All posts by mpositiveone@gmail.com
11
The Poet of Palnadu: How Sheikh Kareemullah Taught a Generation to Question
Palnadu District, ANDHRA PRADESH :
Beyond the Classroom: Honouring the literary soul and dedicated leadership of Headmaster Sheikh Kareemullah on his retirement, May 31, 2026
In the rural classrooms of Palnadu, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for decades. It did not begin with protests or speeches, but with the cadence of Vemana’s poems and the relentless commitment of a man who believed the classroom was a laboratory for democracy. As Sheikh Kareemullah, a senior educator and luminary of contemporary Telugu literature, hangs up his boots as a Headmaster this May 31, his legacy remains etched not in the service records of the state, but in the social consciousness of a generation.
For Kareemullah, teaching was never a mechanical transfer of curriculum. His tenure, particularly in the village of Enugupalem, became legendary. When news of his transfer broke, the village didn’t just file a grievance; two tractor-loads of residents reportedly arrived at the district office, demanding his retention.
It was a rare instance where the bureaucracy bowed to the pedagogical impact of an individual. Kareemullah had transformed his classroom into a crucible for critical thought, teaching children the nuances of pluralism, equality, and the weight of historical justice. He did not just teach the future; he nurtured it.
If teaching was his primary vocation, literature was his chosen battlefield. Kareemullah’s evolution as a writer is a mirror to the anxieties of the era. As communal tensions and social polarisation grew, his poetry shifted from traditional progressive themes to a sharper, more visceral exploration of identity.
His poem ‘Naa Raktham Kaaru Chauka’ (My Blood is Cheap) became more than a verse; it became a rallying cry for dignity. His long poem, ‘Saibu’, remains a seminal text in the Telugu literature, articulating the Muslim experience in India with a defiance that was both unapologetic and profoundly human.
Perhaps his most significant contribution to the literary canon is the introduction of the ‘Ababeel’, a poetic form inspired by Qur’anic allegory. By using the metaphor of small birds confronting overwhelming might, Kareemullah demonstrated that brevity could harbour immense political weight. The form took root, inspiring a new wave of younger poets to find their voices, and transforming what began as a creative experiment into a full-fledged literary movement.
Through the establishment of ‘Murasam’, Kareemullah created a vital space for Muslim writers to find a common ground, turning a literary collective into a school of critical thinking.
Throughout his career, Kareemullah has been the recipient of numerous honours, including the ‘Janmabhoomi Best Teacher’ award and the ‘Adarsha Guru Brahma’ title. Yet, to those who know him, these awards are mere footnotes.
His true achievement lies in his ability to bridge the gap between the teacher’s desk and the poet’s podium. His work, now part of university curricula, continues to be subjected to the rigorous academic scrutiny that defines a classic. He has navigated the complexities of domestic politics, critiqued imperialism, and remained a staunch defender of humanism.
As he steps into retirement, Kareemullah leaves behind a roadmap for the modern intellectual: to remain a teacher when the world is in chaos, and a poet when the world has lost its words. He remains not just a chronicler of his times, but an architect of the resistance against the silencing of voices.
[The writer is a journalist based in Hyderabad.]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News/ Home> Features>Focus / by Md. Mujahid / May 31st, 2026
10 Muslim women who shine while running institutions
INDIA :
Representational Image
New Delhi :
Across India’s administrative corridors, diplomatic missions, universities, welfare departments, and heritage institutions, a generation of Muslim women is redefining leadership through intellect, perseverance, and public service. Their journeys are rooted in struggle, shaped by education, and driven by a deep commitment to society.
Under the Parvaz series, Awaz-the Voice brings you the stories of ten such Muslim women, whose lives and work should become an inspiration for all women in India.
Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh
Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh
Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh’s journey from a modest home in Yavatmal to becoming Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer is a story of determination overcoming adversity.
The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, she rose above financial hardship, repeated failures, and social prejudice to secure All India Rank 142 in UPSC 2024. Her success stands as a beacon of hope for countless girls from rural and marginalised communities who dream of changing their destinies through education and hard work.
Dr Adeela Abdulla
Dr Adeela Abdulla
Dr Adeela Abdulla represents a compassionate and thoughtful face of governance in Kerala. One of the early Muslim women from Malabar to join the IAS, she has played a vital role in strengthening social welfare systems and urban governance.
Whether through her work in Kerala’s Solid Waste Management Project or as Special Secretary in the Social Justice Department, her leadership reflects empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment to human dignity, particularly for vulnerable sections of society.
Dr Chabina Hassan
Dr Chabina Hassan
In Assam, Dr Chabina Hassan has emerged as a powerful force in heritage conservation and archaeology. As Deputy Director at the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam, she played a key role in securing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Charaideo Maidam and made groundbreaking discoveries in Dima Hasao.
Balancing motherhood, academics, and fieldwork, she has transformed archaeology into a bridge connecting communities with their cultural roots while inspiring younger generations to value history and preservation.
Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar
Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar
Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar’s career reflects excellence, resilience, and transformative public service. A doctor by training, she topped the J&K Administrative Services examination in 2010 and later secured AIR 118 in UPSC.
From becoming Budgam’s first woman Deputy Commissioner to spearheading initiatives like the SAATH programme that empowered over five lakh rural women through Self Help Groups, her administrative journey has been marked by innovation and social impact.
Her recognition with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services further highlights her contributions to governance and public welfare.
Naghath Tabassum Abroo
Naghath Tabassum Abroo
Naghath Tabassum Abroo’s life story is deeply rooted in the strength of family values, education, and perseverance. After a decade-long break from academics due to marriage and motherhood, she returned to secure third rank in the KPSC examination and later rose to become one of Karnataka’s pioneering Muslim women IAS officers
Through initiatives in women’s welfare, sanitation, healthcare, and e-governance, including Bengaluru One and Khajane II, she demonstrated how compassionate leadership and administrative innovation can improve public systems and people’s lives.
Nagma Mohammad Mallick
Nagma Mohammad Mallick
Nagma Mohammad Mallick carved history as India’s first Muslim woman IFS officer and built a distinguished diplomatic career through quiet yet impactful service. Currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Japan and the Marshall Islands, she has represented India in several countries while strengthening international partnerships in diplomacy, technology, and economic cooperation.
Through her thoughtful articulation of democracy, dialogue, and non-violence, Mallick has projected India’s values on the global stage with dignity and restraint.
Nahida Zam Zam
Nahida Zam Zam
Nahida Zam Zam has become known as a fearless and people-centric administrator in Karnataka. Through her public speeches and grassroots engagement, she consistently advocates for women’s empowerment, education, and freedom of thought.Her dedicated fieldwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, even while pregnant, earned her admiration as a compassionate officer deeply connected with ordinary people.
Whether speaking to students, women, or marginalised communities, she challenges restrictive social norms and encourages self-reliance and awareness.
Syeda Saiyidain Hameed
Syeda Saiyidain Hameed
Syeda Saiyidain Hameed stands as one of the most influential voices for women’s rights, peace, and social justice in India. An acclaimed author, educationist, former member of the Planning Commission, and member of the National Commission for Women, she has devoted her life to defending human rights and promoting dialogue across communities.
As a founder of the Muslim Women’s Forum and Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, she worked tirelessly for peace-building efforts between India and Pakistan, proving that courage and compassion can coexist in public life.
Professor Shabina Nishat Omar
Professor Shabina Nishat Omar
Professor Shabina Nishat Omar has emerged as a dynamic symbol of academic leadership and women’s empowerment in West Bengal. With over twenty-five years in education and administration, she has transformed institutions through her leadership while advocating inclusive education, digital literacy, and gender awareness.
As an educator, speaker, and administrator, she continues to inspire young people to view education not merely as a profession, but as a powerful tool for social transformation and self-reliance.
Zaynab Syed
Zaynab Syed
Zaynab Syed’s journey reflects perseverance, discipline, and dedication to public service. From overcoming repeated failures in the civil services examination to securing an All India Rank 107, she proved the power of resilience and self-belief. Today, through her role at TRIFED, she works to strengthen tribal livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for artisans and self-help groups across eastern India.
Her story demonstrates how determination and commitment can turn setbacks into opportunities to serve society meaningfully.
By breaking barriers and creating spaces for future generations, they are not only shaping institutions but also redefining what leadership looks like in contemporary India.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Vidushi Gaur /May 30th, 2026
Kalaburagi to Host Karnataka Muslim Convention on June 7
Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), KARNATAKA :
Kalaburagi:
The district unit of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations (FKMO) will organise the Karnataka Muslim Convention at Sabha Function Hall in Kalaburagi on June 7.
Addressing a press conference at the Kalaburagi Press Club, FKMO leader Ibrahim Patel said the convention has received support from various Muslim organisations, associations, institutions and members of the public. Thousands of people are expected to participate in the event.
He said the convention will feature the presentation of a report prepared by members of the Federation of Karnataka Muslim Organisations and experts from different fields.
According to Patel, the report examines the promises made to the Muslim community by Congress, the commitments that have been fulfilled and those that remain pending. The convention will also deliberate on issues relating to political representation and the key demands of the community.
He said that after its release at the Karnataka Muslim Convention in Bengaluru, the report is now being presented in Kalaburagi. Similar programmes will also be organised in Mysuru, Davangere and Mangaluru.
Community leader Afzal Mehmood said several assurances given by the Congress government are yet to be implemented. He urged the government to address ten major demands of the community, including restoration of reservation, action against hate speech, adequate budget allocation, political representation, Waqf-related issues, repeal of the cow slaughter prohibition law, withdrawal of the anti-conversion law and scholarship-related concerns.
He also expressed disappointment over the absence of a Muslim candidate in the upcoming Legislative Council elections despite demands for at least two seats for the community. He called for representation through at least one Rajya Sabha seat and four Cabinet berths.
The organisers clarified that no political leaders have been invited to the convention. They said the event is not a political programme but a democratic platform aimed at urging the government to fulfil its promises to the community in accordance with constitutional principles.
Retired Tahsildar Syed Nisar Ahmed Wazir, Feroz Khan Wadi and others were present at the press conference.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / June 04th, 2026
For the Love of Telugu: How a Warangal Madrasa Teacher Bridged Faith and Literature
Warangal, TELANGANA :
With a copy of the Holy Qur’an in one hand and the nectar of Telugu verse in the other, Mohammad Abdul Rasheed’s life is a testament to an enduring truth: language knows no faith, and the alphabet recognises no borders.
Mohammad Abdul Rasheed is a rare crimson rose blooming in the sprawling Nandanavanam, the celestial garden of Telugu literature. His faith is Islam, yet the consciousness of being profoundly, unapologetically ‘Telugu’ flows through his very veins. He possesses no grand academic degrees, but armed with nothing more than an insatiable appetite for the written word and a fierce determination to weaponize the alphabet, he has authored 43 books. His life is an epic poem in motion.
Recently appointed as the National Coordinator for the prestigious Sri Sri Kala Vedika 7th World Telugu Literature Conference, this Akshara Tapasvi (an ascetic of letters) stands as a monument to cultural synthesis.
The Ten-Paise Genesis
Born on April 12, 1952, in the Desaipeta locality of Warangal, Rasheed was the third of 12 children born to the impoverished couple Mohammad Abdul Sattar and Sarabi. His romance with literature began with a childhood snub. At the age of nine, while lingering in a local eatery, he was mesmerised by the vibrant, multi-coloured jacket of a novel held by a customer. When the young boy instinctively reached out to touch it, he was harshly rebuked. That sting did not discourage him; instead, it ignited a lifelong obsession.
He found his sanctuary at a makeshift wooden kiosk outside the Rajarajeswari Talkies. For a deposit of one rupee, the shopkeeper let him rent pulp novels and magazines for 10 paise a day. Flipping through the iconic pages of Chandamama, Balamitra, and Vijayachitra, Rasheed devoured stories the way others consumed food.
“I have no higher education,” Rasheed reflects, his voice tinged with quiet pride. “But it was that raw, unadulterated reading habit of my childhood that gave me the spine to stand tall in the literary world today.”
The Epiphany in ‘Geeturai’ and the Accidental Teacher
As the years rolled on, the writer within Rasheed found his awakening in the columns of the Geeturai weekly magazine, where he began contributing sharp opinion pieces. His turning point, however, came during an Islamic training seminar. Tasked with speaking on the theme “Desh Bachao” (Save the Nation), Rasheed delivered an electrifying five-minute speech that stunned his mentors.
Recognising a rare linguistic prodigy, authorities appointed him in 1985 to teach Telugu as a second language at Hyderabad’s renowned Jamia Darul Huda Madrasa. For 12 years, he served as a bridge between communities, earning the revered title of ‘Rasheed Master’ among generations of students.
A Harvest of 43 Volumes
The year 1990 marked a seismic shift in his literary career when he took up the monumental task of translating four dense volumes by the globally acclaimed Islamic scholar, Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, into Telugu. Since then, the ink has never dried on his pen. Of the 43 books he has delivered to the Telugu literary canon, nine are original creative works:
In 2003, his seminal book ‘Jihad’ – an effort to demystify and contextually reclaim the term – was unveiled and lauded by Jnanpith Award laureate, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy (CiNaRe).
In 2021, his poignant poetry anthology ‘Bangaru Desam Naa Desam’ (My Country, A Golden Country) was launched at the historic Ravindra Bharathi stage by the venerable academician Acharya Kolakaluri Enoch.
Verse for a New State
When the fires of the Telangana statehood movement were raging, Rasheed’s verses became an anthem for progress. During the 2017 World Telugu Conference, standing on the Jagruthi platforms helmed by then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Rasheed’s voice echoed across the auditorium:
“Then, it was a Telangana of barren rocks… today, it is a Telangana of precious gems. / Then, it was wrapped in pitch darkness… today, it is a Telangana radiant with the light of electric progress.”
The stanza brought the house down, proving that his poetry was intimately tied to the soil that raised him.
To the Zenith of Global Telugu Stages
Rasheed’s contribution extends far beyond the quiet solitude of writing; he is a lifetime member who has shaped four distinct World Telugu Conferences. He famously shared stages with cultural ambassadors like Ghazal Srinivas, felicitating contemporary poets.
In a crowning achievement for his decades of silent service, the ‘Sri Sri Kala Vedika’ has named Rasheed the National Coordinator for its upcoming 7th World Telugu Literature Conference, slated for June 6–7, 2026, at the Godavari Global University in Rajamahendravaram. For a scholar from a Muslim minority background to be elevated to the vanguard of Telugu cultural custodianship is a historic moment of pride for the entire state.
A Decorated Journey
Over the decades, a garland of prestigious accolades has found its way to Rasheed:
- Gidugu Rammurthi Panthulu National Award (for linguistic service)
- Joshua Sahitya Bhushan Award
- International Sri Sri Kala Vedika ‘Kaviratna’ National Merit Award
- Prajakavi Kaloji Narayana Rao Literary Service Award
- Maulana Abul Kalam National Award
- NTR Legendary Award by the Helping Hand Foundation
The Final Verse
Mohammad Abdul Rasheed remains an inherently humble man who has spent a lifetime proving that while faiths may vary, language remains a singular, unifying thread. He is the living embodiment of the truth that letters possess no caste, and syntax bears no religion. The boy from the Warangal cinema kiosk who traded ten paise for a dream has climbed to the absolute zenith of the Telugu literary world. As his pen continues to slash through biases, the Telugu linguistic world smiles upon its extraordinary son.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / June 03rd, 2026
Muslim Heroes: Five Muslim Men Risk lives to Rescue Trapped Victims in South Delhi Fire
DELHI :
BJP MLA Praises Five Muslim Men for Delhi Hotel Fire Rescue.
A devastating fire ripped through a budget hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, claiming 21 lives and injuring dozens. Yet amid the chaos and loss, extraordinary acts of courage shone through as local residents, particularly five young Muslim men, risked their lives to save trapped occupants.
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay praised the bravery of Afzal, Mohammad Shah Rukh, Mohammad Aneesh, Mohammad Aamir, and Mohammad Waseem.
The five men repeatedly entered the burning building alongside Delhi Police to evacuate survivors, demonstrating selfless heroism. Upadhyay shared their photographs on social media, calling them “bravehearts” who saved many lives without regard for their own safety.
The rescue efforts extended far beyond official responders. Neighbours, shopkeepers, and workers from nearby establishments rushed to help. Riyazuddin, a 61-year-old mattress shop owner, pulled out all his stock and laid mattresses on the narrow lane below windows to cushion those jumping from upper floors. He saved at least 10 lives but suffered a loss of nearly ₹2 lakh.
Wasim Raza, a security officer at nearby Max Hospital, entered the smoke-filled building multiple times and performed CPR on at least 10 victims. Other locals like Mohammad Israr Khan and Mohammad Shoaib, a former fire emergency trainer, also joined rescue operations, helping carry out the injured and deceased.
The tragedy highlighted serious safety lapses. The hotel reportedly operated without fire clearance, had more rooms than approved, and only one entry-exit point. Police arrested owner Lovkesh Bajaj and registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Among the dead were nine African nationals and two from Turkmenistan.
While the loss remains heartbreaking, the community’s swift response and the courage of ordinary citizens, especially the five Muslim youths, have earned widespread praise on social media for their humanity and bravery in the face of disaster.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / June 04th, 2026
Mansur, Salauddin, Riyazuddin, Shahrukh, Arman, Kapil, Rakesh, Israr use ropes, mattresses, bare hands to save guests in Delhi hotel fire
DELHI :
Local residents, traders and labourers rushed into action when a fire engulfed the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast on Wednesday, using ropes, mattresses, bricks and bare hands to rescue trapped guests before emergency teams fully gained control of the scene, The Times of India reported.
Witnesses said Mansur and Kapil were among the first to break windows with bricks after spotting people trapped behind smoke-filled glass panes, with no balconies for escape. Ropes were then thrown through the shattered windows to help occupants climb down from the burning building. “We could see hands banging against the glass… we realised they were trapped,” Mansur said.
Inside the building, Salauddin and Israr Khan entered after firefighters forced open the main entrance and moved floor to floor to pull out trapped guests. “The heat inside was unbearable. We carried out whoever we found,” Salauddin said, adding that several doors had to be forced open in near-zero visibility.
Outside, Riyazuddin, a mattress shop owner, along with Arman and Mohammad Shahrukh, quickly brought out mattresses and bedsheets, laying them on the road to cushion jumps from upper floors. “We just kept bringing mattresses and helping people jump,” Shahrukh said.
Rakesh Kumar and others climbed nearby rooftops and terraces, throwing ropes toward upper floors to help trapped occupants escape as smoke filled the structure. “We broke windows to release smoke and heat and threw ropes from the terrace,” he said.
At least 10 people, including women and children, were reported to have jumped onto mattresses to escape the blaze. Several rescuers suffered smoke inhalation and minor injuries but continued assisting until firefighters and police brought the fire under control.
source: http://www.millattimes.com / Millat Times / Home / by Millat Times Newsdesk / June 04th, 2026
Meet Tahsin, Nishan, Indian origin footballers, to play in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Kannur, KERALA / Doha, QATAR :
India has not qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but two footballers – Tahsin and Nishan, are making the country proud as the countdown for the football mega event begins
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (L) and Nishan Velupillay
2026 FIFA World Cup:
India has not qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but two footballers – Tahsin and Nishan, are making the country proud as the countdown for the football mega event begins.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a grand inauguration on June 11, 2026. Weeks before the inauguration of the football world cup, two footballers – Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nishan Velupillay are adding to the football fever in India.
And the reason is their country of origin.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nishan Velupillay both have their roots in India, and they will be playing the 2026 Football World Cup, though not for India but for the countries they are currently residing in.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid
19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is the first footballer of Indian-origin selected in Qatar’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tahsin’s parents, Jamshid and Shaima, migrated from Kannur, Kerala in 1996 and settled in Doha, Qatar where Tahsin was born on June 16, 2006.
The winger, who is described as quick, direct, and impactful on the wings, came through Qatar’s Aspire Academy and plays for Al Duhail Sports Club.
Tahsin, who earlier represented Qatar at senior, U23, U20, and lower youth levels and is regarded as one of the country’s promising young talents, made his senior debut for Qatar in the World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan.
Tashin’s father Jamshid currently working as Accountant, is also a footballer and had played for University of Calicut, Kerala.
Nishan Velupillay
Nishan Velupillay (25) has been confirmed in the 26-member Australian squad for the 2026 football world cup.
The Melbourne Victory winger was born on May 7, 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Sasinath Velupillay, is Malaysian with Sri Lankan Tamil roots, and his mother, Gillian, is Anglo-Indian.
Nishan made his debut for Australia in 2024 and scored on his first appearance in the World Cup qualifier against China. Since then, he has become a regular part of the Australian national football team.
With his selection for the World Cup, Velupillay is set to become the first footballer of Tamil heritage to play at the football world cup.
“A Historic Moment”
Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor who posted the brief profile of the two footballers said their inclusion in the Qatar and Australian national teams are proud moment for India too.
“A historic moment for Indian football fans! As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we will have two players of Indian heritage gracing the global stage”, Tharoor wrote on social media platform X.
“They follow in the footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo, the elegant and creative midfielder whose forefathers hailed from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh (migrating to Mauritius and later to France), who played for the French National Team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, winning a runners-up medal”, Tharoor further wrote.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries. The United States will have 11 of the 16 hosts cities at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also feature matches in Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be inaugurated on June 11, 2026 whereas the 2026 Football World Cup Final will be played on July 19, 2026.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> 2026 FIFA World Cup / by ummid.com news network / June 03rd, 2026
Bengaluru: Retired IAS officer L K Atheeq appointed financial advisor to CM D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :
Bengaluru :
The Karnataka government has appointed retired IAS officer L K Atheeq as the financial advisor to chief minister D K Shivakumar. The department of personnel and administrative reforms issued an official notification announcing the appointment. The post carries the salary and benefits equivalent to that of the chief secretary.
Atheeq, who is currently serving as chairman of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, will continue to hold that position concurrently. A 1991-batch IAS officer, he has held several key positions in the state and central governments, including additional chief secretary to the chief minister, finance department, and principal secretary to former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
During his distinguished career, Atheeq served as director in the Prime Minister’s Office, represented India on the board of the World Bank Group in Washington DC, and held leadership roles in rural development, education, health, and governance reforms. He has also served on the boards of several state-run corporations and played a significant role in shaping major national initiatives in education, health, and food security.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 04th, 2026