Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of Maharashtra

Wakeel Najeeb: Prolific author who leads the Urdu literary caravan in Vidarbha

Nagpur, MAHARASHTRA :

When he is not writing a novel, he writes stories for children. And, when he is not penning these stories, he may compose poetry for a change of taste or suddenly come up with a  book on personalities of his city.

Wakeel Najeeb is not just among the most prominent authors, he is the most prolific writer in the region. For people interested in Urdu litrature across the country, when the conversation shifts to this region, it’s his name that instantly comes to minds.

And a visit to Nagpur is incomplete until one meets him. In the serpentine lanes near his house, ask anyone–an elderly man or a young boy, everyone knows him and can guide you about the address or directly take you to his house.

Th writer is at the centre of Urdu literary activities in Nagpur. On my visit to the town, I tried to locate his house and almost everyone I came across on way, was ready to take me to his place. Apart from novels, he has several collections of stories and short-stories, poems and two travelogues to his name. Also, there is a collection of plays and hold your breath–20 novels.

He is among the few authors who have focused on writing for the children. Many of his novels are for children apart from nazms and stories. Though he started his literary journey with ‘afsana’ [short story], he got more fame because of writing for children as he also gets published in the magazines across India.

“Somehow a label was put on me that I write stories for children and a I am writer exclusively for kids, though I have collections of short stories and have written fiction, not just for children”, he explains. Of course, Najeeb, has written extensively and also writes critical pieces, essays and articles.

His most recent work is a book, ‘Meri Basti, Mere Log’. The book contains his write-ups on interesting personalities he saw around him as he grew up and others in his city. The profiles include people from diverse fields–wrestlers to clerics and writers to sufis. Already hundreds of copies of the book have been sold.

“Frankly, I do my best to publicize my books. When I write, my aim is to make people aware about the book. You see this, he points towards the banner outside his house, which announces publication of his book. People come to know, arrive and buy”, he further says.

That’s a far cry from the writers who bemoan lack of readers or rue that there books are not being sold. Born on July 1, 1946, Wakeel Najeeb, studied at the local Urdu school. He went on to become a teacher and retired as principal of Islamia School. He is socially active, associated with institutions, literary groups and attends their meets. And, literally holds the literary fort in the region.

source: http://ww.newsbits.in / Newsbits.in / Home> Special / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, Bhopal / December 22nd, 2021

Ayan Sheikh Gets 12th Rank in GATE Exam, Dreams of Joining IIT Bombay

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai student overcomes cramped living conditions to achieve national success in the prestigious entrance exam.

Mumbai:

Ayan Sheikh, a 20-year-old student from a modest 96-square-foot house in Byculla, has achieved an extraordinary feat by securing the 12th rank in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in his first attempt. Ayan, currently in his third year of a computer science degree, hopes to follow in his elder brother’s footsteps and secure admission to IIT Bombay for his master’s degree.

Living in a cramped chawl in Mustafa Bazaar’s Haji Alana with his parents and elder brother, Ayan’s journey to success is a testament to determination and hard work. With limited space at home, Ayan and his brother Aman, who previously cracked the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and graduated from IIT Bombay, often studied on a makeshift platform built in their small house.

“My success is the result of my parents’ prayers and their constant hard work,” Ayan told Clarion India. “Even with a limited income, my father tried his best to give both of us brothers a better and higher education. Despite the lack of space, we made the most of what we had. This platform has been our study spot for years, and it holds a special place in our hearts.”

Ayan scored an impressive 89.04 percent marks in the exam, which is considered one of the toughest national-level entrance tests for postgraduate engineering courses. Out of 1.8 lakh candidates who appeared for the exam, Ayan’s 12th rank is a remarkable achievement.

His father, Akhtar Sheikh, a senior fitter at BEST’s Mumbai Central Depot, expressed his joy and pride. “Ayan’s result is like the blessings of Ramadan for us,” he said. “One lakh 80 thousand students appeared for the GATE exam, and Ayan secured the 12th position. This is a huge achievement for our family.”

Ayan’s academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence. He scored 90% in his SSC exams from Enza English High School in Byculla and 78% in his HSC exams from Peace College in Dadar. He is currently pursuing a computer science degree at DJ Sanghvi College in Vile Parle and will complete his four-year course next year.

Ayan’s elder brother, Aman Sheikh, is an inspiration for the family. Aman secured 90% in SSC and 89% in HSC before cracking the JEE exam with a rank of 1,023 out of 1.5 lakh candidates. He went on to complete his B.Tech and M.Tech in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay and now works for an American company in Bengaluru with an annual package of Rs 12 lakh.

“I hope to get admission to IIT Bombay, just like my brother,” Ayan said. “This platform in our house has been our study corner for years. Even today, I sit here and study for three to four hours daily. It’s a part of our lives.”

Ayan’s story is a shining example of how perseverance and family support can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. As he prepares to take the next step in his academic journey, his family and community are filled with pride and hope for his future.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion India / March 24th, 2025

Khwaja Tamboli’s Inspiring Journey from Village Cricket Lover to Bat-Making Entrepreneur

Wadala Village (Solapur), MAHARASHTRA :

Solapur man turns passion into business, crafting custom Cricket Bats for players across India.

Wadala Village (Solapur) :

Khwaja Tamboli’s story is one of grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in hard work. Hailing from a modest family in Wadala village, North Solapur, the 28-year-old entrepreneur has turned his childhood love for cricket into a thriving business—’KT Bats’—producing high-quality tennis ball cricket bats tailored to players’ needs across India.

Khwaja’s journey was far from easy. His father, Ajmuddin Tamboli, had to stop working 14 years ago due to mental illness, leaving his mother, Rashad, as the sole breadwinner. “I’ve seen many difficulties,” Khwaja recalls. “My mother sold household items and managed weekly markets just to keep us afloat. Poverty doesn’t stop dreams, but hard work is needed to fulfil them.”

After completing a B.Sc in Chemistry, Khwaja developed an allergy to chemicals, closing doors to traditional employment. But his passion for cricket opened another. “I was always fascinated by bats,” he says. “When I couldn’t find a job, I decided to start small—selling sports goods from a shop given by the Gram Panchayat.”

Initial struggles tested his resolve. Big companies refused to supply goods without bulk orders, and his first attempt at rebranding cheap bats with his own stickers failed. “Customers didn’t like them, and I faced losses,” he admits. Undeterred, Khwaja travelled to Kashmir to study wood types and bat-making techniques.

Returning with newfound knowledge, he invested in a machine and began crafting bats himself. “I realised if market bats weren’t good, I’d make better ones,” he says. The gamble paid off—his business took off, with players appreciating the customised quality.

Khwaja doesn’t just sell bats; he engineers them. Studying player preferences, he adjusts weight and balance based on playing style. “A 970-gram bat suits aggressive players hitting all around the ground,” he explains. “For those who play ‘V’ shots, a heavier bat (1030-1050g) with weight at the bottom works best.”

His bats now cater to players in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. But success hasn’t made him forget his struggles. “I’ve seen poverty, so if a player can’t afford a bat, I give it at a lower price,” he says, recalling how he recently gifted a ‘Player Edition’ bat to a needy cricketer from Gujarat.

Rashad Tamboli, Khwaja’s mother, beams with pride. “He loved cricket since childhood. I invested my savings in his dream, and he proved himself,” she says.

Today, ‘KT Bats’ sells 100-200 bats monthly, priced from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. But Khwaja dreams bigger. “I want ‘KT Bats’ stores across India,” he says. “My brand should be recognised in every state.”

From a struggling student to a role model for young entrepreneurs, Khwaja Tamboli’s journey proves that with perseverance, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / April 04th, 2025

Vogue Theater Committed to Promoting Urdu Language, Theatre, and Creative Activities

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The sixth annual festival, “Discover,” celebrated young creative talents with enthusiasm, recognizing efforts to provide them a platform.

Organized by Vogue Theatre in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the state-level Urdu drama competition and children’s festival successfully took place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The event showcased the richness of Urdu language and literature while offering young talents an opportunity to express their creativity. Schools from Mumbai, its suburbs, and other districts participated, making it a vibrant confluence of artistic expression.

Engr. Adnan Sarkhot, President of Vogue Theatre, who has been associated with Urdu theatre for over 30 years and actively works for children’s creative development, led the event to its grand success. Notable guests, including Padma Shri Dr. Zaheer Kazi, IPS Qaiser Khalid, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah, Zahid Khan, and Zakir Khan, lauded Team Vogue’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of such programs in preserving Urdu for future generations.

As in previous years, “Discover” featured various competitions, including drawing, mono-acting, Urdu and English story writing, quizzes, and drama. More than a contest, the festival served as a learning experience, building confidence and refining students’ artistic skills. The participants’ creative performances left a lasting impression on the audience.

Experts from Mumbai, Bhiwandi, and Solapur judged the competitions.

Awardees included Principal Saba Patel, who received the Innovative Principal Award, while Raja Baghban (Solapur) and Sajid Dolar (Malegaon) were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to education and literature. Additionally, for their outstanding performances in Urdu drama and academic excellence in SSC exams, Zara Feroz Shaikh (Mira Road) and Aashna Wahid Ansari (Mumbra) received the Rising Star Award.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture / by Radiance News Bureau / February 08th, 2025

Qayyum Nadvi Honored with “Aamhi Bharti” Award

Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Aurangabad:

Social and educational activist Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi received the “Aamhi Bharti” award for his contributions to education and literature. The Balwant Rao Varale Memorial Foundation selects three awardees from Maharashtra each year for their efforts in social work, education, and literature.

Nadvi, President of Read and Lead Foundation Aurangabad, runs the Mohalla Bal Pustakalaya Abhiyan, providing books to children of laborers in streets, slums, and huts. Other awardees included social worker Asha Sirsat and Vidya Sagar Dornalikar, recognized for their contributions to education and literature.

At the event, Nadvi emphasized that unity, integrity, and brotherhood are essential for the nation, aligning with the constitutional spirit of “We the people of India.” He expressed gratitude to the foundation for the honor.

The award ceremony featured Dr. Rajendra Gonakar as the special guest and was presided over by Malti Varale. All three awardees shared their thoughts and pledged to continue their work.

The event was moderated by Sudha Varale and Manisha Ghatge, while Varsha Ghoble spoke about Balwant Rao Varale’s contributions. Advocate Indumati Varale introduced the program. Chetan Chopra, Kunal Varale, and Ajay Dehade performed, and Parakshit Varle, Dhamma Wahul, Buddha Bhushan More, Abhishek Suradkar, and Prithvi Magre contributed to the program’s success. Sunita Ghatge delivered the vote of thanks.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 03rd, 2025

Three Malegaon Textile Park firms first to get Zed Certification in Malegaon

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Three textile manufacturers operating in Malegaon Textile Park Wednesday January 29, 2025 became the first from the City to apply for the Zed Certification.

Tarique Faizee and Zahid Faizee of Dilip Industries with MD Geete Infosis Ashwin Geete and President MIMA Aleem Faizee after taking oath of Zed Peldge Wednesday January 29, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

Malegaon :

Three textile manufacturers operating in Malegaon Textile Park Wednesday January 29, 2025 became the first from the City to apply for the Zed Certification.

The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification is an extensive drive by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) to create awareness amongst the MSMEs about Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) practices, and motivate and incentivise them for ZED Certification.

Zed Workshop

Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and Geete Infosis India had joined hands to spearhead the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme in Malegaon and the neighboring districts.

Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) has been instrumental in the establishment of the Textile Park in Malegaon and modernisation of the textile industry in the City whereas Geete Infosis is one of the leading Accredited Assessment Agencies working for the Zed Certification Scheme in different states of India including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

To create awareness about the Zed Certification Scheme, Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and Geete Infosis had with the support from the All India Momin Conference Malegaon and other organisations working for powerloom, plastic, and soap manufacturing sectors organized a workshop in the Textile City on January 28, 2025. The workshop was attended by all the leading industrialists and manufacturers of the City.

MIMA, Geete Infosis joint workshop on Zed Certification held in Malegaon on January 28, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

Zed Certification of three industries

Following the launch of the Zed Certification Scheme in Malegaon Tuesday, Ashwin Geete, Founder and Managing Director of Geete Infosis, led his team to formally start the necessary inspection of factories and manufacturing units running at Malegaon Textile Park in Sayane MIDC Area of the City.

“We conducted the necessary inspection of three textile industries as per the Ministry of MSME and Quality Council of India guidelines on Wednesday and registered them for Zed Certification”, he told ummid.com.

“They are Dilip Industries, Gold Coin Fabrics and Awaz Creation. These industries have registered for Zed Certificate Bronze – the basic and first level of the scheme”, he said.

Sajid Ghulam Jaffer of Gold Coin Fabrics and Aleem Faizee of Awaz Creation with MD Geete Infosis Ashwin Geete after taking oath of Zed Peldge Wednesday January 29, 2025. (Photo: ummid.com)

All the three are members of Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA) and operating at Malegaon Textile Park in Sayane MIDC area since 2014.

He further said that a team of 12 Zed Facilitators and Field Officers will start working in Malegaon from February 01, 2025 in order to bring more industries and manufacturers under the Zed Certification Scheme.

Zed Pledge

As a first step to enroll for the Zed Certification, the three industrialists of Malegaon Textile Park were administered the oath of “Zed Pledge” as the Ministry of MSME and Quality Council of India guidelines for the guidelines. The Zed Pledge said:

“We undertake to conform to the values of Zero Defect Zero Effect in our enterprise and ensure that our processes shall be environmentally sound and socially responsible with safe and high quality products.

“We will give back, in every way we can, to our people, our community and to our planet”, the Zed Pledge reads.

Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, the Zed Certification Scheme was launched in 2022. So far thousands of industries, including over 525,000 in Gujarat alone, have received the Zed Certificates.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by ummid.com staff reporter / January 30th, 2025

Muslim Ambulance Society’s 93-yr Legacy of Compassion and Service

Mumbai (South), MAHARASHTRA :

Established in 1932, the South Mumbai-based organisation continues to serve humanity with dedication and inclusivity

Mumbai :

The Muslim Ambulance Society, a renowned medical and social service organisation based in South Mumbai, has completed 93 years of unwavering dedication to the welfare of people, irrespective of religion or caste. Established on 24th July 1932, the organisation has evolved from a small shop on Chakla Street, Muhammad Ali Road, into a respected pillar of support for those in need.

To commemorate this milestone, a grand function was organised on Friday (January 24) at the Islam Gymkhana in Marine Lines.

Dr Abdul Rauf Samar, President of the Muslim Ambulance Society, highlighted the organisation’s rich history and core objectives, emphasising its inclusive approach. “The society aims to provide social and medical services to the poor and the needy regardless of religion and caste. A clear example of this was in the early days when a fellow countryman injured during Ganpati immersion was transported to the hospital by one of our ambulances,” he shared.

The society has also been instrumental during emergencies, including epidemics and communal riots. “We have consistently provided aid without discrimination, setting an example of humanity and service,” Dr Samar added.

He further introduced other key officials of the society, including Vice President Anwar Pashuri, Honorary Secretary Tanveer Hawa, Honorary Treasurer Iqbal Mauledina, and Ibrahim Kolsawala. Together, they carry forward the vision of the society’s founders: Ibrahim Haroon, Ayub Haroon, Noor Muhammad Dhyan, Muhammad Hussain Samar, Akbar Ali Khan, and Abdul Rahim Bachuseth.

The society’s impact is not confined to Mumbai. “Apart from Mumbai, our branches are also providing medical services in other provinces of the country. A new branch is set to open on Duncan Road in South Mumbai,” Dr Samar announced.

Highlighting their ongoing efforts, he said, “Since 1973, we have provided free treatment to TB patients. We also arrange free vaccinations for children under our supervision. These initiatives have been possible due to the generous support of philanthropists, and we hope to continue serving humanity with the same dedication in the future.”

The Muslim Ambulance Society’s 93-year journey of compassion and service stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and their ability to uplift society at large. The event aimed to celebrate this legacy while inspiring future generations to continue the noble mission.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / January 26th, 2025

Maharashtra School Textbook Includes Story of Ejaz Nadaf, Recipient of the “National Bravery Award”

Pardi (Taluka Ardhapur), MAHARASHTRA :

Pardi:

In Taluka Ardhapur, the 6th-grade Urdu textbook at Bal Bharti now includes the story of Ejaz Nadaf, a remarkable young individual who was honored with the prestigious “National Bravery Award”. Ejaz Nadaf’s courageous act at the age of 16 is now praised in this textbook.

The inclusion of Ejaz’s story raised questions about who presented the award, when it was received, the district he belongs to, and the village he hails from.

On April 30, 2017, Ejaz saved two girls from drowning in a river, which led to him being awarded the “National Child Bravery” award on January 26, 2018, by Prime Minister and President Ramnath Kovind.

Ejaz Nadaf was the only student in all of Maharashtra to receive this prestigious award in 2018.

Having completed his education from 1st to 12th grade in his village, Ejaz displayed immense bravery during his 10th grade at Rajabai High School.

For the betterment of his studies and future, Ejaz was adopted by the Shaheen Institute in Bidar, Karnataka.

Although Ejaz scored 70%, his family’s poor financial circumstances pushed him to work as a laborer in his village after 10th grade. Despite facing challenges, he managed to pass 12th grade. However, he had little hope for continuing his education. This changed when the Shaheen Institute in Bidar, Karnataka, adopted him to support his future studies and success. Currently, he is pursuing a BA degree while preparing for the UPSC exams at the Shaheen Institution.

Ejaz’s father, Abdul Rauf Nadaf, expressed his happiness and pride in knowing that a lesson in bravery is being taught to his child. He believes that this story serves as an excellent example for other students and will undoubtedly encourage them.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by Shifa / July 17th, 2023

From Villages to the World: RIFAH’s National Workshop Inspires Export Enthusiasts in Goa

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA / GOA :

Madgaon:

RIFAH hosted a landmark national-level workshop themed “From the Village to the World” in Goa, aimed at empowering aspiring exporters to take their promising products to the global stage. The two-day programme brought together participants from 9-12 states across India, fostering an environment of learning, networking, and inspiration.

The event commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Aslam Mohd, President of RIFAH Maharashtra, followed by an impactful keynote speech delivered by Mr. Syed Mumtaz Mansoori, President of RIFAH Karnataka.

Mr. Mansoori’s address emphasised the essence of global trade, identifying export opportunities, and understanding market demands, weaving in examples from prophetic traditions to illustrate the Islamic perspective of global business.

Workshops during the programme included sessions on “Fundamentals and Regulations of Export and Import” by Br. Siraj and an Interactive Workshop on Strategic Planning for Import and Export by Br. Anis Mohammed, Director of Seahath Canning Company.

These sessions offered practical insights into business strategy development, goal setting, market penetration, and leveraging B2B platforms, trade fairs, and digital marketing for international trade.

The workshop also featured a factory visit to Seahath Canning Company, India’s leading seafood exporter, which operates globally in over 15 countries. This visit provided participants with a firsthand understanding of the export process at scale. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to explore Goa’s breathtaking natural beauty, including its serene seashores, blending business learning with memorable experiences.

The workshop’s vibrant participation and engaging sessions left attendees energised and enthusiastic about stepping into the global trade arena, fulfilling the event’s vision of connecting local products to international markets.

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Mr. Mirza Afzal Baig (General Secretary of RIFAH), ensuring its success and alignment with the organisation’s vision.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Entrepreneurship> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2025

Lit for Life 2025: A daughter’s ode to Ebrahim Alkazi, the architect of modern theatre in India

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

At The Hindu Lit for Life 2025, Amal Allana speaks about her father Ebrahim Alkazi, who led the modern theatre movement in India with an extraordinary vision.

Amal Allana in conversation with Ritu Menon at The Hindu Lit for Life 2025. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Theatre director Amal Allana, who recently released a riveting biography of her father Ebrahim Alkazi:  Holding Time Captive gave a racy account of Alkazi’s revolutionary contributions to arts and culture in the creative landscape that was emerging in pre-independence India into the later decades.

She said the title of her book was apt as she found the words scribbled by her father in his notes that read ‘I wish I could live longer to hold time captive.’

A six-minute documentary on Alkazi charting the journey of his quest for a liberal approach to the arts in the Indian sub-Continent preceded Amal Allana’s conversation with Ritu Menon at The Hindu Lit for Life session on the second day.

Setting the narrative in Bombay of the 1940s when Alkazi came as the son of a migrant trader from Saudi Arabia, Amal spoke about how his innovative ideas from the young age of 22 coupled with daring new experimental projects transformed the theatre movements pan-India and later led to the establishment of the National School of Drama in Delhi in the 1960s. It was the time when creative history was under-researched and Alkazi strode the stage with arrogance, resoluteness, and brilliance.

As the daughter, Amal brought a personal perspective to the intangible landscape of Alkazi’s passions as she step-by-step unfolded the layers of his cultural, artistic and nationalistic identity. “His pedagogical skills took form as a response to the social and political life. He introduced language in theatre and nationalised it,” she said.

With Sultan Padamsee (elder brother of filmmaker Alyque Padmasee) and other independent-minded creative individuals, he broke boundaries and embraced the radical and precarious theatre life. They were all progressives and reinforcing each other. Amal narrated how Alkazi went overseas to study modern theatre and took Nissim Ezekiel along. He had the disposition of taking people along with and their idea of total theatre included all forms of arts feeding into one another.

“So with music, lights, costumes, literature, discussions and brochures he created dramatic experiences translating, producing and directing plays from the Western pantheon,” Amal said and added Alkazi was particularly influenced by Tagore’s concept of Santiniketan integrating liberalism with fine arts.

Not only was Alkazi interested in training a body of thinking actors but he also trained audiences to appreciate modernity in theatre, she said.

The Hindu Lit for Life event is presented by KIA India and is in association with Christ University. Associate Partners: LIC, RR Donnelley, Blue Star, Brigade Group, NITTE Deemed-to-be University, PROchure, Singer, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Ltd, Uttarakhand Tourism, Vajiram and Ravi, Indian Bank, Akshayakalpa and ICFAI Group. Realty Partner: Casagrand. Bookstore Partner: Crossword. Food Partner: Wow Momo, Beverage Partner: Beachville, Radio Partner: Big FM, TV Partner: Puthiya Thalaimurai Gift Partner: Anand Prakash. Supported by: US Consulate, Chennai, Water Partner: Repute

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Lit for Life / by Soma Basu / January 19th, 2025