Giving a tight slap to all the protestors, 18-year-old Tabassum Shaik scored a perfect 100 in Hindi, Psychology and Sociology.
Image Source : TWITTER/@TAHSEEN_JNU Tabassum Shaik with his parents.
A year after Karnataka hit the headlines of major global media outlets following a controversy that erupted after a dispute pertaining to some Muslim students who wanted to wear hijab in classes were prevented by their classmates, it has again gained media attention. But this time, for some good reasons.
Among the Muslim girls who protested against the college uniform, 18-year-old Tabassum Shaik again hit the headlines and proved “Success is the best revenge”. Notably, Karnataka’s 2nd PUC results were declared on Saturday, April 21. Shaik, who faced thousands of her classmates agitating against her Muslim attire, topped the arts stream in the Second Pre-University (PU) exams.
Shaik scored 593 points out of 600
Among the highest scorers, the 18-year-old who still wears a black scarf proudly, received 593 points out of 600 and placed first in the Arts Stream. Giving a tight slap to all the protestors, she scored a perfect 100 in Hindi, Psychology and Sociology.
Meanwhile, speaking to Indian Express after her achievement, Shaik said that she preferred to choose “education over hijab.” “I decided to give up the hijab in college and pursue my education. We will need to make some sacrifices for education,” Shaikh was quoted as saying to The Indian Express.
Follow the law of the land: Proud father
Her proud father, Abdul Khaum Shaik, who played a significant role during her tough days, said he always suggested his daughter prioritise her education over other kinds of stuff.
He told his daughter it is important to “follow the law of the land. Education is more important for the children”.
Notably, all the Muslim girls including Shaik stubborn about wearing hijab, had filed a petition in the court, seeking permission to attend classes wearing hijab.
Tharoor praises efforts
When the controversy broke out, the matter was confined to some regions of the state but soon it evolved into a significant dissension that even the High Court had to intervene. According to the agitating students, wearing a black scarf was their ‘fundamental right’ bestowed under Articles 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution. Besides, they also argued wearing a hijab is an ‘integral practice of Islam’. However, the Karnataka high court upheld a government order and asserted to continue banning religious attire in educational institutions.
Subsequently, Shaik said she accepted the court’s order and resumed her studies without the scarf. Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the efforts of the student and said, “Success is the best revenge”. #ShabashTabassum!
source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / India TV / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Ajeet Kumar, New Delhi / April 24th, 2023
The Internet has been overjoyed with Ilham’s success. Many shared her success story and pointed out that her religious identity did not deter her from securing a top rank.
Ilham and Anisha Mallya
On June 18, as Karnataka PUC results were being announced, Ilham, a Muslim woman who wears a Hijab, discovered that she had scored overall state second rank in the science stream. Her batchmate Anisha Mallya from the Commerce section also scored overall second rank in the state.
Both the girls have scored first rank in Dakshina Karnataka. While Ilham scored 597 out of 600, Anisha secured 595 out of 600 marks.
Ilham and Anisha are students of St Aloysius PU College from Mangalore in Dakshina Karnataka. The irony is worth noting as a mere few months ago the hijab row had engulfed the country?
Speaking to reporters, Ilham said, “I am very excited. I checked my percentage which was 91.5%. I informed my relatives. After some time, I started getting calls from my cousins saying my name is coming in the news. At that moment I realised that I got a rank. Till then I was unaware.”
Ilham says she still has not come in terms of her success. Asked what would she want to become in the future, she said she was always interested in pursuing a career in BSc in Clinical Psychology.
Ilham’s parents are over the moon. Her father, Mohammed Rafiq, used to work in the Gulf as an IT employee and now is retired while her mother Moizatul Kubra is a housewife.
The Internet has been overjoyed with Ilham’s success. Many shared her success story and pointed out that her religious identity did not deter her from securing a top rank.
Her classmate, Anisha Mallya, who secured Karnataka second rank in the Commerce section said the results were unexpected. “I have achieved this feat with the help of teachers and they have been really supportive. I gave my 100 percent. I am very happy and content,” Anisha said. She plans to continue studying in the same college.
In December 2021, six Muslim students wearing Hijab were banned from their school in Udupi, Karnataka. The management stated that they cannot enter the school wearing a hijab as it represents a religious symbol.
The issue soon spread in other schools of Dakshina Kannada which then snowballed into a national issue. Female Muslim students wearing hijabs were not allowed on the school premises. Even the teaching staff faced the brunt and many resigned.
In fact, it took a deadly turn with many Hindu students, all from pre-university colleges (PUC) started supporting the anti-hijab movement and partook in proests. Visuals of saffron shawl-clad teenagers in their school uniforms began flashing in news channels as the students revolted against their Muslim peers.
The issue took a legal turn with the six Muslim students filing a petition at the Karnataka high court against the state government of Karnataka. Unfortunately, the verdict was pronounced against the girls and Hijab has been banned.
For many, especially members from the right-wing sector, it was a huge win.
The Karnataka government made it clear that those wearing Hijab will neither be allowed into the classrooms nor allowed to sit in the recently concluded PUC examination. As a result, many young Muslim girls opted to stay at home rather than abandon the hijab.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by The news desk (headline edited) /posted by Veena Nair / June 20th, 2022
Zaika-e-Nizamuddin, run by 11 women of Delhi’s Nizamuddin basti, is carrying forward the 700-year-old legacy of culture and cuisine.
Members of Zaika-e-Nizamuddin
The awe-inspiring neighbourhood of Nizamuddin is located in the heart of Delhi. One of the oldest parts of the capital city, this bustling area comprises the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the vibrant seven centuries-old settlement of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti and the 70-acre Sunder Nursery, among other landmarks. It also has a delectable cuisine, that is distinct in its rootedness and flavour, which is integral to Delhi’s food scene.
A women’s collective—Zaika-e-Nizamuddin (ZeN)—is carrying forward this 700-year-old legacy of culture and cuisine. As the name suggests, it is the flavours (zaika) of Nizamuddin that the group curates. Swati Batra, Women’s Livelihood coordinator of the initiative, says, “Zaika-e-Nizamuddin was initiated in 2012 under the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in response to a study conducted under the initiative’s ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development) component. The study revealed more than 50 percent of the children under the age of six in Nizamuddin Basti are malnourished. Further exploration highlighted junk food to be one of the major causes of malnourishment in children. ZeN came into existence when a group of mothers was brought together to make and supply healthy homemade alternatives to the junk snacking.”
What makes the dishes made by this group of chefs different from what one eats at Jama Masjid? “That food is more commercial, and laden with oil and spices . We, on the other hand, are simple home cooks. We don’t have a degree in culinary skills,” says Fatima Shahjahan, a member of the collective. “Our food is loved because we make every dish from scratch with age-old recipes. The taste upholds the living heritage and also gives a peek into the culture of Nizamuddin,” says another member, Kulsum. “It looks simple, but it has struck a chord with many,” says ZeN member, Noorjahan.
The group started its catering wing in 2015, and since then it has grown into an independent women’s enterprise and provides food beyond Nizamuddin. They were invited to Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, and JW Marriott Mumbai for special food festivals in 2019 and 2020. The group recently got registered as an LLP company with 11 women members as partners.
The product repertoire of ZeN includes home delivery, picnic baskets, catering, pop-up restaurants and live counters with dishes like khichda, salans, koftes, laddoos, namkeens and more. They also participate in several food exhibitions and have a weekend stall in Delhi’s nature hub, Sunder Nursery. “The main value proposition is that every order is made exclusively (from scratch), using fresh ingredients (no refrigeration) and age-old recipes (no internet),” says Batra.
It is empowering to see the ‘bajis’ (elder sister in Urdu) of Nizamuddin sport aprons and headgears to make nihari and haleem using their grandmother’s recipes in a commercial bawarchi khana (kitchen). It has been a transformative journey for 11 illiterate women, who have never done any work outside their homes, apart from being domestic helps. To work on something of their own has been empowering. “It wasn’t as difficult to form a group as it was to keep the group together, especially during phases of low income. All the women come from a difficult reality and investing time into something without any immediate income has been very trying. They faced a lot of resistance from their families initially. But fortunately, the members held on to the hope and stuck around. Now they are partners of their firm,” says Batra.
The AKTC team responsible for incubating and anchoring the group tried to keep the women active during lean periods and the initial phase (when the quantum of business was lesser) by involving them in different kinds of training, regular meetings and organising exposure visits. When they started out, the women made around ₹200 a month. They are now earning up to ₹6,000 a month per person. There is also a communal kitty that they circulate among themselves. Over the years, ZeN has been able to create a place for its brand in the multi-faceted food space of Delhi. It has a small but loyal customer base who appreciate the quality of the food along with the journey of the enterprise.
“ZeN works with the objective of creating sustained, dignified, and enhanced incomes for its women members through promoting the indigenous cuisine of Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin,” emphasises Batra. As the group coordinator receives an order from a customer she puts in the duty of the chef(s) according to an internal roster. The chef(s) in charge procures fresh meat and vegetables and prepares the order which is finally delivered by a local delivery boy working with the group. Bigger or difficult orders are made under the supervision of group leaders.
The collective works on a flexible model where the members can choose the number of hours they want to devote. If a member decides to not take up the order, the one next in line in the roster gets it, and so on. Every member has a work passbook that records their daily duties. At the end of every month, the chefs’ income, according to the work they have done, is transferred directly to their bank account.
The pandemic was challenging and the collective is still coming to terms with it. “It was a huge and disappointing speed breaker, and the kitchen remained closed for months. Concealment of Nizamuddin, after it was marked a ‘red zone’, made everything worse. The annual turnover reduced by more than 20 percent in FY 2020-21 compared to FY 2019-20. The enterprise also lost many hard-earned customers,” rues Batra.
The catering service re-started after a break in July 2020 after collecting customers’ responses through a survey on their willingness to place orders. During the second wave, ZeN launched a new product idea of simple home-cooked food. The food received encouraging response and was mostly ordered by Covid-positive patients across the city. “The biggest learning has been to take feedback constructively and continue to work in a systematic manner with constant efforts towards improvement. For community enterprises like these, teamwork is very important,” says Batra, revealing that Zaika-e-Nizamuddin is planning to scale up in the future by considering collaboration with cloud kitchens and delivery partners while maintaining their authentic value proposition. “I can’t say any more on this topic. Just keep a watch out for us going big,” she smiles.
ZeN can be contacted through their Instagram page: @zaika_e_nizamuddin. They deliver across Delhi-NCR and orders can be placed via WhatsApp on 9891543356.
source: http://www.lifestyle.mint.com / Mint / Home> Mint Lounge> Food> Discover / by Medha Dutta Yadav / March 28th, 2022
A small coastal town in south eastern Tamil Nadu, which has produced gems like Dr. K.V.S Habeeb Mohammed, the famous Tamil preacher, is a model in other respects too. Predominantly a women dominated town, with no cinema hall, no wine shop and even there is no police station. Almost zero crime rate but high literacy…
Dr. K.V.S Habeeb Mohammed
A small coastal town in south eastern Tamil Nadu, which has produced gems like Dr. K.V.S Habeeb Mohammed, the famous Tamil preacher, is a model in other respects too. Predominantly a women dominated town, with no cinema hall, no wine shop and even there is no police station. Almost zero crime rate but high literacy rate and God-fearing atmosphere are prominently visible features of the town. Travelers and explorers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta have mentioned in their diaries and famous documentarist and filmmaker Benoy K Bhel has also captured Kayalpattinam in his lenses.
Kayalpattinam is one of the coastal towns that had trade relations with Egypt and Arabia since long time. Obviously these became the entry points of Islam in India in the early times itself. Islam has left a lasting impact on this trade town. Rich Muslim traditions, Sufi heritage and centuries-old Arab connections are visible prominently. Kayalpattinam’s contribution to the Islamic spirituality and culture of the region is immense and invaluable. It has produced several religious scholars, great spiritual masters and offered a great space for local and international traders through several centuries. Kayalpattinam has contributed much to the Tamil literature.
Of the forty thousand population there are 1177 females for every 1000 males. The Arab lineage is evident in their features: complexion, physical features and culture. The town has about 30 mosques, one in each street. Madrasas and educational institutions especially imparting education to women like Aroosul Jannah Women’s Islamic college, Ayisha Siddiqua women’s Islamic college, Al Kulliyathun Nasuhiyya women’s Islamic college, Muaskarur Rahman Women’s Islamic college, are few names worth mentioning. Maqbara, tomb of Kazi Syed Alauddin, is another notable place. There are separate lanes for women to pass by, separate counters for them at shops.
The son of Kayalpattinam Dr. K.V.S. Habeeb Mohammed is a famous paediatrician, renowned speaker and author of more than 50 books. His TV talks, lectures and interfaith debates are valuable contribution to the harmony in the entire Tamil population. He is presently based in Chennai.
source: http://www.radianceweekly.net / Radiance Viewsweekly / Home> Miscellaneous / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / September 12th, 2023
It was her father, who after recognising the immense potential of drones in surveying, encouraged Rinsha to learn the skill.
Rinsha flying a drone
Kasargod:
There are many 18-year-olds who decide to take a break just after finishing higher secondary education and before taking up higher studies. And of them, most opt to spend their time relaxing. However, Rinsha Pattakal of Malappuram is built differently. Unlike many of her peers, the 18-year-old decided to use her free time to learn a skill. And in doing so, she created history.
Thanks to her dedication, Rinsha became the first woman from the state to receive a licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for flying drones weighing up to 25kg. It was while she was waiting for admission to BTech in Civil Engineering that Rinsha decided to take up drone flying lessons.
The rigorous training she underwent at ASAP Kerala Community Skill Park in Kasaragod, the sole DGCA-approved drone-flying training centre in Kerala, paved the way for her historic achievement. Rinsha also credits Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems Pvt Ltd, an organisation in Ernakulam that provides training to aspiring drone pilots in collaboration with ASAP, for her success.
It was her father, who after recognising the immense potential of drones in surveying, encouraged Rinsha to learn the skill. The sole woman student in the ASAP’s first-ever drone flying training batch, Rinsha has set a shining example for young women across the country with her achievement.
The comprehensive 96-hour executive programme in small-category drone piloting, which also includes a five-day DGCA Licensing training, can be successfully completed within 16 days. The course includes specialised training in 3D mapping, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey, UAV assembly and programming, and aerial cinematography, equipping students with a wide range of skills to excel in the dynamic drone industry. “Drones are revolutionising various fields and have diverse uses such as aerial surveillance, rescue operations, traffic monitoring, weather monitoring, firefighting, drone photography, videography, agriculture, and delivery services,” Rinsha said.
In India, the DGCA Drone Remote Pilot Certificate is now a mandatory requirement for operating drones. The course at ASAP Kerala offers in-depth knowledge of drone flying rules and regulations, ensuring responsible and safe operations. Aspiring pilots above 18 years of age, who have passed Class X and possess a valid passport, are eligible to enrol in the course.
ASAP officials said Rinsha’s achievement serves as an inspiration to all and showcases Kerala’s progressive spirit. “The accomplishment not only empowers women in the field of aviation but also propels the state towards embracing cutting-edge technologies,” said an official.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Pooja Nair / Express News Service / July 28th, 2023
Sana and Jassim have started a chapter of the Robin Hood Army in Kozhikode, who collect excess food and distributes among the hungry.
Sana and Jassim with their family
We all have advised our children not to waste food. We have also expressed dismay over the amount of food that gets wasted at restaurants and parties. What else? Is that all we can do? Then, meet this couple who has moved from Kuwait. They are collecting surplus food from restaurants and catering services, and donating it to the underprivileged people in Kozhikode.
Fret not anymore, if you have excess food after a function at your home or if you ordered a little too much while having dinner at a restaurant. Because Sana and Jassim’s green veiled volunteers from the newly started chapter of Robin Hood Army in Kozhikode are one phone call away. They will rush to your place to collect the food and deliver it to the needy.
In less than two months, the Robin Hood Army has fed 4,959 people in just 54 drives. A zero-fund worldwide organisation started by Neel Ghose and Anand Sinha on August 26, 2014, the Robin Hood Army is functioning in 133 cities in 13 countries. Its vision is to eliminate hunger. “More than 40 per cent of cooked food in the world is directly going to the dustbin and I believe that every religion emphasises that we shouldn’t unnecessarily waste food,” says Sana.
Sana, mother of three and hailing from Mumbai, had always wanted to dedicate her life to social service and was looking for the right NGOs to work with, when she found out about the services of RHA and applied to be their volunteer in Kozhikode.
“My vision is to make Kozhikode as a zero food wastage city and reach to each and every needy person out there – be it the need for food, education or social awareness, myself and my army will be there,” she says.
From professionals including lawyers and teachers to wheelchair-bound people, they have 45 volunteers at present. Specialised in health coaching and nutrition, Sana Jassim’s husband Mohammed Jassim personally arrives at restaurants and other venues to taste and check the quality of the food before it is donated. He had been working in Kuwait for 40 years in an oil company before he moved to Kozhikode last year.
“Our main purpose is to end wastage of food. This is a nonprofit service. Everyone who commits to volunteer will have to meet their own expenses such as fuel for the transport,” Jassim’s adds.
Presently, Sana and her team including her husband are preparing to start RHA chapters in hyper local areas such as Balussery, Wayanad, Malappuram etc. There will also be educational training for the local kids and their mothers on the beach areas as Sana thinks that even though Kerala is 100 percent literate, the quality of education offered to the underprivileged needs to be improved.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestye / by Fathima Shareef, Deccan Chronicle / April 06th, 2019
Uncover the remarkable contributions of Muslim freedom Fighters of India to fight for freedom from British colonial rule.
In present times, Indian Muslims find themselves subjected to demonization and unwarranted questioning of their patriotism. Communal elements seek to manipulate history by intentionally excluding Muslims and disseminating false propaganda against them through social media. The vital contributions and sacrifices made by Indian Muslims in the struggle for India’s freedom from British colonial rule are systematically obscured. However, a closer examination of history reveals that not only did Indian Muslims play an essential role in the freedom movement, but they also made significant sacrifices for the cause of anti-colonial nationalism.
Indian Muslims: Unveiling Their Crucial Role
According to a report by the Milli Chronicle, the names of 95,300 freedom fighters are etched on the India Gate in Delhi, and remarkably, 61,945 of these names belong to Muslims, signifying that 65% of these brave individuals were Muslims. The significance of this statistic is eloquently captured by the renowned writer Mr. Kushwant Singh, who boldly states that the story of Indian freedom is etched in the blood of Muslims, emphasizing their disproportionately larger contribution to the struggle, considering their smaller population percentage.
Profiles of Courage: Muslim Freedom Fighters
The annals of history are adorned with the stories of Muslim freedom fighters who put their lives on the line to liberate India from the shackles of British oppression. These individuals, driven by an unwavering determination to secure their homeland’s independence, demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience.
Sultan Haidar Ali Salabat Jung: The First Freedom Fighter
Sultan Haidar Ali, father of Tipu Sultan, pioneered the fight against British colonial forces. A secular leader, he united both Hindus and Muslims in his quest for freedom, although his efforts were eventually betrayed.
Tipu Sultan: A Trailblazer in Battle
Son of India’s first freedom fighter Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan pioneered the use of iron-cased rockets, utilizing them effectively to defeat British forces in several historic battles over two decades.
Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan: A Martyr’s Legacy
Member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), Ashfaqullah Khan paid the ultimate price for India’s freedom. Notable for his daring attacks on British government trains, his sacrifice remains etched in history.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Beacon of Unity
Maulana Azad, a key leader in the anti-colonial nationalist movement, became the youngest President of the Indian National Congress. He rallied Hindus and Muslims alike against British oppression and launched Urdu Weekly Al-Hilal to expose British misrule.
Maulana Hasrat Mohani: Champion of Change
Mohani’s powerful Urdu speeches incited Indians to stand up against British rule. His unyielding spirit saw him arrested and jailed, but his impact on India’s fight for freedom remained profound.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: The Frontier Gandhi
A pivotal figure in the Khilafat movement, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan established the Khudai Khitmatgars, promoting peace and unity. Jailed for 13 years by the British, his dedication was unwavering.
Sirajud Daula: Battling Against Betrayal
The last Nawab of Bengal, Sirajud Daula, fought valiantly against British forces. Despite betrayal, he remained a symbol of resistance against British rule.
Vakkom Majeed: Courage Amidst Oppression
Vakkom Majeed’s resilience during the Quit India movement earned him repeated jail terms, highlighting his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom.
Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi: Life in Exile
Sentenced to life in the notorious Kalapani jail on Andaman, Fazl-e-Huq Khairabadi continued his fight for freedom despite insurmountable odds.
Badruddin Tayabji: Founding the INC
Badruddin Tyabji and Qamruddin Tyabji were instrumental in establishing the Indian National Congress (INC). Badruddin’s wife, Suraiya Tayabji, designed the present Indian flag.
Shah Nawaz Khan: A Triumphant Act
Major of Azad Hind Force, Shah Nawaz Khan was the first to hoist the tricolor at the Red Fort, symbolizing India’s victorious struggle against British imperialism.
Barrister Saifuddin Kitchlew: A Voice for Justice
Jailed for 14 years by the British for protesting against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Acts, Kitchlew’s opposition to the two-nation theory set him apart.
Bakht Khan: A Gallant Defender
Bakht Khan’s courageous defense against the British in Delhi, Bengal, and Lucknow showcased his unwavering dedication to India’s freedom.
Titu Mir: Bengali Rebel
Titu Mir’s armed resistance against British colonial authorities exemplified his determination to free India from British rule.
Syed Ahmad Barelvi: Organizing Resistance
Syed Ahmad Barelvi’s efforts in uniting native armies against the British from Delhi to Kabul showcased his strategic prowess.
Zain-ul-Abideen: INA Officer’s Patriotic Slogan
Zain-ul-Abideen, an officer of the Indian National Army (INA), coined the iconic patriotic slogan “Jai Hind.”
Empowering Women in the Freedom Struggle
The fight for India’s freedom was not limited to men; several Muslim women also contributed significantly to the struggle.
Begum Hazrat Mahal: A Rebel Leader
Rebelling against the British in 1857, Begum Hazrat Mahal seized control of Lucknow from British forces, showcasing her leadership and courage.
Surayya Tyabji: Designing India’s Flag
Wife of freedom fighter Badruddin Tayyabji, Surayya Tyabji designed the Indian flag that we proudly hoist today.
Abadi Bano Begum: A Pioneer in Politics
Abadi Bano Begum, known as Bi Amma, actively participated in politics, matching her male counterparts in the Indian National Movement. Her sons went on to become prominent leaders.
Azizan: A Warrior’s Spirit
Azizan organized a battalion of warrior women, displaying her remarkable skill in the art of war and refusing to yield to British pressure.
A Timeless Legacy
The contributions and sacrifices of Indian Muslims in the fight against British colonialism are immeasurable. While recounting the names of every Muslim freedom fighter may be an impossible feat, their collective impact remains undeniable. The fact that many chose to remain in India underscores their deep-rooted connection to the land. Despite attempts to distort history, India will forever be the cherished home of its Muslim citizens.
Conclusion
Urdu poet Rahat Indori’s words,
“Sabhi ka khoon hai shamil yaha ki mitti me,
Kisi ke baap ka Hindustaan thodi hai,”
encapsulate the essence of Muslim Freedom Fighters of India’ unyielding commitment to their homeland. The sacrifices and contributions of Indian Muslims in the struggle for independence stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. Their stories deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated, inspiring future generations to honor the diverse tapestry of individuals who fought for a free and united India.
source: http://www.munsifdaily.com / The Munsif Daily / Home> News> Indai> Pan India / by Munsif Web Desk / August 18th, 2023
An excerpt from ‘A Most Noble Life: The Biography of Ashrafunnisa Begum (1840–1903)’, by Muhammadi Begum, translated from the Urdu by CM Naim.
Victoria Girl’s School, Lahore was established by Ashrafunnisa Begum. | The school’s Facebook page.
Why was I so eager to read Urdu? At our house, during the 40 observance of Muharram, separate majālis for men and women were held every day. In addition, all year long, a majlis was held every Thursday in fulfilment of someone-or-other’s vow. That was the reason I was so keen to read Urdu. All the ladies in my family knew Urdu quite well. When, on some occasion, happy or sad, they visited other homes, or when other ladies came similarly to our place, my female relatives would read aloud from books on matters of faith and religious observances.
Listening to them, I came to know many of the same by heart – just as one learns stories. It did not, however, lessen my keen desire to be blessed with the gift of reading.
Once I went to all the ladies in the family one by one and implored each to teach me to read. I said, “Teach me just a little bit every day; I would be your slave for life.” But not one was moved in the slightest way by my pleadings. All of them gave the same response: “Have you gone mad, girl? Better find some cure for it. First of all, what would you do with it even if you learned how to read? Secondly, what makes you think it is easy to teach someone to read? It’s not. It is hard work. Who do you think has the time and energy to waste on you?”
I lost all hope when I heard those words, and began to weep. In fact, I felt so hurt that I burst into loud wailing. That made the ladies even angrier. “How nice!” they said, “Now you’re trying to scare us with tears. Well, your silly tears don’t scare anyone. It’s not nice to go around whining all the time just because you want to read. Who ever saw a girl like you? Most girls run and hide if someone even mentions a book. Children your age are scolded and spanked to make them study, but you, on the contrary, weep and wail, wanting to read! Look, you’ve already lost your mother on account of your wretched crying for lessons, who knows what might happen next. Go away! Don’t sit here crying. It gives me the chills.”
I was devastated, and my tears just kept pouring out. Then the ladies said, “For God’s sake, girl, go away! If your grandmother were to see you crying she would immediately assume that one of us had said something nasty to her darling.” God alone knows how I felt when I heard those words. I was not accustomed to such cruel remarks. My parents had brought me up with much love. They had always spoken kindly in my presence, never saying a harsh word to anyone and always treating everyone with patience and civility.
Those words of the ladies were like salt on my already wounded heart. I wiped my tears and, obedient to their command, walked away. But when I was by myself, I prayed to God: “Most Benevolent God, be merciful to me. Guide me to my goal across this dreadful chasm. I promise that if I ever learn how to read, I shall teach that skill to anyone who desires it – even forcibly, God willing, to those who might be unwilling – for so long as I live I shall never forget the pain I feel right now.”
Later one night, when I was beset with similar thoughts, it occurred to me, had I the text of a salām or mujrā, I could myself figure out the words. “It isn’t that great a matter,” I said to myself, “I already know the letters of the alphabet. Let them not teach me. What do I care?” The idea so enhanced my courage and hope that the very next morning I sent a maid to all my friends with this request: “I need some salām and mujre. Please loan me a few. I shall return them after getting them copied.” May God bless them, for each of them sent me one or two.
But who was there to copy them for me? It was only an excuse. I used it again, and said to my grandmother, “Please get me some paper. I shall ask Māmūñ Sahib to make copies of these poems.” She immediately sent someone to the market and got me some paper. Now the question was: how should I make the copies, and where should I hide while I was doing so? I well knew what a disaster it would be if someone became suspicious.
Writing was strictly forbidden to girls, and I had no mother to cover up for me. How was I to reach my goal and also keep it a secret? My aunt was already furious, and called me nasty names for reading the Qur’an so much. “Thank God, this girl hasn’t learned anything else,” she would grumble, “for then she would have time for nothing at all.” God alone knows what my aunt might have said had she ever caught me writing!
Thinking over all this at some length, I finally decided that at midday, when everyone else lay down to rest, I would make some ink with the blacking from the tawā and start copying. And that is exactly what I did. You have to believe me. I scraped some blacking off the tawā, took the ceramic lid from one of the water pots, and grabbed a fistful of twigs from the broom. Thus equipped I went up on our roof, pretending that I was going there to sleep, and excitedly began copying. I cannot describe my happiness at that moment. Childhood is a time of such innocence!
No sooner had I copied a few words than I felt I had won the battle. Before returning downstairs, I broke the lid in which I had made my ink and threw away the pieces. That was the routine I followed every day, using a fresh lid each time to make my ink. The ladies would find the water pot uncovered, and grumble: “What wretch steals the lid every day? May God break her arms!”
I felt so ashamed of my bad deed; I was also scared someone might find out what I was doing. I feared people, for I did not yet have enough sense to consider my misplaced boldness a sin and to fear God. The intensity of my desire made me blind to such matters. I did not give up my improper ways, and continued to blacken sheets of paper with my scribbles. But I had no idea what I was writing. I did not have the sense to know that one cannot learn to read without the help of a teacher. I believed it was like any other skill, that it was something one could learn just by watching others and imitating them. And so I continued to spend much time and effort even if it was for nothing. I still could not read Urdu. Consequently, my crying spells started again. Then God sent me a teacher.
Excerpted with permission from A Most Noble Life: The Biography of Ashrafunnisa Begum (1840–1903), Muhammadi Begum, translated from the Urdu by CM Naim, Orient Black Swan.
source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Book Excerpt / by Muhammadi Begum / February 27th, 2023
Rubia Syed, a promising woman cricketer from south Kashmir, will be playing for the Gujarat Giants in the upcoming season of the Women’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I will give my best to the team’s success,” said the 29-year-old cricketer hailing from Badasgam village of Anantnag district to the News Agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO),
Rubia is an all-rounder who bats right-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace.
She has been playing cricket since 2012 and has represented Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for the last ten years. She has also played in the Ranji Trophy and Senior Women’s T-20.
It was on Friday that Rubia received a call from the Gujarat Giants. Rubia said, “I received a call from officials who told me that I will be part of the IPL team Gujarat Giants for the upcoming season.”
Rubia said her father, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, a fruit merchant, has always believed in and supported her. She said there is a lot of excitement among her family members and fans and every one of them wants to see her playing for the Gujarat Giants.
Earlier she told the media that her parents allowed her to pursue her passion for cricket despite the financial constraints at home. “At times, my father had no money but he never let me feel the burden,” she said.
Kashmiri women cricketers have been noticed. Jasia Akhter, who is from the Shopian district, was selected for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for the Delhi Capitals for Rs 20 lakh in the auction.
Rubia is the first woman from J&K to make it to the North Zone team of women’s cricket.
Rubia Syed with her coach Sakeena Akhter (Courtesy Facebook)
Rubia Syed has always attributed her success to her coach Sakeena Akhter, the first qualified woman coach at the University of Kashmir. Sakeena, she said prepared her initially and also helped her.
“Sakeena Akhter is my inspiration and she has always encouraged the girls to play. She has trained many
In the meanwhile, a 14-member team of J&K Women’s Cricket Team from Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag visited the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
This is part of the mission to promote the game in Kashmir and increase the value of interaction between the people living in Kashmir’s remote areas and the rest of the country as well.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / September 11th, 2023
20-year-old Simran Fatima never complained living under thatched roof, with mounting financial struggle. She proved to be a successful mixed martial arts champion nevertheless, and now, is all set to become the first doctor in her family.
After receiving coaching for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for the two consecutive years she attained 104,506 rank, Fatima secured a free medical seat under the National Cadet Corps (NCC) quota.
Daughter of a cycle mechanic Syed Jafar and Sameena Begum, Fatima believed in dreaming and working hard. “Our daughter has always made us proud; right from her childhood, she studied on scholarships, worked hard and won championships and today all her hard work paid off as she got what we all prayed for,” the parents said, with pride in their teary eyes.
Simran is now pursuing her medical degree at Dr VRK Women’s Medical College and further plans to do specialization in cardiology. “My parents worked hard to cater all our basic needs; my mother has given Arabic tuitions to the children to earn some, while my father worked day and night,” she said. She also said that it is her time to pay back to her parents.
Simran, a resident of Bibi Ka Chashma in Falaknuma, is a national mixed martial art champion. She participated and won several awards including Bangalore National MMA Open Championship 2018; Hyderabad National MMA Fight Night in 2019; Naresh Surya Classic MMA Open tournament 2020; Mumbai Open MMA Tournament 2018 and National Kiyo Japan karate Championship 2017.
She offered special thanks to Iftekhar Husain, Secretary of Faiz-e-Aam Trust and Siasat Millat Fund for providing financial assistance.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Huderabad / by Nihad Amin / Jannary 25th, 2021
