Category Archives: World Opinion

Muslim Mirror unveils 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, ,

INDIA :

New Delhi :

Muslim Mirror, in collaboration with the Minority Media Foundation, has released its highly anticipated list of the “100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024.” This initiative, celebrated as a benchmark of excellence, acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Indian Muslims across various fields, showcasing their leadership and societal impact on a national scale.

A Mission to Shift Narratives

The project aims to counter the negative portrayal of Muslims often propagated by corporate-funded media serving political agendas. By curating this list, Muslim Mirror presents a positive narrative, celebrating the vibrant and diverse contributions of Indian Muslims to the nation’s development and society.

Comprehensive and Inclusive Representation

The selection process emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, representing achievers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Assam to Gujarat. The list spans a wide array of sectors, including politics, religion, activism, literature, entrepreneurship, academia, sports, and entertainment.

In an effort to reflect the broad spectrum of the Muslim community, individuals from all sects—Barelvis, Deobandis, Ahle Hadith, Shias, Bohras, and others—have been recognized. The selection underscores the community’s rich cultural and social diversity.

Spotlighting Leadership and Impact

The list features leaders from prominent Muslim organizations and unsung heroes who have made unparalleled contributions in their respective domains. Special attention was given to young achievers, whose recognition aims to inspire future generations of leaders.

Notably, the initiative also includes individuals facing legal challenges and imprisonment, underscoring the principle that they are accused, not convicted. This approach highlights their contributions despite the adversities they face, reaffirming the importance of justice and fairness.

A Rigorous and Ethical Selection Process

Selecting 100 individuals from a community of over 200 million posed significant challenges. Extensive consultations with grassroots representatives across India informed the process. A team of experts finalized the list, which is presented in alphabetical order due to the absence of a ranking mechanism.

While the team strived for accuracy and fairness, they acknowledged the possibility of unintentional exclusions. Readers and stakeholders are encouraged to provide suggestions for deserving individuals to be included in the 2025 list. To maintain ethical standards, members of the Muslim Mirror team and the Minority Media Foundation were not considered for the list.

The Muslim Mirror 100 serves as a testament to the exceptional contributions of Indian Muslims in shaping the nation. By shining a light on their achievements, the initiative not only celebrates their successes but also fosters a sense of pride and inspiration within the community.

As the list continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience, talent, and leadership within the Indian Muslim community, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Big Story> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / January 03rd, 2025

Men of the Horse

Amazing Feats, Indian Muslims in World War I and II (wef. July 09th, 2022), Karnataka (under research project), Martyrs of the Nation, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru (Mysore), KARNATAKA :

There are many miles that separate Bengaluru from Haifa. But our city’s connection to this distant Mediterranean port town goes beyond geography to that of the spirit. It is where Mysorean cavalrymen earned honours and distinguished themselves during World War I. The town also became a final resting place for many who never returned home.

These men on horseback were the inheritors of an older legacy.  Both Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the 18th century rulers of Mysore, were known for their famous cavalry, the `Savar’ that had fought on home territory in the Anglo-Mysore Wars almost 150 years ago.

The Mysore Lancers (says a commemorative souvenir) were raised from what remained of this cavalry following the 4th Anglo-Mysore War in 1799.

The regimental insignia and Mysore’s royal emblem, the two headed Ganda Berunda eagle

Bengaluru’s equestrian legacies also extended beyond the military; the Bangalore Turf Club is a heritage institution and the Race Course that was initially located near Domlur was as old as the Cantonment, Horse riding in Cubbon Park was `de rigeur‘ till the early 1900’s, many large houses had private stables and British Commissioner Sir Mark Cubbon even built a new home beyond Cubbon Park  to accommodate his beloved horses!

Military forces in India’s princely states were maintained purely as a formality for a very long time following 1857.

But Viceroy Lord Dufferin’s landmark speech in Patalia (1888) signalled a change.

The Mysore (Mysuru) Maharaja Chamarajendra Wodeyar X was one of the first to raise a military force (including an Infantry and Transport Corps) capable of fighting alongside Imperial troops anywhere in the world. Major Mellis arrived here in 1890 to rearrange the two existing Silledar regiments into the Mysore Horse based in Mysore, and the Bangalore based Mysore Imperial Service Lancers (Mysore Lancers).

The Investiture Ceremony: “On the arrival of the Viceroy at the Imperial Service Lines, he was received by Dewan Krishna Murthi and conducted to a position near the saluting flag. After the horses of the entire regiment had lain down on the word of command so as to form covers for their riders in action, the regiment formed mass and the men dismounted and left their horses entirely alone with the rein passed through the girths. Rockets, carbine discharges and other noises were then made to test the training of the horses and except one or two horses which broke away, the remainder kept perfectly steady and unconcerned. After galloping past and advancing in review order, the Lancers cheered His Excellency. The Viceroy remarked that the display he had seen proved the excellence of the training of the horses and the special attention paid to the matter by Colonel Desaraj Urs… The manoeuvres subsequent to special show in connection with the horses reflected great credit, said His Excellency, on the regiment.” –M Shama Rao, Modern Mysore

The Mysorean, with his “superior physique” was also “specially noted for his endurance and hard work in distant countries and under the most trying conditions of climate and fatigue.”* And so, as part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade (this included the Patiala, Jodhpur and Hyderabad Horse) the men left Bangalore on 13th October, 1914 under the field command of Lt.Col. Chamaraj Urs Bahadur.

They were accompanied by Special Officers Major MH Henderson and Lt. K Evans-Gordon and Colonel J. Desraj Urs (Commander-in Chief of the Mysore State Forces and brother-in-law to Maharaja Sir Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV).

The men in the distinctive black head collar rope, black and white lance pennant, crossed lance badges on the chain mail epaulettes and the royal Ganda Bherunda insignia of Mysore disembarked to defend the Sweet Water Canal and undertake reconnaissance duties to the east of the Suez Canal. 

Many of us in the city can proudly trace family who in 1914, were a part of the largest volunteer army in the world!

Fans of a sun tanned Peter O’ Toole in the film `Lawrence of Arabia’ will know that our Mysorean men and the legendary TE Lawrence were both part of a WWI force commanded by Field Marshall Sir Edmund Allenby. But off screen conditions were very tough. Water sources were scarce. Thousands of cavalry horses and Transport Corps animals perished at various stages-en route, during combat and post-war.The emaciated and weak were left by the road to be picked up and (hopefully) rehabilitated by the Remount and Veterinary Corps.Most were not so lucky.

Much has been written about the Battle of Haifa where Mysorean cavalrymen braved German and Austrian guns as they charged alongside the Jodhpur Lancers to route an artillery battery located on a hill above the town.

Mysore’s two headed eagle also altered history at Gaza, Jordan Valley, Sharon, Megiddo, Damascus and Palestine. Their roles in these decisive battles saw the officers, including Captain B. P. Krishne Urs, 29 year old Mir Turab Ali and Risaldar Subbaraja Urs, and their loyal horses receive a hero’s welcome in 1920.

Sirdar Bahadur Lt.Col. Chamaraj Urs succeeded the distinguished Col.J Desraj Urs to the post of Commandant-in-Chief in 1919.

The horsemen were then reconstituted into the New Horsed Cavalry Regiment, raised in Jaipur on January 1st, 1953 under the special dispensation of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.It was named the 61st Cavalry a year later. It is the only horse cavalry regiment in the world and is equally well-known for its indomitable equestrian sportsmen.

My grand aunt, Mrs. Syeda Mirza tells me that her husband, my grand uncle the late Major Mohammad Mirza, a Bengalurean 61st cavalryman, dashing polo player and nephew of Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of Mysore (1926-1941) commanded the elite President’s Bodyguard for Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Dr. S Radhakrishnan in the 1960’s. He was also in the Ganganagar Sector with the 61st Cavalry during the 1971 War.

Standing second from right: Major Mohammad Mirza. Photo Source: Sixty First Cavalry Diamond Jubilee Souvenir, courtesy: Mrs. Syeda Mirza

“I was returning to Jaipur with the children after visiting my parents in Hyderabad” she says “and hired a porter to help with the luggage. He deposited me near the army vehicle that had come to receive us, and refused to take any payment. He said he could not take money from someone whose husband was fighting for the country.” She adds, “those were very tough times for wives and families.With no mobile phones or connectivity like it is today, we had no way to stay in regular touch with our loved ones.We just had to manage as best as we could on our own.”

While a tribute to Indian cavalrymen is visibly embedded at Teen Murti Circle, New Delhi, a smaller Memorial Column on Col. Desraj Urs Road in Bengaluru’s Munireddy Palya stands overshadowed by the massive TV Tower nearby. The long forgotten structure lists all the brave men including officers Captain A.Lingaraj Urs (son-in-law to the Field Commander) and a Meer Ashroff Ali who lost their lives upholding the honour of Mysore state. Most city folks ride by without a second glance these days.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

On the Roll of Honour:

A Lingaraj Urs and Meer Ashroff Alli, Venkata Rao Maney, Annaji Dhummal, Rachunatha Rao Birjey, Mohammed Abdul Sattar, Nar Singh, Mohammed Peer Khan, Rahimon Khan, Ganapaty Rao Sindhey, Rama Rao Gaikwad, Manadeva Rao Bobdey, Sheik Ibrahim, Sham Singh, Roya Sundaram, Chithambara Rao Ithapay and Meer Abdul Latheef.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

This story was originally published in the Bangalore Mirror on April 11th 2016.Read it here.

* M Shama Rao, Modern Mysore, Page 104-106

source: http://www.aturquoisecloud.wordpress.com / A Turquoise Cloud / by Aliyeh Rizvi

Thumbay Group’s GMU, ‘Staque’ team up to transform healthcare with AI, advanced tech

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

KARNATAKA / AJMAN, DUBAI, U.A.E:

Ajman (UAE): 

Staque, a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced technology solutions, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thumbay Group’s Gulf Medical University (GMU) and its Thumbay College of Management and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (TCMAIH). This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum computing into healthcare education, training, and research, with far-reaching implications for the region’s healthcare and technology sectors.

Founded by Dr. Thumbay Moideen in 1997, Thumbay Group is a diversified international business conglomerate with operations across different verticals including Education, Healthcare, Medical Research, Diagnostics, Retail Pharmacy, Health Communications, Retail Opticals, Wellness, Nutrition Stores, Hospitality, Real Estate, Publishing, Technology, Media, Events, Medical Tourism, Trading and Marketing & Distribution. Headquartered in Dubai, the group presently employs around 3000 people.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to harness the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, focusing on both academic innovation and practical applications. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s vision for technological leadership and aims to position GMU and Staque at the forefront of global healthcare advancements.

Driving AI Innovation Through Strategic Partnership

The agreement outlines several groundbreaking initiatives, including:

● Thumbay-Staque Lab in Artificial Intelligence: This state-of-the-art lab, to be established at GMU’s campus, will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and practical applications of AI in healthcare, focusing on areas such as diagnostics, personalized medicine, and healthcare operations.

● Internship and Employment Pathways: Staque will facilitate internships, short placements, and employment opportunities for TCMAIH students, fostering UAE Nationals’ empowerment and integrating local talent into the global healthcare technology landscape.

● Collaborative AI Programs: Together, Staque and GMU will develop fellowship, short-term, and long-term programs in healthcare AI, leveraging a revenue-sharing model to promote sustainability and scalability.

● Joint High-performance Computing Research Initiatives: The partnership will support joint research projects through the Thumbay International Research Grant, targeting high-impact areas in AI, quantum computing and healthcare.

● Global Collaboration and Expertise Sharing: Faculty and staff exchanges will enhance knowledge transfer, while industry partnerships will drive regional and international expansions of TCMAIH’s and Staque’s initiatives.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group UAE, commenting on the partnership said, “Our partnership with Staque is a natural extension of our commitment to advancing healthcare education and practice. By integrating AI into our curriculum and research initiatives, we are empowering our students and faculty to become leaders in a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.”

Dr. Muhammad Khan, CEO of Staque, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in merging AI and healthcare education. By establishing the Thumbay-Staque Lab, we are taking significant steps toward a future where AI drives meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiencies, and healthcare innovation.”

Transforming Healthcare Through AI

Staque’s extensive expertise in AI, quantum computing, and robotics complements GMU’s reputation for academic excellence. This partnership aims to tackle critical challenges and unlock opportunities across healthcare and education, including:

● AI-Powered Diagnostics: Tools for early disease detection and personalized treatment planning, using advanced algorithms and quantum computing to process vast datasets with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

● Adaptive Learning Systems: AI-driven systems to create personalized educational experiences for healthcare professionals, addressing skill gaps and enhancing training efficiency.

● Healthcare Operations Optimization: Autonomous intelligence solutions to streamline administrative workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance the overall patient experience.

“Medical research and practices are ripe for innovation. Accuracy, accessibility and affordability issues have a critical impact on global health care. The adoption of AI and quantum computing are essential to address these issues” said Dr. Raees Tonse, Staque Board Member who catalyzed the partnership.

The Thumbay-Staque partnership also explores regional and international opportunities for expanding AI and quantum computing programs, enabling students and professionals to access world-class resources and tools. These initiatives will not only strengthen the UAE’s position as a global innovation hub but also set new benchmarks for integrating emerging technologies into healthcare systems.

About the Partners

Thumbay Group and Gulf Medical University

Thumbay Group, a leading private conglomerate in the UAE, operates Gulf Medical University (GMU), a premier institution recognized for its excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. The Thumbay College of Management and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (TCMAIH) is dedicated to marrying technology and medical education, ensuring students and health care professionals are equipped to thrive in a technology-driven healthcare landscape.

Staque Solutions

Staque Solutions bridges the gap between cutting-edge computer science and real-world business needs. With expertise spanning AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and software engineering, Staque empowers organizations to thrive in an era of rapid technological advancement through its autonomous intelligence and high-performance computing solutions. Founded in Calgary, Canada, Staque has grown into a global organization with presence in North America, the GCC, and Asia.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 26th, 2024

AMU Researcher Dr Hifzur R. Siddique Included in the World’s First Expert Consensus Group on NUT Carcinoma

Business & Economy, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Dr Hifzur R. Siddique, Department of Zoology, AMU, has been included as a part of the world expert consensus on the strategy to diagnose and treat NUT carcinoma

Aligarh:

Dr Hifzur R. Siddique, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, who has been doing research on cancer for the last several years, has been included as a part of the world expert consensus on the strategy to diagnose and treat NUT carcinoma.

Dr Siddique is the only Indian to become the part of 101 scientists from different countries, including USA, UK, China, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Austria, Singapore, Egypt, and Russia to work on the NUT Carcinoma, which was first reported in 1991. It is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis and a median survival of 6-9 months only.

Dr Siddique pointed out that ‘Nuclear protein of the testis’ (NUT) carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy characterised by the rearrangement of the NUT midline carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene and less than 200 cases are diagnosed in the US each year.

He said standardised strategies for its diagnosis and treatment remained unavailable, underscoring the need for an expert consensus. To address this gap, the scientific team prepared this consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of NUT carcinoma. The team comprised medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, nurses, molecular biologists, statisticians, and bioinformatics specialists.

The AMU researcher mentioned that the team developed the expert consensus on diagnosing and treating NUT carcinoma using a multidisciplinary approach and the guideline provides eight recommendations, addressing epidemiological characteristics, clinical and imaging manifestations, pathological findings, IHC features, molecular mechanisms and subtypes, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this cancer. Furthermore, an international platform has been established to disseminate NUT carcinoma knowledge and patient recruitment, providing patients and healthcare providers’ access to NUT carcinoma-related information and updates on clinical trial recruitment.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 26th, 2024

Jamia’s Dr Khalid Raza secures ₹94 lakh ICMR grant in AI and breast cancer treatment

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), World Opinion,

NEW DELHI :

Work in AI breast cancer treatment is going on and Dr Khalid Raza has bagged Rs 94 lakh ICMR grant for AI breast cancer treatment..

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has selected Dr Raza and his team for a research grant of nearly ₹94 lakh for breast cancer treatment.

The funding is given to him for his earlier contributions to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in drug design.

Dr Raza is Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia.

AI breast cancer treatment: Dr Raza achievement
This grant is expected to play an important role in advancing innovative research aimed at using AI to develop precise and effective treatments for breast cancer.

Now, Dr Raza and his team will focus on developing advanced tools for AI-driven drug design. Their work will center on optimising drug compounds, pinpointing therapeutic targets, and creating innovative treatment strategies for breast cancer.

One such promising drug compound, DdpMPyPEPhU, already patented by Dr. Raza will be further explored under this initiative.

This research tackles key challenges in breast cancer treatment and is poised to deliver transformative results that could have a global impact on healthcare practices.

Both Professor Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia, and Professor Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, congratulated Dr Raza on his outstanding achievement.

“This is a moment of great pride for Jamia. Dr. Raza’s recognition by ICMR highlights the university’s dedication to promoting research excellence and innovation,” said the VC.

Groundbreaking work in AI breast cancer treatment
His groundbreaking work showcases Jamia’s vital contributions to integrating AI in healthcare research, said VC Asif.

Dr Raza said: “I am honoured to be selected for this ICMR grant. This is an opportunity to further our research in AI-driven drug design and make a meaningful contribution to improving health outcomes for millions. I am deeply grateful to my research team, collaborators, and ICMR for their continuous support.”

The three-year funding will facilitate advanced experimentation, foster collaboration with leading experts, and accelerate the development of innovative solutions for breast cancer treatment. This initiative aligns closely with ICMR’s mission to support cutting-edge research addressing India’s critical healthcare challenges.

AI breast cancer treatment: Dr Raza a distinguished researcher
Dr Raza is a distinguished researcher in the application of AI in healthcare, focusing on designing and optimising drug compounds through AI-based multitarget docking, molecular simulations, and genomics-driven personalised medicine.
Award and grants are not something new for Dr Raza. Stanford University recognised him among the world’s top 2 per cent scientists from 2021-2023.

Dr Raza has served in various academic and administrative roles at Jamia.

He has published over 140 research articles in prestigious journals, conference proceedings, 14 authored/edited books, and held notable positions, including ICCR Chair Visiting Professor of Computer and Information Sciences at Ain Shams University, Egypt, and is an honorary research fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia.

Dr Raza also serves as Associate Editor for PeerJ Computer Science and Guest Editor for esteemed journals like npj Precision Oncology, Natural Product Communications, and Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. His remarkable contributions to the scientific community and Jamia are truly remarkable!

This grant represents a convergence of excellence, with the potential to revolutionise breast cancer treatment and affirm Jamia’s status as a hub for transformative research.

source: http://www.okhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI/EDU / by The Okhla Times (edited) / November 30th, 2024

Management lessons from Akbar the Great’s handbook

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), World Opinion, , ,

INDIA :

A new biography looks into Akbar’s life to draw some inspiration on how to manage the boardroom. The third Mughal emperor was always thinking on his feet, one step ahead of friend and foe; but he also knew that force had to be tempered with tolerance, and confidence with caution.

Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra, Agra | Photo Credit: cinoby

Even as elements in the right-wing have made attempts to nibble at the great Jalaluddin Akbar, historians and authors have taken it upon themselves to project the third Mughal emperor clothed in nothing but facts of history.

Around the time of COVID-19, Ira Mukhoty came out with her exhaustive biography, Akbar The Great Mughal: The Definitive Biography (Aleph). It came on the heels of Manimugdha S. Sharma’s Allahu Akbar: Understanding the Great Mughal in Today’s India (Bloomsbury) where the author, as the title suggests, made an attempt to see the Mughal monarch in the light of modern-day developments.

The books show why Akbar is considered an Indian icon and a king with compassion and empathy. Instead of spending his childhood as a royal prince, practising calligraphy and honing his skills with the sword, Akbar lived those years, as Mukhoty writes, “in the company of his beloved animals and their keepers…He raced pigeons, ran alongside camels and dogs, and hunted cheetahs, lions, tiger, and deer. And Akbar tested his physical strength and courage against wild elephants, learning to ride and to tame them.”

Akbar had grown up practically illiterate but would eventually be “known for his reverence for learning, penmanship, books…and would patronise some of the most extraordinary works of writing, translation and illustration ever undertaken in the country,” Mukhoty points out.

This quest for knowing the unknown led Akbar to build Ibadat Khana, an assembly of scholars of different religions. Akbar’s congregation of men of spiritual accomplishment was the work of a truly liberal mind. At a time when the Safavids were persecuting non-Shias in Iran and Europe had no space for non-Christians, Akbar invited them all. He abolished the religious tax, jiziya, for non-Muslims and did away with the pilgrimage tax on Hindus and was known to prevent Sati. As Sharma quotes Abul Fazl in Allahu Akbar, “The Shahenshah in his wisdom and tolerance remitted all these taxes, which amounted to crores. He looked upon such grasping of property as blameable and issued orders forbidding the levy thereof.”

In simpler words, it meant, as Sharma writes, “The state wouldn’t come in between an individual and his faith.”

Beyond religion

Yet Akbar’s relevance goes beyond the sphere of religion as noted journalist and author Shazi Zaman discusses in his latest, Akbar The Great CEO: The Emperor’s 30 Rules of Leadership. Published by Speaking Tiger, the book has a contemporary, and non-historic feel to it. In its innovative approach lies its appeal. Zaman presents Akbar as a practitioner of some dictates which would do a management guru proud. Interestingly, the book opens with the words of a Jesuit priest stationed at Akbar’s court. The priest wrote in awe, “He was a prince beloved of all, firm with the great, kind to those of low estate, and just to all men, high or low, neighbour or stranger, Christian, Saracen or Gentile; so that every man believed that the King was on his side.” The priest’s words were borne by the fact that Akbar, as Zaman writes, “perfected the art of ruling with a light touch even though he had the means to be brutal.”

The surprise factor

So what were the 30 rules of Akbar? Though he ruled in an age when the Emperor was often larger than life, Akbar believed in subtlety. Importantly, as his experience with the Afghan king Daud Khan Karrani proved, Akbar was not just fast in his thinking, he was unpredictable too. When he would be least expected to show up in a battle, he would take the enemy by surprise, vanquish his forces, and bring him to his knees. “When the Rubicon was to be crossed was a call that he [Akbar] took in a manner so unpredictable that his opponents could never gain an advantage by guessing it,” writes Zaman. “The Emperor’s audacity was well documented visually as well… In one painting, he is seen holding a cheetah by its ear, and in another painting, he is seen mounted on a mast elephant and chasing another across a shaky bridge built on boats.”

Zaman mentions another incident which underscores Akbar’s acuity. When a slave attacked him, Akbar knew who was behind it but chose to remain quiet.

As Zaman writes, “Even the truth has to await its moment.” Does it remind you of office boardroom meetings? Maybe. But remember this was the strategy of the Mughal emperor who was merely 21 at the time of the attack. He knew the truth, but also knew how to use it to his advantage later in life.

Little wonder then that one of Akbar’s favourite books which he also recommended to his officers was Akhlaq-i-Nasiri, a 13th century text on etiquette and way of life, which said, “The king should keep his secrets concealed, so that he can change his mind without sounding contradictory…The need to keep secrets has to be combined with the need to consult intelligent people.” Akbar did it all.

Be it his relationship with Maham Angaand Bairam Khan, or later the Rajputs, Akbar was always smart and wise.

Zaman’s book progresses like an equation in a science book as he goes on to reveal many facets of Akbar’s personality.

Cultivated image

One such aspect was the way he looked, and the way he presented himself. “Akbar’s image was cultivated, recorded and disseminated with a lot of thought. There was a message in how he dressed and looked and what he chose to be doing in the picture. Each portrait portrays a facet of his personality. It never was a picture for the sake of a picture,” writes Zaman.

Written with the brush of an artist, the book is a must-read for anyone looking for life lessons and critical values, particularly in the boardroom. The ‘illiterate’ emperor was indeed a wise man, who never “went to extremes” in any direction.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Zia Us Salam / December 25th, 2025

Moving Mountains. Shaikh Hassan Khan – First Malayali mountaineer to conquer highest peaks on all 7 continents. World record holder to unfold the largest Tricolour atop Mt. Everest

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , ,

Thiruvananthapuram, KERALA :

TNIE catches up with Shaikh Hassan Khan, the first Malayali to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents.

Shaikh atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia

Kochi :

Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing one’s limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that.

His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat.

“My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. That’s when I started sneaking off for trips to the hills whenever I could,” says Shaikh.

“On one such journey, I ended up at the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling. I felt a spark, and alongside my civil service training, I took a 28-day basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. By the end of the course, I was completely hooked. Not long after, I climbed Mount Satopanth, a 7,000-metre peak, and that was just the beginning of my journey.”

The Thiruvananthapuram native scaled his first summit, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341ft) in Tanzania, in February 2021. At 3pm on November 10 this year, by waving the Tricolour atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, Shaikh completed the ‘Seven Summits’ challenge.

“I can’t put into words how jubilant I felt as I stood atop Mt Kosciuszko with the Indian flag, wearing the mundu in the cold just to add a bit of Kerala vibe,” Shaikh smiles.

His earlier conquests include Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Mt Everest in Asia, Mt Denali in North America, Mt Elbrus in Europe, and Mt Aconcagua in South America.

Shaikh also holds a world record for unfolding the largest Tricolour atop Mt Everest, a feat that he achieved on the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. “I carried a 30x20ft flag. It was heavy, but its symbolism outweighed its physical weight,” he says.

On his return from the ‘Everest Eco Expedition’, Shaikh carried back more than just memories; he lugged down over 100kg of junk.

About challenges of mountaineering, Shaikh concedes that there have been “moments of doubt when giving up seemed tempting”, but his passion pummelled through those blocks.

“Solitude can be daunting, but it’s also a space for self-reflection,” he adds. “I use solitude to connect with my inner self. During expeditions, I also rely on mindfulness techniques, journaling, and reminding myself of the people who believe in me.”

What about physical fuel? “I take calorie-dense foods like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts,” he says.

“I consume complex carbohydrates like oats and rice for sustained energy, and ensure adequate protein intake through dehydrated meal packs. I also carry electrolyte tablets to replenish myself. Most importantly, we need to listen to our bodies and eat regularly, even when our appetite is low.”

Reflecting on his three-year ‘Seven Summit’ journey, Shaikh recalls the most memorable moments that deepened his appreciation for nature and reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation.

“Climbing Mt Vinson in Antarctica, the sheer purity of the place humbled m making me realise how small we are compared with nature,” he says.

“And when I stood on the rim of Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, watching the golden light spread across the savannah, I felt like the world had paused. It was a powerful reminder of why I climb — to experience nature’s raw beauty.”

For Shaikh, conquering the Seven Summits is just the beginning. At 37, he now aims to become the first person in the world to scale the highest peak in every country over the next five years. However, securing sponsorships for a “less popular sport like mountaineering” remains a challenge.

“I often find myself knocking on 100 doors to get one to open,” he says. For my Everest expedition, I had to take loans and faced a lot of struggles. But for my trips to Antarctica, Russia, and Kangchenjunga, Al Muqtadir jewellery stepped in as sponsor. My alma mater, Musaliar College of Engineering, supported my American expedition. I didn’t have any sponsor for the Australian one, but my friends raised the funds to make it happen.”

Shaikh rues that the government’s efforts to promote sports in Kerala are minimal. “I don’t expect much,” he says. “My goal is to inspire others through my Seven Summits journey and attract sponsors for my next challenge — covering 195 countries. I remain hopeful that someone will see the value in my effort and offer support.”

Going beyond the thrill factor, Shaikh says he has been raising awareness about climate change and world peace. “I have seen the effects of climate change up close,” he says, suddenly turning grim.

“The ice on the peaks is melting, and there’s more rainfall in North America than ever. Everywhere I go, I try to spread the message about what’s happening to our planet and share it through my social media.”

Shaikh is also planning a project focused on cleaning the beaches in Kerala, believing that “to inspire others to take action, one must lead by example”. He asserts that every human has infinite potential within.

“Standing atop the peaks, I realised that the summit is not just a physical goal but a metaphor for life itself. The unexpected revelation was the power of resilience within me — an ability to push beyond limits,” he says.

“The journey taught me that every small step matters, and that great achievements often require one to go through solitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kochi / by Parvana K B (headline edited) / November 20th, 2024

Kasargod: Native of district appointed assistant personal secretary to King Charles

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Kasaragod, KERALA / London, UNITED KINGDOM :

Kasargod :

Muna Shamsuddin, originally from Kasargod, has been appointed as the assistant personal secretary to King Charles in London.

Muna is the daughter of the late Shamsuddin and Saidunnisa, a couple from Talangere Teruvat Hasheem Street, Pudiyapurayil.

She pursued her education in London and began her career with the British legal advisory office. Her exceptional work led to her appointment as chief assistant secretary to the King while working in the London foreign Commonwealth development section.

Muna holds a degree in mathematical engineering from the University of Nottingham, Britain.

She has also served in the external affairs ministry of Britain, working as Britain’s consul general in Jerusalem and heading the external affairs department in Karachi, Pakistan.

Her husband, David, is employed with UNESCO. Muna had visited Kasargod 10 years ago.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daiji World.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (MS) / December 01st, 2024

World Cup carrom champions return from USA

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Indian carrom team returns triumphant from World Cup in San Francisco, with Rashmi Kumari praising champions Srinivas and Khazima.

Some members of the World Cup-winning Indian carrom team on return in Delhi on Wednesday (November 21, 2024). From left, K Nagajothi, M Khazima, V Mithra, VD Narayan, Bharti Narayan, Rashmi Kumari, K Srinivas, and Aakanksha Kadam. | Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan

It was a happy homecoming for the champion Indian carrom team from the World Cup in San Francisco, USA, on Wednesday (November 20, 2024).

Even though it was K. Srinivas and M. Khazima who won the individual men’s and women’s titles in a thrilling fashion, it was the World Champion Rashmi Kumari who was singing their praise, appreciating their high-quality game, in a chat with The Hindu.

The evergreen women’s champion Rashmi, who has won the national title 12 times, apart from three World titles, expressed admiration for Srinivas finishing brilliantly with a white slam, to emerge champion after trailing 16-20.

“It was a great finish,” said Rashmi.

On his part, Srinivas said that Mohd. Arif had executed nine slams through the World Cup with his brilliant play, and that he derived great satisfaction in winning in such great style with a slam, not giving the opponent any chance.

The 17-year-old Khazima, a first year student of Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College in Chennai, had won a thriller 25-23, 22-25, 25-24 agaiinst Rashmi in the final for the women’s crown.

“I have great respect for Rashmi. I practised 12 hours a day to prepare for this World Cup. My father Mehboob Basha and former World Champion Maria Irudayam have guided me”, said Khazima, who won the doubles title with V. Mithra.

For one so young, Khazima was quite unselfish and was thinking more about improving the structure of the Chennai Nagar Carrom Coaching centre as and when she gets to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

The small structure that gets flooded during the rains, has already produced many national champions, including Khazima’s brother.

It was a triple crown for both Srinivas and Khazima, as they not only won the singles but also the doubles and the team championships. Srinivas won the doubles title with Mohd. Arif.

The secretary of the All India Carrom Federation (AICF), Bharti Narayan, was delighted with the high quality performance of the Indian players, in sweeping every possible medal except one.

“Preeti Jakhotia of the USA played a superb game right through and beat two of our players, V Mithra in the third place match and K Nagajothi in the quarterfinals”, said Bharti.

The secretary general of the International carrom federation, VD Narayan said that the standard of the game was going up globally, and that the USA had done a great job of hosting the World Cup, acquiring 80 boards from India, and changing the frame to blue for a more impressive screen presence.

“We are planning to have the Asian championship every year, like the way Europeans conduct their championship. We have many plans to develop the game”, said Narayan.

“Khazima played a very aggressive game, pulling off many impressive shots. The loss in the final gives me the motivation to train better in the next four years,”, said Rashmi.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport / by Kamesh Srinivasan / November 21st, 2024

AMU Professor Dr. Mohammad Rihan Appointed Chairperson of BIS Solar Energy Panel

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Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Rihan, a senior faculty member of AMU, has been appointed Chairperson of BIS Solar Energy Panel

Aligarh:

In a significant development for India’s renewable energy sector, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Rihan, a senior faculty member of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems Sectional Committee (ETD 28) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Prof. Rihan, who previously served as the Member In-charge of Electricity at AMU, is currently on deputation as the Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. His appointment is expected to bolster India’s efforts in standardising and advancing solar energy technologies.

The ETD 28 Committee, operating under the Electrotechnical Division Council of BIS, is tasked with developing national standards for photovoltaic systems, encompassing everything from solar energy conversion to electrical system integration. Prof. Rihan’s leadership is anticipated to play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of India’s solar energy initiatives.

Prof. Rihan’s distinguished career includes roles as Vice Chairperson of the ExCom IEEE UP Section and the IET Delhi Local Network. He has also contributed as a Visiting Scientist at NISE. With his expertise, Prof. Rihan is expected to drive innovation and accelerate India’s transition towards a renewable energy future.

This appointment highlights the growing recognition of academic contributions to India’s renewable energy mission and reinforces AMU’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence in science and technology.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus> Science & Technology / by Radiance News Bureau / December 07th, 2024