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Kerala landslides: When humanity triumphs over religion, politics

Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wayanad, KERALA :

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

Younis waits at the Meppadi health centre on Friday for news about his parents, who went missing in the twin landslides in Wayanad. Younis has lost 11 relatives in the disaster. He received the mortal remains of his sister and niece earlier. (Photo | E Gokul, EPS)

Chooralmala :

People outside the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad may be debating the effectiveness of the forecast and reasons for the disaster. But that’s not the case at ground zero. It demonstrates, yet again, that Keralites unite above politics and religion during hours of crisis.

Apart from the Army, Navy, NDRF, Coast Guard, Police, Fire and Rescue Services and civil service volunteers, many organisations like Youth Care, SYS, SKSSF, DYFI and Seva Bharati too have been at the forefront of search and rescue efforts. They have brought more than 1,000 volunteers from neighbouring districts, who are wading through mounds of slush in search of life. No one shows animosity or hostility based on faith or political ideology. In fact, the Army has appreciated the dedication of the volunteers.

“The coordination between the state agencies, the Army and volunteers is excellent and that has helped in the smooth conduct of rescue operations,” said Major General V T Mathew, who is heading the 509-strong Army team.

Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.

“I was part of the team that recovered around eight bodies from Vellarmala. The shock of handling the bodies of children was terrible. I almost choked when we were having lunch. It haunted me like a nightmare and I struggled to sleep. When we see toys and cradles among the debris, we think of our children. There is no meaning for enmity and squabbling in hours of crisis,” he said. 

VIP visits troubling rescue teams

Abdul Hameed, of Tirur in Malappuram, who is part of a 35-member rescue team of SYS, said the experience in joining the rescue operations during the 2018 floods and Kavalappara landslide has been helpful for the team.

However, the visit of VIPs, who bring a large team of supporters along with them, is troubling the rescue teams. As the road is narrow and there is limited space for excavators to move around, the Army has been pleading to restrict the entry of vehicles to Chooralmala.

However, MPs and MLAs arrive with supporters and insist on going to the Bailey bridge and even Mundakkai. The police are having a tough time at the barricade to stop VIPs.

Meanwhile, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi set an example as he avoided cavalcade and arrived in a police vehicle to visit the affected areas.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Manoj Viswanathan / August 03rd, 2024

Kerala Muslim organisation helps landslide survivor to fulfil his mother’s last wish

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhagvanpur (Vaishali District) BIHAR / Waynad, KERALA :

Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bihar lost his mother and three other family members in the catastrophic landslide.

Kerala Muslim Jamaath Wayanad president O K Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, SYS media coordinator S Sharafudheen, district president Basheer Sa’di and other members handing over the flight ticket to Bihar native Ravi Roshan Kumar

Meppadi :

Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bhagavanpur in the Vaishali district of Bihar, endured an unimaginable tragedy. Kumar had relocated along with his family to Wayanad, after he got a job at the tea factory in Harrison Malayalam Estate. But their lives were shattered in the catastrophic landslide that claimed over 300 lives and obliterated two villages in the district.

Kumar lost his beloved mother, Fulkumari Devi. Three of his family members are still missing.

Ravi’s mother had always dreamt of returning to their birthplace in Bhagavanpur, a wish that she could not fulfill. With no immediate relatives left and having lost all his savings in the tragedy, Ravi stared at a bleak future. However, he was determined to honor his mother’s wish by taking her ashes back to Bhagavanpur for immersion.

Ravi’s plight caught the attention of Santhwanam, a volunteer group under the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), a Muslim organization based in Kerala, who stepped in to provide crucial support.

Search operations by different volunteer groups being carried out at Punjirimattom village in Wayanad. (Photo | ENS)

Understanding the gravity of Ravi’s situation, they arranged a flight ticket and other necessary assistance for him to return to Bhagavanpur and fulfill his mother’s final wish by immersing her ashes in the river in their village.

Kerala Muslim Jamath Wayanad President O. K. Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, along with S. Sharafudheen, SYS district president Basheer Sa’di, General Secretary Latheef Kakkavayal, and other members including Santhwanam Emergency Team coordinators C. M. Noushad, Naseer Kottathara, Shameer Thomattuchal, Dr. Muhammad Irshad, and Fazlul Abid, saw off Ravi Rosan Kumar as he embarked on his journey to his native place.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 04th, 2024

Advocate Yaseen Kodibengre elected APCR dist prez, Sham Raj Birti as VP

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Karnataka chapter has elected Yaseen Kodibengre as its new district president of Udupi district.

Sham Raj Birti and Najma were elected as vice presidents. Salahuddin was elected as general secretary, Prashant Mogaweera as joint secretary, Mujahid Ali Navunda as treasurer and Shahrukh Theerthahalli as Communications and Media secretary.

The new Advisory Committee members are Riaz Kodi, advocate Asadullah, Rihan Trasi, advocate Manjunath Giliyar, Dinakara Bengre, advocate Raghu, Tajuddin, Muneer Kandlur, Idrees Hoode, advocate Afwan Hoode, Muhammad Taufeek Gangolli, Riaz Mudrangadi, Siddique Kannangar, Zakaria Nejar, Ayyan Malpe, Sameer, Simran were selected.

State general secretary Muhammad Kunhi who presided over the meeting said, “We should not have the desire for power but should deal with the power that has come honestly and fairly. APCR has been continuously working to provide justice to the oppressed and downtrodden community in the society for the past 20 years and has also been working to create awareness among the public about the law.”

APCR state secretary Hussain Kodibengre and Waseem Abdullah were present on this occasion.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / August 04th, 2024

Hyderabad: Mahboob Radio Service and the challenge of saving heritage

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The store originally goes back to about a century ago, when it was situated at Dabeerpura in the Old City of Hyderabad.

  Vintage radio sets at Mahboob Radio Service. (Image: Siasat.com/Yunus Lasania)

Hyderabad: 

Monuments are often built to last forever, or at least are built with the intention to last. These edifices are the more obvious markers of our heritage in cities. However, we often overlook the importance of everyday places that also are an equally important part of our culture and heritage. And oftentimes, without anyone doing anything, fate puts such places at the crossroads of extinction.

When I first visited Mahboob Radio Service, it was very nonchalant. It was in fact during a heritage walk early on a Saturday morning about seven or eight years ago and I never really thought much of it. However, I eventually went back, and kept returning as many times as I could because of the immensely important significance it holds for Hyderabad and the legacy of its heritage.

As I began peeling back layers of its history, I understood one thing: that Mahboob Radio Service is special. It became that by just existing and its owners doing what they do with dedication – fixing vintage radios. And of course, as any other typical old establishment, it had one owner who was a tough nut to crack. That would be Mr Moinuddin.

His elder brother Mujeebuddin (below) who I met several times in the past unfortunately passed away a few years ago. In fact, when he was no more, I suddenly realised that Mahboob Radio Servie may not be there anymore when Mr Moinuddin is gone in the future. That sinking feeling has hit me harder after I learnt in recent times that Mr Moinuddin, who is 74 years old, suffered a stroke in recent times.

Thankfully, he recovered and is back in the store fixing old radios as he always did. When we mourn the loss of our heritage in Hyderabad, it is usually when monuments are destroyed. And in the case of Mahboob Radio Service, it also may not survive and carry forward its legacy if there is no one to carry it forward.

By simply continuing to fix vintage radios regardless of how much technology advanced over decades, the place has managed to remain permanently locked in time. Mahboob Radio Service needs to survive. Establishments like these are part of the city’s soul, and the death of such places is in fact a great loss to our cultural heritage.

Nothing except a collective effort can save such places. In this case, I am not sure how that would work, but perhaps this is the time for the city and its lovers to think about what can be done.

How it began

The store originally goes back to about a century ago, when it was situated at Dabeerpura in the Old City of Hyderabad.

Shaik Mahboob, the original proprietor, was selling other things which he would bring from Bombay, until he one day brought back a radio unit to sell. Thus was born Mahboob Radio Service. Soon he along with another person began repairing and selling radio sets. The shop eventually shifted to its current location at Chatta Bazar in 1948.

“I was in fact a motor repairman earlier. I started running Mahboob Radio Service after my father passed away in 1996,” Mr Moinuddin (above) told me during one of our several conversations over the years. Oftentimes he’d laugh and tell me how he refused to entertain ‘pesky’ people. But I came to this stage of comfort with him also after years of spending time with him. As of now, his nephew Mr Majeeduddin is also helping out to fix the old radios. So perhaps there is hope.

I think more people from Hyderabad should spend time loitering at legacy places like these so that it creates a bond. There is no point in writing obituaries and having only memories remaining of such places, because the more important job we have is to save our heritage instead of mourning it. Here’s to hoping that Mahboob Radio survives and thrives.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Yunus Lasania X / July 31st, 2024

Microsite to serve S’pore’s Indian Muslim community

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA / SINGAPORE:

IMPROF President Raja Mohamad (right) and the Chief Executive of Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture Arun Mahizhnan presenting Dr Maliki Osman a token of appreciation.Photo: IMPROF

A newly launched microsite aims to serve as a comprehensive repository of the Singapore Indian Muslim community’s rich history and contributions.

The digital platform, developed by IMPROF, a network of Indian Muslim professionals, in collaboration with the Centre for Singapore Tamil Culture (CSTC), centralises information on important individuals, organisations, institutions and publications in the Singapore Indian Muslim community.

Launched on July 28 at the National Library Building, the microsite serves as a gateway into the insights of the Singaporean Indian Muslim community, said Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, who was the guest of honour at the launch event.

“The story of Indian Muslims in Singapore is one of resilience, cultural preservation and contribution to our nation’s multicultural identity.

“I hope this microsite can serve as a reminder, not just for the Indian Muslim community, but also for the broader Singaporean audience on the importance of preserving and documenting our stories,” he said.

He also encouraged the younger generation to take up the mantle and uphold these traditions.

Mr Raja Mohamad, president of IMPROF, said that Indian Muslims are often misunderstood even in today’s society.

“This microsite aims to address misconceptions and promote accurate information about our community. It is not merely a directory but a well-organised collection of existing information that has been gathered from various sources across the internet,” Mr Raja said.

For example, one can find information about a teacher who is also a community leader, an author, and a sports enthusiast, all in one place, he said.

The microsite documents key developments and notable figures in the Singapore Indian Muslim community, including publications and resources by Indian Muslims as well as those written by others about Indian Muslims.

With 111 subjects, 58 personalities, 30 institutions and 705 links featured, Mr Raja said the site’s content is non-exhaustive and will be continually updated.

The criteria for selection include having an independent mention on authoritative third-party websites, such as government or official institutions, and being recognised through national awards or respected institutions. Additionally, individuals must have excelled in their professional fields or served the community in significant capacities within government or influential agencies.

Mr Raja said he hopes it will be a valuable resource for scholars, community leaders, students and anyone who wants to know more about their community.

The idea for the microsite was conceived four years ago when he gave Mr Raja a call on Hari Raya morning, said Mr Arun Mahizhnan, the chief executive of CSTC.

“The world of the Indian Muslims in Singapore is a continuation of what existed more than 2,000 years ago in this region. They are a small but significant community that helped build Singapore.

“CSTC believes social history is essential for a fuller understanding of our community life. We hope to act as a catalyst in several more of such initiatives,” he said.

Link to microsite: https://singapore-indian-muslims.glide.page

source: http://www.tamilmurasu.com.sg / TABLA / Home> Singapore / by Yogita Anbuchezhian / August 01st, 2024

Shekhawati University Honors Topper Nigar Chaudhary with Gold Medal at Convocation Ceremony

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sikar, RAJASTHAN :

Sikar :

In a convocation ceremony held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University in Sikar, Rajasthan, Nigar Chaudhary, a student of Islamia PG College, was awarded gold medal by Governor Kalraj Mishra. Nigar Chaudhary achieved the top position in PG Home Science at Shekhawati University for the year 2022, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.

Governor Kalraj Mishra, serving as the Chancellor of the university, awarded gold medals to a total of 72 outstanding students during the event. The convocation witnessed the conferral of degrees upon a vast number of graduates across various faculties, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.

Among the dignitaries present were Haji Anwar Ahmed Qureshi, Chairman of Islamia Management Committee, and numerous well-wishers who congratulated Nigar Chaudhary, recognizing her dedication and academic prowess. The ceremony underscored the university’s role in nurturing talent and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation at large.

The event also featured Governor’s address, highlighting the pivotal role of education in shaping a progressive society and urging students to pursue excellence with dedication and determination.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / July 07th, 2024

AMU students significantly contribute to the German literary translation project

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

The students and teachers of the German Section, Department of Foreign Languages, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) contributed significantly to the Translation Project conducted by Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai.

The South Asian regional translation project, “Diamantenschliff: The Digital Translation Academy” focused on the translations of German literary works into the South Asian languages with special emphasis on the translation of selected works of Franz Kafka from German into various South Asian languages, including Bangla, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Sinhala, Tamil and Urdu.

Syed Salman Abbas, Assistant Professor, German Language and Literature, Department of Foreign Languages, who was the mentor for Urdu translations, moderated a lecture session on translation delivered by Dr Almuth Degener, a retired professor from the Indology Department, University of Mainz, Germany.

The current and former students of the German Section, including Mohammad Uzair, Mohammad Khalid, Sadique Khan, Mohammad Intizar, Muhammad Fahad and Syeda Alina Ali translated different works of Kafka from German into Urdu, while Mr Syed Salman Abbas contributed to and edited the Urdu translations for the website.

Dr Subair PM, Assistant Professor, made contributions as one of the translators of German texts into Malayalam.

The one-year-long project concluded with the launch of the translations on the official website of Goethe-Institut, on July 3, marking Franz Kafka’s birthday. The voice recordings of the Urdu translations are also available on the website.

Prof Muhammad Azhar, Dean of the Faculty of International Studies and Chairman of the concerned department appreciated the unique achievement of the students and faculty members of the department and congratulated them for their outreach.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 31st, 2024

Qatar : Udupi Legends emerge as champions of Udupi Premier League Season 1

Uncategorized

Udupi, KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR:

Qatar:

The Udupi Premier League Season 1, organized by Udupi Restaurant Qatar in association with Smart Cricketers Qatar, concluded with a grand closing ceremony. The tournament, which featured ten auction-based teams comprising Karnataka players residing in Qatar, culminated in a thrilling finale.

Team Udupi Legends, owned by Faisal G and captained by Imran Shirva, emerged as the champions, while Team Royal Qatar, owned by Sheikh Mainuddin and led by Parvez (Pajju), secured the runner-up position.

The tournament paid homage to notable players Imran Koteshwara, Abdul Rauf, Imran Shirva, Deekshit Alva, Parvez (Pajju), Abdul Sathar, Suhel Billi, Abdul Salam Mohammad Sheikh, and Mirza Khaleel for their dedication and contributions to cricket in Qatar.

Awards to best performing players:

Final Match Man of the Match: Safan Pathan
Man of the Series (Most Valuable Player): Nizar Arekkal
Best Batsman: Abdul Rauf
Best Bowler: Mohammad Rabeez
Best Fielder: Farhan Shirva
Best Wicket Keeper: Abdul Vaheed

The opening ceremony, held on June 19, 2024, was inaugurated by Deepak Shetty and Abdul Khader.

The closing ceremony saw the presence of distinguished guests including Faisal G, Musthafa G, Mohammed Junaid of Udupi Restaurant Qatar, and Asmath Ali, Abdul Shukur, Mohammad Thoufiq from Smart Cricketers Qatar, along with Akshaya Acharya.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / June 25th, 2024

Tribute Program Honors Kargil War Heroes, Their Families in Jhunjhunu

Uncategorized

Jhunjhunu, RAJASTHAN :

Jhunjhunu :

In a solemn and heartfelt ceremony titled “Shahadat Ko Salaam” (Salute to Martyrdom), the Dr. Salauddin Chopdar Foundation honored 130 bravehearts, including Kargil War heroes, their families, and gallantry award winners from the Shekhawati region. The event, held at Karbala Maidan in Jhunjhunu, was under the patronage of Mahant Oomnath Ji Maharaj and Ajaz Nabi Sahib, highlighting the communal harmony of the region.

The chief guest, Rajya Sabha MP and renowned poet Imran Pratapgarhi, along with other distinguished guests such as Major General A.J.B. Jaini, Lieutenant General S.P.S. Katewa, and Kargil War hero Brigadier Ajit Singh Shekhawat, graced the event. M.D. Chopdar, Chairman of the Rajasthan Madrasa Board, welcomed all the guests with mementos, shawls, and capes.

Chopdar praised the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb of the district, emphasizing that nationalism transcends religion and caste in this region. He lauded the valor displayed in the Kargil War, asserting that the people of Shekhawati are always ready to sacrifice their lives for the country.

Imran Pratapgarhi expressed his admiration for the heroic land of Shekhawati, stating that those who spread hatred should witness the love and unity of its people. He promised to highlight the sacrifices of Shekhawati’s heroes on a larger platform and organize a similar event in Delhi.

Brigadier Ajit Singh recounted inspiring stories from the Kargil War, emphasizing that bravery knows no religious boundaries. He shared how a Muslim company under his command showcased indomitable courage and defeated the enemy. Colonel Shokat Ali echoed these sentiments, highlighting the region’s deep-seated love and loyalty for the country.

A book chronicling the lives of Shekhawati’s martyrs was released during the event. Poet Vivek Parikh and singer Rukhsana Khan contributed to the patriotic fervor with their performances. Thousands of people from Shekhawati attended to honor the war widows and soldiers.

The program, hosted by Dr. Ajhar Hussain and Mulchand Jhajharia, was attended by several other dignitaries, including Captain Tipu Sultan and Captain Sultan Khan. The event underscored the importance of unity and patriotism, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Shekhawati’s soldiers and their families.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Raheem Khan / Radiance News Bureau / July 27th, 2024

Azeez Belgaumi selected for Bulleh Shah Gold Medal 2025, conferred Title Miraj-e-Sukhan

Uncategorized

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Azeez Belgaumi has been selected for the Bulleh Shah Gold Medal 2025 for his unparalleled Literary Services in Urdu language and will be conferred the title of “Miraj-e-Sukhan” by Tehreek Islah Muashra Pakistan.

Mr. Belgaumi’s poetry has not only enriched the literary landscape of India but also garnered appreciation and accolades worldwide. His contributions to Urdu literature have been recognized by various institutions nationally and globally, highlighting his profound impact on the literary community.

On another occasion, Beacon Light University, Spire College, Fatehpur, Pakistan, honored him with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He continues to chair several world-level Urdu literary fest and poets meets. As a member of the World Literary Committee, the Global Writers Association, Universal Urdu Point UAE awarded him a Certificate of Merit for International Literary Service.

His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to transcend boundaries, resonating with audiences around the world. His work continues to inspire and influence the literary community, cementing his place as one of India’s most cherished poets.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / July 09th, 2024