Ex bureaucrat Moosa Raza passes away at 87: A Journey of dedication, integrity, and public service

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU:

Moosa Raza

Ex bureaucrat Moosa Raza has passed away in Chennai on Thursday. He was 87. He is survived by his son and two daughters.

Moosa Raza’s life is a testament to dedication, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service. Born on 27th February 1937 in Minambur, a small village in Tamil Nadu, India, Moosa Raza’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected bureaucrat and prolific writer is marked by his unwavering principles and tireless efforts to make a positive impact on society.

Education played a pivotal role in shaping Moosa Raza’s worldview. He displayed exceptional academic prowess from a young age, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Language and Literature from Madras Presidency College, now Presidency College, Chennai. His academic achievements were exceptional, winning seven college medals across various disciplines. This included a First Class First in his degree, a testament to his dedication and intellectual acumen.

In 1958, Moosa Raza embarked on a dual path of academia and civil service. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor of English at Presidency College, his alma mater, while also preparing for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examinations. His commitment to both teaching and public service underscored his multifaceted talents and passion for contributing to society.

In 1960, Moosa Raza’s dedication paid off as he was selected for the Indian Administrative Service for Gujarat in his first attempt. This marked the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned over three decades and left an indelible mark on India’s administrative landscape.

Throughout his career, Moosa Raza held several key positions that showcased his leadership abilities and commitment to public welfare. He served as Collector and District Magistrate in various districts of Gujarat, managing critical responsibilities such as flood relief operations and drought management with unparalleled dedication and effectiveness. His tenure as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated his administrative acumen in handling complex governance challenges.

Moosa Raza’s contributions extended beyond government service. He played pivotal roles in prestigious industrial and commercial enterprises, including chairing the National Textiles Corporation and Gujarat State Fertilizers Company Ltd. His strategic leadership helped turn around struggling enterprises, saving thousands of jobs and contributing to Gujarat’s industrial growth.

In recognition of his exemplary service and contributions to society, Moosa Raza was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This prestigious accolade is a testament to his lasting impact and dedication to public welfare.

Apart from his illustrious bureaucratic career, Moosa Raza is also a celebrated author. His book “Of Nawabs and Nightingales” offers a glimpse into his early experiences in the Indian Administrative Service, showcasing his keen observations and insights into governance and society. He has also authored books on spirituality and personal reflections, such as “In Search of Oneness” and “Khwab-e-Natamaam” (Incomplete Dreams), showcasing his diverse literary interests and philosophical depth.

Moosa Raza’s contributions go beyond professional achievements. He has been actively involved in educational initiatives, serving as the chairman of the South Indian Educational Trust (S.I.E.T.) and supporting initiatives for women’s education, dyslexic children, and communal harmony.

In his personal life, Moosa Raza is a devoted husband and father, exemplifying the values of family and community that underpin his life’s work.

Moosa Raza’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to a revered bureaucrat, accomplished author, and dedicated advocate for societal progress embodies the essence of service, leadership, and intellectual pursuit. His life and legacy continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Obituary / by Muslim Mirror / May 08th, 2024

Sana Khan has changed lives of 10,000 poor children through education

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Jasola Village, NEW DELHI :

Sana Khan, founder Rahat Foundation receiving an award in Dubai

Sana Khan set up the Rahat Foundation on 26 February 2010 and during the 14 years of its existence in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra it helps women school dropouts. 

Sitting in her modest office in Jasola village in south east Delhi, Sana Khan, 47, told Awaz-the Voice that presently her most important project is about getting the school dropouts to complete their education. She gets such women admitted to the Jamia’s openm school of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). 

Sana Khan says belueves that the right to education is universal and with this thought she has so far rehablitated 2,000 dropout children back into the educational mainstream.

Sana Khan not only sends the dropouts back to school but also takes the responsibility of imparting them skills and ensuring their job placements.

Her NGO teaches courses like digital marketing, fashion designing, etc. Interestingly, Rahat Foundation also managed to train 256 women drivers and helped them get licenses to drive.

Sana Khan says so far her NGO has employed about 10 thousand young men and women. They had acquired different skills at the classes of the Rahat Foundation. 

Of these, 6000 did learn digital marketing, and 4000 fashion designing . Sana Khan says she contacted the fashion designing industry located in Okhla Phase 2 in Delhi, while the digital marketing trainees gots jobs in the IT sector, call centers, Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, etc

Some beneficieries of Rahat Foundation

She also remains in touch with the companies where she enrolls the skilled young men and women of the Rahat Foundation for jobs.

Sana Khan said, “My father died when I was in my 8th class. I was 13 years old. I had two elder brothers and a mother in my house. I can’t even describe the financial difficulties we faced at that time. One day a person from an NGO touched our lives and everything started changing.”

“Back then I got support and today I am at the stage where I have created a successful world of my own. I always try to help others, ” she says.

Rahat Foundation takes utmost care of all their beneficiaries. It arranges their exam fees, books, etc. The NGO does occasional fundraising to meet its expenses.  

Sana Khan receiving an award

Sana Khan says she is careful in checking the genuineness of the beneficiery. She says there is a strict system of checking and whetting of a potential beneficiery. Rahat Foundation takens both boys and girls under its wings, she said.

Sana Khan has 70 people in her team who are divided into groups to form sub-units and working at the grass root in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra.

Sana Khan said that soon Rahat Foundation will set up its centers in Bangalore, Karnataka.

Sana Khan says that from time to time she organizes camps in which awareness about education is spread in society. So far, she has set up 500 to 600 campuses under the banner of Rahat Foundation.

Sana Khan receiving an award

Going down memory lane, Sana Khan said that when she did a mass communication course from South Delhi Polytechnic, New delhi in 2010, she also worked with the Sahara group of publications. 

“However, while working with the newspaper, my wish to help the needy kept over powering my mind and ultimately, I had laid the foundation of Rahat Foundation.”

Sana Khan says that today her NGO is well-known for its work and people do recognise her work. She said she received immense support from society during the Covid-19 pandemic when Rahat Foundation distributed blankets and dry rations to the people. It also ditributed school bags for children to keep their hopes alibe and essential medicines during that difficult phase.

Recently Sana Khan was honoured in Dubai, the UAE. She had already received several awards and honours from companies and forums in Bengaluru, and Delhi. 

Sana Khan is willing to help people who contact her on her  website and Facebook page. .

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / May 04th, 2024

Akeel Ahmed of Kargil becomes youngest Air Safety Officer at DGCA

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Sankoo Thangdumbdur Village (Kargil) , LADAKH :

Mohammad Akeel

New Delhi :

Mohd Akeel, a 22-year-old Aeronautical engineer hailing from Ladakh has become the first person from the frontier region to be selected as the Air Safety Officer in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Akeel cleared the Union Public Services Commission’s national examination held for selecting Air safety officers for 2023.

People are congratulating Akeel on social media, praising his achievement at such a young age, and calling it a breaking the barriers phenomenon.

Akeel is one of the youngest people to clear this coveted examination.

He belongs to the village Sankoo Thangdumbdur, located about 42 km from Kargil town in the Union territory of Ladakh.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / May 08th, 2024

Saria Khan of Lucknow is second topper in ICSC board exam

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH:

Saria Khan with her parents after the result

Saria Khan of Lucknow has become the second topper in the International Council for Schools Certification (ICSC) Board.

Saria Khan’s family lives in the middle-class neighborhood of Daliganj in the city. Her father Rais Khan is a lawyer by profession. She has two brothers senior to her.

After her results were declared, Saria said since she has an interest in Biology, she wants to become a doctor. She says medicine is a profession in which there is an opportunity to help others.

She said she is determined to become a doctor since her teachers have taught her not to have options in life. Options will not allow one to focus on the goal. Her parents and brothers have been supportive of her dreams and kept encouraging her to continue her focus. Saria says that she left no stone unturned in preparing for the board examination. She used to study for seven to eight hours after school.

The ICSE board released the 10th standard results with 99.97 percent clearing it. The result for the girl students was 99.98 percent and for boys 99.97 percent.

 There are four toppers of the exam: Hargun Kaur Matharu from Pune, Anika Gupta from Kanpur, Pushkar Tripathi from Balrampur, and Kanishka Mittal from Lucknow – with 499 marks (99.80%).

Saria says there is only one mantra for success in life -focus on your goal. While doing other work never forget the target. To become a topper, she studied hard and diligently.

“I could see my goal and stay focused by adopting different strategies. Today, I am very happy that I have reached the first step toward fulfilling the dreams of my parents. But the destination is still far away, and I have to work for it.

Saria and her family have been busy receiving the congratulatory message on phone and receiving guests who are dropping in to meet her.

“I will never forget this moment, the way the people of the country are showering love on me. I am even exhausted from attending to the phone, but I am attending to each call and visitor. A total of 110 students are included in the list of top three rank holders for the ICSE board 10th examination. In which there is a difference of one point each between the three ranks.

While four candidates secured the top rank with 499 marks out of 500, 34 students including Saria stood second with 498 marks. Similarly, 72 candidates secured the third rank with 497 marks out of 500.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations announced a merit list after two years. The results were declared based on an alternate evaluation scheme after the examination was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall pass percentage is 99.97, the officials said.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Tajo Khan, Lucknow / July 18th, 2022

Academia and Aroma: PhD Holder’s Dhaba at JNU Offers a Poetic Huddle

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BIHAR / NEW DELHI:

Dr. Shahzad Ibrahimi’s Maamu Dhaba has captivated patrons with tea and Urdu poetry for about two decades.

New Delhi:

In the bustling corridors of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, a distinctive aroma of tea mingles with the resonant verses of Urdu poetry. This unique sensory experience is courtesy of Maamu Dhaba, a cherished and venerated institution on the campus, nurtured by the academic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit of its owner, Dr. Shahzad Ibrahimi.

Hailing from Bihar and armed with a PhD in Urdu language, Dr. Shahzad’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Twenty years ago, fresh after completing his doctoral thesis, Dr. Shahzad made a pivotal decision to establish Maamu Dhaba within the precincts of his alma mater. Adjacent to the university library, the dhaba swiftly became a sanctuary for students and professors alike, offering not just tea but also a refuge for scholarly discussions and intellectual pursuits late into the night.

Dr. Shahzad reflected on his unconventional career trajectory: “After obtaining my PhD, I briefly explored opportunities outside academia, including a stint at a TV station. However, I soon realised that my true calling lay elsewhere.” With the unwavering support of his wife, Dr. Shahzad embarked on the journey of dhaba ownership, a decision that would shape the cultural landscape of JNU for years to come.

Maamu Dhaba, christened after their shared vision and dedication, stands out amidst the plethora of dhabas in JNU not only for its aromatic tea but also for its unique blend of academia and culture. Dr. Shahzad’s commitment to his craft surpasses even his dedication to his doctoral thesis, as he divulges, “Running this dhaba demands more time and effort than my PhD ever did.”

Beyond serving tea, Maamu Dhaba serves as a platform for fostering a love for the Urdu language and poetry. Dr. Shahzad, with his profound affection for Urdu literature, regales patrons with verses from renowned poets such as Ghalib, Mir, and Momin. “I consider it my duty to share the beauty of Urdu poetry with all who visit, regardless of their familiarity with the language,” he asserts, underscoring his dedication to preserving and promoting Urdu culture.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Clarion Special> Editor’s Pick> India / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / May 07th, 2024

Dr. Ijaz Ali is a surgeon who treats poor and seeks justice for Pasmanda Muslims

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BIHAR :

Dr Ijaz Ali performing a surgery

Dr. Ijaz Ali wears many hats: he is a well-known surgeon of Bihar, a former member of Parliament, and a crusader for the rights of marginalized people. As president of the All India United Muslim Morcha, he has extended his support to the BJP for its pro-Pasmanda stance, and, is thereby, supporting the NDA candidates in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, Mahfooz Alam spoke to Dr. Ijaz Ali on his life and mission.

Dr.Ijaz Ali was born in a lower-middle-class family in 1958. His father Sheikh Mumtaz Ali was the first in the family to have received an education and he rose to the position of BDO in the British Raj. Ijaz Ali started his education at a Madrasa Anjuman Islamia School associated with an orphanage in Munger town up to the seventh standard.

However, he joined the government school for his eighth standard and later cleared his matriculation examination from the Hazaribagh District School. He was always a topper in school and also topped the matriculation examination at the State level. 

Dr Ijaz Ali at his clinic

Ijaz Ali says that he was the sixth among 10 brothers and sisters. Though his father was paid well due to a large brood of children, the family lived hand to mouth. So as a father, he focused on giving education and imparting moral values to all his children.

Dr.Ijaz Ali says he studied in a school meant for orphans since his father could not afford to send him to a private school. “I was a very good student and stood first in every class,” he said proudly. 

Thereafter, he joined the prestigious Science College in Patna for further studies. “I loved mathematics, physics, and chemistry, but my parents wanted me to become a doctor and I shifted to biology. At first, I didn’t like it ( the idea of studying biology), but my family admitted me to the Science College in the Biology stream. 

“Studying biology was the turning point in my life,” says the surgeon, who is a name to reckon with in the state and outside.

Dr Ijaz Ali is always surrounded by patients

For him, the first year of college was very difficult, as he had no interest in biology. Soon he realized there was a good future ahead for him if he studied well. “As a student, I never wasted time – he follows this routine even today. I worked hard, and soon I started enjoying the subject I once hated.  I also topped the higher secondary examination in the Patna Science College  I also was among three toppers of the entrance examination for the MBBS course in the Patna Medical College.”

When Ijaz Ali joined the Patna Medical College in 1975, his family was proud of him as he would be the first one among them to become a doctor. However, he faced financial difficulties while studying in the PMCH, “Food in PMCH canteen was expensive so I arranged to eat at another hostel, next to PMCH and spent two years studying and spending time in the crowded neighborhood. Buying books was also difficult for me. When he reached the second year”

He said, “Books were costly and I didn’t have money to buy them, so I used to manage my studies somehow. “Even during my medical studies, my passion for studies did not let any difficulty stand in the way. I was in the top three in MBBS in medical college and I got admission for M.S.”

Dr. Ijaz Ali says he got some relief while studying for his Master’s in Surgery. In 1980, he married the daughter of Ghulam Sarwar, a prominent political leader. Due to his in-law’s support, he was relieved of basic financial problems and also joined as an assistant to Dr. Kamal Ashraf, a well-known surgeon of the city.

Dr. Ijaz Ali treating a hospitalised patient

“I used to get a Rs 400 stipend from PMCH and most importantly, I got the opportunity to stay with Ghulam Sarwar and learn from Dr. Kamal Ashraf. I was eating home-cooked food and was being trained as a surgeon by the best person.” He completed his MS degree from Patna Medical College and again topped the exams.

On the advice of Ghulam Sarwar, he opened a clinic in 1984 in his house in Patna. In the same year, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated and there was uproar throughout the country. Slowly my picked up. “In 1990, Ghulam Sarwar became the Minister of the Bihar Government and he handed over his house to me for use as a clinic.

Dr. Ejaz Ali took up medicine as a social service and while all consultants in Patna charge Rs 300 as consultation fees he has kept it as low as Rs 10.

“A good doctor was available at a lower fee, so a caravan of people started arriving at the hospital. The rickshaw-pullers, thela-walas, sabzi-walas, and people from the rural areas started coming in droves,” he said.

“I was a surgeon but started all kinds of treatment. Many villagers who came to me had no money to eat and I wondered how they would buy medicines. Though I was a surgeon, I was treating patients with tuberculosis, kala azar, and everything.”

 He realized most of his patients were poor Muslims. He reduced his fees for surgery to a minimum. I understood that there is so much poverty among Muslims.

Dr. Ijaz Ali

Dr. Ijaz Ali says he became successful because of his hard work and discipline but he is pained to see that children in neighbourhood where he was born were living in the same conditions. “Children are still hurling abuses at each other while playing street games and indulging in Lathi Danda in Muharram

“After I became a doctor and started practicing, many poor Muslims came to me for treatment and consultations. I started visiting the villages to know their conditions. After visiting hundreds of villages and seeing the condition of people, I felt that I should fight for their development and welfare.”

For 44 years, Dr. Ijaz Ali has been traveling to a village every Friday to be with the people and understand their problems. “During 1990-92, the environment across the country was surcharged. Ghulam Sarwar Sahib was a great leader of the Muslims of Bihar, so many people used to visit him. He was my father-in-law, and I lived with him. He did not like people who seek political advantage by inflaming the feelings of Muslims. Under these circumstances, I felt that Muslims do not need emotional slogans but should get opportunities to become good and empowered citizens.”

Dr. Ijaz Ali says that to bring justice to the weaker sections of backward Muslims, he set up the All India Muslim United Morcha. “Our demand to the government is that the Dalit section of the Muslims should also be provided with the facility of Section 341 of the Constitution so that they can also raise their standard of living. 

“From what we have seen on the ground’, Dr. Ijaz Ali says, “There is a need for reservation for this section of the Indian population for the overall development of society and the nation If this large section of the population is facilitated to join the developmental mainstream, it will change the situation.”

Dr Ijaz Ali says that no one can be successful in life without clear goals and objectives. The greater the success, the more effort it will demand. Therefore, even in difficult situations, people should not leave the path of justice, patience, and peace.

He says that for a successful person, it is equally important that he thinks about the welfare of the society.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mehfooz Alam, Pune / May 06th, 2024

Rifah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Delhi Hosts Business Networking Event

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NEW DELHI :

New Delhi :

The Rifah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Delhi Chapter organized a business networking event at India Islamic Cultural Centre, here Saturday. The event saw the participation of various manufacturers, traders and service providers and industrialists from Delhi and nearby areas such as Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurgaon.

The program commenced with a high tea session where attendees mingled and networked with each other over refreshments. Following this, the program began with recitation of the Quran, setting a spiritual tone for the event. Mr. Sultan Salahuddin, State President of Delhi, initiated the proceedings with his opening remarks.

Mr. Salahuddin Ahmad, ex-National Admin of Rifah, conducted a presentation on how manufacturers, traders and services providers could introduce their companies effectively during such networking events. All the manufacturers, traders and service providers presented their companies in accordance with the provided guidelines.

Mr. Sayed Ahmed Saood, a seasoned business coach and strategic management consultant, shared insights into the challenges of marketing and proposed solutions based on his extensive experience in the field. Mr. Rashid Kamal Lari presented his company, Larson Paint, as a sponsor of the event and highlighted its contributions.

The program concluded with a powerful speech by Mr. S. Ameenul Hasan, the Chairman of Rifah, who emphasized how Rifah is evolving into an eco-friendly platform for the benefit of manufacturers, traders and service providers. He also enlightened the audience about the leadership skills of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the successful principles of business in Islam.

Mr. Salimullah Khan, Ameer Halqa Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Delhi, expressed gratitude to all participants and the Rifah Delhi team for organizing the event successfully.

The business networking meet facilitated valuable interactions among manufacturers, traders and service providers, providing them with insights, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase their businesses. It also underscored Rifah’s commitment to fostering a supportive and environmentally conscious business environment.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / May 06th, 2024

Deputy Commissioner Nooh Siddiqui Reflects on UPSC Triumph and Role of Urdu as Optional Subject

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Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA / Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

In an enlightening conversation with Mohd Naushad Khan, Deputy Commissioner Nooh Siddiqui shares profound insights into his UPSC journey, highlighting the significance of Urdu as an optional subject.

Here’s a deeper exploration of the dialogue:

Q: Can you share how your life has evolved post-UPSC success and elaborate on your current role and location?

Siddiqui: The journey post-UPSC success has been a transformative one. Clearing the exam brought a sense of stability and purpose to my life. Currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax in Bhopal, I find myself navigating new challenges while contributing to the betterment of the community.

Q: Could you shed some light on the challenges and advantages of choosing Urdu as an optional subject, and offer guidance for students opting for the same?

Siddiqui: Opting for Urdu as my optional subject felt like a natural choice, given my educational background and familiarity with the language. However, I encountered initial challenges in accessing comprehensive study material tailored to UPSC requirements. Through diligent effort, I compiled comprehensive study material, including the books “Kawish” and “Ummeed,” which have since become invaluable resources for Urdu aspirants. Urdu, with its rich literary tradition, offers unique insights and opportunities for personal growth. My advice to students opting for Urdu is to embrace the subject’s richness and seek guidance to excel in the exam.

Q: Beyond UPSC success, what are your aspirations in life moving forward?

Siddiqui: While qualifying UPSC was a significant milestone, I view it as a stepping stone to further endeavors. I aspire to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and administration, deepening my understanding of governance and policy frameworks. Concurrently, I remain committed to mentoring aspiring candidates, guiding them on their journey to success.

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for Muslim students preparing for UPSC, as well as students in general?

Siddiqui: I urge all students, particularly those from the Muslim community, to approach preparation with dedication and diligence. UPSC is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about personal growth and transformation. Embrace the journey, seize opportunities, and pursue your goals with sincerity and focus. Your journey has the potential to inspire others and lead to meaningful contributions to society.

Nooh Siddiqui’s journey, securing AIR 326, illustrates the transformative power of dedication and perseverance. He emphasizes Urdu’s significance as an optional subject, with average scores ranging between 240 and 265, and mentions the highest score recorded at 296. Through his mentorship and contributions, Siddiqui continues to shape the future of UPSC aspirants, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of competitive exams.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Mohd Naushad Khan, Radiance News Bureau / May 06th, 2024

SIO Jharkhand Honors Jharkhand Topper, Zeenat Parveen

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Ranchi, JHARKHAND :

Ranchi :

Zeenat Parveen, daughter of a modest vegetable seller, has garnered attention for clinching the top spot in the Intermediate of Arts (I.A.) examination held by the Jharkhand Academic Council. With an impressive score of 472 out of 500, Zeenat, a student of Government Plus Two High School in Kanke, Ranchi, has become a symbol of inspiration for many.

Amidst a flurry of congratulations pouring in for Zeenat and her family, the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) of India stepped forward to extend their felicitations and pledge their support. A delegation led by Aman Raza, State Secretary of SIO Jharkhand, visited Zeenat to honor her achievement. The delegation, including Nadeem Khan, Education Secretary, Mosaddique Maswood, Campus Secretary, and Abdus Salaam Shakir, assured Zeenat of assistance in her educational pursuits.

Zeenat’s journey to academic success has been marked by perseverance and determination. Despite financial constraints, she pursued her education diligently, transitioning from a private school for her matriculation to a government school for her intermediate studies. Her father, Sabir Ansari, sustains the family by selling vegetables door-to-door on his bike in the Pithouria area of Ranchi, while her mother, Shamsunnisa, manages the household and runs a small shop.

Zeenat attributes her motivation to her hardworking father, stating, “I always thought as my father is working hard, I should also give my best.” Her parents, proud of her accomplishments, wholeheartedly support her aspirations. Zeenat aims to prepare for the UPSC civil services examinations with the dream of serving the nation as an IAS officer, driven by her desire to contribute to society.

Despite her high expectations, Zeenat was pleasantly surprised by her top-ranking achievement. Her brother, too, achieved academic success with a first division and 78 percent marks. As Zeenat embarks on her journey towards her dream of becoming an IAS officer, she carries with her the support and admiration of her community and the promise of a brighter future.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / May 03rd, 2024

Hospital for poor is top priority of Pune’s 77-year activist Ashraf Mulla

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Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Ashraf Adam Mulla

Ashraf Adam Mulla, the founder of the Muslim Samaj Parbodhan Sanstha which runs an orphanage and several schools for poor children in and around Pune, Maharashtra, is finalizing the building plan for a charitable hospital. The 77-year-old social worker had felt the need for a hospital where the poor could be treated free of cost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Feisty Mulla Madam, as she is called, said her plans for starting the construction of the hospital got delayed because of an accident in which she was injured. Due to this, she had to stay home for six days and could no longer move freely on her two-wheeler.

“Although I have returned to work, I can no longer drive a two-wheeler,” she says. The two-wheeler-borne Mulla Madam was famous for running around and never missing an appointment or her scheduled work. “Never mind, I will continue to work tirelessly for the hospital”’ she says with a smile.

An award distribution function at one of Ashraf Adam Mulla’s schools

Mulla has been running Muslim Samaj Prabodhan Sanstha for 39 years. Besides setting up schools where children of poor from all religions can study, she runs Samina Iqbal Ashiyana, an orphanage for Muslim girls which has 32 inmates presently as against its capacity for 65.

She says her Sanstha has been trying to equip the backward and extremely poor people with modern and quality education. 

However, for three years, she has been focused on building a charitable hospital. “I am about to turn 78. I have no time to waste. There is still a lot of work to be done. For younger people, it can be said that their enthusiasm is still fresh but I have no time to waste,” she says while showing me around the place – a vast ground – where the hospital’s foundation stone will be laid this month.

Mulla Madam is all praise for her late husband Adam Mulla who worked as a chemical engineer and passed away in 2015. “He did his responsibility and work. Due to his nature, he could not support me in social work, but he always supported me financially,” he said.

“I started my work with my husband’s money.” 

Morning Assembly in one of the schools run by Ashraf Adam Mulla’s trust

Ashraf Adam Mulla Madam retired as a teacher from Chanta Mani Vidya Mandir, Thevar, a Marathi medium school. With her three sons married and settled with their families, Ashraf Mulla is full-time into her projects that have the potential to change lives.

When she was working as a teacher, she recalls that about 1200 children were studying in her school but there were just two or three Muslim children. Although there was a Muslim settlement near the school, the enrolment of Muslims was poor.

When she started her primary school under a tin shed at Tan Patre in Syed Nagar, she also introduced a sewing class to get Muslims interested in coming to it. At Rahmani, her organization runs Urdu Balwadi which has 66 children. Shamsuddin Inamdar is an Urdu Primary School where 597 children are studying and Rahmani Urdu High School has 235 students.

Likewise, Rahmani Junior College has 191 students. Her organisation also runs Industrial Training Institute where 23 students are enrolled. Besides, special computer learning classes are conducted for students from 5th to eighth where 345 students including girls are learning.

Students in playing in one of Ashraf Mulla’s schools

Mullah Ma’am told Awaz-The Voice that the girls living in Ashyiana are attending school, skills and Islamic education. The Sanstha also takes the responsibility of finding partners for the inmates and arranging their weddings.

The girls who want to pursue higher education get support till they are 18 years old. Among the skills taught at the Ashiyana are artificial jewelry, sewing, embroidery, and ceramic paintings. 

Ashraf Mulla is disappointed that a senior college she tried to establish did not have enough students and she had to close it down while Rahmani Junior College, established in 2006, which offers arts, science, and commerce is doing well.

She says the idea of setting up the Sanstha came to her while she was trying to deal with the grief of losing her parents. “when my mother died, I was very sad. My father passed away in 1979 and my mother also left this world in 1984. I wanted to do something in memory of my mother. To ease my grief, I founded the Muslim Samaj Parbodhan Sanstha in January 1985.”

She remembers while she was studying in class 9, Pune saw a massive flood. “I was living in Andapur then. The children of our school collected money for the flood victims and it gave us a feeling of peace and security while doing that.” She says it’s that empathy with the suffering and sense of peace to being able to help the needy that stayed with her to set up the NGO.

Girls eating dinner at Ashiyana

Speaking of her failures, Mulla Ma’am says, “I wanted to work for widows, but widows were not ready to come out of the house and work.” She says, “At that time widows liked to be a burden on their families and all our efforts to convince them failed.”

However, after some years her efforts paid off. When she set up Ashiyana (orphanage), many widows and divorced women came to stay with us. I realized times have changed.”

I visited Ashiyana and realized it’s a cozy home for girls and women. The home space is sparkling clean. The Auntie running the kitchen announced that food was ready and everyone must perform prayers. The girls went to the prayer room for Zuhr Namaz.

The food was simple Dalcha-chawal, a Maharashtrian delicacy, followed by a delicious Sher Khurma desert. The girls sat on the mats and everyone had a small table in front to put their plate on it.

Mulla Madam however says she prays that no child should feel the need to come to a shelter/orphanage. “We can do everything for children but not be their parents.”

She says the women from Ashiyana who are married continue to be in touch with them.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Shah Taj Khan, Pune / May 02nd, 2024