odds.
Ulfat’s Challenging Journey
Ulfat was selected from among 2,274 NCC cadets from 28 States and Union Territories and from 17 Directorates across the Nation. Her journey from a remote village on the Line of Control to a national leader is a reflection of her unwavering determination and resilience. She faced many challenges, including geographical barriers, but she never gave up on her pursuit of excellence.
Ulfat was born in Uri, Baramulla District in 2002. She completed her schooling in various Kendriya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Jharkhand and Odisha before joining GCW Gandhinagar for her higher education. She participated in various NCC camps, such as NSC, SNIC, RDC, Mini Sailing, and CATC, where she sharpened her skills and leadership abilities.
Ulfat’s Achievements At Republic Day Camp
At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities and dedication to service.
Lieutenant Commander Ankur Kumar, Commanding Officer of 1J&K Naval Unit NCC, praised Ulfat’s dedication and perseverance, saying that she is a role model for cadets across the Nation. He said that her selection as Platoon Commander is a testament to her hard work and commitment. Sub Lieutenant Dr. Neelima, Ulfat’s ANO at GCW Gandhinagar, emphasized that Ulfat’s journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is a reflection of her strength and resilience.
She said that her struggles and triumphs inspire us all. Principal Prof. Minu Mahajan expressed her pride, stating that Ulfat’s achievement is a reflection of the values of discipline and determination instilled in our students. She said that she has brought immense honour to our institution.
Group Commander, Srinagar Group, remarked that Ulfat Khan’s journey from a remote area to becoming the first girl cadet selected as Parade Commander at the PM Rally is truly inspiring. He said that her resilience and determination in overcoming challenges are commendable, setting a new standard for excellence within the NCC.
Maj Gen R.K. Sachdeva, ADG JK&L Directorate, expressed that Ulfat Khan’s remarkable achievement is a reflection of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the NCC. He said that her selection as Parade Commander is a proud moment for the entire Directorate, and she is a shining example for cadets nationwide.
He said that Ulfat Khan’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Nari Shakti and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cadets across the nation. He said that her historic accomplishment at the Republic Day Camp 2024 reaffirms the power of dedication, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in the defence forces.
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> News> India / by Syed Khalid Hussain Hussain / edited by Shivam Kumar Mishra / source : Bureau / January 31st, 2024
Rasika Islam of Assam’s Dhubri district topped Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and Zohaib Hassan from Bihar’s Purnia district in Bihar topped BPSC examination for the recruitment of assistant professor in engineering colleges.
Khursheed Khan of Dibrugarh, a Central government employee, who joined as Inspector of Income Tax in 1996 and was promoted to IT Officer in 2005, said, “We are thrilled at the achievement of Rashika Islam. It has been amazing journey from Inspector of Taxes to ACS No.1 within a span of 3 years. A living example of women empowerment, she has brought laurels to her community and entire Dhubri district. Dhubri has the lowest literacy rate in Assam – 60 percent; it is also the district with highest percentage of Muslims – 75 percent. Assam’s literacy rate is around 75% while Muslims’ literacy rate is less than 65 percent.
On the performance of Muslims in APSC, he said, “Overall performance of Muslims in the APSC has been very dismal. In the current list out of 86 candidates selected for ACS cadre, 8 are Muslims, 6 male and 2 female. Out of 65 candidates selected for APS cadre, 4 are Muslims, 3 male and 1 female. Muslims account for more than 1/3 of the state’s population. However, their share in the government job is dismal.”
Hailing from Guaripur of Dhubri district, Rasika is the toper of Assam Civil Services (ACS) 2022, result of which was declared by APSC on April 17. She cleared APSC 2018 exam in her first attempt and was selected as Inspector of Taxes and posted in Dhubri. She has worked for three years as Inspector of Taxes. Her husband Roushin UL Alom is also an ACS and working as election officer in Dhubri district. Her father Shahidul Islam is voluntarily retired colonel of Indian Army.
Rasika scored 89 percent in ICSE-Class X exam, did her XII from Narengi Army School and graduated from Cotton College in 2016.
On the performance of Muslims in BPSC, Dr Maskoor Usmani, former President of AMU-SU, said, “Almost 7 percent of Muslim candidates have qualified for the 67th BPSC examination in 2017. According to reports, among 101 Muslim candidates who have qualified, 50 imparted coaching from Bihar Haj Bhawan, which has set a paradigm for change. I am sure in coming times more Muslims will qualify such examinations and will serve the state and country. Muslims constitute 17% of Bihar’s population and I believe this is a positive step towards achieving affirmative action. More needs to be done to get the results of 20 percent.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / Radiance News Bureau / January 19th, 2024
In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps.
You have been recognized as one of the “Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world”, and are to be among the “100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP”, and listed at “50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year 2023. How do you feel?
It’s truly an honor to be recognized in such prestigious lists. Being acknowledged as one of the ‘Prominent Muslims who shaped the modern world,’ making it to the ‘100 Inspiring & Impactful Women of UP,’ and being listed among ‘50 Global inspiring Women leaders and Top Women CEO of the year’ is humbling.
These recognitions come from esteemed organizations like World Trade Center, RBTC, International organisations like Prodigy, various Trade organisations. They have acknowledged my contributions to the Growth and Development towards Trade and Development, Towards Women Empowerment and declared me CEO of the year 2023. I’m grateful for the support and recognition.
What according to you should be done for women empowerment in India?
Fostering women empowerment in India requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to focus on education, skill development, and providing equal opportunities in all sectors. Encouraging entrepreneurship among women, creating a supportive work environment, and ensuring gender equality are essential. Additionally, awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and cultural norms, along with legal reforms to protect women’s rights, can play a crucial role
For any successful entrepreneur what according to you should be the social responsibility?
For any successful entrepreneur, social responsibility is paramount. Beyond financial success, entrepreneurs should actively contribute to the community and address social issues. This can involve initiatives such as supporting education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By giving back, entrepreneurs can make a positive impact on society and contribute to its well-being.
How do you like to share the feelings of your parents after your achievements?
When my father came to know about my achievements, he shared his views to me and all by saying, “On the day of having performed another Umrah in Makkah (20th January 2024), my daughter Khair Ull Nissa has been chosen and honoured on the calendar of 2024 as “MUSLIMS WHO SHAPED THE MODERN WORLD. Allah blesses her with blessings and honour her with more respect and be able to perform the duties of Good Muslim. She has made me a proud father and I am humbled.”
I believe my father’s words are a source of great motivation for me. They’re a testament to the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family throughout my journey.
Tell us about your educational, professional journey and family background?
Currently, I am on an international assignment which focuses on USD 500 Billion of Revenue and setting a benchmark for Trade and Investment between two countries.
I had the privilege of being a Board Member of the World Trade Center Association in New York and served as the Executive Director for Asia Pacific and India. In this role, I played a key part in driving monumental growth, catalyzing strategic partnerships, and achieving a 3x growth in global distribution reach. My expertise encompasses spearheading revenue generation, navigating markets in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Overseeing the development of 500+ million square meters to achieving notable sales and lease milestones, fuelling global expansion. My strengths lie in optimism, decisiveness, effective communication, collaboration, mentoring, and adaptability.
Throughout my career, I’ve received recognitions such as the Economic Times ICONIC Women in Realty for 2021 and 2022, as well as the Top 50 Global Inspirational Women Award in 2023.
I’ve also been actively involved as a Founding Member of various organizations like NAREDCO MAHI and the Real Estate Women’s Wing of NAREDCO.
I hold an MBA in Marketing & International Business from Leeds University in the UK, which has provided me with a solid foundation in business strategy and global market dynamics.
As a CEO of the year, what would you like to demand in the coming budget for the women entrepreneurs in India?
As the honored CEO of the year, I stand at the forefront, a voice for change and progress. In the upcoming budget, my fervent advocacy is for bold and decisive measures to empower women entrepreneurs in India. I demand not just incremental but transformative steps – increased funding opportunities that go beyond token gestures, robust tax incentives that truly level the playing field, and strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the skill sets and networking capabilities of women entrepreneurs.
We are at a pivotal moment where unleashing the untapped potential of women-led businesses is not just a matter of equality but a strategic imperative for the nation’s economic development. The call is not for mere lip service but for the creation of an environment that not only supports but propels the growth of women entrepreneurs. It’s time for our budgetary allocations to reflect a commitment to inclusivity and to recognize the immense contributions that women entrepreneurs can make to our nation’s prosperity.
This is not just about gender equality; it’s about recognizing and harnessing the power of innovation, leadership, and economic contribution that women bring to the entrepreneurial landscape. As the CEO of the year, I urge policymakers to seize this opportunity, break through conventional barriers, and usher in a new era of empowerment for women entrepreneurs in India. The time for action is now, and together, we can build a future where every aspiring woman entrepreneur has the resources and support needed to thrive and lead.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship / by Mohd Naushad Khan / Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2024
Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country and the first woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court of an Asian country.
The first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice M Fathima Beevi, was on Thursday posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Justice Beevi received India’s third-highest civilian award in the field of Public Affairs.
The former Supreme Court judge passed away aged 96 in November last year. Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country.
She was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father encouraged her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal.
She started her career as an advocate in Kerala and worked her way up to become a district and sessions judge in 1974. In 1980, she joined the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and was appointed as a High Court judge in 1983.
She made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.
As a Supreme Court judge, she became the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court judge in Asia.
After retiring in 1993, she had served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.
She had resigned from the post of Governor of Tamil Nadu after rejecting the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
Naseem Bano: Naseem Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985.She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for his work, he said.
pix: proiqra.com
Naseem Bano: Uttar Pradesh’s chikankari artisan Naseem Bano has been honored with the Padma Award by the government. “I got a call from Delhi last night informing me that I have been awarded the Padma Shri award. Me and my entire family are very happy with this achievement. We thank the government and our God for this award.”
Naseem Bano, a resident of Thakurganj area in the state capital, started chikankari at a very young age. She is known for popularising fine chickan embroidery in the Awadh region of the state. Bano said that she learned the art of chikankari from her father Hajan Mirza.
What did Bano say? “Whatever I am today is because of the support of my family and the education I gave to me through my father. She has tried to keep the tradition of fine chikankari alive and has also made it her goal to spread this tradition to young artisans. “I have trained more than 5,000 chikankari artisans in the art. I hope they will protect this tradition and carry it forward.”
Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985. She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for her work, he said. Bano said she has been invited to showcase her art in different cities of the country and in nine countries including the US, Germany, Canada and Oman.
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Zee Salaam / by Taushif Alam / pix edited – source: proiqra.com / June 26th, 2024
Madrasapalli (Jambuni, Bolpur) Birbhum District, WEST BENGAL:
Kolkata :
Takdira Begum of Bengal is to be honored with the Padma Shri this year. Seven people, in various fields, from West Bengal figure in the list of Padma awardees for 2024. Out of the seven, three have been conferred the Padma Bhushan and the remaining four the Padma Shri.
Takdira, a resident of Madrasapalli in Jambuni, Bolpur, has been doing kantha stitch for nearly 30 years. She learned sewing while studying at school. Sewing is now her livelihood and hobby. In Takdira’s words, “I can’t sit still. Love to work. I am overwhelmed with what the Center is rewarding me.”
Her family comprises her husband and three daughters. All the family members are involved in Kantha stitch industry. The women of the area are inspired by her artistic embroidery. Takdira taught this work to other women in addition to her own art practice. In 1996, she received the National Award for Promotion and Development of Kantha stitch industry. In 2009, she received Shilpaguru Sammanna. Now she will receive this honor from President Draupadi Murmu.
Takdira said, “The Central Ministry of Cottage Industries called to inform me that my name is in the list of Padma Shri recipients. I am very happy to hear.”
Takdira also said, “I will tell all those who are backward in the society, to be self-reliant.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / January 26th, 2024
A class 11 student from India hopes to bring a new level of awareness to the Syrian Civil War with her debut novel, ‘When the Sky Wrote Back’. The book has been published by Delhi-based Bluerose Publishers and is 341 pages long.
The author, Mariyam Imbisat, is a 16-year-old student at Azaan International School in the Indian city of Hyderabad. The teenage writer created the character of Noor Ahmar, a young female journalism student from Egypt who travels to Syria undercover to report for a news organisation. The novel depicts the horrors of war, including bombardment, starvation, and fear, as well as the character’s range of emotions.
The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing conflict that started in the Middle Eastern state in March 2011. The United Nations Human Rights Office estimated in 2022 that 306,887 civilians – 1.5% of the total pre-war population – were killed between March 2011 and March 2021 due to the conflict. Since then, the number of dead has just gone up.
In addition to the bloodshed, more than half of Syria’s pre-war population of 22 million have had to flee their homes.
Imbisat says she chose the character of a journalist because she believes in the power of journalism. “The journalists have the power to express the voice of voiceless people, especially in times of conflicts,” Imbisat told Two Circles.
According to Imbisat, the late Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Aklah inspired the choice of a young Muslim woman journalist as the main character. Aklah was slain in 2022, allegedly by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
Imbisat states that through Ahmar’s journey, she hopes to spread “the message of humanity” to people all across the world. The novel raises awareness of human rights violations and killings through the character’s accounts, as well as advocates for change.
“The story was made for Syria but it has a lesson for the whole world,” she said.
Imbisat began writing the novel four years ago, when she was just twelve years old, as a diary in which she documented Ahmar’s daily life.
“It was difficult to write about something so sensitive like the Syrian war. I used to spend hours reading about conflicts in the world. I was imagining all the scenes in my head,” she added.
Imbisat says she had unwavering support from her parents while she was writing the novel and her mother who is a school teacher helped her regularly with the novel and even helped finding a publisher. The book took more than a month to be edited and published.
The novel concludes with the killing of the young journalist, as Imbisat writes, ‘the young journalist was silent but was not blind’, and all of Ahmar’s recordings and images were released to the world days after her death.
The novel is available online and priced at INR 340.
Tauseef Ahmad is an independent reporter based in Kashmir, India.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Tauseef Ahmed / January 23rd, 2024
The Union government on Thursday announced 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri recipients.
Former BJP chief and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), Telugu actor-turned-Congress politician Chiranjeevi, yesteryear Bollywood actress Vyjayantimala Bali and Bharat Natyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam have been selected for the Padma Vibhushan this year.
Padma Bhushan awardees include M Fathima Beevi (posthumous), who was the first woman Supreme Court Judge, former Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty, singer Usha Uthup, industrialist Sitaram Jindal, Foxconn CEO Young Liu, former BJP Union Ministers Ram Naik, Satyabrata Mookherjee (posthumous) and C P Thakur, veteran BJP leader from Kerala Olanchery Rajagopal, Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijaykanth of the DMDK (posthumous), and Mumbai Samachar publisher Hormusji N Cama.
Ayesha Fatima will be the first Muslim woman police officer of IPS cadre for Telangana state.
Hyderabad:
The Centre has allocated additional 10 IPS officers to Telangana state. This development came following an appeal made by chief minister Revanth Reddy to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their maiden meeting in New Delhi earlier this month.
Ayesha Fatima is among the new IPS officials for Telangana. Ayesha is the 2022-batch Muslim woman from Madhya Pradesh who secured 184th rank in the UPSC examination.
Ayesha pursued her education at Vindhyachal School in Dewas, which falls in the Malwa region of the state, until 11th grade. She completed 12th grade at Model Public School. Her father, Naziruddin Sheikh, is a government teacher, and her mother serves as a school director.
Ayesha, the second daughter in her family, excelled in competitive exams like JEE, becoming an electrical engineer after graduating from SGSITS college, Indore in 2015.
Despite her engineering accomplishments, Ayesha felt the urge to contribute to society and embarked on her UPSC journey in 2019. After facing initial setbacks, she finally achieved long-awaited success.
Ayesha Fatima will be the first Muslim woman police official of IPS cadre for the state.
Notably, Telangana CM told Amit Shah only 76 IPS officers were allotted to Telangana during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. The CM had requested the Home Minister to sanction 29 additional IPS posts to the state in view of creation of new districts and for supervision of various departments.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by Irfan Mohammed / January 17th, 2024
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