Sabahat Afreen’s life will make you believe in the adage: where there is a will there is a way. Being born into an educated and prosperous family, Sabahat realized early in her life that her family was not open to women coming out of the four walls of the house, bracing against all odds to create their identity. She was raised seeing all women in her family in purdah.
However, somewhere in her heart, Sabahat Afreen was like a Secret Superstar of the Hindi movie by that name. Afreen was raised in a small village in Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh by her advocate father and a homemaker mother.
Sabahat Afreen started living in purdah in 10th class and after passing her 12th standard, She was not supposed to move out of the house alone. This resulted in her not attending college and opting for home study and writing examinations as a private student for her graduation years.
She was completing her master’s degree when she got married. Her husband’s family was politically connected and prosperous. She could have easily lived in comfort; Sabahat did not like to dress up like a doll wearing jewelery and expensive sarees and lounging around all day.
She said, “My mother was fond of reading and writing. She had an impact on me too. I used to write poems and stories in my childhood. Mom and Dad always encouraged me. It is a different matter that my works were never sent for publication as they didn’t believe in getting a picture of their daughter printed in the newspaper.”
Sabahat Afreen with her book
She also realized the environment in her in-laws’ house was less conservative. “My father-in-law knew that I write, so he used to gift me a diary and pen; my husband also supported me.” She told Awaz-the Voice.
After marriage, she opened a secret account on Facebook and did not use her pictures for the DP. “I started writing stories on Facebook, my posts went viral. Someone suggested that I should send my stories to Neelesh Misra, (Editor, Gaon Connection, lyricist, and storyteller). His storytelling was popular. I emailed my story to him and he liked it. From that point, I was in his circle.”
Like Insia Malik (Played by Zaira Wasim) of Aamir Khan’s 2017 film Secret Superstar, she revealed her talent to the world by hiding her identity. Soon Sabahat Afrin was writing audio series, stories, and books for magazines and many apps across the country. She moved her two little daughters out of the closed environs of the village to Lucknow.
As it happens in such cases, most of the people who had opposed her once now praise and respect her. Her family is proud of her.
Recently her first story collection Mujhe Jugnuon Ke Desh Jaana Hai (I Want to Go to the Land of Fireflies)(Rujhan Publications, Rajasthan) was released. In it, Sabahat imagines in this country of fireflies women are also enjoying the same freedom as men, the doors of their hearts cannot be guarded, they too have the freedom to remarry after divorce, and they have the right to decide if they want to return to their husband’s house after feeling unwanted there.
Sabahat Afreen with friends
Her stories are set in the backdrop of Muslim culture, but she manages to show that when it comes to the status and rights of women, it’s the same every year. Sabahat wants to free the fireflies from the clenched fists of Afreen women.Her first remuneration of Rs 30,000 as a writer was encouraging for Sabahat. She felt that being financially strong should be the priority of a woman. Now she shares her pictures on social media and with her stories.
Sabahat has written amazing stories that she must have picked up from around her and kept in the secret chamber of her heart to let them metamorphose into another form. Her stories look familiar to readers; after reading each one of her stories, the reader feels that he has seen these incidents.
Sabahat has adapted one such incident into a captivating story. The story Khoobsurat auratein (Beautiful Women) starts with this sentence – “even good looks are like a punishment, wherever she went people’s eyes were fixed on her.’ The heroine of the story, Alia, is very beautiful.”
Sabahat Afreen with her daughters
Women are at the center of all Sabahat’s stories. The joys and sorrows of a woman, her dreams, her desire to fulfill them and social restrictions are the key elements in her stories. Sabahat is seen breaking these restrictions and traditions. Women in her stories are silent protesters except for Alia from her story Beautiful Women. However, they encounter opposition and in some cases, it’s also effective.
Sabahat becomes emotional while narrating her stories. She wishes to create a world for women where they have the freedom to fulfill their wishes and make their dreams come true. Her stories reflect her progressive thoughts.
Sabahat says that she never went to the market alone and yet when people knew about her through her stories, she felt confident to move to a big city with her daughters. “I reached Lucknow and rented out an apartment and enrolled my daughters in a good school. Today my daughters are studying, and life has become a bit easier for all three of us.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / January 03rd, 2024
Seafood production has become a globalised industry and many countries have seafood industries that are being buoyed by overseas migrant workers – hard-working people who left their home countries, and often their entire families, to seek their fortunes abroad.
Aslam Pathiri Originally from India, Pathiri is a passionate commercial finfish aquaculturist and researcher with 15 years of aquaculture experience in Asia and the Middle East
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimates that fishing and aquaculture employs over 60 million people globally. The seafood industry of the United States for example, which employs over 200,000 workers and contributes $38.5 billion to its gross domestic product, has a large share of Mexican, Vietnamese and Filipino workers. In 2017, New American Economy revealed that an astounding 62.8 percent of all seafood processing workers in the United States were immigrants. There are few hard figures available for fish farm workers but it is safe to say that immigrants comprise an increasingly large share of the workforce.
Because of their position, overseas migrant workers can more easily face tough conditions, ranging from loneliness and culture shock to language barriers and potentially unfair working conditions. Their respective experiences can range from the lavish heights of success to nightmarish experiences surprisingly close to medieval forced labour, as has been documented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on some unscrupulous fishing vessels.
However, the great majority of migrant seafood workers live largely normal and productive lives. To celebrate the importance of these unsung heroes – and to highlight the importance of treating all seafood industry workers fairly – The Fish Site talks to two seafood workers who have made good abroad.
Born and raised in India, Aslam Pathiri is a passionate commercial finfish aquaculturist and researcher with 15 years of aquaculture experience in Asia and the Middle East, while Carlo Dequina hails from the Philippines and has been working in the North American seafood industry for over seven years.
Carlo Dequina Growing up in the Philippines Dequina helped his parents sell dried seafood to friends and family – 30 years later he’s now a sales manager for Kvaroy Arctic, a family run salmon farm in Norway
How did you become interested in aquaculture?
Aslam: My passion for aquaculture grew while I was pursuing my master’s degree at Aligarh Muslim University in my home country of India. The abundance of freshwater bodies in our suburbs, coupled with the fact that they were not being efficiently farmed, ignited something of a spark in me. I eventually worked for the Kerala Ministry of Fisheries before flying off to Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work with Mubarak Fisheries. I then moved on to different projects, including a corporate fish hatchery in Saudi Arabia; freelance consultation in India and the UAE; aquaculture research for a Saudi University; and, most recently, as the group production manager of Oceanpick in Sri Lanka.
Carlo: My interest in the seafood space started very early. My father was a sales manager for a pharmaceutical company in Panay, an island in the Central Philippines. He used to bring home various boxes of dried seafood to Manila, where our family lived. Mom and I would repack his boxes to sell to neighbours, friends, even my schoolteachers. The quality of dried seafood from the Panay region was universally well-known. I immigrated to the United States right after graduating from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2003 with a degree in communications. I started in the aquaculture space as a salmon and fresh seafood buyer, working for International Marine Products (a seafood wholesaler) in Los Angeles and moved to Strand Foods (a seafood importer focused on high quality farmed products such as salmon from Scotland, bream and seabass from Cyprus and barramundi from Arizona). I recently joined the team at Kvaroy Artic, which farms salmon in Norway. I never thought that – 30 years after selling dried seafood with my parents – I’d be selling seafood on a much, much larger scale!
I believe there are countless opportunities – such as sales, farm work, marketing and logistics, as well as scholarships – where overseas workers can thrive and succeed.
What sacrifices might an overseas worker face?
Aslam: “Life begins at the end of our comfort zone”, said Neale Donald Walsh. Overseas workers who work over a quarter of a century abroad often lose the community touch back home and might suffer withdrawal syndromes and find difficulty fitting in. This sometimes leads to the loss of peace and happiness, even the loss of life itself in extreme cases. A good way to survive is to ignore the inadequacies, imperfections and weaknesses of your time served abroad while concentrating on the financial security gained, the level of knowledge produced and shared, the diversity of professional contacts made and the level of education extended to your children back home. In all my previous assignments, I always connected with people who shared my vision and interests, generating good results and creative solutions to challenges. I try to create the most congenial settings within and around me to ensure that my colleagues and I constantly work at ease.
Carlo: I think being away from family, friends and one’s typical way of life are among the biggest sacrifices one has to make in order to succeed in any international endeavour. Still, I believe there are countless opportunities – such as sales, farm work, marketing and logistics, as well as scholarships – where overseas workers can thrive and succeed.
Your homegrown skills will definitely get honed and raised to global standards on a transnational stage.
What advantages can overseas workers offer employers?
Aslam: Aquaculture farms are now integrating various disciplines and multinational capabilities. This kind of mutual empowerment generates better learning insights, cultural growth, collaborative intelligence and socio-economic safety. Having to work with diverse people and cultures can force us to fine-tune our skills, especially for multinational-level decision-making. Your homegrown skills will definitely get honed and raised to global standards on a transnational stage.
Carlo: I think the fact that English is a very dominant language in the Philippines as well as the level and standard of education we have back home contributes to the production of highly-skilled employees, managers and business owners. Filipinos have thrived in almost all industries – particularly because of our adaptability and willingness to learn, fit in and innovate in any space.
Aslam: Over the past 15 years I have been an active consultant and troubleshooter, actively curating teething larviculture and nursing problems of tropical marine finfish. I am currently the general manager for the hatchery and grow-out operations of Oceanpick, Sri Lanka’s maiden sea cage fish farm, farming primarily barramundi. I am proud to say that we pioneered the South Asian initiative of commercial marine aquaculture. Our ocean-grown barramundi tastes second-to-none and is a healthy alternative to both chicken and red meat.
Carlo: I’m currently the Western regional sales manager for Kvaroy Arctic, a family-owned salmon farm based in Norway. Over the past three years, we’ve successfully promoted and built a reputation of consistency and high quality in the salmon space. I think that, in the future, knowledge from innovative companies such as Kvaroy Arctic can be transferred to aquaculture businesses in the Philippines, helping to someday lift our own tropical seafood portfolio to the world.
Aslam Pathiri inspects a shrimp farm in his native India Pathiri’s advice is to realise that it’s not always necessary to leave home, knowing you can “shine your light and serve your society anywhere, whether in distant lands or in your home village”
Any advice for future overseas aquaculture aspirants?
Aslam: I love sayings so allow me to end with one from Susan Young: “Connecting with others gives you a sense of inclusion, connection, interaction, safety and community. Your ‘vibe’ attracts your ‘tribe’ so if you want to attract positive and healthy relationships, be positive!” We should look at our future with clarity and optimism. Be a powerhouse of beliefs and values in everything you say and do. Cultivate a collective sense of purpose. Help influence, motivate and enable your peers while ensuring that knowledge is shared. Lastly, realise that you do not always need to leave home. Shine your light and serve your society anywhere, whether in distant lands or in your home village.
Carlo: “The advantage of working in aquaculture is that there will always, always be a need for seafood as a protein source for the world’s ever-growing population. The caveat to this is finding the right companies and programmes that champion raising seafood the right way so we don’t just look at our bottom line, but the larger picture where our planet’s resources are protected for future generations. To those looking to pursue their passion in aquaculture know that – as long as you stay true to your values and your work ethic – then there are companies that will take notice and provide you with the support to grow as aquaculture industry practitioners.
Ensuring equitable conditions for overseas migrant workers
To ensure that ethical and equitable business practices are adopted, certification standards, such as the Aquacultue Stewardship Council (ASC), are paying more attention to the overall welfare of seafood workers, plus the communities affected by seafood production activities.
Among these is strict adherence to fair wages, the abolition of child labour, elimination of discrimination, eradication of forced labour, freedom of association and the ability to have collective bargaining power without the constant fear of being deported. Farsighted fish farms and seafood processing facilities should read and incorporate these relevant measures.
Globalisation is continuously making the aquaculture field a smaller place through the fluid exchange of species, technologies, best practices and of course, talent. Although not everyone will have the same experiences, Aslam and Carlo are two of the millions of hard-working immigrants who have successfully made waves in farms, laboratories and seafood markets across the seven seas.
source: http://www.thefishsite.com / The Fish Site / Home> Media> Atlantic Salmon> Barramundi / by Jonah Van Beijnen and Gregg Yan / July 03rd, 2023
Prof. Qudsia Tahseen, Department of Zoology at Aligarh Muslim University has been named as the National Committee representative for the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), announced by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).
Commencing her three-year term on January 1 this appointment emphasizes Prof. Qudsia’s contributions to the fields of Taxonomy and Biodiversity. She has the distinction of holding fellowships in all three prestigious National Academies.
The IUBS, founded in 1919, is a global non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating and coordinating biological research worldwide. Its mission spans diverse areas, with the goal of addressing global biological challenges. Prof. Qudsia’s appointment to the newly formed INSA National Committee for IUBS, consisting of seven experts, solidifies her role as a representative for India in the realm of biological sciences.
Prof. Qudsia while acknowledging her appointment said the committee, serving as the national arm of IUBS, is pivotal in advancing IUBS initiatives at a domestic level. This includes policy advocacy, tackling global challenges, setting research priorities, fostering collaborations, and promoting the sustainable use of biological resources.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> India News / by TNN (headline edited) / January 05th, 2024
Viswakudi Village (Veppanthattai Block),Perambalur, TAMIL NADU:
With limited formal education but an interest in electronics, Rahmatullah leveraged his experience as an electrician and TV mechanic to make the modern wood stoves as a replacement to gas stoves.
Perambalur :
The high pricing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders is forcing Perambalur residents to switch back to cooking with firewood.
But instead of traditional firewood cooking, the residents are using modern wood-burning stoves, thanks to an entrepreneur from Viswakudi village in Veppanthattai block.
The stoves, designed and manufactured by 57-year-old S Rahmatullah, are in high demand in the district. Three years ago, Rahmatullah recognised the need for an alternative and established a workshop on Attur Road. With limited formal education but an interest in electronics, Rahmatullah leveraged his experience as an electrician and TV mechanic to make the modern wood stoves as a replacement to gas stoves.
He develops wood-burning stoves equipped with blower technology, ensuring high efficiency, quick cooking, and minimal fuel consumption. The stove, ignited by air from the blower, caters not only to homes but also finds application in hotels in Perambalur and other districts. The price ranges from Rs 5,300 to Rs 2 lakh depending on the specifications.
“I initially made this stove for personal use and found it more efficient than traditional firewood stoves. It requires only 30 per cent of the wood used in conventional stoves. We sell three types of stoves to homes. If people buy firewood for around Rs 500, it will fuel the stove for 4-5 months,” Rahmatullah told TNIE. “The firewood should be cut into small pieces before keeping it in the stove.
The stove with controlled combustion using a blower ensures efficient cooking without a spike in electricity bills. I sell 1-2 stoves per day to hotels and 2-3 stoves to homes. In the last two and a half years I have sold over 2,100 stoves,” he added.
A Naseera Banu, a resident of Vadakkumadevi said, “There are four members in our house. We used to buy a gas cylinder once a month and the prices has been high for a few years. Unable to cope with this, we purchased the modern wood-burning stove two years ago. We have been cooking with it since. It has allowed us to cook faster, at a lower cost, and the taste is even better.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Thiruselvam , Express News Service / January 06th, 2023
Jamshedpur FC announce the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the Head Coach. The experienced and highly regarded AFC Pro Licensed Coach will embark on his journey with Jamshedpur FC, starting with the Kalinga Super Cup in January, followed by the remainder of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season.
Khalid Jamil is a distinguished figure in Indian football, both as a former player and a successful manager. He is notably the first Indian to be the permanent Head Coach of an Indian Super League (ISL) team and the only Indian coach to have guided a team to the ISL playoffs. Khalid’s illustrious career includes individual accolades of having won the I-League Best Coach Award for the 2016–17 season with Aizawl and the FPAI Indian Football awards: Coach of the Year (2020–21) with NorthEast United FC.
Jamshedpur FC CEO, Mukul Choudhari said, “I welcome Khalid Jamil, a coach with thorough experience in ISL and ILeague. We have everything to play for with the Kalinga Super Cup and half of the ISL remaining. Hence, we believe he has the understanding, experience and track record in Indian Football to build and take us forward, starting with the very next game.”
Khalid’s first engagement in the ISL was with NorthEast United where he signed as the Head of Academy in 2019-20. His breakthrough with the club came in 2020-21 when he was hired as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season and he led the Highlanders to the playoffs including a 10-game unbeaten streak. In lieu of his performances, Khalid was appointed as their head coach for the 2021-22 season, making him the first Indian permanent head coach of an ISL club. He also led Aizawl FC to the 2016–17 I-League title, making Aizawl the first club from Northeast region of India to win the national title. His heroics with Aizawl FC were noticed by the entire Indian football fraternity and his achievement took him to be the head coach at East Bengal and later Mohun Bagan.
Khalid expressed his delight on signing for Jamshedpur. He said, “I want to thank the club management to give me this opportunity and I feel very excited to join Jamshedpur FC. Our target is to bring Jamshedpur FC in a better position and for that we all must work hard to bring Jamshedpur on top.”
Khalid also had a message for the ever present and vociferous fans of Jamshedpur and Jharkhand and said, “Keep supporting Jamshedpur FC, we need your support in every match, more than ever.”
Khalid will be and taking charge of the squad immediately as the attention shifts to the Kalinga Super Cup where Jamshedpur’s first challenge is versus NorthEast United FC in Bhubaneswar on 10th January.
source: http://www.fcjamshedpur.com / FC Jamshedpur / Home> News / December 30th, 2023
The left-arm spinner, who was once dropped from the Bengal side, has used the WPL as a launchpad to make a national bow.
Saika Ishaque getting her India cap. (Photo | BCCI Women Twitter)
Chennai :
When Saika Ishaque received her India cap from captain Harmanpreet Kaur moments before the first T20I against England at Wankhede on Wednesday, the joy on her face was enough to express what it meant to her. Slightly behind her was Shreyanka Patil, the other debutant, who was cheering on with a beaming smile on her face. The two spinners who were the highlight of the inaugural Women’s Premier League were making their India debuts on the same day.
While Shreyanka’s coach Arjun Dev was watching from the stands, thousands of miles away in Kolkata, there were two people who were overjoyed by the success of Saika. Mithu Mukherjee and Shibsagar Singh. Former India cricketer Mithu had no words to express their emotions and Singh was overwhelmed by the shining moment of Saika. After all, the two of them had played a big role at a crucial point in Saika’s career when almost left the sport.
Having come up through age-group cricket at the domestic level, Saika was a household name in Bengal cricketing circles. However, a shoulder injury meant things went downhill fast and she was dropped from the state team.
That is when the left-arm spinner got in touch with Mithu who put her in contact with former India Under-19 and Bengal cricketer Singh. “It was a complete U-turn, there was a phase where nothing was going her way. She was dropped from the Bengal team and suddenly things changed. We worked on her action, wrist position a bit, but mostly it was about the lines she had to bowl for different batters and situations and not just keep bowling good length and go searching for wickets,” recalls Singh.
Saika with coach Shibsagar Singh. (Photo | Express)
Getting back on track, her confidence went up as the coach constantly made her practice against male cricketers who were playing at the state level. The instruction was to take her on, and despite being hit, Saika developed variations and adapted for different situations. While the results started to show in domestic cricket, the left-arm spinner was nowhere near the national radar. The two factors that became the turning points were the WPL and Jhulan Goswami.
Now, having seen her from the start, Goswami, who was with the Mumbai Indians, played a hand in Saika getting a chance in the inaugural season. “She came back and was playing well, but was not getting noticed. Many people know she is a good player domestically. At the same time, she needed someone to tell. Jhulan knew her talent from the start and how smart she was. That was a massive plus otherwise you don’t know whether she would have got picked or not,” says Singh.
Once she got the chance, Saika made the most of it, taking 15 wickets in ten games, helping Mumbai Indians win the title. Such was her performance that she was the only Indian spinner in the top ten wicket-takers. Immediately, the limelight was on her and everyone was tracking her bowling. She took the confidence into the domestic season and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the senior women’s T20 Trophy — 18 wickets in nine games. Another eight wickets in five Inter-Zonal games meant she had earned her India call-up.
“We don’t know if she would have moved up the ladder so fast if not for the WPL. It is such a platform like IPL, the entire country watches you and the platform is such that many players are from overseas and she dismissed most of them. What she achieved in that 20 days, after that her confidence has grown. That is why the tournament changed her life,” said the coach.
2023 has been a big year for Saika. For someone who once had to stop their studies because of financial constraints, it was Saika’s success in cricket that helped her family come up. Her late father introduced her to the sport, but since then she has been the breadwinner for the family, helping her mother and elder sister, for a long time now. Today, Saika is an Indian international cricketer. “It is a massive, massive thing for her family. Her father passed away, and she is the sole breadwinner, but she has always had the confidence that she will play (for India). The thing about her is she is not afraid. She never is,” says Singh who is working with Bengal U23 women’s team.
On her debut, Saika finished with 1/38 with England posting 197/6. In reply, India fell short by 38 runs. While the figures aren’t something that makes one sit up and notice, Singh feels this is just the beginning.
“This is just the first match, so nerves might have been there. Put her in any situation, she will say ‘no worries, I will take care’. To have that confidence is something. I feel she will play long for India. All she has to do is repeat what she has practiced all these years,” the coach signed off.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport> Cricket / by Gomesh S , Express News Service / December 07th, 2023
Being a medical doctor has always been a well cherished dream and a coveted profession, as it provides opportunity to save human lives. This public zeal towards the field of medicine gave rise to a number of academic institutions. Sensing the demand from students and parents, corporate sector also stepped in to provide courses for preparation of the NEET exam, as it proved to be a hugely profitable business for them. But this trend restricted the children of poor families from dreaming to become a doctor. However, some non-profitable institutions are rendering remarkable services to the nation by providing NEET coaching free or at a very low cost, like Ajmal Super-40 run by Ajmal Foundation.
Ajmal Foundation has been running this program for the last three years and its results have remarkably been improving by each year. The number of qualifying students of Ajmal Foundation in NEET exam last year was 245 which has this year increased up to 350.
This is indeed a huge gain for the Foundation, while a great hope for the underprivileged section of the society. Other institutions running on the same pattern are Shaheen of Bidar, Al-Ameen of Kolkata and Rahmani-30 of Patna.
The results for NEET 2023 were finally announced on June 13th this year. Just like every previous years, it was finely a nerve-wracking time for all the aspiring medical students who gave their best to crack this competitive exam. Among over 20 lakh applicants from across the country, half of the candidates could be declared as qualified but due to the seats limitations in the medical colleges, all passed candidates may not be the doctors they dreamed about.
The giant coaching institutions are busy celebrating the success of their toppers. But success of the non-profitable institutions should be celebrated and appreciated by common masses. Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, CEO Ajmal CSR and the philanthropic endeavours of Ajmal family, especially in the northeast of India, are laudable.
source: http://www.easterncrescent.net / Eastern Crescent / Home> Blog> National> North East / by Eastern Crescent Desk / December 02nd, 2023
Adeeba Ali showing her gold and silver medals with her father
The 19-year-old Adeeba Ali of Nizamuddin Basti, New Delhi, has raised the bar for those seeking to rise in life notwithstanding physical limitations. The para-athlete recently ended up becoming an inspiration to thousands of people as she won gold and silver medals in the 26th National Shooting Championship competition organized by Madhya Pradesh State Shooting Academy, Bhopal.
Amina Majeed Siddiqui of Awaz spoke with her at her home. Excerpts from the conversation:
How did you think about going to the National Shooting Championship competition and how many days did you prepare for it?
I had always liked sports, but soon after the accident, I started finding what was best for me. After a lot of searching, I met my coaches Subhash Rana and Rohit Sir. They showed me the path to getting back into sports. They suggested I start with competing on the track and gradually aim for the zonal, and the nationals. So after gradual preparation, I qualified for the National championships. It has been 10 months since I started preparing.
How did this accident happen?
It was five years ago, I was looking out from the balcony of my house (Fourth floor). I foot slipped and I fell on the ground floor. I felt dizzy. At first, I thought I was falling backward but no, I was falling forward. Because of that my spine was fractured and due to that my legs do not work.
Have you participated in other competitions before this?
I have also participated in District Level, Zonal, para-zonal, North Zone, and Para National. This is my 5th match.
What inspired you to take up sports?
My inspiration is my father. He has always been promoting sports. He is very fond of cricket. So Papa knows the importance of playing sports. Just as education is important, sports are also important. Secondly, my ideal is Avni Lekhara (Olympian); she is the first woman who won gold medal in shooting and the Para Olympics, she is a big inspiration to me.
How did your journey in sports start, when did you think that you should go into this field?
I wanted to be associated with sports, so I started searching. Earlier I used to participate in basketball, football, and other sports. But after the accident, everything seemed to be over for some time. I searched for a new sport that I could play with my physical limitations. I wanted to leave the accident behind because whatever happened had happened. I had to see what I could do. I came to know about Para Games which people with disabilities can also play. This gave a new meaning to me. I came to know that despite being disabled one can still play. I came to know about shooting and that yes, I realized I am made for it, then I started playing. It was not so good in the beginning. Then with time, I got better. I gained a new identity and now shooting has become an important part of my life, if I don’t practice for a day, I feel something is missing in life.
What is your plan for the future?
I intend that I want to do better every day. I want to work very hard.
What message would you like to give to those who give up on small things?
Adeeba Ali with her mother Reshma Ali
I would like to say that you should have faith in yourself, because if you give up on yourself, how will others support you? If you have this feeling within you that no matter what happens to me, you can still do this work, then you can achieve anything. The most important thing is to have faith in yourself.
I also spoke with Adiba Ali’s mother Reshma Ali. She told me:
“Adiba used to lie on the bed after the accident and had lost courage. Then one day she thought about how she could move on in life and do better. Initially, she was bedridden for one and a half years. She slowly started reconciling to her condition and began painting. Despite being bedridden, she wrote examinations for 12th standard and did well. She is now pursuing a BA in English. After that she saw what else she could do, and then she watched Avni Lekhara’s videos and said that if she can do it, I can also do it.
“She had never held a pistol in her hand. Her coach Subhash Rana worked very hard on her. Adeeba practices for 8 hours. If one wants to achieve something in life one surely has to do a lot of hard work and Adeeba did the same. She has made all of us proud. I intend to organize motivational camps for people facing disabilities. I want to tell them my daughter’s story. I want to tell people that you can do a lot despite being disabled. We will guide people on how a new life starts from here.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ameena Majid Siddiqui / December 25th, 2023
Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.
In the landscape of educators, Asif Iqbal stands as a beacon of inspiration and dedication, reshaping the conventional norms of teaching and community engagement. While the average routine for most teachers comprises daily duties and personal engagements, Asif Iqbal, a 41-year-old teacher, exemplifies an extraordinary commitment that extends far beyond the traditional roles.
His passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom walls. Asif’s dedication spans across various domains, including social work, promotion of Urdu language and literature, active political participation, and tireless efforts toward educational empowerment. Unlike many, his primary focus lies in the upliftment of students and communities, striving to instigate positive transformations in their lives.
Embarking on his journey after completing a Diploma in Education, Asif began his career at a Zilla Parishad primary school in 2001. However, it was his departure from a secure government job in 2010 that marked a pivotal shift. At the young age of 28, he joined a renowned government-aided school in his city, ultimately rising to the position of Head Master at the SSA Urdu Primary School in Solapur.
His responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of an educational institution. As the spokesperson for the City Indian National Congress committee and President of the Lions Club Solapur (Classic), Asif actively engages in diverse social and political roles. Additionally, his affiliations with organizations like the All India Human Rights Association, Khidmate Khalq Organization of India, and various literary bodies underline his multifaceted contributions.
Asif’s devotion to education and his compassionate approach have earned him immense popularity among students and parents alike.
Maaz A. Gafoor Sagri, one of his brightest students currently preparing for NEET, hails Asif as a motivator who consistently creates platforms for students to showcase their talents. Despite the school’s substantial size of nearly 2000 students, Asif manages to establish personal connections with a vast majority, prioritizing character and behavior development.
Dr. A.A. Pagan, a PTA member of the school, lauds Asif Iqbal for his administrative prowess, capacity for work, and forward-thinking attitude. According to Dr. Pagan, Asif’s initiatives have brought about positive changes and regular personality development activities within the school.
In a conversation with Muslim Mirror, Asif reflects on the dearth of educational infrastructure in his city, especially for the substantial Muslim population. He laments the absence of universities and well-equipped campuses, emphasizing the need for investments in education over commercial endeavors like land development and construction projects.
Highlighting the broader educational landscape in Maharashtra, Asif points out the scarcity of institutions offering higher and professional education, while acknowledging the few notable ones like PA Inamdar University in Pune and Anjuman E Islam in Mumbai.
Asif’s vision extends beyond his current commitments. He expresses a strong desire to build an Asian Minority University, a dream he is diligently working towards with the acquisition of a 100-acre land. This envisioned educational hub aims to become a center for Indian Muslims, fostering educational growth and empowerment.
His influence on Urdu literature and poetry is equally significant. As a host to numerous All India Mushairas, including prestigious events like the Delhi Urdu Academy in the presence of Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Asif has actively contributed to nurturing Urdu literary talents.
Despite commendations for his leadership potential in politics, Prakash Wale, a senior Congress Party leader, advocates for Asif’s continued presence in the education sector, acknowledging its need for individuals like Asif Iqbal, while cautioning about the intricate nature of politics.
Dr. Asadullah Khan, an eminent figure in the education realm, celebrates Asif Iqbal as a catalyst for educational and social transformation in Solapur. Recognizing Asif’s multifaceted abilities as an educator, poet, and orator, Dr. Khan commends his dedication to service and highlights Asif’s poetic work, “Naya Asman,” as a significant contribution to the world of literature.
Asif’s mantra, “My life is the purpose of everyone’s work,” resonates deeply within his rich personality. Dr. Khan aptly encapsulates Asif’s unwavering commitment to illuminating the path of education and eradicating societal darkness, echoing the sentiment that Asif’s life is dedicated to serving others.
This expansion not only delves deeper into Asif Iqbal’s multifaceted contributions but also elaborates on his vision, impact, and the endorsements he has received from various stakeholders within the education, social, and political spheres.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / December 19th, 2023
Prof. Tokeer Ahmad at Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been conferred the MRSI Medal-2023 for his outstanding contribution to Materials Science & Engineering especially Functional Materials for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Energy by the Materials Research Society of India.
Jamia Millia Islamia:
Prof. Tokeer Ahmad of Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been conferred the MRSI Medal-2023 for his outstanding contribution to Materials Science & Engineering especially Functional Materials for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Energy by the Materials Research Society of India.
The award ceremony was organised during the MRSI Annual General Meeting in the 5th Indian Materials Conclave held at IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
Prof. Ahmad was conferred the MRSI Medal, Citation and Rs. 10,000/- as award money. He has also delivered the MRSI Medal Lecture on Hydrogen Energy.
About MRSI
The Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) is a professional scientific body founded by the farsighted vision of Bharat Ratna Prof. C. N. R. Rao to promote education, research, and applications of materials among researchers in India and abroad. MRSI functions through 18 Regional Chapters and 16 Subject groups.
MRSI is supported by individual members and institutions who will be patrons of the society. MRSI is now having around 5000 life members. MRSI has been regularly publishing the MRSI Newsletter quarterly. MRSI co-sponsors the publication of Bulletin of Materials Science (BMS) published by the Indian Academy of Sciences and Springer.
MRSI is also a founding Adhering Body of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) and participates in the international arena of materials research.
About Prof. Tokeer Ahmad
Prof. Tokeer Ahmad graduated from IIT Roorkee and Ph.D. from IIT Delhi. Presently, he is full Professor at Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. His research interest includes the designing of functional heterostructures for nanocatalysis, sustainable green hydrogen energy production and gas sensing applications.
Prof. Ahmad has supervised 16 PhD’s, 77 postgraduates, 10 projects, published 181 research papers, one patent and three books with research citation of 6435, h-index of 48 and i10-index of 130.
Prof. Ahmad is active reviewer of 156 journals, delivered 155 Invited/keynote/plenary talks, presented 128 conference papers and also evaluated around 55 external doctorate theses. Prof. Ahmad is also serving as an editorial board member for several journals.
Prof. Ahmad is the recipient of MRSI Medal, SMC Bronze Medal (BARC), ISCAS Medal, Inspired Teacher’s President Award, DST-DFG award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Excellence Award of Education, Teacher’s Excellence Award and elected as Member of National Academy of Sciences India.
Prof.Ahmad has been figured in World Top 2% Scientists for consecutive four years since 2020 in both coveted lists including career long by Stanford University, USA.
Prof. Ahmad has been recently admitted as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK.
Offng. Vice-Chancellor of JMI Prof. Eqbal Hussain congratulated Prof. Ahmad for the achievement and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. He hoped that this would surely encourage him to bring more laurels for the institution.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / December 27th, 2023
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