Senior IPS officer Abdul Ahad, who was serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Bengaluru City Crime Branch (CCB), has been transferred as the Director of Security and Vigilance for BMTC.
Earlier, the senior officer from Mangaluru’s Moodbidri served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Coastal Security Police. In September last year, he was appointed as the DCP of the CCB.
Abdul Ahad has also held several key positions, including DCP of Bengaluru’s Whitefield division, SP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Bengaluru, SP of the Economic Offences Wing at CID, and Commandant at KSRP.
What is more exciting is that Ajay was trained by a visually impaired instructor from Malappuram.
Noushad & Ajay Balu
Alappuzha :
As the allotted time for the work experience events was almost to end, Ajay Balu, a Class V student from Rahmania School, Kozhikode, was busy crafting items from waste materials.
A regular participant at the State School Science Fair for the past three years, the visually impaired 10-year-old boy was thrilled to learn arts, attend the event and acquire more skills. “I have learnt to make craft items from waste materials and made swings, tables, chairs etc here. I have been trained by my teachers for the past two months and am excited to participate in these events,” says Ajay.
What is more exciting is that Ajay was trained by a visually impaired instructor from Malappuram. Noushad T has been working in the field of teaching art and craft to students with special needs for more than two decades now. “Being a visually impaired person, I was trained by several teachers in my school days. Now I am passing it on to these children,” he says, adding that children with special needs are skilled in arts. “There may be challenges. These children, however, show a talent for comprehending and completing tasks quickly. It is an advantage,” he adds.
As many as 957 students from 43 special schools across the state participated in the work experience category for visually and hearing impaired students in LP, UP, high school and higher secondary sections, held on Saturday. The competition was held in 22 categories.
At another end of the hall was G Vishnu, a Class X student, making life-like sculptures out of clay which won him the first prize in the category. Vishnu, a hearing-impaired artist, had bagged the first prize in clay modelling competitions for the past five years in the State School Science Fair in the work experience category and was also the first prize winner in cartoon and painting competitions in the State School Arts Fest.
Vishnu, a student of Fr Agotino Vicini’s Special School in Kochi, has been trained by Kochi-based sculptor Stanley from a very young age. “Training kids with difficulties is a task in the initial stages. But when they find interest in the craft, they grasp it quickly. Vishnu is an exceptionally talented student and you can see that in the art he made with years of training,” said Stanley.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Anna Jose & Manisha VCS / November 17th, 2024
Aiming to contribute a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment, Mangaluru girl Salwa has successfully completed her Ph.D. in a unique area of pharmaceutical research focused on developing lipid nano-carriers for oral delivery of an anti-Alzheimer’s drug. Her research offers promising advancements in the treatment of AD, a condition affecting millions globally and growing in prevalence.
Guided by Dr. Lalit Kumar, former Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics, and co-guided by Dr. C Mallikarjuna Rao, Professor of Pharmacology, both from the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Salwa’s work addresses the urgent need for more effective drug delivery mechanisms to treat Alzheimer’s beyond temporary relief.
Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has been challenging to treat due to limited therapeutic options, especially those capable of effectively reaching the brain. Her research seeks to improve brain-targeted drug delivery using lipid nano-carriers, potentially offering a scalable, industry-ready solution that could change the approach toward treating Alzheimer’s disease and provide real improvements in quality of life for patients.
The young researcher has a strong academic background, having qualified for the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) with an All India Rank (AIR) of 724, which earned her a fellowship for postgraduate studies. She was awarded a prestigious National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and received intramural research funding from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for her Ph.D. research.
Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has been challenging to treat due to limited therapeutic options, especially those capable of effectively reaching the brain. Her research seeks to improve brain-targeted drug delivery using lipid nano-carriers, potentially offering a scalable, industry-ready solution that could change the approach toward treating Alzheimer’s disease and provide real improvements in quality of life for patients.
The young researcher has a strong academic background, having qualified for the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) with an All India Rank (AIR) of 724, which earned her a fellowship for postgraduate studies.
She was awarded a prestigious National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and received intramural research funding from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for her Ph.D. research.
Throughout her doctoral journey, Salwa received multiple honors, including travel grants from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the University of Toronto, and the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). She was also a recipient of the PRAISE award for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), alongside numerous research publications and patents.
Her parents, the late Abdul Samad and Sahira Banu, and her siblings have been an enduring inspiration throughout her academic and research journey. The young researcher’s future plans include furthering her work to explore how her developed nano-carrier system could support neuronal regeneration, potentially advancing Alzheimer’s treatment options for millions worldwide.
Yakoob Mansuri, a young man in his 20s, became a hero for several children on Friday night. However, he couldn’t save his own newborn twin daughters from a fire at the hospital.
Originally from Hamirpur, Yakoob, a food vendor, had been sleeping outside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College. His two newborn daughters were admitted there for treatment. With his wife Nazma, Yakoob stayed at the hospital, taking turns to watch over their babies.
When the fire broke out on Friday night, Yakoob broke the glass window and rushed into the NICU to rescue as many infants as he could. Unfortunately, his twin daughters were not among those he managed to save. Their bodies were found on Saturday. Yakoob and Nazma waited outside the hospital all day, their faces reflecting deep sorrow.
Similarly, Sanjana Kumari, who had recently given birth to her first child, found her joy turn into grief. “My baby was burned to death before my eyes, and I could only watch helplessly. The hospital’s negligence destroyed my dreams. I couldn’t even hold my child,” she said, wiping away her tears.
Santoshi Devi from Jalaun, who had brought her baby to the hospital due to delivery complications, also lost her child in the chaos of the fire. She identified her baby’s body on Saturday. “I heard loud screams, but my baby was gone,” she said, overwhelmed with grief.
Just 11 days ago, she had given birth to a baby who is no longer with her. “I heard loud noises and rushed to the scene, but how could I save my child? Nobody told us what was happening,” she lamented.
Sonu and Sanjana, who had admitted their baby due to respiratory issues, also lost their child in the fire. “We were told not to feed him, so we stepped away for a while. By the time we returned, the NICU had been ravaged by the fire,” said Sanjana. “We did everything we could, but in the end, he was taken from us,” said Sonu, while his brother Parsuram recounted their struggles: “We sold everything and took loans, all in the hope that he would survive.”
Niranjan Maharaj from Lalitpur identified his grandchild’s charred body by its name tag. “The hospital staff didn’t act in time,” he alleged.
Families of the victims have accused the hospital of negligence, claiming that timely intervention could have saved lives. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and lapses in safety protocols.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> India / November 17th, 2024
Asif Ahmed and his group of Volunteers of the Kolkata We Care group
A 320-litre refrigerator laden with food – the leftovers from the restaurant and at homes of citizens – placed at a busy crossing of Kolkata is ensuring that the poor and needy do not go hungry in the City of Joy.
Thanks to the initiative launched by Asif Ahmed, co-owner of Sanjha Chulha restaurant, whose concern for food wastage and food insecurity many around him had led to his initiative on the first Food ATM of the city.
The initiative has recently expanded with more civil society groups including the Kolkata We Care group NGO led by Imran Zaki.
“It broke my heart to see good, edible food being discarded at the end of the day, knowing it could nourish someone in need. As a restaurateur, I was often faced with the dilemma of what to do with the surplus food. The idea of redistributing it to the hungry was not just a solution – it was a responsibility,” Asif Ahmed said.
Asif Ahmed’s idea emerged from his concern for thousands around him facing food insecurity. He placed a big refrigerator with a transparent door at the roadside with neatly packed food donated by those visiting the restaurant, the restaurant itself, and the citizens inside. People can pick up the food. The volunteers even distribute food by visiting various vulnerable communities in the city.
The feeding the needy programme has since been relaunched through collaboration among Asif Ahmed’s outlet, the Kolkata We Care group, the Rotary, Round Table, and JITO (The Jain International Trade Organisation).
The initiative feeds almost 50 people daily and Asif plans to involve the Kolkata Police in it.
“The initiative has since become a beacon of hope and plans are underway to involve Kolkata Police to further strengthen its reach and impact in the community,” he said.
The Food ATM is crafted with care to meet safety standards while overcoming the logistical challenges of food distribution. Like cash in an ATM, food is now available to anyone who needs it, stored in a transparent refrigerator placed in a public space.
Asif Ahmed said, “We wanted to ensure that those who come to the Food ATM feel a sense of dignity. No one should feel ashamed for needing help; everyone deserves respect and compassion.”
The We Care group comprises people from various backgrounds who took charge and came together for the movement. Pilot projects also started in schools like Birla Bharti School in Taratala and BDM High School in Narendrapur which aims to raise awareness through students.
The movement has bloomed well in local organisations and volunteers joined hands in educating donors to inculcate a culture of giving. It has set up one Food ATM at the busy Park street and is planning more.
Sana Ahmed, who works in an NGO, said, “We teachers can instill the right values in children by making them more cautious of food, its usage and recycling. Students’ involvement will deeply impact their growth during formative years and raise a generation when they quickly absorb and value food and the act of giving.
Asif Ahmed says, “The system could be easily replicated and the viability and success inspired further expansion in multiple locations in Kolkata. Although it started at CIT Road but I felt its impact was restricted to that area only. It was later centralized and expanded to serve a broader range of people within a feasible 5 to 10 km radius. We have plans to come up with one in Park Street and the location of another is not decided yet.”
The first Food ATM operates during restaurant hours, from 12 noon till 11:30 PM, with volunteers distributing food in slum areas close by as it is easier to manage.
Asif Ahmed shared a touching story of a lowly paid security guard who struggled with a wage of Rs. 10000- 12,000. He would get his meal from the ATM and it helped him sustain his family and meet ends.
“The Food ATM was a crucial support for him and others like him, making it easier to access meals without compromising their self-respect”, added Ahmed.
Another goosebump scene that Asif remembers is that of a small girl, who approached the Food ATM apprehensively and picked up the food packet before vanishing in the thin air.
Imran Khan, a resident of Park Circus Area, said, “It was a poignant experience to see a child, hungry finding comfort in the food provided. The gratitude and relief in these moments highlight the significant impact of the initiative in bridging the gap for those in need.”
The initial investment includes purchasing freezer units, building secure structures, and installing security measures. The recurring costs involve electricity, regular maintenance, and staffing. Asif Ahmed says he is open to adopting new means and technologies for the initiative.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>Story / by Hena Ahmed, Kolkata / August 13th, 2024
Waris Khan (with garlands) being honoured by citizens
The saga of Waris Khan of the Biaora city in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh has reached Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Bhopal earning him the first “Good Samaritan” award in the district.
A plumber by profession, Waris Khan, lives in the Tal Mohalla of Beawar and supports his family of five members. He worked as a plumber against a temporary vacancy in the municipality 12 years ago, was fired from his job. He had to face a lot of hardships in life following loss of his job.
He however, continued to support his family through his plumbing job and also other jobs of cleaner, and a daily wage labourer.
However, his life took an unexpected turn on the morning of 13 November 2024 and he became a celebrity overnight.
Waris Khan revceving the Good Samaritan award from DM Dr. Girish Kumar Mishra
On that day Waris Khan was on his way from Biaora to Binaganj on his motorbicycle. He saw a car meet with an accident on Highway due to a technical snag. There were 7 people of a family from Shivpuri in the car. There were two small children and women among them.
After the car overturned, all its doors got locked. Seeing the horrific scene, Waris parked his bike aside without delay and reached the car. He broke the glass of the car with his hands and started taking out the people trapped inside.
He took care to first extricate the children followed by women and finally the men trapped in the car.
Waris carried out his deed without expectations of publicity or fame. In fact he doesn’t have a smartphone nor is he connected to social media.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav speaking to Waris Khan on video call
Despite this, the news of his bravery reached the media and the administration.
According to officials, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav spoke to Waris Khan through video call and inquired about his well-being. He told him, “You are the pride of Madhya Pradesh.”
Giving information about the incident, Waris said that he was going to Binaganj on a bike, when the car coming from the opposite side accidentally fell into the ditch.
Chief Minister Yadavs aid, “Waris, you have done a very good job. Helping each other in times of trouble is true humanity. Your work will inspire everyone.”
The Chief Minister promised him a reward of Rs 1 lakh. However, Waris Khan asked Chief Minister to appoint him on his previous job in the municipality. Reports say the Chief Minister agreed to fulfill his demand.
Waris Khan briefing DM Dr Girish Kumar Mishra on his reScue operation
Waris Khan was awarded the first award “Good Samaritan” award by the district adminitration. Rajgarh Collector Dr. Girish Kumar Mishra presented him a cheque of Rs 5,000 as token of appreciation for his act of bravery.
The Good Samaritan Award Scheme is a program by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that provides cash awards and certificates of appreciation to people who help road accident victims.
Introduced in 2015, the award is given to a person who has provided immediate assistance to a road accident victim and rushed them to a hospital or trauma care center within the Golden Hour of the accident.
This scheme was introduced to cut down the road accident rates in India.
Kumar said, “What Waris Khan did is an example of true humanity. He saved people’s lives without any selfishness. His work is an inspiration for the entire society. Such people will be encouraged in the future too.”
Yadav also directed all collectors to honour courageous people like Waris on the occasion of 15 August.
After the CM House and the Public Relations Department praised Waris Khan, he is continuously receiving praise. Many private organizations are ready to honor him. With his courage and humanity, Waris Khan proved that even an ordinary person can become a hero in times of trouble.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>Story / by Abdul Wasim Ansari / November 16th, 2024
It’s said you get one life to live it all. Believing this completely justice Syed Haider Abbas Raza (retd) has lived his life to the brim and accomplished all that he once dreamt of.
At 81, he continues to walk daily, come hail or high water, is an avid television watcher and also actively counsels young lawyers if and when they seek his guidance. Television-viewing though is strictly restricted to political programmes.
It is not often that you see an octogenarian look dapper in a dark-coloured, three-piece suit and matching tie. Raza carried it off with aplomb, the attire also demonstrating the formality that came with his chosen profession.
Early days
“I was born on December 7, 1939, in Faizabad and we are from the family of Kichouchha Sharif, a known Dargah of the famous Chisti Sufi saint Makhdoom Syed Ashraf Jahangir Semnani.
My father, Mehdi Hasan, was a postmaster and education was the most important trait of my family and all six siblings were given the best education available in those times. We were told to focus on studies and rest will follow. Till Class VIII, I studied in Faizabad and then my father decided to settle in Lucknow as he too had received his early education here and also, he liked the city more than any other place. It was in Lucknow that I was enrolled in Government Jubilee Inter College and I began my new innings in a new town,” Raza reminisced fondly.
Part of students’ movement
“I was in Class IX when I took part in a number of debate competitions and won a number of contests. It was then that I met a lot of new people and also developed public speaking skills. The early 50s gave my life a new turn as it was during these years I also got associated with the students’ movement. In 1952, I became the general secretary of the association known as Self Governing Consulate of Jubilee College and thereafter, I joined the Students’ Federation of India and remained an active member of the communist party. Soon, these movements become an essential part of my life when I enrolled in Lucknow University in 1956,” he said.
Finding his calling
Talking about his days of youth, he said, “Those were the days when I learnt how important it is for all to understand his or her rights and to fight for them too. When you are young the energy is different, the understanding of situations is so different than what the reality is. And when you meet people who have been deprived of their rights, it hurt me more. Thankfully, I was studying law and got to learn a lot during that phase. I had a dream to make a career either in politics or in judiciary and I got to live the best of both worlds but soon realised my calling was law practice.”
A lawyer is born
“After graduating as Bachelor of Arts and Law, I joined the Bar in 1962. And I specialised in Service Labour, Civil and Constitutional law. Also, it was in that same decade I joined the Congress and became general secretary and president of Congress committee, Lucknow. Also because of my specialisation, I got associated with various trade unions and got actively involved in meetings, rallies, demonstrations and repressive policies of the then Janta Party government.”
It was in the late 70s he started taking up legal cases associated with the political party, “Yes, I appeared as a lawyer in cases against the late Sanjay Gandhi, leader of Congress Party, launched in Lucknow court. Also, I appeared as a lawyer before Aligarh Enquiry Commission to defend former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. I was completely involved with my political stint and took part in party tours and meetings. Then when Indiraji came to power, I decided to quit active politics and concentrate on my legal practice more in Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High court.”
Elevation as judge
“My elevation as judge did not happen overnight. Once my name did go for the process in 1978-79 but the then chief minister succumbed to the pressure from people who did not want my name to go ahead. And again after almost a decade the then chief justice Amitabh Banerjee considered my name and did send it forward and recommended my name to the high court after seeing the kind of law practice I was undertaking at that time. Then finally, I was elevated in the year 1988-89 and become judge of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. During the same time, I was nominated by the Governor as an executive council member of the Aligarh Muslim University.
My tenure as judge was of 13 years in conservative estimate and I disposed of about one lakh cases. Also, I still feel proud that my judgements in Service Labour, Civil and Constitutional matters were acclaimed by the Supreme Court. It was in 2001 that I retired as senior judge of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court.”
Talking about the cases he presided over, he said, “As we all know, India’s judicial system allows any individual or group of people to initiate litigation by merely addressing a letter to a judge that is called a PIL (public interest litigation) and in my career, I tried taking them to the highest peak. In the ‘Jhande wala Park, Aminabad PIL’, I stopped the construction of a shopping complex there as the park had historical significance: it would all have got destroyed. Then political rallies at Begum Hazrat Mahal Park used to create chaos in Hazratganj. I presided over the hearing on that PIL too and stopped the organisation of such rallies there. Also, the old clothes’ market around that place was relocated after that. Also, Hazratganj and six other linked roads were made no-diesel tempo zoned after I pronounced a judgement over another PIL in that matter.”
These judgements earned him a lot of praise. “Yes, this came as a surprise that people actually did come up to me lauding those judgements. And till date, they remain most talked about cases in the state’s judicial history.”
First Lokayukta
After retirement too, justice Raza refused to slow down. “It was in September 2001, the governor of Uttarakhand along with the then chief minister, chief justice and leader of opposition, appointed me the first Lokayukta of Uttarakhand. It was again a big honour for me and overwhelmed me. I also felt so proud and happy when I convened and organised the All India Lokpal, Lokayukta and UP Lokayukta Conference in Dehradun which was inaugurated by former president APJ Abdul Kalam and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Later, in 2006-07, I was awarded ‘The Pride of Uttarakhand Award’ and ‘Uttarakhand Ratna,’ respectively.”
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by S Farah Rizvi / January 20th, 2020
At the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, a convocation ceremony organized by Webbic University, Ghana, West Africa.
During this ceremony, many individuals from the country were honored with Honorary Doctorate Degree for their social work and talents. The degrees were conferred by Chancellor Dr. Felix Ofosu in recognition of their achievements.
In the event, Artist Ammar Abdi from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was honored with an honorary Doctorate Degree by the International University, Webbic University, Ghana, West Africa, for his talent.
Ammar started his career at a very young age. He has also been honored with many awards in the past, including the Exclusive Talent Award by Exclusive World Records.
His family is happy to receive this honor.
During this time, many other prominent individuals were also awarded honorary doctorates. Among them were Member of Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, Haider Abbas Chand; Senior Journalist and JCI President, Anurag Saxena; Operation Head of Exclusive World Records, Pankaj Khatwan; and Assistant Director of MSME, UP, Harish Yadav.
The measure of a man is worth his memories after his death.
This is towards a particular reference to Mirza Javed Murtuza, who despite having been born in a Lucknow elitist family, with roots from Faizabad, took for him a road less travelled. His contrast was his campaign, which he undertook, with his utmost commitment, to educate masses and classes, to seek from the Almighty God, on their own, and not through any intermediary. This was his avowed stand against the institutional clergy, which ironically, had always been ‘in consonance’ with the ruling dispensation.
Lucknow had been a seat of power, for centuries, a La Feudal state, which continued to flourish, even after Britishers had taken over. Even after the ouster of the last king of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah ‘Akhter’, and the subsequent ‘silencing’ of the mutiny or the first war for independence of 1857, there was a ‘virtual or a real’ silence in Lucknow, for the next 90 years. Until came the dawn of independence. India, became a throbbing democracy, but the elite of Lucknow fell into a morass of decadence, in terms of social, economic, educational standards etc, and to make it worse, were the ‘debates and discussions’ over religious denomination’s considered ‘superiorities over each other’. Thus, was enamored on Lucknow’s landscape.
Rubina J Murtuza at the release of Hayat-e-Javed (2010) / Photo Courtesy: Twocircles.Net
After the post-1977 Emergency government, Iranian revolution of 1979, Muradabad riots of 1980, Javed Murtuza took to the stage, of Ali Congress as its Patron, as he could see and also foresee that the clergy, their pageboys and footmen, were all too incapable to relate to the arising situations. Babri Masjid locks were also opened in 1986. He was an advocate and started championing the cause of Muslim rights, articulated the ‘reasoning and argumentation’ not only for self emancipation but also for seeking a place in social-hierarchy in terms of getting a place in government jobs, awareness towards reservation enshrined through Constitution etc.
The issues confronting the community were with a crystal ball clarity to him. He was ahead, to clergy by a goodly margin, which was too involved, and wants to remain still, like a caged mouse on a wheel. Unable to augment any forward path! He was never an extremist showboat, but had earned a personal flak , from administration, when he had printed Ram Aur Islam, extracting excerpts from Dr. BR Ambedkar book, Riddles of Hinduism, that small booklet was a rage, in those days, after Babri Masjid had been demolished. There were reportedly raids to confiscate its copies. He even had organized a function, in the memory of martyrs of Babri Masjid, for those who had been killed in the aftermath of the demolition.
He became the proverbial deacon of a church! Without having attended any conventional religious seminary! Out of his sheer grit, as onlookers still remember him, he would drive his scooter, memorizing Quranic verses to verbalize the gospel. He had arrested the attention of the youth. There was an ever growing numbers to his followers. Young boys with their beards primed, thronged the altar of his speeches. He had to incur the wrath, and was therefore, subjected to a murderous assault, during an auspicious Ramzan night, but only the next day, he would sit, his head, hands and face ‘bruised and bandaged’, soliciting his next homily. Yours truly was present when the assault had taken place.
His avowal that community had to search for its lost self-esteem, was perhaps, his only and long standing forte. He would pass on a road with utmost humility. Always so unassuming. A true picture of keeping a low profile yet exuding high intensity. The campaign spearheaded to safeguard the Auqafs, may perhaps, has lost its steam, but he was much farsighted in his approach, as finally, the government today, is contemplating to bring all Auqafs under its thumb. Had an ear was lent to his call then, perhaps, this situation might never have occurred. But, this is how community, can share its long time complacency towards the gems of its yore.
His persona still resonates around those who sought from his brilliance. He was an engineer by profession. Edited and published Payam-e-Nau (The New Message) in both Urdu and Hindi scripts, and editorialized his vision, which was a true reflection of his time and beyond.
His father and younger brother retired as Justice from High Courts.
His daughter wrote Hayat-e-Javed (The immortal Life) in Urdu language as an ode to the long standing memories of her father. His 15th death anniversary fell on November 9.
***
The writer is a former UP State Information Commissioner.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Personality / by Haider Abbas / November 15th, 2024
Sudanese and Somalians in Hyderabad have created a home away from home through their unique restaurants
Image Source: Tafosha Cafe
Every time you zoom past the gate of Paramount Colony, you’re instantly transported to a world that feels far from Hyderabad. Shops line the streets, offering camel milk, Sudanese bukhoor, flowing jilbabs, Somalian qahwe, and a host of other treasures from East Africa.
As you stroll through, people can be seen relaxing on plastic chairs, gathered around qahwa carts, sipping steaming cups of coffee and tea. The soft murmur of conversation creates a sense of community in this area of Tolichowki, which has come to be known as ‘Mini Somalia’ or ‘Somali Land’.
What further sets this neighborhood apart is, of course, its culinary scene. Where everyone in Hyderabad crazes over the famed biryani and haleem, the Sudanese and Somalians in this area have created a home away from home through their unique restaurants.
A taste of Africa in Hyderabad
There are several restaurants peppered around Paramount Colony that offer a slice of East African culture through its rich culinary traditions. One such gem is Tafosha Cafe run by Mohammed Shakil.
While Shakil hails from Mumbai, his 20 years in Yemen have contributed to his strong hold on the Arabic language and knowledge of African cuisine. These experiences have made his cafe a popular destination for the Somalian and Sudanese communities in Hyderabad.
“This cafe was originally started by a Sudanese owner in 2021, which contributes to its authenticity. When I took over in July, I ensured that we remained true to the traditional flavors of Somalia and Sudan, which is why our chef is also Sudanese,” he explains.
Although Tafosha welcomes Hyderabadi locals, Shakil’s primary focus remains on serving these two communities. This dedication to preserving the culinary experience of these cultures is reflected in the unique menu that is curated specially for each day of the week.
Savoring authentic dishes
One glance through the menu and you can see names unknown to any average Hyderabadi.
“For someone who is a beginner to East African cuisine, I would suggest foul which is made of creamy fava beans, seasoned with special Somalian or Sudanese spices. There are four variations in foul based on their origins: foul hummus, foul musallah, foul with liver, and fattah foul musallah,” Shakil tells Siasat.com.
Other dishes that seem to stand out are the Fahita Chicken, Agashi Chicken (barbeque chicken), Zigny (lamb stew), Aseeda Naiemia Tagiya, Regla (Kulfa with lamb), Bamia (Okra with lamb), and Salat Aswad (Eggplant salad).
Notably, there is one similarity between Hyderabadi and African cuisine- Paaya, or kawaree, which features cow’s trotters. However, this dish distinguishes itself from Hyderabadi paaya in several ways. The spices used in kawaree create a unique flavor profile and are characterized by a thicker, more robust broth, which enhances its hearty appeal. The dish is traditionally made using very tender meat, lending it a texture that sets it apart from its Hyderabadi counterpart.
Another unique aspect of this cuisine is that rice is not a staple in daily Sudanese meals due to several factors, including war, drought, and flooding in the region. “Since the café was originally started by a Sudanese, I decided to maintain that authenticity by not introducing rice in the menu,” he says.
In addition, Somali cuisine features a unique practice of pairing bananas with nearly every meal. This tradition arises from Somalia’s rich agricultural landscape, where bananas are abundant and easily accessible.
Shakil also points out that peanuts are a key ingredient in approximately 50% of the dishes served and spices are often used sparingly because the hot climate in many African countries affects the way flavors are developed. The richness of peanuts enhances the dishes, providing depth and creaminess without the need for an abundance of spices. This culinary approach allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, reflecting the simplicity of African cooking.
Distinct from Middle Eastern cuisine
Hyderabad has long been celebrated for its love of Arab cuisine, with dishes like shawarma, mandi, and kebabs dominating the food scene. But in this melting pot of cultures, African cuisine is often mistaken for Arab food. While they share some spices and ingredients, Somalian and Sudanese dishes have their own rich, distinctive flavors.
According to Shakil, chefs in Sudan and Somalia typically avoid using olive oil, opting for sesame oil instead. Additionally, East African dishes tend to be milder than Middle Eastern dishes. They often feature only one or two types of spices, resulting in a culinary experience that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Moreover, Somali and Sudanese cooks often combine vegetables like okra, kulfa, eggplant, and potatoes with meat, creating hearty, balanced meals. This practice contrasts with some Middle Eastern dishes that may focus more heavily on meat alone.
As patrons indulge in these distinctive dishes, they not only satisfy their appetites but also gain an appreciation for the traditions and stories behind each meal. In a city where diverse cultures intersect, this hidden gem serves as a reminder of the beauty found in culinary diversity, inviting everyone to embrace and celebrate the flavors of Africa right in the heart of Hyderabad.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Lifestyle / by Bushra Khan / October 18th, 2024
