Tag Archives: Muslim Women of India in Education

AMU Faculty of Unani Medicine Gets New Chairperson

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Prof. Rubi Anjum, Department of Tahaffuzi Wa Samaji Tib, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University has been appointed as the Chairperson of the concerned department, for a period of three years, with effect from July 1, 2024.

Prof Anjum, engaged in teaching and research for over the last 16 years, has authored two books and published more than 70 research papers in journals of national and international repute. Besides this, she has attended more than 70 national and international conferences and seminars and presented papers on myriad topics.

She received an Award of Appreciation at a World Health Day event held at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on April 3, 2016, for her role in creating awareness about diabetes.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 30th, 2024

A Hijabi’s Rise: Alfiya Ansari’s Success Story in the Face of ‘Bias’ at Mumbai College

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai : 

Hijab-clad Alfiya Ansari allegedly faced discrimination at NG Acharya College, the first educational institution in the city that banned wearing headscarves and veils on the campus. Despite the decision reportedly forcing several Muslim women to drop out or discontinue attending classes, she remained dedicated to her education.

Her perseverance and determination led her to achieve the top rank in her class, serving as a powerful testament to her resilience and a strong rebuke to those who “discriminated” against her.

Alfiya’s achievements highlight her unwavering commitment to her goals, demonstrating that “bias” and “prejudice” cannot diminish true talent and hard work.

A Dream of Becoming a Doctor

Living with her parents and two siblings in Mumbai’s Govandi slum, Alfiya’s story is one of remarkable resilience and determination. Her father, a tailor earning Rs 20,000 per month, worked hard to support his family.

As the eldest sibling, Alfiya took her role seriously. She completed senior secondary school from a local English medium school, scoring an impressive 85% and chose to enroll in an aided college for further studies.

From a young age, she aspired to become a doctor. This ambition led her to choose the science stream in junior college, where she began preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET examination.

However, as she advanced to her second year, she decided to focus primarily on her board exams, dedicating much of her time to studying in the library to achieve her academic goals.

Despite facing health issues from eating outside food while spending long hours in the library, Alfiya’s family, particularly her mother, provided unwavering support. Her mother ensured she had home-cooked meals and timely medication, allowing her to maintain her focus.

Alfiya credits her success to her mother’s support, highlighting the crucial role her family played in her academic achievements.

‘Harassment’ at College

Initially cooperative, the staff at Acharya College allegedly changed their attitude drastically once the hijab issue arose. Teachers purportedly began harassing Muslim girls, making them stand outside during lectures and using various other methods.

Alfiya was mentally disturbed for many days. Fifteen-twenty girls, she alleged, stopped attending college.

However, she could not easily give up on her dream of becoming a doctor. With her parents unable to afford another college, she continued at Acharya, removing her hijab outside but still wearing a dupatta.

“This is how I struggled,” she told TwoCircles.net.

Maintaining Focus Amidst Adversity

Alfiya remained focused on her goals despite the challenges. “Life brings many issues, sometimes in the form of the hijab and sometimes due to narrow-minded views about girls,” she said, adding, “When we are focused, problems do not seem as overwhelming.”

She stayed focused on her aim and plans to continue facing challenges head-on without stepping back from her goals.

A Message to Girls

Alfiya has a powerful message for girls: “If we want to change our current situation, education is the most important part. Achieve it, but always remember the importance of both academic and religious knowledge. Only then can you become a better role model in this society. Your identity should be defined by your character, which for a girl is always defined by her modesty. Be whatever you want to be, but stay within the bounds of modesty.”

Advice for Youth

To the youth, Alfiya advises, “You are your own saviours, and your own adversaries. Keep yourself engaged in productive activities, or else negative influences will keep you busy with useless and immoral activities. Use your mobile phones positively but within a specific time limit. Learn skills to keep pace with the present situation.”

Family’s Joy and Support

After the results, Alfiya’s family was overjoyed. “Before 12th grade, I did not receive much financial support from anyone; but after 12th grade, I received immense support from an elder sister, whom I consider an angel. She has been a great source of motivation for me,” she said, though she could not mention her name due to her sister’s request for anonymity.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Careers / by K K Ahmed, TwoCircles.net / June 10th, 2024

Saria Khan of Lucknow is second topper in ICSC board exam

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH:

Saria Khan with her parents after the result

Saria Khan of Lucknow has become the second topper in the International Council for Schools Certification (ICSC) Board.

Saria Khan’s family lives in the middle-class neighborhood of Daliganj in the city. Her father Rais Khan is a lawyer by profession. She has two brothers senior to her.

After her results were declared, Saria said since she has an interest in Biology, she wants to become a doctor. She says medicine is a profession in which there is an opportunity to help others.

She said she is determined to become a doctor since her teachers have taught her not to have options in life. Options will not allow one to focus on the goal. Her parents and brothers have been supportive of her dreams and kept encouraging her to continue her focus. Saria says that she left no stone unturned in preparing for the board examination. She used to study for seven to eight hours after school.

The ICSE board released the 10th standard results with 99.97 percent clearing it. The result for the girl students was 99.98 percent and for boys 99.97 percent.

 There are four toppers of the exam: Hargun Kaur Matharu from Pune, Anika Gupta from Kanpur, Pushkar Tripathi from Balrampur, and Kanishka Mittal from Lucknow – with 499 marks (99.80%).

Saria says there is only one mantra for success in life -focus on your goal. While doing other work never forget the target. To become a topper, she studied hard and diligently.

“I could see my goal and stay focused by adopting different strategies. Today, I am very happy that I have reached the first step toward fulfilling the dreams of my parents. But the destination is still far away, and I have to work for it.

Saria and her family have been busy receiving the congratulatory message on phone and receiving guests who are dropping in to meet her.

“I will never forget this moment, the way the people of the country are showering love on me. I am even exhausted from attending to the phone, but I am attending to each call and visitor. A total of 110 students are included in the list of top three rank holders for the ICSE board 10th examination. In which there is a difference of one point each between the three ranks.

While four candidates secured the top rank with 499 marks out of 500, 34 students including Saria stood second with 498 marks. Similarly, 72 candidates secured the third rank with 497 marks out of 500.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations announced a merit list after two years. The results were declared based on an alternate evaluation scheme after the examination was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall pass percentage is 99.97, the officials said.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Tajo Khan, Lucknow / July 18th, 2022

Prof Naima Gulrez Is New Vice Chancellor of AMU

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH:

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has appointed Prof Naima Gulrez new Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) out of three names sent to the visitor (President of India) by the AMU court.

Prof. Naima Gulrez, who served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology before joining as Principal, Women’s College in July 2014, also taught at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa. A PhD in Political Psychology, she worked at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi, and served as Deputy Coordinator of UGC assisted Special Assistance Program on Spiritual Psychology in the Department of Psychology, AMU.

She has authored, co-authored and edited six books and published many papers in journals of national and international repute. She has supervised 15 Ph.D. theses and a large number of dissertations. Her area of specialization is in the field of Clinical, Health, Applied Social and Spiritual Psychology.

Apart from academics, Prof. Naima Khatoon has vast experience in Educational Administration. She served as Provost in Indira Gandhi Hall and twice in Abdullah Hall. She also served as Deputy Director, Residential Coaching Academy and Deputy Proctor of AMU. She was elected twice to the Women’s College Student Union. She also worked as Literary Secretary and Senior Hall Monitor of both Abdullah Hall and Sarojini Naidu Hall. She was awarded the Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award for all-around excellence.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 22nd, 2024

Midhat Fatema shines in a doctors family

Jalgaon, MADHYA PRADESH :

Jalgaon :

Midhat Fatema Shaikh Haroon is the new star in the galaxy of doctors in Jalgaon of Madhya Pradesh. She graduated from Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Nashik with distinction.

A brilliant girl from childhood with distinctive position right from primary classes, Fatema is the younger daughter of Dr. Haroon Basheer.

Her elder sister Iram Fatima took medical degree in dentistry. Another sister Tazeen Fatima graduated from Nashik Medical College with distinction. Younger brother Mohammed Kamran is pursuing medical degree in government college Nandbar. Another younger brother Mohammed Juzlan and cousin Shakir Shaik are seeking medical education in Russia.

The entire family of doctors provided a fine ambience to Midhat.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / April 23rd, 2024

Malkapur Student Nazifa Namus Wins Top Prize in District Speech Competition

Malkapur (Buldhana District) , MAHARASHTRA :

Malkapur, Buldhana :

In a district-level speech competition organized by the Umeed Foundation, Malkapur’s Al-Huda Urdu Girls School and Junior College student, Nazifa Namus, emerged victorious, securing the first position.

Daughter of Tariqullah Khan, Namus impressed judges and spectators alike with her eloquence.

She was awarded an honorary certificate and a cash prize of eleven thousand rupees.

The event, held on Sunday, garnered attention from dignitaries such as Abdul Karim Salar, President of the Education Society, and Rajesh Akde, a prominent member of the Provincial Assembly.

Also present were Maulana Ashfaq Qasmi, Haji Rasheed Khan and senior police officials from the city.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Zaina Aman (headline edited) / Radiance News Bureau / March 06th, 2024

AMU Professor Saima Yunus Khan gets First Copyright from Government of India for her work on Dental Caries

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH:

AMU Faculty Becomes First Indian To Receive IADR Fellowship

Prof Saima Yunus Khan, Chairperson, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. Z.A. Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University has been awarded the Copyright by the Government of India for her original innovative work on an evidence based Indian Caries Risk Assessment tool for the children up to 6 years of age.

She started to work on the project in 2021, on receiving the John Clarkson Fellowship from the Prestigious International Association for Dental Research.

Being the first Indian to receive this fellowship, she worked in collaboration with Dr. Gerald Niznick, College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba, Canada.

According to Dr. Saima, the CRA tool would be beneficial to the Indian children as it addresses the risk factors of early childhood caries of Indian preschoolers. It’s a small compact tool form which can be used with ease by the masses in hospital or field settings.

The Dean, Faculty of Medicine and the Principal, J.N. Medical College, Prof Veena Maheshwari, and the Principal, Dr. Z. A. Dental College & Hospital, Prof R.K. Tewari congratulated Prof. Saima on her exemplary achievement.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / AMU, Aligarh Muslim University / Home> Public Relations Office (headline edited & additional pix edited) / April 02nd, 2024

TWEET Honors ‘Heroes of Literacy’ : Volunteers Felicitated for Transformative Impact in Jharkhand

Ranchi, JHARKHAND:

Ranchi :

In a remarkable ceremony held on Tuesday, TWEET (The Women Education & Empowerment Trust) honored 30 dedicated volunteers in the state of Jharkhand for their exceptional commitment to eradicating illiteracy.

The event, marking the culmination of a yearlong campaign titled “Freedom from Illiteracy, Each One Teach Ten,” saw the volunteers being presented with certificates in recognition of their significant contributions.

Ms. Shabnam Parween, a distinguished Member of the Jharkhand Food Commission, graced the occasion with her presence and extended heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers for their unwavering dedication to the cause of education, particularly in empowering women. In her address, Ms. Parween underscored the profound impact of women’s education on the socio-economic fabric of society, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping future generations.

Dr. Hena Tabassum, a prominent figure in the field of education, shared her insightful perspectives on the crucial role that educated women play in fostering societal development. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the transformative potential of education in uplifting communities.

Dr. Naaz Aafreen, the esteemed State Coordinator of TWEET in Jharkhand, took the opportunity to provide an overview of TWEET’s mission and initiatives, underscoring the organization’s steadfast commitment to promoting literacy and education across the region. Dr. Aafreen also presented a comprehensive account of the organization’s achievements, reaffirming TWEET’s unwavering dedication to its noble cause.

The felicitation ceremony not only celebrated the exemplary efforts of the volunteers but also served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility towards fostering a literate and enlightened society. As the applause reverberated through the venue, it was evident that the spirit of altruism and service embodied by the volunteers continues to inspire and ignite hope for a brighter, more educated future in Jharkhand.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 24th, 2024

Danish Educational Trust Empowers 624 Students With Rs. 1.6 Crore Scholarship Across Karnataka

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

In a bid to bolster access to professional education for economically disadvantaged students, Bengaluru-based Danish Education Trust (R) awarded scholarships to 624 students pursuing professional education across Karnataka with a total scholarship amount of Rs. 1,60,00,000/- for the academic year 2023-24. The Trust selected students through an online application process at www.danishtrust.in.

The scholarship recipients are pursuing various professional courses, including Engineering, MBBS, Law, Journalism, Pharmacy, BUMS, BAMS, BHMS, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, and B.Ed, and are from economically underprivileged backgrounds.

Danish Educational Trust (R) was established in March 2006 by a group of concerned citizens led by philanthropist Mrs. Husna Sheriff, with the belief that education is the seed for development and progress. Since its inception, the Trust has continued its scholarship scheme for poor and needy students pursuing higher education.

Over the years, the Trust has sponsored the education of more than 4000 students, and this year’s scholarship program is another step in empowering young minds to achieve their educational dreams.

Expressing her pride in the trust’s achievements, Mrs. Husna Sheriff emphasized the importance of empowering young minds through education. “We firmly believe in providing a platform for students to thrive academically, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By investing in their future, we are sowing the seeds for a brighter tomorrow,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Danish Educational Trust envisions expanding its reach further, with plans to increase the scholarship amount to Rs. 1.8 crore and support over 750 students in the upcoming academic year 2024-25. Such ambitions underscore the trust’s unwavering dedication to fostering equitable access to education and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Education / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / March 14th, 2024

UPSC Success Story: Meet IAS Officer Who Secured The Highest Marks In Interview Round

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Her hard work paid off and she eventually clinched success on her third attempt. She cleared both her Prelims and Mains and went on to top the interview round as well.

UPSC Success Story: Meet IAS Officer Who Secured The Highest Marks In Interview Round
IAS Zainab Sayeed

New Delhi: 

Do you happen to know who holds the prestigious title for achieving the highest marks in the interview round of the UPSC exam over the last decade? If you’re guessing it’s Tina Dabi, Srushti Deshmukh, Kanishka Kataria, or Shruti Sharma, you might be surprised.

It’s none other than Zainab Sayeed who stands as the record-holder for securing the highest marks in the UPSC interview round. This remarkable individual from Kolkata attained an outstanding score of 220 out of 275 marks in the interview segment. Her remarkable achievement took place in 2014 when she successfully navigated the UPSC Civil Services Exam, amassing 731 marks in the main examination.

Zainab clinched the All-India Rank (AIR-107) and to this day remains unparalleled in terms of interview performance. However, Zainab’s journey with UPSC wasn’t without its challenges. She encountered setbacks in her initial two attempts, failing to clear even the Prelims in her first endeavours.

Despite these early setbacks, Zainab refused to be deterred and remained steadfast in her belief in herself. Her relentless dedication and perseverance eventually paid dividends, culminating in her triumphant success on her third attempt. She not only cleared both her Prelims and Mains but also emerged as the top performer in the interview round.

According to Zainab’s account, the interview lasted for approximately 25 minutes and revolved around a diverse array of topics, including current affairs, international affairs, foreign direct investments, and discussions on the European Union.

It’s noteworthy that Zainab hails from Kolkata and completed her graduation in English literature from St. Xavier’s College. Subsequently, she pursued her MA in mass communication at Jamia University, Delhi, graduating in 2011.

Following her post-graduate studies, Zainab made the decision to embark on the rigorous journey of UPSC exam preparation. Despite facing disappointments in 2012 and 2013, she persisted and ultimately tasted success in 2014.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> India> UPSC Success Story / by Zee Media Bureau, edited by Mahi Mishra / February 13th, 2024