Tag Archives: Indian Muslims

These Biharis left their luxurious life for imparting education to the underprivileged

Siwan, BIHAR :

Siwan (Bihar): 

Malcolm X rightly said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Dr Wasim and Tanweer Ahmad perhaps had the same thoughts in their minds as they came up with the idea of providing an enriching environment to those who cannot afford the luxury of education. They along with their colleagues left their comforts of life and well-established occupation to impart education to the underprivileged children of their home district i.e. Siwan.

Dr Wasim along with Tanweer Ahmad, Sharique Ahmad, and Sana Hussain, were keen to establish an institution that would serve as a ladder to the children who were underprivileged and could not afford basic education due to the paltry amount of resources.

Dr Wasim is a doctor from Aligarh and has completed his education from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He worked in a government hospital but gave up his job, to educate the children who are the leaders of tomorrow and who are the faces of our future.

Tanweer Ahmad, who hails from Siwan itself has completed his MBA from Williams college of LONDON and holds the post of the Director and he juggles between the tasks of administration as well as imparting knowledge to the children.

Sana Hussain, who holds the post of the Principal at the school, has achieved her master’s degree from South Korea. She works hard to maintain the smooth functioning of this institution’s administration and imparts education to the blooming buds.

Sharique Ahmad, who is also a pillar of this school, has achieved his double master’s degree in Education and English from Delhi University and AMU respectively. He works as a student counsellor and teachers’ trainer at the school. He aims at not only providing efficient educators but also endeavours to become a patient listener and a solution provider to these curious and creative minds.

They established a school named ‘bloombuds’ in Barharia, Bihar. Bloombuds was an idea born due to the concerns of its founders over rising illiteracy rates in certain parts of Bihar. The school came into existence in January 2016.

“This school has been established with the idea of providing an enriching environment to those who cannot afford the luxury of education”, says Dr Wasim, the chairman of the school.

Sana Hussain says, “We are constantly endeavouring to provide all essential facilities for the children. We aim at providing every facility that we couldn’t get while we were students; we are constantly working to educate the young minds. We are often told that we shouldn’t have left our jobs and compromised on our well-settled future but the contentment we derive out of imparting knowledge to these underprivileged children and providing them with resources that could help them  lead a better life is unmatchable.”

These four pillars of bloombuds are in a constant endeavour at providing all essential facilities for the children. They aim at providing every facility that they couldn’t get while they were students; they are constantly working to educate the young minds. They are continuously struggling to impart knowledge to these underprivileged children, so as to provide them with resources that could help them to lead a better life.

This institution has not only provided educational aid but has also stood by its children through all thick and thins.

These mentors took complete responsibility of their students from selecting the students for the entrance exam to allowing them a stay at the hostel and preparing them from beforehand.

Dr Wasim says, “We brought these students to Delhi for their exam and stayed with them until they were back safe. To promote girls’ education, Bloombuds provided 50% discount on the admission fee for girls in the last couple of years. The bloombuds family has set an example of what overall support and aid should be like.”

“Due to the collective support, hard work and indulgence, the Bloombuds family feels very proud of the selection of its six students. These students of bloombuds have cracked the Jamia Millia Islamia School’s class 9th entrance examination. We couldn’t be happier”, he added.

When we inquired about the background of these students, we came to know that all these students belong to families where they believe that education is only for the rich and the upper class.  The parents due to insufficient resources are not able to provide their children with adequate facilities, almost all the mothers are homemakers, fathers either work as drivers or in chemist shops or are shopkeepers, some even work as farmers and have little or no educational qualifications. Nevertheless, these students with their hard work and a little encouragement proved that one can achieve anything with the help of committed guidance and supervision. The parents at first were sceptical to send their children to this university, but when they saw the environment, they at once knew that this was the best for their children.

The parents due to insufficient resources are not able to provide their children with adequate facilities, almost all the mothers of these students are homemakers, and one of them is a teacher in a government school. The fathers either work as drivers or in a chemist shop or shopkeepers, some even work as farmers and have little or no educational qualification. But these students with their hard work and a little encouragement proved that one can achieve anything with the help of committed guidance and supervision. They made their parents and teachers proud after cracking the entrance exam. Four out of six students are girls, and all belong to rural areas.

On how important this result was to him, Sharique Ahmed says, “For the people belonging to a small town like Siwan, Jamia and Aligarh are a dream place to study not just for students but also for parents. Siwan is a place which is known for coaching centres and too expensive, but this school made it easy. They used to organize free coaching in summer vacation for the students as well,”

Talking about the obstacles faced in this journey, he adds, “In this blooming, there is only one hurdle and that is a hostel for girls. Parents are ready to send their children to Jamia, but their main concern is the hostel. While interviewing Zeba’s father, Mr Wahabuddin who is working in the Gulf also has only one condition and that is a hostel. So, the movement which has been started by Bloombud is becoming smooth day by day, but accommodation is one obstruction in this metro city.”

(Mehwish Matloob is pursuing MA History from Jamia Millia Islamia.)

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India / by Mehwish Matloob for Beyond Headlines / August 03rd, 2019

Afzal to make his directorial debut with ‘Hosathara’

The actor-turned-director will also play the lead role, alongside Brahma.

Afzal

Afzal, known for his journey from journalism to acting and his recent venture into film production with VIP, is now stepping into the director’s role with his upcoming project, Hosathara.

Not limiting himself to direction, Afzal has also penned the story and screenplay for the film. Additionally, he will play the lead role alongside Brahma, who is also part of the principal cast.

Produced under the banner of Jai Vijay Productions, Hosathara marked their first production venture. The film promises to offer a fresh narrative infused with elements of love, suspense, thriller, and a sprinkle of comedy.

The pre-production phase has just commenced, with plans to feature three melodious songs, with music composed by Raju Emmiganuru and background score by Anthony Poyanoo. Action stunts will be composed by Ultimate Shivu. The makers have roped in Rajeev Ganeshan as the cinematographer, with Sukkku choreographing the dance sequences.

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the makers have collaborated with JHJ Studios in America for VFX. Afzal, who has brought in a set of skilled technicians for the project, plans to reveal the rest of the cast and crew in the upcoming days.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Kannada / Express News Service / April 22nd, 2024

Mansoor Ali Khan: My agenda is Bangalore Central and Bangalore centric and Bangalore people

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mansoor Ali Khan will be fighting the Lok Sabha election from the Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency as a Congress candidate.

source: youtube.com

Mansoor Ali Khan will be fighting the Lok Sabha election from the Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency in Karnataka as a Congress candidate.

Mansoor Ali Khan discusses his plans for Bangalore Central, polarization and dynasts in politics.

source: http://www.thesouthfirst.com / The South First / Home> States> Politics / by Nilan Patrick Pinto / April 21st, 2024

How A Management Course Helped Shape Farheen Masood’s Life!

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (PG)

Farheen Masood with her family. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Summary

  • In the heart of bustling Kolkata, where the cacophony of life reverberates through narrow alleyways, there lies a tale of grit, determination and unyielding hope.
  • Meet Farheen Masood, a champion of resilience whose journey from humble beginnings to corporate corridors is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

In the heart of bustling Kolkata, where the cacophony of life reverberates through narrow alleyways, there lies a tale of grit, determination, and unyielding hope. Meet Farheen Masood, a champion of resilience whose journey from humble beginnings to corporate corridors is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

Chapter 1: A Dream Ignited

She was raised in a modest household by hardworking parents who were filled with aspirations – her father a security guard and her mother a homemaker. 

“My mother could not complete her schooling although she was a good student. That is why she was always keen on us (she and her two siblings) completing our education. Despite our financial struggles, she instilled in us the belief that education was the key to unlocking a better future. My mother became my source of inspiration,” reminisced Farheen, her voice reflecting the unwavering resolve that would come to define her journey.

Farheen giving tuition to a child in her neighbourhood. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 2: Echoes of Empowerment

As the days unfolded, Farheen found inspiration within the corridors of AK Fazlul Haq School and Khalsa English High School. It was there that she discovered her passion for public speaking. “What I am today, in terms of my confidence in speaking and everything else, is due to the education I received in my schools. I used to participate in monthly debates and extempore competitions and my teachers would always motivate me. That helped sharpen my communication skills,” she shared with us in words that echoed the profound impact of her formative years.

Busy with her art and craft engagements. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 3: A Path Revealed

Today Farheen stands tall empowered with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) degree with specialisation in Analytics and Marketing from Praxis Business School and working as a Management Trainee (Operations) at DHL Global Forwarding. So what inspired her to pursue studies in this field?

She recalled, “Though I initially opted for the science stream in my plus 2, I soon realised that my heart was not in it. That is when my uncle guided me to consider management studies. He told me about all the career opportunities that would open up for me if I did a PGDM/ MBA degree; and that would help me achieve the success I had always dreamed of.”

A shot from her convocation ceremony day. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 4: Praxis: A Journey Within

At business school, amidst the nurturing learning environment, Farheen’s metamorphosis began. “After joining , I was made a Placecom member. I was responsible for coordinating the students’ placement process, acting as a bridge between them and our college’s placement cell. It gave me the opportunity to connect with various HR heads, thereby helping me make connections. I felt more confident through meeting and speaking with new people. Moreover, I learned management skills which gave me the confidence to handle challenging situations,” she said while recounting the perks of studying in a truly enabling educational environment.

Farheen posing with her teacher. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 5: The Tapestry of Experience

Further into the conversation we learned that, in her bid to craft a successful career path, alongside excelling in her PGDM programme at Praxis, Farheen had also gained real world experience through an array of internships with reputable brands spanning fundraising, sales and digital marketing. “Internships gave me practical training before entering the corporate workplace. I had done fieldwork too. That opened up different aspects of business management to me. I met new people and expanded my network. Also, I learned that if one has an idea, one needs to voice it. Not wait for the person on the other side to ask,” she affirmed, emphasising the importance of hands-on learning.

Farheen with Charanpreet Singh, Co-founder and Director, Praxis Business School, Kolkata. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Farheen with Praxis management. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 6: Words of Encouragement

While Farheen gazed upon the gamut of her achievements, we asked what would her advice for young people who are striving against life’s challenges be.

“One should not stop dreaming!” she proclaimed, her words infused with the determination of a go-getter. “Always be eager to learn, stay kind and just keep going. The avenues will open up sooner than later,” she said confidently.

As the sun set over the city of Kolkata, casting its golden hues upon the distant horizon, Farheen Masood appeared before us as an embodiment of the indomitable human spirit!

From humble beginnings to soaring heights, Farheen’s journey reinforces the transformative power of education yet again and serves as a source of hope for generations to come, irrespective of their challenging circumstances!

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Edugraph> Career / by Sejuti Roy / April 17th, 2024

UPSC Results 2023: 52 Muslim candidates crack UPSC examination

INDIA:

More than 50 Muslims figured in the UPSC Civil Services Merit List 2023.

More than 50 Muslims figured in the UPSC Civil Services Merit List 2023 released today, with five of them securing different ranks and positions in the list of top 100.

Of the total 51 Muslims who figured in the Civil Services Merit List 2023 released today, five – Ruhani, Nausheen, Wardah Khan, Zufishan Haque and Fabi Rasheed are in the Top 100 list.

A total of 1,016 candidates cleared the examination and have been recommended for different central government services, the UPSC said.

The Civil Services Exam is conducted annually in three stages — preliminary, main and interview — by the UPSC to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

List of sucessful Muslims candidates who cracked UPSC 2023

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Staff / April 16th, 2024

Meet India’s richest Muslim woman, who owns property worth crores, runs company worth of 28,773 crore, her business is..

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

She is the daughter of billionaire Rafique Malik, the company’s chairman. Her grandfather, Malik Tejani, founded it in 1955 in Mumbai. Farah has guided Metro Shoes into a new era of modern retail. The company’s brands include Mochi, Metro, and Walkway.

article-main
(Image source: LinkedIn)

Eid Ul Fitr was celebrated throughout the country. Amid celebrations, you may be left wondering if you are asked about the wealthiest Muslim woman in the country. The name of the country’s richest Muslim woman is Farah Malik Bhanji. She is the managing director of the Metro brand, which sells premium shoes. Her net worth is more than Rs. 26000 crore. Farah Malik plays an important role in giving the Metro brand a new identity.

She is the daughter of billionaire Rafique Malik, the company’s chairman. Her grandfather, Malik Tejani, founded it in 1955 in Mumbai. Farah has guided Metro Shoes into a new era of modern retail. The company’s brands include Mochi, Metro, and Walkway.

As of December 8, the company’s market capitalisation was Rs 35,117 crore. Farah is the second of five daughters. His father, Rafique, has a real-time net worth of Rs 21697 crore as of 12 April.

Farah has more than 20 years of experience in the footwear industry. She has played a key role in reimagining the company for the new era. She began her career in marketing before moving on to revamp Metro Brands Limited’s technology roadmap and supply chain. The company was listed in December 2021. The late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s wife, Rekha, owns a minority stake in Metro Brands.

She pays close attention to detail, is well-versed in business, and has a sense of style. The footwear company has experienced growth for both the company and its employees under her leadership. She has played a crucial role in forging connections with international companies like Skechers, Crocs, and Clarks in addition to forging close bonds with more than 250 reliable vendors. She contributed to the network’s growth from 100 stores in 2010 to 598 locations across 136 Indian cities.

At the close of trading on Wednesday, Metro Brands Ltd. saw a rise to Rs. 1058. Rs. 1,440.45 is the stock’s 52-week high level, and Rs. 784.45 is its 52-week low. Metro Brands’ shares opened at Rs 1044 at the start of the trading session on Wednesday. Subsequently, it increased by over 20 rupees, closing at 1058. The company cap is of Rs 28,773 crore. 

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Business / by Varnika Srivastava / April 12th, 2024

Sambhajinagar mathematician in Stanford rankings

Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA / Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

City resident Dr Sharief Deshmukh, a professor in Mathematics at the King Saud University, Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, has featured in the list of the top 2% of mathematicians in the world.

Sambhajinagar mathematician in Stanford rankings
Dr Sharief Deshmukh

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar :

City resident Dr Sharief Deshmukh, a professor in Mathematics at the King Saud University, Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, has featured in the list of the top 2% of mathematicians in the world.

Each year, depending on paper publications, citations, as well as contributions to the field of research, Stanford University identifies research and recognises them under its prestigious list.

Deshmukh, who specializes in ‘differential geometry and its applications’ is the first from the district to bag this prestigious recognition in 2021 and 2022.

Deshmukh intends to give back to society by guiding and helping students in Mathematics.

“Our country has a lot of exceptionally good talent, but it needs proper guidance to perform, compete and excel on the global platform,” Deshmukh told TOI.

As a research scientist, he has 190 publications to his credit. Deshmukh’s work has also been published in the world’s leading international journals and about 2,000 indexed publications.

Deshmukh completed high school and studied BSc Honors in Mathematics from Deogiri College under Marathwada University (Now BAMU) in 1972. He was among the toppers in his master’s degree in 1974.

source:http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Aurangabad News / by Mohammed Akhef, TNN / July 20th, 2023

Malegaon Resident Excels in Waqf Board Recruitment Exam, Secures Top Position Among 9,000 Candidates

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA:

Malegaon :

In a remarkable feat, Habibur Rahman, a resident of Malegaon, has outshined 9,000 candidates to clinch the top position in the recruitment exam conducted by the Maharashtra State Waqf Board. Rahman’s achievement underscores his exceptional performance and dedication towards his goal.

The recruitment exam, aimed at filling vacancies for district officers and junior clerks within the Waqf Board, witnessed rigorous competition from aspirants across the state. Rahman’s success stands as a testament to his hard work and preparation.

Expressing his gratitude, Rahman attributed his accomplishment to divine blessings and the unwavering support of his teachers, parents, and relatives. He highlighted the role of study material provided by Sheikh Qamaruddin, editor of Urdu House in Malegaon, in his exam preparation.

Having completed his education from Sheikh Abdul Wadood Primary School and Junior College in Malegaon, Rahman pursued higher studies at Loni’s Parvaraz World Engineering College. While working in Mumbai, he diligently prepared for competitive exams, a journey that has now culminated in his success in the Waqf Board recruitment exam.

Rahman’s stellar performance, in the written examination, is a testament to his academic prowess and determination. His achievement has not only brought pride to Malegaon but has also positioned him as a shining example of excellence in competitive exams.

With Rahman’s success, Malegaon celebrates yet another milestone, reinforcing its position as a hub of talent and academic excellence. As Rahman prepares to embark on this new chapter in his career, his success serves as an inspiration for aspiring candidates across the region.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence/ by Zaina Aman / Radiance News Bureau / March 06th, 2024

Pune couple run Roti Bank and send children of poor to school

Pune Kondhwa, MAHARASHTRA :

Aliya and Nasir Shaikh serving food

Following the Islamic principle that ‘if your neighbors sleep hungry while you are there, then you are not a true Muslim,’ neighbours in Pune Kondhwa in Maharashtra have replicated the initiatives of “Roti Bank” (bread bank) across many Indian cities and soup kitchens run by religious organization in the West, to address the hunger in the IT hub.

“Ark Charitable Trust’ was launched in August 2019 when many people in the city had lost jobs or livelihoods due to the COVID and hunger was rampant.

The trust was set up by a Kondhwah couple Aliya Shaikh and Nasir Shaikh from their house. The trust has been running a “Roti Bank” to and feeding widows and destitute women who are forced to wander around in search of food of alms to buy it.

Gradually, the Shaikhs realized that feeding people was a temporary solution to the problem of poverty and they started focusing on its root – lack of education. The trust got involved in educating children wandering on streets picking trash and leftover food and enrolled them in various schools

The trust has also provided job works to many widows whom they came in contact with while distributing food.

The Trust distributes food among people of all castes and religions.

Aliya Shaikh says she completed her 12th from Abeda Inamdar College in Lashkar area of ​​Pune.

“I wanted to study, but I got married early, so I could not and then I realized what if I did not study? I can teach the girls living around me. My children today are doing well; studying in schools but what about those who do not have money? That is why I am trying to ensure that no one’s education stops due to financial constrains.”

Nasir also completed his schooling from Moledina High School in Lashkar area. Though he joined class eleventh he had to drop out due to financial problems at home. He started working as a commercial painter.

Nasir says, “Food satisfies the hunger of the stomach, while education satisfies the hunger of the mind. That is why both are considered basic needs.” 

After seeing the work of Nasir and Aliya, a neighbor Ayesha Shaikh also joined them.

Ayesha, 65 has retired from a good position in a multinational company. Aliya, 30, works as a beautician and Nasir, 40, is a building contractor. All three work for ‘Ark’ while handling their business and family responsibilities.

In many weddings a lot of food is left over. To ensure this food doesn’t end in trash bins of the city, the Trust has displayed boards in key points in the city with this statement printed on these: ‘If you have leftover food, contact us… We will deliver this food to the hungry stomachs.’

‘Ark’ also gets financial support from various people and institutions on their auspicious occasions.

The three started this work from their homes without any funds. For the first eight days, Aliya used to cook food while Nasir distributed it. For the next eight days, Nasir took to cooking and Aliya to distribution. They would alternate their responsibilities ensuring that no single person has to take workload.

Aliya says, “We kept reaching out to the needy. As the work progressed, other people came forward to help us. Some started helping us financially, other by donating rations like oil, grains, etc.”

Soon many others more people had joined Ark.

Nasir empathises more with poor and says they are very sensitive. Instead of doling out food, the trio started a ‘Roti Bank’ to give dignity to those needing food.

Nasir says, “The work of ‘Roti Bank’ is not a one-day job. We cannot do one program in one month and then do the next program the next month. It has to be continuous work.

“It’s a challenge to feed their children and send them to school. But it’s also satisfying to see that someone’s life is changing because of you.”

“We have seen people cooking using paper as the only fuel. We have seen them struggling to satisfy their hunger,” says Ayesha. Food is provided to 50 families every day through ‘Ark’. Children’s education fees are paid.”

Aliya, Ayesha and Nasir deliver food to the people of Kondhwa, Bhagyodayanagar area. But the needy people of Hadapsar and Katraj area are not able to reach them every day, nor is it possible for Aliya, Ayesha and Nasir to take food boxes there every day.

So all three of them go to that area and distribute enough ration for at least two months on the basis of the given identity card. They also offer ‘Sehri’ and ‘Iftari’ facilities during Ramzan. A satisfied Ayesha says,

“It is a pleasure to be able to reach out and help the needy. Because of the work of Aliya and Nasir, I am associated with a good organization.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Chhaya Kavire, Pune / April 04th, 2024

Affan Khan helped 200 Imams run businesses

Bhopal , MADHYA PRADESH:

Mohammad Affan Khan (Facebook)

New Delhi :

Mohammad Affan Khan of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has helped over 200 Imams, who are in charge of mosques and not paid well, to start their small businesses to supplement their incomes and live with dignity.

Speaking with Awaz-the Voice Mohammad Affan said to begin with he contacted the Imams of Bhopal and nearby areas to understand their conditions. His friends also came forward to join this mission.

They contacted the Imams of different mosques to gather information about their financial status and to their shock found out that most of them lived in poverty and some young people were even contemplating contemplating leaving their job that otherwise is socially prestigious.

“We heard them and realized why many young Imams were leaving their jobs. After that, we complied the statistics.”

He discussed it with his group of friends and everyone agreed that the Imams should run shops in neighbourhoods so that they can make money by selling stuff.

“We started by giving Rs.10,000 to each Imam. In the first instance, five Imams were assisted to start general stores in their localities. “We asked the Imams to experiment by starting their business and leave everything to Allah.”

Affan Khan sent a message of his intent to his relatives and friends and requested them to help with Zakat as the financially weak imams were eligible to receive it.

“I wrote to them that if everyone helps the mission could be extended and the lives of many could change. This will also solve the problem of imparting religious education to the children, who feared their Imam would run away leaving them in the lurch.

“As we traveled further down the road, we realized that not every Imam can run a grocery store as many areas have already such stores. This is the reason that other Imams were taught skills for starting a source of livelihood.”

Some of the Imams were helped to open tailoring shops, some opened four mills. Some of them started selling clothes, while some started making metal pots.

Affan Khan said he and his team didn’t expect this mission to be so successful.

In a year, the group has helped some 200 Imam start and run their businesses.

Later the Association of Muslim Professionals joined in this mission enabling Affan and his friends to help more Imams. The AMP joined in the campaign in a big way as it counseled the Imams to upscale their businesses.

It is worth noting that these stores gradually increased the volumes of their business as locals wanted to buy from their Imam and asked them to stock everything.

This made them do brisk business and today they have helped Imams in opening 222 shops.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / April 13th, 2024