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UP Wrestling champion Luckman Ali dreams of Olympic medal

Amazing Feats, Sports, , , , , ,

Moharka Patti Village (Gajraula District), UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI:

Luckman Ali with the Gold medal he won in the UP State Championship

Mohammad Luckman Ali, 24, was crowned champion in the 82 kg category in the Uttar Pradesh State Wrestling Championship held in Meerut on Sunday. A first-year student of Masters in Social Work at the Jamia Millia Islamia University, Luckman won the god medal to push him closer to his dream of representing the country at the “big international events”, as he puts it.

Speaking to Awazthevoice.in after his victory, Luckman said, “Yes this is one more medal in my cabinet, but I will not rest till I have won a medal for my country at the Olympics.”

A resident of Moharka Patti village in Gajraula district of Western UP, Luckman took up wrestling on the insistence of his late father, Chajju Ali who was influenced by his colleagues to push one of his children into sports. A former Railway employee, Ali during his posting in Garh Mukteshwar came across many sportsmen who had found jobs because of their achievements in wrestling.

“My father always came back home with stories of successful sportsmen in his department.” That inspired Luckman. He started practicing at the local mud akhara about ten kilometres from his home.

Luckman moved to praticing on mats after getting admission at the Chhatrasal Stadium 

His exploits at the village-level championships caught the attention of elders in the area. “The village coaches told me to craft my skills on mats where international-level players practice,” he says. That brought him to Delhi and admission to the hallowed halls of the Chhatrasal stadium in 2018.

“It is on these mats that Olympians and other greats of the game practice for hours to bring glory to the country. My eyes widened when I first stepped on to them,” says Luckman with excitement of a young boy who has just earned his first chocolate.

Hours of practice with wrestlers who have worn the India jersey and under the guidance of coaches who handhold world class players, took Luckman to Thailand last year where he represented the country in an international competition and finished 6th in his category.

Luckman first represented India at an international competition in Thailand

Luckman is today a role-model in his village. “Many parents call me and tell me to inspire their children to take up wrestling in the hope that they too will earn a name for themselves,” he says. But who is Luckman’s role-model? “Sushil Kumar and the Russian olympic medalist Abdul Rashid. I want to win many medals at the highest stage of performance for athletes.”

The newly crowned UP state champion is currently preparing for the Khelo India Wrestling Championship scheduled to be held in Varanasi in May. In July, there is Asian Indoor Championship. But the big ticket he is eyeing is the 2024 Paris Olympics. “If not Paris, then 2028 Olympics is definitely where I want to fly India’s flag high,” he says before rushing back to the mat to master his wrestling technique.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Nakul Shivani, New Delhi / March 20th, 2023

US based philanthropist Dr. Qutubuddin holds felicitation ceremony to honor ‘the makers of Narayanpet’

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

Narayanpet, TELANGANA / U.S.A:

Nagu Rao Namoji senior BJP leader addressing the gatherings.

US-based philanthropist Dr Mohammad Qutubuddin held a felicitation ceremony in honour of the people who struggled to realize the dream of making Narayanpet a district, which was announced on 17th February 2017.

The ceremony, organized in collaboration with the Indian chapter of the American Federation of Muslims of Indian origin (AFMI) and Hayat Foundation USA, was held in Narayanpet district, Telangana.

Dr. Qutbuddin, who remained the key figure in organizing the event, lauded the role of politicians, regardless of their political affiliations, and common people who campaigned for making Narayanpet a district. He thanked the residents of the district for their contribution.

“I might live in the USA but my heart yearns for Narayanpet,” said Dr. Qutbuddin, expressing hope that the new district would flourish in future.

On the occasion, local MLA S. Rajender Reddy pledged to transform Narayanpet’s landscape over the next three years and take the district to new heights of prosperity.

Narayanpet MLA S. Rajinder Reddy presenting Shawl to Dr Qutubuddin.

Reddy lauded Dr. Qutbuddin for his efforts and said that his “immense love for Narayanpet and his tireless efforts for the development of the district prove that he’s a visionary leader”.

Editor of noted Urdu daily Siasat, Zahid Ali Khan spoke about his family’s root in Mehboobnagar and Narayanpet. Ali, who was chief guest on the occasion, recalled that his father Abid Ali Khan was born and raised in this region.

He said that his family understands the region and the community’s intellectual, artistic, and literary endeavors as well as the sincere attitudes of its residents have always given them great heartfelt satisfaction.

Dr. Qutbuddin played a prominent role in representing the people of the region, he said while thanking the efforts he made in the development of the people’s life.

Nagu Rao Namaji, a senior state BJP leader, claimed that he has consistently been in the forefront when it comes to preserving peace and harmony in Narayanpet and vowed to maintain it in future. He pleaded with the MLA to link Narayanpet to the Railways as the Center was prepared to do so. In addition, he stressed the necessity of Reddy’s pledge to complete irrigation projects.

AFMI’s regional president, Prof. Sana Qutbuddin also addressed the gathering and said that her father Dr. Qutbuddin is passionate about his native district Narayanpet. “My father has promised that he will devote more of his time towards the development of the district in the future,” she said.

In this ceremony, Nagu Rao Namaji, K Sudarshan Reddy Principal, Muhammad Nawazi, Moosa, Abdul Saleem Adv, Ameeruddin Adv, Dr. Tabrez Hussain Taj, Mohammad Taqi Chand, Abdul Qadar Maisoori Mujahid Siddiqui, Hafiz Mohammad Taqi and others were felicitated.

The editor-in-chief of the weekly Gawaah, Fazil Hussain Pervez, prominent personality of Arungabad, Maulana Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, Journalist Sadiq Ali, Rasheed, Telugu speaker, Maulana Abdul Qavi and others participated in the event as special guests. MLA S. Rajinder Reddy was presented with the Narayanpet Seva Ratna Award in recognition of his services.

The proceeding of the event was conducted by Abdul Saleem Advocate while the program ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tabrez Hussain Taj.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / February 25th, 2023

Mangaluru’s Rafil Ahmed secures second rank at Mangalore University in BA (HRD) course

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Uncategorized, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru's Rafil Ahmed secures second rank at Mangalore University in BA (HRD) course

Mangaluru: 

Rafil Ahmed, a student of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Business Management, Mangalore has secured second rank at the Mangalore University in the BA (HRD) CBCS Course.

Rafil Ahmed is the son of Mohammed Haneef PS and Rehana Ahmed AK of Mangaluru.

Rafil Ahmed secured 2651 marks of the 3500 total marks to secure the second rank.

Husna Farhath from Alva’s College Moodabidri secure first rank with 2797 marks while Bryttan Mathew of Field Marshal KM Cariappa College, Madikeri with 2648 marks secured third rank in the course.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / March 15th, 2023

Simran Skaikh’s inspirational journey from Dharavi streets to WPL

Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Simran Shaikh
Simran Shaikh

Dharavi, one of the largest slums in the world has thrown up many enterprises based on human grit and willpower; and the latest one is a 21-year-old Simran Banu Shaikh who has made it to the Women’s’ Premier League.

Simran has been picked by the UP Warriors for 10 lakhs in the first season of the WPL started on March 4.

Dharavi, spread over 550 acres is home to approximately 10 lakh people and is one of the most thickly populated human settlements in the world with a population density of 869,565 people per square mile. At a 68 percent literacy rate – the highest in any slum area – and a huge recycling a leather industry it’s also an export hub.

simran
Simran Shaikh during net practice

However, despite many ongoing schemes for the area’s development, Dharavi lacks Infrastructure and sanitation is extremely poor.

It’s amidst these circumstances that the story of Simran Sheikh unfolds and she became an example for the youth in following her dreams.

Simran played cricket since her childhood and as the girls didn’t play the sport, she played with boys in her area. When she turned 15, she found herself obsessed with cricket and yet had no idea about the growth and popularity of women’s cricket.

While playing street cricket, Simran joined the Crossway-based United Club, where under the guidance of coach ‘Romdeo Sir’, Simran learned the nuances of the game.

She also mentions the name of Sanjay Satam in helping her. He provided her with a cricket kit and would also bring her other stuff as and when she required it. “I can never forget Sanjay Satam,” she says.

simran
Simran Shaikh

There is a vast difference between street cricket and main cricket; the former is played with a Tennis ball and the latter with a heavy leather ball.

“I also agree that there is a big difference between street cricket and mainstream cricket. But I loved cricket. For my stakes were high and I embraced the change,” she told Awaz-the Voice.

To her surprise, mainstream cricket seemed easier than cricket played with a tennis ball.

Simran comes from a poor family; her father is a wireman and her parents have 7 children – four girls and three boys.

Simran said, ‘We are four sisters and three brothers. Our mother takes care of the house and our father works in wiring. I have two sisters older and the rest are younger than me.”

She said she was never interested in studies and after she failed the matriculation examination, she dropped out of school.

Simran Sheikh is a right-hand batsman and a strong leg spinner. She plays in the middle order and is known for her aggressive batting.

Her parents never stopped her from playing cricket. “Not only had my parents supported me, but even my extended family comprising uncles and aunts also did the same. I also got valuable support from my neighbours. So it has been a good journey so far.’

Simran gained experience playing local cricket tournaments in Mumbai. She also played under-19 cricket.

simran
Simran Shaikh with her team

Later she was selected for Mumbai’s senior team. “I am a batsman. I like to bat in the middle order. But in T20 cricket, I can play at any position..’

Simran adds, ‘I have risen in life due to my strong willpower. I will continue to make efforts.”

She likes Virat Kohli’s batting and Alyssa Perry of Australia in women’s cricket. In the Indian team, she follows the game of Jemima Rodrigues.

Simran says that she got a chance to interact with Indian team women players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Singh, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemima Rodriguez during a tournament.

She has played together with Jemima for Mumbai and says that experience is invaluable for her.

On the state of women’s cricket, she said, ‘Women’s cricket has developed at the global level in the last few years. After England and Australia now T20 league is starting in India too. Bids worth crores of ruppes have been placed on women players. This will also address the financial viability of women’s cricket and help the players.’

Simran dreams of playing in the Indian women’s team and has set her eyes on being in the team that will win the World Cup for the country.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jayendra Londhe, Mumbai / March 07th, 2023

First of its kind, 3-day multilingual calligraphy exhibition, seminar in B’luru from March 10

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Bengaluru:

A three-day multilingual calligraphy exhibition and seminar named Miraj will be held in Bangalore from March 10 to 12, 2023.

The event will be held at Falcon’s Den, Prestige Falcon Towers, Brunton Road here in the city.

The exhibition and seminar will be first of its kind in Bengaluru, Syed Beary, Chairman of Bearys Group said in a press conference at the Press Club on Wednesday.

The event sponsored by Bearys Group is being organised by Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture ( IIIAC), Syed Beary who is also the Chairman and Managing Trustee of IIIAC added.

“More than 50 artists and experts from across the world will take part in this unique event. Calligraphy is a special art. It helps in maintaining balance between your mind, body and your thoughts,” he further added.

“Calligraphy finds its origin in Arabic. But Chinese and Japanese modern calligraphy are also significantly beautiful and pleasing to eyes. Even Indian regional languages have now adopted calligraphy and artists are exhibiting their skills and talents in their respective regional languages,” Syed Beary further stated.

Speaking about the exhibition, he said experts and artists from more than 10 countries including Turkey, Japan, Sudan, and Middle-East will take part in the event. Calligraphy experts in Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi and other regional languages will also be a part of the event.

“Seminars, Talks, and discussions on various aspects of calligraphy will also be held during this first of its kind three-day event,” he said.

Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture’s Principal Muqtar Ahmed  also spoke at the press conference and said the exhibition will be inaugurated on March 10 at 10:30 am by Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, Bangalore. The seminar will be inaugurated later at 3 pm by Maulana Mufti Sageer Ahmed, Ameer-e-Shariyat, Karnataka, snf Principal & Shaikul Hadees, Darul Uloom Sabeelur Rashad.

Zia Ulla Sharief, Chairman India Builders Corporation, Bangalore, Irfan Razack, Chairman, MD Prestige Group Bangalore, Shabeena Sultana, Consul of the Republic of Tunisia, Bangalore and Pusphamala N, Artist, Sculptor, Writer and Curator will be guests of honor during the inaugural event that will be presided over by Syed Mohamed Beary, Muqtar Ahmed said.

He also spoke about how expert calligraphers of multiple languages will grace the event and share their thoughts and experiences with the participants.

Efdaluddin Kilic, Turkey, Narjes Noureddine, UAE, Dr. Abdullah Fattini, KSA, Tagalsir Hasan, Sudan, Mohsin Ghareeb, Bahrain, Farid Abdur Rahim, Kuwait, Dr. Ali Rabbani, Iran, Yuko Takaji, Japan, Achyut Palav, Marathi, Poosapati Raju, Telugu, Narayana Bhattathiri, Malayalam, Suresh Waghmore, Kannada, Vinoth Kumar, Tamil, Nikheel Aphale, Hindi & Devanagari, Salva Rasool, Urdu are some of the experts who will hold talks on Calligraphy on the first day of the event.

The exhibition will remain open from 10:30 am to 8:00 pm on three days of the event.

The program schedule is as follows:

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / VarthaBharati.in / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 08th, 2023

A documentary on Fathima Beevi, India’s first female SC judge

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

INDIA:

Fathima Beevi

Thiruvananthapuram:

A 30 minute documentary on country’s first female judge of the Supreme Court — Fathima Beevi is all set to be released on Wednesday, here.

In Malayalam titled as ‘Neethipathayile Dheera Vanitha (A brave woman on the path of justice)’ will be officially released by state Minister for Film and Culture Saji Cherian to coincide with the International Women’s Day.

Directed by senior journalist Priya Raveendran, the film has been scripted by R.Parvathy Devi, with the Creative contribution coming from Suja Susan George and popular danseuse Rajasree Warrier is the narrator.

Speaking to IANS, Raveendran said she was enamoured by the achievements of Beevi for a long, right from the time she entered journalism.

“Now I feel elated and happy that I have finally done it with the support of Parvathy and Suja. Beevi achieved all this, probably a first by any lady in the country to have sat in several crucial positions. None should forget that Beevi achieved all this at a time when women of her times were mostly relegated to their homes,” said Raveendran.

The now 95-year-old Beevi living a retired life at her home in Pathanamthitta has a number of firsts in her life which includes, the first female judge of the apex court, the first chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, the first Muslim woman Governor (Tamil Nadu).

The film has been produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.

Incidentally Beevi enrolled herself as an advocate in 1950 and began her career in the lower judiciary in Kerala.

She was appointed the Munsiff in the Kerala Subordinate Judicial Services in May, 1958.

She was promoted as the Subordinate Judge in 1968 and as the Chief Judicial Magistrate in 1972, as District & Sessions Judge in 1974.

She was further appointed the Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in January, 1980. She was then elevated to the High Court as a Judge on August 4, 1983. She became a permanent Judge of the High Court on May 14, 1984.

She retired as the Judge of the High Court on April 29, 1989, but was further elevated to the Supreme Court as a Judge on October 6, 1989 where she retired on April 29, 1992.

She later went on to become the Governor of Tamil Nadu on January 25, 1997 and she quit in 2001 following a decision of the Union Government recommending to the President to recall her. — IANS

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home / by IANS / March 08th, 2023

Bazme Sadaf International awards announced

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Patna, BIHAR / Doha, QATAR :

Bazme Sadaf International (BSI) award is to be given to famous Urdu poet Shahida Hassan while Ambareen Salahuddin was selected for the new generation writer award, according to a statement received in Doha.

Ibrahim Kamal Khan (Qatar), Zahoorul Islam Javed (Abu Dhabi) and Sheraz Ali ( UK) were selected for Urdu Movement awards.


The awards will be presented in Doha at a grand ceremony on January 26-27, followed by an international literary festival and poetry symposium.

Delegates and eminent literary personalities from 12 counties are expected to attend the gala event.

Speaking at a press conference in Patna, India, BSI director Prof Safdar Imam Quadri announced the names of awardees of 6th BSI awards and enumerated their literary achievements.

Shahida Hassan is a Canada-based Urdu poet who has published three acclaimed anthologies of poems and also translated select pieces from contemporary literature of other languages into Urdu.


The new generation award, given to a promising writer below 50 every year, has been bagged by Pakistani academic and poet Ambareen Salahuddin. Both the awardees will be arriving in Doha to receive their awards and participate in the literary festival too.

BSI also gives awards to individuals who have served the cause of promotion of Urdu language and literature.

For 2020, this award has been given to Ibrahim Kamal Khan who, as the founder president of Anjuman Mohibban e Urdu in Doha, has provided significant service to the cause of Urdu language in Doha.


Abu-Dhabi-based poet Zahoorul Islam Javed would be given this award for 2021 and UK-based academic Sheraz Ali for 2022.

In the last two years, this award has been renamed after the late Sabih Bukhari, who was the chief patron of BSI until his death.

BSI chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad, in a message sent from Doha, congratulated all the winners and informed that eminent Urdu poets and literary figures from 12 counties have confirmed their participation in the event.

They include Shahida Hassan (Canada), Khalid Irfan (US), Zahoorul Islam Javed (Abu Dhabi), Hassan Kazmi, Safdar Imam Quadri, Azm Skakiri, Shadab Azmi and Dr Shakil (India), Ambareen Salahuddin and Ali Zariyun (Pakistan), Sadaf Mirza ( Denmark), Ateeq Anzar, Ahmad Ashfaq, Nadeem Jilani Danish and Wasiul Haq Wasi (Qatar), Masood Hassas (Kuwait), Ayesha Shaikh Aashi (Dubai) Jamil Ahsan ( Sweden), A M Tahir (Germany) and renowned journalist Dr Mohammed Gauhar.


BSI chief patron Hassan Chougule congratulated the awardees and requested all Urdu lovers to attend the poetry symposium in DPS-Modern Indian School auditorium, Al Wakra on January 27.

BSI Doha chapter president Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani also expressed his happiness at the announcement of the awards and congratulated the winners.

source: http://www.gulf-times.com / Gulf Times / Home> Community / January 19th, 2023

Book on inspiring tales of Muslim women from Karnataka out

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

“Rising Beyond The Ceiling was born out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative about Muslim women in India,” said Fatehally.

(L to R) Zoya Fatehally, Margaret Alva, Farah Usmani and Aiman Ansari at the book launch

Bengaluru:

 Recently, Rising Beyond the Ceiling launched their hardcover edition of Rising Beyond The Ceiling Karnataka publication, after releasing an e-book version of the same in November 2022. With 100 stereotype-shattering stories of inspiring Muslim women from Karnataka, the book is authored by Dr Farah Usmani and co-authored by Dr Zoya Fatehally and Aiman Ansari. Former Governor of Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, Margaret Alva was the chief guest while director Saad Khan hosted the evening’s launch party.

“Rising Beyond The Ceiling was born out of the need to change the stereotypical narrative about Muslim women in India,” said Fatehally. “The need to change the narrative behind the stereotype about Indian Muslim women not contributing to the nation much and how Muslim women are known for getting  married and having a lot of kids and not working was one of the inspirations that drew to author such a book,” said Aiman Ansari, the co-author. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / March 01st, 2023

‘Acting is not the only thing I do’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

INDIA:

confident Sara Arfeen Khan

Sara Arfeen Khan never really set out to be an actor. Armed with a master’s degree in psychology from London, the young lass returned to India to pursue her interest in social work. She was actively involved in training young people and working on projects related to women empowerment when she was offered a role in the television show, ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. She accepted it and has come a long way since. But Sara is selective about the kind of projects she wants to work on. The actor is clear when she says she wouldn’t work on just any project because her focus remains on working with young people. She wants to make a substantial contribution in making the young in the country a more secure force. In a chat with Nina C George, Sara talks about returning to the small screen and her journey so far.

How did you get into acting?

Before I started acting, I was actively involved in training youngsters in stress management and was also attached to projects related to the WHO. I was in a meeting with a few people in a cafe in Mumbai when I got a call asking if I was interested in working on the television serial ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. It was after several rounds of discussions that I agreed to work on it.

Your Bollywood debut ‘Total Siyappa’ changed a lot of things for you…

Yes. It made me realise that acting in films is not as tough as working for the small screen. You are on your toes when you are working in television but it’s not so in films. At least, you get a chance to go a bit slow.  

How is it to return to the small screen with ‘Jamai Raja’?

I play the central character called Mahi. In ‘Jamai Raja’, Mahi meets with an accident and after a plastic surgery, I will be a new Mahi. It’s a very positive role because I play the character who brings two warring groups together. But looks like the plot will change in the second half, and I may end up portraying a negative shade. So far, the project has been moving at a brisk pace.

What keeps you grounded?

Most people tend to put their eggs in one basket. This is precisely why some actors get into depression. If they don’t get as many lead roles as they used to, they get depressed and fall prey to drugs and alcohol. I make sure that I not only act but also work on a couple of things unrelated to the film industry. This, I think, keeps me grounded.

Why do you think you are different from the other actors?

Acting is not the only thing I do. I also work on projects related to women empowerment and with youngsters who need help dealing with stress-related issues. As actors, we make a name and have a huge fan following but I always wonder whether we do enough to give back to society. Working with youngsters means a lot to me.  

What keeps you going?  

I keep in touch with reality and in tune with my surroundings.

What next?

I’ve signed two projects because I found them very different but I am not allowed to talk about them just yet.

At close quarters Actor Sara Arfeen Khan made her debut on the small screen with ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. She soon made her mark in Bollywood with ‘Total Siyappa’ which marked her debut in Bollywood. She was also part of television series such as ‘Dilli Wali Thakur Gurls’ and ‘Zindagi Wins’. In between, she took a short break and has now returned to the small screen to essay the role of Mahi in ‘Jamai Raja.’

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Metrolife / by Nina C George, DHNS / November 14th, 2016

Shama Hakim first Muslim American woman appointed as judge in US appellate court

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion,

Mumbai, INDIA / California, U.S.A:

Judge Shama Hakim is the first South Asian American woman and the first Muslim American woman on any appellate court in United States. 

New York: 

In a first, Indian-American Democrat Shama Hakim Mesiwala has been unanimously confirmed as associate justice of the Third District Court of Appeal in Sacramento, California.

Mesiwala, 48, was administered the oath of office this month by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

She was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which included Chief Justice Guerrero, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Acting Presiding Justice Ronald B. Robie.

Judge Mesiwala, who would now be the first South Asian American woman and the first Muslim American woman on any appellate court in the country, would fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Coleman A. Blease.

She has served as a Sacramento County Superior Court judge since 2017 and was a commissioner there in 2017.

Mesiwala is the co-founder of the South Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and the president of the Schwartz/Levi Inn of Court.

She served as the Americans with Disabilities judge for the Sacramento County Superior Court Hall of Justice and created the first Indian Child Welfare Act courtroom in Northern California.

Armed with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, Mesiwala also teaches appellate advocacy as an adjunct professor in the same university.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United States / by ummid.com with inputs from IANS / February 28th, 2023