Tag Archives: Positive Stories of Indian Muslims

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan is Now No More

Tonk, RAJASHTAN :

Tonk, Rajasthan :

Shaukat Ali Khan, who received the “International Hero in Literature Award” from Cambridge University and was awarded the President’s Award, is now no more. He breathed his last on Saturday night during treatment in Jaipur. He was 87.

Born on 11 July 1936 in the family of Sahabzada Idris Ali Khan of Tonk, Shaukat Ali Khan is a distinguished personality of the Amiriya family. He was the first Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute (APRI).

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan participated in the International Sufism Seminar organized by India in Afghanistan.

In view of this, the then President Giani Zail Singh himself considered him worthy of being honored with the National Award.

Shaukat Ali Khan also received an award in a seminar organized by UNESCO.

Apart from being a writer, historian, translator, and poet, he possessed many salient features rarely found in the world of literature.

Shaukat Ali Khan with APRI team

The APRI, which has its own identity in the country and the world, is also the result of the hard work and dedication of Shaukat Ali Khan.

Shaukat Ali Khan with President of India Giani Zail Singh at APRI, Tonk

In 1986, then President Giani Zail Singh visited the APRI. At that time, he wrote, “I am happy that such a director and such an organization exists in Rajasthan, due to which Rajasthan is known in the Arabic-Persian world. This happens very rarely. The idea is that someone should establish a path for the simultaneous progress and development of both the languages. I am extremely proud that a single person has created a platform for the progress of the Arabic and Persian languages and made it popular in the world. For this, its director Shaukat Saheb should definitely get the National Award, which he deserves.”

The life of Shaukat Ali had many forms and colors. With his efforts, he not only converted a nursery into an institute but also brought glory to Tonk. The APRI is proof of his pioneering efforts and wisdom. As long as the APRI continues to exist, the name of Shaukat Ali Khan will be there.

Shaukat Ali Khan was initially appointed Nigran of Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan’s library. He collected about 50,000 Makhtutats and wrote about 60 books in different languages – two books in Arabic, 10 in Persian and about 45 in English.

He had been carrying out research and writing work for about 40 years. He was a scholar of Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu languages. He has also served as a member of many national and international government organizations.

Shaukat Saheb, who presented papers at national and international conferences and seminars, also edited and translated 6000 manuscripts, and published about 300 articles in more than 100 journals in English and Urdu. There is a long list of honors received by him at the national and international levels as well as at the state level. After retirement, he was living his life as a Sufi saint.

People across the country, including Mujeeb Azad, Director of Tonk Arabic Persian Research Institute; Sahibzada Mohammad Ahmed Bhayyu Bhai, Chairman of Royal Family Tonk; Retired Research Officer Anwarunnisa Nadira, State General Secretary of Human Relief Society, Tehreek-e-Urdu Rajasthan Advocate Akhtar Khan Akela, Cricket Coach Imtiaz Ali Neelu, have expressed grief over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss for the Arabic-Persian Research Institute, Tonk residents, and the Tonk Royal Family.

Condolence Letter by Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk

Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk has also sent a condolence message.

Chaudhary Akbar Qasmi, national convenor of Sanjhi Virasat Manch, has written that Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan was a descendant of Tonk Nawab and was one of the great intellectuals of Rajasthan. No one can deny his important role in establishing a big library (Arabic Persian Research Institute) in Tonk City and in raising it from the ground to great heights. As long as he was able to walk, he stood before writers and research scholars as a bright lamp of hope.

He was indeed a man of knowledge and grace.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Obituary / by Raheem Khan / December 12th, 2023

NDLS stampede tragedy: Porter Hashim revived a ‘dead’ child

NEW DELHI :

Porter Mohammad Hashim

New Delhi :

Mohammad Hashim, a porter at the New Delhi Railway Station railway station and an eyewitness to the horrific tragedy of stampede in which 18 persons died, tuned into a savior of a four-year old child.

He gets emotional as he recounts how a 4-year-old girl was resuscitated.

“…We were working like any other day when we suddenly heard screams. All of us, all porters, rushed there. We saw children on the floor, women & men running helter-skelter.

“People were screaming. We pulled up a lot of children and brought them out. A few people had died and some others had fallen unconscious. We brought them to the ambulance.

“I rescued out 8-10 children…A woman was crying that her 4-year-old daughter died. I rescued the child and brought her out. Two minutes later, the child started breathing again, and she broke down.

“Her mother burst into tears of joy…We can call ourselves either brave or fools that we too jumped in, risking our lives…We saved several lives…”

He said he and other porters had never seen such scenes in their lives.

“Entire staff, GRP, RPF and porters were working on it…The crowd was for several trains. It happens every day, not just yesterday. But only God knows what happened…But porters helped a lot, there are 1478 porters here…”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa / February 19th, 2025

Indian teenage boy speaks, writes and reads 400 languages

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Mahmood Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

Nineteen-year-old Indian Muslim boy, Mahmood Akram, has astonished the world with his linguistic abilities and achieved what many consider impossible.

With the ability to write, read and type in 400 languages and speak 46 fluently, the Chennai-based Muslim teenager’s journey into languages began at an early age, guided by his father, Shilbee Mozhippriyan, who himself speaks 16 languages, according to media reports.

The young Indian boy believes English isn’t enough for global communication & wants to inspire people of Tamil Nadiu to learn more languages.

Akram’s extraordinary talent became evident when he learned the English alphabet in just six days and Tamil’s 299-character script in three weeks—a feat that typically takes months.

Encouraged by his father, a linguistics expert, he continued to explore languages, surpassing even his mentor’s knowledge by the age of six.

At just eight years old, Akram set a world record as the youngest multilingual typist. By 12, he had impressed German linguists by demonstrating fluency in 400 languages, securing another world record.

“I had struggled because I did not know the language of a particular state or country when I had to move to places like Israel, Spain, due to my job,” shares Shilbee, who also owns a doctorate in cognitive psychology among other degrees.

Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

His passion for languages led him beyond conventional schooling. Unable to find suitable programmes in India, he pursued online studies through an Israeli institution, focusing on Arabic, Spanish, French, and Hebrew.

Inspired by his growing social media following, Akram began teaching languages at 14 through YouTube.

By 2024, he had conducted language workshops in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, sharing his expertise with students worldwide.

He is pursuing a BA in English Literature and a BSc in Animation at Chennai’s Alagappa University while also studying linguistics at the UK’s Open University.

Despite his academic commitments, he remains dedicated to refining his fluency across languages.

As Akram recalls, “My journey started at the age of four.” “My parents began teaching me Tamil and English alphabets, and I mastered the English alphabet in six days. They were astonished.” His aptitude didn’t stop there. He learnt the 299 alphabets of Tamil in just three weeks, a task that typically takes months.  

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Gulf Today Report / February 19th, 2025

Spectrum of styles on canvas of cultures marks Akbar Saheb’s art

Bengaluru / Mumbai / Dubai, U.A.E :

A painting combats drugs.Horses displaying power in colour.

Renowned artist Akbar Saheb has been immersed in the field of art for over 50 years. He has been living and working in Dubai since 1996, and has been honoured with the Golden Visa for his many artistic achievements and exceptional creative contributions to the UAE, his adoptive country, and India, his home country.

His vast collection of artworks, inclusive now of over hundreds of paintings, spans various mediums, including those created in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and more recently, sculptures. His exhibitions extend to both global and local audiences. Among others, he has had a notable solo exhibition done in a new style he calls “Depthism” at Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai (2023).

Later, he hosted another art event in Delhi. The theme was tolerance and Akbar Saheb says that “many people, including foreigners, were mesmerised by the artworks and their creative ideation.”

In 2024, he had a solo exhibition at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club in Dubai. “It was a huge highlight of my creative career,” says Akbar Saheb. His artistic prowess has transcended borders, earning him recognition from the Indian government also. He has been invited to participate in governmental initiatives, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat (Conversations of the Mind) book.

He was the only artist selected to illustrate the volume; it won him recognition in the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and with the public also, during the official launch of the volume. In 2022, he showcased his artwork in 6 solo exhibitions held across India, supported by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. The shows were held in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot, Delhi and Varanasi; they were attended by many VIPs. Akbar created a collection of 55 paintings which served as platforms that presented India’s progress and the transformative impact of Mann Ki Baat initiatives.

Akbar Saheb in a contemplative mood.

The seeds of Akbar’s artistic journey were sown at the tender age of seven. Despite the absence of significant family support, he diligently pursued his passion for art. He began by crafting shop signboards and assisting college students with biology drawings, to finance his sketching material. Years later, his creative flair propelled him to leading advertising agencies, where he specialised in illustration with airbrush techniques. His dedication to art ultimately took him from India’s Bangalore and Mumbai, where he worked in major companies, to Dubai.

His paintings, especially those of horses, feature a bold use of colour and a fearless instinct to show movement. The firm brushstrokes are the vectors of the energy, vitality and dynamism of the animals. The pictures bring memories of the work of Indian artist M. F. Husain, whose horses too portrayed majesty and power.

Akbar Saheb is not merely an artist; he is a compassionate soul with a deep commitment to humanity, particularly towards children with disabilities. Through specialised painting classes and international collaborations, he empowers the children to express their artistry. “I strive to inspire children to embrace art, fill their minds with colours, and explore the world through creativity,” he says.

He has launched painting classes and charitable projects for disabled children, providing them a space for artistic expression and has also auctioned paintings for donations and charity. In an interview, Akbar shared his experience working with the children. “Engaging with these children and witnessing their resilience and creativity is truly humbling,” he said. “They inspire me and remind me of the beauty and strength within each person. Through such efforts, I hope to inspire others too to support and uplift special children, as they live their life and pursue art. Together, we can create a more inclusive and caring society.”

A composition by Akbar Saheb..

Alongside art sessions, the activities he initiates are aimed at raising resources for the development of children with special needs. His aim is to provide them with the necessary assets, materials and educational opportunities to nurture and develop their artistic talent. Investing in their growth, he believes, can create a future where every child, regardless of his or her ability, can thrive and contribute to the community.

Akbar’s extensive portfolio showcases an eclectic array of creative concepts, themes and styles – he has exhibited his works worldwide. “Recently,” he says, “I was invited to do live painting during the Gold Cup final at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Both the teams involved played well; it was an intense match and ended in a tie. But finally, the UAE Polo team broke through, winning the final. My painting was gifted to the winning team for their amazing performance and playing skills!”

A painting titled Black Money.

Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the Patron of the event, for the sixth time, and also led the winning UAE team. Sheikha Maitha was the first woman from the UAE to represent the country in the Olympics, in 2008.

Akbar Saheb is known to numerous celebrities and prominent people; many of them own his paintings. He has produced multiple works depicting the UAE’s culture, and the growth of the country. The 18×7 foot, 50 year golden jubilee painting; paintings on Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; plus over 50 paintings on UAE culture, are among his prized creations. His works range from commissions given by well-known individuals, to paintings done for his own satisfaction. Themes include horses, polo, history and culture and human existence, among others.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Muhammad Yusuf, Features Editor / February 24th, 2025

‘Music without spirituality is meaningless’

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan on maintaining his gharana’s parampara and his views on music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

The illustrious Agra gharana of Hindustani classical music has had distinguished exponents and teachers who have imparted this school of music to countless disciples over the centuries. Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan is a prominent vocalist of this gharana.

Born in 1974, Waseem Khan is the grandson of Ustad Basheer Khan from his father’s side and of Ustad Ata Hussain Khan from his mother’s side. He has thus inherited the rich repertoire of both the khandans . He took his initial taleem (education) from Ata Hussain Khan at the age of six. Thereafter, he learnt from his father, Ustad Naseem Ahmed Khan.

Waseem’s debut performance was at the age of 10. In July 1999, he became a scholar of ITC Sangeet Research Academy ( ITC – SRA) under erstwhile guru Ustad Shafi Ahmed Khan. He left the academy in April 2003 as an A-grade scholar. Since then he has performed at various venues all over the world, sharing the stage with maestros. He taught for five years as a senior faculty member of Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust, an academy run by Ustad Rashid Khan and is currently assisting with ITC-SRA projects. He is also a regular performer for All India Radio.

Waseem, based in Kolkata, will give his first ever concert in Kerala at the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Hall, Thrissur, on September 21 at 5 pm. Prior to the concert, Waseem spoke to Friday Review on his gharana, Indian classical music and more. Excerpts from an e-mail interview.

What are the defining features of the Agra gharana?

The voice production is distinctive; the voice throw is open-throated. The other distinctive features are nom-tom alaap (the rhythmic section where the raga develops with a steady pulse employing syllables such as non-tom but without the binding of tala). The method of presenting a bandish (fixed, melodic composition) is also distinctive of this gharana. We break the bandish into many parts. For example, if there is an interesting line in the antara, we use this line for bol tan (rhythmic pattern of notes which uses the words of the bandish), bol bandh, bol vistar and so on. We are not supposed to create an artificial voice but rather polish the one gifted by God.

Is there an amalgamation of features of various gharanas in the Hindustani music we hear today?

Yes. It is healthy as long as one is able to express one’s identity clearly. Every gharana has its own beautiful features. Artistes of the past also adapted the features of other gharanas and enriched their music. They, however, retained a stamp of their gharana, which could be identified by the opening ‘sa’.

Being part of an ancient and reputed gharana, what are your responsibilities? Do you have another generation to take on the mantle?

It is a huge responsibility. But I feel proud too. I consider it is my duty to carry on this tradition and, if possible, enrich it. The most important aspect is to pass on this legacy to the next generation. My young daughter has started learning it and I’m also teaching students at the ITC-SRA Kolkata apart from my own students. The Agra gharana, today, has a lot of good artistes making their mark in the world of music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

What is your opinion about lighter forms of classical music such as thumri, dadra…?

It is beautiful to sing the light forms also. Old masters of our gharana like Ustad Faiyaz Khan Sahib, for instance, used to sing the thumri and the dadra. I sing these in almost all my concerts. It is nice to switch to a relaxed mood after a heavy khayal.

Is there a link between spirituality and Indian classical music?

Definitely! Music without spirituality is meaningless. Our bandishes address gods irrespective of religion, requesting their mercy for the well-being of this world.

How do you decide which raga to sing at a concert?

The time of the concert plays an important role. Each raga is associated with a specific time. We follow that strictly. But this can be modified depending on the weather and the mood of the concert. For example, Malhar is a night raga. But we may choose it intuitively during a concert held in the day if it is raining outside. We do it because we feel that it will suit the mood and the effect is usually amazing. During festivals like Durga Puja or Basant Panchami, we render ragas like Gouri, Durga or Basant accordingly. And if it is a concert series, we render it according to the raga rendered earlier.

How much does an audience affect your performance?

Like any musician, I love to sing before a huge audience. But there should at least be a handful of good listeners whose presence should motivate me to sing wholeheartedly. In the past, music was confined to a few, now it is accessible to millions across the globe. The gharanas are flourishing, Dhrupad and khayal are intact, there are gurus and shishyas, and there is innovation.

Do you think that the classical music scene is strong and prosperous?

I don’t think there is any threat to good music. Earlier, maharajas were the promoters of classical music. Now we have corporates and organisations in that place. I can say that ITC is a classic example. Then there are organisations like SPICMACAY and NCPA that have also done their bit to carry forward this great tradition.

How relevant is Indian classical music in the modern world?

It is relevant in the modern world. When I see young boys in half-pants touching my feet and learning classical music seriously, I feel it is because they feel it is pertinent. And in the West, the young generation has taken it up enthusiastically.

If you were asked to pick a memorable concert, which would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one. There are so many, like the one in New York recently where the listeners asked me to sing only khayals with elaborate nom tom alaap and not even thumri or dadra. I was surprised. I’m looking forward to the concert series here where I’m sure I will be in the company of avid listeners.

Is the guru-shishya parampara still existent? And what is the best way of doing riyaaz (practice)?

I teach my students the same way I learned from my gurus. But it was tough then, as the gurus were task masters. In the case of riyaaz, my advice would be to do ‘Kharaj Riyaaz’(practice of holding notes on the lower octave, where every single sur is used with full breath) in the morning. It is extremely important for improving one’s voice culture.

If not a professional musician, what career would you have chosen?

I would have been a cricket player, perhaps. I was passionate about the game and played it during my college days. I admire Sourav Ganguly, I’m a great fan of his.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by K Pradeep / September 19th, 2019

Bengal’s Parvin Sultana Overcomes Hardships to Become ITI National Topper, Aspires for Civil Services

Taldi Village (South 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :

Photo Credit: enewsroom

Kolkata:

Parvin Sultana, a young woman from West Bengal, has secured the top position in the All India Industrial Training Institute (ITI) examination 2024 in the Mechanic Diesel Trade, scoring an impressive 599 out of 600 marks.

Despite financial struggles, she achieved this remarkable feat without private coaching. Recognizing her exceptional performance, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated her, and she also received official recognition from Delhi.

Hailing from Taldi village in South 24 Parganas district, Parvin ranked first among female candidates nationwide. However, her academic success contrasts with her family’s financial difficulties. Her father, Taziur Rahman Sardar, works as a daily wage laborer in a fish market, striving to support their seven-member household.

Parvin’s educational journey has been one of determination. She completed her schooling at Taldi Surabala Sikshayatan for Girls’ School, securing 42% in her Madhyamik exams in 2017 and 76% in her Higher Secondary exams in 2019. In 2023, she earned a Political Science degree with 66% marks.

Despite financial hardships, Parvin remained focused on her studies, preparing for the ITI exam with the guidance of her college teachers instead of opting for private tutoring. “I couldn’t afford a tutor, but my teachers supported me. I want to prove that girls can excel in every field,” she said.

Lokman Mollah, a social worker in Canning, praised her perseverance, stating, “Many talented students in the Sundarbans go unnoticed due to financial constraints. Parvin’s success is proof that determination can overcome any obstacle.”

Parvin was honored at a public reception in Canning, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and led by MLA Paresh Ram Das. Canning Panchayat Samiti President Uttam Das also recognized her achievements, while her mother, Rijia Bibi, voiced concerns about financial constraints. “She wants to study further, but we lack the resources,” she said.

Assuring assistance, MLA Paresh Ram Das stated, “Just as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supports meritorious students, we, too, stand by them.”

While excelling in the ITI exam, Parvin’s ultimate goal is to serve society through the civil services. Inspired by her recent success, she has decided to prepare for competitive exams. “Initially, I wasn’t sure what to study for a secure job, but after my ITI results, many suggested civil services. Now, I am enrolling in a coaching center in Kolkata to prepare,” she said.

Parvin’s journey from a small village to national recognition serves as an inspiration, proving that resilience and hard work can overcome financial hardships.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 13th, 2025

Asghar’s book released: Ansari, Zaheeruddin Ali Khan attend

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad: 

Mahboob Khan Asghar’s book “Lahje, Sadayen ‘Tanveerein’ was released on 7th February at Media Plus Auditorium.

Mr. Zaheeruddin Ali Khan Managing Editor of Siasat Urdu Daily released the book.

Prof. Qutub Sarshaar presided over the function.

Maulana Raheemuddin Ansari, Chairman, TS Urdu Academy was the chief guest.

Dr. Mohd. Aslam Imadi and Abdul Rahim Khan expressed their views about the book.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Zaheeruddin Ali Khan told that Mahboob Khan Asghar has done very important interviews for Siasat.

Dr. Alia Mujeeb Arifi conducted the function. Dr. Qutub Sharshaar delivered presidential address.

Source: Siasat News

source: http://www.archive.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / HOme> February 14th, 2020

Artiste Mujeeb Ahmed no more

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysore/Mysuru:

Artiste Mujeeb Ahmed passed away on Apr.6. 

Mujeeb Ahmed was born in Mysuru and lived here for 60 years. He started learning Banjo (Bulbul Tara) and Harmonium from his father late Noor Ahmed when he was 7 years old.

Mujeeb Ahmed, along with his close friend, one of the Kannada and Urdu singers Jahihulla Khan, son of late Shoukath Ali Khan of Bilugunda village, Kodagu district, learnt Hindustani Music from Ustad Basheer Masthan of Mysuru, and together performed several programmes across India. He was a close friend of A.R. Rahaman, renowned composer. 

Mujeeb Ahmed passed the exam with Zahirulla Khan and Zareena Banu in All India Radio, Mysuru. He has given several programmes with many renowned artistes which were telecast in Doordarshan, Bengaluru and several Mehfil Sama Khani (qawwali) programmes to the general public. 

Mujeeb Ahmed leaves behind his wife Nikhath Sulthana, a daughter and two sons.

Mukram Pasha, a resident of Bengaluru, is one of the close disciple of Mujeeb Ahmed and he rendered his services to his Guru Mujeeb Ahmed till his cremation. 

Condoled: Jahidulla Khan, Secretary, Fankaar Welfare Trust of India, Salma Siddiqua, have condoled the death of Mujeeb Ahmed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 11th, 2020

Grab a stick, take the turf: How one man’s passion is transforming Assam’s Barak Valley

Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj), (Barak Valley District) , ASSAM :

Government worker and volleyball player Mohammed Emad Uddin has brought hockey into lives of people in a border district in Assam, motivating children to hone their skills and go on to represent their state & nation in the sport, Prasanta Mazumdar writes.

Only five years ago, the residents of Sribhumi had little notion of hockey. And it would have remained that way, if not for the persistent efforts of a government employee who has sparked a ‘hockey revolution’ in the remote Barak Valley district in Assam, situated on the Bangladesh border.

Now, nearly 500 children across the region wield the stick as they take to the pitch, determined to hone their skills and elevate their game.

Mohammed Emad Uddin, an employee of National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam has made it his mission to spread the game to the nooks and crannies of Sribhumi, formerly known as Karimganj. A passionate advocate of hockey, Emad introduced locals to the fundamentals of the sport.

There is an interesting story behind the propagation of the sport in Sribhumi. A press club wanted to make its tenth anniversary celebration memorable. So, they approached Emad, a volleyball player and sports enthusiast.

“The Badarpur Press Club completed ten years in 2020 and wanted to celebrate the occasion in a unique way by organising a hockey tournament. The club members proposed that I constitute the ‘Karimganj XI’ team. Four teams – Cachar District Sports Association, Hailakandi District Sports Association, Badarpur Press Club and Karimganj XI took part in the tournament. While hockey has been played in Cachar and Hailakandi for long, nobody in Karimganj had played it before,” Emad says.

Sribhumi, Hailakandi and Cachar are the three districts of southern Assam’s Barak Valley. Bengalis, both Hindu and Muslim, constitute the majority in this region.

After the hockey tourney, Emad fell in love with the game. He not only started playing, he also began promoting the sport. He moved around from one place to another within the district, motivating children to play the game.

He visited a number of schools in the area to convince teachers to include hockey in their sports disciplines. Many schools responded positively. Soon, Karimganj Hockey Association was formed, followed by its affiliation with Assam Hockey in 2021. Sahirul Islam Bokul was its founder president.

“An estimated 500 school and college students now play the game in our district. Around 100 of them play it regularly. Most of them are from an academy named Bright Future Institute. It earlier had several sports disciplines but not hockey. We introduced it here,” Emad says, a glint in his eyes.

Some time ago, three hockey players from the Sribhumi district underwent a 14-day training in Guwahati where players were being selected for the state team. Three others from the district also underwent an umpire training course in Nagaon to broaden their horizon.

“Recently, our players took part in a tournament in Charaideo. They also play in inter-district events,” says the NHM employee who once led the district team at a tournament in Cachar.

On January 12 last year, Karimganj Hockey Association organised a tournament with children from seven schools in Malua area of the district. Recalling the event, Emad says there was much enthusiasm among locals.

“Various schools are associated with us. We coach their children when they practice at their school grounds. Sometimes, we hire coaches to impart training. The schoolchildren in our district have developed a keen interest in hockey but we cannot give them as much time as we want as they are often required to sit for their exams. We also have a girls’ team but it is as active as the boys,” Emad says, lamenting the challenges that impede his mission.

In the absence of sponsors, he and members of the Karimganj Hockey Association contribute regularly to ensure that the ‘hockey wave’ continues in the district. Sometimes, help comes from friends and well-wishers. Once, Assam Hockey provided them with some kits.

“We need a dedicated hockey ground. Assam Hockey secretary Tapan Das once visited Sribhumi. He was happy to see the hockey craze,” Emad says.

“We are getting a good response from schools and parents. However, its hasn’t been easy. In a region where there is much greater enthusiasm over cricket, people feel hockey does not have a future. So, teachers and parents were not totally convinced initially. It took an effort to make them believe hockey, too, has a future,” Emad says.

He further says, he and his friends, Salim Ahmed and Taz Uddin, from Karimganj Hockey Association, gained a lot of experience by watching live matches of the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup in Odisha.

Emad has been also instrumental in introducing sepak takraw (foot volleyball) in the district but his focus remains hockey. “It feels good when you can do something for children. My goal is to make sure hockey players from our district represent Assam and India someday and make us proud,” he says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prasanta Mazumdar / February 16th, 2025

Khaleel Bukhari is a man who transformed crises into opportunities: Kanthapuram

Melmuri (Malappuram), KERALA :

Kerala Muslim Jamat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar (right) releasing the autobiography of Madin Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari (middle) by giving a copy to Yemeni scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz at Markaz, Karanthoor, on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sunni spiritual leader and Madin Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari has published his autobiography, The life so far.

Releasing the book, Kerala Muslim Jamat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar said on Monday that the life story of Mr. Bukhari embodied a significant lesson on how an individual could transform crises into opportunities and turn despair into hope.

According to Mr. Kanthapuram, the experiences Mr. Bukhari gained through his extensive travels and intense trials would ultimately benefit society at large.

Renowned Islamic scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz from Yemen received the first copy of the book.

Mr. Kanthapuram said that the story of Mr. Bukhari’s growth from Kadalundi coastal village to a respected Muslim leader was, in many ways, a reflection of the history and development of the Sunni movement he led.

“His [Mr. Bukhari’s] growth has been distinct from other Muslim leaders of Kerala. There are many things that set him apart from the rest,” said Mr. Kanthapuram, attributing his swift rise to prominence within the community to his ability to innovate and implement projects that benefitted marginalised groups.

Umar Mahmood Hussain Samrai from Baghdad, Sheikh Rahmatullah Tirmidhi from Tashkent, Sheikh Bilal Halakh from California, Sheikh Rilwan Ibrahim from Russia, Habib Jindal bin Noufal from Indonesia, Markaz director C. Mohammed Faizy, Haj Committee chairman Husain Saqafi Chullikkode, and Markaz Knowledge City managing director Abdul Hakeem Azhari were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by The Hindu Bureau, Malappuram / February 18th, 2025