Today, Google Doodle commemorates the birthday of Zarina Hashmi, an influential Indian American artist who would have turned 86 today.
The doodle, designed by guest illustrator Tara Anand from New York, pays homage to Hashmi’s artistic style by incorporating her signature geometric and minimalist abstract shapes.
source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> English Edition> Business News> Magazine> Panache / by ET Online / July 16th, 2023
Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, has been appointed to the prestigious board of directors at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). This appointment represents a significant milestone for KEF Holdings, with Faizal Kottikollon bringing his expertise and entrepreneurial vision to contribute to the development of SRTIP under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
SRTIP is poised to become a leading hub for cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and innovation in the region. The inclusion of Faizal Kottikollon on the board of directors reinforces KEF Holdings’ commitment to innovation and sustainable impact in the fields of offsite construction, healthcare, education, and clinical wellness.
The esteemed board of directors comprises distinguished individuals such as His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, Dr. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Dr. Susan Mumm, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Khaled Issa Al Huraimel, Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Adel Abdullah Ali, Samer Salim Al Sayegh, Abdulaziz Basem Al Loughani, Mudassir Sheikha, and Alisha Moopen. Together, they will shape the strategic direction of SRTIP.
Faizal Kottikollon expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with SoiLAB, a venture within SRTIP, which aims to cultivate an environment conducive to creativity, technological advancement, and lasting impact on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress not only in Sharjah but also beyond.
Faizal is the son of renowned Malayali entrepreneur and philanthropist PK Ahammed, Chairman of Peekay Group of Companies. He is married to Shabana Faizal, daughter of Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, Founder of B A Group, Thumbay, and a prominent business and community leader.
About KEF Group
KEF Holdings invest in businesses that are innovative, sustainable, cost-effective, and deliver positive disruptive solutions across core business sectors encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to benefit society and build a better tomorrow.
It has a 20-year legacy of building successful businesses. It began its journey in 1995 with the opening of Al Ahamadi General Trading in Ajman, following this it launched a world-class Foundry, and a valve trading company JC Middle East. It then created Emirates Techno Casting, an integrated facility incorporating cutting-edge engineering and design lab, the world’s largest automatic molding line, steel refining furnace, machine shop, and research and development lab, rated among the top 3 technologically advanced foundries in the world.
In 2012 Tyco International, bought the business for USD 400 million, becoming the impetus for the launch of KEF Holdings’ two new verticals KEF Investments and KEF Infra. KEF Investments, have built a global investment portfolio by capitalizing on low-risk, high-income opportunities in growing markets.
In the year 2018, KEF Infra announced a strategic merger with Katerra, the Menlo Park US-based technology company, revolutionizing the design and construction industries.
Staying true to its belief of being a social enterprise the company, in close collaboration with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, actively drives, funds, and supports high-impact social activities undertaken by the Faizal & Shabana Foundation.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / July 18th, 2023
Distinguished Indian scholars have congratulated Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad on being conferred with Hijrah Award, the Malaysia’s highest civilian honour for Influential Muslim Scholars worldwide.
Indians have also welcomed Malyasian Government’s gesture on giving honour to the proponents of moderate Islam.
Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was conferred with Hijrah Award, Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah presented the award at a grand ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Muhammad Nahim bin Mukhtar among many others.
In a grand ceremony Sheikh Abubakar was felicitated with the prestigious international award for his significant contributions in the field of Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding.
The Hijrah award committee also acknowledged the educational activities Sheikh Abubakr and his organizations initiated among various communities in India.
Upon receiving the award, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad expressed his delight and stated that this is an international recognition for Indian community and their contributions to humanity.
Last year, Hijrah award was given to Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who recently visited India upon the invitation of Indian Government.
Dr Abdul Hakeem, son of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, said congratulatory messages are coming in from all over the world, people of various faiths are saying he is deserving of the award for his services as a scholar for the downtrodden and the backward community.
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has successfully established a multi-discipline institute for education, health, agriculture, technology, hospitality, and spirituality together in one city.
He has also contributed to the Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a smart city. “The award is an honour to India as Sheikh has always represented India’s multi-cultural diversity and unity in several countries in the world,” he added.
President of Interfaith Harmony Foundation of India, Dr Khwaja Iftekhar Ahmad said: Sheikh Abubakr is running a chain of religious and modern education institutes in Kerala including an orphanage. This puts him in the category of a highly distinctive Indian Muslim religious scholar, who deserves many honours for his services towards the field of education.
He has done a remarkable thing by establishing in a few hundred acres of land a knowledge city in Kerala. It is an eye-opener for those who wish to contribute in the field of education.
“I congratulate the King of Malaysia for conferring him the award. It is an honour for Indian and an honour for the freedom that minorities enjoy in India,’’ he added.
Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman – Chishty Foundation, said: “It is a well-deserved recognition for his significant contributions to Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding. His educational initiatives have positively impacted various communities in India, and this award is a proud moment for the Indian community and their contributions to humanity.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad’s dedication to promoting Islamic knowledge and fostering social development has truly made a lasting impact. The recognition bestowed upon him by the Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah highlights the global influence of his work as an influential Muslim scholar.
The Hijrah Award’s history of honoring notable figures like Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa further solidifies the significance of this recognition. With influential personalities like Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa collaborating and fostering dialogue between nations, it enhances interfaith relations and promotes mutual understanding.
Zafar Mahmood, noted Islamic scholar and former civil servant, said: “The Malaysian award is a recognition of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad for his remarkable work in the field of education and social harmony. Recognition of efforts in the field of education uplift is heartwarming. It also elevates our spiritual level because of the spiritual mandate.’’
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is widely respected not only in religious fraternity of Muslims but by the people of all communities. His contribution in interfaith dialogue is noteworthy.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Awaz, The Voice / July 20th, 2023
Presidency University Chancellor Nissar Ahmed and two other achievers were awarded honorary doctorates by Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot at the 2nd convocation ceremony of the Bengaluru City University on Monday.
During the program organized at the Jnanajyothi auditorium of the Bengaluru City University, Nissar Ahmed, who is a native of Mangaluru and also chairman of the Presidency Group of Institutions, was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) degree.
Writer Tarini Chidananda and social activist Dr. Wooday P Krishna were also awarded D.Lit degrees by the Bengaluru City University during the convocation ceremony on Monday.
Renowned cardiologist and director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Dr CN Manjunath and Vice-chancellor of the Bengaluru City University Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / July 10th, 2023
Maulana Obdaiullah Sindhi (Second from left) in Turkey
It’s a little-known fact that Saudi Arabia played an important role in the Indian Freedom Struggle. This country was the only one outside British India to provide support to the Indian revolutionaries during the 150 years of freedom struggle.
At the outset of the Second World War, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose planned to send his men for Haj, and under that cover, they were to recruit anti-British people in Azad Hind Fauj. At that time Indian revolutionaries were operating from Hejaz (now Saudi Arabia).
Before announcing his fight against the British during World War II, Bose met Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi in 1939. Sindhi was an Indian revolutionary who had formed a Free India Government in exile with Raja Mahendra Pratap and Barkatullah at Kabul in 1915. After World War I he toured countries like Russia, Germany, Italy, etc to create an alliance for the next war of Indian independence. In the 1930s, Sindhi settled down at Makkah after being granted asylum. However, British intelligence alleged that he was preaching Indian Nationalism among Muslim pilgrims visiting the holy city.
A grand plan was prepared at Makkah. The city provided one of the best communication channels to other parts of the world because of Haj. Sindhi returned to India in 1938. According to a letter written by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to Maulvi Zahirul Haque, Sindhi had told him that he wanted to send Bose abroad for a final battle against the British. Azad wrote that Bose and Sindhi met in Delhi to talk about the future of the Indian Freedom Struggle. They again met in Calcutta (Kolkata) after a few months. Ubaidullah handed over important letters of reference and documents to be given to the Japanese authorities.
Sindhi wasn’t the first Indian revolutionary to use Saudi as his ground of action. The government he formed in 1915 in Kabul was part of a larger plan known as the Silk Letter Movement. This was a collaboration of Ulema, Ghadarites, Bengali revolutionaries, and others to free India by an armed revolution. The leader of the movement was Maulana Mahmood Hasan. He was arrested in 1916 from Hejaz along with Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, Anzer Gul, Wahid Ahmad, Hakim Nasrat Husain, and others.
Hasan and Madani were teaching at Makkah and Medina and also influencing pilgrims. They were sent to Malta as Prisoners of War because the British believed, “if they were kept in confinement in the Hedjaz for a long period they might become interesting and exciting objects of pilgrimage or schemes for help or rescue to many fanatical Muhammadans in India and Afghanistan”.
Maulana Mahmood Hasan, the head of Darul Uloom, Deoband, was also a member of this group. Deoband considers Haji Imdadullah as its spiritual head; Imdadullah’s disciples founded the Madrasa at Deoband after 1857 to prepare revolutionaries.
Imdadullah went for Haj in 1845, where another Indian Shah Muhammad Ishaq directed him to fight the British. Imdadullah wrote, “The conditions of India are not hidden as India is my motherland” and returned to India in 1846. In the districts of Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, and Shamli, he started raising an army with the help of his students like Hafiz Muhammad Zamin, Maulana Qasim Nanautvi, Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Maulana Mazahar, Maulana Munir Nanautvi.
This army led by Imdadullah fought the British forces in 1857 and liberated Shamli. A civil government governed the town for a few days before the British recaptured it. Thousands of people were killed, and Imdadullah took refuge in Makkah. He reached Makkah in 1859 and used it as a ground to preach anti-colonial ideas among the pilgrims.
Why did Ishaq, who lived in Makkah, ask Imdadullah to fight for Indian independence? In 1821, Syed Ahmad Shahid undertook a journey to Makkah and Medina. He was an Islamic scholar and soldier in Maratha forces. When Marathas signed a treaty with the British, Syed left their army and left for Makkah with a group of people. On his return from Haj, he attained martyrdom while fighting the British.
In the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, British intelligence raised several alarms with the Saudi authority to check Indian revolutionaries in Makkah, Medina, and Jeddah. Indian revolutionaries in the name of Haj visited Saudi Arabia to meet each other freely. British intelligence kept an eye on them. Memoirs of all these revolutionaries show that the local Arabs fully supported their cause and mission.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.com / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / July 10th, 2023
Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Boston (Massachusetts), U.S.A.:
Photo: twitter.com/swachhhyd/
Omar Khalidi Hall, named after the late renowned Hyderabadi scholar, was inaugurated at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on Thursday. The hall, which now houses Khalidi’s personal library comprising scores of rare books, marks a significant milestone for the university.
The collaborative efforts of Khalidi’s daughter Aliya Khalidi, his wife Nigar Sultana Khalidi, historian Prof Salma Farooqui leading MANUU’s H.K. Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies, the United States Consulate General in Hyderabad, and admirers of the Hyderabad scholar based in the USA made it possible to bring his personal library back to his hometown of Hyderabad.
Khalidi’s library is an impressive collection with over 1,000 Urdu, English, Persian, French, German, and French titles. It covers a wide range of subjects including the history, culture, and administration of the Deccan, Hyderabad State, Golconda, religion, Sufis and Sufism, heritage, and numerous journals. Notably, the collection includes rare books such as L’Inde Anglaise, published in 1845, The Hindu reported.
Khalidi’s strong connection with his hometown led him to compile an exhaustive list of books on Hyderabad’s history, culture, and archaeology. Many of these books were either unknown or had faded from public memory due to the passage of time.
Apart from his personal library, Khalidi was also renowned for his authored works. His book Khaki and Ethnic Violence in India explored the complexities of religious composition within the armed forces and police, as well as the Muslim community. L.K. Advani had verbally attacked Khalidi for the book and reportedly acknowledged that the book provided “inspiration to the Sachar Committee to seek a communal census in the Armed forces.”
Among his other important works were Muslims in Indian Economy and Hyderabad: After the Fall, a collection of essays edited by Khalidi.
Khalidi, who worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture, passed away on November 29, 2010, leaving behind a significant intellectual legacy.
The inauguration of Omar Khalidi Hall at MANUU on Thursday not only celebrates the life and work of this distinguished scholar but also provides a valuable resource for students and researchers. The inclusion of Khalidi’s personal library in the hall will serve as a source of inspiration, enabling a deeper understanding of Hyderabad’s history, culture, and heritage.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by The Cognate News Desk / June 16th, 2023
Budding Photographer Mohsin Javed’s Photographs were selected for the France Exhibition, which will be held in Paris from 4 to 13th July 2023.
According to a release by the organizer of the exhibition, 24HourProject, Photographs of 120 photographers will be on exhibition at La Maison Hall.
24-hour Project is a climate action supporting NGO. The income earned through the selling of Photographs will be used for environmental causes.
Mohsin Javed told that his three photographs will be on display at the exhibition. These photographs document many faces of Delhi.
Mohsin Javed’s Photographs were also exhibited at Kirkkonummi, Finland from 13-29 August 2021 and at Hong Kong Exhibition from 3rd December 2022 to 3rd January 2023. AT Hong Kong exhibition introducing Mohsin’s Photograph World famous Photographer P H Yang described it as ” a very exceptional Picture.”
Mohsin, who has a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, realized his passion for photography when he was in class 8 and took it seriously after class 10.
His picture of Humayun’s Tomb was selected for the International Photo contest “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” organized by UNESCO’s Silk Road Project 2019. The international selection committee chose his picture as one of the best 60 pictures among 6625 entries.
UNESCO in a letter of appreciation to Mohsin described that his picture was selected by “taking into consideration its quality, creativity, and diversity.” This picture was later published in a coffee book by UNESCO.
Mohsin Javed’s pictures have been widely carried by many national and international agencies and publications including international photo agency Getty Images, Germany’s Public International Broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) website, and various magazines in India. He is also contributing to the International news photo agency, Pacific Press Agency (PPA), Philippines.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / July 01st, 2023
Dr Ayesha Ahmad, Department of Pediatrics, J N Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University received the prestigious Fellowship of The Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), London.
The honour given to her at the fellowship conferment ceremony earlier this year is in addition to her Membership in the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH), for which she qualified in 2015.
According to a press release from the AMU, it may be noted that the Fellows of the RCP are distinguished consultants or SAS doctors and are given the honour of using the FRCP post-nominal.
Dr Ahmad was awarded the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Fellowship (ESPE) in 2016 for working in Paediatric Endocrinology in the United Kingdom. Currently, she is involved in developing the Paediatric Endocrinology division in the department, which will address the ever-increasing cases of Type 1 diabetes, thyroid, growth disorders, and other endocrine issues of the paediatric age group. Her main thrust in research and publications covers the fields of Paediatric Endocrinology and General Paediatrics.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by News Desk / June 15th, 2023
Ahmad’s book, Caste and Social Stratification Among Muslims in India, is celebrated as pioneering work in the field.
Imtiaz Ahmad (1940-2023). Photo: Twitter/@syedurahman
New Delhi:
Imtiaz Ahmad, renowned scholar who taught political sociology at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, has died. He was 83.
Ahmad’s book, Caste and Social Stratification Among Muslims in India, is celebrated as pioneering work in the field.
Ahmad got his BA and MA degrees from the Lucknow University in 1958 and 1960 respectively. He started as a senior research analyst at the Institute of Economic Growth at the Delhi University in 1964 and two years later, became a lecturer in sociology in the same university.
After three years as visiting professor of anthropology at the University of Missouri in the US, Ahmad joined JNU as associate professor in political sociology in 1972. He became a professor in the department in 1983 and taught there for three decades.
Among his numerous publications are those which throw light on Muslim empowerment, minority rights, the role of education among Muslims, how Islamic ideologies mesh with social realities, how Muslim women are studied in India and communalism.
Ahmad also wrote critically on the Gujarat riots of 2002 in particular and communal politics in general. His work has been lauded as having shed light on the composite culture of India.
source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Education> Society / by The Wire Staff / June 19th, 2023
The AMU student, Sami Saud, said that by capturing ECG readings remotely, the device wirelessly transmits the data to a cloud-based platform.
Aligarh:
In a novel development, Sami Saud, a final-year M.Tech. student at the Department of Computer Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has developed a portable single lead ECG device as a part of his dissertation.
Sami, who is working on his dissertation under the supervision of Prof. M. Sarosh Umar, worked on the device in collaboration with the industry expert, Arif Shouqi from Google.
He said that the device promises to transform the landscape of remote cardiac healthcare with accuracy records, boasting an awe-inspiring 99 per cent precision compared to traditional medical-grade ECG machines.
“The gadget demonstrates the immense potential of computer engineering in tackling real-world challenges and the functionality of this groundbreaking device is both ingenious and straightforward,” he said.
Sami said that by capturing ECG readings remotely, the device wirelessly transmits the data to a cloud-based platform. On this digital frontier, advanced machine learning algorithms work tirelessly to classify heart conditions and predict the likelihood of heart attacks based on the acquired data. Early detection and proactive management of cardiac issues are now within reach.
Sleek, Portable Design
The portable ECG device embodies usability and convenience, and with its sleek and portable design, it adapts seamlessly to any healthcare environment, making it a versatile asset for hospitals and home monitoring. Through the wireless Bluetooth connectivity, users can access their ECG results in real-time on their mobile or laptop devices. Sustainability and cost-effectiveness have been embedded into the very fabric of this groundbreaking invention.
The device’s rechargeable capability eliminates the need for wasteful disposable batteries, while its impressive 9-day battery life ensures extended usage without constant recharging.
This achievement underscores the transformative power of computer engineering in addressing critical challenges in the medical domain.
Sami’s father, Saud Saghir, is also an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Science & Technology / by IANS / June 13th, 2023
