In a historic moment, Hamza Hussain and Altaf Hussain, two brothers serving in Karnataka’s law enforcement, have been honored with the President’s Award for Meritorious Service on India’s 76th Republic Day.
Hamza Hussain, Superintendent of Police (S.P.) Commandant, 12th Battalion, KSRP, Tumkur, has been recognized for his leadership in critical police operations and public safety. His brother, Altaf Hussain, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) at Wilson Garden Police Station, Bangalore, has played a vital role in crime prevention and community policing.
The award, one of the highest honors in Indian law enforcement, acknowledges their dedication, integrity, and commitment to justice. Their achievement is a proud moment for Karnataka and the nation, inspiring future generations of police officers.
The brothers expressed their gratitude, stating, “This award is a tribute to all officers who tirelessly serve the nation. We dedicate it to our department, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support.”
Their recognition on Republic Day underscores their exceptional service in upholding law and order, marking a milestone in Karnataka’s police history.
source: http://www.islamicvoice.com / Islamic Voice / Home> Cover Story / Vol. 37-03, No. 448 March 2025
Altaf Hussain, Artisan and chief decorator of Ram Leela Utsav
The death of Altaf Hussain, one of the well-known artisans whose family had been involved in decorating the venue of Raas Mela Utsav, a famous cultural event of the city of Cooch Behar of West Bengal is being widely mourned across the state.
Altaf Mian, 70, passed away on Saturday. He was buried in Cooch Bihar, located about 7.5 hours drive from Kolkata.
His family, popularly known as ‘Altaf Mian’, had been organizing the famous ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ of Cooch Behar for a long time.
For forty years, Altaf Hussain was involved in decorating the venue of the Raas Leela Utsav – a play based on the life of Lord Krishna, particularly romantic and naughty interactions with Gopis the local young women, at the Madan Mohan temple every year in November.
Altaf Hussain was famous for designing the archway of the Raas Mela festival.
Even Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep grief over his death.
Altaf Hussain had not been well for two years. For this reason, his son Aminur Hussain take charge of decorating the ‘Ras Leela Utsav’
Work
Altaf Hussain was being treated at MGN Medical College Hospital in Cooch Behar.
As soon as the news of his death came in, a big crowd of his admirers gathered at his house in the Harin Chaura area. Hindus and Muslims, children, old and young alike came to pay their respects. Women were seen weeping.
A pall of gloom fell on the city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joined his admirers in expressing grief and offering condolences to his family.
She also directed the Cooch Behar district administration to bury Altaf Hussain with state dignity.
What is Raas Mela festival?
‘Raas Mela festival’ is an artistic presentation of Lord Krishna’s dance with his consort Radha and gopis of Braj. This dance festival of Radha-Krishna is also mentioned in Bhagwat Purana and Geet Govinda.
The ‘Raas festival’ of Cooch Behar district is quite famous. It lasts a fortnight This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’, which lasts for fifteen to twenty days, starts on 15 November and continues till the first week of December. This ‘Raas Utsav’ is also called ‘Winter Carnival’ in Cooch Behar.
This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ has been going on in Cooch Behar district for two hundred years. It is said that this happened for the first time during the time of the 17th king of Cooch Behar Harendra Narayan. His descendants celebrated it with pomp and show.
During the time of Raja Madan Mohan, the format of this festival changed. It was during this time that Altaf Hussain’s ancestors were given the responsibility of decorating this festival. For the first time, big arches were erected and this tradition continues.
The attraction of this ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ spread far and wide and people were drawn to see this festival.
So far the Raas Mela Utsav of Cooch Behar was only disrupted twice – in 1912 when cholera disease spread and the second time in 2020 during the Corona pandemic.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jaynarayan Prasad, Kolkata / March 04th, 2025
A legacy of craftsmanship is slowly fading into obscurity in the quiet lanes of Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. A family of Muslim jewellers, whose silver jewellery designs once captivated the rural heartland, have spent over six generations perfecting their art. Adored by countless women in villages, their intricate silverwork remains unmatched in the region. Yet, despite their unmatched skill and devotion, they have never been able to secure the recognition they deserve.
While they have brought distinction to larger jewellers, they struggle to establish an identity of their own. What began with hopes of creating a unique legacy now faces the grim reality of unfulfilled dreams, as the next generation begins to shy away from this art form.
Originally from Losal village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, Eliasuddin moved to Rajgarh’s largest city of Biawara almost 55 years ago with his father and three brothers. They hoped to take their craft to new heights and believed that their unique art would bring them fame and success.
However, after more than half a century, they remain simply skilled craftsmen. Their work is limited to sustain their families. Seeking more secure and rewarding careers, the next generation is now stepping away from the family tradition. They say that the job only brings enough to survive, not thrive.
Eliasuddin explains that they specialise in ‘Pola’ work — a technique that involves crafting silver jewellery, particularly popular in rural areas. “We are from Losal village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district. We came from Jaipur to Rajgarh about 55 years ago and began our work in Biawara city. Local gold and silver traders provide us with work, and we design jewellery using our skills. We do not have logos or names on our designs. Most of our work is done by hand, with very little use of machinery. We even create our own tools by hand, as we often need specific designs that are not available in the market,” he says.
The family has been in this craft for six generations, with Eliasuddin’s sons and brothers continuing the work. Now 97, his father is still an expert in the art. Despite this legacy, their financial situation has remained difficult. “We dedicated our entire lives to this craft, but we have never been recognised for it. We never achieved the success we thought would come with our hard work. No matter how much we poured into it, we never got the recognition we deserve,” he says.
Altaf Hussain, Eliasuddin’s eldest son, adds, “We work hard, but we are just making ends meet. I am sending my son to pursue an MBA, and I hope the next generation steers away from this field. My father brought us here 55 years ago, and today, we still operate our business from a rented shop.”
Meanwhile, sharing his concerns, Eliasuddin’s younger son, Irshad, says, “I have two young children who go to school, but we cannot afford to send them to a private school because their fees are too high. Despite this, we continue to hope they will study and grow, as we never received the recognition or success, we feel we deserve from this work.”
All Photographs by the author
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News / by Abdul Waseem Ansari, TwoCirlces.net / January 01st, 2025
