Abdussalam Puthige, Editor-in-Chief of Vartha Bharati
Bengaluru:
The Karnataka Media Academy announced its Lifetime Achievement Awards, Annual Awards, and Endowment Awards for 2023 and 2024 on Thursday.
For 2024, Abdussalam Puthige, Editor-in-Chief of Vartha Bharati, was selected for this honour for his significant contributions to journalism.
Among the Annual Award recipients for 2023 was Ibrahim Adkasthala from Vartha Bharati, recognised for his outstanding work. Muhammad Akheel, also from Vartha Bharati, received an Endowment Award for his impactful reporting. Special mentions for 2024 included his report on untouchability in Koppal.
Abdussalam Puthige started his career as sub-editor in Sanmarga weekly published from Mangalore. He is author, orator and good debater as well.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / January 03rd, 2025
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan receives the prestigious Bhoogol Vachaspati Award at Osmania University Hyderabad
Agra :
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, former Chairman, Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University has been honoured with the prestigious Bhoogol Vachaspati Award, conferred on him by the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI) at the inaugural function of Indian Geography Congress organised by the Department of Geography, Osmania University, Hyderabad.
The award recognises Prof Khan’s seminal contributions and services in promoting the cause of Geography in India.
Prof. Khan has had an illustrious teaching career spanning over thirty years with a special thrust on agricultural geography, livestock and rural marketing, livelihood generation, poverty reduction, sustainable development in rural regions and environmental studies.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / January 01st, 2025
Tonk has been renowned for its calligraphy, a centuries-old art form that has earned the nawabi city an esteemed reputation on the international stage. This rich cultural heritage continues to thrive through the dedication of talented artists.
Recently, a national-level calligraphy competition was held in Aurangabad, attracting participants from across India, including Telangana, Maharashtra, Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and his student Shahjahan, both from Tonk’s Markaz-Talimul-Khutut institute, represented their city at the Second All-India Quranic Calligraphy Competition. The event was organised in collaboration with Maulana Azad College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Aurangabad) and the Iran Culture House, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Participants were initially shortlisted based on online submissions of their work. Those selected were invited to the competition held on December 27. Among the contenders, Tonk’s calligraphers distinguished themselves, securing the top two honours and bringing glory to their city.
Ustad Zafar Raza Khan received high praise for his exceptional skill in the Nasta’liq script. While judges unanimously considered his work the finest, he was awarded the second prize due to international competition rules. These rules stipulate that if only one individual meeting the standard for first place remains in the competition, the top prize is withheld, and the second prize is awarded instead.
Shahjahan, another participant from Tonk, triumphed in the Naskh Arabic (Osmani Naskh) script category, winning first prize. Their achievements underscore the exceptional training provided at Markaz-Talimul-Khutut, a new institute established in Tonk on January 1, 2024.
The institute has rapidly gained prominence, thanks to its internationally acclaimed instructors, Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and Ustad Khurshid Alam. Both are celebrated as among the finest calligraphy masters globally. Their dedication has elevated the institute and inspired a new generation of artists to master this ancient art form.
The institute’s officials attribute their success to the hard work of their students and faculty, pledging continued efforts to preserve and promote the art of calligraphy. This achievement is a source of pride not only for Tonk but for Rajasthan and the entire nation.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / January 01st, 2025
An award winning activist and trainer, Saleha is an inspiration to many !
Period. Just the word alone has the power to make people uncomfortable, but why?
Troubled by the ubiquity of this discomfort, young Saleha decided to take it upon herself to break the stigma and lead the change in her slum in Mumbai city. An inspiring change-maker at 15, the story of Saleha is the clarion call for society at large to start talking about menstruation. It is indeed high time to not just talk but also celebrate these celebrate small steps towards change.
It is shocking that less than half of India’s 355 million menstruating women use sanitary napkins (SNs). These are not mere statistics, but a reality we can no longer ignore. For millions of women in India, the struggle begins with the lack of basic awareness about menstruation and therefore not following the right menstrual health and hygiene practices.
Saleha lives in the Govandi slums, located close to Mumbai’s biggest dump yard, with one of the lowest human development indices of the city. Her brave efforts despite the odds she faces every day may not end the problem that Govandi and even India faces at large but she is surely a part of the solution!
How did it all begin?
Saleha’s journey was not an easy one. Initially, she had minimal support from her family. After marrying off her elder sister, the family was faced with financial difficulties. Then as they faced the choice of sending either Saleha or her brother to school, they did what many families do. She was in class 8th then.
Saleha’s family mindset was only able to change with her extraordinary perseverance coupled with months of consistent effort put forward by Save the Children’s team. Today, Saleha is in class 11th and an active member of Save the Children children’s group in her area.
She was 12 when she first attended a menstruation session in her school.
She recalls: “We were taken to a separate class for the session and boys were not a part of it. I think even if boys don’t menstruate, they too should be educated about it,” says Saleha.
The fact that menstruation is one hush-hush topic that is usually avoided by our parents, teachers and the community.
As an active member of the children’s group, Saleha stood at the forefront of a unique child-led campaign called WASH4LIFE. In this campaign she strongly advocated water and sanitation issues in her community. Saleha has conducted more than 250 sessions on menstrual hygiene and other issues related to water and sanitation-issues over the last three years. She has been able to influence more than 2,500 adolescent girls who have adopted healthy menstrual hygiene practices. She does it through innovative (and fun) methods of messaging such as street plays, photo exhibitions and talk shows – reaching out to over 10,000 community members.
When Saleha first joined the group, she was very fascinated by the program, as it provided an opportunity for her and other children to understand the changes in their body at the time of puberty – something that was not discussed elsewhere. The girls also learned how to use sanitary napkins. She aspired to and then became a trainer very quickly thereafter.
“Twice or thrice a month we conduct sessions for groups of 30 girls. We conduct these sessions after school hours, with each session lasting three to four hours. I made many friends here and also gained confidence.,” she beams proudly.
Saleha remembers, “My father did not speak to me for days when I went against his wishes and conducted training sessions. My mother has only now begun to understand what I stand for. It was tough convincing her, but now she acknowledges the change this has brought about in all our lives.”
Today she has the support from her family, peers, and community.
Her exceptional contribution in various community welfare activities got her the most prestigious award – Savitribai Phule Award. She was also selected as an Ashoka Youth Venturer and will be mentored in leadership skills for one year. More recently she was nominated for the International Peace Prize which she hopes will be a stepping stone for her future endeavours!
Global Citizen India campaigns for better access to menstrual health and hygeine awareness for young girls and women in India. Take action here.
Save the Children, India aims to catalyse a movement for and with children for achieving the greatest improvement in the child rights indicators related to survival, education, development and participation aligning with national and global commitments to tackle exclusion and inequalities.
source: http://www.globalcitizen.org / Global Citizen / Home> Partner> Demand Equity / from Save The Children / April 12th, 2018
Calm, caring and royal in her mannerisms. This is how those who knew Princess Saleha Sultan, the titular queen of Bhopal who passed away in Hyderabad and whose last rites were performed in the Madhya Pradesh city on Monday, described her.
Born in 1940, Sultan passed away on Sunday of a brain haemorrhage. Her mortal remains were taken to Bhopal on Monday where the funeral took place at the Saifia Masjid where her family members and ancestors are also buried.
She is survived by four sons Amer Bin Jung, Saad Bin Jung, Omer Bin Jung and Faiz Bin Jung. Her husband Paigah Nawab Bashir Yar Jung, whose father Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umra constructed the Falaknuma Palace, passed away in 2019.
Mohammed Safiullah, a historian said, “I had known her for at least 30 years. She was very calm, caring and carried herself really well. She made others feel comfortable around her and was full of grace.” Safiullah, who was informed of the tragic news by the Princess’ sons, said, “The last time I met her was on November 4, when her husband Bashir Yar Jung passed away. She was extremely heartbroken.”
Sultan and Jung were married in December 1957 at the Hyderabad House, New Delhi. The function was held under the patronage of the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“As the eldest child of Nawab Ifteqar Ali Khan Pataudi and Begum Sajida Sultan of the princely State of Bhopal, she was the titular Begum of Bhopal. She was older to her brother Nawab Mansoor (Tiger) Ali Khan Pataudi, the cricket legend,” Safiullah said.
Although she was the eldest, she was never recognised as the head of the erstwhile Bhopal State, despite Bhopal being a matriarchal kingdom. After her mother Sajida Sultan’s death, the title of Nawab passed on to Tiger Patadui.
Sultan and her sons have been embroiled in a court case with Tiger’s son, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to procure a share of the ancestral property in Bhopal. In contention is over 6,000 acre of property worth thousands of crores of rupees, including the Bhopal Jama Masjid that is estimated to be worth Rs 1,000 crore.
Another historian Vedakumar Manikonda expressing his condolences said, “For some time in early 90s, we were neighbours. We used to meet now and then.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Hyderabad / by The New Indian Express Online Archive / January 21st, 2020
Rubina Rashid Ali with artisans (Source: Instagram)
Phool Patti embroidery or applique work has been the forte of women of Aligarh and Rampur regions of Uttar Pradesh since the Mughal period.
Rubina Rashid Ali from Aligarh told Awaz-the Voice that after she realised that women who are preserving this art were not getting due remuneration, she took up the cause of popularising this art form.
Rubina Rashid Ali works in the administrative department of Aligarh Muslim University. She lives on the AMU campus with her three children and husband. She did her Masters in Advertising and Communication from the National Institute of Advertising, Delhi.
Rubina Rashid Ali told Awaz-The Voice that she has been interested in ‘Phool-patti’ work and embroidery since 2003. However, only after becoming stable in her studies, job, and family life, did she dedicate her time and energy to promote it in 2019. She got connected to women who are into applique style. Now they take orders online and deliver them with their team on a contract basis.
Rubina Rashid Ali told Awaz-The Voice that women are mainly engaged in making articles with embroidery, while men take orders. This drained the earnings as a big part of the profit went to the middlemen.
“This craft suffers from a lack of design intervention and diversification and has to catch up with the contemporary aesthetics,” she said.
Rubina Rashid Ali said that the book Phool-Patti Ka Kaam is the first publication on this unique embroidery form. Phool-Patti Ka Kaam is the story of embroidery told through glimpses of Saleha Khan’s work with artisan women and girls during the 1970s and 1980s.
A beautifully illustrated book, it traces its background and scope. it takes us through the array of different floral patterns, designs, and materials. It covers experiments with ornamentation and innovations, including its use on various garments and home décor. And most importantly, it provides a glimpse of the artisans of Aligarh
This book is for art connoisseurs and those who appreciate, learn, promote, explore, and experiment with this unique applique style.
Apart from being a useful resource for craft lovers, the book aims to generate interest among designers, entrepreneurs, and policy planners to further the scope, popularity, and prospects of Phool-Patti, while ensuring a fair share of economic benefits and recognition for its artisans.
Rubina Rashid Ali told Awaz-the Voice that the suitable combination of flower leaf work with other crafts like Chinkara, Gota Patti work, hand-painting, tie and dye, Mukesh work, etc. needs to be widely explored in different colour palettes.
Product diversification not only in clothing and fashion accessories but also in home decor, lifestyle-based products, corporate gifts, souvenirs, etc. ensures its wide reach and penetration in various segments.
In the era of easy availability of fabrics, many people are interested in spending extra money for handmade applique work.
Rubina Rashid said that the original cotton, cambric cotton, Kota cotton, etc. are used for embroidery. However, these days it is also being done on Chanderi silk which is a unique silk from Madhya Pradesh. To promote the flower-leaf embroidery, she does new experiments every day in which sometimes she does the flower-leaf work using crochet, and sometimes other types of embroidery so that she can make that piece even better.
Rubina Rashid Ali and her artisans make articles like ladies’ kurtas, saree, dupatta, etc. for sale. She says this work involves designing it on fine fabric, cutting and skilfully folding these before shaping each piece into small petals and leaves by embroidering on the cloth.
This special applique work finds limited mention in the collection of Indian and global embroidery forms.
Rubina Rashid Ali prepares all her designs and also takes full care of the welfare of the artisans working with her. Rubina Rashid Ali told Awaz-The Voice that she exhibited her works at Delhi Haat, Kolkata Bazaar, Bangalore, Rajasthan, Kota, etc. She found people appreciated her work.
Rubina Rashid Ali told Awaz-The Voice that over time, crafts have become an integral part of the socio-cultural aspect of the country. Unfortunately, in the last few years, many crafts have reached the verge of extinction as fast fashion brands are dominating the market with their easily available cheap clothing options.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / January 12th 2025
Muslim Mirror, in collaboration with the Minority Media Foundation, has released its highly anticipated list of the“100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024.” This initiative, celebrated as a benchmark of excellence, acknowledges the remarkable contributions of Indian Muslims across various fields, showcasing their leadership and societal impact on a national scale.
A Mission to Shift Narratives
The project aims to counter the negative portrayal of Muslims often propagated by corporate-funded media serving political agendas. By curating this list, Muslim Mirror presents a positive narrative, celebrating the vibrant and diverse contributions of Indian Muslims to the nation’s development and society.
Comprehensive and Inclusive Representation
The selection process emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, representing achievers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Assam to Gujarat. The list spans a wide array of sectors, including politics, religion, activism, literature, entrepreneurship, academia, sports, and entertainment.
In an effort to reflect the broad spectrum of the Muslim community, individuals from all sects—Barelvis, Deobandis, Ahle Hadith, Shias, Bohras, and others—have been recognized. The selection underscores the community’s rich cultural and social diversity.
Spotlighting Leadership and Impact
The list features leaders from prominent Muslim organizations and unsung heroes who have made unparalleled contributions in their respective domains. Special attention was given to young achievers, whose recognition aims to inspire future generations of leaders.
Notably, the initiative also includes individuals facing legal challenges and imprisonment, underscoring the principle that they are accused, not convicted. This approach highlights their contributions despite the adversities they face, reaffirming the importance of justice and fairness.
A Rigorous and Ethical Selection Process
Selecting 100 individuals from a community of over 200 million posed significant challenges. Extensive consultations with grassroots representatives across India informed the process. A team of experts finalized the list, which is presented in alphabetical order due to the absence of a ranking mechanism.
While the team strived for accuracy and fairness, they acknowledged the possibility of unintentional exclusions. Readers and stakeholders are encouraged to provide suggestions for deserving individuals to be included in the 2025 list. To maintain ethical standards, members of the Muslim Mirror team and the Minority Media Foundation were not considered for the list.
The Muslim Mirror 100 serves as a testament to the exceptional contributions of Indian Muslims in shaping the nation. By shining a light on their achievements, the initiative not only celebrates their successes but also fosters a sense of pride and inspiration within the community.
As the list continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience, talent, and leadership within the Indian Muslim community, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Big Story> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / January 03rd, 2025
In 2023, Riyadh was bustling with activity, its skyline shimmering with ambition and progress. It was here, amidst the city’s dynamic rhythm, that an unexpected journey began for me.
A gentleman added me to a WhatsApp group organised by RIFAH – a platform fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration. The group consisted of a team of businessmen travelling from India to attend the prestigious BIG5 Construct event in Saudi Arabia. My role? To guide and assist the team during their time in Riyadh, ensuring their experience was seamless and fruitful.
The days leading up to their arrival were filled with online discussions, meticulous planning, and an exchange of ideas. The more we interacted, the more my curiosity grew about meeting this group of Indian entrepreneurs in person. Among them, one name stood out – Dr. Mohd Aslam, the founder and CEO of Bakka Bags. His story, I had heard, was extraordinary: a Madrasa student turned BUMS doctor, now a thriving businessman.
When the team finally arrived in Riyadh, I eagerly met each member, but Dr. Aslam was nowhere to be found. I learned that, upon landing, he had immediately travelled to Dammam to visit relatives. The anticipation of meeting him only grew stronger.
The following day, our paths finally crossed. Dr. Aslam’s demeanour was calm yet commanding, his presence exuding both humility and confidence. In our brief but memorable meeting, I began to see glimpses of the journey that had brought him here – a journey of resilience, transformation, and boundless ambition. Little did I know that this encounter would inspire me to delve deeper into his incredible story, one that began in a small Madrasa and led to the bustling streets of Riyadh as a visionary entrepreneur.
Dr. Aslam was unlike any other businessman I had met. Down-to-earth and remarkably humble, he exuded simplicity in both his demeanour and approach. Despite not being a typical “Alig,” he proudly added “Alig” to his name, reflecting his deep connection to Aligarh Muslim University. Within a short span of time, our interactions grew meaningful, and we delved into discussions about his professional journey and his contributions to the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) during his days at Chaukonia, Aligarh, and AMU.
What struck me most about Dr. Aslam was his genuine passion for balancing his professional success with community service. As I was preparing to re-start my writing journey focusing on young entrepreneurs, I knew his story had to be the first chapter. Our initial conversations laid the groundwork, but it wasn’t until a year later, in 2024, when I returned to India, that we explored his inspiring journey in greater detail.
From Madrasa to University
Dr. Aslam’s educational journey began with home-schooling and continued at Jamia Misbahul Uloom Chaukonia (Siddharth Nagar) branch of Jamiatul Falah, a renowned madrasa in Uttar Pradesh. Here, he gained a strong foundation in Islamic education, actively participated in extracurricular activities, and demonstrated his leadership skills as the editor of the madrasa’s students magazine.
In 2005, he took a significant step forward by enrolling in the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) programme at AMU. The transition from a traditional madrasa to the dynamic environment of AMU marked a transformative phase in his life. At AMU, he not only pursued academic excellence but also deepened his commitment to creating opportunities for others, laying the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial ventures.
This seamless blend of traditional and modern education shaped Dr. Aslam’s vision and resilience, qualities that would later define his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur and leader.
From AMU to Entrepreneurship
During his time at AMU, Dr. Aslam ventured into student politics, participating in the union election. Though he lost the battle, the experience enriched his understanding of leadership and resilience. Balancing academics and a budding entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Aslam avoided asking his parents for financial support. Instead, he ventured into selling locks, mobile phones, and other small items. While his lack of business experience led to some losses, these early challenges became valuable lessons in perseverance and adaptability.
Despite the demands of running a side business, Dr. Aslam remained committed to his education. Balancing the two was a challenging feat, but his determination saw him through. In 2011, he completed his BUMS degree and began a six-month internship at a district hospital in Lucknow. It was during this phase of his life that he got married, a significant milestone that brought new responsibilities. For the remaining six months of his internship, he returned to AMU Hospital in Aligarh, continuing to hone his medical skills.
By the end of his internship, Dr. Aslam made a pivotal decision – to forgo higher education in medicine and explore new opportunities. This decision took him on a journey to Mumbai and eventually to Pune, where he enrolled at Symbiosis International University for a one-year postgraduate diploma in Emergency Medical Services (PGDEMS).
This period of his life marked a transition, where he began to blend his medical knowledge with his growing interest in entrepreneurship. The challenges he faced and the decisions he made during these formative years laid the foundation for his future as a successful businessman. Dr. Aslam’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the courage to carve one’s path, even in the face of uncertainty.
Breaking Boundaries – The Unconventional Path
After completing his education and internship, Dr. Aslam, along with his wife – also a BUMS graduate – took the bold step of starting a clinic in Mumbai. For six months, they worked tirelessly to serve their patients, but the experience brought ethical dilemmas. Dr. Aslam and his wife were adamant about avoiding malpractices that had seeped into the profession, such as commissions and unethical practices. Staying true to their values, they decided to close the clinic.
However, the closure wasn’t just about ethics. During his time at AMU, Dr. Aslam had developed a strong desire to create employment opportunities for youth, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where unemployment remained a persistent issue. While a clinic could eventually provide such opportunities by growing into a hospital, the process would take years, and the impact would be limited. Driven by this vision of empowering deserving young people through meaningful work, Dr. Aslam made the bold decision to pivot entirely.
He chose to venture into business – a field neither related to his medical education nor rooted in his family’s legacy. It was an uncharted territory, and many saw it as an odd choice. While his wife and brother supported his decision, his father was deeply disappointed. For his father, leaving the noble profession of medicine for business seemed like a step backward, even a betrayal of the path Dr. Aslam had worked so hard to achieve.
Despite this opposition, Dr. Aslam stood firm. His conviction to create a larger social impact through business outweighed the personal and societal expectations tied to his identity as a doctor. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, one that would see him transition from a healer of individuals to a creator of opportunities, taking bold risks to transform lives on a larger scale.
Building Dreams from Scratch
Dr. Aslam’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a bold and unconventional decision: venturing into the manufacturing of trolley bag shells. With no prior experience in business and a dream to create employment opportunities, he poured his heart, soul, and resources into setting up a factory. But reality struck hard. The business suffered massive losses, leaving him burdened with debts and no easy way to turn back.
There were moments of doubt when the thought of returning to the medical profession crossed his mind. Yet, the passion to create jobs and uplift others anchored his resolve. Instead of giving up, Dr. Aslam embarked on a relentless quest for self-improvement. He spent four months scrutinising every mistake, analysing every decision, and making necessary corrections. It was a period of sleepless nights, unyielding effort, and an unshakable belief that his vision could become a reality.
The tide eventually turned. Slowly but surely, the business began to generate profits, marking the start of his success story. The first tangible milestone came 1.5 years later when he purchased his first scooter – a modest yet deeply symbolic achievement. Those who had once criticised his decision to leave medicine and venture into business began to change their opinions, acknowledging the fruits of his perseverance.
From that point, there was no looking back. As the business grew, so did its footprint. From a small 720-square-foot facility, the operation expanded to a 1200-square-foot space in Mumbai East. The journey didn’t stop there; it scaled further to 2400 square feet and eventually to a 3600-square-foot factory. Each expansion was a testament to Dr. Aslam’s determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his mission.
Today, his factory stands not only as a symbol of his entrepreneurial success but also as a beacon of hope and opportunity for others – a dream fulfilled through sheer grit and a passion to make a difference. Dr. Aslam’s journey from a struggling start to a thriving business is a story of perseverance, vision, and the courage to defy the odds.
From Businessman to Author then to Mentor
In 2018, while managing his trolley bag manufacturing business, Dr. Aslam ventured into another entrepreneurial endeavour. This second business, which he later handed over to his younger brother, marked another milestone in his journey. Around this time, Dr. Aslam’s association with RIFAH began, a decision that would profoundly shape his trajectory.
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he joined RIFAH, a platform for business networking and mentorship. Post-pandemic, he became more active in the organisation and eventually rose to the position of President for Maharashtra state. Under his leadership, RIFAH became a powerful catalyst for his personal and professional growth. Dr. Aslam began exploring international markets, travelling to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China to expand and diversify his business ventures.
One of the most pivotal pieces of advice he received during this phase came from experienced business leaders: to hire a consultant to streamline and enhance his operations. Initially, he signed a 12-month contract with a business consultant. Seeing the significant improvements, it brought to his business, he extended the contract for another year. During these two years, Dr. Aslam not only improved his business acumen but also learned strategies and insights that transformed the way he approached entrepreneurship.
Recognising the value of these lessons, Dr. Aslam felt a deep urge to share them with others. “What I’ve learned,” he thought, “should be accessible to every businessman and entrepreneur.” This realisation led him to channel his experiences and knowledge into writing. The result was 30 Business Hacks, a practical guide filled with key strategies and lessons from his journey. The book, written in both English and Hindi, became a testament to his mission of empowering others through knowledge.
Dr. Aslam’s evolution from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful businessman and mentor highlights his unrelenting drive to not only build his own ventures but also inspire and uplift others in the entrepreneurial community. His journey stands as an example of how resilience, learning, and the willingness to share can create ripples of positive change.
BAKKA: A Brand Born of Vision and Persistence
For years, Dr. Mohd Aslam focused on manufacturing raw materials for the luggage industry, quietly building his expertise in the sector. But he wasn’t content to remain behind the scenes. A bold vision began to take shape: creating his own brand of luggage. With this in mind, he registered the name “BAKKA” and launched his very own line of bags.
The journey didn’t stop there. Recognising the potential for growth, Dr. Aslam expanded his operations to include the manufacturing of other accessories used in the luggage industry. This diversification not only brought stability to the business but also ensured its sustainability. Within a short span of time, BAKKA became synonymous with quality and reliability, steadily carving its niche in a competitive market.
To support this growth, Dr. Aslam established a dedicated manufacturing unit in Lucknow for bag production. His two younger brothers took charge of managing the unit, embodying the values of trust and collaboration that he held dear. Dr. Aslam didn’t just involve his immediate family; he became a source of inspiration for his cousins, friends, and even the local youth. Through his own story, he demonstrated that entrepreneurship begins with small steps and can lead to extraordinary achievements.
What started as a one-man operation with a single employee has now grown into a thriving team of 20 dedicated individuals. For Dr. Aslam, this team isn’t just a workforce; they’re family. Together, they’ve built a business rooted in shared goals, mutual respect, and a collective drive for excellence.
Dr. Aslam’s journey with BAKKA is more than a business success story; it’s a movement. From motivating his relatives to guiding general youth, he’s on a mission to show that with determination, resilience, and the right mindset, anyone can transform a small idea into something remarkable. As BAKKA continues to grow, so does Dr. Aslam’s dream of empowering others to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys and achieve greatness.
This remarkable blend of intellect, humility, and dedication to community welfare makes Dr. Aslam’s story one of inspiration – a journey that began in the quiet corridors of a Madrasa and led to the world of entrepreneurship, where he now stands as the founder and CEO of Bakka Bags.
Dr. Aslam’s journey began as a solitary endeavour, driven by a vision that extended far beyond personal success. With unwavering determination and a commitment to ethical principles, he laid the foundation for a small empire that would stand as a testament to his resilience and purpose. However, his journey was never just about his own achievements; it was equally about empowering others to realise their potential.
One such story reflects his profound impact. Dr. Aslam guided an aspiring entrepreneur to launch a business, which today provides employment to over 16 individuals. This is just one of many lives he has touched. Through mentorship and support, he has been instrumental in nurturing numerous start-ups and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their dreams into reality. His legacy is not merely in the empire he built but, in the lives, he uplifted and the ripple effect of opportunity he created for generations to come.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Features> Focus / by Syed Azharuddin, Radiance News Bureau / January 01st, 2025
To retain talented expatriates working in the Kinddom, Saudi Arabi has granted citizenship to two Indians – Dr Shamim Ahmad Butt and Faraz Khalid. The two are in the first batch of outsiders who have been given this privilege. Others include young professionals from France, Singapore and Lebanon.
This comes in the wake of a royal decree issued on July 4 that aims to grant Saudi citizenship to individuals with exceptional talents in various fields and is also in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to foster an environment that attracts, invests in, and retains exceptional creative minds, the local media reported.
Dr Shamim Ahmad Butt is the Deputy Head of the Emergency Department at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh.
Dr Butt is accredited by the Saudi Commission as a resident of the Saudi Council of Emergency Medicine.
He is also the winner of the 2007-2008 Zonn Perkin Gold Medal for Emergency Research.
Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon holds an MBA in entrepreneurial project management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He serves as the CEO of Noon, co-founded Namshi, and has been instrumental in the creation, launch, and expansion of the e-commerce platform.
According to Saudi Gazette Newspaper as per a Royal decree, Saudi citizenship can be granted to scientists, medical doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished talents with unique expertise and specializations.
The announcement aligns with the Kingdom’s initiative to attract experts and exceptional global talents in religious, medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technological fields.
This move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of creating an attractive environment that fosters retention and investment in exceptional creative minds.
This decree is an extension of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract prominent talents whose expertise contributes significantly to economic development, health, culture, sports, and innovation.
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported on several notable individuals who have been granted Saudi citizenship by the recent royal decree. Among them is Mehmood Khan, an American and the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, recognized for his contributions to the health sciences.
Jackie Yi-Ru Ying, an American scientist of Singaporean origin, has also been granted Saudi citizenship. Ying was the founding Executive Director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore and currently leads the NanoBio Lab.
Lebanese scientist Niveen Khashab has been honored with Saudi citizenship for her advanced scientific expertise and contributions to bioengineering and nanomaterials. Khashab is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an Associate Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering there since 2009.
Noreddine Ghaffour, a French scientist, has been recognized for his expertise in environmental science and engineering, particularly in desalination technologies. Holding a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier, Ghaffour is a Professor at KAUST.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 11th, 2024
Humayun’s Tomb introduced India to the Persian style of a domed mausoleum set in the centre of a landscaped char-bagh garden.
Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi | Photo: Commons
Humayun’s first wife was a Persian from Khorasan and a daughter of Humayun’s maternal uncle. She was also called Haji Begum, probably because she had gone on the Haj to Mecca. During Humayun’s reign, she appears in history at the Battle of Chausa, where the harem was captured by Sher Khan. In all the chaos of battle, a boat carrying women capsized and her young daughter, Aqiqa Begum, was drowned. Bega Begum did not have any more children. Today she is remembered for the tomb of Humayun that she built in Delhi. After the death of her husband, when she decided to build the mausoleum, she was encouraged in her endeavour by her stepson Akbar, who was very fond of her.
Among all Humayun’s wives, Bega Begum lived a life of surprising independence. She went off to the Haj and came back with Arab craftsmen who worked at the tomb. This was much before Gulbadan Begum and Hamida Banu Begum went to Mecca during the reign of Akbar, their trip getting much more coverage in contemporary writing. Bega Begum did not join the harem in Agra but remained in Delhi, supervising the building work. An episode described by Gulbadan shows that she was a spirited woman who even spoke sharply to her husband when he did not visit her.
Among all Humayun’s wives, Bega Begum lived a life of surprising independence. She went off to the Haj and came back with Arab craftsmen who worked at the tomb. This was much before Gulbadan Begum and Hamida Banu Begum went to Mecca during the reign of Akbar, their trip getting much more coverage in contemporary writing. Bega Begum did not join the harem in Agra but remained in Delhi, supervising the building work. An episode described by Gulbadan shows that she was a spirited woman who even spoke sharply to her husband when he did not visit her.
Then Humayun replied, ‘It is a necessity laid on me to make them happy. Nevertheless, I am ashamed before them because I see them so rarely… I am an opium-eater. If there should be any delay in my comings and goings, do not be angry with me.’ However, Bega Begum was not reassured and said, ‘Your Majesty has carried matters to this point! What remedy have we? You are emperor. The excuse looked worse than the fault.’ Gulbadan ends her tale saying, ‘He made it up with her also.’
The contemporary historian Badauni writes that Akbar and Bega Begum were very close and he describes her as a ‘second mother to Akbar’. Once when the boy Akbar had a toothache, Bega Begum brought some medicine but Hamida was reluctant to give it to him. This was understandable since, in a harem that was often full of politics and jealousy, the mothers feared that their children could be poisoned. Abul Fazl quotes Akbar as saying, ‘As she knew what the state of feeling was, she [Bega Begum] in her love to me swallowed some of it without there being any order to that effect, and then rubbed the medicine on my teeth.’
Bega Begum would often travel to Agra to meet Akbar and she spent her allowance doing charity. The Jesuit Antoine de Monserrate wrote, with reluctant approval, of her good works, ‘Throughout her widowhood she devoted herself to prayer and to alms-giving. Indeed, she maintained five hundred poor people by her alms. Had she only been a Christian, hers would have been the life of a heroine.’
Bega Begum was the first of the Mughal women to become a builder, and many would follow to build mausoleums, mosques, madrasas, seminaries, bazaars and gardens. Humayun’s Tomb introduced India to the Persian style of a domed mausoleum set in the centre of a landscaped char-bagh garden, which would reach its peak with the Taj Mahal. Built near the dargah (mausoleum) of the Sufi saint Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya, the mausoleum complex became the graveyard for many members of the dynasty. Bega Begum is buried in the mausoleum near her husband, and somewhere nearby is the grave of one of the most unfortunate princes of the dynasty – Dara Shukoh.
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This excerpt from Mahal: Power and Pageantry in the Mughal Harem by Subhadra Sen Gupta has been published with permission from Hachette India. Hardback Rs 599.
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source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Page Turner> Book Excerpts / by Subhadra Sen Gupta / November 30th, 2019
