PG students of Department of Pharmacology with chairman Prof S Ziaur Rahman during the IPSCON 2024
Aligarh:
The Department of Pharmacology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), achieved a distinction at the Indian Pharmacological Society Conference (IPSCON-2024), held at AIIMS, New Delhi, from November 28 to 30.
Faculty members and residents actively participated, showcasing their research acumen and academic prowess.
Prof. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Chairman of the Department, received the Dr. SB Pandey Oration Award and delivered a lecture titled “Exploring Medicinal Plants for Morphine De-addiction,” which drew recognition for its innovative approach. Additionally, Prof. Rahman also chaired a scientific session.
Dr. Jameel Ahmad, Assistant Professor, presented his research on “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Inhalers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” comparing their performance across varied age groups.
Dr. Syed Shariq Naeem, Assistant Professor, delivered a lecture on “Microplastics: Emerging Challenge for Pharmacology,” addressing critical environmental and health concerns.
Dr. Irfan Ahmad Khan shared his study on “Evaluation of Radio-Contrast Agent-Induced Adverse Reactions in Patients Undergoing Radiological Procedures.”
Residents, including Dr. Aditya Vikram Singh, Dr. Ammar Khalid, and others, presented their research, while several participated as delegates, enriching their academic exposure.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / December 04th, 2024
It was the late evening of October 25, 2023. I was fresh to the city of Riyadh, only having arrived two days prior, and had just secured a job in the construction industry. Out of the blue, I received a message from someone I’d come to admire even before meeting him—a humble and kind-hearted gentleman whose companionship would soon become an immense learning experience. He invited me to his office, and, understanding my unfamiliarity with the city, graciously arranged for someone to pick me up.
When I entered his office, I was greeted by a sense of calm and warmth, as though this was a place where great ideas took shape. It was here, in this serene setting, that I first met Mr. Wayez – Syed Wayez Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Innovwayz Technologies Company, KSA. Though we’d only spoken over the phone before, his welcoming embrace and the genuine warmth with which he received me made me feel as if I’d found a brother in this unfamiliar city.
I handed him a box of sweets I’d brought from Hyderabad, a gift from Brother Akram Muhammad, who had introduced us. With a modest smile, Mr. Wayez shared a bit about his journey, explaining that he had been running Innovwayz for over a decade but had visions of doing much more, particularly in empowering communities back in India.
Just then, a man entered the room with a charming smile. It was Mr. Mohammad Zaki, the Vice President of Innovwayz. Turning to him, Mr. Wayez instructed, “Mr. Zaki, take Azhar’s interview. Find out his interests and strengths, and see where he might best fit in our team.” I was taken aback. I had come expecting only a casual meeting but was now being offered an impromptu job interview. Although I had just secured another job, I didn’t hesitate and agreed to the interview.
What followed wasn’t an interview in the traditional sense – it was more of an introduction, a conversation where I shared my background, my education, and my experiences back in India. Mr. Zaki listened attentively, and by the end, I felt less like a candidate and more like a member of the Innovwayz family.
Returning to Mr. Wayez’s office, I was introduced to another remarkable individual: Mr. Abdul Khaliq. With a warm demeanour and a quick smile, he welcomed me with kindness. A close friend of Mr. Wayez, Abdul Khaliq wasn’t merely an employee at Innovwayz; he was its backbone. Over time, I would come to see his tireless dedication, his unwavering calm even during the busiest days. In that moment, though, we only exchanged a few words, but his commitment and humility left an impression that would deepen with every encounter.
As the night grew late, and the conversation grew warmer, Mr. Wayez extended an offer for me to join Innovwayz. When I hesitated, explaining that I’d already accepted another position, he simply looked at me with a calm resolve and said, “Chotey motey jagah kya kaam karte, yaha aye. Hum ko bhut kaam karna hai” (“Why work for smaller places when there’s so much we can achieve here?”).
I left his office that night feeling a sense of purpose and excitement, sharing the experience with friends and family. After performing Istikhara – a prayer for guidance when facing a significant decision – I decided to join Innovwayz. On October 29, I stepped into my new role as Business Development Associate, eager to contribute to a company that felt more like a mission than a job.
Spark of Collaboration: Founding the Business Friends Forum On my very first day at Innovwayz, I mentioned to Mr. Wayez that I knew a few businessmen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and suggested a casual meet-up to connect and explore potential collaborations. Without a moment’s hesitation, he agreed. “Invite them over,” he said warmly. “We can meet after Maghrib.”
That evening, our office buzzed with the energy of a gathering that would become the first of many.
Eight of us came together – Anees Mohammad, Director of Seahath Canning Company from Goa; Abdul Jabbar, the Country Manager for Seahath in KSA; Hamza Ali, Co-Founder of Standard Touch from Karnataka, alongside his brother and Country Manager, Abul Ala; Imranuddin, Founder of DB Systems; Abdul Khaliq, Innovwayz’s dedicated Business Development Manager; and, of course, Mr. Wayez and myself.
The conversation flowed naturally as we shared ideas, challenges, and aspirations over the next couple of hours. Toward the end, inspired by the potential in the room, I suggested the formation of a Business Friends Forum – a network to bring together Indian entrepreneurs in KSA. Everyone was enthusiastic, and the idea took root.
That humble gathering sparked something incredible. Within a year, over 70 entrepreneurs and aspiring businesspeople joined our community, each contributing their unique experiences and dreams. And so, the journey of the Business Friends Forum began, growing with every meeting, with every new connection.
Mr. Wayez Ahmed grew up in Karimnagar, Telangana, and after completing his MBA, he set off for Hyderabad in search of a job. There, he poured his energy into supporting his friends’ business ventures, but the early attempts didn’t pan out as he’d hoped. When opportunity didn’t knock, Wayez looked outward, eventually relocating to Saudi Arabia, where he had relatives who had already established themselves. He joined SAB as a developer and, over the next decade, gained invaluable experience while quietly nurturing his own ambitions.
Building Innovwayz Technologies
Through those years, his passion for business was unwavering. He worked tirelessly on various projects, from school initiatives to community functions – constantly experimenting, always learning, and never discouraged by setbacks. Finally, with his uncle’s support, Wayez founded an IT consulting firm a decade ago, inviting his closest friends to join him in the venture. The result of this relentless dedication and teamwork was Innovwayz Technologies, now a thriving business in Riyadh.
To build a company in Saudi Arabia is no small feat, especially for an expatriate from a modest Indian town. Unlike India, where the unorganised sector allows room for experimentation, Saudi Arabia’s highly regulated environment adds layers of complexity. For expatriates, starting a business meant partnering with a Saudi national. But recent changes to KSA’s business laws through the Ministry of Investment (MISA) allowed foreign entrepreneurs to operate independently, provided they maintain a parent organisation in their home country.
Today, Innovwayz stands tall – a company rooted in India, operating mainly in Saudi Arabia, and now expanding into the UAE. Mr. Wayez’s journey from a small town in India to the bustling business scene of Riyadh is a testament to resilience, vision, and the unwavering belief that he could succeed against the odds.
Venturing Beyond IT: Subhan Bakery & Alipapa Distribution A few days into my new role, I sat down with Mr. Wayez Ahmed for a meeting where he shared details of a few ambitious projects his team was working on. Among them were plans to introduce Subhan Bakery, a celebrated bakery brand from Hyderabad, to Riyadh, and a food distribution company named Alipapa, a project with groundwork that had been laid for over a year.
Before we concluded our discussion, curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, “With our IT business running successfully, what made you venture into other fields?”
His answer was nothing short of inspiring. “What good is the money we’re saving if it doesn’t create opportunities? By investing in new ventures, I can provide employment to deserving young people,” he said, with a conviction that made me admire his vision even more.
After over a year of hard work, Subhan Bakery finally launched in Riyadh during Ramadan 2024, complete with a fully operational production unit and an outlet. To my surprise, Mr. Wayez asked me to take the lead on the project. I hesitated, admitting I had no prior experience managing such a venture. He responded with the same encouraging wisdom he had shown before: “I’m just as new to this as you are. Let’s learn as we go, and if we make mistakes, we’ll grow from them. Don’t worry; just give it your best.”
His words gave me the confidence to dive into the project wholeheartedly, embracing the learning curve and tackling each challenge as it came.
Meanwhile, he was also dedicating his time to overseeing the progress of Alipapa, which was officially registered in India and on track to launch in Saudi Arabia. With every step, he encouraged the team working on this food distribution company, confident that soon it would be yet another successful venture in his growing portfolio.
Bridging Borders: Shaheen’s Journey to Riyadh One fine afternoon, I found myself in an insightful conversation with Dr. Thouseef Ahmed, the CEO of Shaheen Group of Institutions. During our discussion, he mentioned that Dr. Abdul Qadeer, the Chairman of Shaheen, was planning a visit to Saudi Arabia in September 2024. Without a second thought, I immediately messaged Mr. Wayez about the upcoming visit. True to his proactive nature, he replied right away, saying, “Okay, arrange the meeting and coordinate with the team,” even though he was vacationing in India at the time.
Together, we prepared everything meticulously. When Dr. Qadeer arrived, we held a productive meeting with the Shaheen team, followed by a social gathering and interactions with other community stakeholders in Riyadh. Inspired by this, we planned a visit to Shaheen School in Bidar the following week. After a series of discussions, an MoU was signed in Hyderabad between Dr. Abdul Qadeer and Mr. Wayez, marking the beginning of a new chapter: the establishment of Shaheen School in Riyadh, set to open in the upcoming academic year (around March 2025).
Through this experience, I observed remarkable leadership qualities in Mr. Wayez – his ability to delegate, his knack for identifying potential in others, and his unwavering commitment to uplift friends, family, and those in need.
The Visionary Journey from Hyderabad to Hara: Mr. Wayez Ahmed’s Path of Purpose
His entrepreneurial journey from Hyderabad to Hara wasn’t easy; it was filled with challenges, learning from setbacks, and continuously engaging and inspiring people around him. To those reading this, he may now appear as a business tycoon, but at heart, he remains simple, humble, compassionate, and deeply kind.
In a nutshell, his journey so far is marked by the following ventures:
Startup 1: Innovwayz Technologies Company (IT Services) – Brought together childhood friends to build a team.
Startup 2: Subhan Bakery, KSA (Food Production) – Partnered with an experienced businessman to launch a new team.
Startup 3: Alipapa Global Merchandise (Food Distribution) – Engaged his cousins to form a dynamic team.
Startup 4: Shaheen Group Middle East (Educational Services) – Brought friends and relatives together to expand into the education sector.
One thing is clear about Mr. Wayez: he is driven by purpose, not greed. His aim is to grow across multiple sectors, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive alongside him. He embodies collaboration over competition, fostering a shared vision of collective success.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Syed Azharuddin, Radiance News Bureau / November 05th, 2024
Samaira cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years..
An inspiration: Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura who has obtained commercial pilot licence at the age of 18. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura has obtained a commercial pilot licence at the age of 18.
Her father Ameen Hullur, an interior designer, has said that she is the youngest in India to clear all tests and get the licence.
Ms. Hullur was trained at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi and later, she joined the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati of Maharashtra.
She cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years.
She credits Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav for training and mentoring support. Her initial training was with VYAA after which she faced several examinations and cleared them. She went to Baramati after obtaining her licence. She has about 200 hours flying experience.
Ms. Hullur said that she was inspired by Captain Kumar who got his licence when he was 25. “I always dreamt of being a pilot. My parents supported me in my pursuit,” she said.
Her father Ameen Hullur recalls that it was a joy ride in a helicopter that made her decide on a career in the skies.
A few years ago, the Vijayapura district administration arranged helicopter rides over the city during the Bijapur Utsav.
“We bought tickets and were seated next to the pilot. Samaira was attracted by the pilot’s attire and style and began asking him several questions. He patiently answered them. That was the day she decided she wanted to be a pilot. We supported her by saving money and looking for good quality aviation academies,” Mr. Hullur said.
A bright student all through, she completed her SSLC at 15 and 12th standard at 17. She has been a student of Sainik schools, Shishu Niketan and Shanti Niketan. She has joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya for her 12th standard science course.
“She cleared five of the six examinations conducted by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation before she turned 18. She was not allowed to appear for the radio transmission technology paper as eligibility was 18 years. She cleared it later. The examinations are apparently tough but she passed all in her first attempt,” Mr. Hullur said.
She obtained over 200 hours of flying experience in night flying and various airplanes, including multi engine aircraft, in around eight months of flying in Baramati, he said.
Mr. Hullur and his wife, a fashion designer and teacher, were pleasantly surprised when her academy declared that she is the youngest in the country to get the licence.
“She is an inspiration for several other girls from backward North Karnataka, where the education levels of girl students is less than the State average,” Omkar Kakade, who is a professor and head of the Department of Journalism in Karnataka Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, said.
“Samaira Hullur’s success will definitely inspire more girls to make courageous and non-traditional career choices. We are proud of her and thankful to her parents for supporting her decision,” Dr. Kakade said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / December 03rd, 2024
Ten teachers were felicitated and presented ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards in memory of Nambiyapanda Gowru Ponnavva at a function held in the premises of Akkana Balaga School in Agrahara in the city on Tuesday.
The award presentation function was jointly organised by Cauvery Balaga and Hiranmayi Pratishtana.
Speaking at the function, writer Bannur K. Raju said it is essential that education and health must be provided to everyone without any bias like in many developed countries.
“Unfortunately in our country, both these vital sectors are in firm grip of private organisations which has deprived both education and health to poor and middle class people,” he regretted saying it has become essential that these two sectors be nationalised in the interest of majority of people in the country.
Teachers S.N. Janaki of Alanahalli Government Lower Primary School, H.D. Kote taluk; M.P. Manjula, Hunsur Govt. Lower Primary School; K. Parveen Taj, Arenahalli Govt. Urdu Lower Primary School, Periyapatna taluk; G. Ratna, Beeregowdanahundi Government Lower Primary School, Mysuru taluk; M.T. Akkamma, Ammathi Govt. Higher Primary School, Virajpet taluk; M. Rani, Head Mistress, Bharati Sthree Samaja Higher Primary School, Yadavagiri in Mysuru; T.S. Maithili, Physical Education teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Vysarajapura, T. Narasipur taluk and M.T. Saralakumari, Head Mistress, Kajoor, Somwarpet taluk were felicitated at the function with ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards.
City’s renowned Sculptor Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah was given a special award.
Noted Danseuse Dr. Tulasi Ramachandra, retired teacher A. Sangappa and artist Dr. Jamuna Rani Mirle spoke at the function.
President of Cauvery Balaga and retired teacher N.K. Kaveriamma, President of Hiranmayi Pratishtana A. Sangappa, Jnana Vignana Samiti District President H.V. Muralidhar, Art teacher Manohar, Social activist Malini R. Palaksha and teacher Anupama were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> News / May 23rd, 2024
Professor Subuhi Khan Elected as Academic Secretary of the Executive Council
Aligarh:
Prof. Subuhi Khan from the Department of Mathematics, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been elected as the Academic Secretary of the Executive Council (2024-27) of the Society for Special Functions & Their Applications.
The Society plays a role in coordinating national and international research in special functions and promoting their application in mathematics, science, and industry.
Prof. Khan also delivered a talk at the International Conference on Special Functions & Applications (ICSFA-2024) held at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur. Her presentation, “Exploring a Degenerate Family of 2-Variable Appell Polynomials Using an Algebraic Perspective,” highlighted the significance of degenerate forms in mathematics and their applications in differential equations and probability theory.
The conference witnessed participation from eminent scholars and researchers from Italy, Thailand, Nigeria, and across India.
Prof. Khan also chaired a technical session of invited speakers, contributing to the success of the 23rd annual meeting of the Society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 02nd, 2024
Osman sagar lake or Gandipet, commissioned by Mahbub Ali Khan after the 1908 flood and completed by Osman Ali Khan, has been serving the water needs of Hyderabad for over a century.
A true Hyderabadi is one who has tasted the water of Gandipet. And once that happens, even heaven cannot entice one to leave Hyderabad. Such is the magic of Gandipet, a crucial lifeline of the city that is turning 100 this year. The city of Hyderabad got Gandipet in 1920, the reservoir then being constructed with the dual purpose of controlling floods and supplying drinking water to the citizens.
The idea of the Gandipet, it is said, stemmed after the havoc caused by the 1908 flood in Hyderabad. The aftermath of the flood forced Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, to think about the possibility of a repeat of such a grisly situation. Around 12 floods had already hit the city before the 1908 floods, each leaving behind its own trail of death and destruction. The 1908 floods alone claimed around 15,000 lives apart from rendering over one lakh people homeless.
Moved by the destruction, Mahbub Ali Khan pondered on finding a permanent solution to the problem. Historian Sajjad Shahid says Mahbub Ali Khan wanted a long-term and effective solution to prevent the flooding of Musi River. He was determined to find a permanent end to the problem and started a process to find an expert familiar with the local irrigation systems to devise a plan to prevent reoccurrence of floods.
The first to come to the rescue of the Nizam were the British who offered services of their experts. “However, the Nizam refused to consider the recommendations of the British who offered the service of Sir Michel Esthesol, the then Director General of Irrigation, Government of India. He also did not consider another British engineer, TD Mackenzie, who was chief engineer of the Nizam State,” said Sajjad Shahid.
And that is when the name of M Visvesvaraya came up. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka in 1861. He worked with the Bombay Public Works Department for 25 years after joining in 1883. He resigned in 1908 and later went around the western countries to study different irrigation systems and designs. To his credit, Visvesvaraya had constructed several irrigation projects and other structures in Mysore and other places then.
After touring western countries, he returned to India in 1909 when he was approached by the Nizam to help in improving the Hyderabad irrigation system and to prevent flooding of the city. “The Nizam wanted a local expert to find a solution to the problem. He had heard about Visvesvaraya and was keen on taking his services,” said historian Mohammed Safiullah.
After accepting the task, Visvesvaraya conducted a detailed survey of Hyderabad’s network of rivers and reservoirs. He also studied the rainfall pattern in other places in India before devoting time towards understanding the engineering aspects of the problem.
After a detailed study, Visvesvaraya proposed to create storage reservoirs above the city to control floods. He submitted the report on October 1, 1909, and the suggestion was accepted by the Nizam. Soon, work began on the construction of two reservoirs – Osman Sagar across the Musi River and the other, Himayat Sagar, constructed across Esi – the tributary of Musi River.
While Osman Sagar was completed in 1920, Himayat Sagar was finished in 1927. It cost Rs 56 lakh for Osman Sagar while Rs 46 lakh was spent for construction of the Himayat Sagar, it is said.
The work started by sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan was completed under the supervision of the seventh Nizam Osman Ali Khan. “The reservoirs are based on the Kakatiya model and are 100 feet above the level of the city. The flow of water was based on the reverse gravity principal,” said Saifullah.
Water was supplied to the city through dedicated water channels laid during the Nizam era. “The Nizam had promised free food to every household. He ensured that at least water was supplied free of cost to the household and he lived up to it. At no point of time, the administration collected any tax or money for water from the common man,” said Captain Pandu Ranga Rao, a historian.
Hundreds years have passed and still water from Gandipet is supplied to a few colonies in the city. “It is cost effective as the cost of supplying the water from Osman Sagar is bit cheaper compared to drawing water from far of places and supplying it to the city,” points out Captain Ranga Rao.
‘Never in his dream might the Nizam have thought that Gandipet, the popular moniker for Osman Sagar, would become a part of the local Hyderabadi lingo.
Hyderabadi standup comedian Khairuddin Baig alias Jani says Hyderabadi lingo has plenty of one-liners or idioms with reference to Gandipet. “See, it depends on the context and situation where the term is used. For example, if a person is a foodie, people generally say ‘tera pet hain ya Gandipet’,” he says and also recalls the popular idiom, ‘Jo bhi Gandipet ka pani piya woh Hyderabadi hua’.
Several local poets and standup comedians have highlighted Gandipet, a popular picnic spot for Hyderabadis for decades, in their narrations. “The sher-o-shayari describes the mood of young boys and girls meeting at the place or a newly-married couple visiting the place. Similarly, comedians refer to the family gatherings there with baskets full of meals and tiffin boxes or men spending time trying to catch a fish from the fresh waters,” he said.
Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates.
Gandipet, popularly known Osman Sagar, along with its twin reservoir Himayath Sagar, has been quenching Hyderabad’s thirst for the last 100 years and continues to do so without any major operational costs.
Such is the significance of Gandipet that, apart from quenching thirst, the common belief for decades among denizens has been that the water reservoir bestows health and vitality.
Constructed during the Nizam era, the striking aspect about these twin waterbodies of Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar is that they are operated manually unlike most other reservoirs, which have hydraulic gates. All the components like gear boxes, sluice gates, bushes, and ropes have to be maintained well to avoid any glitches during operations.
All the components used at the twin reservoirs belong to the Nizam era and have been functioning without any snags all these years. It is 100 years and not a single component has been changed and they are working perfectly without any signs of wearing out or damages, says a senior official from Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
Gandipet was constructed in the year 1920 followed by Himayath Sagar in 1928.
HMWSSB conducts overhauling of all components at the twin reservoirs before the onset of monsoon to avoid any glitches. Together, they have the capacity of supplying 40 million gallons per day (MGD) to the city without any cost as the water flows by gravity unlike Krishna and Godavari drinking water schemes.
But with growing population and the city expanding geographically in all areas, supply from Gandipet over the years has been depleting. Presently, only 5 MGD is being drawn from the reservoir and that too through emergency pumping from dead storage level and supplied to different areas in Mehdipatnam, Old Mallepally, Asif Nagar, Humayunnagar, Chintal Basthi and other areas.
Did you know?
Osman Sagar was named after Mir Osman Ali Khan Nizam VII
Dam was built in 1920 by Nizam VII
Built to protect city from flooding after Musi Floods of 1908
The different strands of cosmopolitanism, the hallmarks of Deccan identity, came together on Wednesday at a day-long seminar on ‘Cosmopolitan Deccan’ at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
Seema Alavi built and shared her research on Indian Muslim scholars who travelled the world, dodged power-centres and tried to carve a niche for themselves beyond flat identities between British empire and the Ottoman Empire.
Ms. Alavi, whose “Muslim Cosmopolitanism in the Age of Empire” triggered new ways of seeing identities, spoke about Syed Fadl, who travelled from Malabar in present day Kerala to the edge of Empire. “They tested kinship, trade, commerce, and information networks and brought together the political economies and cultures of the Indian ocean and the Mediterranean worlds while retaining their self-identity,” said Ms. Alavi, professor of history at Ashoka University.
Two practising fabric designers, Ariba Khanam and Binil Mohan, shared how Kalamkari designs, created and crafted in the Coromandel region, reflected the world.
Heritage conservation consultant Sajjad Shahid linked the evolved language of Deccani with food habits, dress and architecture. He spotlighted poets who travelled from elsewhere in the country and decided to settle down by singing peans about the land and the people in Deccan.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Telangana / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2024
Ogilvy India’s Executive Creative Director, Syed Mohammed Talha Nazim’s life was cut short due to Covid-19 in his mid-40s, a tragedy the advertising & creative industry of India is still coping with.
Syed Mohammed Talha Nazim
New Delhi:
“Najaf’s charm, like his smile, was infectious. Whenever I recollect his face, his twinkling eyes tug at my heart.” That’s how novelist Nuzar Mannan remembers Talha Nazim, or Najaf, as he was also known.
His ‘Simina Phoopi’ is not alone. Syed Mohammed Talha Nazim, Ogilvy India’s Executive Creative Director whose life was cut short by Covid-19 in May this year, is missed by every life he touched, both in the advertising and creative industry and outside it, during the 40-odd years he lived on this planet.
It’s his birthday today, August 27, a day when his family, closest friends, and colleagues can’t help but recall their association with “a larger than life human being”.
Close friend and documentary filmmaker Ankur Roy Chowdhury met him when he was a teenager, for English tutorials. “…he confided in me, over cups of tea over opened textbooks, that he wanted to become an advertising copywriter!”
Talha followed through with his plan. After studies, he joined an advertising firm in Kolkata, and three years later he was a Junior Copywriter at Leo Burnett in Mumbai, at the same desk Ankur had vacated a year earlier.
This is where Talha’s career flourished. “A young scrawny boy from Kolkata who walked into the Mumbai office of Leo Burnett so many years ago, his creativity soon blossomed into a force that would be recognized all over the world,” says his former boss Agnello Dias.
“Ideas gravitated toward him like moths to a flame. Ideas on spiritualism, family, environment, sports, citizenry, literature, cinema… the list is endless. He packed more in life than most of us do in many lifetimes,” he added.
Talha was ranked the Number Two Creative Director in the world by The One Show in 2014. His work took him places — from Kolkata to Mumbai to Delhi to Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur. And along the way, he picked up over 280 national and international awards, including six Cannes Lions.
Talha’s campaigns for Hyundai, Kia, Google, Nescafe, Reebok, JSW Steel still bear testimony to his genius. The protagonist of the JSW Steel commercial was wrestler Geeta Phogat, who inspired the Aamir Khan-starrer, Dangal.
His KIA commercial during FIFA World Cup 2018 was featured on the FIFA’s official Facebook page.
Talha sat on the jury of prestigious award shows like London International Awards and Spikes Asia, and his work for Penguin Audiobooks is India’s most awarded campaign yet.
Piyush Pandey, Chairman of Ogilvy India & Global Creative, remembers Talha as a “very talented creative soul” who was snatched away from the world abruptly.
“To me, the outpouring of sentiments after the sad passing away of Talha was the truest measure of the man,” he says.
Pandey recalls the memorial meeting after his passing: “…what stood out for me throughout the memorial meeting we had for him, was so many people speaking about how Talha had shown them how to live life to the fullest. That lesson is the richest legacy he has left behind for all of us.”
Talha was an ‘achiever’ in his personal life too.
His biggest achievement, says business partner Arnab Roy, was his ability to win hearts.
Talha was friends with Jehangir, his car cleaner in Mumbai, “with equal ease as with successful corporate honchos”, Roy recalls. “A true Calcutta boy who never forgot his roots for me Talha and his curiosity is to cherish forever.”
“Talha was an extremely affectionate, considerate, and amicable person. He respected everybody around him despite their age, religion, or walk of life,” remembers sister Saeba Kamal. “For him life meant, to enjoy every single moment, his kindness and empathy charmed everyone around him. He was a gregarious man, his passion to explore, innovate and create kindled this characteristic in him. His wisdom will live on through his legacy, which was to love faithfully, work hard, and trust in those you love,” she adds.
Rahul Bhasin, his friend from school, describes him as a “fiercely loyal friend”.
In his birthday message for Talha, he writes: “No Birthday will be the same without sharing a cake or chatting with you. From his Iron Maiden & Guns N Roses T-shirts to baggie pants, dude you always rocked it. Rock ON! Let us celebrate the sweet memories of Talha- the fights, laughter, pranks, and endless debates. Happy Birthday!”
Mohammad Roshan takes charge as Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi on Friday. | Photo Credit: P.K. BADIGER
The State government has posted Mohammad Roshan, a young IAS officer, as the Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi. He took charge on Friday. He replaces Nitesh Patil, who has been transferred as director, MSME, Bengaluru.
Mr. Roshan was serving as the Managing Director, HESCOM. He has earlier served as ZP CEO, Haveri, and Assistant Commissioner, Savanur. In Haveri, he won praise for the reusable drinking water system he set up to feed the large crowds that gathered for the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. It was a network of underground water supply pipes operated by gravity and caused neither leakage nor wastage of water.
Outgoing DC Nitesh Patil and ZP CEO Rahul Shindhe welcome Mohammad Roshan after he takes charge as Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi on Friday. | Photo Credit: P.K. BADIGER
Hailing from Hyderabad, Mr. Roshan comes from a family of civil servants. He has a B. Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering, an MBA in Finance, and an MA in Public Policy. Mr. Patil, ZP CEO Rahul Shindhe, and other officers welcomed him.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 05th, 2024
The Western Rajasthan Education Movement (WREM) held a ceremony at Teliyon ka Nyati Nohra Square here Sunday to honour students who excelled academically. Students scoring over 65% in their 10th and 12th-grade exams were recognised for their achievements.
The event began with Quran recitation by Muhammad Yunus, a student at Madrasa Imdaddiya.
In his welcome speech, Salim Akhtar introduced SIO Rajasthan and elaborated on the goals of the Western Rajasthan Education Movement, initiated in 2019 to address the region’s low literacy rates. He emphasised the movement’s objectives: promoting education’s importance, raising awareness, improving literacy rates, encouraging higher education, inculcating moral values, increasing school enrolment, supporting dropouts to resume education, and guiding students towards academic excellence.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Qari Muhammad Hanif, In-charge of Shoba-e-Taleem at Madrasa Imdaddiya, commended the WREM team for their efforts in promoting education and congratulated the students for their dedication and success. “You have proven your talent and potential to achieve your dreams,” he said.
Chairing the ceremony, Mohammad Azam Khan, former Secretary of SIO Rajasthan, highlighted the role of students in shaping society. He urged students to integrate morality into their lives and fulfil their responsibilities toward their parents, emphasising the importance of being both good students and good human beings.
The guests were warmly welcomed with garlands, with Qari Asgar Ali delivering the official welcome speech. Master Allan Noor and Qari Umar Farooq also inspired the students.
The honoured students received shields and certificates, with the top three scorers in 10th and 12th grades receiving gold, silver, and bronze medals. The event was attended by prominent citizens of Phalodi, including Master Allan Noor, Amadin Khilji, Qari Umar Farooq, Qari Asgar Ali, Haji Pir Bakhsh (Retired JN), Saddam Hussain (Director of GP Tuition), Faiz Ahmed, Mubarak Ali, Qari Muhammad Shakir, and Amit Kumar, a teacher at GP Tuition. They encouraged the students to continue their pursuit of excellence.
The ceremony concluded with Israr Ahmed reciting a heartfelt poem of prayers. Saddam Hussain, Director of GP Tuition, played a significant role in organising the event. Salim Akhtar, convener of WREM, extended a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / December 02nd, 2024
