Veteran photojournalist Nisar Ahmed, who spent over three decades documenting the diverse and critical events in Kashmir, passed away on Wednesday. His legacy in capturing the region’s essence lives on through his work.
Survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter, Ahmed was admitted to the SMHS hospital in Srinagar after his health worsened on Tuesday.
Ahmed, associated with the national daily The Hindu for the last thirty years, had been unwell for the last couple of years. His demise has prompted condolences from various journalists’ organizations and political parties.
“Nissar was a thorough photojournalist, capturing the turmoil and beauty of Kashmir through his lens until his last breath. His work has left an indelible mark on our hearts and in the annals of photojournalism. His legacy lives on through the countless images that tell the stories of heartbreaks, joy and beauty of the Valley,” The Hindu posted on X.
Before joining The Hindu as a Photojournalist, Ahmad spent most part of his life working for Kashmir’s local media.
Hundreds of people, including journalists, took part in the funeral of the deceased. Ahmad was buried amid sobs and tears at his ancestral graveyard in Natipora Srinagar. The mourning will be held for three days, with congregational Feteha Khawani on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA) has expressed grief over the death of senior photojournalist Nasir Ahmad.
In a statement, the KPPA said that Nisar’s passing away has left a vacuum in the photojournalistic circles of Kashmir.
source: http://www.kashmirobserver.net / Kashmir Observer / Home> News> Media / by KO Web Desk / June 19th, 2024
Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Nisar Ahmed has been appointed as the new chairman of the Karnataka Minority Commission, Hajj, and Waqf Departments. Ahmed, a native of Ballari, succeeds Abdul Aziz in this key role. Before his retirement in 2012, Ahmed served as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Speaking to mediapersons, Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the appointment, which was endorsed by the Chief Minister, several ministers, and MLAs. “The state government has entrusted me with the responsibility of the chairman of the minority commission. Our job is to unite the minorities within the accepted boundaries. It’s important to recognize that Muslims are not the only religious minority; there are about eight to ten minority communities. Our intention is to bring them all onto the same platform, unite them, and work for their welfare. Rather than just making claims, we’ll let our work do the talking,” Ahmed stated.
In related administrative changes, two more IAS officers have been assigned additional responsibilities. Manjunath Prasad N has been relieved of his duties as the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Cooperation Department. He will be replaced by Ajay Nagabhushan MN, who is currently serving as the Secretary to the Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, and Fisheries Department.
Manjunath Prasad N has now been appointed as the ACS to three departments: Forest, Ecology and Environment, Youth Empowerment and Sports, and Scheduled Tribes Welfare. This reshuffling is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of its administrative functions.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 10th, 2024
The Book “History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949” dispelling many myths, fantasy and misinformation being released by dignitaries in Bhopal.
Bhopal :
A book christened as “History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949” on the authentic history of Bhopal state was released at the historical Maulana Azad Central Library here the other day in a simple but impressive function amidst a host of enthusiastic intellectuals comprising of the young and the grey-haired both.
The 333-page book has been brought out by Bhopal History Forum (BHF). The Forum comprises of historians, writers, intellectuals and dignitaries of Bhopal. The Forum is working to save the old Ganga-Jamuni culture of Bhopal by connecting people from every section of the society with the youth and elders to save the history, art and culture of the princely state of Bhopal.
The main intention of the Bhopal History Forum in bringing out this book is to dispel many myths, fictions, fantasy, misinformation etc. about the rulers of Bhopal state ruled by its founder Dost Mohammad Khan and his descendants. A group of dedicated young and old mortals got together under the banner of Bhopal History Forum and established truth, authenticity and certainty of the facts lost in the face of parables and fabrications by vested interests to defame the rulers.
It was generally believed and heard about the princely state of Bhopal that it was merged into the Union Government of India in 1949 which is about two years after the country’s independence. This became a contentious issue between the people living here from the time of Independence with two narrations becoming prevalent in the masses which believed that the merger took place in 1949 while the other was convinced that it took in 1947 when India became free from the British yolk.
Bhopal State merged with Indian Union in 1947 Not 1949
However, Bhopal History Forum with its untiring efforts unravelled the truth with solid documentary proof. The BHF has published in the present book the document of merger of Bhopal State with the Union of India which was signed by Nawab Hameedullah Khan at 8:15 pm on 14th August 1947. Its basis is the Instrument of Accession. A photocopy of this document has been published in the book to establish their claim. The Nawab was asked to look after the administrative system until the constitution was framed. This document has the signatures of Nawab Hameedullah Khan and Lord Mountbatten, the Governor General of India. The Nawab had, however, requested Lord Mountbatten and the Government of India not to make this information public.
The book “History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949”
While BHF convener Adv. Shahnawaz Khan claimed that the merger movement was a movement for the merger of princely state of Bhopal into Madhya Bharat province. Even before this, the Bhopal state had been merged into the Union Government of India in 1947.
Meticulously crafted tome
Introducing “History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949” – a captivating exploration is aimed to revive forgotten stories and the voices of those who lived within the confines of Bhopaliyat. This meticulously crafted tome, launched amidst anticipation and scholarly fervour, is nothing short of a masterpiece. The book has been edited jointly by erudite historian Asstt. Prof. Ashar Kidwai and Adv. Shahnawaz Khan. The book transcends mere narration, offering readers an immersive odyssey through the corridors of time. With eloquence and insight, the book unfolds the rich tapestry woven from archival documents, letters, transcripts and eyewitness accounts; our journey goes far beyond history.
Putting their best foot forward the editors and contributors have negated the adverse and objectionable comments made by some right wing politicians and others from the cinema world that put the rulers of Bhopal in very poor light calling them names which are unprintable. While burning proverbial midnight oil to search, research and re-research through the historical records available in the National Archives of India, Bhopal Branch and Madhya Pradesh State Archives along with in some personal libraries and collections they dug up the truth to nail the adversaries spreading fabricated facts.
Meanwhile, the book’s launch ceremony was graced by Santosh Choubey, Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, as chief guest and environmentalist Rajendra Kothari was also present as a special guest.
Many well-known personalities, including educationist and litterateur such as Dr. Razia Hamid, a well-known writer, Nisar Ahmed (Rtd. IAS), Mohammad Asghar, Assistant Director of National Archives of India, Bhopal Unit; Archivist Mirza Mumtaz Beg, Social worker Kalim Akhtar, Mukesh Verma, Chairman of Vanmali Srijan Peeth; Ms Ratna Wadhwani, Librarian of Maulana Azad Central Library, Bhopal; Zainuddin Shah, Secretary of Saifia College Society; Khalid Mohammad Khan, Rizwan Ansari, Syed Khalid Ghani, Sarwat Zaidi etc. (all members of BHF) along with other distinguished citizens were present on this occasion amongst others.
Tagore expressed regret to Bhopal Nawab
Speaking on the occasion Santosh Choubey narrated an incident related to Noble laureate Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, who had come to Bhopal in 1931. He said that after his return to Calcutta Tagore wrote a letter to Nawab Hameedullah Khan thanking him for his warm hospitality and honour extended to him and his entourage which accompanied him. The letter has been published in the book. He, however, in the letter regretted that some persons in his entourage going beyond norms had accepted many valuable gifts presented to them by your courtiers while enjoying sumptuous food.
While Rajendra Kothari recalled that Bhopal had an identity because of its relationship with the Mewati family as Nazir Khan of Mewati gharana was the musician of Nawab Hameedullah Khan. He died in Bhopal and is buried here. This was revealed by Pandit Jasraj (28th January 1930 – 17th August 2020) who was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana.
Book contains 48 articles by various authors
This book is divided into seven sections containing 48 articles by various authors with some rare pictures. The book is in Hindi and but has two chapters in Urdu also. In the book, quoting a photocopy of a letter, it is mentioned that Nawab Hameedullah Khan wrote a letter to Sardar Patel on 26th August 1947 asking him to merge his princely state with India. Apart from this, a photocopy of the Gazette notification regarding keeping holiday in Bhopal state on Independence Day, 15th August 1948 has also been published. There is also a photocopy of the order declaring holiday in the state of Bhopal to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October 1948.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to breathe life into historical figures and events, rendering them vivid and palpable. In sum, “History of Bhopal Riyasat from 1722 to 1949” is a tour de force that will enrapture both seasoned historians and casual enthusiasts alike. Its rich prose, meticulous research, and insightful commentary make it an indispensable addition to any library.
The book is available on Amazon; AISECT Publication, E-7/22, SBI, Arera Colony, Bhopal-462016 (Contact No. +91-8818883165).
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books> Indian Muslim / by Pervez Bari / March 14th, 2024
WNI Media Group organized a conference on Role of Media in Ensuring Social Unity in the memory of great freedom fighters Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan and Ram Prasad Bismil at the Press Club of India here. A large number of dignitaries as well as renowned journalists, social workers and lawyers participated in the conference.
Senior journalists Rahul Dev, Qamar Agha, TV9 Bharatvarsh anchor Sumera Khan, India Today journalist Milan Sharma jointly honored Delhi Minority Commission Advisory Committee former member and Advocate Raees Ahmed with the ‘Watan Ke Ratan’ Award for 2024 for his social and legal services.
Qamar Agha said Ashfaq and Bismil wanted a non-partisan and democratic country. Journalist Rahul Dev said given the current situation that the disease will have to be talked about only then treatment will be possible.
Milan Sharma said hatred spread in the society will be cured through joint efforts. While, Sumera Khan termed the efforts of the Forum as a commendable step.
Advocate Raees Ahmed said that it is important to maintain our mutual brotherhood and unity strongly. We should try to remove misunderstandings and dispute, for which we need to take the help of mutual dialogue, only then society will be free from hatred.
Senior journalist Mohammad Ahmed convened the program.
Professor Farhat Basir, Dr. Zubaidur Rahman alias Babban Mian, Jamal Ahmed Alig, Firoz Ghazi, Neha Garg, Muhammad Akbar, Syed Muhammad Mujahid Hussain, Muhammad Ramish, Asad Sabri, Advocate Anwar Hussain Saifi, Mirza Anwarulhaq Baig, Hunaiza Khan, Jyoti Yadav, Dr. Syed Muhammad Asdar Ali, Shahid Ansari, Vipul, Muhammad Ali, Arshita, Asrar Ahmed, Iqrar Ahmed, Bhavana Yadav, Vakil Aslam (Supreme Court), Haji Zahoor Ataichi Wale, Nisar Ahmed, Nawab Akhtar, Shahnawaz Badar Qasmi, Dawood Bhai Shaikh, Shadab Ahmed Patrika, Aqeel Salmani, Archana Gaod and others were also honored with the Watan Ke Ratna Award- 2024.
Aslam Ahmed Advocate of Supreme Court on record extended vote of thanks.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / by Shakilur Rahman / January 15th, 2024
Uttarakhand’s Anu Kumar became the first double gold medallist in the competition.
Nisar Ahmed wishes to “explode the myth that Indians cannot run below 10 seconds.” Photo: Special Arrangement.
Delhi sprinter Nisar Ahmad justified his decision to postpone a training trip to Jamaica, becoming the fastest runner at the Khelo IndiaSchool Games on Friday with a 10.76 seconds finish in the 100 metres dash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Karnataka’s V. A. Shashikanth was runner-up in 10.90s and Haryana’s Govind Kumar came third in 10.95s.
Ahmed, in fact, completed in 10.77s even as the recall whistle went off; he was told that the actual race would be run after 20 minutes. Karan Hegiste of Karnataka, expected to push Ahmed, was disqualified because of another false start on resumption.
“I want to use this scholarship to explode the myth that Indians cannot run below 10 seconds. I had to delay my trip to Jamaica but will now leave tomorrow,” Ahmed, who skipped the 200m to concentrate on the sprint, said.
Avantika Narale of Maharashtra was the fastest girl in the competition, winning the 100m in 12.35 seconds.
Double gold for Anu Kumar
Uttarakhand’s Anu Kumar, meanwhile, became the first double gold medallist in the competition, adding the 800m on Day Three to the 1500m he won on the first day with a personal best timing of 1:52.08. His previous best was 1:53.59, set at the World School Games in France where Anu finished second.
Also completing her golden double was Haryana’s Pooja, adding the Discus Throw gold to her kitty with a throw of 41.01m. She had earlier won gold in Shot Put as well. Tamil Nadu’s A. Jenci Susan won silver with a throw of 40.43m while Uttar Pradesh’s Nikita Verma won bronze.
Mane equals National record
In shooting, Shahu Mane, who has qualified for the Youth Olympics later this year, shot a score of 247.7 to equal the national record in the youth category and take gold ahead of more fancied rivals in the 10m air rifle competition. While Hriday Hazarika, the country’s top-ranked youth shooter, and Yashvardhan both managed to better the existing national record with scores of 624.3 and 623.9 respectively in qualifying, they faltered in the final round to finish out of the medal bracket.
Among the girls, Chandigarh’s Zeena Khitta took gold ahead of Nandita Sul and Yana Rathore. Zeena, who would be participating in the ISSF Junior World Cup in March, took control in the finals early on and stayed in front all through to finish with 251.6, 2.3 points ahead of second-placed Nandita.
100m: Boys:1. Nisar Ahmed (10.76s), 2. Shashikanth VA (10.90s), 3. Govind Kumar (10.95s); Girls: 1. Avantika Narale (12.35s), 2. R. Giridharani (12.49s), 3. M Santra Teresa Martin (12.61s).
800m: Boys:1. Anu Kumar (1:52.08), 2. N Sree Kiran (1:54.13), 3. Vaseem Tomar (1:55.78); Girls: 1. Tai Bamhane (2:13.37), 2. Priscilla Daniel (2:13.91), 3. Sandra A S (2:15.92).
Nisar Ahmed is part of a 14-member contingent of budding young athletes selected to train at the famed Racers Track Club in Kingston, Jamaica.
Stories of individuals doing extraordinary things despite their difficult circumstances never get old. The sporting history of pretty much any nation is laden with such stories.
Living in a 10×10 feet tin shack near the railway tracks in the Bada Bagh slums of Delhi’s Azadpur area, Nisar Ahmed is looking to forge one such heart-warming story.
Nisar is all set to leave the slum and its surroundings behind and embark on a journey that takes him to the famed Racers Track Club in Kingston, Jamaica, which is where the most iconic personality in modern-day track and field, Usain Bolt, trained.
The son of a rickshaw puller and housemaid, Nisar was chosen with 13 other budding athletes to undergo a one-month training programme at one of the most hallowed track, and field venues in the world reported the Times of India .
These 14 promising athletes in the 15-18 age group from Odisha, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were chosen for an initiative backed by the Gas Authority of India Limited, a public-sector enterprise, and sports management company, Anglian Medal Hunt.
Nisar Ahmed felicitated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at a function last year. (Source: Twitter)
After vetting the ability and potential of these athletes, the Kingston-based track club agreed to take them in for a four-week training programme.
It is remarkable that a 16-year-old Nisar has managed to maintain his tremendous athletic ability, even though his parents barely manage to pull in Rs 5,000 every month. Despite the daily poverty the budding athlete and his family endure, Nisar tells the Times of India that his parents “somehow manage” to provide him and his sister with regular food.
A student of the Government Boys Secondary School, Ashok Vihar, Nisar has big dreams, and his talent is unmistakable. At a recent Delhi State Athletics meet, he surpassed two national under-16 records, running 100 metres in 11 seconds, and clocking 22.08 seconds in the 200-metre event.
“I sometimes cry because God has given me a very tough life,” he tells the Times of India. “But it is my poverty that has inspired me to work hard in the face of such challenges.”
source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Quick Bytes> Sports / by Rinchen Norbu Wangchuk / January 02nd, 2018
