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Members of the Nasya Sheikh (Rajbanshi Muslims) community in north Bengal demand for uplift

North Bengal, WEST BENGAL :

On Sunday, around 2,000 of them assembled at a meeting convened by the Nasya Sheikh Unnayan Parishad, an association of the community, at Rabindra Bhavan in Cooch Behar.

The meeting of the Nasya Sheikh Unnayan Parishad at Rabindra Bhavan in Cooch Behar on Sunday Picture by Main Uddin Chisti

Members of the Nasya Sheikh (Rajbanshi Muslims) community in north Bengal have raised a slew of demands for their socio-economic development and the effective functioning of a development board that the state government constituted for them.

On Sunday, around 2,000 of them assembled at a meeting convened by the Nasya Sheikh Unnayan Parishad, an association of the community, at Rabindra Bhavan in Cooch Behar.

Aminal Haque, secretary of the central committee of the Parishad, said in 2021, the state had announced the creation of the Nasya Sheikh Development Board.

“However, the board has not been constituted in a full-fledged manner and is not working effectively for our development, unlike other development boards which the state has formed in north Bengal. The district magistrate of Cooch Behar has been the chairman of the board and none from our community has been put in the post,” he said.

At the meeting, Haque and other speakers also underscored that most of them are migrant workers and belong to weaker economic sections of society.

“There are school dropouts in our community and yet, funds allocated for the development of minorities are not being spent. We want the board to take appropriate initiatives and will wait for a month. If our demands are not met, we will launch protests from August,” added Haque.

Shaukat Ali, the South Dinajpur district secretary of the Parishad, said around 60 lakh Nasya Sheikhs live in north Bengal. “Being minorities, we belong to the OBC category and want the state to announce that women of our community will get monthly assistance of ₹1,200 under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme like SCs and STs. As of now, they get ₹1,000,” said Ali.

Farid Akhtar Gazi, the Jalpaiguri district secretary of the forum, said the state should announce that they are the “sons of the soil” in north Bengal.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> West Bengal / by Telegraph India / July 01st, 2024

TGMREIS students get higher education scholarship under INSPIRE

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Two students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.

Hyderabad :

Two students of Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) have secured a Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) under Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) of the Department of Science & Technology of the Government of India.

According to Aisha Masarath Khanam, Secretary TGMREIS, students of TGMREIS are continuing their excellence in academics.

Two of our students from TGMREIS have secured Scholarship for Higher Education under INSPIRE by virtue of performance of being within top one percent in class XII Board Examination held during the academic session March 2024.

Asma Sultana and D. Saniya from Vikarabad Girls’ Junior College have made TGMREIS proud.

INSPIRE is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to Science.

SHE component of the INSPIRE aims to encourage meritorious students to study basic and natural sciences at undergraduate level through attractive scholarship and mentorship opportunities. SHE offers 12,000 scholarships every year to meritorious students in the age group 17-22 years.

Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, Vice-Chairman and President, TGMREIS, Shahanawaz Qasim, Secretary to Chief Minister, Tafseer Iqbal, Special Secretary to Government, Minorities Welfare Department and Aisha Masarath Khanam have congratulated the students and teachers on their achievement.

TGMREIS, earlier called TMREIS, was launched in 2017 with the aim of providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to the minority communities in the state.

The society was formed under the Telangana State Public Societies Registration Act with a vision to bridge the educational gap and promote social inclusion among minority communities. TMREIS aims to create an environment where students from minority backgrounds can access quality education, develop their talents, and build a strong foundation for their future.

TMREIS runs 204 minority residential schools and junior colleges across the state, where about one lakh students are getting education.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / August 23rd, 2024

UAE travel group launches Alhind Air – A ‘low-cost airline’ for Indian expats

Kozhikode (Calicut), KERALA / U.A.E :

The group is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.

Kerala-based travel service operator Alhind Group with a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to launch its airline, aiming to provide economical air travel options for residents.

The group, which has been a significant player in the travel industry for over three decades, has received the Civil Aviation Ministry’s initial nod to start an airline — Alhind Air.

The chairman, Mohammad Haris announced that the Group is in the final stages of obtaining the required approvals.

“Last week, we had a meeting with officials at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); we submitted all documents required for landing permission at the airport,” he said. “We had earlier received the no objection certificate (NOC) to start the airline. We are hoping to begin operations by January 2025, if not earlier,” said Haris as quoted by Khaleej Times.

Initial operations and fleet

According to the reports, Alhind Air will start its initial operations with three Atr-72 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes in southern India, including connections between Cochin, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai with an initial investment of ₹200 crores to ₹500 crores as it adds more planes into the fleet.

“We will have five ATR planes in total to fly on regional routes. We have secured all support from Cochin International Airport for our operations. Once this process is completed, the exercise for hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other ground staff will start, a top official of the group told CNBC-TV18.

The group’s promoter revealed that the Alhind Group offers services including air ticketing, holiday packages, Haj-Umrah services, visas, and money exchange. The group already boasts a turnover of ₹20,000 crore and has a robust sales network that could facilitate the successful launch of the airline.

Pertinently, Alhind Group is one of the leading players in the travel and tourism industry in India and abroad.

The strategic launch into the aviation sector is anticipated to enhance completion, potentially lowering airfares and improving service quality for travellers.

Mohammad Haris stated that the group which is also the General Sales Agent (GSA) for many airlines is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Sayima Ahmad , (Headline edited) / August 22nd, 2024

City kickboxers excel in State Championship

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Kickboxers of Elite Academy won 7 gold medals in State-level Kickboxing Championship-2024 held at Yuvaraja’s College in city recently.

The medal winners — (from left) Mohammed Junaid (Gold medal in Junior category), Riya-ul-arab (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event), Abu Shama (Gold medal in Children’s category), Simra Khan (Gold medals in Kick Light and Light Contact events), Abdul Muheebudin (Gold medal in Tatami Mat Kick Light event) & Mohammed Adnaan (Gold medal in Junior category) — are seen with Elite Academy Director Sameena Tabbasum and Academy Founder & Head Coach Mohammed Farjath Iyaz.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> PhotoNews / August 21st, 2024

Kashmiri Folk Dance Reaches New Heights, 10,000 Girls From Baramulla Dance at ‘Kashur Riwaj Fest’ to Create World Record

Baramulla, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

The largest Kashmiri Folk Dance ever performed by 10000 young women at Kashur Riwaaj Cultural Fest on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

The largest Kashmiri Folk Dance ever performed by 10000 young women

In a historic and empowering event, 10,000 young women from Baramulla shattered records by performing the Largest Kashmiri Folk Dance at the “Kashur Riwaaj” cultural festival. Organized by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the Baramulla District Administration and the Indrani Balan Foundation, this remarkable event served as a precursor to the 78th Independence Day celebrations. Held at the Prof. Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium, the festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy, and other cultural activities. The highlight of the event was the collective performance of the Rouf dance by these young women, setting a new world record and underscoring the strength and unity of Kashmiri women.

The event was supported by various officials, including Shri Minga Sherpa, DC, who played a key role in ensuring its smooth execution. Senior representatives from the J&K Cultural Department, Police, and NGOs also attended, lending their encouragement to the young participants.

One of the participants shared, “We’ve been rehearsing for nearly a month, and now it feels like all the effort was worth it. This is a great achievement, and we are proud to be part of this world record.”

The event was supported by various officials, including Shri Minga Sherpa, DC, who played a key role in ensuring its smooth execution. Senior representatives from the J&K Cultural Department, Police, and NGOs also attended, lending their encouragement to the young participant

source: youtube.com / Information & PR, J&K / Baramulla youth create world record!!

The festival’s chief guest, Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, was joined by Maj. Gen. Rajesh Sethi, GOC of the Dagger Division, and Baramulla Brigade Commander, Brigadier Rajat Bhatt. The Indrani Balan Foundation, led by Shri Punit and Smt. Janhavi Balan, was instrumental in supporting this initiative, continuing their commitment to development and cultural preservation in Baramulla. An IBF official highlighted the significance of the event, calling it “a shining example of constructive engagement and cooperation between civil, military, industry, and youth.”

The world record, officially recognized by the Universal Records Forum (URF), an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, was a testament to the precision and quality with which the event was conducted.

The “Kashur Riwaaj” Cultural Fest was more than just a celebration of tradition; it was a powerful showcase of female empowerment and resilience in Kashmir. The audience was captivated by performances that included a Rubab recital by 13-year-old prodigy Ishfaq Hamid Bhatt, the youngest recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar 2024, and a Santoor performance by award-winning artist Naseer Ahmed Mir. The event also featured intricate calligraphy by the 70-year-old expert, Mr. Shafi Mir, who presented a handcrafted piece to the chief guest.

The festival’s atmosphere was further energized by the “Strings of Baramulla” band from the Chinar YUVA Centre, and the lively presentations by popular RJs from Radio Baramulla. As RJ Harleen aptly put it, “This was a program of the Youth, by the Youth, for the Youth of Baramulla.”

Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry, deeply influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and Indo-Aryan traditions, was on full display at the event. The festival not only celebrated the valley’s traditional arts and crafts but also served as a platform for the youth, particularly young women, to reconnect with and take pride in their heritage.

The Indrani Balan Foundation has been at the forefront of various developmental initiatives in Kashmir, including the Dagger Parivaar School in Baramulla for specially-abled children and the Heritage Centre at Boniyar. Their commitment to preserving and promoting local culture and history is evident in their ongoing efforts across the region.

The Indian Army’s close connection with the people of Kashmir was also evident in their support for this event. Their collaboration with the community in preserving cultural practices while ensuring the security and peace of the region underscores their dedication to Kashmir’s cultural legacy.

The success of “Kashur Riwaaj” has set a new standard for cultural engagement in the region, uniting the youth—especially the young women of Kashmir—in a powerful display of tradition, pride, and patriotism.

source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> Women / by India.com Lifestyle Staff / August 12th, 2024

Vasu Pujari elected President, Moonish Ali as Vice President of Bantwal Municipality

Bantwal, KARNATAKA :

Bantwal:

In the Bantwal Municipality elections held today, Congress’s Vasu Pujari Loretto was elected as the President, while Moonish Ali of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) was elected as the Vice President.

The election saw Congress and SDPI joining hands, with SDPI supporting Vasu Pujari for the president’s post, and Congress backing Moonish Ali for the vice-presidential role. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded A. Govinda Prabhu for President and Hariprasad for Vice President.

In the 27-member Bantwal Municipality, both BJP and Congress hold 11 seats each, while SDPI has 4 seats, with one seat remaining vacant.

Despite Dakshina Kannada MP K. Brijesh Chowta and Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik’s participation (both representing BJP), which raised BJP’s position to 13, the Congress-SDPI alliance secured the victory after they formed an alliance.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 22nd, 2024

Shaheen Food Court Inaugurated at Bidar Fort to Enhance Tourist Experience

Bidar, KARNATAKA :

Bidar:

In a move to improve tourist facilities, the Shaheen Food Court (SFC) was inaugurated at the historic Bahmani Fort in Bidar. The canteen, which was launched by Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma on Thursday, aims to provide much-needed amenities for the numerous visitors to the fort.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shilpa Sharma emphasized that the canteen will enhance the visitor experience, particularly for those coming from various parts of the country and abroad.

Abdul Haseeb, Managing Director of Shaheen Group, emphasized that the canteen was established in response to the district administration’s request to cater to tourists’ needs. He also mentioned plans to introduce additional amenities at other historical sites in the region. The local community suggested further enhancements such as battery-operated vehicles and guided tours to boost tourism.

The canteen, open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, will offer a variety of items including bakery snacks, cold drinks, and bottled water. The initiative is expected to attract more tourists to Bidar, complementing the influx of visitors from places like Hyderabad, which is 130 kilometers away.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Girish Badole, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, Bidar Sub-Divisional Officer Lavish Ordia, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, President of Shaheen Educational Institutions, and Anirudh Desai, Assistant Conservation Officer of the Archaeological Survey of India’s Bidar Division.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by The Hindustan Gazette / August 15th, 2024

Bhatkal Anjuman students getting university rank continues; Najda Ekiri got first rank in Karnataka University Dharwad

Bhatkal (Uttara Kannada District) , KARNATAKA :

 Students of the colleges run under Anjuman Hamai Muslim Bhatkal continue to get ranks at the university level and this time Najda Ekiri, a student of Anjuman Institute of Management and Computer Applications (AIMCA). Anjuman College has made the name of Anjuman College bright in the entire state by securing first rank in Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Karnataka University, Dharwad.

 AIMCA Principal Muhammad Mohsin has said in a press release that Najda Ekiri, of Mubeen Ahmed Ekiri and Nusrat Jahan, has also achieved a remarkable feat by memorizing the Holy Quran during her three-year BCA course. According to the press release, Najda secured 3421 marks out of 3700 marks, resulting in a pass rate of 92.46%. The BCA exams were held in August-September 2023.

It has been found that while Najda, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman, secured the first rank in Dharwad University, Dekshanagappa Kharvi, a student of Bhatkal Sri Gurusdhiendra BCA College, secured the third rank at the university level, with an average success rate of 91.73%. has been done.

The university’s second rank went to Shantala Raibagh, a student of Global College of Computer Applications, Hubli, who registered a pass rate of 92.27 percent.

It should be noted that more than fifty BCA colleges are affiliated to Karnataka University, Dharwad, and among the students of all these colleges, a student of Bhatkal Anjuman getting the first rank is a great achievement. In such a situation, memorizing the Holy Quran with modern education is also a big challenge.

The management of Anjuman Hamai Muslimin, the principal and other staff of the college have congratulated Najda for this wonderful achievement and wished her all the best for her future.

source: http://www.sahilonline.net / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by IG Bhatkali, SO News Agency / August 23rd, 2024

Website of Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh’s paintings launched

Mahbubnagar District / Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh was a prominent figure in the Progressive Art Movement, born on September 7, 1921, in Mahbubnagar District, Telangana.

  A self portrait of Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh

Hyderabad: 

A website dedicated to the late Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh, a renowned artist from the 1960s and 1970s, was inaugurated by Prof. T. Gangadhar, the Principal of the College of Fine Arts in Masab Tank.

The launch event for the website, ‘www.sayeedbinmohammed.com’, was organized by his son Hamid Bin Sayeed Babader and daughter Jameela Nishat, and featured a display of some of the artist’s paintings.

Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh was a prominent figure in the Progressive Art Movement, born on September 7, 1921, in Mahbubnagar District, Telangana.

He was known for his innovative approach to portrait painting, initially mastering oil techniques that diverged from Western traditions.

His unique style later evolved to include watercolour, where he infused life into his subjects, often using blue backgrounds to evoke calmness and spirituality.

A recent event celebrated his legacy with the launch of a dedicated website, attended by art enthusiasts, former professors, and colleagues.

During this event, Hamid Bin Sayeed highlighted the distinctiveness of Naqsh’s self-portraits, noting how his method of expression captivated viewers.

In recognition of his talent, Naqsh received the Chattari Gold Medal in 1945 for his remarkable contributions to art, particularly for his ability to intertwine themes of creation and life in his works.

Jameela Nishat, daughter of Sayeed Bin Mohammed Naqsh, noted that her father, like any other artist, was deeply observant of his surroundings and absorbed the essence of life into his art.

She highlighted how he was particularly influenced by the allure of the Deccani marbled miniature paintings housed in the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk / August 22nd, 2024

Tanzeem-Backed candidates Afsha Qazia, Advocate Imran Lanka & Mohiddin Altaf Kharuri secure key positions unopposed in Bhatkal local bodies elections

Bhatkal (Uttara Kannada District), KARNATAKA :

Bhatkal : 

In the much-anticipated elections held today, Wednesday, at the Jali Pattan Panchayat, Afsha Qaziya was elected as President, while Advocate Imran Lanka was elected as Vice President. Both candidates, backed by the prominent social organization Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, were elected unopposed.

In a related development, Tanzeem-backed councilor Mohiddin Altaf Kharuri was also elected as Vice President of the Town Municipal Council (TMC) Bhatkal on Tuesday.

The election processes for both the TMC and Jali Pattan Panchayat were supervised by Bhatkal Tehsildar Nagaraj.

The President’s position at Jali Pattan Panchayat was reserved for a General Woman, and the Vice President’s position was reserved for Backward Class A (BCA). In the TMC election, the President’s seat was reserved for an SC woman, and the Vice President’s seat was reserved for BCA. However, since there was no SC woman councilor in the TMC, no nominations were filed for the President’s position. As a result, all three key positions across both bodies were filled unopposed.

The new President of Jali Pattan Panchayat, Afsha Qaziya, is a highly qualified woman with degrees in B.Com, B.Ed, and M.Ed. She has been actively involved in social and community work and has served as a councilor in the Jali Pattan Panchayat for the past 28 months. Advocate Imran Lanka, elected as Vice President, is also highly educated and an active member of the Tanzeem’s political panel. He has been serving as a councilor in the Jali Pattan Panchayat since 2015-16.

The newly elected Vice President of TMC, Mohiuddin Altaf Kharuri, has been serving as a municipal councilor for the past 24 years and has previously held the position of Standing Committee Chairman twice. He also has significant experience serving as the General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, a century-old social organization in Bhatkal.

Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem continues to have a strong influence in local bodies, with their backed candidates consistently securing key positions in the TMC and panchayats.

source: http://www.sahilonline.org / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News> Featured News / by IG Bhatkali – (Headline edited) / August 22nd, 2024