Tag Archives: Indian Muslims Overseas

Microsite to serve S’pore’s Indian Muslim community

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INDIA / SINGAPORE:

IMPROF President Raja Mohamad (right) and the Chief Executive of Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture Arun Mahizhnan presenting Dr Maliki Osman a token of appreciation.Photo: IMPROF

A newly launched microsite aims to serve as a comprehensive repository of the Singapore Indian Muslim community’s rich history and contributions.

The digital platform, developed by IMPROF, a network of Indian Muslim professionals, in collaboration with the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC), centralises information on important individuals, organisations, institutions and publications in the Singapore Indian Muslim community.

Launched on July 28 at the National Library Building, the microsite serves as a gateway into the insights of the Singaporean Indian Muslim community, said Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, who was the guest of honour at the launch event.

“The story of Indian Muslims in Singapore is one of resilience, cultural preservation and contribution to our nation’s multicultural identity.

“I hope this microsite can serve as a reminder, not just for the Indian Muslim community, but also for the broader Singaporean audience on the importance of preserving and documenting our stories,” he said.

He also encouraged the younger generation to take up the mantle and uphold these traditions.

Mr Raja Mohamad, president of IMPROF, said that Indian Muslims are often misunderstood even in today’s society.

“This microsite aims to address misconceptions and promote accurate information about our community. It is not merely a directory but a well-organised collection of existing information that has been gathered from various sources across the internet,” Mr Raja said.

For example, one can find information about a teacher who is also a community leader, an author, and a sports enthusiast, all in one place, he said.

The microsite documents key developments and notable figures in the Singapore Indian Muslim community, including publications and resources by Indian Muslims as well as those written by others about Indian Muslims.

With 111 subjects, 58 personalities, 30 institutions and 705 links featured, Mr Raja said the site’s content is non-exhaustive and will be continually updated.

The criteria for selection include having an independent mention on authoritative third-party websites, such as government or official institutions, and being recognised through national awards or respected institutions. Additionally, individuals must have excelled in their professional fields or served the community in significant capacities within government or influential agencies.

Mr Raja said he hopes it will be a valuable resource for scholars, community leaders, students and anyone who wants to know more about their community.

The idea for the microsite was conceived four years ago when he gave Mr Raja a call on Hari Raya morning, said Mr Arun Mahizhnan, the chief executive of CSTC.

“The world of the Indian Muslims in Singapore is a continuation of what existed more than 2,000 years ago in this region. They are a small but significant community that helped build Singapore.

“CSTC believes social history is essential for a fuller understanding of our community life. We hope to act as a catalyst in several more of such initiatives,” he said.

Link to microsite: https://singapore-indian-muslims.glide.page

source: http://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg / TABLA / Home> Singapore / by Yogita Anbuchezhian / August 01st, 2024

Wildlife photographer from Udupi Haarish Mohammed wins international photography award

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Haarish during one of his jungle visits with his camera

Udupi: 

Haarish Mohammed, a wildlife photographer from Udupi, now residing in Saudi Arabia, has won the international photography competition organized by 35 Awards in the Black and White category. This contest saw a remarkable participation of 465,000 photographs submitted by 111,253 photographers from 174 countries.

Reflecting on his journey, Haarish shared, “I’ve been fascinated with nature and forests since childhood. During my college years, trekking through the Western Ghats became a regular activity. In 2011, I moved to Saudi Arabia for a job, realizing that my connection to the forest could only be maintained through a career in the Forest Department, becoming a naturalist, or pursuing wildlife photography. I dedicated 1.5 years to learning the theory of photography before purchasing my first camera in 2013.

“The period from 2013 to 2017 was all about learning, and in 2017, I met a group of talented photographers in Saudi Arabia called Photomates, which I joined. With their support, I honed my skills. However, my job in Saudi Arabia limited my opportunities to explore the forests of Karnataka. After the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, I decided to resign and return to India to start my own business. Since then, I’ve had many of my works featured and published on various platforms. I visited national parks like Nagarhole, Kabini, and Bhadra, photographing beautiful animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and many colorful birds.”

Haarish elaborated on the story behind his winning image: “It was taken during an evening safari in the lush forests of Kabini, Karnataka. We were waiting for a herd of elephants to cross our path to reach a water body. To our surprise, a single tusker emerged from the dark forest.”

Haarish’s photo that bagged first place in international photography competition organized by 35 Awards

Haarish’s achievements include being featured in BBC Earth, the international online magazine PawsTrails, and Nature In Focus.

He secured third place in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 photography competitions held by Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore. His work was also accepted for the International Wildlife Photo Exhibition held by Alvas Virasat in 2023.

Additionally, he won a certificate of merit in the National Level Photography Contest conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in 2023. His most recent accolade is the first place in the 2023 international photography competition conducted by 35 Awards in the Black and White category.

“Wildlife photography is like a window into the world of animals. It helps us understand and appreciate them better by capturing their beauty and diversity. Moreover, wildlife photography raises awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. By showcasing the wonders of nature, it encourages us to take care of it. When we see how amazing animals are, we’re more likely to want to save them,” Haarish added.

source: http://www.englishvarthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali> Karnataka / 13th, June 2024

Mansur Ali Ahmed elected as Ameer in Annual meeting of Jamiatul Falah National Regional Coordination

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , ,

KARNATAKA / SAUDI ARABIA:

Mansur Ali Ahmed

Dammam:

The annual meeting of the Jamiatul Falah National Regional Coordination Committee, Saudi Arabia, was held at the Red Pot Restaurant in the city on Friday, February 23.

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District delegates of Jamiatul Falah as well as delegates from Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Jubail attended the annual meeting.

Dammam Unit President JF Shareef Karkala, JFCC President Shahul Hameed KK and Ameer Mansoor were present in the meeting.

The delegates unanimously elected Mansur Ali Ahmed as the “Ameer” for the year 2024-25.

The meeting, which was moderated by Siraj, concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by lunch.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 24th, 2024

25-year-old PIO is UK’s youngest civic mayor

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Valsad, GUJARAT / London, U.K :

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Humaira Garasia, whose family roots are in Valsad, was .elected speaker of London borough of Hackney in May

Surat :

Rishi Sunak might be in news for being the frontrunner for the post of Prime Minister of the UK and he will create history if he is elected for the post of the country that once ruled India.

But Indian origin Humaira Garasia (25) has already created a history by becoming the youngest-ever speaker of council in London Borough of Hackney.

Garasia’s family is originally from Valsad and her father had migrated to the UK at a young age. Garasia was determined to enter active politics when she was 15 and wanted to represent the marginalised population.

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She identifies herself as a Gujarati of Indian origin. She studied BA politics from the University of London. Her father Rafik Ahmed, a warehouse worker, is from Nana Taiwad in Valsad while her mother Najma, a housewife, is from Bharuch.

“I am the youngest-ever speaker/civic mayor of Indian origin in the whole of the UK and the youngest speaker to have ever been elected for the London Borough of Hackney,” says Garasia.

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“I was elected at the age of 21 as a councillor in 2018 and completed a four-year term. I was the youngest person of Indian origin to be elected as a councillor then. I was successfully re-elected as a councillor in May 2022,” she added.

She said: “I will be working with leaders, residents and communities from across the borough to address issues of inequalities, while also helping to tackle long-term issues such as racism and discrimination. I will focus on providing support to the most vulnerable members of society and helping young people to feel both empowered and safe.”

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Born and brought up in London, Garasia’s parents migrated around 35 years ago. Garasia visits Valsad every year with her family.

source: http://www.timesofindia.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News / by Yagnesh Bharat Mehta / July 23rd, 2022

Indian doctor helped a ‘critical’ Rizwan recover in time for semi-final

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Thiruvananthapuram, KERALA / Dubai, UAE :

Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen posing with Mohammad Rizwan’s jersey. (Special Arrangement, Twitter/ShoaibAkhtar)

The attending pulmonologist, Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, originally from Thiruvananthapuram, said Mohammad Rizwan was critical at the time he was admitted in Dubai’s Medeor Hospital.

It was a race against time. Two days before his team’s T20 World Cup semifinal against Australia, Pakistan’s wicket-keeper opener Mohammad Rizwan, after complaining of severe chest pain, was in the ICU unit of Medeor Hospital near Burjuman in Dubai.

The attending pulmonologist, Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, originally from Thiruvananthapuram, says Rizwan was critical at the time he was admitted. Under the Indian doctor’s care, Pakistan’s key player recovered in time for the game.

He didn’t just make it to the playing XI, he also made a gritty 67, helping his team post a formidable score in the match that Australia narrowly won. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Rizwan, 29, remembered to acknowledge the efforts put in by the good doctor. As a token of gratitude, he sent across a team shirt, autographed by the Pakistan players.

Speaking to The Sunday Express at his chambers, Dr Saheer credited the quick recovery to Rizwan’s “willpower”.

In ICU for 35 hours

“He was in the ICU for 35 hours. He had a fever for three-four days, but he was Covid negative. Then (two days before the match), he had severe chest pain, enough to make him gasp,” Dr Saheer said.

The 40-year-old doctor said he initially suspected a heart problem, but tests ruled that out. “Actually, due to infection, spasms had blocked Rizwan’s esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe), resulting in chest pain. His condition was critical.”

Going into the match, Rizwan was not 100%, but managed to score 67 in 52 balls, getting out only in the 18th over of the Pakistan innings. He returned to keep the wickets and took a sharp catch of the in-form Australian opener David Warner, who seemed to be running away with the game.

During a break in the game, Pakistan’s batting coach, former Aussie batsman Mathew Hayden, had revealed to the host broadcaster that Rizwan had been in hospital a day earlier.

“I am a big fan of this batting line-up, they have performed superbly right through with the bat all along, and tonight is no exception. Rizwan was in hospital a night ago, suffering from a bronchitis condition, but this is a warrior… He has great courage, so has Babar (Azam), fantastic to see them combine so well,” Hayden said.

Among those who applauded Rizwan’s drive and commitment was Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin . “Can you imagine this guy played for his country today & gave his best. He was in the hospital last two days. Massive respect @iMRizwanPak. Hero,” posted Pakistan great Shoaib Akhtar.

Dr Saheer recalled Rizwan was desperate to play. “Whenever we spoke, he told me, ‘Play I must, I have to be with the team’. He was given an injection before leaving the hospital (a day before the game) and then, two hours before the start of the match, he took medicines. I allowed him to play only because he was medically fit to play,” the doctor said.

Dr Saheer said, Rizwan and his Pakistani teammates wanted to visit him personally to thank him, but biosecurity protocol didn’t allow them to do so. “He said, ‘Ek shirt bhej rahe hain aapko (Sending you an autographed team shirt)’.”

While happy at the gift, Dr Saheer said he was happier at Rizwan’s recovery. “It was down to his willpower. I have never seen a person with such strong willpower. He was weak but his willpower trumped the illness.”

Recalling the challenge, he added: “An illness that usually takes about a week to heal was taken care of inside two days… He had a big game coming up, so it was my duty to walk the extra mile, leave no stone unturned and then see how it goes. When he was admitted to the ICU, I never thought it would be possible. But he responded very well to the treatment, followed our advice in toto and pulled off something unreal.”

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Sports> Cricket / by Shamik Chakrabarty, Dubai / November 14th, 2021