Tag Archives: Positive News of Indian Muslims

We Wish To Make India the “Land Of Peace” through 1000 Sadbhavana Manchs: Professor Salim Engineer

 Sawai Madhopur District, RAJASTHAN / NEW DELHI :

JIH vice-president Prof Salim Engineer (left).

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

Dr Mateen ul Jabbar Skill Centre: A blessing for flood-hit Osman Nagar residents

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

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

‘Bharat Ke Anmol Ratan’ awardee bodybuilder Mohtesham Ali felicitated

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

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

Urdu Academy Jeddah Hosts Gold Medal and Merit Certificate Distribution Ceremony in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA :

Screengrab from a video of the event

Hyderabad :

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

Foreign ministry official meets Indian consul general Mohammed Shahid Alam in Jeddah

Dhanbad, JHARKHAND / Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA :

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

Umar Sobhani supplied yarn from his mill for Gandhi’s swadeshi movement

BOMBAY (Mumbai) / PRE-INDEPENDENT INDIA :

“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

Preserving Urdu Heritage: A Journey Through Bengaluru’s Muslim Library

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Muslim Library, Bengaluru. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A hundred-year-old Muslim library stands firm in the narrow lanes of Shivajinagar, Bangalore, barely visible from the outside and quite difficult to locate. By asking the locals, one can find a small staircase squeezed between shops leading to the library. You can easily detect the smell of old books on the staircase, and upon entering the library, a sudden sense of calm and peace permeates the bustling market. There have been many highs and lows throughout the library’s long and illustrious history, and in 2014, it celebrated its centenary.

At the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, a group of intellectuals and benefactors in the city of Bangalore came together to promote the Urdu language and raise educational awareness among Muslims. On 5th May 1912, Bangalore’s Muslim Library was founded. The inaugural conference took place at Maulvi Abdul Ghaffar Sahab’s New Market Road (Char Minar Road) building on 9th May 1912. Five months after its establishment, in 1912, the library moved from the New Market Road building to a shop on Masjid Street, where Madarasa Quwwatul Islam was located.

In January 1929, a significant event took place when Amin-ul Malik Mirza Muhammad Ismail Diwan of the Mysore State presided over a grand meeting at the Globe Theatre (Opera Bazaar) in honour of the poet of the east – Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal. During this meeting, Allama Iqbal was presented with a letter of appreciation by the library. The library members raised money for Allama Iqbal’s visit and the meeting under the name “Iqbal Fund.” Additionally, the library celebrated its founding anniversary on 9th May 1937, with a grand celebration presided over by Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, the Secretary of Anjuman Tarqee Urdu.

The Muslim Library was registered under Registration Act 21-1860 on 3rd May 1935, at the Bangalore office of Joint Stock Companies. To ensure the security and maintenance of the library’s assets, a trust named “Muslim Library Trust, Bangalore” was established and registered under the Indian Registration Act 1-1908 in the office of the Sub-Registrar, Civil Station, Bangalore, on 14th September 1957. Donations were received, and the present building of the library was purchased on 22nd May 1958, although there were concerns about the institution’s stability.

Throughout its 100-year history, many notable and famous personalities from the country and the state have visited the library and expressed their good wishes.

These include Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Shaukat Ali (Ali Brothers), Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (Director Zamindar-Lahore), Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, Professor Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Sagar Nizami, Hazrat Josh Malihabadi, Allama Seemab Akbarabadi, Mirza Yas Yagana Chingizi, Ejaz Siddiqui, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi, Hazrat Hafeez Jalandhri, Hazrat Amjad Hyderabadi, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Ali, and Professor B Sheikh Ali, among others.

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The two-storey library houses more than 30,000 books in various languages, though it has a treasured and rare manuscript collection in Urdu and Persian, some of which are even a century old. The library houses rare and valuable books on various subjects, ancient magazines, 1980s newspapers, and manuscripts from the Haidari era. The total number of manuscripts is 29. Some important manuscripts include: Maulvi Abdul Haq bin Saifuddin’s “Completion of Faith and Taqwaity of Faith”, “Al-Tazirat” (Dakhini Urdu), compiled by Hafiz Ahmad bin Muhammad Maghrib in 1235, “Deewan Naziri” (Fari Kalam) by Nazir Neshapuri, “Kaliat Kamal” (Urdu) by Kamal Shah Peer (Dakhini Urdu). Additionally, selected letters from Shaheed Tipu Sultan, written to various friends, are available here. The library also holds many rare books published by the famous publisher Munshi Kishore of his time. Notable among them is “Ajab al-Makhluqat,” published in 1889, and ancient and rare books on medicine such as “Talb Akbari,” Volume I, published in 1895, and the translation of “Makhzan-e-Adawiya” written by Hakeem Muhammad Noor Kareem in two volumes. Moinuddin Farooqi’s books on Islamic medicine are also available in the library.

A thick, long register at the entrance with visitors’ signatures in Urdu is a rare sight, but it simply depicts the library’s love of Urdu. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

The first person to greet visitors at the library is Muhammad Altaf, the caretaker who has been looking after the library for the past 24 years. Altaf says, “Urdu is the sweetest of all languages, though the new generation is drifting away from it. There was a time when the library used to be filled with readers. However, most of those readers are no longer alive. Only a few PhD scholars now visit the library for their work.”

Photo by Nabeel Ahmad

A place that was previously bustling with activity from city dwellers who devoured Urdu newspapers, magazines, and novels is now desolate and silent. Amidst the haunting stillness, the sound of pages rustling from bygone eras is nearly audible. Altaf bemoaned the slow but steady decline of Urdu readers, citing youth as an example of an audience that values instant gratification more than the more reflective practice of reading, especially Urdu.

Altaf emphasised that parents should encourage their children to learn to read and write Urdu in this era. The new generation needs to pay heed to Urdu; otherwise, the language will gradually go extinct.

Altaf added, “The library is open to the public and provides a lifetime membership for Rs. 1,500. Members can issue the books; however, the older and rare collection is aesthetically stacked on the shelf. Over the years, Urdu lovers in the city have considered this place a haven for learning.”

The Muslim Library is one of the repositories of India’s linguistic and cultural wealth, holding the key to Urdu’s revival. By digitising their precious collections, these forgotten sanctuaries can be transformed into accessible digital archives. Coupled with restoration efforts, proper funding, and community engagement through reading clubs, literary events, and language courses, these libraries can become vibrant hubs of learning and appreciation. Strategic partnerships with the government, corporations, and the public are essential to ensuring their preservation and expansion. With a concerted effort, these libraries can ignite a renaissance of Urdu, reasserting its place as the soul of India’s literary heritage.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by Nabeel Ahmad / August 01st, 2024

Natural calamity in Wayanad –Unparalleled service of SDPI volunteers

Wayanad, KERALA :

SDPI workers ready to participate in rescue/ help operation.

In the early hours of July 30th, a massive landslide devastated the Mundkkai-Chooralmala areas in the southeast region of Wayanad district, Kerala. The natural calamity swept away two villages, leaving behind almost no structures and claiming numerous lives. The catastrophe quickly drew the attention of the outside world, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

Rescue volunteers from various religious organizations and political parties hurried to the scene to search for survivors and recover bodies. Estimates suggest the death toll has surpassed 300, with more than 200 people still missing. Among the first to arrive were the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) volunteers, reaching the disaster site even before military and government rescue teams could mobilize.

The rescue operations saw the involvement of multiple organizations, including Indian Relief Workers (IRW), Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth Congress, Welfare Party, and the Muslim League. These groups have been tirelessly working to find and rescue any remaining survivors.

SDPI volunteers played a crucial role in recovering bodies from challenging terrains, including marshy areas and rivers flowing kilometers away from the landslide site. They ventured deep into the forests to carry bodies to hospitals, often on their shoulders, demonstrating immense dedication and bravery.

Relief activities are ongoing with significant momentum. The focus now is on ensuring the dignified rehabilitation of the surviving victims. The tireless efforts of all volunteers, especially those from SDPI, have highlighted the importance of community solidarity and prompt action in the face of natural disasters. The collaborative spirit and commitment shown by these volunteers offer a beacon of hope amid the devastation, emphasizing the need for continuous support and rehabilitation for those affected by this tragic event.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / August 06th, 2024

“Heroic Friend Becomes Martyr While Saving a Hundred Lives; I Could Only Watch Helplessly,” Reports Hindustan Gazette from Disaster Site

Wayanad, KERALA / KARNATAKA :

The recent catastrophic landslides in Wayanad have left a trail of unimaginable tragedy, as villages such as Maypad, Munda Kai, and Chooralmala are buried under debris.

Abdullah Madikeri from the Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS) Karnataka State visited the disaster site on Thursday morning, witnessing firsthand the scale of devastation.

Site of Despair
At a distance of 15 kilometers from the epicenter of the disaster in Maypad, the scene was marked by the sight of ambulances racing with sirens blaring and the hurried activity of police and health department vehicles, signaling the severity of the crisis. Inside the Government Prauda School, bodies were being identified, including dismembered limbs and torsos, highlighting the horror of the tragedy.

A Community in Mourning
The disaster has not only affected residents but also displaced over 500 migrant workers from Assam and other states. The flood has claimed numerous lives, including children, women, and the elderly, leaving many families in mourning without anyone to grieve for them. The bodies, scattered and dismembered, have become orphans in need of proper burial.

A Call for Reflection
The tragedy shows how pointless sectarian and caste-based hatred is, revealing the harm it causes. The rubble, filled with broken boulders and body parts, highlights how little regard there is for human life during natural disasters. It reminds us to overcome these divisions and work towards living together in harmony.

Volunteers Step Up
Amid the chaos, volunteers from various organizations have played a crucial role. Emergency services, traffic management, and food distribution efforts have been bolstered by enthusiastic youth and volunteers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Local establishments and mosques have provided meals and refreshments to those affected and the rescue teams.

Personal Accounts of Survival
The disaster has affected many, including a family from Chamarajanagar district who narrowly escaped. They described how they were saved by quickly freeing their cattle and fleeing as the floodwaters surged, washing away their homes.

Heroic Sacrifices
The tale of Prashant and Prajeesh, volunteers who lost their lives in the rescue efforts, stands out. Prajeesh, who was involved in rescue operations during a previous landslide, gave his life-saving others during the recent disaster. His body was found 35 kilometers away, a testament to his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

A Teacher’s Heartfelt Remembrance
A teacher who visited the site of the collapsed school building was overcome with emotion, reflecting on the loss of the students he once taught. His poignant recollection of teaching amidst the beauty of nature contrasts starkly with the current devastation.

Ongoing Efforts
Search teams continue to work tirelessly, scouring forests and gardens for more bodies. Despite the overwhelming scale of the disaster, the unwavering dedication of volunteers and emergency responders remains a beacon of hope in these dark times.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by Abdullah Madikeri / August 04th, 2024

Kerala landslides: When humanity triumphs over religion, politics

Wayanad, KERALA :

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

Younis waits at the Meppadi health centre on Friday for news about his parents, who went missing in the twin landslides in Wayanad. Younis has lost 11 relatives in the disaster. He received the mortal remains of his sister and niece earlier. (Photo | E Gokul, EPS)

Chooralmala :

People outside the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad may be debating the effectiveness of the forecast and reasons for the disaster. But that’s not the case at ground zero. It demonstrates, yet again, that Keralites unite above politics and religion during hours of crisis.

Apart from the Army, Navy, NDRF, Coast Guard, Police, Fire and Rescue Services and civil service volunteers, many organisations like Youth Care, SYS, SKSSF, DYFI and Seva Bharati too have been at the forefront of search and rescue efforts. They have brought more than 1,000 volunteers from neighbouring districts, who are wading through mounds of slush in search of life. No one shows animosity or hostility based on faith or political ideology. In fact, the Army has appreciated the dedication of the volunteers.

“The coordination between the state agencies, the Army and volunteers is excellent and that has helped in the smooth conduct of rescue operations,” said Major General V T Mathew, who is heading the 509-strong Army team.

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

“I was part of the team that recovered around eight bodies from Vellarmala. The shock of handling the bodies of children was terrible. I almost choked when we were having lunch. It haunted me like a nightmare and I struggled to sleep. When we see toys and cradles among the debris, we think of our children. There is no meaning for enmity and squabbling in hours of crisis,” he said. 

VIP visits troubling rescue teams

Abdul Hameed, of Tirur in Malappuram, who is part of a 35-member rescue team of SYS, said the experience in joining the rescue operations during the 2018 floods and Kavalappara landslide has been helpful for the team.

However, the visit of VIPs, who bring a large team of supporters along with them, is troubling the rescue teams. As the road is narrow and there is limited space for excavators to move around, the Army has been pleading to restrict the entry of vehicles to Chooralmala.

However, MPs and MLAs arrive with supporters and insist on going to the Bailey bridge and even Mundakkai. The police are having a tough time at the barricade to stop VIPs.

Meanwhile, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi set an example as he avoided cavalcade and arrived in a police vehicle to visit the affected areas.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Manoj Viswanathan / August 03rd, 2024