Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia, has been honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest recognition given by the Government of India to overseas Indians. This accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering stronger ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
With an illustrious career spanning over 45 years, Dr. Khursheed has held pivotal roles, including three decades of service at King Faisal Hospital and 10 years as a Royal Protocol Physician at the National Guard Hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was a beacon of support for the Indian diaspora, offering essential healthcare, vaccine advocacy, and 24/7 consultations. He also provided unwavering support to Indian pilgrims during Hajj, offering medical assistance at Mina and Arafat for over 30 years. Notably, he served as the personal physician to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Khursheed’s contributions extend beyond healthcare to education and community development.
He established the International Indian School in Taif, promoting academic excellence and cultural integration for Indian expatriates.
His philanthropic endeavours include supporting underprivileged Indians through collaborations with organisations such as the Gulbarga Welfare Society and MESCO.
Since January 2021, he has also served as Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum, an initiative under the Embassy of India in Riyadh.
Fluent in Arabic and deeply connected to Saudi culture, Dr. Khursheed has been a vital link between India and Saudi Arabia, enhancing bilateral relations in the domains of healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. His recognition with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award underscores his lifelong dedication to the Indian community abroad and his role in elevating India’s global stature.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025
Poet Rais Faizi has been honoured with the prestigious Hadouti Gaurav Samman for his exceptional contributions to poetry. The award was presented at Hadouti Gaurav Samman 2024 ceremony, organised by New Kota International Society at Shiv Jyoti Convent School auditorium in Kota’s Srinathpuram locality.
Programme coordinator K.K. Sharma Kamal and society president Anju Sharma highlighted that the event recognised 101 outstanding individuals across various fields, including social service, animal welfare, philanthropy, and academic excellence. Honourees were presented with shawls, beaded necklaces, and commemorative mementos.
The ceremony’s chief guest was Additional Divisional Commissioner Mamta Tiwari, accompanied by Additional District Collector Anil Kumar Singhal, BJP city district president Rakesh Jain, and other distinguished guests. Nearly a dozen individuals from Baran district were among those honoured at the event.
Rais Faizi’s recognition as a distinguished poet brought joy to his community. Former Baran Haj Committee chairman Haji Liaqat Ali Mev, Anjuman president Majid Salim, former Waqf Committee chairman Sajid Salim, District Congress Committee vice president Zakir Mansoori, minority district president Shahid Kundi, Madrasa Committee deputy chairman Shahid Iqbal Bhatti, and other notable figures, including Sheikh Bahadur, Junaid Ansari, Bobby Rain, and bank manager Alsar Khan Bhatti, expressed their heartfelt congratulations.
The Hadouti Gaurav Samman is a prominent regional award, recognising individuals, who have made significant contributions to the Hadouti region, encompassing Kota, Baran, Bundi, and Jhalawar districts in Rajasthan. This year’s event celebrated the region’s cultural heritage and achievements of its talented individuals.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / January 06th, 2025
Renowned Hyderabad-based writer and doctor, Dr. Abid Moiz, has been conferred the prestigious Delhi Urdu Academy Award for his outstanding contributions to science literature in Urdu. He is the only recipient from South India to receive this recognition for 2023-24, which includes a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
As per Siyasat daily, Dr. Moiz’s ground-breaking work has made scientific concepts more accessible to Urdu-speaking audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for science within the community. Known for his unique ability to merge science with literature, he has authored 23 science books and 17 humour and satire books, carving a distinct niche in the Urdu literature.
Dr. Moiz’s journey into science writing began with Diabetes Ke Saath Saath (Living with Diabetes), aimed at promoting health awareness. His repertoire includes books like Chiknai Aur Hamari Sehat (Fats and Our Health), Cholesterol Kam Kijiye (Reduce Cholesterol), Namak Kam Karen (Reduce Salt), and Ramzan Aur Hamari Sehat (Ramzan and Our Health). These books focus on health management and dietary choices, blending scientific knowledge with simple language and engaging graphics.
Dr. Moiz’s works, such as Motapa (Obesity) and Tarkari aur Phal Khayen (Eat Vegetables and Fruits), emphasise balanced nutrition and healthy living, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in the underrepresented genre of Urdu science literature.
In addition to his literary contributions, Dr. Moiz serves on the advisory board of Science Urdu, a popular science monthly magazine edited by Dr. Aslam Parvez, former Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University. His involvement underscores his commitment to promoting scientific awareness among Urdu readers.
The Delhi Urdu Academy also honoured several other luminaries this year, including Javed Akhtar for promoting Urdu, Taha Naseem for children’s literature, Anee Aazmi for drama, Prof. Ahmed Mahfooz for research and criticism, and Rakshanda Roohi for prose.
Previously, Dr. Moiz received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Telangana State Urdu Academy in 2019 for his sustained contributions to Urdu literature and science writing.
Dr. Moiz’s achievements exemplify how science and literature can harmoniously coexist, even in languages traditionally associated with arts and culture. By simplifying complex scientific ideas, he continues to empower readers and enrich the legacy of Urdu literature.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 09th, 2025
Prof Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University with the Best Indian Golden Personalities Award, 2025
Aligarh:
Prof Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University has been honoured with the Best Indian Golden Personalities Award, 2025 by the Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi.
Prof Ghaus has been chosen for the award for her commitment to advancing educational excellence in India and empowerment through education, and for her relentless pursuit of innovation, creativity and quality of work on the educational landscape.
The award recognises her pivotal role in shaping the future of thousands of students through her deep commitment to educational reforms, mentorship, and for fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025
Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, Co Founders of Zubair Curve Electrics at Shark Tank India- 4 Show
Two young Kashmiri men’s startup of providing eco-friendly urban transportation solutions may not have won them funding from the judges of Shark Tank India-4, a business reality show on Sony Television, but it won their immense admiration and exposed their successful business model to a larger world.
Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, co-founders of Curve Electrics, got many heads nodding in appreciation when they said at the show in two years, their startup has helped environment by saving 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
The mission Curve Electrics, launched in the summer of 2023, began with 50 e-bikes in Srinagar from 11 docking stations, in collaboration with the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). The number of e bikes has since grown up to 150 in Srinagar.
They also provides these services In the neighbouring Ganderbal district’s Central University of Kashmir (CUK), and the Hindu shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani, Tulamulla.
“We have already completed 55,000 rides, 720,000 km and have saved 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions….it is equivalent to the planting of 7200 trees”, during the last one and a half years, said Sheikh Yameen, Managing Director of Curve Electrics.
At the show, Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat said though at present their operations are limited to Kashmir Valley, they wanted to expand operations to other mountain towns such as Shimla and Mussoorie.
They also spoke about do business in college campuses across the country. They have shortlisted 1,400 campuses where they can expand their business. The entrepreneurs said that they have devised their bikes, and these are available through a mobile application and the users are not asked for seudirty deposits.
Yameen said, “Shark Tank India gave us an incredible platform to share our dream of revolutionizing urban mobility. Coming from Srinagar, this journey represents not just Curve Electric, but the untapped potential of Kashmiri youth. We’re excited for what lies ahead”
Sheikh Yameen and his friend, Mohsin Bashir are the co-founders of this startup. Yameen had completed his MBA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Kashmir, while his friend Mohsin Bashir was studying Management in the US.
The two pitched their sustainable e-bike service Curve Electric to the panel of ‘sharks’, which included Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and newcomer Kunal Bahl.
Peyush was “very impressed” by the entrepreneurs’ ability to erase all the onboarding issues that customers might have. Vineeta explained, “There is a little complexity here. There is a lot of dependence on governments, and from what I’ve seen in all the other companies, the setting that you have to do with governments and local bodies, becomes a make-or-break situation. Your expansion will not depend on your ambition; it will depend on where you get the local support”.
Yameen nodded in agreement, and said that they haven’t had any losses yet, and have raised a round of investment already, valuing their company at Rs 8.5 crore.
Each of them backed out of the deal, but Peyush bid the founders farewell at a positive note. Addressing Yameen, he said, “It’s like looking at a mirror, you are me. You are saying everything I would have said 10 years back. The detailed customer-focused obsession you have, I have not seen in Shark Tank in four years.” In the end, the two entrepreneurs walked away with no deal, but loads of positive wishes.
Curve Electric’s pitch stood out not just for its business potential but also for the pride it brought to Kashmir. The team’s efforts reflect the entrepreneurial energy brewing in the Valley, proving that innovation knows no boundaries, Sheikh Yameen observed.
He said that the overwhelming response from the sharks and viewers alike has bolstered Curve Electric’s vision and opened doors for new opportunities. By fusing modern solutions with the rich cultural backdrop of Kashmir, the startup is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future, leaving an indelible mark on India’s entrepreneurial landscape.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / January 11th, 2025
Many students dream of clearing the civil services examinations but those with small means, a majority of whom are from the Muslim community, can’t afford coaching and guidance from experts for it.
To address this, the Maharashtra State Minority Officers and Employees Association (MRAAKA) has announced its residential coaching classes for students from minority communities who are preparing for competitive examinations for jobs of admissions in higher learning institutes.
For several years, MRAAKA which is registred as Maharashtra Rajya Alpaksankhyak Adhikari – Karmachari Association. has been undertaking social work and spreading awareness among minorities. In its latest initiative, the organization said its classes will be held in Pune for the academic year 2024–25.
MRAAKA President Haji Jatkar said on the initiative, “The organization was founded by a group of Muslim government employees to contribute to the welfare of the minority community. Initially, we collaborated with Anjuman Islam to organize coaching classes. Since 2021, we have partnered with the Haj Committee for this purpose. Our organization is the first government-recognized institution in the country dedicated to working for the upliftment of the minority community.”
He further added, “Students from minority communities, particularly Muslims, face challenges in pursuing higher education. We provide them with hostel facilities, study centers, and financial assistance through scholarships.”
Highlighting the purpose of the initiative, Haji Jatkar said, “While other communities have access to competitive exam academies, there isn’t a single academy of this kind for minority communities in the state. If students from minority communities are given access to quality institutions and proper guidance, they can significantly contribute to the development of society and the nation. It is fulfilling to see our organization providing a platform for minority students to claim their rightful opportunities.”
Asir Sheikh, Assistant State Tax Commissioner and a member of MRAAKA, said, “The challenges faced by minority communities are often discussed, but concrete actions to address them are rare. Bringing minority students into administrative roles is essential for the community’s growth. That’s why our organization has launched this residential coaching program to guide students and help them enter the administrative system,” he said.
He noted, “So far, we have completed two batches of residential coaching classes. Only a limited number of students are selected through a rigorous admission process. Of these, 13 students have successfully cleared competitive exams and secured postings.”
At present applications for the 2024–25 residential coaching classes in Pune are being accepted by MRAAKA. The last date for submission is January 9, 2025. Applicants’ records related to state service exams will be reviewed. Following the scrutiny, 100 students will be shortlisted for interviews, and 25 will be selected.
Preference will be given to candidates who have cleared the preliminary or main state service exams in the past. Additionally, applicants will need to provide caste verification certificates as per government reservation policies.
Any graduate from a minority community who has appeared for the state service preliminary exam and demonstrates potential to succeed can apply. The program is open to motivated students from all branches of study.
The organization works for the welfare of minority employees and aims to increase the literacy rate and overall development of minority communities. It also plans to establish separate libraries for Hindi and Marathi to promote the development of these languages.
Additionally, with the support of central and state governments, MRAAKA encourages sports by providing scholarships and other incentives to athletes from minority communities.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Fazal Pathan / January 05th, 2025
Muslim Mirror’s list of 100 Indian Muslim achievers features four notable personalities from Karnataka, recognized for their contributions to education, business, journalism, and community development.
Bidar’s Abdul Qadeer – Educator and Visionary Leader Abdul Qadeer, a renowned educationist and founder of the Shaheen Group of Institutions in Bidar, has dedicated his life to empowering marginalized communities through education.
Under his leadership, Shaheen Institutions have grown into a network providing quality education, emphasizing academic excellence and holistic development. His commitment to integrating modern and traditional education has enabled numerous students to excel in competitive examinations and achieve higher educational aspirations.
Mangaluru’s Dr. Abdullah Kunhi – Entrepreneur and Educationist Dr. Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, the founder of Yenepoya University in Mangalore, has transformed education and healthcare in Karnataka.
Known for his vision and humanitarian spirit, Dr. Kunhi established Yenepoya University as a multidisciplinary institution offering innovative programs across various fields.
He also expanded healthcare access through advanced medical facilities and initiated programs to uplift marginalized communities, including scholarships and community health initiatives.
Azim Hashim Premji – Business Tycoon and Philanthropist Azim Premji, former chairman of Wipro Limited, revolutionized India’s IT industry and emerged as one of the country’s most influential business leaders.
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, Premji is also one of the world’s leading philanthropists. Through the Azim Premji Foundation, he has donated over $21 billion, primarily to improve education and healthcare in India, leaving an indelible mark on society.
Mohammed Zubair – Journalist and Fact-Checker Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of the fact-checking website Alt News, is a pivotal figure in combating misinformation in India.
Transitioning from an engineering background to journalism, Zubair has exposed numerous instances of fake news and disinformation, fostering accountability and promoting responsible journalism. Despite facing harassment and legal challenges, his dedication to truth and transparency remains unwavering.
Irfan Razack – Real Estate Mogul and Community Advocate Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, is one of India’s leading real estate entrepreneurs.
Based in Bengaluru, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s real estate landscape, making Prestige Group one of the most prominent property developers in the country.
Razack is also the co-founder of Inventure Academy in Bengaluru and has held esteemed positions, including Honorary Secretary of the Al-Ameen Educational Society and Chairman of CREDAI.
His community contributions through the Kutchi Memon Jamat and philanthropic initiatives have earned him numerous awards, including the Real Estate Excellence Award (2008) and Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Award (2010).
According to the 2024 Forbes list of India’s 100 richest tycoons, Irfan Razack and his siblings are ranked 49th, with a net worth of $6 billion.
These five distinguished individuals from Karnataka exemplify excellence, resilience, and a commitment to societal progress, earning them well-deserved recognition on this prestigious list.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by The Hindustan Gazette / January 06th, 2024
Popular businessman Muhammad Maula has been elected as the new president of the Udupi District Muslim Okkuta for the next two years. The decision was made during the 2025-26 general meeting held at the UBMC hall in Udupi.
M.A. Maula, known for his various social, educational and community activities, has previously served as the general secretary of the Okkuta twice and as the vice-president once.
Additionally, Yaseen Malpe, Idris Hoode, Iqbal Katapady, Rafiq Gangolli and Maulana Zamir Ahmed Rashadi Kandlur were elected as district committee members at the central level.
Taufiq Abdullah Navunda, Dr. Abdul Azeez Manipal, Abdurrahman Kannangar and Khalid Manipura were appointed as representatives of various organizations.
Abdul Aziz Udyawara, Yaseen Bengre, Syed Farid, Iqbal Manna, Shabbir Malpe, Irshad Nejar, V.S. Umar and Adil Hoode were elected as district committee members from Udupi taluk.
From Kundapura, Riyaz Kodi, Dastagir Kandloor, Shaban Hanglur, Mushtaq Hennabailu, and Hanif Gulwadi were elected.
Shabhi Ahmed Qazi, Nasir Ahmed Sharfuddin, Anwar Ali, Muhammad Azam Sheikh, and Muhammad Iqbal from Kaup taluk; Muhammad Ghouse, Ashfaq Ahmed, Nasir Sheikh, Muhammad Sharif Banglegudde, and Muhammad Sharif Renjala from Karkala taluk; Tajuddin Ibrahim, Ibrahim Kota, Asif Baikady, Aslam Haikadi, and Haroon Rashid Sastana from Brahmavar; and Shams Tabrez, Sheikh Fayyaz Ali, Amin Golihole, and Aftab Kiri Manjeshwara from Byndoor taluk, along with Tufail Shahabuddin, were elected.
In the subsequent district committee meeting, Ismail Hussain Katapady, Mustafa Saadi Mulur, T. M. Zafrullah Hoode, Khatib Rashid Malpe, Buaji Muhsin Byndoor, Sheikh Abdullatif Madani, Raihan Trasi, Abu Muhammad Mujawar Kundapur, Peer Saheb Adi Udupi, and B. Muhyuddin Katapady were co-opted as members of the district committee.
Maulana Abdur Raqib Nadvi, the General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, Bhatkal, oversaw the election process.
The general assembly commenced with the recitation of the Quran by Maulana Zamir Ahmed Rashadi, the vice-president of Udupi district Muslim Okkuta. General Secretary Muhammad Idris Hoode delivered the introductory remarks, followed by Secretary Ismail Hussain, who presented the biennial report. Treasurer Syed Farid then presented the biennial accounts to the assembly. The session concluded with the presidential address delivered by Muhammad Yasin Malpe.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 01st, 2025
The Bangalore Press Club has announced the list of recipients of its ‘Press Club Golden Jubilee Award’ and ‘Annual Award,’ recognizing journalists for their outstanding contributions in the field of journalism.
The ‘Golden Jubilee Award’ will be conferred upon popular Journalists Janagere Venkataramaiah, Indudhara Honnapura, Subhash Kevin Rai, G.S. Krishnamurthy, and Dr. Nagesh Basavaraj for their dedicated service to journalism.
In addition, 50 senior journalists have been chosen for the ‘Annual Award,’ including Vartha Bharathi Kannada Daily’s Bengaluru Bureau Chief Prakash C., along with Srikanth Hunasavadi, Yathiraju, Punyavathi H.P., Muhammad Ismail N.A., Raju Malavalli, Anis Nisar Ahmed, Sivakumar Menisakai, among others.
The awards will be distributed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at a ceremony to be held at the Press Club premises on the evening of January 12. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will also be present for the event, according to R. Sridhar, President of Bangalore Press Club.
Meanwhile, The Bangalore Press Club will also confer the ‘Person of the Year Award’ to Minister of Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil, Energy Minister K.J. George, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister K.H. Muniyappa.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / January 03rd, 2025
Senior scholar, thinker, and writer, Prof. Muzaffar Hussain Assadi, who served as the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Political Science Department at Mysore University, passed away late Friday night at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 63 years old.
Prof. Muzaffar Assadi conducted extensive studies on the lives and lifestyles of tribal communities.
He served as the chairperson of a committee appointed to address the displacement of tribal populations. His research and contributions spanned areas such as agricultural studies, globalization, Gandhian philosophy, political sociology, democratic theories, social movements, comparative governance, Indian politics, human rights, and global political theories, earning him significant recognition.
Hailing from Shirva in Udupi district, Dr. Muzaffar Assadi completed his postgraduate degree from Mangalore University, followed by an M.Phil. and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
He later pursued a Rockefeller Fellowship and Post-Doctoral studies at the University of Chicago.
He authored 11 books during his illustrious career.
As the chairperson of the High Court Committee on Tribal Displacement, he submitted an impactful report.
His notable works include Multifaceted Feminist Narratives and Movements in Karnataka, Asmita, among others.
Previously, he served as the Special Officer of the newly established Raichur University.
Prof. Assadi received numerous honors, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / January 04th, 2025
