Tag Archives: Muslim Leaders of India

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

Book Review: Amar Sohal’s ‘The Muslim Secular’

UNITED KINGDOM:

Amar Sohal’s ‘The Muslim Secular’ is a compelling exploration of ideas, identities, and legacies that takes you on a scholarly journey that traverses the intricate terrain of India’s struggle for Independence and its subsequent partition through the lens of three influential Muslim leaders: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Sheikh Abdullah.

Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images 

Amidst the dynamic sociopolitical landscape of the subcontinent, the Muslim community grapples with multifaceted challenges, navigating issues of identity, representation and political agency. It is against this backdrop that Amar Sohal’s book ‘The Muslim Secular: The Parity and Politics of India’s Partition’ emerges as a pertinent exploration. 

Sohal embarks on a scholarly journey that traverses the intricate terrain of India’s struggle for Independence and its subsequent partition through the lens of three influential Muslim leaders: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Sheikh Abdullah. This meticulously crafted work not only delves into the historical narratives surrounding these figures but also navigates the complex intersectionality of religion, politics, and regional identity, offering readers a profound and nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in South Asian history.

Sohal’s narrative unfolds with the exploration of Azad’s vision, which significantly departs from conventional perspectives. Azad, rather than emphasising a stark dichotomy between Hindus and Muslims, envisions a shared Indian nationality rooted in historical evolution. His integrationist stance grapples with the challenges of sectarian antagonism, weaving a narrative that transcends the simplistic notions of religious division. Sohal adeptly captures Azad’s dynamic response to historical exigencies, portraying him not merely as a religious leader, but as a visionary navigating the multifaceted socio-cultural landscape of India.

The focus then shifts to Ghaffar Khan, a transformative figure whose reinterpretation of the Muslim Pashtun warrior archetype challenges prevailing stereotypes. By divorcing bravery from violence, he introduced an ethical dimension to the pursuit of freedom. Sohal meticulously unravels the intricacies of Ghaffar Khan’s advocacy for a symbiotic relationship between Muslim Pashtuns and Hindu Hindustanis. The book doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Ghaffar Khan’s engagement with the post-Partition referendum in Kashmir, illuminating the enduring impact of his ideas on regional political dynamics.

Amar Sohal's book 'The Muslim Secular: Parity and the Politics of India's Partition'
Amar Sohal’s book ‘The Muslim Secular: Parity and the Politics of India’s Partition’

Abdullah emerges as another pivotal figure and Sohal meticulously traces the evolution of his perspectives on Kashmiri identity. Abdullah’s delicate balance between preserving the region’s distinctiveness and fostering unity with the broader Indian context adds layers of complexity to his political trajectory. Sohal deftly navigates Abdullah’s integrationist phase in later years, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the man and his enduring influence on the Kashmiri political landscape.

What distinguishes ‘The Muslim Secular’ is its seamless transition between historical narratives and contemporary implications. Sohal draws intriguing parallels with the present, shedding light on how the legacies of Azad, Ghaffar Khan, and Abdullah continue to shape the political landscape. The comparison with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement in Pakistan adds depth to the exploration of non-violence and symbiotic centre-region relationships, offering readers insights into the ongoing dynamics in the region.

Expanding the scope of the book, Sohal delves into the role of large Muslim-minority communities in Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam. These communities, constituting a significant portion of the population, actively resist the homogenising efforts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through sub-national political formations. Inspired by the integrationist visions of Abdullah and Ghaffar Khan, they navigate the intricate socio-political terrain, contributing to the overarching theme of the book. This expansion not only enriches the narrative but also provides a holistic understanding of how these visions transcend regional boundaries.

‘The Muslim Secular’ stands out as a seminal work that transcends traditional historiography. Sohal’s narrative is not only informative but also reflective, inviting readers to engage deeply with the complexities of India’s political trajectory. The book encourages a nuanced understanding of the legacies of Azad, Ghaffar Khan, and Abdullah, urging readers to contemplate their enduring impact on the current socio-political milieu.

In conclusion, ‘The Muslim Secular’ is a compelling exploration of ideas, identities and legacies. Sohal’s nuanced and insightful approach ensures that readers not only gain a profound understanding of the historical context but also appreciate the lasting relevance of these visionary leaders in shaping India’s political landscape. The book serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between religion, politics, and regional identity during a pivotal period in South Asian history.

However, it is imperative to recognise that the book might present challenges for the general reader, particularly in the initial sections. The narrative, laden with academic jargon and intricate historical details, necessitates a certain familiarity with the subject matter. While this scholarly depth undoubtedly elevates the work, it could potentially form a barrier for readers less acquainted with the nuances of Indian history and politics. Yet, for those willing to navigate this initial complexity, the reward is a profound and enlightening exploration that unveils the complex tapestry of India’s political evolution, offering insights that extend far beyond the pages of this thought-provoking work. 

Sohal’s ‘The Muslim Secular’ not only adds scholarly richness to the discourse but also invites readers to confront and engage with the multifaceted dimensions of a crucial period in South Asian history.

(Saleem Rashid Shah is a literary critic and an independent writer based in New Delhi. He tweets at @SaleemRashid176. Views expressed are personal.)

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Weekend Reads / by Saleem Rashid Shah / October 28th, 2023

A Shia Mirza Ismail constructed a Sunni mosque

Bengaluru / Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

“I believe deep down in my heart that the great reality of spiritual revelation given to humanity by the Prophet (blessed be His name) is an infinitely greater thing than any sectarian difference (Shia & Sunni) imposed upon it by subsequent human feeling and by lesser vision than his of the inner realities from which the external life of humanity has developed.” Mirza Ismail, a Shia Muslim by faith, who was the Prime Minister of Mysore had spoken these words at the inauguration of Jamia Mosque, a Sunni mosque, in Bengaluru on 30 May 1941.

Jamia Masjid, Bengaluru

Mirza Ismail remained one of the most important politicians in India as he held the position of Prime Minister (PM) of the second wealthiest state, Mysore, from 1926 to 1941 after which he became PM of Jaipur and Hyderabad.

A Shia by his faith whose foreparents had migrated from Iran and stayed in India, Ismail remained committed to the unity of humans. He believed that Shia and Sunni, Hindu and Muslim, or any caste difference among humans could not stop them from living together harmoniously. 

Ismail inaugurated the mosque at Bangalore, which was one of the most important cities in Mysore state, as his last public ceremony in the capacity of the PM of Mysore after resigning from the post. On the occasion he noted, “I am particularly happy that this function, which is the last of my period of service as Dewan of Mysore, gave me the opportunity of expressing an ideal of my life which has been foremost in the past and will remain foremost in the future.” 

What was the ideal Ismail talking about? Making a mosque or something else?

The ideal he was talking about was the unity of Shia and Sunni as one Muslim community. He told the people gathered there that the non-Muslims observing this ceremony would not think much about it. In their view a Muslim had come to lay the foundation stone of a mosque of his fellow Muslims. “But to you”, Ismail argued, “fellow-Musalmans, it is not so simple. You know that in the historical development of Islam I belong to a section of the organised expression of the Faith that for centuries has been in sharp opposition to the section to which you, who are going to build this mosque, belong.” He expressed satisfaction that Sunnis had invited him for this event. He told the people that since its very inception he had taken “the greatest possible interest” in this mosque where Sunni Muslims would pray in the manner they wanted. 

Ismail went on to tell the people;

“At the centre of Islam is the teaching and practice of brotherhood. You would have been false to the truth of life if, because I am a Shia by birth, you had not invited me to this function, and I would have been equally false to the brotherhood of Islam if, because you are Sunnis, I had not accepted your invitation. Our differences are transient, even trivial, in comparison with the spiritual reality which these differences tend to obscure and weaken.”

Ismail went on to state that love and peace are the essence of Islam and Muslims should stop fighting among themselves as well as with their coreligionists in the country. The mosque is one of the most important mosques in Bengaluru today.

(Author is a neurobiologist with a keen interest in history, society and culture of India)

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritate Times / Home> Featured Posts> Heritage> Leaders / by Mahino Fatima / March 08th, 2022

IP academic Prof Shamnad Basheer among six Infosys Prize winners

KERALA :


Photo of Shamnad receiving the Infosys Prize (Humanities) in 2014 from Mr. Amartya Sen / pix: shamnad.com

Bengaluru : 

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) professor Jayant Haritsa and Intellectual Property (IP) academic and consultant professor Shamnad Basheer, both from Bengaluru, are among six winners of the Infosys Prize for this year.

Each prize, comprising a purse of Rs.55 lakh, a 22-carat gold medallion and a citation, is awarded by Infosys Science Foundation, a not-for-profit trust, set up by the global software major and funded by a corpus of Rs.100 crore ($16 million), contributed by the IT firm, its trustees and co-founders in 2009.

“Haritsa, computer science and automation department professor at IISc, has been awarded the prize under the Engineering and Computer Science category for his contribution to the design and optimisation of database engines,” the Foundation said in a statement here Thursday.

Haritsa also heads the supercomputer education and research centre at the institute.

Basheer, founder of SpicyIP, India, bagged the prize for his contribution to the analysis of a range of legal issues, including pharmaceutical patent injunctions and enforcement in the Humanities category.

As India’s premier blog on IP and innovation law and policy, SpicyIP does accurate reporting of IP developments across the country.

Basheer is also founder and managing trustee of Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access (IDIA) in Bengaluru.

Shubha Tole, associate professor at Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), got the prize under the Life Sciences category for her contribution to studying the hippocampus and amygdale centres of learning and memory in the brain.

“Tole’s work can lead to a better understanding of human behaviour, cognition and emotions,” the statement noted.

Tole is also a principal investigator at the TIFR’s biological sciences department.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) adjunct professor Madhu Sudhan has been awarded the prize under the Mathematical Sciences category for his seminal contribution to probabilistically checkable proofs and error-correcting codes.

As a principal researcher at Microsoft Research in New England in the US, Sudan also heads the electrical engineering and computer sciences (EECS) department and computer science and artificial intelligence laboratory (CSASIL) at MIT in Boston.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) senior scientist Srivari Chandrasekhar at the Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) has bagged the prize under the Physical Sciences category for his contribution to the synthetic organic chemistry with special focus on the synthesis of complex molecules from natural sources.

Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics at MIT, Esther Duflo, got the prize under the Social Sciences category for her pioneering contribution to development economics, including the work related to India and Africa.

Duflo is also founder-director of Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab in the US.

“The Foundation has been able to recognise some of the best researchers of our time through the prize. Their contributions are an inspiration to students and professionals and have the potential for real-time impact on individuals and society,” Infosys co-founder and Foundation president N.R. Narayana Murthy said on the occasion.

A panel of jurors, comprising renowned scientists and professors from the world over, evaluated the noted winners.

The Infosys Prize jury chairs are Pradeep Khosla, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, Inder Verma, Srinivasa S.R. Varadhan, Shrinivas Kulkarni and Kaushik Basu.

President Pranab Mukherjee will award the winners and felicitate them Jan 5 in Kolkata.–-IANS

www.shamnad.com

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslims> Youth / November 15th, 2014

Global Excellence & Leadership Award to Karnataka’s Abdul Subhan Sait by Global Business Federation

Abdul Subhan Saith, co-founder of Bengaluru based Upmyranks Pvt. Ltd. will be coferred Global Excellence and Leadership Award by the Global Business Federation in Dubai. Subhan will be awarded under the category of “Edtec Educational Excellence.

The award will be conferred during Business Conclave and Global Excellence and Leadership Awards ceremony on October 22 at The Oberai Hotel in Dubai.

He will also take part as a panelist at a panel discussion that will be held at the Indian Pavillion at Dubai Expo 2020 on October 23 as a part of the business conclave.

Abdul Subhan Sait is the son of senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan Sait.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / October 16th, 2021