Category Archives: Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Story of Kerala Muslim woman Subaida who raised 3 Hindu kids is a film

Kalikavu Village, Nilambur, (Malappuram District), KERALA:

A Still from the movie Ennu Swantham Sreedharan

A real-life story of a Muslim couple from Kalikavu village of Nilambur, Malappuram district of North Kerala, who raised three children of their deceased Hindu housemaid along with her own three, is now a feature film in Malayalam language being shown across theaters and the OTT platforms.

The film, Ennu Swantham Sreedharan (With Love, Sreedharan’), was premiered at Edapally on January 9. Made by renowned filmmaker Siddik Paravoor, the film is being talked about and appreciated for the extraordinary strength and courage of conviction of Subaida.

It’s named after Sreedharan, the youngest of the children of Chakki, who worked as a housemaid with Subaida some 50 years ago. It was Sreedharan’s post on the Facebook after Subaida’s death in 2019 where he addressed her as Umma, a Kerala Muslim way of calling a mother that generated curiosity about this relationship and eventually it became public knowledge that a practicing Muslim couple had raised three Hindu children along with their biological children and never converted them.

Sreedharan, who at the time of his mother Umma’s death was working in the Gulf and couldn’t arrive for burial due to Covid restrictions, had posted a heartfelt note on his grief. Netizens asked him how come a Hindu addressed his mother the way Muslims do.

A poster of the film Ennu Swantham Sreedharan

His explanation revealed the story of extraordinary humans boned in love and not through religion.

According to The News Minute, it was 50 years ago that Chakki, a housemaid separated from her husband, died, and her three little children – the youngest one Sreedharan a toddler – were picked and brought to her home by a tearful Subaida.

Three of them were ushered into the house where three children were growing, the eldest one Shanavas, was 7 and he was told by his mother that the Chakki;’s children will stay at their house. Subaida informed her husband Aziz Haji about Chkki’s passing away and that she had brought her three children home.

Shanavas remembers his mother’s return from Chakki’s house with her youngest, baby Sreedharan, in her arms, and two young girls Ramani and Leela with her. That day Shanavas welcomed three new siblings into his life. He remmembers their father Aziz Haji being informed by their mother about three children joining their family.

Subaida passed away due to a kidney ailment in July 2019, and her husband Aziz Haji followed two years later. The family’s heartwarming story has now been adapted to screen.

Sreedharan said that Umma and Uppa (father) had three biological children of their own, including Joshina, who was born a few years after he and his sisters were never made to feel like outsiders there.” That is the only home I have known. I have heard that umma used to breastfeed me and Jafer together,” Sreedharan told the New Minute.

A scene from the movie: Umma Subaida with her children

As netizens made uncharitable comments about the “Hindu son of a Muslim mother” in response to his post, Sreedharan responded:

“This post is to clear your doubts about who I am. When I shared the news of my umma’s passing, some of you had doubts. Even when I posted a picture of me wearing a taqiyah (a Muslim way of trying lungi), there were doubts if a Muslim man could be named Sreedharan. My mother died when I was about a year old. I have two sisters. I had a father too. The very day my mother died, this umma and Uppa brought us to their house. They educated us, just like they did for their children. When my sisters reached a marriageable age, it was Uppa and Umma who married them off. Having kids of their own did not stop them from taking us in. They had three kids. Even though they adopted us at a young age, they did not try to convert us to their religion. People say that an adoptive mother can never match up with one’s biological mother. But she was never an ‘adoptive mother’ to us, she was truly our mother.”

His post was followed by people calling him. He told the News Minute: “Suddenly we were getting calls from activists and media persons to ordinary people, all of them wanting to know more about the story behind that post,” he says. “In today’s political climate, where religions are constantly pitched against each other, the fact that this family took us in and raised us to believe in god, believe in our faith, seemed almost unbelievable for some.”

Shanavas said all six siblings were surprised at the public reaction to their story. He says: “We grew up as brothers and sisters. We had never thought of our family as different from the others,” says Shanavas, the eldest of Subaida’s biological children.

“Of course, when umma first brought Ramani, Leela, and Sreedharan into our home, I had asked her what she was planning to do. She then told me that these children will now grow up in our house, and that was it. We never questioned it. Our father, who was in the Gulf at the time, was also equally supportive of Umma’s decision,” he says.

Sreedharan told the media that he once asked his Umma and Uppa why they didn’t convert them. “Their first response was a concern. They asked me if someone had said something bad to me. After I reassured them, they explained to me that we should not let religion define anyone. They said that all religions were essentially preaching the same thing — to love and help people and that it was human beings who were interpreting these teachings wrongly.”

Real Sreedharana with his Uppa Aziz Haji (Image courtesy: The New Minute)

He said his parents taught the children to have faith, no matter what the religion. “My sisters and I used to go to the temple, and walk around with sandal marks on our foreheads.”

He says their parents encouraged them to practice our religion. “All they expected from us was to ensure we don’t lie, steal, or hurt others. And we also took care to never do something that would hurt their reputation,” he told the News Minute.

Sreedharan says after he became the father of a son he realized the true depth of his parents’ love. He now appreciates all the more his parents’ efforts in bringing three of them. “I can only imagine how big of a task bringing up six children would have been.”

Director Siddik Paravoor, whose previous film Thahira had featured in the Indian Panorama Feature Film section of the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, first heard of Subaida through a social worker and orator AP Ahamed.

“Presumably after Sreedharan’s Facebook post went viral, I read a note Ahamed master had written about Subaida and her life, which deeply affected me. I wanted to bring her story to more people’s attention. I wanted to let them know that there are people who live like this. People who put love and kindness over religion and prejudices,” he says.

When Siddik was researching for his project, he came across more stories of this extraordinary woman called Subaida from people in her village.

He told local media in interviews after the release of his film that everyone in the village Kalikavu loved Subaida. She is known to have spent all her ancestral money to help the poor. Subaida had donated all 12 acres of her land to the needy over the years. She even took loans to help others.

In Kalikavu after Subaida passed away, the nearby church rang the church bell, usually reserved only for the Christians, and held a prayer meeting for her.

Dancer Nirmala Kannan plays the role of Subaida, and journalist and writer Suresh Nellikode, also the producer of the film, plays her husband Aziz Haji. Actor Nilambur Ayisha and writer Shihabuddin Poythumkadavu also appear in prominent roles, alongside Sachin Roy, Vaibhav Amarnath, Harsha Arun, and Rajitha Santhosh.

Interestingly, the first shot of the movie was shot with the appearance of Aziz Haji in front of the camera. He died later due to the Covid-19. He and his children were all glad that more people would now come to know about their Subaida and the benevolent woman that she was.

The director says. “People are inherently good. But sometimes we need stories like these to remind them of that goodness. Subaida deserves to be remembered, and her story repeatedly told.”

The audience lapped up the movie.

Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor wrote about the movie on Twitter:

Ex-serviceman Col Reji Koduvath wrote from, Ontario, Canada: “Ennu Swantham Sreedharan (With Love, Sreedharan), is a must-watch movie in the present society where sectarian strife and conflict still exist.

It’s a great movie-watching experience – the best movie I watched in the past 12 months. While drawing the life of an unsung and unrecognised person or a family on screen, there is a tendency to go overboard and portray them as super-humans.

This movie effectively tackles that difficult task and brilliantly tells the story of a do-gooder – a true good neighbour – a great family. All are based on real-life, sincerely and honestly.

The story and situations in the movie brought back memories of my grandmother who too had a troop of oldies across castes, creeds, and religions. I used to enjoy them reminiscing about their good old days. When our grandmother came to live in our home which is about 12 km away from the ancestral one, these oldie troopers dropped in to spend time with her. What is depicted in the movie in the life of Amina Umma and Subaida is close to what I experienced in my childhood.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa / February 07th, 2023

Khazin Munir: Instagram page of this self-taught Kashmiri artist is a hit

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Khazin Munir, a self-taught artist from Srinagar, is the proud owner of the venture ‘KAAMEKAAR’, which is basically an Instagram page.

Srinagar: 

In the contemporary world, you will find most of the youth making excuses for remaining unemployed. But not Khazin Munir, who despite being a doctoral student in law, earns her bread through calligraphy and other art and craft forms.

Munir, a self-taught artist from Srinagar, is the proud owner of the venture ‘KAAMEKAAR’, which is basically an Instagram page, where she showcases her artistic skills in calligraphy, wall-hangings, umbrellas, customised kangris etc., attracting many online customers to her artworks.

‘Lawyer turned Artist’

She said KAAMEKAAR is more of passion than a simple social media page to her. When she started the page, she was not really hopeful that it will work, but her artistic skills have been attracting scores of people.

“I have been very lucky to have got an audience who always admire me, support me and love me. I started it as a page for calligraphy, but gradually it became a multi-art page where you can customise calligraphies, wall-hangings, chocolate bouquets, nail and thread art, customised paper bags, gift wrapping, needle work art, small goody baskets, customised kangris etc.,” she said.

“Basically, if you want to gift something different to someone or want something special for yourself, we have got your back,” Munir added.

Munir, who hails from the Sanat Nagar area in Srinagar, is presently pursuing her PhD in law from the University of Kashmir. In the past, art was just a hobby for her. When she started her Instagram page three years back, she was busy completing her masters.

She said the page was started on the basis of hit and trial method. Her siblings pressurised her to do so, as they were keen to see the response of the general public. Within a few days of launching the page, Munir got her first order and since then has been no looking back.

With time, she realised that her hobby was making her stress-free and forget the many challenges in life.

“Art for many is just a stroke on paper or just a hanging on the wall, but for me art is strength, medium of expression, happiness, perfection and a way of life,” she said.

Early Education

Munir completed her schooling from the Presentation Convent School till 10th and then from the Mallinson School till 12th.

She did not have a passion for art in her school days, but with time she began to develop a special liking for the creative form.

“I was not that artistic in school, but with time my personality made its way to the outer world. When I was doing my BA LLB, I used to participated in many competitions, both state and national-level. I won many prizes, which included some cash price also. I have represented the Kashmir University in many inter-varsity competitions at the national level,” she said.

Family Background

Munir belongs to a well-educated family. Her father retired as the chief architect of Kashmir. Her sister is also an architect.

“I never thought of doing a small business or starting something like this, because I didn’t have a business background. But destiny has different things stored for me, and I am very happy for that,” she said.

Munir draws inspiration from her parents.

“I have seen my father work day and night, creating unique designs for his clients. He is a pioneer in his profession and I just wanted to adapt the mechanism which he has created for himself. I draw much of the motivation from him,” she said.

Munir, who has worked on several projects so far, said every project is interesting and special to her.

But her friend’s wedding decor, which had umbrellas, nikah potlis, backdrops, mehndi trays etc., nail and thread art at her father’s office and mandala art on a 12 feet wall are few of her artistic works that are very close to her heart.

She also said that digitalisation has made things easy and accessible.

“On a click of a button, one can now order any stuff. This gives a content creator and an artist a platform to showcase his/her work, get appreciation and last but not the least, earn a livelihood because job opportunities are very few now,” she said.

“After three years of continuous hard work, people have started recognising my Insta page… I get so many overwhelming messages from people now. Some praise my work while some compliment my patience. I feel elated to receive such messages, which motivate me to work harder in order to brush up my skills,” Munir concludes.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India> Life & Style / by Ummar Jamal, IANS / January 30th, 2023

Nikhat Zareen, Sindhu nominated for BBC ISWOTY Award

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

The athletes were short-listed after a panel of jury, consisting of sports journalists and writers, voted for their preferred players, based on their achievements.

Nikhat Zareen, Sindhu nominated for BBC ISWOTY Award

Hyderabad: 

Reigning boxing world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nikhat Zareen and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu were among five athletes nominated on Monday for the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) award.

Others who made the cut were wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, who recently staged a protest against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and accused him of sexual exploitation and intimidation, and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu.

The athletes were short-listed after a panel of jury, consisting of sports journalists and writers, voted for their preferred players, based on their achievements.

The winner will be chosen by a public vote that began on Monday and will continue till February 20 midnight. The winner will be announced on March 5.

Rupa Jha, the Head of India BBC News, announced that they have introduced a new award category — BBC Indian para-sportswoman of the year.

Ekta Bhyan, the 2018 Asian para Games gold medallist, welcomed the move and emphasised on the need to make the stadiums more accessible to the physically challenged athletes.

“The stadiums and swimming pools should be accessible easily for the disabled athletes. Mental barriers need to be broken, about 60 to 70 percent of disabled population is still restricted to homes. More awareness and work is required at grassroots level,” Bhyan, flanked by London Olympics bronze-winning boxer Vijender Singh, said.

“Sports should be a part of education. Why should disabled athletes start their careers at the age of 15 or 16, sport should be accessible to them much earlier and there should be a comprehensive and non-discriminatory policy for disabled,” she added.

Vijender said the women athletes are two steps ahead of their male counterparts and deserve respect more than the awards.

He lamented that the national boxing federation does not keep in touch with boxers like him.

“I know about the current status of boxing as much you (media persons) know. We are not called for even Nationals or other events. I was asked about Indian boxing by Salman Khan and Rahul Gandhi and told them I don’t know because we are not involved,” he said.

He advised that every village in India should have its own multi-sport stadium to encourage youngsters.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> Sport / by Telangana Today / February 06th, 2023

Relook at a Book: ‘Kare Jahan Daraz Hai’ –A Muslim Family’s Journey From 740 AD to 1947

Aligarh, BRITISH INDIA / Noida, UTTAR PRADESH:

On Urdu writer Qurratulain Hyder’s 95th birth anniversary on January 20, remembering her last classic novel, Kare Jahan Daraz Hai, which is a treat in style and content.

Kare Jahan Daraz Hai (The business of the world goes on), Urdu novel in two parts, bound in one volume, Qurratulain Hyder, Educational Publishing House, Delhi, First edition 2003, Pages 766, in large size, Price: Rs 600.

One of the most significant novels of Urdu writer Qurratulain Haider, Kare Jahan Daraz Hai, is the winner of India’s highest literary award—the Jnanpith. Hyder is known for her magnum opus, Aag ka Darya, which has been translated in many languages. She herself translated it in English as River of Fire.

Kare Jahan Daraz Hai is perhaps her last published novel in her journey which started with Mere Bhi Sanamkhane, her first novel, published in 1949. Incidentally, most of her novels have been translated and are popular in Hindi, except her first and the last.

On my Facebook page comments, I got to know that her novella Sitaharan is also well rated by her readers.

Apart from her above mentioned novels, Hyder has to her credit-Safina-e-Game Dil-1952, Patjhar ki Awaz (a short story collection)-1965, which fetched her the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award in 1967, Roshni ki Raftar –1982, four novellas — Chay ke BaghSitaharanAgle Janam Mohe Bitiya na Keejo and Dilruba and Aakhri Shab ke Humsafar (Travellers of Last Night).

Hyder, who had to her credit 12 novels and novellas, four collections of short stories, many translations from classic world literature, worked as journalist with magazines Imprint and Illustrated Weekly of India and also taught at Jamia Milia Islamia and some US universities. She was offered a Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 1994 and awarded Padma Bhushan in 2005. She also received the Ghalib award and Bahadurshah Zafar award.

Hyder was born on January 20, 1928 to Sajjad Haider Yildarim and Nazar Sajjad Haider, both Urdu writers. She started writing at the age of 11 and wrote her first novel, Mere Bhi Sanamkhane, at the age of 19, which was published, when she was just 21 years old. After Partition, she migrated to Pakistan, from where her most significant novels were published. She returned to India after many years and lived in Delhi. She passed away on August 21, 2007 at the age of 79. She did not marry and was perhaps against the institution of marriage. 

Kare Jahan Daraz Hai (the title chosen from a couplet of Iqbal, who along with Faiz Ahmed Faiz is idolised by writers and people in both India and Pakistan) and is an autobiographical novel, focusing on Hyder’s long family history. She has delineated the family history from 740 A.D to almost 20th century-end. The first part of the novel depicts family history from 740 A.D to 1947 in almost 440 pages and 11 chapters, while the post-1947 family history is covered in the second part in 310 pages and five chapters — a total of 16 chapters.

It was in 1962, while visiting her ancestral house in Mohalla Sadaat, Nehtor/Nehtur, Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh, that the idea struck to Hyder to write novel on the history of the place. She goes back to Zaid, her ancestor in 740 A D, who went to Georgia, established their rule in Tabristan , made Tirmiz their nation, and if they had not moved toward Hindustan in 1180 A D from Turkmenia, they would had been part of the then Soviet Union, she writes. 

The story begins from the city of Tirmiz and the second part of the chapter moves the story from Jehon to Jamuna when the family comes to the ‘country of Shakuntala’ and settles somewhere near Kumaon and Garhwal. The Tirmizi family gets land there and makes a new beginning. Members of the family serve kings and one member of the family follows Emperor Aurangzeb in his pursuits.

Hyder has collected documents from family and archival sources to write an authenticated history of her family in narration form, which makes it an extremely readable historic/autobiographical novel. In the first chapter itself, the story reaches the 1857 revolt against the British, in which one rebel, Mir Ahmad Ali, from the family joins the rebellion, while the others remain loyal to the British. The narrator cites some events of the rebellion, particularly in Bijnor district, through documents and family stories.

Every chapter has been provided with references in the end, rather unusual for a novel. In the first chapter’s reference, it has been mentioned that Zaid Bin Imam Zean Albadan was martyred in year 744 A D. Mir Ahmad Ali Tirmazi of this family gave his life in the 1857 revolt as he was executed.

The writer refers to river Gagin, passing through Nehtor and going toward Moradabad. In fact, the story of the family from 740 AD to 1857, is just referral, the novel focuses upon 1857-1947 in first part of the novel and 1947-1987 in second part of the novel.

Hyder’s narration is filled with historic references and depiction of nature, like mentioning rivers like Gomati, Ramganga and Ravi, which makes the novel interesting in its style. She refers to her grandparents, but the real story of novel moves from the depiction of her father Sajjad Haider Yildaram and mother Nazar Baqar’s life story from the days of their school to the end of their lives, which carry on in the second part of the novel as well.

The story of Sajjad Hyder is also the story of development of Muslim educational institutions and the story of women’s education among the Muslim community. It is a fascinating story of the development of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) as well, which became the base of enlightenment among Muslims in pre-Partition India.

Hyder’s mother’s development as an Urdu fiction writer and father Yildaram’s development as a diplomat, writer and traveller, create an aura of romance for that period of history. Yildarim was fond of travelling and moved around many countries, particularly in West Asia. Hyder got the thirst for travel from her father and she, too, travelled many parts of the world.

The novel is full of her travelogues as well and particularly interesting is her description of Egypt during Gamal Abdel Nasser’s regime, changing into a modern nation. Her depiction of the Nile River, Egyptian Mummies, Alexandria, Suez Canal, assertion of independence from the West by Nasser, are all narrated in fascinating style. She describes the geo socio-cultural-natural locale of all places in a manner that transports the reader there.

In the second part of the novel focusses on life in Karachi, where Hyder had migrated with her family. Here she grows into a celebrated writer, who goes through much turmoil as well. There are petty attacks on her writings, she has a casual and carefree temperament, and does not bother about the malicious attacks. She had strong support from friends and family.

Poet Faiz ‘s appreciation and attachment with her family is described so is author Sajjad Zaheer’s underground life in Pakistan mentioned. Hyder spent a lot many years in London. She exposes the Pakistan government’s anti-woman attitude and bureaucratic favouritism.

Affectionately called Ainee Apa, Hyder ‘s return to India was not melodramatic; rather she makes it look casual and matter of fact, does not damn Pakistan, just comes back and faces almost similar struggles as in Pakistan.

This novel seems to have been translated and published in Hindi by Vani Prakashan, Delhi, in Hindi in 2020 at a prohibitive price of Rs 5,000 with an introduction by Gopi Chand Narang, but the same can be downloaded free as a pdf file from Urdu Digest Novels website.

When I read this novel, its Hindi or English translations were not available and, with my too slow speed in reading Urdu, it took me few months to complete it. But, this was the one of the best reads I have done in my life.

The writer retired as professor in Hindi translation from Centre of Indian Languages, JNU, New Delhi; was Dean, Faculty of Languages, at Panjab University, Chandigarh, and at present is honorary advisor at Bhagat Singh Archives and Resource Centre at Delhi Archives. The views are personal.

source: http://www.newsclick.in / News Click / Home / by Chaman Lal / January 20th, 2023

Ulfat Bano: Defying odds to train footballers

Narbalpeth Village (Budgam), JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Ulfat Bano

Tucked away in a remote corner of Budgam on the scenic Srinagar-Gulmarg highway, is a small village called Narbalpeth. Here, every day, at the crack of dawn Ulfat Bano makes her way to a small playground next to her house to train young kids in the art and skill of kicking a football.

Dressed in a hijab and track-suit, Ulfat has been doing this religiously for more than a decade.

The middle of five sisters, she was once a fan of martial art sports and cycling till the bug of football bit her. Actually, it was poverty that pulled her to this sport.

For 37-year-old Ulfat, the initial years were a struggle for the family of five daughters to survive. “At times we slept on empty stomachs or just one roti with salt. Spending money on good education was not an option for my parents. I used to help my mother stitch sweaters and shawls to add to my father’s meagre income,” she says.

She looked at sports as a ladder to success. Most sports are expensive to pursue. The equipment, and coaching is not something everyone can afford. “My father saw my interest in sports, and asked me to take the lead in preparing my other sisters for a better future.”

Ulfat sharing her skills with the youngest of her trainees

“I come from a poor family. Football is cheap to play. Other sports require money. This can be played without much investment,” she says.

Her father who works as a helper in the state irrigation department helped Ulfat prepare a small ground close to her home to play football with her sisters.

“Such was the fun we used to have, gradually our neighbours too started joining us,” she says. In the not-so-economically well-off neighbourhood, many parents saw this as an avenue for their children to grow in life.

Ulfat Bano became the bridge for the young boys and girls in her area. With the local administration opening special avenues for sportspersons in jobs and providing other facilities, excelling in this field was a choice many parents from the lower middle class and poor backgrounds made for their children.

“I empathized with the children. I myself am not well-educated. I knew if other children like me did not get access to good education due to financial constraints, sports could be a good avenue to move up in life,” she says. Many girls and boys trained by her have today got admissions to good colleges and jobs in government departments because of football.

Employed in Kashmir University as a sweeper, Ulfat was spotted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council which helped her become a certified coach.

JKSC has roped in Ulfat to train future footballers in the valley

“We spotted this young girl during practice sessions in Budgam, doing tremendous work for the girls of her area,” says Nuzhat Gull, Secretary of the JKSC. Nuzhat took her under her wing and gave her the opportunity to mentor girls at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar.

“Her specialty is that despite coming from a marginal background, she is resilient enough to break stereotypes,” adds Nuzhat.

Ulfat was sent by the JKSC to Kolkata to do a NIS coaching course in 2021. She also has a AIFF ‘D’ coaching certificate and has completed the AIFF grassroots leaders course.

JKSC roped her into scout talent in the Union Territory.

Gradually her reputation as a coach grew. More and more children showed interest in learning from her. Today, Ulfat trains around 400 children in Budgam and Srinagar. Not just this, such is her passion, that during winters she conducts training in indoor spaces. She also travels to far-flung areas of the Union Territory to convince parents to allow their children to play football.

Her aim is to train young kids of Jammu and Kashmir learn to play football in the hope, doors open for them for a better future. “Children from all backgrounds come to train. Some are from very poor families. I want to be their messiah for a better life,” says Ulfat.

What stands Ulfat Bano apart from a lot in the crowd is the fact that she has been rendering her services as a coach voluntarily. “I do not charge any money. I am here only to allow kids to have a level-playing field. I am only hoping to get a regular job in this field soon,” she says.

Many of Ulfat’s trainees have played in the state-level age-group championships

For her training kids is all she eats and breathes.

Her sisters all are married and settled. “I don’t want to marry and get distracted from my main aim in life, which is to see a few of my trainees play for the country,” she says.

Some of the children she has trained have represented the state in the age-group championships. “I am waiting for the day when someone comes back to me with the India jersey,” she says before starting her scooty to go for her evening training session at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Nakul Shivani / posed by Shaista Fatima / January 27th, 2023

Old Kolkata bhistiwalas make big screen debut, thanks to filmmaker Farha Khatun

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:


At 65, Sheikh Nazim is one of Kolkata’s old ‘bhistiwalas’ (water carriers). Every day, he walks along the city’s lanes and bylanes, witness to the living history of its brick and mortar heritage. One of the last survivors of our rapidly changing times, he is still tireless, still inseparable from his water bag or ‘mussock’ (mashak), which is so much more than just a repository for about 30 litres of water. It is, in fact, a repository of an entire history. Some of that history has now been captured in ‘Ripples Under the Skin’, a film by documentary maker Farha Khatun. And Nazim is the face of the film.

Farha Khatun

This is also a story about Kolkata, told from the perspective of a migrant labourer. There was a time when thousands of people like Nazim travelled to Kolkata from Bihar (including what later became Jharkhand) in search of livelihoods. With time, the city became their refuge, giving them a roof over their heads, some form of income, and at least two square meals a day. Some of them managed to scrape together enough money to build a home of their own, some spent an entire lifetime in rented rooms.  

Farah’s film is up for screening on December 19 and 21 at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival, in the Short and Documentary Panorama section. Explaining her choice of subject, Farah says, “I myself came to this city as a migrant in search of a living. Nazim chacha’s story was an inspiration. People like him fight relentlessly to stay afloat in the face of all odds, and help each other whenever needed. My film talks about this bond between warriors, through Nazim chacha.”

Farah herself travelled to Kolkata’s Roopkala Kendra to study film editing all the way from the remote Medinipur (West) village of Belda. Life as a Muslim woman among the city’s teeming millions wasn’t always easy. And her socio-political beliefs didn’t help. Which is what drew her to Nazim, who she met through a journalist friend. As she puts it, “I want my film to talk about the marginalised. We are all connected to water, and Nazim chacha is part of that connection.” 

With previous films like ‘I Am Bonnie’ (co-directed with Satarupa Santra and Sourav Kanti Dutta) and the 2021 National Award-winning Urdu film ‘Holy Rights’ (a 53-minute docu on Muslim women kazis), Farah has taken ‘Ripples Under the Skin’ to Barcelona International Environmental Film Festival in Spain, Queens World Film Festival, USA, International Film Festival of Shimla, and other festivals. 

Bhistiwalas hark back to a time when Kolkata had no pipelines to carry water. Their mussocks made of goatskin were a familiar sight across the city, carrying water to all quarters. Indeed, the word ‘bhisti’ apparently comes from the Persian word ‘behest’ or heaven, an indicator of the life-giving nature of the profession. 

Mussocks slung across their shoulders, bhistiwalas supplied water primarily for cooking and bathing, though until the 195os, many of them were also engaged in washing some of the city’s important thoroughfares. Both Kolkata and Dhaka were home to entire neighbourhoods of bhistiwalas, though the picture has changed beyond recognition now. Of the handful of bhistiwalas who still supply water to a few North Kolkata homes and shops, Nazim is one. 

Ripples Under the Skin poster

A demanding profession at any age, being a water carrier at 65 is a stiff challenge. Nazim charges Rs 10 for water supplied to ground floors, and between Rs 20 and 30 for upper floors. There was a time when he could carry up to 40 mussocks of water, which has now come down to eight or 10. At present, his only customers are meat and tea sellers, and forget the big screen, he cannot even remember the last time he saw himself in a photograph. 

Kolkata is still home to around 40 bhisti families, most of them originally from Katihar in Bihar. Living in rented homes in central Kolkata, they primarily cater to the areas around Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Brindaban Das Lane, Marquis Street, Elliot Road, the clientele comprising roughly 30 homes. Beginning their work at the crack of dawn, they visit each home and shop in turn. Nazim is happy with whatever he earns, his strong shoulders emblematic of an equally strong temperament. That is the strength of someone who carries history on his shoulders.

Ripples Under the Skin (Hindi, 29 minutes) will be screened at Nandan-3 at 2.00 pm on December 19 and at Sisir Mancha at 1.30 pm on December 21

source: http://www.getbengal.com / Get Bengal / Home> Culture> Film, Theatre & TV / by Suman Sadhu / December 17th, 2022

Why Jamia Millia’s recent Republic Day Mushaira is making headlines?

NEW DELHI:

VC Prof Najma Akhtar with poets on Republic Day

On India’s Republic Day, a Mushaira was organized in the Engineering and Polytechnic Auditorium of Jamia Milia Islamia University, Delhi. This event saw some of India’s most prominent Hindi and Urdu literary voices as Ashok Chakrdhar, Ahmad Mahfooz, Dinesh Raghuvanshi, Salma Shaheen, Ahmad Naseeb Khan, Aleena Itrat Rizvi, Majid Deobandi, Shehpar Rasool, Khalid Mubashir, Khalid Mehmood, Chandradev Yadav, Durga Prasad, Shahid Anjum, Moeen Shadab, and Khan M Rizwan.

Patriotic poems remembering heroes of India’s national freedom struggle, and India’s democratic values, diversity, and unity were recited. This event coincided with many universities across India experiencing student unrest over issues that can distract students from their studies.

Dinesh Raghuvanshi said, ‘apni mitti pe agar naaz nahi kar sakte, zindagi hum tera aaghaz nahi kar sakte’ or when Majid Debandi recited ‘Jis ke dil mein watan ki azmat hai, hum usey apni jaan kehte haen’, the hall resounded with applause. That was the true culmination of this event meant to send a message of solidarity and unity from this most important educational institution of the country.

It was a well-attended event Presided over by the Vice Chancellor Professor Najma Akhtar.

The message from the poetic symposium was clear – a vocal minority cannot be allowed to hijack the peaceful and progressive atmosphere of the University. The University has always played a significant role in nation-building through quality education and, giving good professionals to the country. It also conducts research and promotes cultural diversity, and encourages students to become informed and socially responsible citizens who can contribute to the development of the country.

Jamia Millia Islamia was founded in 1920 as a non-government, secular university in Delhi, India. It was established as a response to British colonial rule and the Indian independence movement. It played a significant role in the independence struggle by educating and empowering the youth to participate in the freedom movement. In the post-independence era, Jamia has continued to be a center of excellence in education, research, and cultural exchange, serving as a model for an inclusive and equitable society.

Jamia Millia Islamia has produced many noted alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, media, and academics. Some of the notable alumni include Salman Khurshid, former Union Minister of India, and Shah Rukh Khan, a Bollywood actor, and film producer. Mukul Kumar, aerospace engineer and former NASA scientist, Saeed Akhtar Mirza, film director and screenwriter, and Nafisa Ali, actor, and social activist.

Jamia Millia Islamia was recently ranked as one of the top universities in India by several national and international ranking agencies.

The University has a vibrant student political culture and is known for its strong student activism and political engagement. Various student groups play an important role in shaping the discourse on important national and local issues, and in advocating for student rights and interests.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 31st, 2023

After switching schools owing to the hijab ban, a Karnataka girl wins a prize in the Kerala State Festival

Shivamogga, KARNATAKA / Karavarakund (Malappuram District) KERALA:

Afeefa K wins first place with an “A grade” in Kannada speaking this year in the Kerala State Festival

At the Arts Festival, which concluded on 7 January, the topic for Kannada speech was “role of voters in democracy”. Afeefa said she explained the misuse of voters and how it damages society.

Afeefa, a student at Shimogga’s KPCL High School in the tenth grade, was forced to leave school as soon as the Karnataka government banned the hijab in February of last year.

She is currently enrolled in Darunnajath HSS, a school located in Karuvarakund, her grandfather’s hometown and a town in Kerala’s Malappuram district.

Source: Maktoob Media

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> National> Karnataka / by Ayesha Mastoor / January 11th, 2023

Hyderabad teen Shafia Sultana wins Black belt Championship Cup

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

Syeda Shafia Sultana has won the Black Belt Championship Cup 2022 and also won 2 good medals in a row. The national level championship was organized by Combat School of Martial Arts on Sunday, 18th December at Victory Indoor Stadium, Chaderghat in Hyderabad.

Shafia, is a BiPC student of Shaheen Group of Institutions from Hyderabad’s Malakpet Branch.

She is being coached by Senior Master Syed Iftequar Hussain, the founder President and Technical Director of Pako Martial Arts & Self Defence Academy

Syeda Shafia Sultana has many other feathers on her hat, she won the Thaiboxing World Champion, Thaiboxing Asian Champion, 10 times Karate International Champion and won the National Champion In Karate, Kickboxing, Koshiki, Kudo & Thaiboxing several times.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Sports / by Ayesha Mastoor / December 19th, 2022

List of Muslim Candidates Qualified UPSC 2021

INDIA :

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the Civil Services Final Result today 30 May 2022.


The UPSC/CSE preliminary exam was held on 10 October 2021, and the results of the examination were released on 29 October. The Main examination was conducted between 7 to 16, January 2022, and its results were declared on 17 March 2022.

The Interview was the last round of the examination which began on April 5 and was shortlisted on May 26. The interview was conducted at UPSC at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Rd, New Delhi.


The recruitment drive will fill up 712 posts in the organization out of which 22 vacancies are reserved for persons with disability.

Shruti Sharma


Shruti Sharma has secured all India Rank 1 in the final result. All the top three positions have been secured by girl candidates this year. Shruti is an alumnus of St Stephens College & Jawaharlal Nehru University & has been preparing for the UPSC Civil Services exam at Jamia Millia Islamia Residential Coaching Academy.


Following Muslim Candidates cracked the UPSC.

1) 109 AREEBA NOMAAN
2) 125 MOHD SUBOOR KHAN
3) 162 SYED MUSTAFA HASHMI
4) 274 AFNAN ABDU SAMED
5) 276 ARSHAD MUHAMMED
6) 279 MOHD SAQUIB ALAM
7) 287 ASRAR AHMAD KICHLOO
8) 305 ASHIK ALI
9) 309 MOHAMMED ABDUL RAWOOF SHAIK
10) 344 NAZISH UMAR ANSARI
11) 364 FAISAL KHAN
12) 368 SHUMAILA CHOUDHARY
13) 386 MAVIS TAK
14) 414 MD QAMARUDDIN KHAN
15) 419 MOHD SHABIR
16) 441 FAISAL RAZA
17) 457 MASOOM RAJA KHAN
18) 464 ASHIF A
19) 474 MUSKAN DAGAR
20) 482 TAHSEENBANU DAWADI
21) 496 SHAIKH MOHD ZAIB ZAKIR
22) 516 MOHAMMED SIDDIQ SHARIFF
23) 545 MOHAMMED SHAUKATH AZEEM
24) 575 MAKAKMAYUM HOSNI MUBARAK
25) 600 ANWAR HUSSAIN

Shaikh Akhlaque is an educationist and he can be contacted at sakhlaque@ymail.com

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by Shaikh Akhlaque / May 30th, 2022