Tag Archives: Positive News on Muslims of Kolkata

Meet Humairah Shami: Kolkata’s Budding Karate Champion – A Tale of Talent, Perseverance and Dreams

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Humairah After winning Championship in Thailand

Humairah Shami, a young Karate champion from Kolkata, has recently earned the honour of representing India at the 7th World Meet, scheduled to take place on May 8, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Royal Rattanakosin Hotel. This prestigious event is organised by the World Martial Arts Council. Although she is thrilled about this incredible opportunity, Humairah faces a challenge – the limited financial resources that may prevent her from attending.

Her father, Shami Ahmed, repairs footwear for a living. But due to poor health, he cannot work regularly. Her mother, too, has been battling a serious illness for the past three years. Despite these challenges, Humairah, along with her siblings, who are in grades 7 and 10, continues to pursue her education with the support of relatives.

However, these obstacles have not dampened her spirit. Humairah’s determination to follow her dreams led her to enrol in a self-defence course at the Indian Karate Association. Encouraged by the academy’s founder, M.A. Ali, who seems to have recognised her potential and took her under his wing, she was trained free of charges. Humairah’s agility and passion for the sport enabled her to quickly master the karate techniques. It led her to qualify in the 45 kg weight category. She triumphed in every competition she entered.

In 2023-24, Humairah earned a gold medal in Thailand. Her journey to Thailand was made possible thanks to the support of her schoolteachers and well-wishers who contributed to her travel expenses. She was also honoured with the International Sports Award by King Sany Wijaya Nata Kusuma of the Padjadran Kingdom of Indonesia.

His Majesty the King Sany Wijaya Natakusuma of Padjadaran Kingdom Indonesia honouring Humairah with International sports award 2024 in Bangkok Thailand

Humairah has once again proven herself by qualifying to participate in the 2025 World Meet. Though she is still a blue belt and has a long way to go before earning the coveted black belt, her commitment remains unwavering. “I took up Karate for self-defence, and I will continue to persevere until I achieve my black belt,” she says.

Humairah’s talents extend beyond Karate. During her holidays, she completed a crash course in Mehendi (henna) designing, and now, in her spare time after school and studies, she applies Mehdi to fulfil orders and earn some money.

A grade 11 student at Anjuman Girls High School, Humairah lives in the vibrant, bustling lanes of Mufidul Islam Lane in Kolkata. Her siblings look up to her, and her teachers hold high expectations for her future.

Deeply religious, Humairah dreams of becoming a doctor. She believes that her faith in God will help her overcome any challenge that comes her way. “Being able to go to Thailand last year was an impossible dream that came true. So, I am confident that the hurdles ahead will also be overcome, as I have utmost faith in Allah,” she says with a hopeful smile.

At present, Humairah is striving to raise the funds necessary to attend the 7th World Meet. In a remarkable show of resilience, she is using her mehdi art to raise money for her dream. Each intricate design is a testament to her determination to break through financial barriers and make her country proud.

“Despite coming from a financially disadvantaged family, Humairah has excelled in every field she has touched. Her dedication and perseverance have earned her a place in the prestigious 7th World Meet, where she will represent India on the global stage. This is a golden opportunity for her,” says her coach and mentor, M.A. Ali.

He further appeals to all philanthropists, sponsors, and kind-hearted individuals to help Humairah overcome her financial challenges: “Humairah’s story is a call to action for those who wish to invest in a bright young talent. Sponsoring Humairah isn’t just an act of charity—it’s an investment in a future filled with hope, ambition, and success. Let us unite as a community to ensure that financial constraints do not dim the light of this rising star.”

Those who wish to help Humairah in her journey can contribute to the following bank account:

Account Holder Name: Humairah Shami
Bank Name: Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Branch Name: Entally
Account Number: 0088010367851
IFSC Code: PUNB0008820
Mobile Number: 7439884641

With the help of the community, Humairah can realise her dreams and take another step towards making India proud on the world stage.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News / by Nikhat Fatima, TwoCirlces.net / December 31st, 2024

How A Management Course Helped Shape Farheen Masood’s Life!

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (PG)

Farheen Masood with her family. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Summary

  • In the heart of bustling Kolkata, where the cacophony of life reverberates through narrow alleyways, there lies a tale of grit, determination and unyielding hope.
  • Meet Farheen Masood, a champion of resilience whose journey from humble beginnings to corporate corridors is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

In the heart of bustling Kolkata, where the cacophony of life reverberates through narrow alleyways, there lies a tale of grit, determination, and unyielding hope. Meet Farheen Masood, a champion of resilience whose journey from humble beginnings to corporate corridors is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

Chapter 1: A Dream Ignited

She was raised in a modest household by hardworking parents who were filled with aspirations – her father a security guard and her mother a homemaker. 

“My mother could not complete her schooling although she was a good student. That is why she was always keen on us (she and her two siblings) completing our education. Despite our financial struggles, she instilled in us the belief that education was the key to unlocking a better future. My mother became my source of inspiration,” reminisced Farheen, her voice reflecting the unwavering resolve that would come to define her journey.

Farheen giving tuition to a child in her neighbourhood. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 2: Echoes of Empowerment

As the days unfolded, Farheen found inspiration within the corridors of AK Fazlul Haq School and Khalsa English High School. It was there that she discovered her passion for public speaking. “What I am today, in terms of my confidence in speaking and everything else, is due to the education I received in my schools. I used to participate in monthly debates and extempore competitions and my teachers would always motivate me. That helped sharpen my communication skills,” she shared with us in words that echoed the profound impact of her formative years.

Busy with her art and craft engagements. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 3: A Path Revealed

Today Farheen stands tall empowered with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) degree with specialisation in Analytics and Marketing from Praxis Business School and working as a Management Trainee (Operations) at DHL Global Forwarding. So what inspired her to pursue studies in this field?

She recalled, “Though I initially opted for the science stream in my plus 2, I soon realised that my heart was not in it. That is when my uncle guided me to consider management studies. He told me about all the career opportunities that would open up for me if I did a PGDM/ MBA degree; and that would help me achieve the success I had always dreamed of.”

A shot from her convocation ceremony day. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 4: Praxis: A Journey Within

At business school, amidst the nurturing learning environment, Farheen’s metamorphosis began. “After joining , I was made a Placecom member. I was responsible for coordinating the students’ placement process, acting as a bridge between them and our college’s placement cell. It gave me the opportunity to connect with various HR heads, thereby helping me make connections. I felt more confident through meeting and speaking with new people. Moreover, I learned management skills which gave me the confidence to handle challenging situations,” she said while recounting the perks of studying in a truly enabling educational environment.

Farheen posing with her teacher. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 5: The Tapestry of Experience

Further into the conversation we learned that, in her bid to craft a successful career path, alongside excelling in her PGDM programme at Praxis, Farheen had also gained real world experience through an array of internships with reputable brands spanning fundraising, sales and digital marketing. “Internships gave me practical training before entering the corporate workplace. I had done fieldwork too. That opened up different aspects of business management to me. I met new people and expanded my network. Also, I learned that if one has an idea, one needs to voice it. Not wait for the person on the other side to ask,” she affirmed, emphasising the importance of hands-on learning.

Farheen with Charanpreet Singh, Co-founder and Director, Praxis Business School, Kolkata. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Farheen with Praxis management. The Telegraph Online Edugraph

Chapter 6: Words of Encouragement

While Farheen gazed upon the gamut of her achievements, we asked what would her advice for young people who are striving against life’s challenges be.

“One should not stop dreaming!” she proclaimed, her words infused with the determination of a go-getter. “Always be eager to learn, stay kind and just keep going. The avenues will open up sooner than later,” she said confidently.

As the sun set over the city of Kolkata, casting its golden hues upon the distant horizon, Farheen Masood appeared before us as an embodiment of the indomitable human spirit!

From humble beginnings to soaring heights, Farheen’s journey reinforces the transformative power of education yet again and serves as a source of hope for generations to come, irrespective of their challenging circumstances!

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Edugraph> Career / by Sejuti Roy / April 17th, 2024

114 years old freedom fighter dies in Kolkata

Kumrava, Nawada District) BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

He had accompanied Mahatma Gandhi on the Dandi March and later spent several days with him in a prison in Cuttack. In 2007, he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan for his fight against the British rule in India.

114 years old freedom fighter dies in Kolkata | The Times of India
Syed Mohammad Sharfuddin Quadri being conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam.

Late on Monday night, Syed Mohammad Sharfuddin Quadri, who was affectionately referred to as hakim sahab in his neighbourhood in Rippon Street, passed away three days after celebrating his 114th birthday.

Quadri, a renowned Unani practitioner who was instrumental in founding the Unani Medical College and Hospital in Abdul Halim Lane in central Kolkata, was born on December 25, in 1901 when Kolkata was still the capital of the country and Mahatma Gandhi had not returned to India.

“My father was imprisoned with Gandhiji by the British in Cuttack. He would accompany him everywhere during the Civil Disobedience Movement,” said son Manzar Sadique in the family’s home in 84/9 Rippon Street.

“In October, abba had travelled to Lucknow where he was the chief guest at a conference of Unani practitioners. Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had invited him over to his house,” informs Sadique.

Quadri was born in the remote village of Kumrava in Nawada district of Bihar on Christmas Day in 1901. His family moved to Calcutta in the mid-1930s. Hakimji would begin his day with Fajar (the morning namaaz) at the break of dawn followed by his visit to his chamber, Swadeshi Dawa khana on Haji Mohammed Mohsin Square, where patients would already be waiting for him. He would examine more than 100 patients every day free of cost, says son Sadique.

“Unani was his passion and he could identify the ailment just by feeling the pulse of the patient,” says Sadique.

The centurion who specialized in treating infertility would never miss his customary walk after work. “He suffered from arthritis which is why he took special care of his fitness,” said Sadique.

Quadri who began an informal school for children and triggered an adult literacy campaign in Rippon Street was the founder member of the

Once Quadri once revealed the secret behind his fitness and longevity to his friends. “I drink two glasses of neem juice every day,” he has said. This fitness mantra was handed over to him by his father Mohammad Mohibbudin who had died at the age of 121 years!

Hasnain Imam, a teacher and resident of Rippon Street fondly recalled the time he had spent with “hakim sahib” when he was in college. “He was a treasure trove of knowledge. From politics to medicine to Sufism, we would discuss a wide range of topics. They don’t make people like them anymore,”  said Imam.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / Home> News> Kolkata News / by Zeeshan Javed / TNN / December 30th, 2015