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
Falkia Khan, a teenager of the city, has been appointed as Brand Ambassador of Swachh Survekshan-2023.
Swachh Survekshan is the world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey.
The primary goal of Swachh Survekshan-2023 is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities better places to reside in.
A resident of Rajivnagar 2nd Stage, Falkia was handed over the appointment letter by Mayor Shivakumar at her house yesterday.
Falkia Khan is a 1st PU student at St. Joseph’s College in Sathagalli. She is the daughter of marble and granite businessman Ajajulla Khan and Farheen Khan couple.
Falkia, who passed SSLC in distinction, has taken PCMB as subjects in PUC. She is aspiring to become an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer, according to her mother Farheen Khan, who spoke to Star of Mysore this noon.
Falkia, who is also a National Muay Thai Boxer, has won Gold in National Championship and many gold medals in boxing and kickboxing, apart from winning gold in Spellbee competitions.
She also holds ‘India Book of Records’ for delivering maximum public speeches.
Mayor Shivakumar told Star of Mysore that “Falkia Khan had been appointed as Brand Ambassador during the tenure of previous BJP led State Government. However, the process of issuing letter of appointment was pending, which was completed yesterday. Falkia is scheduled to visit every wards in Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) limits to create awareness among the people to make Mysuru the No. 1 Cleanest City in the country, in the forthcoming Clean City rankings.”
Chairperson of MCC Public Health, Education and Social Justice Standing Committee Savitha Suresh, Chairman of Finance Standing Committee R. Nagaraj, former Mayor and sitting Corporator Ayub Khan, Corporator Syed Hasarathulla, MCC Commissioner Ashaad-Ur-Rahman-Shariff, Senior Health Officer of MCC Dr. D.G. Nagaraj, Environment Engineers and Health Inspectors were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 18th, 2023
Mysuru’s Falkia Khan (10th standard) has entered India Book of Records to deliver maximum public speakings by a teen.
She is the daughter of Ajajulla Khan, businessman and Farheen Khan, a housewife, residents of Rajivnagar, in city.
She is also a National Muay Thai Boxer who has won Gold in National Championship and many gold medals in boxing and kickboxing apart from winning gold in spellbee competitions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / June 11th, 2023
Falkia Khan, Brand Ambassador of Mysuru City Corporation’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has won first place and cash prize of Rs. 5,000 in the State-level Elocution Competition organised by Rashtrabharathi Charitable Trust, Mysuru, on account of Digvijay Divas at Gopalaswamy Shishu Vihara near Nanjumalige Circle in city on Sept. 10.
PU, Degree and PG students from several Colleges across the State participated in the contest.
Every year Sept. 11 is celebrated as Digvijay Divas as that was the day Swami Vivekananda gave the world-famous speech in 1893 at Chicago in the World’s Parliament of Religions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / / headline edited / September 13th, 2023
Her next target, Sultana said, will be to clear the UPSC exams
Rukaiya Sultana, the daughter of a humble family from Murshidabad’s Daulatabad, has fulfilled her cherished childhood dream of becoming a public servant.
The 27-year-old woman qualified as a WBCS officer on Friday, securing 27th rank.
“I come from a poor family. My father works at a garment store and my mother is a para-teacher. Yet they have supported me throughout my academic journey. I can’t thank them enough,” Sultana told The Telegraph.
In her last attempt two years ago, Sultana could not clear the WBCS preliminary exams. However, she did not give up. She simply decided to work harder for the next time. That’s when her parents proved to be her biggest support, she added.
“I did not take admission to any coaching centre. My family couldn’t afford it. However, one of my cousins who had cracked the WBCS exams earlier is currently serving as a revenue officer. I would call her from time to time for help. She was my only guide,” Sultana said.
According to Sultana, she failed in her first attempt as she “did not prepare smartly enough”. However, this time she has secured the 27th rank and successfully completed all three steps — the preliminary, main and interview.
Her next target, Sultana said, will be to clear the UPSC exams. “I’m not stopping now,” she smiled.
It only shows how far she has come.
Sultana’s village Daulatabad, is a hamlet about 15 km away from the district headquarters in Behrampore. Since Class V, an independent-minded Sultana has been going to Kashiswari Girls’ High School in Behrampore all by herself. In both her Madhyamik and higher secondary tests, Sultana secured 85 per cent marks.
Later, she enrolled herself at the Krishnanath College in Behrampore for a BSc in chemistry and completed her post-graduate degree from Kalyani University in Nadia.
Throughout these years, Sultana never enrolled herself in any private tuition. “I knew I would not burden my parents. Their encouragement was enough,” she said.
Ruhul Hasan, Sultana’s father, earns around Rs 10,000 a month. Her mother Arjuma Khatun earns about Rs 12,000 to 13,000 every month. The cumulative amount could only provide for the family’s basic needs.
“We never had extras. We live in a two-room house and I had to arrange for the books I studied myself. I consider private tuition a luxury,” Sultana said.
Hasan could not praise his daughter enough.
“I could never admit my daughter to fancy institutions, nor am I educated enough to help her. She studied in a government school and whatever she has achieved is hers alone. I am very happy,” Hasan said.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / Telegraph Online – Edugraph / Home> Edugraph / by Alamgir Hossain / August 30th, 2023
