From Adversity to Prosperity: How Shakeela’s Rug Weaving Initiative Transformed Rural Women’s Lives in UP’s Chandauli

Chandauli, UTTAR PRADESH :

Shakeela weaving carpet on the loom at home

Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh): 

Shakeela Bano’s journey from a housewife to an entrepreneurial inspiration in her village, Katsil in Sakaldiha Tehsil, is one that exemplifies the power of determination. Faced with the challenges of a sudden job loss of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to turn adversity into opportunity by starting a home-based rug weaving business.

What began as a way to support her family has now evolved into a flourishing self-help group that is helping many women in her village achieve financial independence and self-reliance.

Shakeela’s Journey

“My husband used to work on a power loom in Varanasi, but during the pandemic-induced lockdown, he became unemployed. The challenges of running the family became significant. I was already running the ‘Hariom Self-Help Group’ in the village. I held meetings with the women in the group and got their consent to start rug weaving. After 20-22 days, we made our first income. After deducting expenses, each person received Rs 2,000,” Shakeela, the president of the group, told TwoCircles.net.

Young girls and women weaving carpet in Shakeela Bano’s house

From then on, they worked with even more enthusiasm. Now, each woman member earns Rs 4,000-5,000 per month. The raw material for making one rug costs Rs 400. It involves labor costs another Rs 400. “We make 60-70 rugs and 150-170 mats per month, and each rug sells for Rs 1,100 rupees,” she said.

In a region where unemployment and lack of opportunity have been longstanding issues, Shakeela’s determination to succeed sparked a change. Her initiative not only transformed her own life but also empowered others around her, especially women, by providing them with meaningful work that helped them earn an income, gain confidence, and become self-reliant.

Today, Shakeela’s business is a model of success, and her group has expanded to include men as well, offering them a chance to work alongside women in the rug weaving business.

Hand products – carpets and rugs, on display in the Kastil village exhibition

New Opportunities for Local Women, Youth

With timely payments, local women and unemployed young men started flocking to Shakeela’s center. Initially, she had set up only two machines, but now, with two sets of 10 machines each, rug weaving work is progressing rapidly. She said she has recently purchased land and plans to install rug weaving machines there as well after arranging funds for the same.

Shakeela, a graduate and also a BC Sakhi or Bank Sakhi, further said, “Just 10 days ago, a district-level village industry exhibition was organised in the Niyamatabad development block by the district administration, where mats worth Rs 5,000 were sold. There is a high demand for small hand-woven mats that are sold for Rs 100-120 in local markets and district-level exhibitions. In addition to making mats here, women from half a dozen nearby villages are taking raw material and weaving mats at home to become self-reliant.”

Chameli Devi, who is associated with the Nai Bazar Chameli Devi Self-Help Group and works in rug weaving, first learned weaving at Shakeela’s workshop. After learning there, she set up three machines at home to weave mats. “I get raw materials from Shakeela didi (sister). After delivering the finished products to the traders, payment is made immediately. The better income from rug weaving is opening doors to prosperity,” she said.

Shakeela depositing the money of the women of the group in the bank branch located in Nai Bazar.

Support Systems, Market Integration

The availability of banking facilities and having a savings account for village dwellers is considered an essential indicator of development in rural economy. The women involved in the group deposit the income and savings from rug weaving in a newly established bank in the local market.

Shakeela also provides them with loans at low interest rates for their self-employment and necessary expenses.

Shakeela’s husband, Raju Ansari, said they procure raw materials from Saiyadraja town, 10 kilometers from the Katsil village, without paying any sum in advance. “Anyone interested in making rugs can get raw materials and receive payment after delivering the finished products. From here, the rugs are sent to Bhadohi. They are then exported from Bhadohi to Gulf countries, Turkey, the United States, Russia and Europe,” he said. The easy sale of products has boosted the pace of work and increased the enthusiasm of the workers. Due to rug weaving, the unemployment rate among the youth in his village has reduced.

Chandauli District Magistrate Nikhil T Funde buying doormat from Shakeela Bano’s stall in the exhibition

Traders from the carpet city of Bhadohi send raw materials to be woven into carpets (rugs) by village workers. This not only increases employment opportunities in the villages but also reduces the time required to complete the goods. The finished rugs are brought to Bhadohi, where they are given a final touch in factories before being prepared for the international market, where they are called carpets.

At the district-level village industry exhibition, Chandauli District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde appreciated Shakeela’s home-based industry initiative and appealed to people, “The women, men and youth of the district can also earn a better income through self-employment and small industries and provide employment to others. The Government of Uttar Pradesh and the district administration are ready to offer all possible support.”

(Pavan Kumar Maurya is an independent journalist. He tweets at @pavanmaurya17)

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Art-Culture> India News>India Politics> Indian Muslim / by Pavan Kumar Maurya, TwoCircles.net / February 22nd, 2025

Delhi’s Sahyog Credit Co-Op Society Celebrates 1st Year, Transforming Lives with Interest-Free Micro-Financing for Daily Wagers, Small Businesses, Shopkeepers

NEW DELHI :

Member of Parliament Tariq Anwar speaking at the first year celebration of Sahyog credit co-operative society in Abul Fazal Enclave, Jamia Nagar, on February 23, 2025.

New Delhi :

Delhi’s Jamia Nagar-based Sahyog Credit Cooperative Society Ltd celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, offering a comprehensive range of services, including Daily Deposit Accounts where daily wage earners and small businesses can deposit a minimum of Rs. 100 daily at their doorsteps, and providing interest-free loans and financial assistance ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh under various personal consumption, consumer, and commercial loan schemes.

Sahyog is working under the nationwide Sahulat Microfinance Society, a game-changing initiative in the interest-free finance sector that operates in 13 states and has 130 branches serving 3.5 lakh members across the country.

Its first annual programme was held at Milli Model School in Okhla, New Delhi, with Congress MP Tariq Anwar speaking as the chief guest and attended by various local dignitaries and prominent personalities.

Sahulat’s Groundbreaking Work in Microfinance: A Beacon of Hope for Low-Income Families

Speaking at the event, Usama Khan, CEO of Sahulat Microfinance Society, highlighted the organization’s 14-year history of providing interest-free microfinance services across India. He shared that Sahulat currently has 63 registered interest-free credit cooperative societies affiliated with it, operating 121 branches across 13 states. These branches serve nearly 3.5 lakh members, with the number steadily increasing.

Usama further detailed its impressive figures, including annual deposits of approximately Rs. 1460 crores and annual loan disbursements of around Rs. 625 crores, both of which are doubling every year.

Emphasizing that Sahyog’s success is built on the strong foundation of Sahulat’s 14 years of experience, Usama said, “Sahyog’s journey is not just one year; it is backed by the proven track record of Sahulat’s nationwide operations.”

“Credit cooperative societies worldwide are supply-side models,” Usama said. “Similarly, Sahulat-affiliated societies help low-income individuals save a small portion of their income, whether from daily wages, small businesses, or other livelihoods, which, over time, can accumulate and be used for essential needs.”

Assuring the audience, Usama stressed that the foundations of Sahyog and other affiliated societies are robust, adhering to both Indian regulations and international microfinance standards. He also praised Sahyog’s office bearers, including President Shamsuz Zoha and Vice President, as trustworthy persons.

Defining Sahyog,  Usama Khan explained that the society is registered under the Delhi Cooperative Societies Act as a credit cooperative society. It offers thrift schemes to its members, mobilizes deposits, and provides interest-free loans and financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 to meet the various consumption and business needs of small-income individuals in the Jamia Nagar locality, regardless of caste, class, or religion. Usama highlighted that Sahyog primarily serves small-scale businessmen and low-income people in areas such as Zakir Nagar, Batla House, Abul Fazal, Okhla Vihar, and Shaheen Bagh.

Usama further detailed Sahyog’s services, including the Daily Deposits Account. This initiative allows daily depositors, such as daily wage earners, shopkeepers, street vendors, and auto and cab drivers, to make deposits without leaving their workplaces or shops. Sahyog’s staff collects deposits directly from members’ homes, doorsteps, shops, or other locations, starting with a minimum of Rs. 100. Under this scheme, daily wage earners and small shop owners can deposit a minimum of Rs. 100 daily at their doorsteps.  The service also provides e-receipts (via SMS) and passbooks for members.

For salaried individuals, working women, and both skilled and unskilled professionals, Sahyog offers a Saving Account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200. This account is designed to cater to their future needs and is supported by deposit collection both in the field and at the branch office.

Micro Finance institution Backed by Strong Islamic Interest-free norms

Speaking about Sahyog’s interest-free loan offerings, Usama Khan outlined three types of loan schemes: Demand Loan, Consumer Murabaha Financing, and Commercial Murabaha Financing. He explained that the Demand Loan is specifically designed for consumption purposes, such as personal use, with a maximum tenure of 12 to 18 months. Under this scheme, Sahyog charges no interest or profit, not even based on depositor profits or institutional standards. Instead, the society only applies a minimal surcharge of 1-2%, covering the actual costs of office maintenance, such as doorstep collections, record keeping, and expenses related to core banking software and office staff.

Usama emphasized that Sahyog, as a non-banking institution, operates with core banking software to ensure transparency and efficiency in its operations.

Addressing concerns regarding the minimal surcharge being equated with interest, Usama firmly stated that all of Sahyog’s schemes strictly adhere to Islamic teachings, reinforcing the society’s commitment to providing interest-free financial services.

Usama made a heartfelt appeal to marginalized and low-income people, encouraging them to save and invest in the scheme to meet their daily needs. He also urged the affluent members of society to contribute resources and support this initiative to uplift those in need.

Sahyog: Expansion Plans and Promising Future

In a conversation with Indiatomorrow.net, Sahyog Vice President Abdul Mannan clarified that the society does not charge interest or fixed percentage fees on loans. Instead, it only recovers the actual costs associated with services like doorstep collections, office maintenance, and software upkeep. These costs are minimal, typically ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 per loan of 20-50 thousand. He also shared that Sahyog’s Jamia Nagar branch has been operating smoothly, with 750 members joining within its first year. The members have shown great cooperation, with loan repayments being made responsibly. Abdul Mannan revealed plans to expand Sahyog’s branches in different areas of Delhi and aimed to increase the membership to 1,000 by 2025.

Regarding the Consumer Murabaha Financing scheme, Abdul Mannan explained that it allows Sahyog to provide durable products to members for consumption. The loan repayment period ranges from 3 to 18 months, with amounts between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1 lakh. For example, if a member wants to purchase a refrigerator priced at Rs. 20,000, Sahyog buys the refrigerator at that price, and then negotiates a one-time profit share with the seller. The member then repays the exact Rs. 20,000 in easy instalments. Abdul Mannan emphasized that this profit is in compliance with Islamic teachings.

Abdul Mannan also introduced the upcoming Commercial Murabaha Financing scheme, which will provide commercial products to members. Loans for these products will range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. Members can also invest in one-time shares up to Rs. 50,000 and make time-bound savings of up to Rs. 1 lakh.

Moreover, the Sahyog official mentioned the Haj and Umrah Account, which allows individuals planning to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to open an account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200 per day or Rs. 5,000 per month. The term period for this account can range from 1 to 5 years, depending on the member’s needs.

Lauding Sahulat and Sahyog’s services for their focus on human care and the empowerment of low-income individuals, MP Tariq Anwar praised the society’s constructive work, highlighting its crucial impact on society. He commended the society’s interest-free loan schemes and financing programmes as a significant and commendable effort to assist those in need.

The MP said, “India is still not a developed country. We are still struggling to reach that goal. Even after 75 years of independence, our dream of a developed nation remains distant. It is a sad fact that around 90% of the population in this country is either poor or below the poverty line. Nearly 80 crore people depend on government rations or food.”

Urging people to work together and support initiatives like Sahyog to help elevate the country from poverty, Tariq Anwar emphasized the importance of cooperation. He reminded the audience that the cooperative movement in India began even before independence and has since become an integral part of the nation’s structure, with cooperatives playing key roles in different sectors including agriculture.

Lauding the progress of Sahulat and Sahyog, Prof. D.K. Dhusia, Head of the Department of Commerce and Business Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, stated that microfinance is synonymous with empowerment. He emphasized that microfinance is particularly beneficial for small-scale businesses, noting that these cooperative societies operate interest-free, in alignment with Islamic banking principles that also function on a zero-interest basis. He highlighted that microfinance societies play a vital role in empowering low-income groups within society.

During the event, Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a renowned surgeon and chairman of the 600-bed Medicant Hospital and Research Centre in Bokaro, Jharkhand, made a significant announcement. He pledged to offer free OPD treatments to all members of Sahyog and provided a 50% discount on cancer treatments. Dr. Talikoti also committed to extending full support and assistance to Sahyog’s members at his hospital.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by Anwarulhaq Baig / February 24th, 2025

Aziz Ali’s UPI service in local dialect gets RBI nod for launch

ASSAM :

Ali and Anand Kannan displaying HookoluPay at Advantage Assam conclave

People in India’s northeast can get set for a new UPI (Unified Payment Interface) experience. The new UPI service, HookoluPay, has received a license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as a digital payment platform using local languages of the Northeast region.

It’s likely to be launched by May or June.

Developed as part of a startup initiative by Assam-based entrepreneur Aziz Ali, HookoluPay is likely to help users with most of the local dialects available in the northeast region apart from English and Hindi.The

Ali, a B.Com graduate and an MBA has also kept the option of offline payment in HookoluPay because most places in the northeast still lack high-speed data.HookoluPay is set to break the existing language barrier with the existing UPI services.

“I have started working on HookoluPay in 2018. We got the license from the RBI and the NPCI in November last year. Once launched, HookoluPay will help users in India’s northeastern states with their own languages and dialects.

“While India is on the path of digital transformation, one must keep in mind that 60 percent of the people are still not included in the financial services. In many places, particularly in the hilly regions of the northeast people still use cash.

Ali and Anand Kannan displaying HookoluPay at Advantage Assam conclave

“Although there are UPI services like the GPay, PhonePe, PayTm, etc, most of them have English or Hindi language options. HookoluPay will have services in most of the dialects that are available in the region,” said Ali while talking to Awaz-The Voice.

Ali, who had set up a stall at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit to showcase the product, received large-scale encouragement from the visitors. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the stall put up by Ali and appreciated the initiative.

The Prime Minister reportedly asked Ali to take the new UPI service to every nook and corner of the country, mostly in India’s northeast where there is still a lack of digital payment services.

“Our main focus behind developing this new payment gateway is to bring more financial inclusion in the rural areas,” said Ali who is the founder of HookolyPay. Ali is a native of Jeypore near Naharkatiya in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. HookolyPay is a locally developed Fintech startup based in Assam.

An advertisement of the HookoluPay

m Ali’s partner and Co-founder of HookoluPay, Anand Kannan said that HookolyPay can be used for institutions, small enterprises, businesses for governments, travel, etc.

“Like any other payment gateway like GPay, PhonePe, PayTm, it can be used anywhere and by anyone. We are going to launch it pan India but our focus area will be Assam and Northeastern states as we are a startup from this region,” Kannan said.

“At present, we have the options of Hindi, English, Assamese, Mizo, and some other languages but more languages are being added so that it becomes user-friendly to the people,” said Ali.

This will help digital payments in India’s northeast, said Ali.

“Our stall was visited by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during his visit to the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 24 evening. The Prime Minister’s words are very encouraging for us,” said Ali while adding that they are also taking this new UPI service to seven other countries which include Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, etc.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Karabi Sharma, Guwahati / March 01st, 2025

Rabiya Yaseen: Kashmir’s First Female Truck Driver Defies Gender Norms

Pulwama, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

First Female’ Truck Driver Of Kashmir Breaks Stereotypes

Pulwama, Kashmir :

In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, 37-year-old Rabiya Yaseen from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has emerged as the region’s first female truck driver, breaking societal barriers and challenging gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

A resident of Wakharwan, Rabiya’s journey began with her passion for driving light motor vehicles, which soon led her to obtain a heavy motor vehicle license. Now, she drives her own truck across India, covering long distances and earning her livelihood through her unconventional career choice.

Supported unconditionally by her family, especially her husband Mohammad Imtiyaz and mother-in-law Shehnaza Begum, Rabiya has faced numerous challenges but remained steadfast. “It was tough to step into this profession, but we all stood by her,” Shehnaza stated, emphasizing the importance of family encouragement in breaking societal norms.

For the past three years, Rabiya has been on the road, navigating highways across the country and proving that women can excel in any field when given the right opportunities. Her inspiring journey stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in Kashmir and serves as motivation for others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025

Three Brothers from Ahmednagar Become Doctors, Overcoming Financial Hardships with a Single Set of Books

Mola Village (Suye Taluka) Ahmednagar, MAHARASHTRA :

pix

Ahmednagar :

In an inspiring tale of determination, faith, and perseverance, three brothers from a modest Muslim family in Suye Taluka, Mola village, Ahmednagar, have defied financial struggles to achieve their dream of becoming doctors.

Dr. Azharuddin Patel (31), Dr. Mohsin Patel (29), and Dr. Rameez Patel (27) are living examples of how education, resilience, and unwavering belief in Allah’s plans can help overcome even the toughest obstacles. Their father, Rafeeq Patel, worked as a daily-wage laborer at a sugar mill, while their mother, Rehana Patel, managed the household. Despite their meager earnings, the parents remained steadfast in their commitment to educating their children.

What makes their journey truly extraordinary is how they pursued their MBBS degrees using just one set of medical textbooks. When Dr. Azharuddin secured admission to medical school, a local community organization gifted him a set of MBBS books. These very books were then passed down to his younger brothers, Mohsin and Rameez, allowing them to continue their medical studies without the burden of purchasing costly textbooks.

With the grace of Allah and their relentless dedication, all three brothers secured admission through government quota seats, making their achievement even more remarkable. Their story sends a powerful message to the Muslim community—education is the key to empowerment, and no financial obstacle is too great when faith and hard work go hand in hand.

Their success serves as a beacon of hope for underprivileged students across India, proving that financial struggles should never stand in the way of education. It also underscores the vital role of community support in nurturing young talent and fostering success.

As the Patel brothers step into the medical field, they carry with them a legacy of resilience, faith, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Their achievement is not just a personal victory but a source of immense pride for the entire Muslim community.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025

Inauguration of Fajr Trust Office: Another Milestone in the Journey of Service to Humanity

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bangalore:

The inauguration of the new office of the well-known social organisation, Fajr Trust, located in Thani Sandara, Gulistan city of Bangalore, took place recently in a dignified ceremony at Faizi Masjid, Thani Sandara. The event saw enthusiastic participation from esteemed personalities and local residents. The office was inaugurated by Mr. Khadim Nabi Khan, a senior member of Fajr Trust.

On this occasion, a review of the welfare services provided by the trust to the underprivileged and needy was presented. Speaking about the objectives of the trust, Mr. Masood, a member of Fajr Trust, stated that its key mission is to encourage people to attend Fajr prayers in congregation, attain the blessings of Fajr, work towards eradicating poverty among Muslims in the Thani Sandara area, and promote education.

Another member of Fajr Trust, Mr. Burhanuddin, recited and explained Surah Al-A’raf, Ayah 34. He emphasised that Allah grants every nation a fixed time to prove itself. Those who use this time wisely to please Allah will succeed, while those who stray from His guidance and become engrossed in worldly life will face failure and punishment in the Hereafter. He stressed the importance of self-accountability in all our actions.

Fajr Trust is a welfare organisation dedicated to serving the Muslim residents of Bhartiya City, Nikoo Homes, Sobha City, Piccadilly, and other housing societies in the Thani Sandara area.

Under its microfinance programme, Fajr Trust has provided interest-free financial assistance to over 100 individuals. Additionally, in a very short period, the trust has distributed 21 sewing machines to support needy families. To promote education, the “School Re-enrolment Programme” has facilitated the return of 30 children to school, covering their fees, books, and other essentials.

Furthermore, the “Masjid Musalla Programme” has been launched in two different slum areas to provide Islamic education for children and to establish regular congregational prayers. Considering the employment needs of the underprivileged, 15 individuals were provided with pushcarts to sell fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 25 deserving families received financial aid to help with marriage expenses.

On this occasion, Advocate Mohammad Naushad provided insights on income tax and other legal requirements.

Expressing his thoughts, Mr. Rauf, a member of Fajr Trust, stated that the trust is committed to expanding its services further, and this new office will play a crucial role in achieving that mission.

The event was attended by several members of Fajr Trust, including Mr. Akbar Sharif, Mr. Sameer, Mr. Shayan Umar, Mr. Irfan Razaq, Mr. Shahid, Mr. Parvez, Mr. Azeem, Mr. Azgar Pasha, and Mr. Farhat Abbas, among others.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Social Service / by Radiance News Bureau / February 28th, 2025

AMP Founder Aamir Edresy Honoured by Eminent Personalities in Mumbai

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

AMP Founder Aamir Edresy being honored by eminent personalities at a function in Islam Gymkhana, Mumbai

AMP Founder Aamir Edresy Honoured by Eminent Personalities in Mumbai

Mumbai’s Islam Gymkhana witnessed a grand event as Aamir Edresy, founder of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), was honoured by distinguished personalities for his organization’s transformative impact on education and employment in India.

AMP, established in 2007, has provided job placements and skill training to over 100,000 youth, trained 30,000+ teachers, and organized career guidance seminars in 50+ cities. It has also registered 300,000 students for the National Talent Search Exam, enabling rural and underprivileged students to access top institutions.

Eminent guests praised AMP’s nationwide network of 200+ city chapters, which connects professionals, educators, and NGOs to uplift marginalized communities.

“AMP has built pathways where none existed,” remarked Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey.

A documentary showcased AMP’s journey, highlighting how it has empowered thousands, making it a beacon of hope and progress in India’s socio-economic landscape.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / February 14th, 2025

Dr. Haneef Shabab Honored with Karnataka Urdu Academy Award 2024

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA :

Photo Credit: Varta Bharati

Bengaluru :

Renowned Urdu scholar, poet, and educator Dr. Haneef Shabab from Bhatkal has been selected for the prestigious Karnataka Urdu Academy Award 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Urdu literature. The award will be presented to him on February 27 at a special ceremony in Bengaluru.

Dr. Shabab, a veteran in the field of Urdu literature, has dedicated his life to teaching, research, and literary enrichment. As a poet, mentor, and academic, he has made significant efforts to preserve and promote Urdu through scholarly writings and literary works. His research and critical analyses have played a vital role in nurturing a new generation of Urdu scholars. With over 25 years of experience as an Urdu teacher at Shams English Medium School in Bhatkal, he has influenced countless students.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shabab has actively participated in seminars, workshops, and literary festivals, fostering a deeper appreciation for Urdu poetry and prose. His writings are not just academic but also deeply reflective of cultural values, emotions, and social issues.

One of his most celebrated works is the poem “Aur Line Cut Gayi,” which poignantly addresses the issue of female foeticide. Written as an emotional dialogue between a deceased child and her mother, the poem has received international acclaim for its profound social message.

Apart from poetry, Dr. Shabab has significantly contributed to Urdu journalism, writing insightful articles and critiques on various cultural and societal matters. He has also authored two books: “Sulagte Khwaab” (1997) and “Lahu Lahu Mausam” (2009), both collections of his poetry.

The recognition by the Karnataka Urdu Academy is a testament to Dr. Shabab’s lifelong dedication to Urdu literature and his impact on the literary world.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Award / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025

Anam Zafar becomes first MANUU student to get All India Rank 1 in UGC NET JRF

Chandanpatti Village (Darbhanga District) BIHAR / Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

Here is an amazing story of a single mother and her only child who brought tears of joy to her eyes by securing the first rank in the UGC-NET JRF examination.

Anam Zafar, 25, secured the 100 percentile in the examination. Her mother, Rehana Khatoon, lives in Chandanpatti village, Darbhanga district in Bihar. When Rehana Khatoon heard about the feat achieved by her daughter she could not stop tears flowing down her cheeks.

Anam Zafar is in the last leg of her M Ed fourth semester at Maulana Azad National Urdu University.

The Department of Education and Training felicitated Anam Zafar at a special event organised on Wednesday, two days after the news broke out. Faculty members, students, and university officials gathered to celebrate her exceptional accomplishment.

During the ceremony, the faculty members praised Anam Zafar’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement was highlighted as a role model for aspiring researchers.

Prof Shaheen A Shaik, Head of the Department, commended her hard work and stated, “Anam Zafar’s achievement is a testament to the high academic standards and research culture at MANUU. Her success will inspire many students to aim for excellence.”

Alongside Zafar, the department also felicitated other students who successfully qualified for UGC-NET and JRF. Their accomplishments were celebrated as a collective success of the university’s academic environment and the faculty’s dedicated mentorship.

Anam’s mother was divorced by her husband when the girl was only eight years old. Working as a teacher at a private school for Rs 800 a month, Rehana Khatoon enrolled her child in a school that worked under the Central Board of Education.

According to sources at MANUU, except for Anam’s uncle (her father’s brother), no one checked on her condition during her difficult years. Treading a difficult social and economic path her mother enrolled her in B Ed at the Centre for Teachers’ Education of MANUU in Darbhanga. Her obvious next step was joining M Ed of the University at Hyderabad.

In the meantime, she was married to Johar Ali, a technocrat working with a private firm in Hyderabad. The couple lives in the Lingampally area, close to the MANUU campus.

Anam says she could not have trodden the difficult road so far if her mother had not encouraged her at every step. “Now my husband has joined my mother and wishes me to complete PhD,” she said.

Anam, as a research fellow is expected to get about Rs 45,000 per month.

She expressed gratitude to her mother, mentors, faculty members, and family for their continuous support and encouragement and credited the university’s academic environment and guidance from her professors as key factors behind her success.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / February 26th, 2025

Darul Musannefin – Azamgarh’s Pride

Azamgarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Darul Musannefin, an institute established to propagate the rich cultural heritage of Urdu, Arabic and Persian texts through the institute’s publications and magazine, was established in 1914 by Maulana Shibli Nomani

Darul Musannefin, an institute established to propagate the rich cultural heritage of Urdu, Arabic and Persian texts through the institute’s publications and magazine, was established in 1914 by Maulana Shibli Nomani.

However, over the years like many other institutes associated with the Muslim community in India, this institute has fallen on bad days courtesy the apathy of the governments and the community’s disinterest with anything associated with its cultural and academic heritage.

When we talk about the rich heritage of Urdu books, then every Urdu lover bemoans that the government is not doing enough for saving and promoting the Urdu language – a language which binds at least 70% of Indians, socially and literally.

Yet, few of us ponders that what the Urdu lovers themselves are doing for saving and promoting the language. Their concern becomes abundantly clear by the everyday decreasing sales of Urdu books and newspapers. Further, what they are doing to save institutions which have been the flagbearers in propagating and saving the language by publishing books on different topics in Urdu. The answer is pretty obvious: nothing concrete except bemoaning and using hollow words.

One such institution is Darul Musannefin or Shibli Academy, just like the Rampur raza library of Rampur or the Khuda Baksh Library of Patna, in addition to a vast repertoire of books in private collections of individuals and organisations throughout India.

Darul Musannefin or Shibli Academy is a research academy based in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Its aim was to add authentic historical literature in Urdu so that people could have easy access to history. It was started as Darul Musannefin but later it was named after its founder Shibli Nomani.

Maulana Shibli Nomani, a Sunni Muslim scholar established it in Azamgarh in February 1914; after failing to establish the Academy in Lucknow, it was established in Azamgarh at Nomani’s mango orchard. It started working on 21 November 1914, 3 days after Maulana Nomani’s death under the guidance of Maulana Hamiduddin Farahi. Other founders included Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Maulana Abdus Salam Nadvi and Maulana Masood Ali Nadvi.

Established just three days after Shibli’s death in 1914, the Academy is a leading institution of Oriental, Islamic and Mediaeval Indian Studies, and Azamgarh’s pride. It occupies nine acres donated by Shibli and his relatives. The centrepiece is a beautiful whitewashed building housing a massive library of over 1.5 lakh books and around 700 manuscripts, some of them rare, and an office.

Staff residences, the mosque and a conference hall stand apart.

Shibli Academy: A Treasure Trove

The Academy’s library is a treasure trove. Its spacious central hall is furnished with sofas and chairs, which have been graced by personalities ranging from Mahatma Gandhi, to Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandi or in other words virtually every Indian Prime Minister and President, except the present dispensation, and scores of other Indian and foreign dignitaries. “Here have sat dozens of famous dignitaries,” Academy’s senior fellow Mohammed Umair Siddique Nadvi, told me on my recent visit to the acclaimed institute.

Mohammed Umair showed me rare books and manuscripts, including Persian translations of Ramayan and Mahabharata, and Sirr-e-Akbar, Persian translation of the Upanishads by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh, a great scholar. The excellent condition in which most of these rare books have been preserved over the years shows the dedication of the institution’s staff despite meagre resources. The gold embossed titles and pages decorated with gold border still retain their sheen.

[Akbar Nama (L) and Monsiual Arwah]

Another gem is Monisul Arwah, a book on Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti by Dara’s sister Jahanara. “This is our most prized possession which Maulana Shibli found at an old bookshop in Lucknow and bought for Rs 100 in 1906. It was very dear to him and travelled to an international exhibition of rare manuscripts in Paris,” says Nadvi.

There’s a section where testimonies of some famous visitors, including Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malaviya and Maulana Azad, are kept. Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru, stayed at the Academy several times during their visits to Azamgarh. When Gandhi first visited it in the 1920s, the Academy’s founding secretary, Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, showed him the library by lantern light since electricity supply was erratic.

Another famous visitor was Bi Amma, mother of Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat Ali, freedom fighters and Khilafat Movement leaders better known as the Ali brothers. But while the Academy is Azamgarh’s pride, it faces a severe financial crunch. It has only one librarian, 48-year-old Saleem Javed, son of the Academy’s former director Maulana Ziauddin Islahi, to look after the vast collection.

“I do whatever I can, but it is not possible for one person to look after so many books. I opened my eyes on this campus and have been working here for around 25 years, and will continue to do so.” says Javed, apparently resigned to his and the institute’s fate.

The funding crunch prevents the management from hiring more staff and expediting translation and digitisation of titles from Arabic, Persian and Urdu into other Indian languages and English.

Future of Darul Musannefin

The Academy’s primary purpose is to protect and propagate the scientific, authentic history and rational interpretations of Islam. It also upholds Hindu-Muslim harmony, or the much talked about Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, and sheds light on the life and times of Maulana Shibli, yet so far no one has come forward to help the institute and its committed staff to restore the institute to its former glory. Before Independence, it received grants from Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab of Bhopal, and others. But now that those streams have dried up, many say the cash-starved institution should look beyond its four walls.

Maulana Shibli had donated his own land with a mango orchard and persuaded close relatives to donate parcels of their land for Darul Musannefin, the library, printing press and publication of Maarif, the monthly journal founded in July 1916.

Since Urdu is shrinking, the library’s patrons have dwindled over the years.Today, it would help if more people started subscribing to Maarif for Rs 10,000 as a life member or even if subscribing to the same for Rs 400 or Rs 1800 towards annual or five years subscription, as a corpus of Rs 10 crore can bail out the institution and help implement its future development plans. In this regard any of the big business houses can also help, as part of their CSR responsibility.

(The writer, Asad Mirza, is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.)

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Special Report / by Asad Mirza / February 25th, 2025