Camellia Biswas and Ajmal S. Rasaq, who won the EARTH scholarships, on how they moved to studying the environment and sustainability through various perspectives.
Recognising the impact of climate change. | Photo Credit: Freepik
Two Indian doctoral researchers, Camellia Biswas and Ajmal S. Rasaq, have been awarded the prestigious EARTH scholarships funded by British Council Scotland and delivered by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities. It supports early-career researchers from around the world studying environment and sustainability through the Arts, Science, and the Humanities.
Biswas, who is in the Humanities department of IIT-Gandhinagar, specialises in ecological anthropology, human-animal studies, disaster studies and participatory research methodologies. Her Ph.D thesis focuses on mapping the dynamics of human and non-human interactions in the Indian Sundarbans, under the larger discourse of the climate disaster. In 2022, she was named British Council’s Women Leadership Fellow.
Rasaq, who secured the first rank in B.A. Political Science from St. Thomas College in Palai, Kerala, and pursued M.A. and M.Phil. degrees in Political Science at the University of Hyderabad and Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, switched over to climate change studies in his Ph.D course in IIT-Guwahati.
Since April, they have been undertaking in-person and hybrid exchanges in Scotland, which would go on until June in environmental arts and humanities. During her scholarship period, Biswas will collaborate with University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Inverness, while Rasaw is affiliated with the University of Glasgow’s Human Geography department. They shared their experiences over an e-mail interaction. Edited excerpts:
From left: Ajmal S. Rasaq and Camellia Biswas, winners of the Earth scholarship winners. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangment
What inspired you to take up your field/subject of study?
Camellia Biswas (CB): I am deeply intrigued by the ever-changing realm of interactions between multiple species in the context of climate change. In this project, my focus lies on the study of zooarchaeology entwined with cultural and political ecology. I will be utilising a deep-time perspective to explore the implications of climate change. Specifically, I am examining the ecological-cultural evolution of human-seal relationships in the Northern Scottish Islands, from past to present, to comprehend climate emergency and conservation action.
Ajmal S. Rasaq (ASR): My Ph.D. project looks into how the changing weather conditions, particularly unseasonal precipitation and cyclones, impact the socio-economic relations in Chellanam, a coastal suburb of Kochi in Kerala. Though my academic background is in Political Science, I shifted to human geography in my Ph.D. programme after seeing significant weather events in recent times, such as the devastating floods of 2018 and the Ockhi and Tauktae cyclones (in Kerala). Over time, I came to recognise the profound impact of climate, which I had until then seen only as a background for agricultural and fisheries production.
How can the EARTH scholarship help you to enhance your understanding of your subject?
CB: The programme will enrich my understanding of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education in Scotland, and I hope to bring some of these learnings to apply in India. I’ve realised that topics across Humanities have implications for my own work. Scotland is very rich in visual narratives such as storytelling, folktales and myths embedded in historical records. Therefore, this will be very useful for my research. During my time here, I’m learning that topics across Science and Humanities are all connected. Scholars can help each other through different expertise and subjects.
ASR: I had already spent over a year collecting data through ethnographic fieldwork before joining this programme in April. This is an opportunity to connect with leading professors and other fellow scholars for three months. The training programme offered during the initial two weeks of the scholarship helped me to look deeper into the data. My mentor, Dr. David Featherstone at Glasgow University, has also been helping me in enriching my understanding in my area of research.
Any advice for students who may wish to apply for such programmes?
CB: Students who are interested in these scholarships must stay alert and proactive by subscribing to notification pages and newsletters. Also, customise your applications to align with the specific requirements and goals of the scholarship(s).
ASR: Start early and allow sufficient time for the application process. Begin by identifying a potential supervisor who aligns with your area of research. In the proposed application, it is vital to emphasise the anticipated impact of the research. Applicants must highlight how their work can help in fostering cross-national collaborations in future.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Education / by Nahla Nainar / June 24th, 2023
Activists Najma Nazeer and Ishrath Nissar reiterated that Muslim women’s emancipation must be defined on their own terms, not by external frameworks that fail to understand the intersection of culture, religion and identity.
Ishrath Nissar | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
It has often been criticised that the Western feminist lens tends to reduce Muslim women’s freedom to the act of unveiling the hijab. Poet, activist and writer, Najma Nazeer, and educator and activist, Ishrath Nissar reiterated this at a discussion held by the Alternative Law Forum in connection with Women’s History Month and asserted that Muslim women’s emancipation must be defined on their own terms, not by external frameworks that fail to understand the intersection of culture, religion and identity.
“For some women, emancipation is wearing the hijab. Likewise, for others, it is wearing it without fear. For some, it might be education whereas others might take it as financial independence. Our liberation cannot be boxed into a single narrative,” said Nazeer.
The discussion brought together voices that challenge dominant narratives surrounding emancipation and shed light on the struggles, resilience and agency of Muslim women in India. Speaking about the barriers that Muslim women face, both the speaker emphasized that the exclusion of women from political, social and religious institutions is not accidental but is a systematic result of patriarchy, misinterpretation and Islamophobia.
Najma Nazeer | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The in-between space
“To be a Muslim woman in India is to constantly navigate between invisibility and hypervisibility,” said Nazeer. Seconding this, Nissar highlighted that Muslim women have always been active participants in society but their contributions have been erased or co-opted. “Our fight is not just against the community, but also against the state which weaponizes our identity and denies us rights, education and political representation,” she said.
She further added that liberation is undefined when access to basic rights is unequal and emphasised on the stereotypes imposed on Muslim women that often erase the diversity within the community. Nissar also highlighted the role of caste and class in shaping access to rights and the invisibility of Dalit and Bahujan Muslim women in mainstream feminist discourses.
Forms of resistance
The discussion also highlighted various forms of resistance deployed by Muslim women, in larger movements as well as through everyday acts of defiance. While Shaheen Bagh, where Muslim women led the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), was a watershed moment, resistance does not always take the form of large protests, but often start at home, the speakers remarked.
“Every act that defies patriarchy, inside and outside our community, is a form of resistance,” Nissar said. Nazeer spoke about the economic resistance, highlighting how Muslim women engage in financial independence as a way to assert their rights and identity.
Political representation
The lack of political representation of women in India, especially Muslim women, was yet another point of discussion. While political participation is one of the ways Muslim women negotiate their rights, barriers of gendered Islamophobia and internal misogyny makes it difficult.
“Only 1-2% of seats have been occupied by Muslim women, and most of them come from families with a political background,” noted the speakers who called for intersectional solidarity. “We cannot fight alone. Muslim women’s struggles are connected to Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi and queer struggles. The more we divide, the weaker we become,” Nissar said.
“We are not stories of suffering, but of power, of resistance and of survival. And we will continue to write our own history,” Nazeer added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Sutapa Dey / March 18th, 2025
Mahe Noor from Udaipur will study graduation in International Relations at Queen Mary University, a famous college of London.
Noor will go to London to study
Rajasthan News:
Noor, a student from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has made her mark in London. She has cracked the exam of a famous college in London with her hard work. Now she will go to London to study. However, the special thing is that the government will bear the expenses of Noor’s studies. The government will give Noor Rs 1.10 crore for this and will also give Rs 1 lakh every month for expenses.
Actually, Noor has been selected under the scholarship scheme of the state government. After this, Noor, a resident of Mahawatwadi in Udaipur, will now go to London for studies.
Will study at Queen Mary University
Noor will study graduation in International Relations at Queen Mary University, a famous college in London. She has been selected under the scholarship scheme of the state government. Let us tell you that Noor belongs to a simple family, her mother could not complete her studies and her father is an ordinary businessman.
I had a childhood dream of studying in London
Noor’s mother Nausheen Khan told that Noor wanted to study abroad since childhood and used to read magazines from there regularly online. Not only this, Noor worked online to help the family’s financial condition. Also, she excelled in studies from the beginning. She scored 65% in class 10th and 80% in class 12th. Her subject was English. She studied in St. Mary’s School, Udaipur till class 12th. After that she prepared to take admission in London in which she was successful.
She will do Bachelor’s degree in International Relations
Noor said that she has taken admission in Queen Mary University of London, which is ranked 120th globally. There she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Where my focus will be on India’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. I have been particularly interested from the beginning in how India is establishing itself as a global power, drawing strength from its vast human resources and young population. Additionally, India’s rich cultural capital and historical ties in South Asia increase its soft power. As China’s influence is increasing, India’s strategic, diplomatic, military, and economic actions are important to maintain the balance of power and establish its presence globally.
You will get this benefit in this scheme
Mahe Noor has been selected for Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Scheme. Under this scheme, Mahe Noor will be paid about Rs 1.10 crore as tuition fee for her three-year course by the state government. Apart from this, she will get a stipend of Rs 1 lakh per month for other expenses including food. This will be Rs 36 lakh for three years.
source: http://www.rajasthan.ndtv.com / NDTV Hindi / Home> Rajasthan News / by Vipin Solanki and edited by Sandeep Kumar (further headline edited with full name ) / October 06th,2024
Amreen Iqbal, founder of Piece of You, is proving that jewellery is more than just an accessory — it’s a timeless connection to life’s milestones
Image: Motivate Media Group/ Supplied
Jewellery is not just about adornment — it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that last forever, says Amreen Iqbal.
For Iqbal, the founder of Piece of You , jewellery is more than just a luxury or a decorative accessory. It’s a reflection of life’s most meaningful moments; a creation of something truly personal and lasting. It’s this deep, emotional connection to jewellery that led her to create Piece of You, a brand that has quickly become the go-to brand in the personalised, bespoke jewellery space.
Like her brand, Iqbal’s journey is a meaningful narrative of passion, perseverance and family. It’s a story that weaves together her roots in a family business, her entrepreneurial spirit and her ‘sparkling’ vision for the future.
Iqbal’s passion for jewellery isn’t just a product of her creativity – it runs in her blood. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the jewellery trade, she was surrounded by the sights and sounds of goldsmiths, diamonds, and the ever-evolving world of high-end craftsmanship. Her father, Firoz Merchant, is the founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, a recognised and trusted name in the industry. Watching him build a brand from the ground up was a formative experience for Iqbal, one that would shape not just her understanding of the jewellery industry, but also her approach to business.
Learning from the best
“I had the privilege of learning under the guidance of my father,” Iqbal reflects. “He has been a true mentor, shaping my understanding of business, not just from a technical perspective, but also in terms of ethics and values. His wisdom and leadership have been instrumental in everything I do today.”
Her father’s influence is evident in how Iqbal runs her business. The commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction are values that Iqbal has carried with her, and they are reflected in every piece of jewellery she creates.
One moment that stands out for Iqbal as a testament to the legacy she’s building is when someone approached her father, and said, “Oh, you’re the father of Amreen?” “That moment is unforgettable for me,” Iqbal reflects. “It was a powerful reminder of the legacy I want to create – not just for myself, but for my parents and my children. I want to be known as a hardworking founder who has made a name for herself in this industry.”
Iqbal’s journey as an entrepreneur didn’t come by chance; it was a deliberate decision to follow her passion for jewellery design and make it her own. After years of crafting bespoke pieces for family and friends, her husband, Amran, encouraged her to take the leap and turn her craft into a business. “It was after the birth of our third child, Omar, that Amran pushed me to pursue my dream,” she explains. “He saw how much joy creating personalised pieces brought me and encouraged me to turn that passion into a brand. He truly believed in me, and that belief made all the difference.”
Piece of you: The birth of a brand
And so, Piece of You was born – an online jewellery brand that offers personalised, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow customers to capture their special moments in a way that’s as unique as they are. The brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces (rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets) are crafted from pure 18-carat gold and adorned with diamonds, pearls and other precious stones.
The idea of personalised jewellery resonated deeply with customers, and the brand quickly gained traction. “I believe there’s something incredibly powerful about jewellery that carries personal significance,” Iqbal shares. “When you wear something that has meaning – whether it’s a name, a date, or a symbol that’s important to you – it becomes so much more than just an accessory. It becomes a part of your story.
“Piece of You is about capturing that personal connection and turning it into something tangible – it’s about being ‘uniquely you’.”
“We are proud to be pioneers in personalised jewellery — a space where others have tried to replicate our success,” Iqbal says with a sense of quiet confidence. “As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we take pride in knowing that others look to us as a models. However, we will always remain distinct – and dare I say, better – than other brands.”
With over 35 years of family experience in the industry, coupled with nearly 20 years of her hands-on expertise working with gold and diamonds, Iqbal has developed a deep understanding of the craft. “Our knowledge and passion for the trade are at the heart of everything we do,” she explains.
Furthermore, the brand’s partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers provides an unmatched competitive edge, with Iqbal’s father playing a critical role in the operations, personally overseeing the manufacturing unit. “His involvement ensures the highest standards of ethics and quality at our factory,” Iqbal notes.
“With our manufacturing unit and the ability to purchase on a large scale through our partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers, we offer accessible luxury that goes beyond competitive prices. This combination gives us a distinct advantage in delivering high-quality, personalised jewellery at unparalleled value, she adds.
But while the brand’s distinctiveness is rooted in its expertise, vision, and commitment to quality, it is the power of social media that has enabled Piece of You to share its story with a global audience, transforming its appeal and growth trajectory.
Leveraging social media
Social media has become a game-changer for many businesses – and Iqbal’s journey with Piece of You was no exception. She knew that connecting with customers online was essential, but it wasn’t until her pieces were worn by influential personalities that her business truly took off.
“Social media has completely transformed the jewellery industry,” Iqbal explains. “When I started Piece of You, I knew that building an online presence was crucial. But it wasn’t until one of the influencers in Dubai wore one of our pieces that things started to take off. The response was overwhelming. It opened the floodgates for brand recognition and allowed us to reach customers we never could have imagined.”
The influencer’s endorsement catapulted the brand into the limelight, bringing Iqbal’s personalised designs to the attention of a wider audience. “It was a turning point for us,” she admits. “The exposure we gained through social media and influencers has been incredible. People loved the idea of personalised jewellery, and when they saw someone they admired wearing our pieces, it gave them the confidence to buy for themselves.”
With the power of platforms like Instagram, Piece of You has rapidly grown its following, reaching customers in the UAE and beyond. “The beauty of social media is that it allows us to connect with people globally,” Iqbal says. “Social media has truly allowed us to connect with people who are passionate about what we do, and it’s helped us tell our story in a more meaningful way.”
Like any entrepreneur, Iqbal faced her share of challenges when launching the brand, but she also had a significant advantage.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have minimal challenges in terms of suppliers and understanding the industry,” she admits. “Having worked in the jewellery business for over 12 years before launching Piece of You, I knew the ins and outs of the trade. However, establishing the brand in the market was a challenge. It’s never easy to carve a niche, especially in a market as competitive as Dubai.”
Despite the challenges, Iqbal’s persistence paid off. The brand is a rising star in the world of personalised jewellery. “Today, I’m proud to see Piece of You’s growth and success,” she says with a smile. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work and love I’ve put into the brand.”
Girl power
As a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Iqbal has encountered her own set of challenges. However, instead of viewing these as setbacks, she embraces them as opportunities to demonstrate her capabilities and create a path for other women to follow in the industry.
“I believe that as women, we all face challenges – especially in industries like gold and diamonds where women are often underrepresented,” she says. “But that is changing rapidly, especially in the UAE, where visionary leaders are empowering women to achieve their dreams. There is a space for everyone to succeed, and talent, drive, and passion are what matter the most.”
“The growth of Piece of You is directly tied to the growth of my entire team,” she adds. “As a leader, I’ve learned that delegation is key. When I first started, I struggled with letting go of control, but over time, I’ve learned that empowering others is essential for the growth of both the business and the people around me.”
Her leadership extends beyond her team to the broader community as well. “One of the things I’m most proud of is how Piece of You is able to give back,” she says. The brand’s ‘One Order = One Meal’ programme, which provides a meal to someone in need for every piece of jewellery sold, is just one example of how Iqbal strives to make a difference. “It’s about more than just making money. It’s about creating something that has meaning, that can help people, and that can make the world a better place.”
As much as she is dedicated to her business, Iqbal’s commitment to her family is equally unwavering. “In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am also a full-time mom to four amazing children, aged two to 12, who need me endlessly,” she says with a smile. “It’s a constant balancing act, but I believe that time management and proper planning are the most important factors when it comes to maintaining balance.”
Iqbal makes it a point to wake up every day at 5:30 am, carving out those extra hours to balance her many roles – both at home and in business. “As my brother, Karim Merchant, MD and CEO of Pure Gold Group, taught me early on, effective time management and planning can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life – business, family, mental health, and more,” she says. “As the saying goes, proper planning prevents poor performance.”
As e-commerce continues to reshape industries across the globe, Iqbal has fully embraced digital transformation, understanding the critical role technology plays in the modern consumer experience.
“E-commerce is definitely the future,” Iqbal says. “The ability to shop for jewellery from anywhere at any time is a game-changer. But what really excites me is how technology is transforming the jewellery shopping experience. Virtual try-ons, AI-assisted design tools, and augmented reality are revolutionising the way customers engage with our products.”
Piece of You was quick to adopt these advancements, offering customers the ability to design their jewellery online, see virtual mock-ups, and even try on pieces virtually before making a purchase. “These technologies are key to ensuring that our customers have a seamless and personalised experience,” Iqbal explains.
“We bring your unique vision to life and ensure it is delivered directly to your preferred location, combining convenience with a truly bespoke experience,” she adds.
Committed to sustainability
In today’s world, consumers are increasingly conscious of the ethical and environmental impact of their purchases. Iqbal has always been committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, working with suppliers who share her values of transparency and ethical practices.
“Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet,” Iqbal says firmly. “At Piece of You, we ensure that all our materials are ethically sourced. I work with trusted suppliers, ensuring that our jewellery meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
As the brand continues to gain recognition, Iqbal is looking forward to expanding its reach even further.
“My goal for Piece of You is to establish ourselves as the world’s leading destination for personalised jewellery,” she reveals. With a growing demand for special-shape diamonds, such as hearts and stars, Iqbal is excited about introducing new designs that will appeal to consumers seeking both timeless elegance and bold individuality.
The future of personalised jewellery looks bright, and Amreen Iqbal is poised to lead the way. “We aim to remain leaders in this space, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead,” she says. “It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to help people express their individuality and create meaningful connections through jewellery.”
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Leadership lessons: Amreen Iqbal’s advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs
Find your passion: Pursue a career or business that truly makes you happy. Your passion will drive you even when times get tough.
Build a strong support system: Having a strong support system at home is essential. Whether it’s your spouse, family, or even house help, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Stay true to your values: Integrity and honesty are everything in business. Never compromise your values, no matter how tempting the shortcut may seem.
Delegate and trust your team: When you empower others, you allow them to help you achieve your vision. Leadership is about bringing out the best in those around you.
Embrace social media and technology: Social media can truly elevate your business. Build a community around your brand, and let your customers become your advocates. Incorporating technology is also key to business success in the digital age.
source: http://www.gulfbusiness.com / Gulf Business / Home> UAE > Dubai / by Neesha Salian / December 26th, 2024
Firoz Merchant (Left) donating the cheque to Khalid Al Olama, Secretary General of the Dubai Charity Association
New Delhi :
Mumbai-born Indian businessman Firoz Merchant has donated AED 1 million (approximately Rs 2.25 crore) to the Dubai Charity Association to support kidney patients and release prisoners.
Firoz, a philanthropist is the founder and chairman of Dubai’s Pure Gold Group. The donation will be used for dialysis at the Dubai Charity Association and his initiative of paying the fines of prisoners who have served their terms in jails and have been languishing as they cannot pay the fines imposed on them.
Khalid Al Olama, Member and Secretary General of the Dubai Charity Association, posted the story about Merchant’s charity on Instagram. He thanked Feroz and said it would be of great help to the kidney patients.
He said, “This donation is not just a financial contribution. It is a symbol of Pure Gold Group’s social responsibility and commitment to community welfare. We are proud of this Group’s collaboration. We are grateful for its continued support for humanitarian work in the UAE. This collaboration allows us to expand healthcare services and help more patients.”
After donating to the Dubai Charity Association, Firoz Merchant said, “I would like to thank the Dubai Charity Association for their continued dedication to humanitarian causes. I believe that everyone has a fundamental right to access the best medical care in the world. I am happy that I could contribute to this community service.”
Firoz Merchant’s social work has made a big difference in the lives of many poor and vulnerable people. Firoz’s ‘Forgotten Society’ initiative has freed more than 20,000 prisoners in the UAE since 2008. For this, he waived the prisoners’ debts and arranged for them to fly back to their countries. In 2024, he gave crores of rupees to free 900 prisoners before Ramadan.
In 2017, he announced to provide an annual sum of US$130,790 to repatriate prisoners from the UAE to their home countries. Feroze is fulfilling his social responsibility by helping the needy in society. Mumbai-born Firoz Merchant is well known for his jewelry business and above all human service in the UAE. Each year before Ramazan, he gets prisoners who are languishing in jails after serving their terms but unable to pay the fines imposed by the Courts on them freed from the UAE’s jails.
Firoz set up ‘The Forgotten Society’ in 2008. Each years the society hands over a cewrtain amount to the UAE government as the cumulative fine amount for the release of prisoners
Merchant had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties and he moved to UAE where he worked and gradually established his business.
Firoz Merchant says he does this to ensure that the prisoners can return to their homes before Ramazan. ‘The Forgotten Society’ arranges tickets for the air travel of prisoners. Firoz Merchant, 66, is the owner ‘Pure Gold Jewellers which he set up in Dubai in 1989. He claims to live up to the name of his business and sell only quality jewelry to his customers.
Firoz Merchant says after becoming a brand and enjoying a monopoly on the jewelry market of Dubai and later Abu Dhabi, he wants to expand globally with his new design jewelry.
All the exquisite gold-diamond designer jewelry of ‘Pure Gold Jewellers’ is available for sale online.
While selling designer jewelry, one day Firoz Merchant thought of freeing the prisoners lodged in various jails who don’t have a relative and resources to pay the fine imposed on them by the court as part of the punishment.
Due to his charity, 700 prisoners were released in 2019 and 900 the next year. Till a year ago his initiative has helped more than 20,000 prisoners.
Merchant says his deed is a message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness during Ramzan.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Awaz The Voice / March 12th, 2025
Indian calligrapher Ghulam Mohiuddin transcribed this manuscript.
pix: SPA
Jeddah:
A two-century-old Quran manuscript, transcribed in India, is now on display at the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Indian calligrapher Ghulam Mohiuddin transcribed this monumental Quran manuscript on the 6th of Muharram, 1240 AH (August 31, 1824 AD) in northern India. It was designated as a waqf (endowment) for the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, reflecting India’s deep historical ties to Islamic art and heritage.
Measuring an extraordinary 139.7 × 77.5 cm, the manuscript is embellished with gold, deep-colored pigments, and a cover originally encrusted with rubies, emeralds, turquoise, and peridot, making it one of the rarest Quran copies on display, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The text is written in black Naskh script, with a Persian translation in red Nastaliq, showcasing the Indo-Persian calligraphic style of the era.
Historical records indicate that the manuscript arrived in Madinah in the mid-13th century AH and was initially placed near Bab As-Salam before being moved to the mosque’s treasury during restoration in 1273 AH (1857 AD).
In 1302 AH (1884 AD), it was rebound by Hajj Yusuf bin Hajj Masoom Nemankani, a scholar and manuscript expert from Uzbekistan who later settled in Madinah.
Now preserved at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries in Madinah, this rare Indian-transcribed Quran is a key attraction at the Biennale, celebrating India’s historical ties with the Islamic world and its legacy of artistic excellence.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Middle East / by Sakina Fatima, X / March 12th, 2025
Fathima has consistently excelled in academics, scoring 9.5 GPA in Class X and 943 out of 1,000 marks in intermediate.
Taslima Fathima and family with the appointment letter in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad:
Taslima Fathima (26), the daughter of a hammal (loading, unloading labour) at a civil supplies godown in Sadasivapet, has secured first rank in the Junior Lecturer (Zoology) recruitment examination in Telangana.
Fathima, a resident of Ishrathabad, will now begin her career as a lecturer at the Government Junior College in Sadasivapet, her hometown. Her father, SK Babumiya, who has worked as a labourer for three decades, expressed pride in her achievement. He recalled the financial struggles he faced to support his two children’s education.
Despite studying in Urdu medium until Class X, Fathima overcame challenges by switching to English medium for intermediate at Indo British Junior College, Sadasivapet.
She later completed her graduation at Women’s College, Koti. Excelling in academics, she secured sixth rank in TSPGCET and pursued a postgraduate degree in Zoology at Osmania University’s College of Science.
Less than two years after completing her post-graduation, she achieved the top rank in the Junior Lecturer recruitment exam following the state government’s job notification.
Speaking to Telangana Today, Fathima expressed her desire to give back to society by teaching students in Sadasivapet.
She also hopes to pursue a PhD and become a professor in the future.
Fathima has consistently excelled in academics, scoring 9.5 GPA in Class X and 943 out of 1,000 marks in intermediate.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by Zahed Farooqui – X / March 15th, 2025
Sughra Humayun Mirza; Photo courtesy: Safdaria school
Today, we honour the legacy of Sughra Humayun Mirza Begum, whose courage and vision paved the way for future generations.
Sughra Humayun Mirza was born in December 1882 in Hyderabad. Her father, Dr. Safdar Ali Mirza, was a Captain-Surgeon in the Nizam’s Army and a pious man of Sufi leanings. He had migrated to Hyderabad during the reign of Mir Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah Il.
Growing up Begum Sughra was home tutored in Persian and Urdu. As a young woman, she was inspired by nationalist and reformist ideals. She was married to Barrister Syed Humayun Mirza, after whom the Humayun Nagar area in Hyderabad is named.
Edited magazines
After her marriage, she travelled widely and read extensively and became a person of wide knowledge. Sughra Mirza served as the editor of many journals related to women. They include Al-Nisa (The Woman), and Zaib-un-Nisa (Women’s Adornment). Al-Nisa focused on social issues like cleanliness, health, nursing, and critiqued outdated customs like child marriage and polygamy. The readers of the magazine extended beyond the Deccan region. It spread throughout the mainland of British India, which included Lahore, Delhi, Lucknow and Aligarh.
By 1913, Begum Sughra became the secretary of the Anjuman-e-Khawatin-e-Islam (Association for Muslim Women), contributing to the organization’s efforts toward improving the status of women. Soon after, she joined the Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Dakkan (Deccan Ladies’ Association).
She spread her work
She started similar organisations in Madras, Delhi and Aurangabad. They became platforms for discussing issues related to girls’ education, teaching trades and crafts, fundraising for educational initiatives, vocational training and arranging sports activities for women.
Begum Sughra contributed articles to various newspapers and magazines advocating for social reforms. Being a prominent Urdu language writer of her time she authored several books on women’s education, ‘Safarnamas’ or travelogues, novels, short stories, poetry, and essays.
Wrote books
Some of her well known literary works include – Sarguzisht-e-Hajra (1926), Mohini (1929), Musheer-e-Niswan ya Zohra (1930), Raaz-o-Niyaaz (1933), Bibi Toori ka Khwaab (Toori’s Dream–1952), Awaz-e-Ghaib (Voice of the Unknown).
Begum Sughra wrote her thoughts and authored most of her books by the pen name ‘Haya’.
Writing about Hindu-Muslim unity, encouraging the use of swadeshi goods, working towards setting up national universities and promoting education in the mother tongue, Begum Sughra’s achievements set her apart as a pioneer of her era.
She extensively traveled in India as well as many countries in Europe meeting people of repute and broadening her horizons. She met prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Shah and Queen of Iran, Dr. Ravindranath Tagore, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Sarojini Naidu and many others.
She expressed through her poems, books and letters. Begum Sughra wrote letters to Jawaharlal Nehru, and even to Adolf Hitler asking him to end the war.
She kept an autograph book which was filled with messages from her esteemed friends and acquaintances. On 11th April 1944, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit penned a message in Sughra’s book–“India will progress in proportion to the progress of its women. Let us realize this and march forward boldly with faith in the future.”
Royal Asiatic Society, London
In 1923, she was made a member of the Royal Asiatic Society of London. Begum Sughra wrote five travelogues, three of which document her travels within India between 1914 and 1918, while two feature her journeys to Iraq in 1915 and through Europe in 1924.
Her domestic travel books focus more on social engagement and reformist ideas. Her international travels explore more her personal observations of the countries she visited, while discussing social issues.
In her travel book ‘Safarnama-yi Yurap’ published in 1926, she detailed her travels through England, Germany, France and Switzerland, and mentions about her time as a guest in Geneva of Sultan Abdulmejid II of Turkey, the last Ottoman caliph.
Madarasa-e-Safdaria
One of Sughra Begum’s most extensive educational projects was the Madarasa-e-Safdaria, which she founded in 1934, it has flourished since and is a beacon of education. Located in Humayun nagar
Safdaria school’s objective is to provide free of cost education to the girl child born in Hyderabad’s lowest socio-economic class families. Several dignitaries and luminaries have visited the school since its founding. They include Dr. C Rangarajan, former governor of A.P., Air Chief Marshal Idris Latif, former MP Denzil B. Atkinson, Kumudben Joshi, former governor of AP, Dr. Syed Abid Hussain, and very recently in 2025 U.S. Consul General of the US in Hyderabad, Jennifer Larson.
A few years back, the students of Safdaria school had the opportunity to visit Delhi to meet Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Screenshot
Over the years, Safdaria School made rapid progress, achieving high standards of girls’ education at both Urdu and English medium levels.
When Begum Sughra founded the school, she had to donate her property for its maintenance to meet the expenses and give scholarships to orphans and girls from destitute families.
Her acts of kindness and service include directing her efforts in raising funds for Aligarh Muslim University, providing relief for those affected during the Musi floods of 1908, and even for the victims of an earthquake in Persia.
Standing firm
As one of the first woman activists in Hyderabad, Begum Sughra faced a great deal of challenges yet she stood firm in her resolve to work for women’s rights and their education. Her impact resonates far beyond her time, reminding us of the strength and resilience that women embody in every field and every corner of the world.
She’s a prominent figure in the history of Hyderabad who needs to be celebrated and recognised on a global platform.
Ameera Aaiza is based in Washington, DC, with her roots in Hyderabad, India. Her work explores history, culture, art, and architecture. She contributes columns and blogs and is currently in the process of writing/authoring a book.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Ameera Aaiza / March 12th, 2025
Padma Shri awardee Iqbal Syed Hasnain’s ‘Fault Lines in the Faith: How Events of 1979 Shaped the Islamic World’ was the topic of an animated discussion at Delhi’s IIC earlier this month.
The ‘Fault Lines in the Faith’ book discussion at IIC | Photo: Heena Fatima | thePrint
New Delhi:
A series of three momentous events irrevocably changed the social, religious, and political fabric of the Islamic world. And they all took place in 1979. This is the central argument of Padma Shri awardee Iqbal Syed Hasnain’s book Fault Lines in the Faith, which became the topic of a lively discussion among academics and history buffs at Delhi’s India International Centre on an early February evening.
Presiding over the panel discussion in IIC’s conference room, Hasnain, who is also an eminent glaciologist, elaborated on the three “fault lines” that sent shockwaves far beyond their immediate contexts.
First, the Islamic Revolution in Iran cleaved the Muslim world along sectarian lines with the establishment of the first Shia state. Second, the siege of Mecca ignited the conservative Sahwa (Islamic awakening) movement in Saudi Arabia, blending Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist ideologies. And third, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan led to the birth of violent extremist groups like al-Qaeda and its offshoots.
“All these three pivotal points led to the surge of fundamentalist or Islamist jihad,” said Hasnain. He added that what began as a “normal struggle between invading forces and local communities” warped from nationalism to a violent ideological shift with devastating repercussions.
Iqbal S Hasnain | Photo: Twitter/@Rupa_Books
Hasnain further elaborated on the global impact of these events by sharing personal anecdotes from his time studying in the UK. He said he encountered strong anti-Western sentiment among students from Middle Eastern countries during his glaciology programme at the University of Manchester in the 1990s.
During Friday prayers in a large hall, he said, student speakers often delivered khutbahs (sermons) against Western culture and American exploitation of their regions, with some even advocating for jihad. As American involvement in the Middle East increased, especially with the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s, this hostility intensified.
pix: amazon.in
During the book discussion, audience members raised questions about Hasnain’s narrative. One participant, Sumanjeet Choudhary, a retired corporate executive, inquired why there wasn’t more opposition to jihadist activities despite Islam’s rich history and the presence of prominent leaders.
Hasnain countered this view with the example of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, who has urged Moroccans worldwide to embrace tolerance and reject Islamist extremism.
“King Mohammed VI came out and he stopped the funding [of madrasas] from Saudi Arabia. He changed the whole narrative in the madrasas,” Hasnain said. He acknowledged, however, that while there is an ongoing debate within Muslim communities and their leadership about how to address extremism, it is “not very visible”.
Ripple effects
Hasnain’s book traces the rise of anti-pluralism, misogyny, and severe intolerance within the Arab world. The 1979 Shia Islamic Revolution in Iran, he said, shook the Sunni Arab world. In response, Saudi Arabia, fearing a Shiite revival, actively promoted puritanical Wahhabi Salafism, a strand of Islam that’s deeply hostile not only to Shias but also to Sunni Sufis. He, however, implicates the West as well. In February 1989, after nearly a decade of occupation, the Soviet army left Afghanistan, leaving behind a fractured nation, where tribal warlords and mujahideen groups engaged in an intense tussle for power. The US, having lost interest, “abandoned” the region, he added, leaving a vacuum for the likes of Osama bin Laden to fill.
Ultimately, Hasnain argues that the events of 1979 triggered a chain reaction, including 9/11, the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the rise of al-Qaeda and ISIS. In 2021, in what seems like an eerie echo of the past, the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leaving it with no democratic foundation and back in the grip of the Taliban.
When a participant asked about the impact of the 1979 events on India, Hasnain answered that the after-effects “were not limited to West Asia”, with radicalisation spreading to all corners of the world. “In India, to some extent, it was [mitigated] because India practiced a more moderate form of Islam , Hanafi Sufi Islam, which emphasised trade,” he added.
However, as more Indians went to work in Saudi Arabia, they were influenced by Salafi ideology, Hasnain said. For instance, those who’d grown up celebrating Eid-e-Milad (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) stopped doing so after stints in Saudi Arabia, where Wahhabis do not observe such festivities.
One of the panel’s members was former Indian ambassador to Qatar KP Fabian. Chiming in, he said that it was important tomonitor developments in Muslim-majority countries, given India’s sizeable Muslim population. There may be political borders but “ideas come without a visa”, he pointed out, and vigilance is essential. He also claimed that Arab countries are keeping an eye on India’s Muslims. “They are watching us,” Fabian said. “They are also discreet.”
(Edited by Asavari Singh)
source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Features> Around Town / by Heena Fatima / pix of book edited – source amazon.in / February 29th, 2024
On the concluding day of the World Book Fair 2025, held in at Bharat Mandapam / Pragati Maidan New Delhi from February 1 to February 9, the book “Ishq Sufiyana: untold stories of divine love” by young writer and intellectual Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi was officially launched.
Ishq Sufiyana: Untold Stories of Divine Love / by Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi / image: blueroseone.com
The book launch ceremony took place at Stall No. 12 in Hall No. 6, with several distinguished personalities in attendance.
Notable figures present at the event included Kamlesh Sharma, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth and former Indian Ambassador to the United Nations (New York and Geneva), Padma Shri Professor Iqbal Hasnain, former Vice-Chancellor of Calicut University, Professor Madhu Khanna, former Director of the Department of Comparative Religions and Spirituality, Jamia Millia Islamia, Dr. Shahid Rasool, Dean of Academics at the Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Anita Benjamin, Founding Director of the Rashtriya Christian Mahasangh, Farooq Wani, Chief Editor of the daily Brighter Kashmir, Syed Abid Gowhar, renowned broadcaster and journalist from Jammu & Kashmir, Tasleema Akhtar, human rights activist, Tahmeena Rizvi, researcher, Dr. Rachika Arora, Syed Affan Yasawi, among others.
During this vibrant event, all the distinguished guests shared their thoughts about the book and its author. Ishq Sufiyana is a unique blend of reality and imagination. It creatively presents the real-life stories of thirty renowned Sufi saints of India.
The book among other Sufi intellects also highlights four revered saints and spiritual figures from the Kashmir Valley, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi) (RA), Sheikh Hamza Makhdum (RA) and Lal Ded (Lalla Arifa)
Additionally, Ishq Sufiyana includes a collection of narratives based on Sufism, ethics, and spirituality, many of which have been previously published in various newspapers and journals. The book aims to inspire seekers of all religions and spiritual traditions to dive into the ocean of divine love. The values and teachings of the personalities featured in the book remain relevant today, helping individuals grasp the depths of divine love that transcend worldly boundaries.
Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi is a well-known Sufi scholar, researcher, critic, speaker, and author based in Delhi. He is fluent in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian and is a trained scholar in Indo-Islamic traditions. He has received in-depth education and training in various spiritual orders, particularly the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Chishti Sufi traditions.
He has also undergone spiritual training and initiation under Turkish-origin Naqshbandi Sufi Sheikh Ashraf Effendi (Founder of Sufi Land, Germany). Pir Zia Inayat Khan (Global Head of the Inayati Chishti Sufi Order), American Sufi guide Pir Shabda Khan (Director, Sufism International, USA). He has studied under several esteemed Sufi scholars and spiritual elders in India. Recently, he was invited as a scholar-in-residence at the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship (Philadelphia) and the Awliya Council of North America (New York, USA).
He has also served as an advisor on Islamic affairs for the National Security Council Secretariat, New Delhi.
Moreover, he has participated as a permanent representative of UN-affiliated NGOs at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
The author is also an independent writer, poet, translator, and commentator.
source: http://www.brighterkashmir.com / Brighter Kashmir / Home> Breaking News / by Abid Gowhar / image of publication edited by blueroseone.com / February 12th, 2025
