Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

With the passing of veteran Congress leader Arif Aqueel, a former minister in the Madhya Pradesh Government, a significant void has been left on the political canvas regarding Muslims in the state, particularly in Bhopal.

Known as the Sher-e-Bhopal, Arif Aqueel was renowned for his unyielding hold on the Bhopal North constituency, a stronghold that the BJP was unable to breach for over two decades. He was admired for his unbiased approach to his work and his belief that anyone who sought his help was his responsibility.

Arif Aqueel was considered a political leader not only for Muslims in Bhopal but throughout Madhya Pradesh. He was consistently counted among the top five Congress leaders in the state. His passing has left the Muslim community across Madhya Pradesh inconsolable and deprived the state Congress of a pivotal figure.

Arif Aqueel passed away on Monday at the age of 72 in a private hospital in Bhopal after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and one daughter, along with thousands of commoners who regarded him as a messiah.

Aqueel was laid to rest at Bade Bagh Cemetery in the old city, where thousands of mourners participated in his Namaz-e-Janazah. Later, they brushed shoulders with each other to lend a helping hand in carrying the coffin to the graveyard, bidding a tearful goodbye to their beloved leader.

Last year, Aqueel underwent heart surgery after blockages were found during a medical examination. This surgery took place at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Following his surgery, he decided not to contest in the elections, and his son Atif was nominated by the Congress party to run from Bhopal North. Despite his health challenges, Arif campaigned for his son from a jeep and wheelchair, resulting in a decisive victory for his son Atif.

Left behind rich political & social legacy

He has left behind a rich political and social legacy that will continue to guide generations to come. From 1990 to 2024, the entire politics of Bhopal and Old Bhopal revolved around Arif Aqueel. The BJP could never defeat him. His seat was such an impregnable fortress of the Congress, on which no wave could ever make an impact.

Arif Aqueel, was born on 14th January 1952 in Bhopal, started his political career as a student leader in 1972.  He became the president of the Saifia College Students’ Union in 1977. In the same year he was elected as the Vice President of Madhya Pradesh NSUI, (National Students Union of India).

He contested the assembly elections for the first time in 1990 and won. Then he defeated senior Congress leader and former minister Rasool Ahmed Siddiqui. He won his first MLA election as an independent MLA.

In 1993, he again contested the MLA election under the patronage of the Janata Dal; however, he was defeated by Ramesh Sharma of the BJP party by a narrow margin. In 1995 he was appointed a member of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board and the Bar Council, the same year he was elected chairman of the Nagrik Sahakari Bank.

In 1996, he again joined the Congress party and in 1998 he contested the MLA election and won the assembly election by defeating his old rival Ramesh Sharma of BJP. From 1998 to 2003, Arif Aqueel has served in several cabinet positions in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the tenure of Congress Party Chief Minister Digvijay Singh. He was nominated as Minister of Minority Welfare, Bhopal Gas Relief Minister, Minister of Backward and Backward Classes Department. He was also appointed as the chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Hajj Committee.

He again won the assembly election in 2003 as an MLA, and from February to June 2004 he served as the Secretary of the Assembly for the Congress and in 2007 he was nominated as the Vice President of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee.

In 2008, he was again elected MLA in the 13th Vidhan Sabha; in 2012 he was the president of Bhopal Divisional Cricket Association and M. P. Divisional Cricket Association. In 2013, he was appointed a member of the Congress Election Committee for ticket distribution. In 2013, he was re-elected to the 14th Legislative Assembly by defeating former Union cabinet minister Arif Baig.

Meanwhile, politicians cutting across party line MP CM Mohan Yadav, former Congress CMs Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh, along with MPCC Chief Jitu Patwari and others have expressed their grief over his demise.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Obituary / by Pervez Bari / July 31st, 2024

Guwahati, ASSAM :

Arshad Ali with 2nd Asian MMA Medal

While Arshad Ali of the village Garchuk faced a group of bullies in school, he decided to build his mental and physical strength. As a result, he joined Martial Arts for self-defense.

At 27, Arshad won a bronze medal for India in the 2nd Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championships held from July 11 to 13 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Arshad Ali trains at Legacy Combat MMA Gymnasium in Guwahati.

In the coming weeks, Arshad Ali will participate in the 2024 Asian Indoor Games in the MMA Championship, the most prestigious and challenging event in the field. It attracts participants from all over the continent.

In an exclusive interview with Awaz-The Voice, Arshad Ali said, “I am happy to participate in the tournament (2nd Asian MMA Championships). The Indian team will have eight members. I was the only one from the Northeast. Before taking up MMA, I used to play kickboxing and Wushu and participated in many competitive events. Now I am in love with MMA.”

Arshad Ali being declared winner in the Asian MMA

Arshad Ali trains daily at the Legacy Combat Coach MMA Gymasium at Chandmari, Guwahati under the noted MMA fighter Shakil Inzam. There is no fixed practice time, and he often practices for 2-3 hours each day.

“Many people have a wrong notion about MMA, for they believe MMA is a fighting sport, but it’s not like that. Real martial arts players never fight. Most people come to learn MMA for self-defense. Martial Arts never teach one to fight but only to defend. MMA teaches you to control your mind. Today’s younger generation has become lazy. The youth can benefit from MMA in their lives. I have personally benefited a lot,” he said.

In addition to the Asian Championships, Arshad Ali has won gold in kickboxing and bronze medals in Wushu at the state and national levels.

Arshad Ali has faced various challenges since joining MMA. Initially, since Arshad Ali had a lean body many people would tell him, “You can’t do these things. MMA is not meant for you.”

However, despite all these negative vibes, he continued to learn the skill and is a star today.

Arshad Ali (extreme right) on the podium during the award distribution ceremony of Asian MMA Championships

“Playing MMA causes a lot of injury to the body and this scared my family. Sometimes my family would say I shouldn’t play this sport anymore. I continued with my passion no matter whatever the challenge I faced. Currently, my mom and dad are very proud of me. I am proud of myself. If I can do it, everyone can do it,” Arshad said.

So far, Arshad Ali is satisfied with the medal and his achievement in MMA but doesn’t want to end his MMA journey here. In the future, he wants to see himself in the ring of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He also dreams of playing in the World Championships in the future.

MMA is not a recognized sport. Therefore, Arshad Ali does not receive any assistance from the government when he goes to play in different places. He spends his money and also gets some help from the MMA India Federation.

“MMA is a relatively new sport in India and, thus, we do not enjoy any government or corporate support as of now. Some combat sports such as boxing, wushu, taekwondo, etc are recognized and players enjoy much support, including reservations. I am hopeful that MMA too will be recognized one day and players will benefit,” Arshad said.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ariful Islam, Guwahati / July 30th, 2024

NEW DELHI :

The “Champion of Change” awards presented to proficient Muslim women across various fields at the AIMWA convention in New Delhi.

Dr. Asma Zehra, President of All India Muslim Women’s Association (AIMWA), highlighted the significance of sacrifices in fulfilling societal and religious responsibilities during her presidential address at the three-day AIMWA convention in New Delhi. The event attracted over 300 delegates, including scholars, homemakers, doctors, students, and mothers from 18 states.

According to an AIMWA statement, notable attendees included former Member of Parliament Brinda Karat, Supreme Court Advocate Salman Khurshid, and newly elected Orissa MLA Sophia Firdous. The convention honored distinguished Muslim women across various fields with the “Champion of Change” awards.

A view of audience of AIMWA convention

Dr. Zehra emphasized the necessity of great sacrifices to achieve significant goals and uphold Islamic values. She stressed the continuous efforts needed to protect these values amidst rising challenges for Indian Muslims, including the demolition of homes, restrictions on veiled women, disrespect in educational institutions, and attempts to alter Muslim Personal Law.

Salman Khurshid praised the convention’s organizers and acknowledged the numerous challenges Muslims face in India. He underscored the importance of upholding ethics and exercising constitutional freedoms.

Brinda Karat lauded the Muslim community for having the lowest female foeticide rates and highlighted ongoing issues such as domestic violence and unpaid household work. She commended Ms. Bilquis Banu of Gujarat for her resilience in seeking justice after being a rape victim.

Sophia Firdous shared her journey to the Orissa Legislative Assembly, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions with dedication.

AIMWA’s Vision 2030

Ms. Afroz Jaffari, AIMWA Vice President, outlined Vision 2030, which aims to engage 7-8 crore Muslim women through education, reform, rights, and sustainability initiatives. This vision includes establishing forums for professionals and improving educational standards in districts with higher Muslim populations.

Ms. Uzma Parekh, General Secretary of AIMWA, presented the past year’s activities, showcasing various educational, developmental, and cultural programs for women and students.

The convention highlighted activities from 15 states, with coordinators presenting reports. Key efforts included student support, public movements, and economic initiatives. Coordinators emphasized the impact of utilizing time and skills effectively to shape the nation’s future.

A panel discussion on education featured experts like Ms. Wahida Syed, Prof. Rafique Unnisa, and Ms. Shabana Patil. Legal issues were addressed by advocates Rashida Suhail and Zakia Moin, focusing on recent Supreme Court decisions and violence against Muslim women.

Ms. Tasneem, Secretary of Youth, and Ms. Ifa Lule, Joint Secretary, introduced the Bintul Muslim Council, detailing special sessions for students and emphasizing the need for religious education and reformative gatherings.

The convention concluded with a commitment to ongoing efforts for community development, equity, and resilience, reflecting the collective concern for the welfare and future of the Muslim community.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Pervez Bari / Radiance News Bureau / July 28th, 2024

Betoli Village (Virajpet Taluk -Kodagu District), KARNATAKA :

The family has been facing social boycott for about 30 years now

Madikeri :

A Muslim family at Betoli village in Virajpet taluk has been facing social boycott from members of the community for the last 30 years, all because the woman of the house used to attend prayers at a mosque in Virajpet.

Adding insult to injury, the family members were not even allowed at the Muslim burial ground when the head of the family died on Thursday night. The final rites of the deceased man were conducted by the community members itself while the family was kept out.

The family was not allowed to attend the last rites

The family has been barred entry into the mosque in the village and other community members are forbidden from visiting them or entertaining them at their place.

Violation of the diktat will attract a penalty of Rs 5,000. The family members say they are not even allowed to hire autorickshaws from the village.

The village mosque has barred entry for the family members

About 30 years ago, Rafiq married a woman from Kerala and brought her to the village.

Ever since the woman prayed at a mosque in Virajpet, the family has been facing boycott.

When Rafiq died after a heart attack, the community members took away the body to the first wife’s house. The family was warned that if they even saw the body, the villagers or other family members would not participate in the last rites, they claimed.

Rashid with his mother and sister

Rashid, the son of Rafiq, said, “My father was boycotted when I was about 13 years old because my mother would visit a mosque.

When I was 33, I wrote to the mosque seeking membership and they collected Rs 75,000-80,000 from us for the 32-year period. For two years, we had membership of the mosque, but later, without any information, they cancelled our membership”.

“We approached the district wakf committee, the police and even applied through a lawyer.

When I was bringing back my father’s body from the hospital, they stopped the ambulance and took away the body along with the stretcher. They didn’t even give me a chance to speak.

The family of my father’s first wife has been constantly harassing us. We were humiliated before the whole village by not allowing us to take part in the last rites”, Rashid said.

source: http://www.english.publictv.in / Public TV, English / Home> Karnataka> Latest> Main Post> States / February 23rd, 2024

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Retired Police Officers Association was held at Police Bhavan in city recently.

On the occasion, Association former Vice-President M.K. Pasha felicitated Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar on behalf of all Police personnel.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Gallery> Photo News / July 18th, 2024

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

The South Canara Physiotherapy Teachers Association, Dakshina Kannada organised a programme to honour Prof U T Ifthikar Ahmad on his achievement as the chairman of Karnataka State Allied and Health Care Council.

The programme was attended by all the principals of various physiotherapy colleges and the members of the association.

It was organised in Eden Club.

Prof U T Ifthikar Ahmad has been appointed as the first chairman of the State Council of Allied and Health Care adding another feather to his cap.

This achievement is another milestone in his career and the association is hopeful of a better future for physiotherapy and allied profession in the state as well as in the country.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / July 28th, 2024

Nazirabad Barddhaman, WEST BENGAL :

Ayan Ashraf, a student of Rahmani 30, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing admission to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, India’s premier research institution. Hailing from a modest family, Ayan’s achievement highlights his dedication and strategic decision to pursue excellence in a field that significantly impacts societal welfare.

IISc Bangalore is renowned for its pioneering research and distinguished alumni, including biochemist Obaid Siddiqi, mathematician Harish Chandra, and aerospace engineer and former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan. The institution, which had Nobel laureate C.V. Raman as its first director, continues to produce some of the brightest minds in science and technology.

Ayan’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and his family’s unwavering support. His father, Ashraf Alam, works in the construction sector, while his mother, Nahid Alam, dedicates her time to managing their household. Ayan’s brother Zia completed his engineering degree in electronics and telecommunication from Jamia Millia Islamia and now works at Morgan Stanley. Zia’s achievements have been a major source of inspiration for Ayan.

The family resides in Nazirabad Barddhaman, West Bengal, where they have fostered an environment that emphasizes education and hard work.

Research plays a crucial role in societal development by fostering innovation, solving complex problems, and enhancing our understanding of the world. By choosing to pursue research, Ayan is entering a field that offers personal fulfillment and makes significant contributions to global progress. His determination and perseverance will serve him well in all his future endeavors, illustrating the rewarding career path that research can provide.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 18th, 2024

LAKSHADWEEP :

MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED, having won the election to the 18th Lok Sabha from Lakshadweep, is determined to carry forward the rich political legacy of his father, P.M. Sayeed. At the age of 26, Hamdullah was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 as the youngest MP. P.M. Sayeed, the first and only parliamentarian from Lakshadweep to become a Cabinet Minister, served in various capacities, including Union Minister of State for Steel, Coal and Mines, Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, Hamdullah Sayeed discusses the factors behind his recent victory, the challenges ahead, and his plans for Lakshadweep.

What was the biggest factor in your victory?

We were out of power for the last 10 years. In 2014, I lost the election and again in 2019 with a very narrow margin. In the last 10 years, we worked very hard and carried out a door-to-door campaign. But unfortunately, we could not market all what we did and failed to capitalize on it with the local common people about our policies and approach. Because of that, we failed to create an impact among the people and lost two elections.

All developmental processes, social welfare schemes, and benefits initiated or completed by my late father P.M. Sayeed, who represented the constituency ten times, were taken away. Issues like land, employment, education, healthcare, and disengagement of contractual employees suffered because the then MP failed to intervene as needed. He could not influence, intervene, or interfere in crucial issues.

In the 2024 election, there was strong resentment against the policies and inaction of the sitting MP Mohammad Faizal of NCP. Today, unemployment in Lakshadweep is one of the highest in the country, whereas it was ranked 43rd earlier. This was due to the inaction of the sitting MP and his failure to address issues with the regime and administration.

This time, we worked very hard and effectively communicated our policies to the people. We focused on local issues, which worked effectively. People believed in me and the assurances we gave regarding welfare schemes and developmental work. I aim to strengthen my father’s legacy and use the experience I gained from him to serve the people better.

As an MP, what do you think are the challenges before you, keeping in mind your constituency and the people’s needs?

We have gone 50 years back. Things were totally different when I left as an MP ten years ago. During my period, people were well-off, had jobs, their own things, and their say on everything. But in the last 10 years, things have changed. Nearly 4,000 people have been disengaged. We have many challenges, including creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the medical setup, ensuring a good education system, and addressing land issues. We have already filed a case in the High Court of Kerala and fortunately got a stay. Opponents were trying to take away our land, and we are fighting in court.

For the next five years, what will be your short and long-term plans for your constituency?

The long-term plan would be the development of the islands, creating employment opportunities for our youth, improving the lifestyle of the people, increasing per capita income, and ensuring medical facilities. In both the short and long term, we will be fighting for our lands.

Has the present hate-filled atmosphere in the country in any way impacted your constituency?

In our constituency, a majority of people are Muslims, more than 96 percent, so the atmosphere of hate and violence has not affected us. We believe in secularism, work as per the guidance of the Constitution, and always try to preserve and protect constitutional values. We never compromise on our constitutional values.

From 22nd July, there will be a budget session. What issues would you like to raise in parliament?

The land issue is a burning issue for all the people here because we don’t want our land to be taken from us. I will definitely raise it in parliament if I get a chance. Besides land issues, there are many other issues, such as transportation and shipping. There are many pending issues, but the land issue is paramount, and I will leave no stone unturned to fight for it.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Face to Face / by Radiance News Bureau / July 12th, 2024

BIHAR / RAJASTHAN :

Mazin Mansoor and Iram Quazi are among the 17 medical aspirants who are in the NEET UG 2024 revised toppers list released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) Saturday.

NEET UG 2024 Revised Result: 

Mazin Mansoor and Iram Quazi are among the 17 medical aspirants who are in the NEET UG 2024 revised toppers list released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) Saturday.

Why NEET UG 2024 Toppers List is revised?

The NTA had conducted medical entrance NEET UG 2024 on May 05, 2024. The NTA declared the NEET UG 2024 result on June 04. It released the NEET UG 2024 Toppers List on June 06 consisting of a total of 67 candidates .

However, names of 06 toppers were removed from the NEET UG 2024 Merit List after the NTA annulled the grace marks accorded to them.

These 06 candidates were from the same centre in Haryana, and there inclusion in the merit list sparked a huge controversy, leading to a legal battle.

Besides cancelling the grace marks the NTA also announced re-exam for 1,563 medical aspirants.

The NTA released revised NEET UG 2024 result after a row over a Physics question. During the hearing on petition demanding re-exam of all candidates, the Supreme Court of India sought the help of IIT Delhi for the correct answer.

The answer to the controversial question given by IIT Delhi affected over 04 lakh candidates, including the 61 toppers.

The NTA consequently released the revised NEET result and toppers list. As per the revised toppers list, the number of NEET UG 2024 toppers are now just 17.

NEET UG 2024 Toppers List – Revised

1. Mridul Manya Anand (Delhi)
2. Ayush Naugraiya (Uttar Pradesh)
3. Mazin Mansoor (Bihar)
4. Prachita (Rajasthan)
5. Saurav (Rajasthan)
6. Divyansh (Delhi)
7. Gunmay Garg (Punjab)
8. Arghyadeep Dutta (West Bengal)
9. Shubham Sengupta (Maharashtra)
10. Aryan Yadav (Uttar Pradesh)
11. Palansha Agarwal (Maharashtra)
12. Rajaneesh P (Tamil Nadu)
13. Sreenand Sharmil (Kerala)
14. Mane Neha Kuldeep (Maharashtra)
15. Taijas Singh (Chandigarh)
16. Devesh Joshi (Rajasthan)
17. Iram Quazi (Rajasthan)

All these NEET toppers have scored a perfect 720/720 in the medical entrance exams. The score of the 44 students who have been removed from the NEET toppers list is 715, according to the NEET UG revised list.

NEET UG 2024 Cutoff

The candidates should note that the NTA has also revised the NEET UG 2024 cut off marks. According to the latest update, the NEET UG cut off has been lowered by 02 marks across al categories.

Following the release of the NEET UG 2024 revised result today, all hurdles for medical and dental admission counselling has now been removed.

Candidates should note that the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) should release the NEET UG counselling schedule any moment. After MCC, the states will release the counselling schedules for admission in MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BHMS and other medical courses.

The NEET UG score, besides admission in Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy, is also used for Pharmacy courses (B Pharmacy or B Pharm). Hence, counselling for these courses should also start now.

[The featured image used here is AI generated.]

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Ummid.com News Network / July 27th, 2024

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru :

All students of government and aided Schools across the State will be served eggs for four days a week as per an agreement signed between Azim Premji Foundation and the Karnataka government in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The agreement was signed by Azim Premji Foundation and the state education department officials in the presence of Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah said the Azim Premji Foundation has offered to bear the cost of serving eggs to the school children in order to ensure that the children were healthy and had nutritious food in their diet.

CM to rush to Ankola on Sunday

The Chief Minister later told media persons that that he has received about the widespread devastation in Uttara Kannada district due to heavy downpour and also landslides and he has directed officials to initiate relief measures immediately.

He said he will be leaving to Ankola in Uttara Kannada to inspect the damages and also the havoc caused by collapse of bridges.

Roads have been damaged causing disruption in traffic and also several houses have collapsed due to the rains, he said.

The Chief Minister said he has released Rs 775 crore to the Deputy Commissioners to take up relief works and promised to release additional funds if needed.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent, Daijiworld Media Network / July 20th, 2024