Minoo Mumtaz aka Malikunnisa Ali, the veteran Hindi actor and comedian Mehmood’s sister, died in Toronto in Canada on Saturday.
She was recently diagnosed with cancer and her health deteriorated quickly, leading to her demise, ETimes reported.
Mumtaz’s nephew Naushad, confirming the news to the publication, said, “Since she was old, 80 plus, there wasn’t much to be done. She was one of the loveliest people I had ever met”.
Her younger brother Anwar Ali, who is also part of the film industry and is now a producer, wrote, “Regret to inform that my loving sister Minoo Mumtaz, passed away (in Canada) a few minutes ago… Deep gratitude to the film fraternity, press, media, fans, friends, for decades of love and adulation showered upon her.”
Born to a family of four brothers and four sisters, Mumtaz was the daughter of Mumtaz Ali, a dancer and character artiste in Hindi films in the 1940s. She was renamed Minoo by actor Meena Kumari, her sister-in-law and Mehmood Ali’s wife.
While she started her career as a stage dancer, Mumtaz appeared in several Hindi films in the 1950s and 1960s as a dancer and character actor. She made her debut with Sakhi Hateem, and moved on to play the lead opposite Balraj Sahni in Black Cat (1959) and appeared in several Guru Dutt films including Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960) and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962). Other Hindi films that she appeared in include Taj Mahal, Alibaba,Ghoonghat, Ghar Basake Dekho, Insan Jaag Utha, Sindbad, Jahanaara, Aladin, Gazal, Dharmaputra. She also appeared in the 2002 television serial Chalo Chale Pardes.
Expressing her condolences on the late actor’s demise, author Bhawana Somaaya wrote, “#MinooMumtaz lead dancer of Hindi movies in the 50s and the 60s dies in Canada. Condolences to #AnwarAli family.”
Actor Nasirr Khan also mourned Mumtaz’s death.
Mumtaz is survived by her husband Sayyed Ali Akbar, son and three daughters who lived with her in Toronto.
Namrata Ganguly is a Correspondent at Silverscreen India, and can be reached by email at namrata@silverscreen.in
source: http://www.silverscreenindia.com / SilverScreen India / Home> Hindi> News / by Namrata Ganguly / October 23rd, 2021
The narrative is lucid, and the book is an important read for individuals, policymakers and think tanks to understand the ground reality.
Written by an independent scholar Omar Khalidi, the book Muslims in Indian Economy tries to describe the economic condition of Muslims in India. The narrative is lucid, and Khalidi’s target audience are laymen along with policymakers and think tanks.
The whole book is divided into two major sections. The first is the description of the economic condition of Muslims at the pan-India level. It has two sub-sections dealing with the economic status of Muslims: in colonial India and Independent India. The second major section is the description of the economic conditions of Muslims in the six states of India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. These two sections are followed and preceded by an introduction and conclusion chapter, respectively.
Written by an independent scholar Omar Khalidi, the book Muslims in Indian Economy tries to describe the economic condition of Muslims in India. The narrative is lucid, and Khalidi’s target audience are laymen along with policymakers and think tanks.
The book states that the revolt of 1857 and the Partition of India in 1947 were the two most important events that affected the lives of Muslims. The Mutiny of 1857 nearly completed the destruction of the Muslim aristocracy in northern India, thus curtailing the prospects of the soldiery, intelligentsia and artisans dependent on feudal patronage. However, the event which affected a significant population of the Muslims of South Asia was the partition of India. It had severe economic consequences, as the poorer Muslims had to stay in India without any protection from the elites. Some Congress leaders also took an anti-Muslim stance during the partition. Similarly, Operation Polo had an enormously negative impact on the Deccani Muslims.
From its extensive research, the book elucidates how a detailed description and analysis of the state of education among Muslims during British times are absent. An 1870 report shows Muslim students to be a lower percentage when compared to other communities. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs sponsored a survey in 1981 of forty-five districts in states with a large Muslim population. It showed that Muslim enrolment in elementary, secondary, and high schools was poor.
This is not to deny that Muslim elites in various parts of the country made efforts for the promotion of modern education. Nawab Syed Wilayat Ali Khan’s efforts for Patna College, Syed Ahmad Khan’s for MAO College, which later became AMU and Khan Bahadur Mir Abu Saeed’s endeavours for an educational society in 1865 in Bihar need to be focussed upon.
The whole book is divided into two major sections. The first is the description of the economic condition of Muslims at the pan-India level. It has two sub-sections dealing with the economic status of Muslims: colonial India and Independent India. The second major section is the description of the economic conditions of Muslims in the six states of India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. These two sections are followed and preceded by an introduction and conclusion chapter, respectively.
Jawaharlal Nehru and his colleagues like Mahavir Tyagi (Minister of State for Defense) were well aware of the declining number of Muslims in the central services and armed forces in the 1950s. Suren Navlakha, in a study of the elite Central officers like IAS and IES, found that there is a proportionate representation of all religious groups except Muslims and Buddhists. Muslims are not in proportion to their population in the Railways, Armed Forces, and various PSUs.
A Panel headed by Gopal Singh (1983) showed that the economic condition of Indian Muslims was at par with that of the Scheduled Castes. A vast majority of Muslims are landless labourers. More Muslims are unemployed than Hindus. The majority of the big trading and banking concerns are Hindu owned, where Muslims and Dalits are nominal. Contrary to popular perceptions, Muslim women, especially those of the working class, are involved in economic activities.
The book stresses how a major educational institution such as Jamia Millia Islamia also became a victim of the partition and was forced to move from its campus in Karol Bagh to Okhla. It also explains how before Independence, Urdu was the language of instruction in a number of schools. Since the early 1950s, Urdu has been edged out of government schools. One reason many Muslim organisations want to establish their own schools is to escape this discrimination.
One of the major reasons for the poor education among Muslims is the discrimination by both the State and the society. A survey in Delhi showed that poor Muslims are concerned about female education. A psycho-social examination of slum-dwelling Hindus and Muslims showed no difference in positive attitude toward education.
The book stresses how a major educational institution such as Jamia Millia Islamia also became a victim of the partition and was forced to move from its campus in Karol Bagh to Okhla. It also explains how before Independence, Urdu was the language of instruction in a number of schools. Since the early 1950s, Urdu has been edged out of government schools. One reason many Muslim organisations want to establish their own schools is to escape this discrimination.
Similarly, the book concludes that the major reason behind poverty among Muslims is discrimination in the job market. It can be as overt as anti-Muslim pogroms and/ or as systemic as State apathy. Interpersonal discrimination is usually couched in the form of efficiency. Unlike the stereotypical image of Muslim women, various studies find that Muslim women are not averse to earning their own living if conditions are proper. Daily wage earners are normally a highly insecure group dependent on the management’s hire or fire at will. The book narrates how sometimes the government itself has segregated Muslim artisans from the mainstream of business at international fairs!
It has been well established by vast scholarship that communal violence is mainly to quell the upward economic mobility of Muslims. It happens particularly in places where Muslims have either made inroads into or displaced Hindu businesses. As long as the Hindu-Muslim relationship in businesses remains asymmetrical, peace tends to prevail.
Throughout the books, various issues come to light. Political representation for religious minorities was accepted by Vallabhbhai Patel in 1947 but rejected later. Recent scholarship has shown that discrimination against Muslims and Dalits is rampant in the private sector. Muslim Dalits and Christian Dalits do not get SC status. Leaders like Ijaz Ali demands giving SC status to OBC Muslims.
Years after years, the government has constituted committees to estimate poverty among Muslims and the policies to remove it. The majority of those were just for tokenism. For example, Justice Ranganathan Mishra headed National Commission for Religious & Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), and Justice M.S.A. Siddiqui headed National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), and Justice Rajindar Sachar headed the Prime Minister’s High-Level Committee for the Muslim Community of India (PMHCMCI).
This book must be read by all those who are sensitive to the plight of minorities in an increasingly parochial society and development practitioners who work for an inclusive plural society.
Zeeshan Husain has done BSc (AMU), and MSW (TISS). He is presently pursuing PhD in sociology from JNU. His research interest is in the society and polity of Uttar Pradesh. You can find him on Twitter.
The Federation of Indian Muslims – the umbrella body encompassing 18 Indian Muslim organisations – is now known as the Federation of Singapore Indian Muslims (FSIM).
The federation unveiled its new name and logo at its 30th anniversary celebrations held at The Grassroots’ Club in Yio Chu Kang on Friday.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honour at the event, which was attended by 500 people including community leaders.
Four individuals were honoured during the event for their contributions to the Indian Muslim community in Singapore.
Hindu Endowments Board chief executive T. Raja Segar and former Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) president Mohammad Alami Musa were presented the FSIM Harmony Award.
The FSIM Community Service Award was presented to the federation’s founding member, Mr Shaik Alaudeen Osman, while fellow founding member A.R. Mashuthoo was presented the M.K.A. Jabbar Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award is named after FSIM’s founding president, who was also a former MP for Radin Mas.
Speaking at the event, FSIM’s president, Mr Mohamed Bilal, 55, paid tribute to previous generations of Indian Muslim community leaders.
“In the coming years, we strive to focus on the educational development of students, welfare of youth, identifying young leaders, and honing their skills,” said Mr Bilal.
In recent years, the federation has been reaching out to young people. It has co-opted IMYouth, an Indian Muslim youth organisation, as its youth wing.
source: http://www.straitstimes.com / The Straits Times / Home / by Irshath Mohamed / October 29th, 2023
Jaan Nissar Lone was graced with the illustrious global humanitarian award by the World Humanitarian Drive. He is mainly known for his song ‘Harmukh Bartal’ featured in Manoj Bajpai Starrer Webseries ‘The Family Man’. This momentous occasion, graced by esteemed luminaries, reverberated with the essence of his contributions to the realm of music, particularly his role in fostering a sense of unity among diverse populations, including those residing in the picturesque yet troubled valley of Kashmir.
Jaan Nissar Lone’s musical artistry has transcended geographical confines and tugged at the heartstrings of individuals from all walks of life. His melodious compositions served as a wellspring of inspiration, galvanizing countless souls to embark on a journey characterized by love and mutual comprehension, not just for their homeland but for the entire global community. Through his educational music videos, he has empowered a legion of youthful enthusiasts to partake in endeavors aimed at heightening awareness of human unity, thus laying the foundation for a more harmonious and all-encompassing world.
The World Humanitarian Drive lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations.
The ‘World Humanitarian Drive’ founder Dr Abdul Basit Syed lauded Jaan’s remarkable endeavors in employing music as a unifying conduit, capable of bridging divides between communities and nations. Lone’s journey as a musician and humanitarian transcends borders, languages, and cultures to promote harmony and peace worldwide. His work resonates with people globally, earning him recognition as a symbol of peace and tranquillity.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Times Entertainment> Hindi> Music / November 08th, 2023
Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain’s scientific research has changed the complicated regimen for the diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and the Indian Basmati getting its patent and trademark in the UK in the fight against the Pakistani variant. This Bihar-born scientists’ findings have saved patients suffering from Drug-Resistant TB money and time and helped the Indian government and farmers earn through exports of the Basmati.
He told Awaz-the Voice in an interview that the government of India has taken at least two major policy decisions based on his research. “One decision was that previously the testing of tuberculosis (TB) was based upon antibody-antigen reaction. So, the antibody formed was based on the antigen of a bacterial protein, and the sequence (genetic) used was mostly European or American isolates.
“When I did sequencing in India, I found out that the Indian variant is completely different. Therefore, the test could give false positives or negatives…. I published this finding and had a meeting with the DG of ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) and recommended that the tests based on foreign kits be banned and that made a big impact.”
Padma Shri recipient Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain said. E. Hasnain was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest Civilian decoration of Germany in 2014. Nature, a famous scientific journal, reported on his receiving the award, “With the Order of Merit, he joins the league of outstanding personalities from various fields including Nobel laureate biologist Paul Herman Muller, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and music conductor John Crosby.”
In 2006, he received Padma Shri in recognition of his scientific work. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1995) and J. C. Bose Fellowship (2006), two of the most prestigious Indian Awards in the field of science have also come his way apart from numerous other decorations.
Hasnain was born in Gaya, Bihar in 1954. He was born seven years after India had attained independence. At that time Bihar was not the most developed of the Indian states. Hasnain’s father was a college lecturer and he nursed a dream of studying abroad. He studied at the Nazareth Academy, an expensive school in the town. It’s said that almost 20% of his father’s salary would go into children’s school fees.
He did his M.Sc. from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. However, though he was selected for his post-graduation studies by Harvard University, for some reason he could not join.
In 1981, Hasnain moved to Canada as a Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF). He worked in Canada and the USA for the next six years. At this stage, his father asked him to return home to serve his country and people. He was advised by many people that he must try to get his green card before moving back to India.
In 1987, he joined the National Institute of Immunology (NII) as a scientist. Hasnain says, “I thought that after getting a green card, I would have a fall-back and a plan B. I did not want a plan B. My plan was the only plan A. I will work in India and do something good in India.”
Hasnain broke the convention by not continuing the research he was doing abroad. He started afresh and soon made a name for himself in research of baculoviruses. He established a baculovirus insect cell expression system (BEVS) for the first time in India and used this to express foreign genes and also to ask fundamental questions concerning gene expression in BEVS. The idea was to make India a scientific power.
Hasnain says that when his career was at the peak with research on baculovirus one day, Dr. Sandeep Basu, the then director of NII, asked him, “Seyed, you are publishing in good journals, it is fine, but how does humanity benefit? What is India gaining out of it? How are the common men benefiting from your papers? Doing research is good but do something which will benefit the common man.”
This was the turning point in Hasnain’s life and career. He says “I decided to do something where I can do direct application.” He started his research on tuberculosis.
Hasnain initiated studies on molecular epidemiology and genetics of multi-drug resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis (M.tb). He says, “second important observation that was published, again the first time in the world. We used to test TB for drug resistance. The bacteria was tested against each drug. I showed with my study that if the bacteria are resistant to one drug then it will be resistant to almost all other drugs. I established the correlation and proposed that you don’t need to do multi-drug resistance testing for all the drugs. Just test one drug rifampicin and if it is confirmed then 95%-99% of drugs will be resisted by the bacteria. That has become a standard treatment all over the world. He is still working on developing cheaper methods of diagnosing TB.
In 1999 Hasnain was invited as the first director of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. It was based on his work on Indian Basmati Rice DNA fingerprinting that India won the Patent case against Pakistan enabling the export of the Indian Basmati to the UK. This prevented a major economic loss to India. Subsequently, the Ministry of Commerce established the CDFD-APEDA Basmati DNA Analysis Centre, where all Basmati exports are certified.
Hasnain also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (2005-11), and Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and is currently A National Science Chair of SERB, at the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at IIT-Delhi.
Hasnain Mantra is: “Nothing is a substitute for hard work.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / November 03rd, 2023
Highland Islamic Forum (HIF India) on Saturday honored motivational speaker Munawar Zama with the HIF Global Youth Icon Award here at the TMA Pai Hall in the city. Munawar Zama was in the city to hold a talk for youth and parents organised by HIF India.
The recognition was presented by UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, after Zama’s address to youth and parents.
In his address, UT Khader commended Zama’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of the youth, emphasizing the transformative impact of such efforts in shaping a brighter future for the world.
During the event, Munawar Zama emphasized the importance of mentorship and support systems for the younger population.
HIF members and other dignitaries including Shaz Ahmed AK as the program anchor, and Ashraf Ali – Trustee of Sana Shaheen Charitable Trust, Niyaz AK – Managing Director of AK Apple Ply Group, Naushad AK – Director of AK Apple Ply Group, and SM Farook – Director of SM Fisheries and Export, were present during the event.
HIF India President Adil Parvez presided over the event.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 30th, 2023
In an announcement made on Tuesday evening, the prestigious DK District Rajyotsava Awards have been revealed, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 46 individuals and 17 organizations. Among the awardees are figures such as Prominent Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman Abdulla Madumule, journalist Ibrahim Adkasthala, and literary expert Dr. Prabhakar Neerumarga.
Ibrahim Adkasthala is a senior correspondent at Vartha Bharati.
Additionally, recognition has been bestowed upon organizations, including the Ullal Syed Madani Charitable Trust, for their noteworthy work in various fields.
A notable recipient of this honor is Badruddin Farid Nagar, the former president of Harekala Gram Panchayat, acknowledged for his significant contributions to rural development.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Nehru Maidan in the city on November 1, starting at 9 am. Dinesh Gundu Rao, the DK District In-charge Minister, will preside over the event, with Speaker UT Khader in attendance to present the awards to the deserving recipients.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023
Housed in the Le Grande Hotel in Tashkent, the restaurant is a definite stopover for tourist groups from India and is popular for its Bollywood nights
In the heart of Tashkent, a city known for its rich history, stands an Indian restaurant celebrating the legacy of legendary Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor and the love of the Uzbeks for him even 35 years after his death.
Styled on the Bollywood theme, the ‘Raaj Kapur’ restaurant which is one of the three major Indian restaurants in Tashkent, is not new but at least 16 years old and is a hit among not only Indian tourists but also locals for its lip-smacking dishes.
Three superstars from the Kapoor family — Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor — have also dined at the restaurant on different occasions.
“People in Uzbekistan are crazy about Bollywood and generations of people from Uzbekistan and Russia – even the young – are aware of Raj Kapoor and his cinema and regard him as Bollywood’s numero uno. The restaurant attracts more crowd for its name and less for Indian food, which most visitors discover after enjoying a meal,” Sameer Khan, Resident manager, Raaj Kapur restaurant told PTI.
‘A definite stopover’
Housed in the Le Grande Hotel in Tashkent, the restaurant is a definite stopover for tourist groups from India and is popular for its Bollywood nights where Uzbeks also groove on top chartbusters from the 90s.
While Khan, who is originally from Mumbai, manages the property, the idea of the restaurant was first conceptualised by Jay Al Atas, an Indonesian who fell in love with Indian food during a visit to the country and was also impressed with the craze for Raj Kapoor in Russia and Uzbekistan.
“A lot of Indian tourist groups come here on a regular basis while Uzbeks enjoy the food on occasions and also love clicking pictures here. Whenever a Bollywood celebrity from India comes here, there is a bustling crowd,” he added.
The restaurant is also the official caterer for the majority of Indian events — be it the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit or ones like a recent Bollywood night which saw performances by Daler Mehandi and Ravi Kishan.
Five chefs from different parts of India are behind the variety-loaded menu at the restaurant.
“We offer all kinds of cuisine that are available in India. Our bestselling dishes are butter chicken, biryani, cheese naan and dosa,” said chef Kalamuddin Sheikh who hails from Orissa.
Celebrity guests
A wall in the restaurant boasts of the renowned people who have visited the restaurant be it politicians like Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh or Bollywood celebrities like Mithun Chakraborty, Shibani Kashyap, Daler Mehandi, Gulshan Grover, among others.
“We have placed signed sketches of the celebrities from India who have visited us. The restaurant is a big hit here,” Sohail Khan, Quality Manager at the restaurant told PTI.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Food / by PTI / October 30th, 2023
This Bollywood film from before Independence, holds the world record for most songs with 72 musical numbers.
Song and dance is an integral part of Indian cinema. While the West has a separate genre called musicals, most Indian films are by default musicals. Whether it’s a thriller, murder mystery, romantic comedy, or family drama, songs find a place in most Indian films. Yet, some films go the extra mile when it comes to including songs with the sheer number setting records. In fact, it is an Indian film that holds the world record for including most songs with a jaw-dropping 72 musical numbers in its run. And its not one of the usual suspects.
Bollywood film with 72 songs
While Hum Aapke Hain Koun created a flutter with 14 songs back in 1994, there have been a few before it as well that included over a dozen songs. Even Hollywood musicals like Chicago and Moulin Rouge had as many songs. Yet, none of them compare with the 1932 Hindi film Indrasabha, based on the play Inder Sabha. The 3 and a half-hour film was conceptualised and shot almost entirely in verse, comprising of 72 songs in total with most characters, big or small, receiving their own entry song. The mythological drama was one of the first Indian talkies, released just a year after Alam Ara.
Indrasabha’s 72 songs
Indrasabha was an adaptation of a 19th century Urdu play called Inder Sabha, written by Agha Hasan Amanat. The play was first brought to screen in 1925 but as a silent film. When Alam Ara brought the talkie revolution in India, Madan Theatre decided to bring back the film but with sound. The 1932 release utilised almost all of the plays 31 ghazals, 9 thumris, 4 holis, 15 songs, and seven other musical numbers. The film added a few of its own as well, giving it 72 songs in total. The feat earned Indrasabha a place in several record books.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Bollywood / by DNA Web Team (headline edited) / October 26th, 2023
Even when nothing works out as you planned, don’t lose your trust in yourself, this is what Mr. Shamsudheen has to share with us.
Being the Managing Director of Nellara Groups, Address apparel, and more venture, Mr. Shamsudheen a successful Multipreneur from Kerala, has a story of dreams & hard work to share with us.
Since his teenage years, he started working to earn money to pursue his passion, establishing a business. He kept a keen interest in designing shirts, and from a native tailor, Mr. Shamsudheen acquired skills to stitch them, not knowing it would be a turning point in his life.
As he grew up, his dreams got life, and ‘Nellara food products, ’ a chain that provides premium quality food products, was born.
Still, his passion to design fashion was the same, and the concept of gifting people the best ones at an affordable range gave life to a clothing brand, ‘Address Men’s Apparel’.
With cunning strategies and proper implementation, Address caught global attention, and it is now a brand with 60+ outlets across 12 countries. Team Address focuses on designing desired outfits in premium quality that every man dreams of.
Address, a brand exclusively for men, was a dream of Mr. Shamsudheen, and with years of research and market study, the brand was revealed with an exceptional array of supreme comfort shirts. They have a well-experienced and truly professional team of fashion designers to gift everyone the best outfit.
Offering a wide range of shirts, including Supima, Cargo, and Solid shirts, Address Apparel promises superior quality garments because their team leader, Mr. Shamsudheen, believes in extending everything at the best level without compromising quality.
Mr. Shamsudheen Nellara, One who believes in making changes by marking goodness, carries the title of one of the best entrepreneurs in India with all commitment and future goals.
source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Business / by FPJ Web Desk / July 04th, 2023