Three siblings from Bhatkal, who study in Mangaluru, achieved remarkable success at the state-level Karate Championship organized by the Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in collaboration with Swami’s Strength Training and MK Ananthraj College of Physical Education, held in Moodbidri on August 17, 2024.
Ismail Nameer, a 14-year-old student of Huda Islamia School, Mangaluru, secured first place in the Kumite category and also earned a place in Kata. His outstanding performance led to him being crowned the Grand Champion in the under-17 category.
Hamdan, Nameer’s younger brother and a student at Presidency School, Mangaluru, followed in his brother’s footsteps by winning first place in Kumite and securing a place in Kata.
Their sister, Umme Kulsum, also a student at Presidency School, claimed first place in the Fighting category, adding to the family’s impressive list of achievements.
Nameer, Hamdan, and Umme Kulsum are children of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin and Nada who reside in Mangaluru.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 20th, 2024
In a prestigious appointment, Dr Nasr Ahmad Khan has been named the National Vice President of the Technical Wing of All India Unani Tibbi Congress (AIUTC). This decision was announced by Professor Mushtaq Ahmad, National President of the Congress, who recognised Dr Khan’s extensive contributions to the field of Unani medicine and his deep-rooted association with one of the most respected families in the Unani tradition, Hakim Raees Ahmad family.
Dr Nasr Ahmad Khan, who hails from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has long been an advocate of Unani medicine, managing his family’s established clinic and contributing to the pharmaceutical industry through his venture ‘Advia.’ His work in the field has been marked by a commitment to preserving and advancing the traditional practices of Unani medicine while ensuring that they meet modern healthcare standards.
Dr Khan’s journey in Unani medicine began with his education at Rajasthan Unani Medical College, Jaipur, where he completed his Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) in 1991. Since then, he has not only upheld his family’s legacy but also expanded its reach by integrating modern pharmaceutical practices with age-old Unani wisdom. His leadership in the family business has seen the ‘Advia’ brand grow into a trusted name in Unani pharmaceuticals.
The appointment of Dr Khan to such a significant national role is seen as a testament to his skills, knowledge, and dedication to the field. Professor Mushtaq Ahmad, while announcing the appointment, expressed his confidence that Dr Khan’s expertise would bring substantial benefits not only to the Unani Tibbi Congress but also to the broader public, particularly in promoting the use of Unani medicine as a viable and effective healthcare alternative.
The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim within the Unani community. Dr Sabahatullah, the National Secretary of the All India Unani Tibbi Congress, also shared his delight at Dr Khan’s appointment. He emphasised that Dr Khan’s leadership and vision would play a crucial role in furthering the objectives of the Technical Wing and enhancing the role of Unani medicine in the national healthcare landscape.
Dr Nasr Ahmad Khan’s elevation to this esteemed position is expected to invigorate efforts to integrate Unani medicine more deeply into the mainstream healthcare system, ensuring that it continues to provide holistic and natural treatment options for people across the country. His appointment is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the enduring value of Unani medicine in India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 22nd, 2024
Creates world record of doing Indian Bridal makeup in less than 9 minutes’*
Budgam :
A youth from Budgam district of Kashmir has made it to the International Book of records for doing the fastest Indian bridal makeup.
Younis Ahmad Sheikh (22) known by the name Afnan, a resident of Bugam district area in Chadoora hamlet of Budgam district has created a record for making Indian bridal makeup in less than 9 minutes.
Younis said that he was interested in calligraphy since childhood which later turned to designing and make up art as well.
“Despite facing taunts from the society as makeup artists being a female dominant area during the initial stage as there was no make up artist in Kashmir, I continued my passion and joined training programmes online,” he said.
Younis first used to do make-up of his customers at his residence as he wasn’t in a position to start his saloon due to financial issues.
“As my mother left this world in my childhood and father was old and not in a position to earn anything. After struggling hard, somehow I managed to start a saloon at my own village and slowly society has started becoming supportive as well,” he said.
After starting a salon titled YAS professional beauty salon, the number of customers started increasing and currently three girls are working as helpers at his salon.
“Three girls have got a job at my salon as currently makeup is available for ladies only and I am planning to start making up for male folk as well,” Younis said.
He said that earning livelihood for himself and providing jobs to others is a big achievement at a time when youth are getting involved in anti-social activities.
Younis claims that he had first made it to the Indian book of records followed by the Asia book of records and now the International book of records. He made to international book of records by breaking the previous record of Indian bridal make up of Assam girl in 13 minutes 46 seconds to just 8 minutes and 58 seconds
“I made it to the International book of records for making the fastest Indian bridal makeup and creating a world record,” he said. He said that people shouldn’t be judgemental as every art is a gift of Allah and everyone must respect it.
“Many people don’t show their arts just out of the fear that how society will react to it and if there are equal rights, then men can go in the field of women and vice versa,” he said—(KNO)
source: http://www.thedispatch.in / The Dispatch / Home> The Lead> The News Feed / by The Dispatch Staff / May 08th, 2023
Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA / Chennai, TAMIL NADU / INDIA :
Syed Zubair Ahmad, the founding editor of Muslim Mirror, has added another feather to his cap by being declared one of the prominent Changemakers of 2024 by the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP). The prestigious recognition was announced during a grand event held at the B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, a deemed university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The event was graced by honorable guests and attended by a large gathering of participants from across India.
Ahmad, a distinguished journalist, is known for his powerful advocacy for the rights and representation of marginalized communities, particularly Muslims, in India. Over the course of his career, spanning more than two decades, he has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and journalistic integrity.
The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is Mumbai based pan India non-profit organization dedicated to the socio-economic empowerment of the Muslim community in India. Through initiatives in education, employment, and community development, AMP works to foster leadership, skill-building, and social welfare, connecting professionals and organizations nationwide for collective progress.
“In a memorable ceremony, 100 inspiring individuals were honored with Changemaker Awards, and 100 state-level NGOs were recognized in the Best and Jury categories. Additionally, 10 organizations were celebrated in prestigious national categories,” said a press statement issued by AMP.
Notable national NGO awardees include;
ALTNEWS
APCR (Association for Protection of Civil Rights)
IMRC (Indian Muslim Relief & Charities??)
Institute of Objective Studies (IOS),
Allana CSR
Pataka CSR and
Seethakathi Trust
Some of the prominent Changemaker awardees included;
Syed Zubair Ahmad (Muslim Mirror)
Mohammed Wajihuddin (Times of India)
Aslayah Kallakath (Maktoob Media)
Abdur Rahman IPS (Retd.)
Akramul Jabbar IRS (Retd.)
Hammad Rahman
Adil Meraj and
Syeda Ruksheda.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously bestowed upon the Late Moosa Raza, IAS (Retd.), which was received by his family.
The Omar Khatani Memorial Award was presented to the Tarraqi I Foundation, while BSA Crescent Institute of Science & Technology received the Partner of the Year Award.
Mrs. Mariam Habib, Trustee of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, served as the Chief Guest and commended AMP’s efforts in education, employment, and empowerment. She emphasized the role of NGOs in bringing about significant societal change in collaboration with policymakers, and she noted that the legacy of the late B.S. Abdur Rahman is being continued with great dedication by the current leadership.
Dr. N. Raja Hussain, Registrar of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology and Guest of Honour, praised AMP’s work in recognizing and motivating various organizations and individuals. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the university and AMP in developing students and faculty through guest programs. The event was presided over by University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. T. Murugesan.
Motahar Hosain, Chief Executive and Guest of Honour, congratulated AMP for instituting these much-needed awards to acknowledge the contributions of individuals in the development sector. He remarked that despite the sacrifices made by these individuals in service to others, they seldom receive the appreciation they deserve, making these awards a significant recognition of their efforts.
Mr. Farooq Siddiqui, Head of the AMP National Coordination Team and the driving force behind these awards, stated, “AMP believes in collaboration and has been working alongside multiple organizations since its inception. Through the AMP NGO Connect project, we are connected with over 7,000 social organizations across nearly all districts of India, helping them with capacity building and implementing AMP’s social welfare projects in their regions. These awards are our way of appreciating their efforts and motivating them to continue their impactful work.” He also thanked the AMP Chapter and state teams for mobilizing massive nominations and captivated the audience at the packed Crescent Convention Center Hall with his superb and engaging awards announcement.
Ms. Shereen Sultana, State Head – AMP Tamil Nadu, in her address, shared details about AMP’s initiatives and invited everyone to join hands for the betterment of society and nation-building. She expressed her gratitude to the management and staff of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology for their cooperation in hosting the event and mentioned how she took up the challenge of organizing the awards ceremony in Chennai.
AMP Tamil Nadu State Executive Team member Mr. Yahya Rasheed welcomed the guests and successfully hosted the event with the support of Prof. Ansar.
The awards process for the NASE was multi-layered, with state, central, and a 9-member distinguished jury led by A.R. Khan, IAS (Retd.), President of A.R. Welfare Foundation, Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood, Founder & President of Zakat Foundation of India, Dr. Farah Usmani, Founder & Chairperson of Rising Beyond The Ceiling, Prof. Zubair Meenai, Professor & Former Head of the Dept. of Social Work, JMI, Prof. Naseem Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Dept. of Social Work, AMU, Dr. Shazia Manzoor, Head of DSW, University of Kashmir, Sherin Ali, Global Lead – Corporate Social Responsibility, WNS, Sajid Ali, COO of Tech Mahindra Foundation, and Gulzar Hussain, Head of Government Partnerships, UN World Food Program (India).
The success of the 4th edition of the awards was attributed to the collaborative efforts of key AMP team members, including Sajjad Parvez, AMP Zonal Head – South India; Dr. B. Raja Hussain, State Secretary; Syed Faheem, Chennai Chapter Head; and Syed Deen, Chennai Chapter Secretary. Their contributions, along with the support from the back-office teams at the Central Offices in Mumbai and Vaniyambadi, were instrumental in making the event a success.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Media> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / August 22nd, 2024
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind vice-president PROF SALIM ENGINEER is an interfaith leader promoting communal harmony and mutual understanding among members of different faith groups. He is also General Secretary of the Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity (FDCA) and national convenor of the Kendriya Dharmik Jan Morcha, a joint national forum of religious leaders.
In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, he talks about Sadbhavana Manchs floated at the local level across India to promote communal harmony and to create an India where there is peace and communal harmony. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Question: To inform our readers, please let us know what is Sadbhavna Manch and what are its objectives. And why was it necessary to launch Sabhavna Manches all over the country?
Answer: India is a land of diversity and plurality. People follow different religions and speak different languages. In the last 10 years, communal harmony, unity, brotherhood, and fraternity have become the worst victims in India. Hate and divisive politics have dominated the political discourse. Political parties with vested interests promote their ideology, aiming to shape India into a nation dominated by a single culture and belief system. Discrimination has become their identity; they suppress one community and patronize others who support their ideology. They blatantly try to impose their culture and ideology on all others. All these efforts have badly hit communal harmony, togetherness, and fraternity.
In such a scenario, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) felt the need to make people aware of the challenges before the nation. It, therefore, decided to set up Sadbhavna Manches, or what could be called Goodwill Forums in the English language. The objective of the establishment of the Manch was to promote community amity and brotherhood, with representation from different faiths to make India a land of peace in the real sense. The response has been very encouraging and we are moving fast toward achieving our aims. We wish to make India into a “land of peace” through Sadbhavna Manchs across the country.
Question: What should the Sadbhavna Mach do under the current political atmosphere to achieve its basic objectives?
Answer: The Constitution is the foundation of our country. Constitutional values of freedom, liberty, equality, and fraternity should be our guiding principle. The State should not treat any community as superior or inferior, nor should there be any discrimination towards anyone. There must be justice for all. In the present atmosphere, promoting fraternity and brotherhood is highly significant. important. As hate and politics of polarisation have become the core agenda of some political outfits, the role of Sadbhavana Manch has become even more important. We need to politically weaken the divisive forces. At the same time, we also need to work for social transformation through Sadbhjavna Manchs to instill a sense of fraternity, togetherness, mutual trust, and respect to achieve the goal of communal harmony. Without peace and communal harmony,, India’s growth story will remain incomplete; therefore, such forums become very important.
Question: What do you think are the challenges before people or organizations working towards promoting peace and communal harmony?
Answer: During the process of formation of Sadbhavana Manch in different parts of India, we have also formed platforms for religious leaders under the banner of Dharmik Jan Morcha. There is a perception, and baseless propaganda is made, that religion is the root cause of many problems like division in society, hate, and violence. To me, it is a false belief and has no basis. These problems are not because of religion but because of the misuse of religion. The idea behind the formation of Dahrmik Jan Morcha is to dispel the myth against religion and religious leaders. Every religion talks of unity and therefore religion unites and never divides. To keep these challenges in mind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has established Dharmik Jan Morcha at the state and central levels comprising notable and respected religious figures from different religions to serve the purpose. Dharmik Jan Morcha is active in a dozen states while Sadbhavana Manch is at the local level and in the coming years around 1000 Sadbhavana Manch will be established across India. We have also decided to have Sadbhavana Manch for women and youth.
With these platforms, we wish to create an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the entire society across the nation as a nationwide campaign. At a time when there is an aggressive campaign for hate going on we wish to counter it through love and peace.
Question: In India, more than 85 percent of people want to live in peace. They believe in togetherness, mutual respect, and mutual co-existence. They are tolerant. Yet, the biggest threat India faces is communal harmony. What do you think is the reason?
Answer: Yes, it is true. Those who are trying to spread negativity in society, disturb the peace, and propagate hate and intolerance are few but they are organized and receive political patronage. They believe that they can do anything and get away; they think themselves above the law. They are being praised and even garlanded for their act of crime and violence. Those who want peace are no doubt in large numbers but they are not organized. Most of them are mute spectators, they are not vocal and they don’t raise their voice as and when required. We are trying to make our society proactive through these Sadbhavana Manch and Dharmik Jan Morcha. Unless and until the majority of the people rise and raise their voices against violence, injustice, atrocities, and discrimination, it will be difficult to achieve communal harmony as desired. We are trying to create awareness among those 85 percent to ensure peace and communal harmony. The silence of the vast majority will be tantamount to crime and detrimental to society and the nation at large. We can see that our efforts have a positive impact on society gradually.
Question: After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was believed that the new government will not be as aggressive as before but there is no respite in hate and divisive agenda. How would you like to respond?
Answer: Yes, it is true to some extent but the message of the verdict from the people was loud and clear. It was a verdict against communalism, hate, and divisive politics. The people by and large rejected hate and divisive politics. People voted against where there was hate speech, efforts were made to polarize the people and divide them along communal lines. The message was clear that people won’t tolerate the divisive agenda and hate polity. People want peace and desire to live in mutual co-existence. But there has indeed been no change in the governance despite the clear message of the people against hate and divisive politics. The poison of hate has penetrated deep into the society and it will take years to fade out. It is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure that the perpetrators of hate and violence are not encouraged but punished. Things will change if we continuously work to promote communal harmony.
Question: Recently, efforts were made in Karnataka to strengthen Sadbhavana Manch and to make it more effective and meaningful. Could you elaborate on it?
Answer: Promoting communal harmony is a core policy of the Jamaat, and efforts were made in the previous term as well. In this term, we are focusing on further strengthening these initiatives. I have travelled across several states to establish new Sadbhavana Manch units and to strengthen the existing ones.
The presidents and secretaries of JIH in various states are actively working toward similar goals. Recently, during my two-week visit to Karnataka, I travelled extensively across more than 20 districts and over 10 cities. We engaged with the local communities, held programmes where Sadbhavana Manch was already established, and created new units. The atmosphere in Karnataka was very positive, and people were eager to embrace and spread the message of Sadbhavana Manch to promote communal harmony.
The Lingayat community, which holds significant influence in Karnataka, was a key focus during our visit. We visited several of their mutts, including the mutt of Basava, the founder of the Lingayat community. In many places, religious leaders themselves organized programs within their mutts, demonstrating a strong commitment to bringing different communities together to foster peace.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News> Society / by Mohd Naushad Khan / August 17th, 2024
The center was established in February 2021 by Faiz Aam Trust and Siasat Millat Fund with the aim to provide assistance to the residents of Osman Nagar.
Dr Mateen ul Jabbar Skill Centre
Hyderabad:
The convocation ceremony of Dr. Mateen ul Jabbar Computer and Skill Development Center located in Osman Nagar held at the office of Faiz-e-Aam Trust.
The center was established in February 2021 by Faiz Aam Trust and Siasat Millat Fund with the aim to provide assistance to the residents of Osman Nagar in Shaheen Nagar locality, which were severely affected by floods. In response to the devastating situation, the Faiz-e-Aam and Siasat Millat Fund initiated relief efforts, and under the guidance of Editor Siasat Mr. Zahid Ali Khan, Secretary, Faiz-e-Aam Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, and Managing Editor Siasat Mr. Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, various courses were taught to boys and girls to help rehabilitate and empower them.
Through this initiative, kits containing essential items such as masonry, bedding, medicines, and food were distributed to flood victims. Later, the Dr. Mateen Al Jabbar Computer and Skill Development Center was established, providing training opportunities for local students and individuals. Seven batches have already completed their training at the center and are now employed in Amazon, schools, colleges, supermarkets, and shopping centers, contributing to their families and society.
source: youtube.com
Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Secretary of Faiz Aam Trust, praised the efforts of Zahid Ali Khan and Zaheeruddin Ali Khan in their vision to empower the youth and residents of Osman Nagar. The Skill Development Center has been instrumental in providing training and employment opportunities to numerous girls, a majority of the center’s beneficiaries.
During his address, News Editor, The Siasat Daily, Mr. Amer Ali Khan emphasized the importance of discipline, time management, for a bright future. He said “in the pursuit of success and development, discipline, time management, and hard work play crucial roles in shaping the younger generation of any community. Time management is a concept that has been emphasized in various organizations. However, this concept is not new; Islam introduced it 1445 years ago through the five daily prayers, serving as a prime example of time management and discipline.
He stated that Indians and Muslims in particular possess inherent abilities, and what they need is proper guidance. He compared children to diamonds that need shaping and polishing to shine. Khan highlighted the success stories of thousands of Muslim boys and girls who now serve in multinational companies.
He encouraged the youth to develop artistic skills and acquire practical knowledge, inspiring them to collaborate and establish start-ups.
Certificates were awarded to 66 students during the ceremony, and the efforts of Ms. Ayesha Samad, who provides diligent training to the students, were highly commended. Syed Abdul Sattar, Manager of Faiz Aam Trust, expressed gratitude to everyone involved and extended a vote of thanks to conclude the event. The Dr. Mateen ul Jabbar Computer and Skill Development Center stands as a testament to the power of education and empowerment in uplifting communities.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Zahed Farooqui / July 30th, 2023
Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.
Internationally acclaimed Bodybuilder Mir Mohtesham
Hyderabad:
A celebration was held in Hyderabad’s Media Plus Auditorium to celebrate Mohtesham Ali Khan, who received the prestigious national award ‘Bharat Ke Anmol’ for his journey of determination, perseverance, and excellence in the realm of bodybuilding and fitness.
Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.
The event which was held on Sunday, August 14, witnessed the presence of dignitaries and supporters who gathered to honour Khan’s accomplishments.
The chief guest Abdul Khayyum Khan, minority affairs advisor for the government lauded Khan’s unwavering commitment to his craft.
Other prominent figures including AIMIM leader Ather Farooqui, BRS leader Khaleequr Rahman, Pathergatti Corporator, Syed Sohail Quadri and chairman of Vandhe Bharat, Ramesh Eppalapalli were also present at the event.
The felicitation ceremony was organised by the founder and CEO of Ethos Imagination, Varaprasad who emphasised that the evening was not merely a tribute to Mir Mohtesham Ali Khan’s individual accomplishments but also a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
At the event, Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey and stood by him both during challenges and triumphs.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Sayma Ahmed / August 13th, 2023
The Urdu Academy Jeddah, in collaboration with the Hyderabad Education Center, organized a gold medal and merit certificate distribution ceremony for SSC top-performing students and best teachers from Telangana government Urdu medium schools. The event was held at the Education Center in Nezampet, Bownampally on Saturday.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Saleem Farooqui, Founder and Patron of the Urdu Academy Jeddah, and Mr. Sheikh Ibrahim, President of the Urdu Academy Jeddah.
The guests included General Secretary Syed Naeemuddin Bari, Manwar Khan, Qudrat Nawaz Baig, Vice President of Hyderabad, Ahmeduddin, Rifat Siddiqui, and Mohammad Bashir Ali.
The event began with a recitation from the Quran by Hafiz and Qari Syed Naeemuddin, followed by a Hamd (praise of God) and Naat (praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) by Hafiz Ameenuddin Ansari.
Special tributes were paid to the late Mr. Syed Jamalullah Qadri, former President, and Mr. Asif Samadani, former Patron-in-Chief, for their invaluable contributions to Urdu language and literature.
The event continued with the distribution of gold medals to top-performing SSC students and certificates of appreciation to outstanding teachers.
The distinguished guests included Mr. Obaidullah Kotwal, Chairman of Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation, Mr. S.A. Ashkour, Director of Ma’arif University Osmania, Mr. Haqayuqur Rahman Baig, Coordinator of All India Congress Committee, and Mr. Imtiaz Ishaq, former Chairman of the Minority Financial Commission.
Ms. Saadia Fatima Khan from Maharashtra, representing the Urdu Academy Jeddah, conducted the ceremony with great skill. She extended a warm welcome to the guests of honor, patrons, and attendees, expressing gratitude for their continuous support.
The Urdu Academy Jeddah has always strived to support Urdu medium students, teachers, and schools. Their efforts aim to promote and preserve the Urdu language. The academy’s dedication has illuminated the path of knowledge not only in Hyderabad and Telangana but also in other cities, spreading the light of education.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of awards for 25 students who achieved top grades in the SSC exams, including gold medals and cash prizes. Twelve outstanding teachers and two exemplary schools also received honors, including shawls and mementos.
Prominent figures at the event emphasized the importance of creating a supportive home environment for learning, encouraging families to maintain a library at home. The ceremony was a celebration of academic excellence and a tribute to the ongoing efforts to promote Urdu language and education.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by Radiance News Bureau / July 03rd, 2024
Mazin Hammad Al-Himali receives Mohammed Shahid Alam in Jeddah. (Supplied)
Director of Foreign Ministry Branch in Makkah Region Receives Indian Consul General in Jeddah
Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ branch in Makkah Mazin Hammad Al-Himali met with Indian Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam in Jeddah on Monday.
The meeting was held on the occasion of the end of Alam’s tenure, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alam took over as India’s consul general in Jeddah in February 2021. He previously served in Jeddah as the Hajj consul from 2015 to 2018.
An upright officer of the Indian Foreign Service, he has now been posted to the Indian High Commission in London.
source: http://www.arabnews.com /Arab News / Home> News> Middle East / August 06th, 2024
“He (Mahatma Gandhi) said that while he did not think that Umar Sobhani was a revolutionary, he was frank and open by nature and he (Gandhi) thought that if Umar felt convinced that a revolution was the best way to secure the well-being of India, he would not hesitate to adopt such methods. He thought that in such a case Umar Sobhani would plainly tell him (Gandhi) of his intentions…” This is what Mahatma Gandhi was reported to have told to C.I.D on 8 May 1919 during a police interrogation.
Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle
Sobhani was a rich businessman from Mumbai who traded in cotton and joined the freedom struggle early in his life.
Those who take an interest in Mahatma Gandhi consider Young India, an English journal edited by Gandhi, and Navajivan, a Gujarati journal, as his voice. Interestingly, these journals were started by Sobhani who later cajoled Gandhi to take charge as the editor.
Rajmohan Gandhi, one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, notes, “Three of the Sabarmati ‘covenanters’, Umar Sobhani, Shankerlal Banker and Indulal Yagnik, were between them bringing out two journals, Young India, a weekly in English from Bombay, and Navajivan, a monthly in Gujarati from Ahmedabad, and were also associated with the nationalist daily, the Bombay Chronicle. At the end of April, in one of the Raj’s drastic measures, Horniman, the British editor of the Chronicle, was deported, and the paper’s publication had to be suspended.
“In response, Sobhani, Banker, and Yagnik requested Gandhi to take over the editorship of Young India and Navajivan and with their help bring out Young India twice a week and Navajivan every week. Gandhi agreed, and on 7 May 1919 the first number of Young India, New Series, came out. When, soon, the Chronicle resumed publication, Young India reverted to being a weekly but now published, for Gandhi’s convenience, in Ahmedabad, along with Navajivan, which first appeared as a weekly on 7 September.
“Gandhi now possessed what he had hoped for from the moment of his return to India: vehicles to communicate his message.”
Charkha (spinning wheel) is a synonym for Mahatma Gandhi and his movement and Sobhani played an instrumental role in making it a success. Rajmohan writes, “Indian spinning mills wanted to turn all their yarn into mill-made cloth, not sell it to hand-weavers. Gandhi therefore asked associates to search for spinning wheels that could make yarn. At the Godhra conference in November. 1917, a woman called Gangaben Majmudar, who had ‘already got rid of the curse of untouchability and fearlessly moved among and served the suppressed classes’ (A 442), promised him that she would locate a wheel.
“She found not one but hundreds in Vijapur in the princely state of Baroda, all lying in attics as ‘useless lumber’ (A 443). Women who in the past plied the charkhas told Gangaben that they would spin again if someone supplied slivers of cotton and bought their yarn.
Gandhi said he would meet the conditions, his friend Umar Sobhani supplied slivers from his Bombay mill, and the ashram received more hand-spun yarn than it could cope with.”
Sobhani was one of the original 20 signatories of the pledge to oppose the Rowlatt Act. The pledge was prepared by Gandhi at his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. Along with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sobhani was one of the associates of Gandhi who backed him against the old guards in Congress on the question of the non-cooperation movement in 1918.
K. R. Malkani, a former R.S.S stalwart and BJP leader, writes, “Gandhiji’s right-hand man in Bombay in the 1921 movement was Umar Sobhani. The first bonfire of one and a half lakh pieces of choicest silk was ignited by Gandhi in Umar’s mill compound in Parel.
“When Gandhiji decided to collect Rs. 1 crore for Tilak Swaraj Fund, Umar offered to contribute the entire amount, but Gandhiji wanted it collected from a large number of people. But even so, Umar contributed Rs. 3 lacs.
“Umar was a big cotton merchant. When the British came to know of his role in the Freedom Movement, they ran special trainloads of cotton to Bombay by Viceregal order. As a result, cotton prices collapsed in Bombay and Umar suffered a loss of Rs. 3.64 crores. Daan-Vir Sobhani ended his life.
“Earlier the British tried to divide the family. At their instance, Umar’s father, Haji Yusuf Sobhani contested the office of Sheriff of Bombay. Umar worked. against his father and had him defeated. Later the British tried to tempt Yusuf Sobhani with a knighthood, but Umar told his father that he could accept the title only “over my dead body.” Today probably not even people living on Sobhani Road, Cuffe Parade, Bombay, know who the great Sobhani was!”
Sobhani used to lead the marches in Mumbai, arrange the meetings of Gandhi, and raise funds for the political agitations against the English. Gandhi, according to the police reports, used to call him one of the props of the satyagraha in Mumbai.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / July 31st, 2024
