Tag Archives: Muslims of Bengaluru

First of its kind, 3-day multilingual calligraphy exhibition, seminar in B’luru from March 10

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Bengaluru:

A three-day multilingual calligraphy exhibition and seminar named Miraj will be held in Bangalore from March 10 to 12, 2023.

The event will be held at Falcon’s Den, Prestige Falcon Towers, Brunton Road here in the city.

The exhibition and seminar will be first of its kind in Bengaluru, Syed Beary, Chairman of Bearys Group said in a press conference at the Press Club on Wednesday.

The event sponsored by Bearys Group is being organised by Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture ( IIIAC), Syed Beary who is also the Chairman and Managing Trustee of IIIAC added.

“More than 50 artists and experts from across the world will take part in this unique event. Calligraphy is a special art. It helps in maintaining balance between your mind, body and your thoughts,” he further added.

“Calligraphy finds its origin in Arabic. But Chinese and Japanese modern calligraphy are also significantly beautiful and pleasing to eyes. Even Indian regional languages have now adopted calligraphy and artists are exhibiting their skills and talents in their respective regional languages,” Syed Beary further stated.

Speaking about the exhibition, he said experts and artists from more than 10 countries including Turkey, Japan, Sudan, and Middle-East will take part in the event. Calligraphy experts in Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi and other regional languages will also be a part of the event.

“Seminars, Talks, and discussions on various aspects of calligraphy will also be held during this first of its kind three-day event,” he said.

Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture’s Principal Muqtar Ahmed  also spoke at the press conference and said the exhibition will be inaugurated on March 10 at 10:30 am by Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, Bangalore. The seminar will be inaugurated later at 3 pm by Maulana Mufti Sageer Ahmed, Ameer-e-Shariyat, Karnataka, snf Principal & Shaikul Hadees, Darul Uloom Sabeelur Rashad.

Zia Ulla Sharief, Chairman India Builders Corporation, Bangalore, Irfan Razack, Chairman, MD Prestige Group Bangalore, Shabeena Sultana, Consul of the Republic of Tunisia, Bangalore and Pusphamala N, Artist, Sculptor, Writer and Curator will be guests of honor during the inaugural event that will be presided over by Syed Mohamed Beary, Muqtar Ahmed said.

He also spoke about how expert calligraphers of multiple languages will grace the event and share their thoughts and experiences with the participants.

Efdaluddin Kilic, Turkey, Narjes Noureddine, UAE, Dr. Abdullah Fattini, KSA, Tagalsir Hasan, Sudan, Mohsin Ghareeb, Bahrain, Farid Abdur Rahim, Kuwait, Dr. Ali Rabbani, Iran, Yuko Takaji, Japan, Achyut Palav, Marathi, Poosapati Raju, Telugu, Narayana Bhattathiri, Malayalam, Suresh Waghmore, Kannada, Vinoth Kumar, Tamil, Nikheel Aphale, Hindi & Devanagari, Salva Rasool, Urdu are some of the experts who will hold talks on Calligraphy on the first day of the event.

The exhibition will remain open from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm on three days of the event.

The program schedule is as follows:

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / VarthaBharati.in / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 08th, 2023

Indian Muslim writer Andaleeb Wajid’s new book is part of a time-travel trilogy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Andaleeb Wajid is a Bangalore-based writer who attempts to authentically portray India’s Muslim diaspora through novels that focus on life, food, family and relationships.

The young Indian Muslim writer Andaleeb Wajid has published five books in almost as many years. Courtesy Andaleeb Wajid
The young Indian Muslim writer Andaleeb Wajid has published five books in almost as many years. Courtesy Andaleeb Wajid

Modestly dressed in a pretty headscarf and shalwar kameez, the Bangalore-based writer Andaleeb Wajid smiles as she talks about her short but successful writing career – she has published five books in six years, most of them featuring a Muslim setting and credibly representing the community in India.

Wajid, 36, says she has been writing since she was 10. Her first book, Kite Strings, was released in August 2009 followed by Blinkers Off (August 2011), My Brother’s Wedding (May 2013) and More Than Just Biryani (January 2014). No Time For Goodbyes, released in April this year, is her latest book and the first in the Tamanna Trilogy series, books on time travel targeted at young adults. The other two will be released in September and December this year.

How did you begin writing?

I have been writing stories since I was 10. When I was in Grade 12, I was left very confused about what I would do with my life. There weren’t many options for girls from orthodox Muslim families. Then it occurred to me to take up writing as a career. I was certain that no one would stop me.

Is there a reason why many of your books have been set in a Muslim milieu?

I’m quite amused with the way Muslims are depicted in Bollywood films and on television in India. My stories attempt to show a slice of Muslim life, which is no different from anyone else’s. I wrote More Than Just Biryani only because I strongly felt that the world has labelled us as just biryani-eaters and I wanted them to be aware of the diversity in Muslim cuisine. Kite Strings discusses the issues a young girl from an orthodox Lababin Muslim [a community from Tamil Nadu] family faces. But a large number of non-Muslim fans also reached out to me, saying how much they identified with the character, which proves that some things transcend religious boundaries.

More Than Just Biryani was ­conceived as a recipe book. What prompted you to turn it into fiction?

My brother and I had thought of writing a culinary memoir but the idea never took off because I realised early that I could never do justice to non-fiction. Instead I wrote about three women and the role food plays in their lives. Nearly every chapter of the book has a recipe, which is ­woven into the story.

Have you drawn upon your personal experiences to craft stories?

Yes. Like most writers, I started off writing about what I knew best. In Kite Strings, the protagonist Mehnaz is a rebel without a cause and ­behaves a lot like I did as a teenager. The story is set in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where as a child I spent several holidays with my grandparents. In More Than Just Biryani, one of the protagonists loses her father. It was the most painful chapter I have ever written.

What else is in the pipeline?

I have one more young-adult novel in my kitty, about a girl whose mother has left the family. Then there’s ­another about a crochet teacher and the four women who learn this ­beautiful craft from her and end up baring their lives to her.

• Andaleeb Wajid’s books are ­available on Amazon

artslife@thenational.ae

source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home / by Priti Salian / July 05th, 2014

Scholarships Worth Rs 1 Crore 51 Lakhs Given To Over 4,146 Girls By Bazm-E-Niswan

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, SCHOLARSHIPS, Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bazm-E-Niswan, an all women’s charitable trust distributed Rs. 1 crore 51 lakhs in scholarships to 4146 female students from the economically weaker section of the community on Sunday. While 2,166 beneficiaries are PU students, 1,796 are pursuing undergraduate courses. As many as 59 are diploma students and 125 are post-graduate students.

The organisation has been distributing scholarships since its inception in 1971 and has so far given financial aid to over 67000 students to complete their higher education

The purpose behind the yearly scholarships is to encourage Muslim girls from deprived sections to pursue higher studies, Mrs Husna Ziaullah Sheriff, president, Bazm-E-Niswan said.

These girls are now successfully qualified as teachers, professors, doctors, lawyers, government officers, businesswomen, engineers, journalists, trainers, nurses, paramedics and in many other professional courses, she said.

Students applied for the scholarship online through Bazm-E-Niswan’ website. Candidates were required to fill out an online application and submit the hard copy of the application at the trust’s office. The fresh students who had secured more than 50 per cent in their previous exam were selected.

“We received 5,200 online applications this year as against 4,505 last year. The increase in applications indicates the growing need for scholarship due to the financial crisis post Covid 19,” Ms Sheriff said.

“Overall 69.7% students belong to BPL families and 30.3% belong to non BPL families,” she said.

However, the total number of applicants in Post Graduation was only 152, compared to 2,350 in Under Graduation. “This shows only 6.46% girls pursue Post graduation after completing their UG,” it was observed.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Education / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / November 27th, 2022

Huge Loss To Civil Society In Bengaluru: Activist Firdouse Khan Passes Away

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Firdouse Khan, a prominent Muslim activist passed away at her residence on Friday morning in Bengaluru.

Firdouse was the secretary and consultant at the city-based Forward Trust, a family and marital counselling organisation. She was actively involved with Bahutva Karnataka, Communal Friendship Forum, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and other civic organisations.

Speaking of the demise of Firdous, Bahutva Karnataka activist Adv Vinay Sreenivas told The Cognate, “She cared a lot about society and was a person like who exhibited a lot of goodness. It was her dream to live in a society which is in harmony.”

The 52-year-old previously held the post of manager at HCL. She later resigned from the post and was involved in social activities. She took part in several protests, including the anti CAA/NRC protests. The activist regularly organised legal literacy workshops.

“Firdouse was interested in building bridges across people, faiths, and like, there are different communities. She stayed in touch with everybody and was like a very spirited person. Her life was committed to support others and she did what she could do to ease somebody’s pain,” Vinay said.

“A personification of the kind of values we want in a fraternity, Firdous was a believer and she had made connections with people from other faiths. It’s just it’s a very big loss for the civil society in Bangalore because we have very few people like this.”

The deceased is survived by her husband Waseem Khan, one son and a daughter.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Rabia Shireen / November 11th, 2022

Passing Out Parade Of Women Jail Warders Held

Amazing Feats, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KARNATAKA:

Mysuru:

The passing out parade of the 45th batch of Women Jail Warders was held at the Parade Grounds of Jail Staff Training Institute in Central Prison premises here this morning.

Speaking after receiving the Guard of Honour, ADGP (Prisons) N.S. Megharikh said that Warders should first try to understand the mentality, body language and attitude of the inmates, as it is vital in reforming them.

Highlighting the importance of getting well versed in prison administration, he said that most of the prisoners may be victims of circumstances and as such it is important to assess their mindset.

Pointing out that it was important for jail staff to ensure their own safety while dealing with prisoners, Megharikh said that every prisoner should be given immediate medical attention when he/she falls sick.

Stressing on the need for the jail staff to be always alert, he said that although there may be a negative perception about the Police and prison staff in general, the new recruits should try to overcome this perception by working in a positive manner.

Underlining the role of prison staff in reforming prisoners, the ADGP said that the staff should ensure that the guidelines in the jail manual are properly adhered to. Calling upon the newly recruited women Jail Warders to uphold the dignity of the Prisons Department, he wished them the best in their career.

Noting that 1,070 Warders and 32 Jailors have been appointed recently, he said that the ‘Government was ready to extend any sort of support that would uphold the name of the department.

DIG (Prisons) H.S. Revanna, AIGP (Prisons) G. Veerabhadraswamy, Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar, KPA Director (In-charge) Vamsi Krishna, IGP (Southern Range) Soumendu Murkherjee, City Police Commissioner Dr. A.S. Rao, SP Amit Singh, Mysuru Jail Chief Superintendent P.V. Ananda Reddy, Jail Staff Training Institute Principal V. Seshumurthy and others were present.

A total of 38 Women Warders passed out. Most of them were highly qualified, with one recruit Swathi of Udupi being a BE (Electrical and Electronics) Graduate, while three are Diploma holders, 4 B.Com Graduates, 2 B.Com and D.Ed Graduates, 1 M.Com, 2 MA, 1 B.Sc, 2 B.Sc and B.Ed and 22 BA degree holders. Out of the 88 trainees, only three were SSLC, the minimum qualification that was required for the appointment to the post.

Deepa Idgal of Central Prison, Belagavi was adjudge the Best Trainee in Indoor Section, while Lilofer Guttedar of Central Prison, Kalaburagi the Best in Outdoor Section, Bhagyashri Yalagi of District Prison, Chikkaballapur came first and M.R. Bindu of District Prison, Madikeri came second in Firing Section and M.N. Mamatha of Central Prison Bengaluru for Good Conduct.

Shakina Begum Nadaf of Central Prison, Bengaluru bagged ADGP and IGP Cup, while Rudravva Kurubara of District Prison, Udupi was declared as the Best All Round Performer.

The trainees had undergone a 9-month basic training that started from Aug 16, 2017 at Jail Staff Training Institute here.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 01st, 2018

Shahib Somwarpet Ameer: The next big name in the World of Mini Football

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kodagu, KARNATAKA:

Shahib Somwarpet Amir son of Ameer Konnur Bashir Shab, runs a dry fruit shop and represented India as a Vice Captain in Socca World Cup 2022, held in Hungry, Budapest.

Shahib hails from Karnataka and is 27 years old. Born in Kodagu, Bangalore, Shahib comes from a middle-class family. His father is a small businessman and his mother, Noorjan Somwarpet Ameer is a homemaker. Shahib has one brother and two sisters. Shahib is 5.4 ft tall.

Shahib started his football career with Kodagu League and is currently playing for ADE football club super division at Karnataka state football association.

Shahib completed his D-license coaching license in the year of 2018 from the all-India football federation and has played several matches so far and has been popularly named Goal Machine.

Some of his list of matches include the Karnataka state team in the 49th junior national championship Dr.B.C.Roy Trophy as a defender and secured one score.

Played for Pre-University State-Level Football Tournament in Belgaum as an attacking midfielder and secured 8 scores.

Played State Level Under 17 Football Championship at Bijapur as a captain.

Represented Mangalore University Football team at the University of Calicut and Kerala as a Midfielder.

Represented Bangalore University football team at Pondicherry. Played Karnataka state PYKKA football championship held at Tumkur ( Karnataka ) in 2010 as a vice-captain.

Represented Karnataka state football team in all India Sub Junior Football Championship as a captain at Chandigarh.

Played for the postal department football club at A division in the year at Karnataka state football association as a Striker. Played for the postal department football club at A division in the year 2019 and 2020 at Karnataka state football association.

Represented the super division team Madaam FC at Gujarat State Football Association as a midfielder.

Represented India at an Indo-Nepal international friendly match under Indian Sports Federation in the year 2021 as a captain.

Represented KV Sports India at SIAM FC International Week Trails and International Tournament Football Championship in Bangkok ( Thailand ) as a captain.

Talking about his recent tour in Budapest Shahib says, “Football is not just a sport it is like emotion for me. I feel blessed that I could participate in Socca World Cup 2022. I will be forever thankful to Mr. Kartik Vashist, who guided me to fulfill my dreams. I dedicate my achievements to my family and God. Having said that, I worked hard to reach where I am today and would continue to do so. I wish to stay fit for a longer period and play for India. This year my focus will be to play ISL as it would be helpful for young players like us to achieve our goals”

Shahib’s message for all the young talent trying their luck in football is to stay fit, work hard and above all believe in god, respect your parents, and keep patients. Shahib is a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo.

https://www.instagram.com/shahib_07/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

source: http://www.newspatrolling.com / News Patrolling / Home> Top News / by Mahende / October 17th, 2022

Bengaluru: Man leaves gemstone biz, strikes gold in growing tropical fruit plants

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Products, Karnataka (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

The 52-year-old Devanahalli farmer grows Avocados, Macadamia nuts, Rambutan, Bush Orange, Water Apple, Star Fruit and Lychee Thai Guava among others in his one-acre nursery.

Avocados. (Photo|Associated Press)

Bengaluru :

Eleven years ago, Mohammed Adil bid adieu to his 20-year-old gemstone business and turned to his interest in growing tropical fruit plants full-time. The decision helped him reap rich dividends as now his turnover by selling exotic saplings in Bengaluru is over Rs 1 crore annually.

The 52-year-old Devanahalli farmer grows Avocados, Macadamia nuts, Rambutan, Bush Orange, Water Apple, Star Fruit and Lychee Thai Guava among others in his one-acre nursery.

“I had 4 acres of land where I had many Jamun trees. But, since the yield was less, I searched for exotic fruit trees and my journey as a farmer began 11 years ago. I converted one acre into a nursery where I grew all the mother saplings. In Avocado alone, I have 13 types with four types named after Bengaluru nursery,” said Adil.

In the last five years, he has sold over lakh Avocado saplings. “This tropical fruit is easy to grow with zero maintenance and the yield is just in three years. All one has to do is ensure good care for the first two years,”  said Adil.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Mohammed Yacoob , Express News Service / November 04th, 2022

Youth makes it to national shooting championship after three-month training by father

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mohammed Rayan Baig, an engineering graduate qualified for this national event as he won a gold medal in the (A-01) Small Bore Free Rifle Prone (NR) Championship 50M Men Individual event.]

Mohammed Rayan Baig with his father/trainer MN Baig
Mohammed Rayan Baig with his father/trainer MN Baig. (Photo | EPS)

Bengaluru:

Trained by his father in just three months, Mohammed Rayan Baig has made it big in a national-level shooting championship by bagging a gold medal.

Now, all eyes are set on the young engineering graduate, who will be representing the state in the All India shooting event, held by the National Rifle Association of India from the first week of November at Thiruvananthapuram.

Baig qualified for this national event as he won a gold medal in the (A-01) Small Bore Free Rifle Prone (NR) Championship 50M Men Individual event at the 31 All India GV Mavalankar Shooting Championship in Asansol at West Bengal in the second week of this month.

He secured 581 out of 600 points in the event.  

What is interesting is that Baig who resides in Frazer Town was trained by his father, MN Baig for three months to qualify for the event held in West Bengal.

His father is into agriculture and business and his mother, Shehnaz Baig is a housewife.

“My dad has been shooting for the last 7-8 years. In the 300 metres big bore competition, he has got a renowned shot certificate five times. I have been watching him, waiting for my studies to get over.”

“After I completed engineering, I started to practice at Karnataka State Rifle Association Range and simulation at home,” said Baig, who completed his B-Tech in Mechanical Engineering with 8th Rank with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 9.04 out of 10) at PES University in the city this year.

“I dedicated myself to studies. Once I finished my engineering with a good rank, my next goal was to excel in shooting. I set my goal and got a gold medal in the All India GV Mavalankar Shooting Championship. If I set a goal, I want to achieve it. I have natural talent and was trained by my father and no professional coaching,” Baig told The New Indian Express.  
 
Sharing his views on shooting, he said “I can say that this sport requires a lot of dedication and concentration. But if one spends time practicing, honing their skills, refining their techniques, they can even reach the Olympics.”

“My next target is the event to be held from November 20 to December 6, 2022, at Tiruvananthapuram, where all big shooters will be participating,” he concludes. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sports> Others / by Yathiraju, Express News Service / October 31st, 2022

Politician K Rahman Khan selected for IOS Lifetime Achievement Award

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

New Delhi:

The Delhi-based Institute of Objective Studies has chosen the veteran politician K. Rahman Khan, a former Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Ex-Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, to receive its 10th annual Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was created to honour people who have significantly contributed to society’s growth and development across a range of fields. Rahman Khan’s name has been officially approved by the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. Khan was instrumental to the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2013 and the comprehensive report on auqaf in India prepared by   the Joint Parliamentary Committee under his chairmanship.

Rahman Khan was born on April 5th, 1939 in Mandya, then a part of the Mysore State, and established his credentials as an accountant before entering politics out of a desire to aid the general populace. He was the first Muslim from Karnataka to crack the tough Chartered Accountant examination.  Khan holds a D. Lit., is a fellow chartered accountant, and a business degree.

He was first elected to the Karnataka Legislative Council in 1978, rising to become its chairman in 1982–84 and then the head of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission (at the Cabinet level) in 1993–94. As chairman of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, he made recommendations that resulted in a door-to-door evaluation of minorities’ socioeconomic status that led to 4% of State Government offices and educational institutions being reserved for minorities.

He was first chosen to serve in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of Parliament in April 1994 and was again chosen in May 2000. He held the position of Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Upper House from May 2000 until July 2004. He was chosen to serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from 22 July 2004 to 2 April 2006 after being appointed as the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Union Cabinet. He was chosen to serve a third term in the Rajya Sabha in April 2006. He was appointed minister of union minority affairs in the UPA government in April 2012.

Through his association with the Al-Ameen Education Society of Bangalore, which oversees a number of prominent technical and other educational institutions, he established new standards for higher education for minorities. In addition to founding a respectable institution, he also provided the community with a fresh outlook, inspiring them to build and support educational institutions of their own throughout the preceding 50 years.

His most recent book, The Roadmap for Indian Muslims, is regarded as a significant piece of academic literature. K Rahman Khan will receive the 10th Lifetime Achievement Award this year in recognition of his all-around contributions, according to the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. The award ceremony date will shortly be made public.

It should be mentioned that the following people have previously received this award based on remarkable services. Emirate Shariah  Phulwari Sharif  , Patna, former Chief Justice of India AM Ahmadi, Akhlaq Rahman Qidwai,  Prof  B. Sheikh Ali, Maulana(Dr.) Saeedur Rahman Azmi Nadvi, A G Noorani Prof  Akhtar Al Wasey, Prof  Mohsin Osmani Nadvi  and Maulana Hakeem Abdullah Mughaisi.

The Institute of Objective Studies first presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the domains of law, journalism, science, technology, literature, and other relevant fields is the main goal of this award. In order to motivate the future generation and encourage more people to follow their passions and become authorities in their professions, it is important to support and value their services.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / September 06th, 2022

A Shia Mirza Ismail constructed a Sunni mosque

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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