Haarish during one of his jungle visits with his camera
Udupi:
Haarish Mohammed, a wildlife photographer from Udupi, now residing in Saudi Arabia, has won the international photography competition organized by 35 Awards in the Black and White category. This contest saw a remarkable participation of 465,000 photographs submitted by 111,253 photographers from 174 countries.
Reflecting on his journey, Haarish shared, “I’ve been fascinated with nature and forests since childhood. During my college years, trekking through the Western Ghats became a regular activity. In 2011, I moved to Saudi Arabia for a job, realizing that my connection to the forest could only be maintained through a career in the Forest Department, becoming a naturalist, or pursuing wildlife photography. I dedicated 1.5 years to learning the theory of photography before purchasing my first camera in 2013.
“The period from 2013 to 2017 was all about learning, and in 2017, I met a group of talented photographers in Saudi Arabia called Photomates, which I joined. With their support, I honed my skills. However, my job in Saudi Arabia limited my opportunities to explore the forests of Karnataka. After the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, I decided to resign and return to India to start my own business. Since then, I’ve had many of my works featured and published on various platforms. I visited national parks like Nagarhole, Kabini, and Bhadra, photographing beautiful animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and many colorful birds.”
Haarish elaborated on the story behind his winning image: “It was taken during an evening safari in the lush forests of Kabini, Karnataka. We were waiting for a herd of elephants to cross our path to reach a water body. To our surprise, a single tusker emerged from the dark forest.”
Haarish’s photo that bagged first place in international photography competition organized by 35 Awards
Haarish’s achievements include being featured in BBC Earth, the international online magazine PawsTrails, and Nature In Focus.
He secured third place in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 photography competitions held by Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore. His work was also accepted for the International Wildlife Photo Exhibition held by Alvas Virasat in 2023.
Additionally, he won a certificate of merit in the National Level Photography Contest conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in 2023. His most recent accolade is the first place in the 2023 international photography competition conducted by 35 Awards in the Black and White category.
“Wildlife photography is like a window into the world of animals. It helps us understand and appreciate them better by capturing their beauty and diversity. Moreover, wildlife photography raises awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. By showcasing the wonders of nature, it encourages us to take care of it. When we see how amazing animals are, we’re more likely to want to save them,” Haarish added.
It’s the author’s well-founded belief that Salim Ali’s life offers today’s children a role model.
Here’s hope for those young people who are mediocre with mathematics and other studies, and likely to be uninterested in business. Salim (pronounced Saalim, not Saleem) Ali’s interest in birds began to awaken when he shot a male sparrow, standing guard over its mate’s nest, with an air rifle. Next morning he found that another male sparrow had taken its place, and he shot that too… This went on until he had shot eight male sparrows, and then wonderment took the place of whatever had urged him to shoot those sparrows. This wonderment gave his life a foundation of incredible strength. It enabled him to survive the loss of several salaried jobs, and, later, the loss of Tehmina, his wife, who, throughout their 21 years together, supported his efforts wholeheartedly.
This book is his life story, told simply, and for children. It’s the author’s well-founded belief that Salim Ali’s life offers today’s children a role model.
The author makes no effort to sugar-coat the story. Salim’s initial difficulties with academics are covered in some detail, as well as mediocre performance in school, and his inability, found in many others of his extended family, to run a business successfully. This mediocrity at school had nothing to with his powers of observation, though. For example, it was known that the houbara bustard he saw in Sind (now in Pakistan), under normal hot and dry conditions, has a colour that affords perfect camouflage, enabling it to hide easily in the sand. Salim discovered, however, that the bustard’s colour changes in the rains, enabling it to hide in wet sand as well!
Also included is the story of Salim’s relationship with Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen, a former British Intelligence officer. The Colonel’s claims to being a hero might have been authentic, but his claims as an ornithologist were proven false in the 1990s, decades after his death. It illustrates Salim’s naivete with people, but also warns youngsters of the possibility of charlatanry in science.
My favourite story, though, is about Salim’s encounter with a bandit in the summer of 1945. Near the Tibetan border, poking around among the bushes, he saw a bandit armed with a dagger and a rifle. Escape was impossible, so he resorted to a ruse. He had a collapsible chair, a small folding seat on a stick. He pretended that the stick was a rifle barrel, and clicked the folding seat open to give the impression that he was loading and cocking his own rifle. It worked, for the bandit fled.
So here’s proof that commitment, integrity, and hard work — combined with observation, quick thinking, and luck — will get you where a great academic background won’t. A terrific lesson for youngsters, and packaged well, to boot.
The Bird Man of India: Salim Ali for Children
By Zai Whitaker / Hachette / pp. 142; Rs 350
source: http://www.asianage.com / Asian Age / Home> Books / by Shashi Warrier / August 27th, 2023
In a ceremony hosted by Australian Premier Chris Minns at the Art Gallery of NSW, Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi, President of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, was awarded the NSW Government Community Service Award. The event, held on May 20th, marked the beginning of National Volunteer Week, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteers across New South Wales.
More than 300 guests representing various volunteer organizations attended the event, highlighting the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities. The NSW Government Community Service Award recognizes individuals who have significantly enhanced the quality of life for community members, going above and beyond their regular duties.
Among the six distinguished recipients nominated by their State Members of Parliament, Mr. Alvi stood out for his exceptional dedication and selflessness. Nominated by Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown, Mr. Alvi’s unwavering commitment to service has inspired and enriched countless lives.
As President of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia, Mr. Alvi champions multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion, striving to foster harmony among diverse communities. His involvement in various associations, businesses, and cultural bodies demonstrates his broad impact and leadership in promoting social cohesion.
Mr. Alvi’s volunteer work extends across multiple sectors, from founding the Australia India Chamber of Commerce NSW to serving on advisory committees in councils. His passion for promoting peace and social responsibility serves as a beacon of civic engagement for others to emulate.
Through his recognition and award, Mr. Abbas Raza Alvi exemplifies the values of compassion and community service, inspiring individuals to actively contribute to the betterment of society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Muslim World> Australia / by Radiance News Bureau / May 27th, 2024
The girl who started playing hockey with bamboo sticks in the village grounds, travelled over 20-kilometres on her bicycle for matches, and won goats and chickens in village tournaments, has come a long way. Today, Salima Tete is an international hockey player, who was recently appointed by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) as its Athletes Ambassador from India.
The player has begun her two-year term along with three other players from Asia.
“I am honoured to be selected as one of the AHF ambassadors. As athletes from Asia, we face a lot of challenges in our careers. This position will allow me to bring our voices to the front,” Salima said during the AGM of AHF in Korea. “I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes from the Asia region with this position,” she added.
Salima Tete
Over the last several years, Salima has been an integral part of the Indian hockey team. She was named the ‘Rising Player of the Tournament’ at the Women’s Asia Cup tournament held in Muscat last year.
From rural Jharkhand to international hockey turfs
The journey of the twenty-one-year-old hockey player from a nondescript village of Simdega district in Jharkhand is nothing short of an inspiration.
Born to Sulakshan and Subani Tete, Salima and her five siblings grew up in extreme poverty amidst abundant love. It wasn’t just her family – the village was poverty-ridden, not a single home could afford a television set.
Her farmer father ferried the aspirant hockey player for matches as far as 20 kilometres from their village on his bicycle. The awards at these local tournaments were chicken and goats – the only items that the local organisers could arrange to give away as prizes. It was on occasions like these that the Tete family would devour a non-vegetarian meal. On other days the meals were as simple as could be.
Since there was no television or internet in their village, no one in the locality could watch Salima play her first major match. It was much later that her family started watching her play at national and international stadiums. By then, the midfielder was scaling her own mountains, and had made India proud on several occasions.
Salima Tete with PM Modi
In 2020, when Salima got the opportunity to play at the Tokyo Olympics, her village came into spotlight and better training facilities got introduced for the youth there. Her younger sister, Mahima, who had also been exposed to the sport thanks to her sister, began playing it too. Like Salima, Mahima is a national hockey player as well.
“Before the Tokyo Olympics, no one knew about our village and after I came back, the focus on our native place increased a lot. We have people visiting us from different places. People recognising the village I come from is really heart-warming,” Salima said in an interview. “Even my family feel very good when people come to visit. The whole atmosphere has changed and it makes me very happy,” she added.
The following year, in 2021 when Salima led the Indian women’s junior hockey team to a fourth-place finish at the Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa she climbed the popularity charts further.
Surging ahead as an ambassador
After her appointment as AHF Athletes Ambassador, Salima remarked, “I sincerely thank the Asian Hockey Federation for showcasing their faith in me and also express my gratitude to Hockey India for their constant support in all my endeavours.”
Salima Tete during the AHF AGM
In her two-year term (2023-25), Salima will be in a leadership role, facilitating the growth and international representation of athletes from Asia. She will also be working to promote awareness about athletes’ welfare and rights.
“Playing for India has really changed my life a lot, it has given me everything I could have asked for. I just want to keep performing for the country and winning more matches,” Salima had said in an interview. India is all praise for athletes like her for bringing laurels to the country.
Karate player Zabir Ansari has won a gold medal in the tenth international championship named Mayor Cup 2024 organized at Kakarvitta Meshinagar Jhapa, Nepal. The two-day championship held on May 31 had India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Nepal as participating countries.
Zabir Ansari’s victory is being celebrated at Patna University, where he is enrolled for a post-graduate degree in the Urdu department.
Earlier, Zabir had won medals in international Karate events in Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Turkey, and Egypt.
Zabir won the gold medal by defeating Nepal and Bhutan in the 75 kg category.
pix: x.com
Interestingly, Zabir was short of money for participating in this international meet when a Pasmanda leader Dr Faiyaz Ahmad Fyzie ran a social media campaign asking Indians to help this promising Karate player. He posted this on social media after Zabir’s vioctory on X:
Giving the credit for his success to his coach Rahul Kumar, Jabir told Awaz-the Voice on the phone from Nepal that ‘Rahul Sir’ made him practice hard for 6 to 8 hours every day.
Rahul said that he was hopeful that just like Zabir’s gold medal in the All India University competition where 188 universities were participating he would win the gold this time.
Zabir played his first match in 2015 where he won a silver medal.
Zabir Ansari’s achievement is all the more impressive given his background. He hails from a remote and naxal-affected area of Bihar.
His father Imtiaz Ansari is a teacher in a school in his native Tumbapahar village of Jhajha block of Jamui district.
Zabir is the eldest of four siblings. Mother Fahima Khatoon has received the Rashtra Veermata Jijabai Samman-2018.
Zabir has represented the country five times. In 2017, he won a silver medal for the country in the South Asian Karate Competition held in Sri Lanka. He represented India in China, Thailand in 2018, and Turkey in 2019. He was included among the potential Karate players of India in the Asian Games held in Indonesia in 2018 and participated in the training camp.
Zabir has won the gold medal six times in a row in the state-level Karate Championship, while he won the silver and bronze medals in 2017 and 2019. Last year, Jabir Ansari won the bronze medal by securing third place in the All India Inter-University Karate Championship. Jabir Ansari also secured fourth place in the Khelo India University Game 2022.
Zabir has received the State government’s Sports Award in 2018, 2021 and 2022.
Zabir said that as a child he always dreamed of doing action. Also, he would sneak out and watch action movies of actors like Akshay Kumar. After watching a film, he always felt a strong urge to learn action. However, only after came to Patna for admission in the 12th class did he join a Karate class. In 2015, he played a match at the national level for the first time.
Initially, his family wanted him to focus on studies. However, sensing his inclination for Karate, his parents gave him a go-ahead.
Shahab Zafar Azmi, Chairman of the Urdu Department of Patna University, says that Zabir Ansari’s success is the success of the Urdu Department and Patna University. “I congratulate our promising student, may he get more success.”
Zabir also says that the college gave him confidence as a sportsperson.
“I will always be grateful for the honour of being a student of Patna University and above all for the guidance and support I received.”
Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has honoured Jabir for encouraging him.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / June 03rd, 2024
Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh and some of the mosques he designed.
Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh, a visionary based in Pune, Maharashtra, exemplifies the transformative power of architecture. With a passion for blending modern design with cultural heritage, Imran has developed a diverse portfolio ranging from innovative urban projects to iconic cultural landmarks. Renowned for his distinctive approach, he has redefined architectural design, particularly in the creation of mosques. His designs for these sacred spaces often include facilities like hospitals, museums, libraries, and community kitchens, showcasing his dedication to empowering the community. Through his work, Imran Abbas Shaikh has set a new standard for integrating functionality with tradition, earning widespread acclaim for his contributions to architecture.
Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh.
The Early Years
Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, has traversed an extraordinary journey from his roots to emerge as one of the most prominent architects of our time.
His architectural firm, Cubix Architects, situated in his hometown, reflects his deep-rooted connection to the place that nurtured his talents. Growing up, Imran was distinguished by his unique approach and a penchant for creative thinking, qualities that would later define his illustrious career as a visionary architect. However, it was the unwavering support and belief of his father that truly ignited Imran’s passion. His father instilled in him the notion that architecture was not merely about envisioning structures, but about crafting an unwavering future that could bring about positive change. This paternal guidance became the driving force behind Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence.
Islamic School and Institutional Campus, Phaltan, Maharashtra.
Educational Background
Imran Shaikh’s educational journey was marked by a pursuit of excellence from the outset. Beginning with his early schooling split between SSPM and Children’s Academy in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, he demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and innovation. His high school years at Poona College laid the groundwork for his academic prowess, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.
Imran’s passion for architecture led him to Bharati Vidyapeeth, where he honed his skills and emerged as a consistent topper throughout his degree. Even after completing his formal education, Imran’s dedication to his field remained unwavering. He continues to share his expertise and insights by delivering lectures and guiding Ph.D. aspirants, leaving an indelible mark as an inspirational figure for aspiring architects and youngsters alike. His contributions as a guest lecturer have not only enriched the minds of his students but have also sparked a newfound enthusiasm for architecture among many.
Islamic Spiritual Centre of Maulana Sajjad Nomani – Neral, Maharashtra
Inspiration Behind Choosing Architecture as Career
Imran Shaikh always had a keen interest in travelling, exploring, and various forms of art. After high school, he decided to pursue architecture as a career, a field that had always intrigued him. Imran often spoke about how his father was his biggest motivator, playing a significant role in his journey to becoming a successful architect. During Imran’s college years, his father would proudly share his accomplishments with everyone. Imran’s fondness for art and his unique, abstract perspective on things have been evident throughout his career. Each of his projects bears a distinctive touch, showcasing his artistic vision and innovative approach.
“Modern technologies have made the youth increasingly dependent, resulting in a lack of motivation and original ideas. To foster change, it is essential to reduce dependency on readymade materials and encourage wholehearted engagement in learning, exploration, and hands-on activities. As long as a person is away from mental pollution, they can do wonders”
How Does Imran Shaikh See Architecture
Imran Shaikh states that architecture is a profession that has existed since the dawn of mankind, tracing its origins back to Adam (AS). Since the beginning, people have sought shelter, making architecture an integral part of human existence. This concept is not limited to humans; some of the best architectural forms can be seen in birds and animals. According to him, architecture starts with a dot, which evolves into a line, then a triangle, and gradually forms complex shapes and designs. The journey beginning with a simple dot encapsulates the essence of architecture.
His favourite works
The ‘Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, is under construction and spans 4,500 square metres.
Dar e Arqam
This mosque will include various facilities such as a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research centre.
Remarkably, it will be the first mosque in India to feature five minarets, symbolising the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith (shahada), prayer (namaz), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (roza), and pilgrimage (hajj). The mosque will be pentagon-shaped, further reflecting the significance of the five pillars. Additionally, it will boast a water and light show and house the world’s largest Quran, measuring 21 feet in height and 36 feet in width.
Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh
Some of architect Imran’s finest works include:
1-KAUSAR BAUGH MASJID – PUNE, MAHARASHTRA
2-ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL CENTRE OF MAULANA SAJJAD NOMANI – NERAL, MAHARASHTRA
3-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – PHALTAN, MAHARASHTRA
4-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – NEPAL
5-MASJID MUHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH INDO ISLAMIC CULTURAL – BABRI MASJID, UP AYODHYA
5-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – BANGLADESH
Building a Better Society
Apart from his architectural achievements, Imran Shaikh is actively involved in education through his nonprofit ‘Human Embrace Foundation’, based in Pune. This foundation is dedicated to educating children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities. Imran’s commitment to this cause has made a significant impact, inspiring many young people. His dedication and success serve as a powerful role model for youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in their communities. Through both his architectural work and his educational initiatives, Imran Shaikh exemplifies the values of innovation, compassion, and community empowerment.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Fiza Memon / May 25th, 2024
Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / New York, U.S.A / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :
Rummana Hussain’s conceptual artistic imprint on the state of India is relevant now more than ever. Dealing in the currency of feminist expression, postcolonial thought and perennial ideas, Rummana’s India is both doubly colourful and doubly dark.
In an inaugural show in its new West Village location, New York’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Art presents The Tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal an exhibition encapsulating Rummana Hussain’s artistic ruminations about the space our bodies occupy in present and past through one of India’s most prominent Muslim woman.
Bangalore-born Rummana Hussain (1952-1999) was a pioneer in conceptual and performance-based political art in India during the 1980s and 1990s.
She was part of the Sahmat collective, a platform for liberal, secular engagés multidisciplinary artists including Safdar Hashmi, Bharti Kher, and Manjeet Bawa among others.
In this recreation of The Tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal (1997), the respectful visitor enters a one-room shrine.
“In seeing The Tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal today, I remembered Hussain’s bold feminist reclamation of her Muslim body through the reincarnated aura of Begum Hazrat Mahal to question monolithic identity, national narratives, and systemic marginalisation”
Various objects signify a site of lamentation, pride, and remembrance.
On the floor, occupying a central location, 12 votive-like papaya halves sit atop a mattress of uncooked rice, evoking both an altar to womanhood and fertility, and a symbolic funerary pyre.
In front of them stands an installation of offerings comprising amulets, dried roses, shells, and incense sticks, tied in a rope.
Against the three other walls is a calligraphic sculpture from rusty metal that reminds of a sacred spell and the embodiment of time, and an image frieze of detailed black and white triumphant photographs showing a woman’s arms, wrists, and hands.
In one of these frames, a woman raises her fist up as if calling others to join in. In another, she holds an ominous knife. Images of flames are interjected between the simulacra of archives.
The room is devoted to a woman, an invisible physical body which radiates from each of the static objects. Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820-1879), née Muhammadi Khanum, was born into a poor family.
She was sold and entered the royal harem of art-loving Wajid Ali Shah, the last king of Awadh, a kingdom that occupied the area of the present-day northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Trained as a harem attendant, she would eventually rise to become the king’s concubine – one of his favourites. Beyond her charms, Begum Hazrat Mahal owes her entrance on the historical stage foremost to her political prowess and courage.
The British-owned East India Company operated in Awadh since the early 19th century. The Company increased its grip in 1856, when it directly seized control of Awadh, citing poor governance and the need to uphold the rule of law to justify their annexation (an excuse known as the “Doctrine of Lapse”).
A Chief Commissioner was rapidly appointed. This caused the king to leave Lucknow and seek refuge in Calcutta. The Queen Mother of Awadh petitioned Queen Victoria in person for her son’s rights, in vain. Wives, including Begum Hazrat Mahal were left behind in occupied Lucknow.
After this brutal annexation, discontent grew in several parts of India against the British and the interference of the Company, culminating in a mutiny and revolt in May 1857. Rebels looked to Awadh’s Crown Prince as a successor to his absent father when they captured Lucknow.
But Birjis Qadr, the son of Begum Hazrat Mahal and Wajid Ali Shah, was still a child then, too young to assume power. In his stead, Begum Hazrat Mahal took over Awadh’s revolutionary affairs, actively leading the armed revolt during her regency, towards the reinstatement of Indian rule over Awadh in July 1857.
She continued resisting British rule well after the retaking of Awadh by the occupying troops in 1858, as she refused various offers of collaboration. She died in exile in Kathmandu, Nepal, as an unwavering freedom fighter. Today, a humble stele near Kathmandu’s Jama Masjid marks her tomb.
Rummana Hussain, Living on the Margins, 1995, performance at the National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai
When Rummana Hussain first showed The Tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal to the public in 1997, it was during a period marked by the tragic aftermath of inter-communal violence.
During the 1980s, radical Hindu nationalists campaigned to build a temple on the site believed to be the birthplace of Rama, where a mosque had been erected since the 16th century.
They took to the streets of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, en masse in 1992. Security lost control of the crowd which eventually stormed into the site, demolishing the mosque.
This ignited weeks of violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the deaths of thousands. A later investigation on the destruction of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya pointed out the responsibility of leaders and supporters of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political party of India’s incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Babri Masjid launched a turning point in Hussain’s artistic journey towards a more intimate, politically-conscious form of expression. In Dissected Projection (1993), she explored the multilayered meaning of ruins and dislocation through an allegorical work that exposes a fracture, a shattered piece of terracotta.
In her show Multiples and Fragments (1994), Hussain engaged with historical and domestic oppression in an installation of pigmented pieces of fabric on a clothesline, to denounce the colonial extraction of indigo in India and unpaid housework traditionally performed by women and girls. Labour is always physical and violence first hurts the most vulnerable.
In her 1995 performance Living on the Margins, Hussain screamed while holding papaya halves, shapes that represent a universal vessel and the female anatomy.
Her works have been exhibited in the India Pavilion of the Venice Biennale in 2019, and in multiple institutions across India, Canada, Australia, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States during her lifetime and posthumously.
In seeing The Tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal today, I remembered Hussain’s bold feminist reclamation of her Muslim body through the reincarnated aura of Begum Hazrat Mahal to question monolithic identity, national narratives, and systemic marginalisation. She wanted to say, we can turn the hate in love, we can turn the oppressed, the victims, into heroes they will one day celebrate. We can tell our own stories. They matter.
Outside, scores of brunch-goers live, love, laugh. If it’s dissonance we are meant to acknowledge, I acknowledge it. I closed my eyes in the silent white cube of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art and saw images of the relentless violence and bullying Muslim women continue to face in Narendra Modi’s India.
In this reconstituted tomb, it’s hard to feel alone. Around me swarmed many other ghosts, of ordinary Muslim women – from Afghanistan to Iran and beyond – crushed and slain in their contemporary defence of freedom and justice against oppressors. Many have been killed in their fight.
A shrine calls for a quiet prayer, I realised.
Farah Abdessamad is a New York City-based essayist/critic, from France and Tunisia.
Jyothi Yarraji and Mohammed Afsal won the women’s 100m hurdles and men’s 800m title respectively at B&S Kurpfalz Gala.
Jyothi Yarraji and Mohammed Afsal won the women’s 100m hurdles and men’s 800m title respectively at B&S Kurpfalz Gala.
Indian hurdler Jyothi Yarraji delivered another outstanding performance this year by securing the women’s 100m hurdles title at the B&S Kurpfalz Gala, while Mohammed Afsal claimed victory in the men’s 800m race with a season-best time in Weinheim, Germany on Saturday.
Yarraji began her campaign by winning the first heat of the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 13.36 seconds, earning her spot in the final. She then improved her time in the final to 13.06 seconds, clinching the title.
This marks her second title of the year in the women’s 100m hurdles, following her victory at the Harry Schulting Games earlier this month. Additionally, she competed in the women’s 200m time trial final at the event, finishing third with a time of 23.83 seconds, behind two Dutch players.
In the men’s 110m hurdles, Tejas Shirse secured the silver medal with an impressive time of 13.60 seconds, just 0.4 seconds shy of his personal best set earlier this month.
Mohammed Afsal triumphed in the middle distance event (800m), claiming the title with a season-best time of 1:47.05 in his first outdoor international event of the year. This time also propelled him to the second position in the list of Indian best timings of the year, behind Parvej Khan’s 1:46.12.
Amlan Borgohain kicked off his season with an impressive time of 10.66 seconds in the 100m sprint, securing a spot in the top five list of the fastest 100m sprinters in India this season.
Meanwhile, Animesh Kujur, who shone at the Federation Cup last week, maintained his excellent form by clocking a time of 20.96 seconds to claim second place in the men’s 200m at his inaugural international tournament.
Pavana Nagraj, the Asian U20 champion, participated in the women’s long jump event at the same competition, achieving a respectable leap of 6.15m in the final. While she achieved this mark on her first attempt, she couldn’t surpass it in subsequent jumps and finished in seventh place.
source: http://www.thebridge.in / The Bridge / Home> Athletics / by The Bridge Desk / May 18th, 2024
Besides Nikhat and Minakshi’s gold medals, Indian boxers won two silver and eight bronze medals to better their last edition’s record of five medals.
File image of Indian boxing star Nikhat Zareen. Image credit: BFI
Astana, Kazakhstan:
Reigning world champion Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi clinched gold medals as the Indian team concluded their Elorda Cup 2024 campaign with 12 medals in Astana, Kazakhstan on Saturday.
Besides Nikhat and Minakshi’s gold medals, Indian boxers won two silver and eight bronze medals to better their last edition’s record of five medals.
Nikhat (52kg) continued her dominance in the ongoing prestigious tournament as she outclassed Zhazira Urakbayeva of Kazakhstan with an unanimous 5-0 scoreline to add yet another gold medal to her coveted medal tally.
Minakshi started the day for India with a bang when she defeated Uzbekistan’s Rahmonova Saidahon 4-1 in the women’s 48kg final to give India its first gold medal of the competition.
Meanwhile, Anamika (50kg) and Manisha (60kg) suffered losses to end their campaigns with silver medals.
Anamika fought valiantly but conceded a 1-4 loss against reigning world and Asian champion China’s Wu Yu while Manisha faced a 0-5 defeat against Kazakhstan’s Viktoriya Grafeeva.
Medallists:
Gold: Minakshi (48kg) and Nikhat Zareen (52kg)
Silver: Anamika (50kg) and Manisha (60kg)
Bronze: (men) Yaiphaba Singh Soibam (48kg), Abhishek Yadav (67kg), Vishal (86kg) and Gaurav Chauhan (92+kg); (women) Sonu (63kg), Manju Bamboriya (66kg), Shalakha Singh Sansanwal (70kg) and Monika (81+kg).
source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> FP Sports / May 18th, 2024
Prof Asad U Khan, from the Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit at Aligarh Muslim University, has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of Microbiology, securing the 39th position globally, according to ScholarGPS, the world’s foremost scholarly analytics platform. This platform utilizes advanced computational techniques such as data mining, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis to evaluate scholarly impact comprehensively.
Named as an “Inaugural Highly Ranked Scholar,” Prof Khan joins an elite group of scholars, with only three Indian researchers ranking in the top 0.05% globally in Microbiology. His recognition among 67 scholars worldwide underscores his exceptional contributions to the field.
Expressing his elation, Prof Khan shared, “I was truly thrilled to discover my global standing. Being passionate about research and dedicating two decades to antimicrobial studies, this recognition surpasses my expectations.” He expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, and supporters for their encouragement throughout his journey.
Highly Ranked Scholars like Prof Khan are distinguished by both productivity (number of publications) and impact (citations), as well as the quality of their work (h-index). ScholarGPS’s extensive database, comprising over 30 million scholar profiles and 200 million scholarly publications, enables precise identification of scholars within specific specialties, disciplines, and fields.
Prof Khan’s accolades extend beyond this recent recognition, with previous honors from national and international scientific bodies, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to combating Antimicrobial Resistance.
In summary, Prof Asad U Khan’s global ranking in Microbiology signifies not only his individual achievement but also highlights the excellence of research conducted at Aligarh Muslim University, reaffirming India’s presence on the global scientific stage.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2024
