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Sania Mirza of UP will be India’s 1st Muslim woman fighter pilot

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

Jasovar Village (Mirzapur District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Sania Mirza of Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district earned this position by passing the National Defense Academy 2022 examination (NDA) exam.

On December 27, Sania Mirza will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.(ANI)
On December 27, Sania Mirza will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.(ANI)

Sania Mirza, daughter of a TV mechanic from Mirzapur, has been selected to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force and would be the country’s first Muslim girl and the state’s first IAF pilot.

Sania Mirza is a resident of Jasovar village under the Mirzapur Dehat Kotwali police station area. She secured this position by passing the NDA exam. She has brought laurels not only to the district but also to the state and the country.

Sania, who studied in a Hindi medium school, said that Hindi medium students too can achieve success if they are determined. On December 27, she will join NDA Khadakwasla in Pune.

The parents as well as the villagers are feeling proud at her.

Sania’s father Shahid Ali said, “Sania Mirza considers the country’s first fighter pilot Avni Chaturvedi as her role model. From the beginning, she wanted to be like her. Sania is the second girl in the country who has been selected as a fighter pilot.”

She studied from primary to Class 10 at Pandit Chintamani Dubey Inter College in the village itself. After that, she went to Guru Nanak Girls Inter College in the city. She was the district topper in the 12th UP Board. She started her preparations at Centurion Defense Academy.

She gives the credit for success to her parents as well as to the Centurion Defense Academy.

She said that only two seats were reserved for women in fighter pilot in National Defense Academy 2022 exam . “I could not grab a seat in the first attempt but I have found a place in my second attempt.”

Sania’s mother Tabassum Mirza said, “Our daughter has made us and the entire village proud. She fulfils the dream of becoming the first fighter pilot. She inspired every girl in the village to follow their dreams.”

In the National Defense Academy 2022 examination, there were a total of 400 seats including male and female. In which there were 19 seats for women, and two seats were reserved for fighter pilots. In these two seats, Sania managed to get a place on the strength of her talent.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India News / by ANI / posted by Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao / December 23rd, 2022

Hyderabad: Madrasa-I-Aliya celebrates 150 years of completion

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Leaders

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

It was in 1872 that the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Hyderabad, Mir Turab Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung – I, established Madrasa-e-Aliya.

 Madrasa-I-Aliya alumini on Sunday celebrated the existence and contribution of their alma mater.

Hyderabad:

Madrasa-I-Aliya, one of the oldest school of Hyderabad, on Sunday celebrated the 150 years of its completion.

A program was organised by the alumni of the school in the school premises at Nizam College, Gunfoundry to remember the contributions of Madarsa-i-Aliya in their lives.

It was in 1872 that the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Hyderabad, Mir Turab Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung – I, established Madrasa-e-Aliya a few years after setting up the Darul Uloom school.

The event started with Tarana-i-Aliya and the present teachers and students also witnessed and heard the experiences of the alumni.

The alumni took several initiatives and a discussion highlighting some nostalgic anecdotes by the teachers and the students made the celebrations more meaningful and interesting.

To encourage the students, 150 Pure Silver Medals were awarded to meritorious students of Class X of school and Intermediate Final year students of Aliya Junior College.

pix 2 t0 05

On this occasion, an Audio-Visual documentary on 150 years of Madrasa-I-Aliya prepared by department of mass communication and journalism, MANUU Hyderabad was presented before the audience.

The event was enriched by some distinguished guests from department of education, Dr Shaid Ali Khan, Mohammed Ali Rafath IAS — Alumina Madrasa-I-Aliya, Yogaraj — Alumina Madrasa-I-Aliya, Gautam Chand Jain— Chairman Pokarna Limited (Alumnus of Aliya Junior College). Other pass out students from batch 1949 onwards  graced the occasion with their presence.

“The flashbacks to the old Aliya days revived before our eyes”, said Arshad Nawab, Alumni of Madarsa-I-Aliya.

The alumnus shared their fond memories and unique stories as a student in the school. Everyone wished and appealed the Government of Telangana to restore Madarsa I Aliya to its original glory.

The celebration committee which comprised of Basharath Ali, Shujaat, Ali Rafath, IAS, and others thanked the participants for taking out time.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk / December 10th, 2022

Why is Ghaseda village celebrating Mewat day today?

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Mewat, RAJASTHAN /HARYANA/ UTTAR PRADESH:

Mahatma Gandhi with other freedom fighters
Mahatma Gandhi with other freedom fighters

December 19 is celebrated as ‘Mewat Day’, for it was on this day in 1947, soon after the partition of India, that Mahatma Gandhi’s appeal to the Meo Muslims living in what is today the border areas of Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan, made them shun their desperation to move to Pakistan.

The community members were all packed with some belongings after facing harassment and violence at the hands of officials in the post-partition mayhem that had gripped both India and Pakistan. Lakhs of Mewatis got together and declared they would go to Pakistan when Mahatma Gandhi came on the scene.  He assured to protect the life and property of Mewatis and give them full respect.

At the time of the partition of India, Mewat, Gurgaon, and Faridabad of Haryana were ruled by the British, and Alwar, Bharatpur of Rajasthan by the kings. At the time of partition, like other parts of the country, Mewat also saw communal violence.

At this stage freedom fighters Abdul Hai, Himmat Khan, and a few other Muslim leaders came to know of a conspiracy to force Mewati Muslims to leave India for Pakistan and they met Mahatma Gandhi and invited him to visit Mewat.

Mahatma Gandhi reached Ghaseda village of Mewat on 19 December 1947. He was accompanied by many leaders including the then Chief Minister of Punjab Gopi Chand Bhargava, Ranbir Singh Hooda, father of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Mahatma Gandhi’s speech on 19th December 1947 in the village of Ghaseda before lakhs of Mewatis is historic. He said, “Today my sayings do not have the same power as it would have earlier.

“But what I say any as much impact as it would have earlier, today not a single Muslim would need to leave the Indian Union, nor would any Hindu-Sikh be required to leave their homes in Pakistan and seek refuge in the Indian Union.

A sorrowful Bapu said: “My heart is filled with sorrow after hearing what is happening here. All around arson, looting, killing, coercive religious conversion and kidnapping of women, and demolishing temples, mosques and gurudwaras is madness. If this is not stopped, both communities will be annihilated.”

Historian Siddiq Ahmed Meo, who has 10 books on the history of Mewat to his credit, says, “Gandhiji also read out the complaints sent to him by Mewati Muslim representatives to the assembled crowd.”

He assured the Mewatis that they would be given full respect. If any government official commits any atrocity with the Mewatis, then the government will take strict action against him. Gandhiji said, “I will be happy if my words can console you a little.”

He expressed grief over the Muslims who were expelled from the princely states of Alwar and Bharatpur.

Gandhiji said in his speech, “A time will come in India when all hatred will be buried in the ground and both societies will be able to live in peace.”

Mewat’s social worker Fajruddin Besar says, after Gandhiji’s assurances, the Muslims reversed their decision. “If they were not stopped at that time, there would be not a single Muslim in Haryana and Rajasthan today.” He says Gandhiji did a big favour to the Muslims by stopping them from going to Pakistan. “Today, Muslims in India are living a life of more peace and respect than in Pakistan. In Pakistan, there is always fighting among Muslims.”

In 2007, chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda declared Ghaseda an ideal village and renamed it Gandhi Gram Ghaseda. He also released about Rs 10 crore for development works in the village.

This year Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will also reach the village on December 22 and celebrate Mahatama Gandhi’s visit to the village on that day.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by Yunus Alvi, Nuh (Haryana) / December 19th, 2022

Adil Shahi literature translated to Kannada to fill gap in history of Deccan India

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders

Vijayapura (Bijapur), KARNATAKA:

Dr. P.G. Halakatti Research Centre of Vijayapura in north Karnataka has spearheaded the project that is historically significant.

Members of the Adil Shahi Literature Translation Committee at Dr. P.G. Halakatti Research Centre in Vijayapura. | Photo Credit: File photo

Vijayapura-based BLDE Society’s Dr. P. G. Halakatti Research Centre has just completed the ambitious task of translating literature and documents pertaining to the reign of Adil Shahi kings in the 15th and 16th century. The work was carried out in association with the government of Karnataka.

Books in Persian, Arabic and Dakhani have been translated to Kannada. The project generated around 4,500 pages in 19 volumes.

The translated books include epics like Tareekh-e-Farishta, a history of the kingdom by Mohammad Kasim ‘Farishta’, Basateen-e-Salateen by Ibrahim Zuberi, Ibrahim Nama by Ibrahim Dehelvi in Dakhani, Guldasta-e-Bijapur by Mir Ahmed Ali Khan, Hafta Kursi by Fitur Khan Lari, and Futuhat-e-Alamgeer by Eshwar Das Nagar.

Challenge of finding experts in Persian language as well as Kannada

“This is a milestone in the cultural history of Karnataka,” says Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, director of the centre. “It has been completed after painstaking work by scholars and translators who are good in both the original language and the target language. It was not easy to find them, as there are few persons who are well-versed in Persian or Dakhani. It also took us a lot of time to visit libraries and research centres to gather the books and documents.”

Procuring the books was not easy. Committee members visited Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata, to get copies of various books. The books were collected from the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the archives of Andhra Pradesh, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) headquarters in New Delhi, and some individuals.

“It was tough work, but we persisted. For example, we got one of the only two copies of ‘Mohammad Nama’ by Kazi Nurallah. Even these copies are reproductions, and not originals,” he said.

Important historical project

“Though there have been a few books in English and Kannada about the history of medieval Karnataka, a lot of work needs to be done. The translation project hopes to fill that void. It will tell us not only about the history of Karnataka and the Deccan region, but also about India in those times,” he said. “Apart from documenting the life and times of medieval India, the translation project will help us drop our prejudices and dispel misconceptions about this phase of history.”

The project has been in the works for several years, says Dr. Kulkarni who is also the director of Adil Shahi Literature Translation Committee set up by the Ministry of Kannada and Culture. He worked for several years with M.M. Kalburgi who was vice-chancellor of Kannada University in Hampi.

M.B. Patil, BLDE Society chairman and founder of the research centre, recalls the contribution of Irrigation Minister Govind Karjol, who supported the project during his tenure as the minister for Kannada and Culture Minister.

The volumes were released in Bengaluru on December 18 in the presence of former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, writer Sudheendra Kulkarni, former Minister M.B. Patil, literary critic Devu Pattar, Mansoor Ali Khan of Centre for Research and Communication, G.K. Patil, president of Dr. P. G. Halakatti Research Centre.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnatkaka / by B. Rishikesh Bahadurdesai / December 19th, 2022

Hyderabad: Haziq and Mohi Rare Books planning to sell collection

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Among the patrons of Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers, back when its founder Awad Bafana was running it, also includes author (of White Mughals) William Dalrymple.

 An inside view of Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

Hyderabad: 

For over four decades, Awad Bin Mohd Bafana ran a book store selling rare books in the Old City. A man of Arab descent, he had inherited the books from his grandfather’s personal library. Over a period of time, it became a go-to place for research scholars, and anyone else looking to buy something interesting and old. Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers today is one of those ‘secrets’ that many love to discover among the city’s heritage.

Awad Bafanna, as he was known, passed away suddenly in 2015 over half a decade ago at the age of 74. He left behind thousands of books in his shop, which only he mentally kept track of. His nephews who run the shop today in Hyderabad, painstakingly have only managed to organise a section of the collection. “There was no inventory but he knew exactly where every book was in his head,” said Ibrahim, one of his nephews.

One can understand the enormity of the rare book collection at Haziq and Mohi while walking through it. There is literally space for only one person to walk in its hallway, and to then turn right into another section. Thankfully, Awad Bafana’s family have partially sorted out books based on subjects like history, politics, on Hyderabad etc. The bookstore is a haven for bibliophiles and research scholars who require particular titles.

A favourite of collectors and scholars

Among the patrons of Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers, back when Awad Bafana was running it, also included author (of White Mughals) William Dalrymple. Ibrahim and his brothers still receive calls from abroad for specific books customers want. Awad Bafana’s grandfather had worked as a Jamadar in Barkas. for the Al-Quaiti family that headed the Yemeni community in Hyderabad.

Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

Hyderabad’s Barkas, where their descendants live even today, is believed to be a corrupt word of the word barracks. It is essentially a mini Yemen of sorts and is a go-to place for foodies who want to eat authentic Yemeni cuisine.

Partial book collection up for sale

Now, seven years Mr. Bafanna’s demise, Awad Bafana’s extended family that runs Haziq and Mohi Rare Book Sellers is looking to part with a chunk of its collection. The Bafana family runs the rare book store in Hyderabad’s old city near the Chowk Ki Masjid at Hussaini Alam road. The collection is huge, and the family still has to go through the entire thing in order to catalogue it.

“We are not selling away all our books, nor are we shutting down the store. However, there are some monetary requirements at home due to which we decided to do this. Anyone who is interested can come take a look and discuss it with us,” Ibrahim told Siasat.com.

Haziq and Mohi has a treasure trove of books in mainly Urdu, English, Persian and Arabic. Many book lovers who wander there usually end up sticking around for hours, mostly going back with books they never knew they wanted in the first place. The collection of rare books include several official gazettes, and other publications that are even a century old. One will have to sift through it to even figure out what is there.

Anyone interested in purchasing the collection that is up for grabs can contact the Bafana family for the same (finding it is easy on Google Maps) on +919160161301.

Haziq and Mohi rare book sellers. (Image: Yunus Lasania)

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Yunus Lasania / December 14th, 2022

Belgaum: 800-yr-old Shaikh Badruddin Dargah is a symbol of harmony

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Belgaum, KARNATAKA :

The dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is in possession of several archival records, but its real claim to fame is a copy of the Holy Quran calligraphed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.

 The shrine of Shaikh Badruddin Chishti in Belgaum recently underwent renovation with some scintillating Persian glass work. (Image: Shafaat Shahbandari).

The historic town of Belgaum is home one of Karnataka’s oldest Dargahs. Located within the ancient fort of Belgaum, the dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is believed to be more than eight centuries of old.

Among the first sufi saints to settle in the region, Shaikh Badruddin travelled across south India spreading the message of peace and harmony. The historic tomb in Belgaum is still a great symbol of harmony in the city.

“Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti arrived in Deccan more than 800 years ago. He travelled extensively across southern India to spread the message of peace and love. He was among the first sufi saints to settle down in this region,” said Rafeeq Ahmed Ghawwas, caretaker of the Dargah in Belgaum.

Located in the historic Belgaum Fort, the mausoleum of Shaikh Badruddin Chishti was revered by rulers from various dynasties irrespective of their faith. (Shafaat Shahbandari)

Origins

Originally from Delhi, Shaikh Badruddin he was a disciple of Hazrat Shaikh Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, who was a 12th century saint and scholar based in Delhi.  According to Ghawwas, Shaikh Badruddin migrated to the Deccan in Belgaum on the advice of his spiritual master. He was the one who introduced the Chishti order of the revered saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in the south.

“Our ancestors were the disciples of Shaikh Badruddin and we have been in the service of this place since the earliest times. I took over as the caretaker of this dargah from my uncle Khattal Ahmed, who had taken over from my father Abdur Raheem Mujawar. Before him our grandfather Ebrahim Ahmed was the caretaker, who took over from his father Shaikh Jangu Mian,” said Ghawwas, who has been the caretaker of the dargah for more than 30 years.

Venerated by kings, ministers and commanders of all faiths, the dargah and the saints of this order have had close ties with several dynasties across its history of almost 800 years.

Ghawwas with some prized remnants of Maratha, Mughal and Adil Shahi heritage. (Shafaat Shahbandari)

The Aurangzeb connection and the Quran

More interestingly, the dargah Hazrat Syedina Shaikh Badruddin Shah Arif Chishti is in possession of several archival records that reflect its rich and vibrant history. And among its biggest inheritances is a 16th century copy of the Holy Quran that was calligraphed and gifted by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.

Rafeeq Ahmed Ghawwas with his prized possession – a 17th century calligraphed copy of Quran. (image: Shafaat Shahbandari)

“The emperor had actually gifted the copy to the dargah of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, but we are not sure how and when it reached into the possession of our ancestors. We feel fortunate to have this blessed copy and we are doing our best to preserve it for posterity,” added Ghawwas, who has preserved the copy with great care.

According to local history, after his travels across South India, Shaikh Badruddin arrived in Belgaum and settled within the premises of the then newly built fort.  The fort was originally built in 1204 AD by Raja Jaya Raya of the Ratta Dynasty and Shaikh Badruddin lived here until his death in 1251 AD.

This mausoleum was built in the early 16th century by the Adil Shahi general and the then governor of Belgaum Asad Khan Lari.  The structure has been preserved with some renovation and restoration. Recently, the interiors of the dargah went through a facelift with Iranian glasswork adorning the walls, the dome and the ceilings.

Throughout its long history in Belgaum, the has received patronage from the rulers irrespective of their faith. The caretaker is in possession of several firmans and sanads issued by the Maratha rulers who venerated Shaikh Badruddin and offered their patronage.

The ornamented page of the calligraphed work representing the first chapter of the Holy Quran. (Image: Shafaat Shahbandari)

“This dargah has always been the abode of peace and harmony and we are continuing with our age-old motto of love for all,” added Ghawwas.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by Shafaat Shahbandari / December 13th, 2022

15-Year old Shabnam Md from Visakhapatnam makes it to the India U-19 women’s cricket team

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

Visakhapatnam, ANDHRA PRADESH :

Idolising Indian medium pacer great Jhulon Goswami, Shabnam is already clocking 110 kmph speed and she aspires to touch ‘Jhulon didi’s’ pace of 125 kmph

Md. Shabnam has been selected for the India U-19 women’s team that will play five T20 matches against the New Zealand U-19 team | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

She is barely 15-years-old and she dreams of playing for the Indian women senior’s cricket team. And she is not far from her dreams, as she has just been selected to represent the country for the Women’s U-19 cricket team. She is the first from this city to get selected for the women’s U-19 team.

Meet Md. Shabnam, a budding right-arm medium pacer, who will be writing her Std. X examination in 2023.

Idolising Indian medium pacer great Jhulon Goswami, Shabnam is already clocking 110 kmph speed and she aspires to touch ‘Jhulon didi’s’ pace of 125 kmph.

Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, Shabnam said that she took to cricket at the age of eight years, after seeing her father Md. Shakeel, who was a medium pacer himself.

“I would go to local league matches and see my father bowl and it was then that I decided that I would also play cricket and make my mark as a medium pacer,” said an excited Shabnam.

With encouragement from her parents, Shabnam practises over seven hours on a daily basis and she never misses a training session.

She is a dedicated cricketer and she has all the potential to make it big, said secretary of Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association, K. Parthasarthi.

She is a tough, tall and strong girl. She is quick through the air and has a good inswinger and a surprise bouncer, said fitness coach Vanka Murali.

She has been very consistent in the last season and probably that has earned her the cap, said Mr. Parthasarathi.

Shabnam has been selected to play for India U-19 in five T 20 matches against the visiting New Zealand U-19 team.

The series is set to start from November 27 and she will be reporting at Mumbai on November 24.

Speaking about her idols in cricket, she said, “In the women’s cricket world my idol is Jhulon didi and on the men’s side it is Jasprit Bumrah.”

Thanking The Hindu for playing a key role in her career, Shabnam said that she was part of every The Hindu-VDCA summer coaching camp for the last few years.

I practise for three hours in the morning and another three hours in the evening, followed by about a one-and-half-hour fitness session. My dream is to play for India, she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Sumit Bhattacharjee (headline edited) / November 21st, 2022

Meet Falak Naaz, who braved poverty to make it to India’s U19 Women’s T-20 World Cup squad

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

PRAYAGRAJ (formerly UTTAR PRADESH):

Meet Falak Naaz, who braved poverty to make it to India's U19 Women's T-20 World Cup squad – TwoCircles.net

18-year-old Falak Naaz comes from a poor family in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This did not stop her from dreaming to play for national women’s cricket team. Earlier this month, she was selected to be part of the under-19 national team for the upcoming first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. 

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) :

Braving crippling poverty, 18-year-old Falak Naaz of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has made it to the under-19 Indian women’s international cricket team that will represent India in the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in South Africa in January 2023. 

Falak was selected for her outstanding all-around performance in Uttar Pradesh junior women’s cricket team. 

A student of class 12, Falak credits her success to her family and coach Ajay Yadav.

“Even though playing cricket for a girl is not so common in our region, my family and coach always supported and encouraged me,” Falak told TwoCircles.net. 

Falak said she started playing cricket only for entertainment. “I soon developed a passion for the game and wanted to make it my career,” she said. 

Falak is raring to go to South Africa for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

“I feel proud to represent my country in the T-20 World Cup and hope to do well in the upcoming matches,” she said. 

The first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup will commence on January 14 in South Africa in which 16 teams are participating. The final of the tournament will be held on January 29. The Indian team will be captained by Shefali Verma.  

Braving odds
Falak’s father Nasir Ahmad works as a peon in a private school while her brother had to leave his studies to work at a cycle repair shop to support their family of seven, which includes their grandparents. Her family lives in a single-room, tin-roofed house in a locality on the banks of the Yamuna river in the Katghar area of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. 

Falak’s selection in the national team has given hope to her family, and they are elated at her success. 

“After her selection in the under-19 team, I feel proud,” her father Nasir told TwoCircles.net.

“Our financial condition was not good to support our daughter’s ambitions. However, her hard work has was rewarded. We are proud that our daughter is playing for the country. We are praying that Falak performs well in the matches ahead,” Falak’s mother Zeenat Bano told TwoCircles.net. 

Passion for cricket
Falak started playing cricket at the age of 12. She could not get admission at any sports academy as her father was not able pay the fee. 

Her fate changed in 2015 when cricket coach Ajay Yadav decided to train her free of cost at his academy.

Falak wanted to become a fast bowler. On the advice of her coach, she decided to work on her batting and bowling and became an all-rounder. Her hard work bore fruit when she was selected for the Uttar Pradesh junior women’s cricket team in 2016. It was her performance here that helped her in securing a place in the under-19 Indian women’s cricket team.

Falak’s coach Ajay Yadav told TwoCircles.net that she is a dedicated person and works hard to achieve what she wants. 

“This is what ensured her place in the U-19 team,” he said. 

“Bowling is her strength but she plays as an all-rounder. Falak can play in any situation and does not come under pressure. I am sure that she will give an outstanding performance in the World Cup,” he said. 

Her family and friends are celebrating her success. They are excited about her selection to the U-19 team. “I have seen Falak’s dedication towards her ambition. It is a moment of joy not only for her but for all of us to see her succeed,” her friend Shipra said. 

Her friends are eager to see her play in South Africa. “We are now eagerly waiting to see her playing on the pitch in South Africa. We are sure that Falak will do well. We are praying for the team to win the T-20 World Cup,” her friend Riya said. 

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by TCN Staff Reporter / December 14th, 2022

Meet Class 12 Student Arbeen Tahir Who Hand-Wrote Quran In 6 Months

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , ,

Hajin (Baramulla District) JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Srinagar:

Phones have not stopped ringing at Tahir Ahmed Parray’s home in North Kashmir Hajin after his daughter Arbeen Tahir completed handwriting Holy Quran.

It took Arbeen six months to write the Quran using her calligraphic pen. With no formal training, she learnt calligraphy by watching YouTube videos before she tried her hand at writing the Quran.

“It was my childhood dream to write the holy Quran. I had no experience or training in calligraphy. I started watching videos and trying scribbling on paper before I learnt the art. I started writing the holy Quran in June and completed it in November. I was regularly showing manuscripts to my cousin for any correction,” she said.

Coming from a religious family, Arbeen’s father is a businessman dealing with fruits. She has a younger brother who studies in Class 10. Arbeen is living in a big joint family with all her uncles and cousins under one roof. 

Arbeen received religious education from her childhood. Well versed in different languages, she developed an interest in reading theology and religious scriptures.  

“I have written the manuscript on 900 pages. Now I plan to preserve this copy for posterity. I plan to bind it and keep it in my study. It is the prized possession,” she said.

Arbeen has become a role model for her clan and society. A student of class XII, she is now preparing for NEET and wants to become a doctor to serve humanity.

“I am working hard to crack NEET. My cousin is a doctor and she is my inspiration. I too want to become a doctor to serve mankind. I am preparing hard to achieve my goal,” she said.

The 18-year-old is also working on her debut book. “I am writing a book. `Tragedy of Innocence’ will soon hit the stands,” she said.

Arbeen is not the first student who has handwritten the Quran in Kashmir. Last year, Adil Nabi Mir of Srinagar completed writing the Holy Book in 58 days. Mir said he wrote the Quran in his handwriting purely for the ‘sake of Allah’ and to inspire the youth to follow Islamic teachings.

Coming from a humble background, Mir’s father is a mason. Mir said he received a lot of encouragement from his father and other family members.

He started writing on January 27, 2021, and it took him 58 days to complete the work. He used to write in his free time and spend 6-7 hours doing this. His fingers would ache a lot, but he persisted. Mir would rarely move out of the house barring visits to the mosque so that he could finish his task. 

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Religion / by Ishfaq-ul-Hassan (headline edited) / December 13th, 2022

Ayeera Chisti becomes the First Kashmiri Girl to Win Medal at the ‘8th World Junior Wushu Championship 2022’, Banten, Indonesia

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Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Ayeera Chisti, the first Kashmiri girl to win a medal at the World Wushu Championship

Ayeera Chisti, the Wushu wonderkid from the Kashmir valley added another feather in her rising career by winning a bronze medal at the World junior Wushu championship this weekend.

With this achievement she has become the first girl from Jammu and Kashmir to win a medal at this prestigious championship.

Among the first to congratulate her was JK Sports Council.

The 8th world junior Wushu championship was held in Banten, Indonesia from December 2 to 11.

Speaking to Awazthevoice.in, Ayeera’s coach, Asif said, “This is just the beginning. This is the result of years of hardwork, dedication, patience and discipline. There are many targets we have to achieve”.

Before departing for the championship, Ayeera had exuded confidence of doing well at the event. “I will come back with a medal”, she had told Awazthevloice.in.

The 11th class student of Amira Kadal Higher Secondary School, Srinagar had already etched her name in history books by becoming the first girl from Srinagar to represent the country in the world championships.

Khelo India congratulated Ayeera on becoming the first girl from JK to win a medal at this level.

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Ayeera had lost to Malak Ossama of Egypt in the semifinal.

She had earlier defeated her rival from Macau in the last-eight stage.

The Indian contingent finished with a record eight medals, including three golds in the championship. Apart from the yellow metal, India also won three silvers and two bronze medals.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by Nakul Shivani, New Delhi (headline edited) / December 12th, 2022