The Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) to the Government of Karnataka L.K.Atheeq has been transferred as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka with immediate effect.
A order issued on Monday stated that Atheeq will be replacing Dr. Rajneesh Goel as Additional Chief Secretary to the Karnataka CM. Dr. Rajneesh Goel will be the new Chief Secretary of the state.
The press release added that Atheeq, a 1991-batch IAS officer, will also hold concurrent charge as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department till further orders.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / November 27th, 2023
Mehrunissa Dalwai is not a common name heard amongst the slew of activists & yet she played an integral role in the Muslim reformist movement.
India, as a nation, treasures the ‘image‘ of women. There is a great sense of respect and reverence for female goddesses, traditional housewives and of course, the concept of our ‘motherland‘. Yet, when this image of a woman intersects with religion, caste and class, this view gets blurry and distorted. Similarly, being a Muslim woman in India is a battle unlike any other and brings with it a series of struggles, discrimination and prejudice. The nation is graced with a history of several prominent social activists who have been instrumental in bringing about change across the country, with several of them being unhonoured and forgotten, such as Mehrunnisa Dalwai.
Source: The Hindu
Mehrunissa Dalwai is not a common name heard amongst the slew of social reformers and activists that are popular in Indian society. Yet here we have a woman who played an integral role in the Muslim reformist movement. Born on May 25, 1930, and brought up in Pune, Dalwai came from a conservative, Urdu-speaking Muslim family.
While Mehrunnisa Dalwai underwent a traditional Urdu education, she still managed to master the language of Marathi. She later went on to write her autobiography ‘Mi Bharoon Paavle Aahe‘ in the Marathi language (where she also writes in detail regarding food and recipes). After completing her matriculation, she worked at the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in the city of Mumbai.
The beginning of her journey
After moving to Mumbai, it was here that Mehrunnisa Dalwai met the progressive Muslim reformer, Hamid Dalwai, and thus her fate as a future representative of the Muslim community was sealed. Hamid came from a poor Konkani Muslim family, a stark difference from Mehrunissa, and worked for the upliftment of the poor status of women in the Muslim community.
His name was established in the community for his daring stances like the condemnation of practices of triple talaq, alimony and polygamy. He was also an author, publishing the classic, ‘Indhan’ in 1965 and was courageous to take a stand against Brahmanical Hinduism as well as radical Islam and the two of them contributed greatly towards the liberalisation of the Muslim community.
Being a Muslim woman in India is a battle unlike any other and brings with it a series of struggles, discrimination and prejudice.
However, being such a controversial figure, he remained unemployed. His most controversial take yet was when Mehrunnisa Dalwai declared that she would marry him. The large class disparity and general stigma of an upper-class woman marrying beneath her caused quite the stir which Hamid of course was used to. The two were married through traditional Muslim rituals and after a month also married through the ‘Special Marriage Act‘ (1954), which possibly made them one of the first marriages of a Muslim couple to be registered that way.
Source: Jargon Josh
The Special Marriage Act was one of Independent India’s methods of maintaining a secular fabric in society, mainly to protect and legalise interreligious and inter-caste marriages that were atypical to the usually arranged marriages of dominant Indian culture. The newly married couple found a space for themselves in the Majaswadi area of Jogeshwari. They resided in a small room which got even smaller as they were joined by Hamid’s younger siblings, one of whom was Hussain Dalwai, the Rajya Sabha MP of the Congress party, who had completed his education in Mumbai.
The social work of the Mehrunnisa Dalwai
In his wife, he found a partner in crime, a fellow crusader and together they took many bold stands for justice and equal rights of Muslim women. Mehrunnisa Dalwai continued working as well as remaining dedicated to her ascribed role of a housewife, maintaining their life at home. Although juggling the two seems like a modern concept of a 21st-century working woman, Mehrunissa was ahead of her time and supported her husband’s endeavours.
Mehrunnisa’s salary was their only stable and regular source of income, but along with this she still found the time to put a part of herself into Hamid’s work of the organisation of movements, social protests and campaigns along with bringing about a rational and scientific school of thought to the forefront to eradicate the rigid and blind dogmas within Muslim community which caused an unequal balance of power and rights of men and women.
Source: Amazon
In Mehrunissa Dalwai’s autobiography, she mentions her husband’s gratitude for her role and the satisfaction that she was able to economically support her family during these times. The life of a social activist and reformer is not one of ease. Dalwai also mentions the tensions within the protest movements and the threats that were posed against her husband by the orthodox Muslim community. Although she herself was not actively involved in the movement until after his death, through her writing, it is visible that being tied to Hamid meant being under the fire.
Source: The Indian Express Marathi
Sadly, Hamid passed away from kidney failure in 1977 at the age of 44. After the tragic death of her husband, she threw herself into his work. She dedicated her time to the Muslim Satyashodak Mandal which was the reformist organisation founded by Hamid in Pune, focussing on providing solutions to the Muslim community and creating a space for its history and socio-cultural transformation.
Mehrunissa Dalwai dedicated a good part of her life to this organisation and was the first executive President and later served as President for several decades.
Mehrunnisa’s journey of leadership
In April 1996, Mehrunissa Dalwai boldly led a march to ‘Mantralaya’ in Mumbai along with six other women carrying on the work of her late husband in the abolition of triple talaq. There, they met Vasantrao Naik, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the time and gave him their memorandum of demands. This caused a big stir leading to strong opposition, meetings being constantly interrupted and even reached the extent of death threats.
Source: News 18
Mehrunissa Dalwai continued to lead the movement of protecting the rights of Muslim women and the modern reformation of the Muslim community. She later founded the Hamid Dalwai Islamic Research Institute as well as the Maharashtra Talaw Mukti Morcha.
The Shah Bano case
During Dalwai’s leadership of the Muslim Satsyashodak Mandal, the organisation played an important role in the Shah Bano case. This case was seen as a milestone in the fight for equal rights of Muslim women in India as well as the ongoing battle against the orthodoxy of Muslim personal law. The case was unprecedented and paved the way for other women to make similar legitimate claims.
In 1978, a 62-year-old Muslim woman, Shah Bano filed a petition in court against her divorced husband Mohammed Ahmad Khan, demanding maintenance (alimony)after she was given talaq by Khan. After a series of detailed sessions in court, in 1985, it was taken to the Supreme Court where Chief Justice Y. V. Chandrachud upheld the decision made in the High Court, ensuring that maintenance would be given to Shah Bano (under CrPC, the Code of Criminal Procedure). However, the Congress led by Rajiv Gandhi overturned the decision of the Supreme Court under serious pressure faced by Ulemas and Maulavis but the Muslim Satyashodak Mandal boldly opposed this action and through a series of protests, insisted that it be implemented.
Source: One India One People
Mehrunissa Dalwai passed away at the age of 87 at her home in Pune, survived by her two daughters and as per her last wishes, her body was donated. Maharashtra has had a history of significantly active social reformers and social activists, especially in Pune. They have been important in altering the culture and norms of the city with their hard work and effort and have brought about positive change in society.
In this process, there are many names that get lost, therefore it is essential to remember those like Mehrunissa Dalwai so as to not forget that they are an important and enriching part of our history.
source: http://www.feminisminindia.com / Feminism In India / Home> History / by Gia Alvares / April 10th, 2023
Rukhsar Sayeed wishes to see a lot more young Kashmiri girls and boys in MasterChef India.
Kashmir’s Rukhsar Sayeed.
A 34-year-old woman food entrepreneur has become the first contestant from Kashmir to participate in MasterChef India, a cooking reality show which is being broadcasted on SonyLIV.
Hailing from south Kashmir’s Pampore, where India’s 90 per cent saffron is cultivated, Rukhsar Sayeed has shown a tremendous culinary passion and determination by reaching among the top 12 contestants of the show.
“Breaking barriers and stereotypes I have finally made it to MasterChef India to fulfil my dream. I no doubt had culinary passion since I was a teenager, then the food-specialised education was also at my back but on top of all the support shown by my family was unwavering,” says Sayeed who is currently in Mumbai for the shooting of the show.”
Born and brought up in Srinagar’s Hyderpora, in the year 2010 Sayeed was watching the shows of MasterChef Australia from which she developed the culinary passion and decided to study food technology. “I am on the top of the world to see myself among the top 12 contestants of MasterChef India, the country’s favourite cooking reality show. I am really proud of where I am standing today. I am also overwhelmed to find the support of my family including my husband, parents and in-laws, ” Sayeed tells Moneycontrol.
Calling herself an avid foodie Sayeed has two children while her husband Saqib Javaid Qadri is an assistant executive engineer.
After completing B.Tech in food technology from Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora Sayeed did M.Tech in food technology from Amity University and finally completed her PhD in food technology in 2020.
Sayeed has not only made J&K Union Territory proud by being selected to compete in the prestigious MasterChef India but also expressed her feelings through Kashmiri cuisine and eventually impressed the judges. “So far I had a roller-coaster ride with ups and downs in the kitchen like other contestants but I have made some very good dishes which impressed the judges sitting in the show. I am confident to become the winner of the show because for the first time Kashmiri food is being presented on a large platform. I am trying my best to innovate something with our Kashmiri food. For example, I made Rogan Josh, (mutton dish with red gravy) which apparently does not look Rogan Josh but it does taste like Rogan Josh.”
So far in 11 episodes Sayeed says she made mouth watering cuisines like Babri Boul Falouda (basil seeds drink) usually served during Ramadan in Kashmir, Kashmiri Dhaniwal Korma (lamb curry bursting with coriander) and Kashmiri Dodhe Aal (pumpkin chutney), mesmerizing the judges and celebrity chefs like Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra.”
Her father M Sayeed Shah says, “It is a dream come true for the whole family. It is a great honour to see her in Masterchef India. I don’t have words to express my happiness. I wish a great future and good luck to my darling daughter.”
Her mother Naseema Kirmani while expressing her happiness says that she is the happiest person to see her daughter in MasterChef India and wishes her best of luck for the show.
Before reaching the MasterChef India show in 2019, Sayeed emerged as the first woman from the Valley to start a frozen food venture — Khalis Foods. “After doing my PhD I was not interested in conventional jobs and therefore I opened a startup to provide people with unadulterated snacks and other healthy foods mainly for children. I along with my six employees are operating from my home in Pampore.”
The young food technologist explains that she is getting to see some of the ingredients for the first time in her life. “I am using some ingredients which are new to me in various foods. For instance, I use some of the popular food ingredients from down south with Kashmiri food.”
Sayeed maintains that being a mother of two children the decision to become a part of Masterchef India show was not easy. “It was a big sacrifice to leave behind my two children at home and participate in the show in Mumbai. I miss my children a lot but I am confident that I will return home as the winner of the show.”
Before getting selected for Masterchef India, Sayeed had participated in the state-level culinary competition and bagged second position in the competition.
She had also served her homemade snacks at an exhibition held at Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) Srinagar, tickling the taste buds of people around.
In June this year, Rukhsar went through a rigorous audition process before being among the 12 contestants.
For young techie, the MasterChef India journey is a stepping stone in realising her dream of setting up a culinary school in the Valley and creating a chain of restaurants to provide healthy food for the food lovers. “I hope this show can give me limelight and help to boost my food business venture, currently operating in Srinagar. I am also thinking of creating a chain of restaurants in the Valley to provide healthy dishes to people. As a food technologist I am fully conscious of the hazardous preservatives, taste enhancers and food colours that go into our daily food and which is why I lay emphasis on healthy, pure and safe food.”
Regarding her favourite food Sayeed names Hakh (collard green; the staple diet of Kashmir) and Wazwan, (Kashmir’s famous multi-course meal). “Every dish is special but I am in love with Kashmiri food, mainly Hakh especially prepared by my mother and Wazwan prepared by our amazing cook locally known as Waza. From the beginning of my childhood the dishes prepared by my mother in the kitchen have been unmatched.”
Sayeed wishes to see a lot more young Kashmiri girls and boys in MasterChef India. “Since I am the first Kashmiri woman who has reached the famous cooking reality show I would want more people from my homeland to come here and show their food skills.”
She also claims that despite facing criticism from the people in Kashmir she managed to participate in the show to represent the Kashmiri cuisine and culture to a larger audience.
source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / Money Control / Home> News> Trends> Lifestyle / by Irfan Amin Malik / November 05th, 2023
Dr Razi was speaking at the two-day International Conference on Scientific Exploration and Understanding of Tibb e Nabvi organised by Mohammadia Tibbia College and Assayer Hospital at Mansoora in Malegaon Monday December 11, 2023.
Mansoora (Malegaon):
Tibb e Nabawi is not a complete medical system though Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) through his teachings laid the foundation for the later stage research in the healthcare system, experts said while addressing an International Conference titled “Scientific Exploration and Understanding of Tibb e Nabavi” in Malegaon Monday December 11, 2023.
“The notion that Tibb e Nabawi is a complete medical system which is sufficient to cure every disease is wrong. But, it is true that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his teachings highlighted the importance of a healthy society that laid the foundation of future research in healthcare”, Dr Razi ul Islam Nadvi said.
“The Philosophy of Tibb e Nabawi”
Dr Mohammad Raziul Islam Nadvi – a postgraduate in Unani Medicines, is Islamic Scholar, Writer, Translator and an active member of Jamat-e-Islami Hind.
“The Prophet’s idea of healthcare and medical practice were akin to the art that require perfectness and mastery. There are umpteen number of examples when the Prophet (pbuh) during his lifetime encouraged his companions to opt for a skilful tabeeb (doctor) and better medical treatment”, he said.
“The famous Hadith of the Prophet which goes “there is cure for every disease” if not taken at its face value but properly understood encourages A’tibba (pleural of tabeeb meaning doctors) and medical practitioners to continue their research till they succeed”, he said.
Dr Razi was speaking at the two-day International Conference on Scientific Exploration and Understanding of Tibb e Nabvi organised by Mohammadia Tibbia College and Assayer Hospital at Mansoora in Malegaon Monday December 11, 2023.
The first of its kind Tibbe Nabawi conference is attended by doctors, health experts and scholars from India and abroad.
“Contribution of Muslim women in healthcare”
Dr Razi said the Prophet’s message was not limited to male companions but also for the females.
“Hadhrat Rufayda al-Aslamia was used to maintain a hospital during the Prophet’s lifetime. She trained a number of female companions in nursing who used to assist those who are sick or injured in the battlefields”, Dr Razi said.
Rufayda Al-Aslamia (also transliterated Rufaida Al-Aslamiya or Rufaydah bint Sa`ad), believed to be the first female surgeon in Islam, was among the first in Madinah al Munawwarah to embrace Islam. With her clinical skills, she trained other women, including the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) Ayesha, to be nurses and to work in the area of health care.
“This also shows the contribution of Muslim women in the field of medicine and healthcare”, he said.
Dr Razi ul Islam said it was because of the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) that laid the foundation of healthcare research, Muslims translated the ancient Unani or Greek books on medicines.
“Not only did the Muslims translate these books into Arabic but they also compiled them maintaining unbelievable professionalism”, he said.
“Characteristics of Tibbe Nabawi”
The concept of Tahaarat – purity and cleanliness and hygiene, is one of the key characteristics of Tibb e Nabvi, and the Prophet (pbuh) introduced it at a time when people were unaware of such things.
“By highlighting the importance of a hygienic society, the Prophet’s message clearly was ‘prevention is better than cure’”, Dr Razi said.
“Quarantine was the word which recently became famous during the Covid-19 Pandemic. But it was in practice during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and afterwards”, he said.
The other characteristic of Tibb e Nabavi is ethics in medical practice and healthcare system that the Prophet (pbuh) asked his companions to strictly follow.
“Various clauses of the Hippocratic Oath – the oath of ethics historically taken by physicians, can easily be found in the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh)”, Dr Razi ul Islam said.
“Need of Research on Tibb e Nabawi Based on Scientific Parameters”
Dr Razi further said there is a need of research on the subject based on scientific parameters to make Tibb e Nabawi beneficial for people across the board.
“A tremendous amount of work on Tibb e Nabwi has been done and is still underway around the world especially in the Arab world. However, the focus of these research works is more on Aqeedat and done out of the love and affection to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)”, Dr Razi said.
“If we want to make Tibbe Nabavi acceptable for people across the board then we have to scientifically prove and establish its effectiveness”, he said.
“There should be a team of doctors who do research and study on Tibb e Nabawi and come with data based on scientific parameters”, he said.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Health / by ummid.com news network / December 11th, 2023
What’s striking is that nearly 80% of the clinic’s beneficiaries are Hindus, a fact that Maulana Majid considers instrumental in fostering communal harmony. “Serving these impoverished communities is our way of contributing to unity in diversity,” he stated with conviction.
Rahman Care Clinic nestled within the heart of Samrat Nagar in Neral
As Lakshmi made her third visit to the Rahman Foundation Care Clinic nestled within the heart of Samrat Nagar in Neral, Maharashtra, She couldn’t help but praise the unparalleled treatment offered at nominal charges. “It’s my third time here, and each visit reaffirms the exceptional care and expertise of the doctors. The nominal fees we pay for such quality treatment is unparalleled,” she expressed gratefully.
Some Hindu patients at Rahman Care Clinic.
Echoing Lakshmi’s sentiment, Maulana Shaih Majid, overseeing the medical section of the Rahman Foundation, emphasized the significant role the clinic plays in the lives of the predominantly Maratha Hindu population. “The locals, hailing from modest backgrounds, hold the clinic staff and doctors in high regard, almost akin to semi-gods,” he mentioned with pride.
What’s striking is that nearly 80% of the clinic’s beneficiaries are Hindus, a fact that Maulans Majid considers instrumental in fostering communal harmony. “Serving these impoverished communities is our way of contributing to unity in diversity,” he stated with conviction.
Kavita, another patient, expressed her regularity at Rahman Clinic. “I’m a frequent visitor. The care and treatment we receive here, priced at a mere 20 rupees including medication, is a lifeline for the underprivileged. A simple injection costs just 10 rupees,” she shared, highlighting the clinic’s affordability and accessibility for those in need.
Other patients echoed similar sentiments, praising not only the cost-effective treatment but also the warm and courteous demeanor of the entire clinic staff. “Here, we receive top-notch treatment at minimal expenses, and the staff’s friendliness adds a comforting touch to our visits,” remarked another patient.
The clinic’s roster of highly qualified doctors further elevates its reputation. Professionals like Dr. Vajaykumar Pawar (MBBS), Dr. Dipnayan Shinde Pawar (MBBS, MD), Dr. Samiya (BUMS), and Dr. Sana (MPTH) cater to the medical needs of patients at Neral Rahman Foundation Clinic, ensuring expert care within a modest setting.
Rahman Foundation’s reach extends far beyond the boundaries of Neral. With a network encompassing nine Rahman Clinics, four hospitals, and a diagnostic center spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, the foundation extends its services to 8,000 to 10,000 patients monthly, all at nominal charges. Additionally, the foundation actively conducts medical check-up camps to further extend its outreach.
The journey of Rahman Foundation, initiated in 1995 under the guidance of the visionary Islamic scholar Maulana Khaleelur Rahman Sajjad Naumani, has been nothing short of remarkable. From establishing Islamic seminaries to introducing CBSE pattern English medium schools, the Foundation’s evolution has been multifaceted. In 2017, it ventured into providing medical services. Over the last five years, the foundation has expanded its footprint, setting up Rahman Care Clinics, Rahman Hospitals, and Rahman Diagnostic Centers across five states, catering to approximately 8,000 to 10,000 patients every month.
‘Our vision is to expand and replicate this model across India’ said Maulana Majid with promising eyes.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Health> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Special Correspondent, Muslim Mirror / December 19th, 2023
In Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, three civilians, previously detained for questioning in connection with a militant ambush on Army vehicles, were found dead in the Topa Pir area. The victims were identified as Safeer Ahmed (48) and his cousins, Mohammad Showkat (28) and Shabir Ahmed (25).
The militant attack, which occurred on Thursday evening, claimed the lives of four Army soldiers and left three others injured.
Noor Ahmed, brother of one of the deceased civilians and a Head Constable in the Border Security Force, expressed profound grief, stating, “This is the prize we have got for working for the nation.”
Details surrounding the civilians’ deaths remain unclear, leading to unprecedented restrictions on movement and the suspension of mobile internet services in affected border districts. The government announced compensation and compassionate appointments for the families of the deceased.
“The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch District. The medico-legal formalities were conducted, and legal action has been initiated. The Government has announced compensation for each of the deceased. Further, compassionate appointments to the next of kin of each deceased have also been announced,” informed the Information & PR, J&K in a statement.
While the Army’s Public Relations Officer in Jammu claimed no knowledge of the incident involving the civilians, allegations of torture marks on the bodies surfaced, accompanied by unconfirmed graphic videos circulating on social media. Relatives asserted that the injured were left by security forces on the roadside.
Former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, expressed concern over the reported civilian killings and called for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation. Mufti highlighted the shocking state of the victims’ mutilated bodies and widespread reports of torture on detained villagers.
“The ongoing miseries faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reached a horrifying peak. Three innocent lives have been snatched away, their bodies said to be bearing brutal marks of torture while authorities have maintained a criminal silence,” Mufti said at a press conference.
In response to the tragedy, the local administration assured financial assistance, government jobs, and other support to the affected families. Poonch Deputy Commissioner pledged Rs 30 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, along with a 10-marla plot at Surankote and a government job.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> India> Indian Muslim> Politics / by Muslim Mirror / December 24th, 2023
Saleem Kidwai’s translations of Qurratulain Hyder’s novels bring out the author’s command over the Urdu idiom.
Qurratulain Hyder’s last novel, Chandni Begum, almost predicted an increasingly intolerant India. (HT Team)
Saleem Kidwai died earlier this year. Apart from being a translator par excellence he was a medieval historian, and queer rights activist, best known for co-authoring Same-Sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History.
Urdu phrase in Chandni Begum – Allah maaf kare as “Allah, forgive my sins”. I thought the phrase had lost its zing and frankly told him that the dramatic, half-mocking Allah maaf kare should have been retained like Aye bahu, a lament that is difficult to express in English.
We discussed the possible alternatives, Kidwai graciously half-defending the phrase, and then he revealed that he was translating Hyder’s Safina e Gham e Dil (Ship of Sorrows). Both books are my absolute favourites, and I re-read them after his untimely demise.
Lamat R Hasan (Courtesy the reviewer)
Chandni Begum, 1989
The novel centres around the lives of two aristocratic families living on a controversial estate with a mosque and a temple in its compound. The story moves at a fierce pace, shuffling between the past and the present, from the Partition of India to the Mandir-Masjid dispute in Ayodhya, amplifying the complexities of life, trying to find coherence in the class-caste chaos.
She wrote this tale of love and loss a few years before Babri Masjid was razed to the ground, almost predicting the future course of events, of an India that would become increasingly intolerant. This was Hyder’s last novel.
Ship of Sorrows, 1952
Only when I was holding “Ship of Sorrows”, Hyder’s part memoir, part fictional work in hand, did I learn that Kidwai had decided to abandon the project midway.
Unlike other Partition stories written from the perspective of average men and women who witnessed its horrors, this novel is a coming-of-age story, without a conventional storyline, of a privileged set of six friends from Awadh. The author herself debuts as Anne Hyder and fictionalises her experience during the communal riots in Dehradun.
Kidwai praises Hyder’s command over the Urdu idiom, with its Persian and Arabic inflections, and her equal ease with English and western idioms. Her fiction is not easy to read and she was impatient with critics who tried to evaluate the impact of modernism and of particularly Virginia Woolf, on her work. Kidwai was indeed overwhelmed by her genius, but after two years of hard work he successfully anchored his ship.
In Kidwai’s memory next up on my reading list is his biography of the legendary singer Malika Pukhraj. Song Sung True (Kali for Women, 2005) was first published in translation in India. The original Bezubaani Zubaan Na Ho Jaey was recently published in Pakistan.
Lamat R Hasan is an independent journalist. She lives in New Delhi.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Books / by Lamat R Hasan / December 17th, 2021
The anecdotes about chieftains and their chelas, the ode to Farrukhabad, and the art of expressing time through chronograms make Tarikh-i-Farrukhabad a compelling read.
Local histories of little-known provinces and sketches of its people are fascinating but hard to come by (Courtesy Lamat R Hasan)
Mufti Syed Waliullah Farrukhabadi’s Tarikh-i-Farrukhabad is written in Persian, a language I do not know.
But I made up my mind to read it when I found it being referenced in historical accounts of the decline of the Mughal dynasty – and in some detail in British historian William Irvine’s account of The Bangash Nawabs of Farrukhabad.
As a civil servant in India, Irvine learnt to read Persian, and started collecting manuscripts – including Waliullah’s (1751-1833). With some difficulty I traced Waliullah’s manuscript, written in 1829, measuring 10 inches by six inches, with exquisite gold inscriptions. Acquiring a digital copy of the manuscript was another task and then engaging a Persian instructor to help me wade through significant chunks.
Waliullah writes that after Delhi was invaded by the Marathas around 1757, many of the nobles from the former Mughal capital sought shelter in Farrukhabad, named after Farrukhsiyar, the tenth Mughal emperor. It was Nawab Mohammad Khan Bangash who founded the city in 1714. It was also home to a lot of holy men and referred to as “Faquirabad” (the land of ascetics). With the setting up of a mint in 1803, it became an important centre of commerce and was known for its superior quality of silver and gold coins.
The title of the book is a little misleading as Waliullah’s work doesn’t quite fit into the genre of microhistory. Though his focus is on Farrukhabad, the scope of his work is not restricted to the town or the tiny settlements around it, its chieftains and their chelas (followers), but covers the decline of the Mughal empire and the rise of British imperialism as well.
The little anecdotes about the chieftains and their chelas, the shair-o-shairi, such as an ode to Farrukhabad, the town Waliullah moved to from Sandi as a nine-year-old, and the art of expressing time through trsim waqt or chronograms (a sentence in which letters interpreted as numerals stand for a specific date) make for a compelling read.
Lamat R Hasan (Courtesy the subject)
Waliullah informs that the tomb of poetess Gunna Begum (wife of a vizier in the Mughal empire and daughter of a famous Iranian poet) bears a trsim waqt which translates as “Alas! Gunna Begum”. Other chronograms mention date of births or deaths such as “Hai, Hai, Hatim Tai séni na mand”, which is interpreted as 1771. Incidentally, Waliullah’s own date of death was derived from a chronogram – “Ganj-z-ma’ni ba-raft zer zamin” – inscribed by his contemporary Bahadur Ali Syed.
Other fascinating details include the inventions of the qutub-nama (magnetic compass), doorbeen (binoculars), and the types of weapons the British possessed to conquer new lands.
Local histories of little-known provinces and sketches of its people are fascinating but hard to come by – no surprise then that I devoured the very pages Irvine critiqued as “biographies of obscure Muhammadan worthies who lived in, or had visited Farrukhabad”.
Lamat R Hasan is an independent journalist. She lives in New Delhi.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Books / by Lamat R Hasan / December 22nd, 2023
“Asma Banu, collector of seeds of various paddy breeds, helping in social and farming activities will be felicitated with B Appanna Hegde agriculture award during an award program on the birthday of religious leader and former MLA B Appanna Hegde on December 24,” said trust president B Rama Kishan Hegde.
He further said, “Asma who works saying that work is worship is collecting various paddy breeds that are on the verge of extinction from various states. She has collected and grown more than 840 varieties of paddy this year. She is conducting a study about those seeds and creating awareness about their benefits to health. She has been selected for the award considering her rare achievements.
“The award programme will be held by Basrur Appanna Hegde Prathistana in the premises of Sharada college, Basrur. Monetary help will be distributed to students, the sick and weak during the program.
“The award will be presented by Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji of Adamar math. Karnataka backward class commission president K Jayaprakash Hegde will preside over the programme,” he said.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Silveste D’Souza / Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP) / December 20th, 2023
Mohammed Abdul Lateef Khan, Founder Trustee and Chairman MS Academy. / Muslim Mirror Photo
“You are not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly,” this inspirational quote of Rumi is best suited for Mohd Abdul Lateef Khan, Chairman and managing director of Hyderabad based MS Education Academy.
His team under his leadership has successfully created a brand name in the field of education and revolutionized the concept of education across the country.
Khan is a man who believes in ‘education as a social service and moral responsibility than a profession to earn money’.
MuslimMirror spoke to Khan, exclusively. In this tete-e-tete, he spoke about his journey.
A young Khan right after finishing his 12th had a strong urge to serve the community.
Recognizing his talent, one of his friends suggested him to enter in the field of education. Hence, to materialize his dream Khan started a coaching institute that was operated from a two-room rented house and with only 15 students. This was in the year 1990.
However in the first year, Khan had to face a loss of Rs 30,000, but he did not lose his heart. He continued his journey with same vigor and subsequently during the initial three years he faced the loss of more than one lakh rupees and still he did not give up.
Khan continued to pursue his engineering course and completed his BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Osmania University.
During those years, his institute grasped a respected position in the area and people started trusting his institute. This boosted his morale and gave him confidence.
After completing his engineering degree, Khan thought of pursuing his studies in a foreign country but later changed his mind.
He decided to continue his journey in the field of education.
In 1998, Khan collaborated with renowned Urdu daily, Siasat, which started publishing model SSC exam papers which was widely accepted and became an instant hit. It resulted in popularizing his method of education and unique technique to crack medical and engineering examinations.
(HERE WHAT IS THE POPULAR TECHNIQUE HE USED AND HOW COME HIS TECHNIQUE BECAME A HIT IS MISSING!)
Later with the support of Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, the managing editor of the newspaper he shifted the institute to a bigger space. It was Zaheeruddin Ali Khan who inaugurated the first branch of MS Academy. After that Lateef Khan never looked back and the popularity of his coaching institute continued to soar by each passing day.
Two years later, Khan started to look out for a school for his son but in vain. Unable to find any such, later in the year 2000 he opened his own school and named it MS Academy, with the aim to facilitate thousands of children with education.
Khan introduced the junior school (intermediate) in the year 2002; they successfully produced their first batch in 2004, while their second batch (2005) grabbed the first position in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Later, the then chief minister of the state visited the school and decided to declare four percent reservation for the Muslim minority.
While interacting with Muslimmirror.com, Khan said, “Since 2005 our academy has continued to remain in the top ten list of the state board. In our academy, we admit a student on the basis of his or her merit performance and not by asking for any donation.”
“Currently, MS academy has 80 branches in 20 cities across eight different states with more than 27000 students enrolled. We have produced over 1200 MBBS doctors , 5000 engineers and shaped the life of 78000 youths who are alumni of our institutes, Only this year 150 students from our institutions cracked NEET ” he added.
Explaining further, he said “We never invested in purchasing of land or any property. We never focused on that, we have continued to run our educational institutes in rented spaces which is our uniqueness.”
Khan’s academy also has focused on modern and Islamic education. On this he said, “We stress on imbibing Islamic moral and values to shape the personalities that can lead tomorrow. Islamic environment facilitates Muslim students to compete and turn them into achievers.”
Khan, is a pioneer in integrating Modern and Islamic Education with academic excellence.
A certified mind map instructor and an international memory trainer, he is a visionary entrepreneur, positive thinker, an able administrator and a good decision maker.
A firm believer in team work Khan has a team of reliable professionals who are committed to achieve the vision Khan shared and inculcate the spirit of generative thinking, creativity, positive approach and mind mapping.
He devised many innovative methods to help students excel in competitive exams and face real life challenges. He also designed and introduced Memory Curriculum in Schooling that helps students learn ‘How to Learn and Remember’.
In Khan, one can definitely see Sir Syed and his thoughts!
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Khusboo Khan , Muslim Mirror / July 12th, 2018
