Anjum Tabassum, Tahsildar of Humnabad in Bidar district of Karnataka was presented with an award for her excellent performance as Assistant Electoral Registration Officer during Parliamentary elections 2024.
State governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave away the award to her on National Voters’ Day in Bengaluru on January 25.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding efforts and dedication during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Her hard work has paid off, and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her commitment to ensuring free and fair election.
Anjum Tabassum Lashkari from Gulbarga cracked the Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) in 2014. She did her masters from Gulbarga University and had schooling earlier in Shahbad town.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / January 27th, 2025
Beating all odds, the girl with a humble background secures a position in the top 10 of the Madhya Pradesh State Public Service Commission MPPSC exam
New Delhi :
In a remarkable achievement, Ramsha Ansari has made it to the top 10 in the Madhya Pradesh State Public Service Commission (MPPSC) exam, securing sixth position with a score of 878 out of 1575 marks. This accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in her life but also serves as an inspiration for Muslim girls and women, breaking barriers and challenging the belief that higher education is out of their reach.
Ramsha, who hails from an ordinary family in Bhopal, will soon contribute to law and order in the state as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). “It is a matter of great pride and responsibility. I’m excited to serve my state and work for justice,” she said during a conversation with the media at her residence.
Ramsha’s success is a beacon of hope for many young Muslim girls, who often face societal and familial pressures limiting their opportunities in education. “We need to invest in education the most,” Ramsha emphasised. “It is the only weapon with which we can uplift our families, society, and country.”
Belonging to a family with limited financial resources, Ramsha’s journey is one of determination and perseverance. Her father, Ashraf Ansari, is a retired clerk from the Agriculture Department, while her mother, Sanjeeda Ansari, is a homemaker. Despite financial challenges, her family always emphasised the importance of education. “The support of my family has been invaluable,” Ramsha said, adding that her elder sister, who is a chartered accountant, has been a major source of inspiration for her.
Ramsha began her journey toward civil services after completing her BA in Economics Honours from Excellence College, Bhopal. She later completed an MA in History through distance learning at IGNOU and cleared the UGC-NET-JRF exam. Initially, Ramsha focused on preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams but later shifted her focus to the MPPSC after facing setbacks.
Her journey wasn’t without obstacles. “I attempted the MPPSC exam multiple times. I cleared the preliminary and main exams twice but couldn’t get selected due to the interview scores. However, I never gave up,” Ramsha shared. It was after seven years and four attempts that she finally achieved her dream.
When asked about the time commitment needed for such an exam, Ramsha advised that aspiring candidates must dedicate 8 to 10 hours of study every day. “While the exact duration depends on personal ability and guidance, if you prepare with full focus for 2 to 3 years, it should be sufficient. But even if you don’t succeed initially, you must keep going with double the effort,” she stressed.
Apart from her studies, Ramsha also helped prepare students for the MPPSC exam at a coaching institute in Bhopal. “The positive environment created by my teachers, family, and even my students was a constant source of motivation,” she said.
Ramsha’s message to the Muslim community, especially to girls, is simple but powerful: “Education is the key to change. It can better not only our lives but also the lives of others around us. I urge Muslim youth and girls to aim for civil services. We must be a part of the progress of our nation.”
Ramsha Ansari’s success story is a testimony to the resilience and the transformative power of education. Through her achievements, she has not only changed her own life but has become a role model for many girls who now dare to dream big.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Clarion India / January 24th, 2025
Human trafficking is the illegal process of moving or luring a person from one place to another using deception, threats, pressure, duress, or other abusive means for financial gain. Most of them trafficking children are pushed into the sex trade.
Fifteen years before, she was a victim of human trafficking. Today, leaving her past behind, Naseema Gain, 28, has rescued more than 4,000 women from the flesh trade and is helping them lead a normal life, reports Awaz The Voice.
“It was 2009. I remember there was a Puja function at my school on that day. I was happy. I have known him since childhood, as his uncle lived in our village. I and my friend happily sat in his car when he offered to drop us at our place. Little did I know this incident was going to change my life. When I regained consciousness, we found ourselves at an unfamiliar place. I had no idea where I was.” The 13-year-old Naseema Gain had no idea that she had landed in the net of human traffickers.
Born in Maslandpur, West Bengal, Naseema Gain had a happy childhood till an acquaintance kidnapped her on the pretext of offering her a ride to school.
Fortunately, she was released after 10 months. However, she faced a bigger tragedy on her return home when she found people looked at her and treated her differently. Due to prejudices, people didn’t treat her as a victim.
Naseema didn’t give up. Today she is helping hundreds of girls who are victims of human trafficking by rescuing and rehabilitating them.
Narrating the incident of her kidnapping, Naseema says, “He asked me and one of my friends if we would like to go home in his car. There was also another person in the car. Not knowing his intentions, we happily sat in the car. He took us to a deserted place and dropped us saying that he would return after some time.
“After a while, a person came in another car and said that he would drop us home. It was dark, so we accepted his offer least knowing that this lift would turn was going to change our lives.”
They sold Naseema and her friend in Bihar. On her life in a brothel, Naseema says, “They taught us to dance and sing. If anyone did not obey them, they were beaten, tortured, and made to starve. We had lost all hope of returning home.”
She says violence, torture, and starvation were routine punishments for the inmates of a brothel. One day Naseema and her friend were sold as maids. This gave them a chance to escape.
Naseema worked as a house help for a professor. “Slowly I started following their language. One day I told him about my story of being kidnapped and sold and asked him to help me return to my home. I somehow managed to gather the courage to tell this to him.”
She also told the professor that if he didn’t help them and sent them back to the agency, the girls would face torture and be resold.
The professor asked her to provide him contact number of her home. Naseema didn’t remember hers but her friend had memorised her telephone number. The kind-hearted professor called the number and both the girls were rescued with the help of the police.
However, before the police and the parents could reach Naseema and the other girl, the trafficker came to know about this. He called the Professor who shifted them to different secret locations for safety. After tracking them for several weeks, Naseema and her friend were finally freed after 10 months.
Naseema says, “It still feels surreal to be rescued and taken home. I had lost all hope, but our and the police’s efforts would be successful. I am very grateful to those professors.”
Her family was happy at her rescue and return home but the villagers were not ready to accept her.
“This is the sad truth of our society. I was a victim of circumstances, and yet had to face ostracism.” She adds, “Parents would tell their children not to speak with us,” she says.
She said, “We were not allowed to go to school because the school refused to admit us.”
“Ten months of torture and then this kind of treatment from society alienated me. I didn’t leave my house for the next five years,” she says, “Even after coming out of the quagmire of human trafficking, I was saddened by the ostracism by society.”
Naseema’s parents contacted an NGO which was into counselling of human trafficking survivors. Naseema says that counselling gave her a lot of strength. She was convinced that she could only counsel those who had survived this inhuman quagmire. She contacted girls and women who had been rescued from human traffickers and brothels and helped them.
Naseema says, “I have tried to build a life with whatever I have. Call it courage, hope, or luck. That is why I dare to help others. To help more girls like me, I started working with ‘Utthan Collective’, an organisation that provides training, counselling, and support to girls and victims.
She says victims like her are treated like criminals even after their rescue. She wants to create a new identity for all such victims.
In 2019, Naseema co-founded the Indian Leadership Forum Against Trafficking (ILFAT) with similar anti-trafficking groups across the country. The organisation’s work spans across nine states and has given a new direction to the lives of more than 4500 victims.
She adds, “A person who has gone through such a situation needs a lot of care, love, and respect. In the process of trafficking, they have lost all their self-esteem. Often, society rejects them; in many cases, even their families disown them. We provide them with the necessary help and shelter.”
The organisation trains victims in various skill-based jobs and helps them earn a livelihood. “We reach out to victims and provide them with mental health support and counselling. Through outreach programmes, their trauma and grief connect. So, they don’t feel any loss there. This helps them move forward,” Naseema says.
About her work, Naseema says, “Many times different NGOs approach me and learn how ILFAT and Utthan work. This is a huge inspiration and victory for me.” She adds, “With the organisation, I want to create a safe environment for the victims, ensure that the culprits get proper punishment and all the surviving girls are rehabilitated.”
Naseema, along with her colleagues, helps improve the mental health of the girls who have been rescued from the quagmire of human trafficking, provides compensation, makes the girls aware of their skills, and nurtures them by giving them necessary training.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / January 28th, 2025
Students from the Department of Foreign Languages at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) secured top prizes in a national competition organised by the Department of German, University of Mumbai, under the theme “100 Years of Kafka.”
Ramsha Afzal, a Master’s student in German Studies, won first place in the Comic Strip category for her creative take on Kafka’s novella Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis), highlighting themes of alienation and transformation. Azhar Zia, a final-year undergraduate, clinched first prize in the Short Films category for his cinematic interpretation of Kafka’s narrative Gibs auf! (Give it Up!), reflecting a nuanced grasp of existential themes.
Professor Muhammad Azhar, Chairman of the Department, commended the students, stating, “These achievements showcase the academic excellence and creativity nurtured at AMU, reaffirming the importance of foreign language studies.”
Assistant Professor Syed Salman Abbas applauded the winners, emphasising their engagement with German literature and culture.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 23rd, 2025
Being a heritage site and a monumental garden, Roshanara Park is one of the many gardens Delhi boasts of. With the unmarked tomb of princess Roshan Ara Begum, her elegant palace, and a dense garden, the park narrates a beautiful tale of lost history
All photos: Ali Fraz Rezvi
Within a few kilometres from the Pul Bangash Metro Station, and quite near to Delhi University’s north campus, stands Roshan Ara Bagh – a Mughal monument dating back to the 17th century AD.
Named after Emperor Shah Jahan’s daughter Princess Roshan Ara Begum, the heritage site was once a palace and then turned into the princess’ tomb. It now serves as a garden under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The heritage site spans over a large area of 8.5 acres. It houses an open gym, a playground, a garden and an ignored mausoleum, which is yet to be revamped as a world-class nursery by October 2022.
The last surviving memoirs, one being an unmarked grave, lies at the centre of the palace’s garden area. The architecture here is beseeching, with dilapidated walls and pillars, wooden doors and windows.
The tomb, where exists the unmarked grave of Roshan Ara Begum, has suffered the most with its marble jaalis crumbling from three sides and broken at the fourth. The marks of repairs by the ASI on the pillars and walls are nothing more than a cemented patch.
Along with the surviving parts of the palace which includes a bara-dari (a structure with twelve gates) and a well, there exists the last remains of a lake which covers around four acres inside the garden. The lake, enclosing the tomb, was initially a part of the palace of Roshan Ara Begum. But it has now dried up and turned into a garbage dump.
The 372-year-old structure with a garden of Mughal grandeur and architecture was commissioned by Padshah Begum – the First lady of the Mughal Empire in 1650 AD. It is used by the residents and the visitors till date.
Despite being in a distorted condition, the site is still magnificent and stands as a reminder of an ignored past.
The main entrance to the Roshan Ara Garden.
People chit-chatting after a long morning walk
The open gym in the park area.
A well from the past.
The bara-dari around the tomb often serves as a resting place for visitors in the daytime.
Remnants of the lake.
Structure that survives.
The last breaths of a breath-taking monument.
A man and a dog, on the two sides of the princess’ grave.
source: thepatriot.in / The Patriot / Home / by Ali Fraz Rezvi / All photos: Ali Fraz Rezvi / August 22nd, 2022
She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so.
Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young.
Just a mention of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam will take patrons of the classic age of Tamil cinema into a nostalgic drive. The song, which came out way back in 1968, was picturised on two of the biggest stars of the Tamil industry, both of whom would later go on to become Chief Ministers of the state. If that is not a dead giveaway altogether, we are talking about MG Ramachandran and Jayalalitha on whom the song was picturised. It was from the movie Kudiyiruntha Kovil, which was a remake of the Hindi film China Town. However, do you know that one of the contributors to the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam was the first Muslim female lyricist in Tamil cinema?
Yes, the lyrics of the evergreen song were written by Roshanara Begum, which sadly, remains the only cinematic achievement she ever made. She made her entry into the entertainment industry at a time when Muslim women were still forbidden from doing so. Things were different back then, and for a Muslim woman, from a conservative background, writing lyrics for a film song was historic.
Roshanara Begum who studied in St. Francis Convent, Coimbatore was gifted even when she was young. Having formally learnt music, she used to win awards at school. Even though her family followed strict Islamic traditions, her father Sheikh Mustafa recognised her daughter’s potential and realised she was meant for bigger things.
He decided to support his daughter. Fortunately, Sheikh Mustafa was friends with composer MS Viswanathan, who used to frequent their house in Coimbatore. MS Viswanathan requested the producer of Kudiyirundha Koyil to give the young woman a chance and the result was the beautiful lyrics of the song Kunguma Pottin Mangalam.
However, unfortunately, this was both Roshanara Begum’s first and last project. Roshanara Begum’s name got lost somewhere in the sands of time but the song will always remind us of her achievement.
source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Entertainment Bureau / by Local News Desk / June 13th, 2022
Syeda Farhath Fatima, Founder and CEO of Pluslove.in, is a role model for many young people. She is currently a first-year BCA student at Saketa Degree College and a member of incubator cohort A-23.
Plus Love is a plus-size-focused clothing brand based in India. “WE CREATE, CRAFT, AND CUSTOMIZE CLOTHES.” At Pluslove.in, they are dedicated to providing an exceptional and empowering fashion experience for individuals of all sizes. One standout feature is their custom design service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
The Interesting Journey of Entrepreneur Syeda Farhath Fatima
In today’s world, it’s challenging to find plus-size clothing. Syeda noticed her loved ones who were a little overweight struggling to find the perfect fit, and she thought, “Why am I not doing anything for them?” or as the saying goes, “Jaha chah hai waha rah hai” (Where there is a will, there is a way).
“Business Development Service EdVenturepark opened an application for cohort A23, and I applied for it. Alhamdulillah (praise be to the almighty), I got selected. I knew about EdVenturepark since my time at Code for India Foundation, where I was learning data analysis with machine learning. So, yes, I’m a data analyst too. My journey started during the 3-month cohort at Code for India when I completed my course in data analysis. Then I applied for the EVP pre-incubation program. A person like me, without business knowledge, still had that spark to do something for people and solve their problems, which led to the creation of the clothing brand Pluslove.”
“It is true that everyone has problems, and it is also true that every problem has a solution. If this is the reality of life, then why not focus on solutions rather than problems.”
Pluslove.in is a size-inclusive clothing brand where you can find your perfect fit. They provide stylish, designer ready-to-wear clothes. They create, craft, and customize just for you. Their goal is to see smiles on their customers’ faces and boost their confidence. They believe that what we wear can make us feel better, more comfortable, and more confident.
One of their standout features is the customization service, allowing you to become the designer of your own fashion journey.
Challenges Faced on the Journey
Syeda faced numerous challenges while building her brand, such as being unfamiliar with the textile industry and struggling to find fabric and tailors. She was the sole person responsible for end-to-end tasks in the company and had to oversee every aspect.
Throughout this journey from a raw idea to Pluslove.in, her mother (Ammi) provided immense support and encouragement. She is deeply grateful to her mother and her family members, especially her aunt, siblings, and her mama.
Syeda also mentioned Meraj Faheem sir, who gave her the opportunity at “EdVenturepark” where she fulfilled her dream. Her dream and passion to solve people’s problems in finding their perfect fit were supported by Ilyas sir, who was always there for her when she needed help, and her friend Huda Hajera, her entire EVP team, and her fellow A23 cohort mates.
She expressed her feelings of joy, saying, “I’m very grateful to have such people in my life. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my life.”
Soon, they will be launching their catalog and opening up opportunities for designers, tailors, and B2B collaborations.
Their mission is to empower women by providing employment opportunities without the need for education certificates or degrees, focusing solely on skills that enhance creativity and innovative ideas. Training facilities are also available for students and others.
For more details or inquiries, please contact +91 9390782010, Email ID: farhath@pluslove.in
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by Shifa / October 26th, 2023
Ms. Taranum was among the 22 recipients of Best Electoral Practices awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to election management, security management, voter education and inclusivity.
President Droupadi Murmu presenting Best Electoral Practices Award to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum at Maekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi on National Voters Day on Saturday, a day before the 76th Republic Day. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum was honoured with an award for adopting the Best Election Practices Award for 2024-25.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to the officer in the presence of Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu at Maekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi on National Voters Day on Saturday, a day before the 76th Republic Day.
Ms. Taranum was among the 22 recipients of Best Electoral Practices awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to election management, security management, voter education and inclusivity. The awards recognised exceptional contributions across multiple categories in election management for the 2024 Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections held in 2024.
Best Performing State Award was given to CEOs of Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. Government Departments like NIC, Railways, and Petroleum Ministry were also lauded for voter awareness and logistical support. Media awards acknowledged Radio Mirchi and Doordarshan for impactful election campaigns.
Ms. Taranum was among the 11 officers from across the country who received the award in the General Category and the only one in Karnataka.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 26th, 2025
Till recently whenever the 45-year-old Muslim Ansari drove his autorickshaw through the officers’ colony of the city, he was overawed by the luxurious bungalows. He visualized living in one of these houses with his family.
His dream is about to come true as his daughter is on the verge of becoming a Deputy Collector and being entitled to such an official accommodation in the Officers’ colony.
In the recent result of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission examination, Ayesha Ansari of Rewa district has secured 12th rank in the state.
Ayesha Ansari being being congratulated by visitors at her house
She has been selected for the post of Deputy Collector. Her success is being celebrated across the district. Although she is yet to get orders for her posting, her family is already looking at good days.
Ayesha Ansari was born in a middle-class Muslim family. Her father, Muslim Ansari put in all his efforts to make his daughter’s dream come true. Ayesha credits her parents for her success. She says that her father used to walk every morning through the Police Line Colony and read the nameplates of officers living in the bungalows.
Her father manifested and visualized a big future for her daughter and his dream has come true.
Ansari often told his daughter, “I wish someone in our family had a big bungalow to his name.”
Ayesha with relatives
Wanting to make her father proud, Ayesha focused on her education and decided to make his dream come true.
Ayesha Ansari believes success comes only with dedication and hard work. She never joined any coaching class.For the preparations, Ayesha used her mobile phone to access study material and did a home study.
He said he worked hard to provide for his family and ensure that Ayesha got everything she needed for her important examinations and education.
Muslim Ansari says, “I had no idea about the civil services, but always dreamt of my daughter getting a good position.”
Ansari says he drove his auto rickshaw even when he was ill so that his daughter’s studies were not affected.
Ayesha Ansari’s success has sent a wave of joy in her family and neighbourhood. There is a beeline of people outside their house with everyone wanting to meet and congratulate Ayesha.
Ayesha believes that the youth should leave no stone unturned in their hard work and keep trying to secure their goals. She asks them to stay away from social media and distractions.
Muslim Ansari said, he never thought that his daughter would reach such high a high point in her life.
“Our life was full of struggle, but now we can proudly say that our daughter has achieved this feat with her hard work.”
Ayesha who belongs to the marginalised Pasmanda community has thus become a sources of inspiration for many who otherwise believed that lack of resources was an impediment to their drowth and realisation of their dreams.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Abdul Wasim Ansari, Rewa, MP / January 23rd, 2025
Ten-year-old Alia Nasreen from Nalbari excels in both the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita
Guwahati :
Assam, known for its diversity of races, languages, and cultures, has once again demonstrated the spirit of inter-religious harmony and unity through the remarkable achievements of a young Muslim girl from Nalbari.
Alia Nasreen Rehman, a ten-year-old student from Nalbari’s Shantipur, has captivated her community with her mastery of both the Quranic verses and the Sanskrit shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita. A student of Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya, Alia’s fluency in these sacred texts has made her a symbol of cultural inclusion and mutual respect.
Her father, Mukib-ur-Rehman, believed in the importance of understanding different religions, saying, “I am teaching my daughter the Gita because we all need to know about each other’s religions. We should not shy away from learning and reading anything.”
Mukib-ur-Rehman ensures that Alia receives a balanced religious education. “As a Muslim girl, I am also teaching her the Holy Quran and Hadith. We send her to the mosque to learn Arabic. She prays with me, although she is still very young for formal prayers,” he added.
Alia’s linguistic talent extends beyond spiritual texts. She can fluently recite Arabic alongside Sanskrit verses, impressing both her local community and educators. Her achievements have earned praise from both Muslims and Hindus, reflecting the spirit of coexistence Assam is known for.
However, her family’s progressive approach has not been without challenges. Mukib-ur-Rehman acknowledged that some within the Muslim community have criticised his decision to teach her the Gita. “There are some ignorant people who criticise her, but we ignore their words. We should study everything and remove all kinds of ignorance,” he stated firmly.
Alia excels in academics and the arts. She is a talented dancer, performing in Satriya and Kathak styles, and has won awards for singing and painting. “She has not taken any formal dance training, but this year, I have enrolled her in an art school where she will receive proper guidance,” said her father.
Recently, Alia was honoured with the prestigious Shilpi Sadhana Award from the Qazi Para Club in Behanpur, Nalbari District, for her exceptional talent. This recognition highlights her growing influence as a young ambassador of peace and understanding.
The support of Alia’s parents, Mukib-ur-Rehman and Papuri Begum, has been instrumental in her development. They ensure she receives quality education but also teach her about her culture, religion, and the importance of harmony. “We want her to become a real human being who respects all cultures,” said Mukib-ur-Rehman.
Alia’s story continues to inspire many in Assam, reinforcing the state’s identity as a land of unity in diversity. Her example stands as a powerful message against communal divisions, showing how understanding different faiths can strengthen societal bonds.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / January 09th, 2025
