Tag Archives: Indian Muslims Positive Story

How businessman Manzoor Wangnoo restored Khushal Sar Lake of Kashmir

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Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Manzoor Wangnoo leading school Children during an environmental campaign in Srinagar
Manzoor Wangnoo leading school Children during an environmental campaign in Srinagar

About two and a half years ago when Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, a prominent businessman of Kashmir  was asked by the anchor during a television show that he must say in 20 seconds what inspired him to work for saving and restoring Kashmir’s water bodies, he replied “Ehsaas”.

His reply explained how realization and concern on seeing the water bodies of the Valley shrink and gets degraded due to human greed and official negligence became the key to his massive efforts to awaken the public and undertaking the work to restore the Lakes to health.

He remembers visiting the 1.6 km by 0.6 km Khushal Sar Lake located on Srinagar outskirts in February 2021 for the first time. “It was in bad shape, choked with solid waste and smelling foul”, he told Awaz-the Voice at his office in Kashmir Mahal Resorts in the Nishat area overlooking the Dal lake.

“When I told the residents that it needs efforts to clean up the lake, they laughed”, he said, as he was accompanied by his team of volunteers of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), established in 2000. He remember his three counsins – Latief, Riyaz and Muzaffar also joining him from the beginning of his campaign. 

NLCO started with cleaning up the Nigeen Lake, and is currently focused on Khushal Sar, Manzoor Wangnoo recalled the oft-quoted couplet from India’s 20th century famous Urdu poet, Majrooh Sultanpuri (Asrar-ul-Hassan Khan): Meein akela hi chalaa thaa janibe manzil magar’; Loag Saath aatey gaye aur karwaan banta gaya”.“That actually happened”, he said.  The target of cleaning Khushal Sar was completed in 100 days under the “Mission Ehsaas” (phase 1), which began on February 21, 2021. With the help of SMC (Srinagar Municipal Corporation) and other agencies, NLCO removed “3000 truckloads of muck from the Lake till date”, Wangnoo said.

Wangnoo with local resident at Gilsur bridge

“Now this (Khushal Sar) is not a dustbin”, he said and appealed to the Government to provide a drainage system and demarcation on the lake peripheries. The traditional navigational route, Zadibal-Sazgaripora in the lake was restored in phase 2 of “Mission Ehsaas” last year. Wangnoo said that the lake was orphaned and had been neglected for the past 30 years.

Without the efforts of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), which keeps Nallah Amir Khan clean, the restoration work of Khushal Sar and Gilsar would not have been possible, Manzoor Wangnoo said. The authorities have prevented solid waste from flowing into the twin water bodies. He also praised successive Divisional Commissioners for supporting his work.

He called for a “competent authority” to take responsibility of the lake’s conservation, though J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) looks after Dal Lake. “It (Khushal Sar) needs complete attention”, Manzoor Wangnoo told Awaz-the Voice, as phase 3 of clearing the muck began earlier this year.

“The mission received an encouraging response”, Wangnoo said and referred to its mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat last year. Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha also expressed his “gratitude” to Wangnoo at least on three occasions in the last two years. “The idea of cleaning the Khushal Sar was of a prominent businessman of Srinagar city, Manzoor Ahmad, and the cleaning process was started with the help of the administration coupled with the efforts of the locals. It is a great example of public participation,” Sinha commented on one occasion.

“People in the vicinity (of Khushal Sar) have started to realize the importance of the conservation of the water body. Administration lent its support for the cause, especially SMC has been there to collect the waste from day one”, he commented.

The restoration of choked Khushal Sar to its pristine glory is not the first venture undertaken by Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, who has established his business in carpet and Kashmir handicrafts over the last nearly five decades. The 70 years old businessman, who was educated at Tyndale Biscoe School and S P College, Srinagar, learned the trade from his father in his early childhood.

Wangnoo in his office

As a businessman over the decades, what concerned him was the need “to create awareness regarding environment and saving water bodies of Kashmir, endangered by pollution”. Thus, he constituted a local NGO, Nigeen Lake’s Conservation (NLCO) in 2000 for the restoration of water bodies. “I took the challenge to restore the glory of the lake with the active participation of peoples… it aims to save the (Nigeen) lake from becoming a cesspool”, he said.

“This is our (team’s) identity wherever we go with efforts of saving the environment”, the devout Muslim pointing towards his white round cap, commented. “NLCO has taken on the role of a watchdog organization, to check vandalism, create awareness about the importance of conservation of water bodies in particular and the environment in general”.

Speaking of challenges, Manzoor Wangnoo said “land mafia and encroachers tried their best to stop us. But when three people, administration and NGOs – join hands everything becomes possible.”

After several years there was a sea change in the Nigeen Lake as “the people became aware of the importance of the pollution-free lake”, he said. Wangnoo has also contributed to helping the 2005 quake-hit people of Uri and Tangdhar by constituting Kashmir Welfare Trust and in the education sector by setting up Bilaliya Educational Institute.

Educational Institute, Srinagar

Nigeen Lake is connected via a narrow strait flowing beneath the Ashai Bagh bridge on the Lal Chowk-Rainawari-Hazratbal road. It is further connected to Khushal Sar and Gilsar through Nallah Amir Khan.

While he was continuing with his mission “to help enrich the quality of life of the community and preserve ecological balance and heritage through a strong environment conscience”, the October 2005 earthquake posed another challenge to him.

With the support of the concerned persons to deliver, he initiated the relief measures in the quake-hit areas of North Kashmir, which led to the formation of Kashmir Welfare Trust (KWT), an NGO to undertake the relief operations. The KWT, which initiated with the adoption of 69 earthquake victims from Tangdhar in 2005 has set up the Bilaliya Educational Institute in Srinagar where 1900 boys and girls are today enrolled. Also, it’s one of the leading schools in Srinagar.

He proudly says that some of the students of the school have shown excellent results with scoring distinction in the board examinations.

It Trust has also contributed to the relief and rehabilitation of the 2014 floods in Kashmir.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / June 26th, 2023

MS felicitates successful NEET candidates

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

Six students from MS achieved scores above 600 marks in this year’s NEET examination.

MS felicitates successful NEET candidates

Hyderabad: 

The MS Education Academy has organized a felicitation ceremony to honour the successful candidates of the NEET 2023 batch.

Mohammed Lateef Khan, addressing the ceremony, expressed his delight and announced that this year, approximately 169 candidates are expected to secure free seats in MBBS. He emphasized the academy’s mission and vision for 2036, aiming to produce 10,000 doctors dedicated to serving the country and the Muslim community. These doctors will be committed to providing exceptional healthcare and making the well-being of the people their primary goal.

Khan expressed his gratitude to Allah Almighty and proudly stated that 1,763 students from the MS Education Academy have been admitted to MBBS programs. Many of them have also pursued MD degrees and are currently serving both within the country and abroad. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the NEET-qualified students and their parents, emphasizing that these students are valuable assets to the community. He expressed his hope that their service to the people would contribute to a better world for themselves and their parents.

It is worth noting that six students from MS achieved scores above 600 marks in this year’s NEET examination. Hafiz Abdul Rahim Shukoor secured the top position with 670/720 marks, followed by Syed Abdul Basith Rehan with 665/720 marks in the second position. Shabana secured the third position with 650/720 marks, and Muhammad Abdul Malik, son of Muhammad Abdul Hameed, obtained the fourth position in MS with 647/720 marks. Amara Fatima bint Mohammad Rahman brought great honor to MS, her family, and the country by scoring 624/720 marks. Notably, Amara Fatima is the granddaughter of Mohammad Osman Ali, the younger brother of State Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali.

At the beginning of the event, Mohammad Ghousuddin, the Director of MS Education Academy, warmly welcomed the students and eloquently described the educational journey of MS. He proudly mentioned that the academy, which started with just two rooms in 1991, has now expanded to 106 educational institutions nationwide. These institutions collectively accommodate more than 30,000 students and employ over 3,000 teachers.

Mohammed Lateef Khan assured the community that MS students would strive to become achievers with perfect scores of 720/720 in the future.

During the felicitation ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Anwar Ahmed and Dr. Muhammad Moazzam Hussain, Trustees of MS Education Academy, provided insightful guidance to the students. Mufti Shakeel, the imam and khateeb of the Spanish Mosque (Masjid Iqbal-ud-Daula) in Begumpet, received special recognition during the event. It is worth mentioning that his fourth daughter achieved impressive marks in NEET, joining her siblings in the prestigious accomplishment of securing free MBBS seats through MS Education Academy.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Zahed Farooqui / June 15th, 2023

Yakub Patel first Indian-origin Muslim to become Mayor of UK’s Preston

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Bharuch, GUJARAT / Preston, U.K :

London: 

The city of Preston in the UK has elected Gujarat-born Yakub Patel as its first Indian-origin Muslim Mayor for 2023-24 following the completion of Councillor Neil Darby’s term in office.

In his new role, Patel will chair council meetings, and act as ceremonial head representing the city at engagements throughout their year in office.

“I am honoured and delighted to become the Mayor of Preston, a city I am proud to call my home. I hope to make positive differences to the communities that I serve and also provide additional support through my Mayoral charities for the coming year,” Patel said.

Prior to his new role, Patel has been serving as the city’s Deputy Mayor since May 2022.

The long serving councillor has been undertaking civic duties and hosted the visit of the Royal Family in summer alongside the then Mayor.

“…It gives me great pleasure to be handing over the chains of office to the Mayor-elect, Councillor Yakub Patel. The last year has been the most outstanding experience of my life and it has been a huge honour to have been the Mayor of our fabulous city,” Preston’s outgoing Mayor Darby wrote in a tweet.

Birth and Migration to UK

Born in Bharuch, Gujarat, Patel graduated from M S University of Baroda with a degree in BA and MA in English Literature. He came to the UK in June 1976 and started his career in 1979 with Preston Corporation.

Patel also held roles as a Revenue Inspector, Traffic Inspector, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector and Operations Manager before he retired on July 4, 2009.

Political Career

He has been involved in politics since the age of 10 when he started canvassing and delivering leaflets for his late father, who was a strong supporter and a member of the Congress party.

He was first elected as a Labour Party councillor for Avenham Ward in 1995 and was the first Muslim councillor in the history of Preston City Council.

In addition, Patel was also elected as a Lancashire County Councillor for Preston West Division during 2001-2009.

The new Mayor is also an active member of the local community and serves as a co-opted member for Preston Jamea Mosque and Preston Muslim Burial Society.

He is a school governor for Frenchwood Community Primary School. Rosemere Cancer, Preston Domestic Violence Services and Emmaus will be Patel’s Mayoral Charities for 2023-24.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United Kingdom / by IANS / May 23rd, 2023

In 1962 Mohammed Rafi cheered troops on China border

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA /ALL INDIA :

Mohammad Rafi and Dilip Kumar
Mohammad Rafi and Dilip Kumar

Contrary to the popular notion that wars are fought by the armies alone, the whole nation including Bollywood personalities and leading artists get involved in the national efforts to fight the enemy.

The Chinese invasion in October 1962 was a shocking moment for India. Traditionally, India had supported China at every international forum for at least half a century. The invasion was the least expected from China and India was not at all prepared for it. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru urged the nation to stand united in that hour of emergency and in response Indians donated generously to the National Defence Fund.

The film industry did not lag. Film Industry’s war efforts were led by legendary filmmaker Mehboob, singer Mohammed Rafi and music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi (Khayyam).

In less than a week they collaborated to produce two music videos, which were to be played in film theaters, on the radio, and on the roadsides to raise funds for the war.

One of those two songs, “Awaz do hum ek hain…”, by Jaan Nisar Akhtar is now a popular political slogan in India. On Nehru’s call to the nation, Jaan Nissar Akhtar wrote the song to which music was given by Khayyam and the voice by Mohammad Rafi. The song is an invocation to Indians to unite in the face of an invader became a national passion and remains so till today.

The song starts with:

ek hai apni zameen, ek hai apna gagan

ek hai apna jahaan, ek hai apna watan

apne sabhi sukh ek hai, apne sabhi gham ek hai

Aawaz do ham ek hai

(We have a common earth, we have a common sky

We have a common world, we have a common motherland

All our joys are common, all our sorrows are common

Say it aloud that we are one!)

The powerful lyrics were turned into a national rage by the soulful singing of Rafi. Jago watan khatre me hai, sara chaman khatre me hai (wake up our motherland is under threat, whole garden is under siege) and dushman se nafrat farz hau, ghar ki hifazat farz hai (hating your enemy is a duty, to guard your home is a duty), aroused patriotic emotions among millions of Indians. The song asks the youth to join the army and fight the aggressor.

The song was picturized on Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar, and Kamal Jeet.

Another song produced along with this was written by Sahir Ludhianvi, “watan ki abroo khatre main hai…” (dignity of the nation is under threat). It was also produced by Mehboob and sung by Mohammed Rafi. The song specifically points to the Panchsheel pact and other friendly gestures made by India towards China. It says,

Wo jinko saadgi mein hamne

Aankhon par bithhaaya thha

Wo jinko bhai kehkar

Hamne seene se lagaaya thha

Wo jinki gardanon mein haar

Baahon ka pehnaaya thha

Ab unki gardanon ke waaste

Talwaar ho jaao

(The people we honoured because of our innocence

The people we embraced and called brothers

The people we received with love

Now, do become swords for their throats)

The song also points toward the internal threats at the time of war.

Khabar rakhna koi gaddaar

Saazish kar nahin paaye ae

Nazar rakhna koi zaalim

Tijori bhar nahin paaye ae

(Be vigilant that no traitor conspires against the nation

Be vigilant that nobody makes money out of our war efforts)

The song was picturized on Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Raj Kumar, and Kamal Jeet in a video produced by Mehboob.

Lorries with speakers would roam around playing these songs and prompting people to donate generously. It is said that when one such procession reached the house of Shammi Kapoor his wife actor Geeta Bali started crying. She rushed inside her house and told Shammi that she needed to do something for the nation. Geeta took all her jewelry, even the pieces she wore, and gave it away for war.

Rafi felt that singing in the safety of Mumbai was a disgrace in the line of his national duty. He discussed with Dilip Kumar and urged PM Nehru to send them to the border. What would they do there? Rafi felt that his songs could boost the morale of Indian soldiers and the presence of Dilip Kumar would assure the troops that the whole nation is standing behind them.

It was a dangerous mission. It was unprecedented for the artists to perform at the war front. In the cold, Rafi and Dilip reached the war frontier. He sang songs, interacted with soldiers, and boosted their morale. Dilip Kumar later recalled, “needless to say he was the star attraction with the jawans and the young newly commissioned officers”.

After the war ended with a ceasefire the collected funds were used to recover the economy and modernizing the Army.

On 27 January 1963, Mehboob organized an event in Delhi where he invited.all the prominent film stars to perform in the presence of President S Radhakrishnan and PM Jawaharlal Nehru. The event is often remembered for the rendition of “Aey mere watan ke logo…” by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi sang two songs. One was written by Shakeel Badayuni and its music was composed by Naushad, “Apni azadi ko hum hargiz mita sakte nahi.” The song was later adapted into the film Leader and the other was “Kar chale hum fida….” written by Kaifi Azmi and composed by Madan Mohan, which was later adopted in Haqeeqat, a movie based on the India-China war.

The fact that Rafi went to the war frontier and stayed there for a few days to play what turned out to be a big morale booster for the troops remains an unprecedented manifestation of one’s sense of responsibility towards his country.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Culture / by Saquib Salim / December 24th, 2022

Beleaguered tanpura makers get some support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

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Miraj, GOA :

Traditional makers of classical Indian string instruments worry about the extinction of their art, with little interest among the younger generation, and most of their clientele now based abroad.

Tanpura artist Altaf Mullah, classical vocalist Rahul Deshpande and Yusuf Mullah (Altaf’s father and Tanpura maker to Bhimsen Joshi).  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For generations, Altaf Mullah and his family, residents of Miraj in Goa, have been in the business of tuning the strings and twisting the pegs of Indian string instruments such as the tanpura, surbahar, rudra veena and vichitra veena. They are currently headed for a tour of the United States and the United Kingdom, to hold workshops on how best to keep these instruments tuned, for their clients abroad, a number that now oustrips their domestic market.

On the face of it, it seems as though Mr. Mullah and his family have negotiated the ravages of modernity on traditional businesses quite well, by shifting their client base abroad. But the story is quite different. In fact, the workshop is being sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) after a distress email from Mr. Mullah, who feared the extinction of this art of making and maintaining string instruments.

“We are the fifth generation making these string instruments. We were given Rajashray (royal patronage) in 1862, but the way things were going, this art would not survive beyond this generation. We make upto ₹500 per day, the younger generation is not that attracted to it,” says Mr. Mullah. His father, Yusuf Mullah, is a much-feted string instrument maker, with Hindustani music maestro Bhimsen Joshi having been a faithful patron.

After having knocked on many doors, Mr. Mullah wrote to ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe about the systemic and immediate problems faced by his tribe of string instrument makers. “For 1.3 billion people, and countless afficianados abroad, there are only 220 karigars (artisans), mostly concentrated in Goa or Kolkata,” he said.

Mr. Sahasrabuddhe’s response was immediate, and one of the first things he did was to set up a meeting between Mr. Mullah and the Postmaster General of India, in New Delhi. “Our immediate issue was that the parcels of instruments that we used to send abroad [which is the bulk of the business] were through speed post. The department of posts changed it from weighted charges to volumetric post, that raised our costs by three times the amount. We were really struggling,” said Mr. Mullah. The Postmaster General agreed to make an exception for the parcelling of string instruments and some relief was gained.

“Our major problems, however, remained. Our worst period was of course between 1990-2000 with the rising popularity of electronic instruments. Fortunately, acoustic sound made a quick comeback, and our business went up again, but not enough to attract the next generation,” he said.

Mr. Sahasrabuddhe told The Hindu that preserving the tradition of making and maintaining Indian string instruments was important as they were “the tangible and intangible heritage of India, and Indian musical tradition.” In fact, there is now talk of standardising a curriculum via the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for this purpose, to create a base of instrument makers, and prevent the skill from dying.

The Mullahs’ client list, ranging from composer A.R. Rahman to India’s nightingale, the late Lata Mangeshkar, to Bhimsen Joshi and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain — reads like the who’s who of Indian music.

Tanpura artist Altaf Mullah with Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Indian string instruments, especially the tanpura, have been historically referenced through much of Indian history. In his devotional song, “O Sadho”, the poet-saint Kabir draws a parallel between the human body and the tanpura. “ Yaha tan thaata Tambure kaa, paanch tatwa ka banaa hai Tambura, khaenchta taar marodata khoonti, Nikalta raag hajure ka, O Sadho” (O seekers, this body is a splendid tanpura, made of five elements, strung together with nine resonances. Tighten the strings, twist the pegs and it sings the song of the Lord).

As the irreplaceable accompaniment to the sound track of India, the tanpura, struggling for breath, was hoping to “get a ventilator soon”, said Mr. Mullah.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by Nistula Hebbar / December 04th, 2022

Meet Naziya & Shabrun, two Muslim nurses from Bihar awarded by President Murmu for meritorious service

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BIHAR:

The young nurses believe that more Muslim girls across the country should opt for the nursing profession to serve society.

Patna (Bihar) :

Two Muslim nurses Naziya Parveen and Shabrun Khatun from Bihar were awarded this year’s National Florence Nightingale Awards (NFNA) by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this month. 

The National Florence Nightingale Awards (NFNA) were instituted in 1973 by the Government of India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals to the society.

Sajeeda Banu of Karnataka, Ahmedullah Wani of Jammu & Kashmir, and Mohammed Kasim AB of Lakshadweep are the other Muslims who were awarded this year. 

She was among 51 people from around the country who were awarded in different categories by the President. Her citation states that she has contributed to the establishment of the labor room and for helping in preparing the standard operating procedure.

Meet Naziya & Shabrun, two Muslim nurses from Bihar awarded by President Murmu for meritorious service – TwoCircles.net
32-year-old Naziya Parveen receiving the award from the President Murmu. | Picture by arrangement

Hailing from Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, Naziya is the eldest of three sisters. She is married to a microbiologist Mohammad Shams of Gaya. After completing her high secondary education in Dumka, Jharkhand she studied nursing for GNM at JawaharLal Medical College, Bhagalpur, and worked with Jamia Hamdard in New Delhi for six years. It was challenging to move from Delhi to Araria but her family supported her as “there isn’t much scope of work in Sadar Hospital.” 

“I feel quite proud to be awarded as our society does not recognize the work of nurses. I am elated for being a Muslim awardee as we don’t get nominated for such awards. I was asked if I was from Kashmir as I was wearing a hijab,” she said.  

Mother of two kids, Naziya has inspired other Muslim girls to take admission to nursing courses. Local newspapers in the state ran stories featuring her. 

“We need to change our attitude towards this profession. It is a good job and one can draw good income from it. The nursing course is such that even if one does not opt for a job, they can get the chance to serve from home and earn. I am of the view that more Muslim girls should study nursing as a profession,” she said. 

28-year-old Shabrun Khatun was awarded in the ANM (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife) category. | Picture by arrangement

28-year-old Shabrun Khatun was awarded in the ANM (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife) category. She works at Darbhanga Sadar primary health center. She had applied for the award previously but it was her work during Covid-19 that won her an award this year. She recalled how she went for a door-to-door screening of Covid-19 in April 2020 while being on fast and continued to work in 2021. 

Shabrun told TwoCircles.net that receiving the award from President Murmu was quite encouraging. 

Her journey to success has not been smooth. She had to work in local hospitals to support her family but this experience helped her. “I was good at studies in school and got prizes for my co-curricular activities. I wanted to be a medical doctor. I was selected for MBBS at a private medical college but did not have enough money to take admission. I also wished to be an officer in administration but my father’s proximity to doctors got me into nursing.”

Shabrun’s father Mohammad Akhtar is a tailor who would stitch clothes for operation theaters of hospitals nearby. She had cleared the preliminary test for selection in the police department but finally settled for a nursing course after her graduation in Zoology from her hometown of Rosera Bazar in Samastipur district in Bihar. 

Shabrun said that she had to face unfriendly treatment in society after she chose to become a nurse. “But seeing my success now, everyone is happy,” she said. 

She is of the view that Muslim girls who are not able to qualify for MBBS should consider nursing as a career as “it gives the satisfaction of serving humanity in one small way.” 

In December this year, she would be felicitated on the foundation day of the Darbhanga district. 

Sami Ahmad is a journalist based in Patna, Bihar. He tweets @samipkb

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net / November 25th, 2022

Martyr Maj Mustafa Bohra’s family being looked after by locals

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Kheroda Village / Udaipur, RAJASTHAN :

Martyr Mustafa Bohra with his parent at his passing out parade (Twitter)
Martyr Mustafa Bohra with his parent at his passing out parade (Twitter)

Delhi:

A pall of gloom has descended on the house of Major Mustafa Bohra, co-pilots of the Indian Army Helicopter Cheetah that crashed at Siang, close to Tawan on the China border in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday killing five people onboard.

People from all walks of life, leaders, and Army officials have been visiting the family of Major Bohra in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Local media said Major Bohra is survived by his parents Fatima and Jallaludin Bohra, and sister Alfia Bohra.

His father works in Kuwait and was away when the sad news came, Both the women at home are inconsolable and mostly in an unconscious state.

Major Mustafa Bohra was the only son of his parents.

Martyrs of Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter crash (Indian Army Twitter)

When the last report was filed Jallaudin Bohra was trying to fly home to be with his family in this hour of grief.

Hitesh Kumar, a resident of Udaipur, who knew the Bohra family, and who spoke to local media said that Major Bohra’s mother and sister are in bad condition and in a state of deep shock.

The family hails from Kheroda village and currently lives in the street of Ajanta Hotel in Udaipur city.

Vallabhnagar MLA Preeti Shaktawat visited the family on Saturday and spent time with the women and their relatives.

Major Bohra completed his primary education at Uday Shiksha Mandir Higher Secondary School, Kheroda. Later the family shifted to Udaipur city and he joined St. Paul’s School. He joined the Indian Army after his higher secondary.

Major Bohra’s body is expected to reach by Sunday evening. Besides Bohra, Major Vikas Bhambhu, CFN Tech AVN (AEN) Ashwin KV, Havaldar (OPR) Biresh Sinha, and NK (PPR) Rohitashv Kumar also died in the accident.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) carrying five soldiers, including two pilots, was on a routine flight when it crashed at 10.43 am on Friday, October 21, near Miging, about 25 km south of Tuting.

Defense spokesman Lt Col AS Walia said the bodies of four other personnel were recovered from the crash site in the densely forested mountainous area, about 35 km from the Chinese border, on the evening of Friday, October 21.

source: http:/www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz The Voice / Home> India / by awazthevoice.in / October 23rd, 2022

Meet the man who slapped British officer only days before independence

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Agra, UTTAR PRADESH :

Meet 108-year-old Imamuddin Qureshi who had slapped a British officer during a protest in Agra, only a few days before India got its independence.

Imamuddin Qureshi, the man who had slapped a British officer, during a protest in Agra.
Imamuddin Qureshi, the man who had slapped a British officer, during a protest in Agra. (Photo: India Today/Siraj Qureshi)

 While Independence was primarily won through the non-violent means adopted and propagated by Mahatma Gandhi, a lot of people had to lay their lives and suffer pain in achieving this. Those fearless freedom fighters were not afraid of sticks or bullets, and defied the British officials at every turn, to show them that Indians have had enough.

One such person is Imamuddin Qureshi, who had even slapped a British officer just days before independence. Imamuddin had fought alone with the British without caring for his life. Whenever the topic of Indian independence is discussed, 108-year-old Imamuddin Qureshi gets lost in the memories of those days when the country became independent.

Imamuddin told India Today that back in August 1947, the country was about to get independence. Everyone was full of enthusiasm. The elders and the children had the tricolor in their hands and happiness in their hearts. People used to take out rallies in the streets, localities, and markets with the Tricolor in their hands. Angered by this, the British officers used to rain batons on them.

He recalled the day he slapped a British officer and said, on August 12, three days ahead of the independence, Hindu and Muslim brothers from Lohamandi, Syedpada area were taking out a rally with the Tricolor in their hands. Then a British officer came there and lathi-charged the people. Many innocent people were arrested. Seeing this, Imamuddin’s blood boiled and he attacked the British officer in anger. He slapped the officer on the cheek several times and escaped after freeing his arrested comrades. The police kept looking for him, but in three days, the country had become independent, and he was able to return home.

Imamuddin said that when the country was nearing independence, he was made a member of the Khaksar committee. At that time, no one dared to speak against the British and members of the Khaksar committee had their own separate dress. He said that at that time, he was about 24 years old and used to do wrestling, so he was made a member of the Khaksar Committee due to his physical prowess.

source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> India / by Siraj Qureshi / August 15th, 2022

Don’t Sell Your Old Two-Wheelers; 23-YO Engineer Converts Them Into EVs in Just 2 Days

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Science & Technology, Transport, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

EV by Maaz Khan
Hyderabad engineer Maaz Ahmed Khan founded his startup Torq Electric to convert old two-wheelers into electric vehicles.

In 2021, Maaz Ahmed Khan was still a mechanical engineering student when his interest in electric vehicles began brewing . “It started when I got into the EV subject of the syllabus in final year,” he recalls, adding that he would look closely into the working of these machines and formulate his own ideas to make his own version of them. 

But the 23-year-old’s idea was not to build a new design. Instead, it was to convert existing fuel vehicles — which would otherwise be turned to scrap — into fully functioning EVs. 

The then final year student of Methodist College of Engineering and Technology, Telangana, started looking for someone’s help to start building on his vision. This brought him to a non-academic startup incubator EdVenture Park, which focuses on student innovations. He applied for a job here and was selected. 

With their support, the youngster began working on his dream project, eventually founding Torq Electric in March 2021.

“A few years ago, I happened to attend the launch of Tata Nexon. Even though the vehicle excited me, I also thought, ‘Why should we buy a new EV if there exists a technology to convert existing vehicles?’,” he tells The Better India. 

He continues, “I also had ‘electric vehicles’ as a subject in college. I learned that after 15 years of running, the fuel usage of any vehicle goes up and it contributes to greater pollution. Instead of turning it to scrap, you can convert it.” 

On 27 August 2021, Maaz came up with the prototype of a two-wheeler EV, which he built by transforming an old petrol scooter and spending Rs 60,000. The model was covered widely by the media and popularised further through the internet, he recalls. 

Electric Vehicle by Engineering Student
The EV by Torq Electric.

“Even then, it took time to gain people’s trust. A few months later, I managed to get some customers. A majority of them were unwilling to let go of their two-wheelers due to emotional attachments and similar reasons. Converting these into electric vehicles seemed like a great idea to keep your old favourite bike,” he explains. 

Maaz says he has so far converted seven bikes, and received orders for 15 more. 

Additionally, he helps engineering students to take up college projects related to EV and supports them with the related technical know-how. 

For a greener future

Even though it takes just 5-7 hours to convert a two-wheeler into an EV, Maaz asks for two days to check and ensure the vehicle’s safety after riding. 

Electric Vehicle by Engineering Student
Maaz busy at work.

He provides two types of models — fully electric and hybrid vehicles. Those who wish to keep fuel as an option can opt for the latter. He says the price to convert any type of two-wheeler into a fully electric EV is Rs 50,000. For hybrid, he charges Rs 55,000.

“In fully electric two-wheelers, the engine and fuel tank are replaced with a powerful motor and batteries. In hybrid conversion, a motor and battery are added to the existing engine. This gives the flexibility of driving on both electric power and engine power,” says the engineer.

The base variant of the vehicle takes about three to four hours to charge, and can run up to 75 km at an average speed of 45 km/hr, Maaz says. Customers can also give their preferences, for which prices may differ.

“EVs are in their early days in India. But undoubtedly, they are the future. It is important to be aware of the pollution from fuel vehicles. Soon, we might be living in a country where breathing feels like smoking a cigarette. But we can prevent this by showing responsibility. Like shifting from plastic bags to cloth bags, or using public transport, opting for an EV is a great step,” Maaz says.

Electric Vehicle by Engineering Student
The electric vehicle built by Maaz.

Through his company, he aims to create sustainable living through automotive manufacturing, with the vision to create an eco-friendly world. 

Even though his current innovation is receiving great response, the engineer’s dream is to launch his own design of an EV, exclusively for Indians. He also plans to extend the current innovation to three and four-wheelers.

Electric Vehicle by Engineering Student
Maaz Ahmed Khan — the engineer.

“The rise in fuel prices has most affected the auto drivers of the country. After a little research, I discovered that if they switch to EVs, they can save around Rs 400 a day. This accounts for Rs 12,000 a month. Thus, my plan is to launch an innovation pertaining to three-wheelers,” he shares.

Visit his website www.torqelectric.com

Edited by Divya Sethu

Photo Credits: Maaz Ahmed Khan

source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> English> Electric Vehicles – Sustainability / by Anagha R Manoj / September 20th, 2022

Riyadh: ‘Snehakoota-2022’ to be organized by India Fraternity Forum

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Travel & Tourism, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

India Fraternity Forum is organizing an annual “Fraternity Fest” to bring together non-resident Indians through a socio-cultural program on October 20.

The poster launch of “Snehakoota-22″ event was held in Riyadh. A family reunion and expatriates get-together event named Fraternity Fest is being held by India fraternity forum across Saudi Arabia.

Whilst releasing the poster of the event, Tajuddin, president of India Fraternity Forum, Karnataka chapter, Riyadh, invited all NRIs to participate in the event.

Various cultural and social events will be held at the get-together on October 20 at Sa-Ada Istirah in Exit-18, Riyadh. The colorful event will feature different activities like public speaking, sports, quiz, public awareness programs etc.

India Fraternity Forum, Riyadh Karnataka chapter general secretary Muhammed Naveed, state committee members Sabith Hassan, Muhammed Shareef and Nizamuddin were present at the press meet.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Middle East / by Media Release / Riyadh, September 18th, 2022