Tag Archives: Muslim Women of India

The Brigade That Builds Brands: Maryam Hasan Ahmad’s take on crafting an Artsy Army life on the move

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

HARYANA / INDIA :

We’re back with another interview from the ‘The Brigade That Builds Brands‘ series. It’s all about fauji wives / military spouses, who make work work for them through multiple postings, back-to-back social commitments, spotty internet connections, long stints of single parenting, community mindset regarding how military spouses should or should not work and a lot more. Today, I’m talking to Maryam Hasan Ahmad about how she juggles her life as a brush-wielding artist and as a wife of a man in boots ‘n’ beret – an Army officer. 

A talented illustrator and artist, she didn’t give up her work to fit into the fauji life, but instead, carved out a freelance career that she could pack and take along to the multiple postings across the country and world. I hope that this interview will get you revved up to create a freelance career around your passions too.

C. Please tell us something about yourself – what do you do, where are you based and how long have you been a fauji wife.

M. I am a freelance illustrator of children’s books, fashion and portraits/caricatures. I am, as of now, based out of Haryana and have been wedded to the Olive Green for 15 years.

C. What has been your business or creative journey been like: how & when did you start your venture?

M. I am an Applied Arts Graduate and have been freelancing in illustrations since college, and then did a 2 year stint in Chennai as an animator in a French Animation studio. Those two years were a big learning curve. But all that came to a standstill after getting married and being sent to obscure places where there were absolutely no job avenues. Internet was a blessing that got me hooked onto online freelancing while following my husband around the world. Now I could work from any corner and have clients from all over the world!! This opened up a whole new world for me and my dreams. Our 2 year tenure in New York was another time of personal and professional growth. I started my blog https://homespunaround.blogspot.in/ there, attended a lot of arty lectures and seminars… learnt studio pottery. Participated in a couple of pop up fairs and started selling my handmade products online.

C. Fauji wives make their home in an assortment of obscure places across the country. Our lives are about living in the moment and doing what we can, when we can. Can you share how you stayed creative or found work that satisfied you while moving across the country?

M. Fauj teaches you a lot of things (especially if you are creatively inclined and willing to learn). There are so many courses being conducted all over the stations which at least tell you the basics of art, craft, painting, decoupage etc etc. and now with the smart phones and internet at your fingertips, trying out something new is not rocket science. There are so many websites that cater to freelancers, whether you are a writer or an artist or a software professional or even if you want to sell your hand-made wares… Staying creative, finding you mojo is not difficult these days as long as you have a decent internet connection and the passion.

C. How do you juggle that load of social commitments & welfare activities that are an integral part of the fauji community, while nurturing your passions and meeting work deadlines?

M. Time management. If you let it, Fauji commitments can take over your life and as your husband moves up in the ranks and gets busy… you get busier. And there are so many commitments and obligations that you just can’t say no to. Here time management comes in handy. If you have a pending assignment, or a client getting jumpy for not getting work on time- you have to learn to prioritize. 

You can leave the cleaning of the cupboard for tomorrow, send the client that work now. Tell people that this and this is the time that you need to work, and would appreciate being left alone then. (It’s a little hard for people to get it, but insist). Decide what time works for you, put it your maximum then, with no distractions of Facebook scrolling, checking emails then.

C. As a creative/entrepreneur + fauji wife, is there something that you cherish very much about being part of this community? And is there something you feel must/can change for the better?

M. See each world has its pros and cons. I love being a fauji wife. I love the clean environment, the fantastic and SAFE cantonment life that we expose our kids too.  The quality of life when you compare with our civilian counterparts is way better. (I know a lot might disagree) but tell me where can your kids go out every evening without a care in the world, cycle, play basketball, squash, tennis, golf, swimming and come back when its dark…. And you are NOT worried. You are not the one ferrying them from one sports coaching to another. I have friends whose kids stay at home and play videogames because there is not playground in their vicinity and if its is, you cannot let them go alone! It’s not safe. So either you tag along, or you let them stay in.

We all have a fantastic social life as faujis; we work hard, but we party harder! We learn to get along with everyone (esp. relevant in unit life)… we grow as individuals, posting to posting, place to place. I think I have made lifelong friends at every station that I have been posted to.

Things to change? Hmmmm…. When I compare what was prevalent in my mother in law’s time to what is now happening in my time… fauj has changed. And evolved with time. But it needs to evolve more. It needs to understand the requirements of the extremely well educated, articulate young brides coming in with professional backgrounds. Their requirements, expectations are way different and our organization needs to listen to them.

C. What challenges have you faced in balancing work and fauji life?

M. You know there are times and places/stations that are more busy than others. During my husband’s command, my freelance work took a backseat. My pottery was forgotten (in fact still is) and my life as a CO’s wife took over. I didn’t resent that, because the station/ tenure was such and I needed to do that for my husband/unit. After command, I started freelancing again, but after a year I have got posted to another really busy station where my work has taken a backseat again. Lot of good projects were lost because I could not deliver. So yes, it does get frustrating and one has to come to terms with it, deal with it. Take out your frustration on the ever-willing husband and then make the most of what you can get and carry on regardless.

C. What tips would you give to fauji wives out there who’d like to pursue their dreams while living at small and busy bases (many still believe or led to believe that you can either be a fauji wife or a professional, and that’s not true)?

M. The world is your oyster. You are qualified and ambitious, don’t let your ambitions die out, just modify them a bit to the life that you have now. You might not work at the dream job that you planned on while you were studying, but on hindsight you will realize that you got a better deal. Try out other avenues and see what works. It’s not always necessary that as an Army wife you can only become a teacher. With the internet seeping into even the remotest of corners of the country, see what can work for you online. 

Don’t get disheartened, instead think of it as an opportunity to try out something different… something you might not have thought of before. Network with fellow army wives, forge partnerships and alliances and you never know just what might work.

C. A parting quote or philosophy that helps you stay calm and do what you do?

M . Don’t let go of your dreams. Hold on to them tight…. Plan, dream and dream some more. And work towards your dreams. Slowly and steadily you will get there.

Here’s where you can see more of Maryam’s work:

Maryam’s Art Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Maryams-Art-Studio-184891738239097

Instagram feed:

https://www.instagram.com/maryams_art_studio

Looking for inspiration to work-from-home or set up your own venture as a fauji wife? Check out our interviews of fauji wife entrepreneurs and articles on working-from-home.

Subscribe to our blog posts to stay tuned (bonus: you’ll also receive a free book on Everyday Sari Style). / If you’re on Facebook, Like us at chandana banerjee – online notebook / On Twitter? Follow me @chandanawriter / And if living green and well is on your to-do list, hop over to Gorgeous Girls Go Green (our sister site).

source: http://www.chandanabanerjee.com / Chandana Banerjee / Home / 12th June, 2018

JIH Jamshedpur Honors Kahkasha Parveen for Perfect NEET-2024 Score

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jamshedpur, JHARKHAND :

Jamshedpur :

Kahkasha Parveen, a resident of Baganshahi Road No. 7 under Azadnagar Police Station in Mango, has been felicitated for achieving a perfect score of 720 out of 720 in the NEET examination. The accolades poured in at a prestigious ceremony organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Jamshedpur in Azadnagar’s conference hall.

The event, graced by Dr. Arifa Khursheed, a distinguished specialist in women’s health, saw Kahkasha Parveen lauded for her remarkable dedication and perseverance in pursuing a career in medicine. Dr. Khursheed emphasized the challenges Kahkasha overcame, noting that her achievement reflects both her academic excellence and personal resilience.

Kahkasha, a source of immense pride for her community in Baganshahi, was joined by others including Tasneem, Kulsum Anwar, Mahrukh Parveen, and Rimsha Ara, who were also recognized for their contributions to society.

Prof. Anjum Ara, representing the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Jharkhand, highlighted the solidarity and support extended to Kahkasha during her academic journey, underscoring the community’s unwavering unity in difficult times.

The ceremony, overseen by Amaan Sadiq, included expressions of gratitude by Shahnavaz Qamar on behalf of the gathering.

Notable figures such as Master Ashfaq Anwar, Tanveer Akhtar Romani, and Khursheed Akram Ansari extended their heartfelt congratulations to Kahkasha and her family.

Kahkasha Parveen, with aspirations to serve as a doctor, has pledged to provide free medical care to the underprivileged, underscoring her commitment to community service and welfare.

In another gesture of felicitation, various community leaders and well-wishers visited Kahkasha’s residence. They included Azadnagar Police Station in-charge Rakesh Kumar Singh, Sidhgora Police Station in-charge Ghulam Rabbani Khan, Syed Naushad of Tatanagar Railway Station, and Azadnagar Police Station Peace Committee Secretary Mukhtar Alam Khan. Haji Mohammad Ilyas, Rizwanuj Jama, Syed Asif Akhtar of Al Kabir Polytechnic College, Syed Saifuddin Asdak, Imam of Hussaini Masjid and Founder Chairman of Paigam-e-Islam, Master of Dawat-e-Islami Jamil Ansari all presented bouquets, shared sweets, and conveyed their immense pride and congratulations to Kahkasha Parveen and her family.

Kahkasha’s father, Mohammad Abbas, a fruit seller, and her mother were specifically acknowledged for their unwavering support that played a pivotal role in their daughter’s grand success.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / June 13th, 2024

LS Polls 2024: Six Muslims Secure Victory in Uttar Pradesh

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi :

All six Muslim Lok Sabha candidates fielded by mainstream parties in Uttar Pradesh have emerged victorious.

Among the winners is Imran Masood, who contested from Saharanpur on a Congress ticket. “This victory is not just mine, but of every individual who believes in secularism and democracy,” Masood stated emphatically after his win.

Similarly, Maulana Muhibullah Nadvi, representing the Samajwadi Party, also secured a win in Rampur. “The people’s faith in us has been reaffirmed, and we will work tirelessly to honour their trust,” Nadvi said after trouncing Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi of the BJP with a total of 4.81 lakh votes, a margin of 89,370 votes.

Ziaur Rehman Barq, who contested from the Sambhal Lok Sabha seat, is on the path to victory as well. The Congress party’s candidate from Amroha, Kanwar Danish Ali, also achieved victory.

Reflecting on his triumphant journey, Ali said his suspension from the Bahujan Samaj Party was a turning point. “The support from the Congress party and the voters of Amroha has been overwhelming,” he said.

Afzal Ansari, a Samajwadi Party candidate, is leading in Ghazipur. Iqra Hasan, another Samajwadi Party candidate from the Kairana parliamentary seat, has also registered victory.

Before the elections, Imran Masood was affiliated with the Samajwadi Party, and Afzal Ansari was a Bahujan Samaj Party Member of Parliament. Danish Ali, formerly with the Bahujan Samaj Party, was suspended and later nominated by the Congress party, which led to his victory in Amroha.

Despite this success, the Bahujan Samaj Party, which fielded around 22 Muslim candidates, did not secure any seat. This outcome highlights a broader issue of representation, as only 78 Muslim candidates contested across the country under the Congress and other parties’ tickets. The Congress party itself offered tickets to just 19 Muslim candidates nationwide in this election.

With vote counting continuing, early trends indicate that the ruling NDA would form the next government. Nonetheless, the victory of these six candidates marks a noteworthy moment in this Lok Sabha election.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India Votes> Indian Muslims> Politics / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / June 04th, 2024

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

Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Muslim Runners-up in Parliamentary Elections 2024

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Around 20 Muslim candidates were runners-up in the 18th Lok Sabha elections. Of them 7 lost to other Muslim candidates and the rest to other candidates.

Two of these were knocked out by Muslim candidates which made a cakewalk for BJP. In Amroha, UP, Danish Ali of INC secured 447836 votes against BJP’s Kanwar Singh Tanwar who got 476506, just 29670 more votes. Whereas BSP’s Mujahid Husain secured 164099 votes and finished third. Another four Muslims were also in the fray as independent candidates who together poled only 4503 votes.

Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhry of INC from Karimganj, Assam lost to BJP’s Kripanath Mallh by just 18360 votes. Whereas the third in row was a Muslim from United Front, Shahbul Islam Choudhry who secured no less than 29205 votes. There were another 10 Muslims in the fray as independent candidates who secured 20162 votes combined. This invites the apolitical Muslim influential individuals’ and organizations’ role in making one strong Muslim candidate winnability bleak.

Shahnawaz of Rashtriya Janata Dal, in Araria, Bihar lost to BJP candidate by 20094 votes. There were five Muslim independent candidates totally scoring 39992 votes.

Mohammad Badruddin Ajmal, AUDF, in Dhubri Assam lost by 1012476 votes. He secured 459409 against the winning candidate Rakibul Hasan’s 14,71,885 votes. There were other eight Muslim candidates from seven different outfits and one independent. All of them put together pooled 486319 votes. Zabed Islam of Asom Gana Parishad who stood third alone secured 438594 votes.

The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti lost to National Conference candidate Mian Altaf in Anantnag-Rajouri by a margin of 2,81,794. Another 18 candidates were there to fish in the troubled waters.

Omar Abdulla, National Conference, Baramula lost to Engineer Rasheed, an independent who got 268339, lost by 204142. There were another 19 candidates in the fray.

Waheed ur Rehman Para, Peoples Democratic Party, Srinagar finished second 168450, lost by 188416 votes to Aga Syed Ruhulla of National Conference. Another 19 candidates tried their luck.

Mujahid Alam, Janata Dal (United), Kishanganj, Bihar, ranked second position against Tariq Anwar of INC who secured 343158 votes, lost by 59692 votes. There were another five Muslim candidates who together could not score beyond 45000 votes.

Md Ali Ashraf Fatmi, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Madhubani, Bihar, 2nd position. Lost to BJP. Secured 41483 votes and lost by a margin of 151945 (other Muslim candidates – Md. Waquar Siddiqi of AIMM and Sarfaraz Alam of Akhil Bhartiiya Parivar Party).

Hena Shahab was the only Muslim candidate among the 16 in the fray in Siwan, Bihar. An independent candidate, she scored an impressive figure of 296351 votes but lost to JD(U)’s Vijaylakshmi Devi by 92857 votes.

Mansoor Ali Khan, Indian National Congress, Bangaluru Central, Karnataka finished second, lost to BJP, secured 626208 votes still lost by 32707 votes. It was a straight fight and laser finish despite there were around 21 candidates who together could not cross 45000. In his first attempt, Mansoor has made a tremendous dent in the citadel of three-time BJP MP, Mohan.

AM Ariff of CPI(M) from Alappuzah, Kerala gave a tough fight to one of the general secretaries of Congress, KC Venugopal and secured 341047 votes only to lose by a margin of 63513.

Elamaram Kareem, CPI(M), Kozhikode, Kerala finished second against INC, got 374245 but lost by 146176 votes.

  1. Vaseef and KS Hamza of CPI(M), from Malappuram and Ponnani in Kerala respectively lost to IUML candidates.

Mohammed Faizal PP from Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar in Lakshadweep fought against Hamdulla Sayeed of INC and lost by 2647 votes.

Imtiaz Jaleel Syed, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, lost to Shiv Sena, by 134650 votes.

Mohammed Mubarak from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Dindugal, Tamil Nadu stood second against CPI(M) candidate.

Md Salim, CPI(M), Murshidabad West Bengal, lost to Abu Taher Khan of TMC by 164215.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff (headline edited) / June 10th, 2024

Only Three Muslims Elected to Andhra Pradesh Assembly

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ANDHRA PRADESH:

Hyderabad :

Muslim representation has come down in Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Only three Muslims have been elected in the just concluded elections while four Muslims were elected in 2019.

All the three were elected on the tickets of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which, along with its allies Jana Sena and BJP, has scored a landslide victory.

The TDP had fielded three Muslims and all of them have emerged winners.

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had fielded seven Muslim candidates, the highest ever in the state’s history and all of them were defeated.

TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance has won a whopping 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly. It also won 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Senior TDP leader and former minister Nasyam Mohammed Farook was elected from Nandyal constituency. He defeated Silpa Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy of YSRCP by a margin of 12,333.

This is the fourth time Farook has been elected as MLA. He was earlier elected in 1985, 1994 and 1999. The senior leader had served as deputy speaker of the Assembly and a minister in united Andhra Pradesh.

Mohammed Naseer Ahmed of TDP has been elected from Guntur East. He defeated Noori Fatima Shaik of YSRCP by a margin of 31,962 votes. The YSRCP had denied a ticket to sitting MLA Mohammad Mustafa and fielded Noori Fathima.

The Congress party had also fielded a Muslim candidate Shaik Mastan Vali, who was elected on Congress ticket in 2009. He, however, finished a distant third.

This constituency had been electing Muslim MLA candidates since the 1980s.

The third Muslim to be elected to the Assembly is M. Shahjahan Basha. He defeated S. Nisar Ahamad of YSRCP by 5,509 votes in Madanapalle constituency. He was earlier elected from here as Congress candidate in 2009.

The YSRCP had not fielded Mohammed Nawaz Basha, who was elected from here in 2019.

In Kadiri constituency, YSRCP’s B.S. Maqbool lost to K. Venkata Prasad of TDP by a margin of 6,265 votes.

This was the second time that YSRCP has given Kadiri ticket to a Muslim. In 2014, Attar Chand Basha was elected from here.

Deputy Chief Minister and YSRCP leader Amzath Basha Shaik Bepari suffered defeat in Kadapa. She lost to Madhavi Reddappa of TDP by 18,860 votes. The fielding of a Muslim candidate by Congress party led to Basha’s defeat. T.K. Afzal Ali Khan of Congress secured 24,500 votes, spoiling the chances of the YSRCP candidate, who was seeking re-election for a third consecutive term.

Kadapa constituency in Jagan Mohan Reddy’s home district of YSR Kadapa has been electing Muslim candidates since 1994. TDP’s S.A. Khaleel Basha was elected in 1994 and 1999 while Congress party’s Ahmadullah Mohammad was elected in 2004 and 2009.

In Kurnool, retired IAS officer MD. Imtiaz lost to TDP’s T.G. Bharath by a margin of 18,876 votes. Congress party’s Shaik Jeelani Basha finished third and secured 9,022 votes.

The YSRCP has denied renomination to sitting MLA Hafeez Khan to field Imtiaz, who took voluntary retirement to join the ruling party in February.

A state-cadre IAS officer of 2009 batch, Imtiaz hails from Kurnool, which has a sizable Muslim population. He had topped Group-I examination and opted for the commercial taxes department.

Khaleel Ahamd of YSRCP lost to TDP candidate P. Narayana in Nellore city constituency by a margin of over 72,000 votes. Khaleel was the first Muslim candidate from the constituency since its formation in 1952.

YSRCP’s Shaik Asif also suffered defeat in Vijayawada West. He lost to former union minister and BJP candidate Sujana Chowdary by a margin of 47,032 votes.

YSRCP claimed to be the only party which gave political reservation to Muslim community. While defending four per cent reservation for Muslims in jobs and education, Jagan Mohan Reddy had said that they gave four per cent of 175 Assembly seats to Muslims.

In 2019 when YSRCP stormed to power with a landslide majority, four Muslims were elected to the state Assembly on its tickets. It had fielded five Muslim candidates.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / June 08th, 2024

Aysha Merchant secures 3rd rank in interior design course at Mangalore University

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangalore, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

Aysha Merchant, a student of Indian Design School, has secured the 3rd rank in the Interior Design course at Mangalore University. This achievement highlights her hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence in the field of interior design.

Aysha’s journey in interior design began with a passion for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

‘Throughout her course, she consistently demonstrated an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of design principles. Her projects, which often blended innovation with practicality, earned her high praise from both peers and faculty members,’ a press release from the institution stated.

‘During her time at Indian Design School, Aysha participated in numerous design competitions and workshops, further honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. Her ability to think outside the box and her keen sense of style set her apart, making her a standout student in her class,’ the release added.

The 3rd rank at Mangalore University opens up numerous opportunities for her future in the interior design industry.

Aysha expressed her gratitude to her family, friends, and mentors who supported her throughout her academic journey. She said, “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my loved ones and the guidance of my professors. I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my career and to continue exploring the limitless possibilities in interior design .”

‘As she moves forward, Aysha aims to contribute to the field of interior design by combining her academic knowledge with practical experience. She is enthusiastic about creating unique, sustainable, and innovative designs that can transform spaces and enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities,’ it added.

Aysha Merchant’s accomplishment is a proud moment for Indian Design School and Mangalore University. It shows the quality of education and training provided by the institution and serves as an inspiration to other students pursuing their dreams in the creative arts.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home>Karavali / May 27th, 2024

First rank to Sayyed Reha Qadri, Gold Medallist in MSc Chemistry, Mangalore University

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Udupi , KARNATAKA :

Udupi: 

Three students of Dr. G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Post Graduate Study Centre scored high ranks in the post-graduate exams conducted by Mangalore University for the academic year 2022-23.

Sayyed Reha Qadri, one of the students, has been awarded a gold medal for scoring 8.65 CGPA in MSc Chemistry.

M Preethi Acharya and Nidhi N Pai have scored second and fifth ranks, respectively, in M. Com., a press release from the college stated.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 08th, 2024

AMU Mourns the Demise of Prof Seemin Hasan

Education, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH:

Prof Naima Khatoon, Dr Hamida Tariq, Prof Subuhi Khan and others during the condolence meeting of Seemin Hasan

Aligarh :

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) community gathered to honor the memory of the late Prof Seemin Hasan, who passed away on May 23.

During a heartfelt condolence meeting organized by the AMU Women’s Club, Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon paid rich tributes to Prof Hasan, reminiscing about their days together in Abdullah Hall. She prayed for Prof Hasan’s soul to find peace in Jannah and offered solace to her family and friends.

Prof Hasan, a senior faculty member in the Department of English and a valued member of the AMU Women’s Club, was remembered fondly by her colleagues and friends.

Dr. Hameeda Tariq, the founding Patron of the Club, highlighted Prof Hasan’s exceptional abilities as a professional, a friend, and her remarkable culinary skills.

Prof Azarmi Dukh Safavi, former President of the Club and former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, spoke of Prof Hasan’s caring and generous nature. Prof Syeda Nuzhat Zeba, current President of the AMU Women’s Club, praised Prof Hasan’s exemplary character and recounted their long-standing professional and personal relationship.

Prof Subuhi Khan, Secretary of the AMU Women’s Club, expressed the profound sense of loss felt by the community, describing Prof Hasan as a great source of inspiration. Dr. Faiza Abbasi, Director of the UGC MMTTC and founding Joint Secretary of the Club, lauded Prof Hasan as an outstanding English scholar and gracious teacher, emphasizing her role as a diligent role model.

On behalf of the family, Prof Hasan’s son, Dr. Saif, paid rich tributes to his mother and thanked the club members for their support during this difficult time. He mentioned that AMU was integral to her identity and announced the family’s intention to establish an endowment in her name. This endowment will fund commemorative lectures, literary and scholastic events, and quality publications at the university.

The condolence message was handed over to Prof Abrar Hasan, Prof Seemin Hasan’s husband and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, by Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, Secretary Prof Subuhi Khan, and other club members.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Prof Hasan.

Prof Seemin Hasan is survived by her husband, Prof Abrar Hasan, and her sons, Dr. Saif and Dr. Shabih.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / June 10th, 2024

Hyderabad Siblings Launch India’s First All-Women Taxi Bike Service

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Transport, Travel & Tourism, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Founders of Dovely

Hyderabad: 

“It was while commuting to college that I began exploring ideas for safe travel for women after personally facing security issues. I researched extensively to find a way for women to commute without harassment and inconveniences,” said Zainab Khatoon, one of the founders of Dovely — India’s only bike taxi service for women, driven by women.

Zainab, along with her friend Masarrat and her siblings Obaidullah Khan and Uzma Khatoon, deliberated extensively and came up with the idea of running taxi bikes for women, where both the passengers and the service providers are women. Together they founded an app (Dovely) to cater to women and girls who want to travel safely in the city.

“‘DOVE’ is a bird, which represents peace and harmony, and ‘LY’ stands for ladies,” shared another founder, Uzma.

They launched the app on June 15, 2022, initially with very few users. However, they now have around 80-100 riders registered, with 20-25 working as full-fledged riders.

Zainab, who heads the company, personally interviews every candidate to ensure they have a valid license and can navigate Hyderabad’s busy streets. Their riding skills are also tested by a team of experts.

“All of the women who are registered with us share the same concern for women’s safety. Besides, they see this as an opportunity to earn income,” explained Zainab.

Most registered bikers are young women aged 18-50. Some are single mothers, seeking to support their families, while others are students — earning pocket money. Their passengers include working women, students and middle-aged women visiting relatives or doctors.

The initial stages were challenging, as many Hyderabad residents were unaccustomed to seeing women bikers, especially those wearing burqa (veil). Some questioned the young bikers why they needed to earn money by becoming drivers when there were other job opportunities. They perhaps overlooked the fact that many girls are passionate about riding.

“Once a woman passenger books a ride with Dovely, she often becomes a regular customer and subscribes to the app,” claimed Zainab.

“Many aunties give us lots of duas (blessings) after we drop them safely at their destination,” she said.

Uzma Khatoon, Zainab’s sister and co-founder of the firm, shared, “I am humbled to be part of many women’s stories and want to help them fulfill their passion through Dovely.”

One young woman, Tasneem (name changed), shared that she tried working with other delivery platforms but quit on the first day because she had to deal mainly with men. She said she feels safe and comfortable working with Dovely.

The founders claimed they get compliments for contributing to a safe commuting experience for ladies. “This feedback from our passengers and partners keeps us going. The feeling that we are empowering women in our own way and ensuring that at least 100 women travel safely every day makes us happy,” said Zainab.

A member of the Dovely team monitors rides, tracking the live location from pick-up to drop-off. However, some women are also unhappy due to the limited number of drivers and busy schedules. The Dovely team hopes to resolve this issue as they recruit more women drivers.

Currently, it provides services through WhatsApp and plans to launch the app on the Play Store after achieving the target of over 200 rides. The app is still being developed, and the four founders are funding their venture — taking baby steps for now.

Dovely operates at ‘zero’ commission, unlike other service providers — who charge drivers. The team feels they have a long way to go.

Currently, services run until 8:30 pm, but they may extend the time if more safety measures are in place for women commuting at night. In the future, they plan to expand to auto-rickshaws and cabs, all managed by women. They also aim to handle transport and logistics led by women.

The Dovely team is driven by the passion to empower women.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net / June 03rd, 2024