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After halt of 2 years, country’s largest Islamic congregation commences in Bhopal

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Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

Picture of the Alami Tablighi Ijmeta held in 2019. | Picture: Tablighi News 365

Held for the first time in 1948, the Bhopal Ijtema is known for its massive participation of people and for promotion of peace and inclusivity.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) :

The Alami Tabhligi Ijtema, an annual Islamic congregation held every year in Madhya Pradesh commenced today in the outskirts of the capital Bhopal. The four-day religious event is the third-largest Islamic congregation globally. The first such congregation was held 73 years ago. The event is taking place after two years of halt caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The congregation is not only popular for being the largest religious gathering in India but is also well known for the promotion of peace and inclusivity. 

For the first time, international participants will not be in attendance at the congregation. 

According to a report in Dainik Bhaskar, the congregation will be held on 300 acres of land. “20,000 volunteers will handle management. More than 17,000 taps are installed for ablution only. 7 crore litres of water will be consumed every day for drinking, ablution, and cleansing. Non-veg food is banned due to Lumpi Virus. There will be 45 parking slots and 7000 dustbins. 5000 volunteers will take care of the cleaning. 5 fire brigades and 6 fire bullets will be present there. 2000 policemen will manage security and 500 will handle the traffic management. There will be 3 hospitals of 10 beds each as well,” the report said. 

History of the congregation
Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, a prominent journalist and former editor with Hindustan Times told TwoCircles.net that even though this grand congregation of Muslims is a purely religious event but in Bhopal, it means much more. “It has a unique relationship with the city and its inhabitants irrespective of their beliefs. Come winter and there is a buzz about the dates of Ijtima. Though such gatherings are now held in different cities across the country, the Ijtima here has an altogether different ‘connect’ with the people,” he said. 

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi said that after the independence of the country, the first congregation was held in Bhopal in 1948 at Masjid Shakoor Khan. 

It is said that the first congregation was a small gathering. Later, it was shifted to Taajul Masajid and became a big event. In 2002, it was shifted to outside the city in Eintkhedi as the gathering had become too big by then with a participation of 5 lakh people. Today, nearly 1.5 people congregate at the event. “People still get nostalgic when it was held in Tajul Masajid for over half a century. In those days, the temporary market that came to be associated with the gathering gave the congregation another meaning for Bhopalites,” Shams Ur Rehman Alavi said. 

Preparations run for months
The preparations for the congregation began several months ago. Many youths from the nearby areas volunteer to help with the preparations. “This is farmland. It is very difficult to clean it and make it suitable for the congregation. We made drainage to discharge water from the farms with the help of a generator to dry the land sooner,” Abuzer, a volunteer, told TwoCircles.net. 

Abuzer said all volunteer work is done by Muslims. “People willingly come here and do labour without demanding charges. We do it for the sake of Allah,” he said. 

Atiq Ul Islam is a member of the organizing team that is looking after the preparations. He told TwoCircles.net that the 300 acres of farmland where the congregation is taking place is lent free by locals, which include both Muslims and non-Muslims. 

“Non-Muslims have never refused to lend their lands to this congregation. We organize this Ijtima to please God and send a message to the world to follow God’s commandments which is to do good and refrain from evil,” Atiq Ul Islam said. 

He said that the congregation is held to send a message of peace. “Every faithful attends this Ijtima,” he said. 

Atiq Ul Islam informed that Muslim volunteers also take responsibility for security and traffic management. “The administration plays a supporting role by keeping an overall eye on things. Rest everything is managed by our volunteers,” he said. 

Akram Ahmed Khan is a resident of Bhopal who has been attending the congregation since childhood. For many years, he has volunteered at the event.  

Akram said that the congregation has a cross-functional team that has a dedicated system including a security team, transportation and commute team, road management (traffic management) team, parking team, and emergency and procurement (medical team). “The management skills I learned here have helped me in my professional life as well,” Akram Ahmed said. 

For effective disposal of waste, the management collaborates with Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC). For its zero-waste, the congregation has earned laurels.

Huneza Khan is a student and a budding journalist from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She tweets  @KhanHuneza

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Huneza Khan, TwoCircles.net / November 18th, 2022

AMU faculty elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences

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Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof Nafees Ahmad Khan, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, has been declared as the Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI).

The National Academy of Sciences,  recognises researchers who excel in the field of their research as Fellow of the Academy, which is considered as the most coveted accomplishment in academics.

Prof Khan has worked on the mechanisms of hormonal and nutritional regulation of plant development with emphasis on plant resilience against stressful environments using nutriomics and metabolomics. 

He has published many research papers in crucial high Impact Factors journals and collaborated internationally for research. He has published about 200 research papers（H-index 67; i–10 index 175）and was noted as one of the most-cited Indian researchers in the area of Plant Science by Elsevier every year from 2019 to 2022. 

He has edited 19 books published by Elsevier, Springer-Nature, Frontiers, NOVA, Alpha Science and others. Supervised research projects focused on signalling molecules-nutriomics and abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms, and served as Editor/Guest Editor of the leading plant science journals, published by Elsevier, Frontiers, Springer-Nature MDPI.

Prof Khan is also fellow of The Linnean Society, Indian Botanical Society, Indian Society for Plant Physiology.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University / Home / by Public Relations Office / November 04th, 2022

Assam youth becomes a NYPD official

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ASSAM / New York, U.SA.:

Abidur Reza Chowdhury
Abidur Reza Chowdhury

While there is a sense of jubilation on the recruitment of thousands of young people in the Assam Police through a transparent and fair recruitment process in a faraway land – the USA – an Assamese Abidur Reza Chowdhury alias Karjon Chowdhury of Badarpur, Karimganj district (Barak Valley) has been appointed in the New York Police Department (NYPD). 

The young man from Badarpur joined the New York Police Department in October. Congratulating f Abidur, his friend Imran Laskar, wrote on Facebook:

“I am very much delighted and overwhelmed to share the grand achievement of one of my very best friends who has recently cracked one of the world’s most prestigious and most renowned with rewarding New York Police Department (NYPD), United State of America competitive exam and cracked with flying colours.


A tireless effort, dedication, commitment, and strong determination have made him achieve this success. Nevertheless, as we spend year on the year together, I found him always dynamic, utmost level of IQ, and was studious with multi-dimensional intelligence. He is none other than Karzon Choudhury, A resident of the small town of Karimganj, Assam. Huge applause and heartiest congratulations from me and on behalf of his all classmate from Delhi. I couldn’t but share the pride moment of receiving my graduation of him.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by awazthevoice.in / by Shatananada Bhattacharya / Hailakandi / October 13th, 2022

Abidur Reza getting his credentials as NYPD cop

Another friend Riz Chowdhury wrote on Facebook:

“Alhamdulillah. On behalf of My brother Shohid AR Choudhury (Karzon), I would like to thank everyone for your immense love and support. He cannot post, reply or comment on anything on any social media due to NYPD privacy policy. So, please don’t think otherwise, and keep him in your prayer for health and success. Once again thank you to every one of you who showered love on my brother.”

Abidur Reza Chowdhury has a sister who is already working for the US Department of Health and Human Services. All members of his family are US nationals. Abidur has been living in the United States since 2014. It was his mother who took retirement from Mahakal LP School No. 215 and immigrated to the United States.

Her daughter got a job with the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Huge Loss To Civil Society In Bengaluru: Activist Firdouse Khan Passes Away

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Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Firdouse Khan, a prominent Muslim activist passed away at her residence on Friday morning in Bengaluru.

Firdouse was the secretary and consultant at the city-based Forward Trust, a family and marital counselling organisation. She was actively involved with Bahutva Karnataka, Communal Friendship Forum, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and other civic organisations.

Speaking of the demise of Firdous, Bahutva Karnataka activist Adv Vinay Sreenivas told The Cognate, “She cared a lot about society and was a person like who exhibited a lot of goodness. It was her dream to live in a society which is in harmony.”

The 52-year-old previously held the post of manager at HCL. She later resigned from the post and was involved in social activities. She took part in several protests, including the anti CAA/NRC protests. The activist regularly organised legal literacy workshops.

“Firdouse was interested in building bridges across people, faiths, and like, there are different communities. She stayed in touch with everybody and was like a very spirited person. Her life was committed to support others and she did what she could do to ease somebody’s pain,” Vinay said.

“A personification of the kind of values we want in a fraternity, Firdous was a believer and she had made connections with people from other faiths. It’s just it’s a very big loss for the civil society in Bangalore because we have very few people like this.”

The deceased is survived by her husband Waseem Khan, one son and a daughter.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Rabia Shireen / November 11th, 2022

Role Of Muslims In Indian Freedom Struggl

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INDIA:

Dr Ambedkar and Maulana Hasrat Mohani (left) at Sardar Patel’s reception

THE freedom attained on 15th August 1947 was a result of a long struggle which involved contributions and sacrifices of men and women of all classes and communities of India. Muslims form an integral part of this history. That muslims played an equal and important role in the freedom of India cannot be overstated.

It was muslims who spearheaded the very first attempts to fight back British imperialists. The list of people is inexhaustive. Whether it was Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey or Tipu Sultan in the Seringapatam battle in South India in 1799; Muslims were not soft by any means towards Britishers. Infact, in what is known as the first war of Independence, 70% Hindu revolutionaries together with Muslims chose a Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar as India’s Ruler.

Bakht Khan from Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh,  was a major part of the rebellion of 1857. An experienced army-man, Bakht Khan was serving as the Subedar in the Army of East India Company and took command of the rebel forces. His strong and powerful rebellion activities prompted the British rulers to launch a manhunt against him, following which, he was shot dead by Britishers.

There are still many muslim heroes, some at the center and some pushed to the margins. Muhammad Ashfaq Ullah Khan of Shahjehanpur who conspired and looted the British treasury at Kakori (Lucknow) to cripple the administration is one. When asked for his last will, before execution,he said: “No desire is left except one that someone may put a little soil of my motherland in my winding sheet.”

Similarly, Barkatullah and Syed Rehmat Shah of Ghadar Party sacrificed their lives for the independence of their country. Umar Subhani, an industrialist and a millionaire of Bombay is popularly known for presenting a blank cheque to Gandhiji for ‘Tilak Swarajya Fund and INC. His boundless donations crippled him but he bore the challenge for his country.

Who doesn’t know Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, “frontier gandhi”, who was one of the major reasons behind the Britishers leaving India. Ghaffar Khan met Gandhi and entered politics in 1919 during agitation over the Rowlatt Acts, which allowed the internment of political dissidents without trial. In the following year he joined the Khilafat movement.

Then there was another such stalwart leader and freedom fighter of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. His service to the nation didn’t just stop after India became independent, he continued serving India till his last breath.

Inspired by Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, Abbas Ali joined the Indian freedom movement in his teenage after completing his education. He joined the Indian National Army (INA) or the ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ and was subsequently court-martialled and sentenced to death.

When thousands of freedom fighters were getting jailed everyday, yet another Indian muslim, Asaf Ali stepped up and fought their legal battles to bail them out. He was even jailed alongside Jawaharlal Nehru. He participated in the ‘Quit India Movement’ and did everything he could to help India achieve independence. On 1 April 1953, Asaf Ali died in Bern (Switzerland) while serving as India’s representative. A postal stamp was issued in his honour in 1989.

Important historical events and etched echoes from India’s freedom struggle have a marked muslim presence, shoulder to shoulder with other Indians. It was Dr. Saifuddin Kichloo, hailed as the ‘Hero of Jallianwala Bagh’ who conducted a public meeting at the historical Jallianwala Bagh on 30 March, 1919, protesting the Rowlatt Act during the Indian National Movement. It was Yusuf Meher Ali, a socialist leader, founder of the National Militia, Bombay Youth League and the Congress Socialist Party who said, “Simon Go Back” was part of the Quit India Movement along with Mahatma Gandhi for India’s last nationwide campaign for independence from the British Empire.

Cardinal movements like the Non-cooperation Movement and the Swadeshi Movement saw overwhelming Muslim participation. Janab Sabusiddiq who was the sugar-king of that time gave up his business as a form of boycott. The Khoja and Memon communities owned the biggest business houses of that time and they parted with their treasured industries to support the boycott.

Muslim freedom fighters were active in the field of journalism as well. Maulana Azad used his pen against the British despite being prevented by the colonial powers a number of times. In fact, the first journalist to be martyred publically in the cause of India’s Freedom Struggle was also a Muslim – Maulana Baqar/Moulvi Muhammad Baqir. He was executed following the revolt of 1857.

Additionally, the history of the Indian national movement would be incomplete without mentioning the contribution of Muslim women. Asghari Begum (mother of Qazi Abdur Rahim, the revolutionary of Thana Bhawan, Muzaffarnagar) fought against the British and was burnt alive when defeated. It was estimated that about 225 Muslim women gave their lives in the revolt. Begum Hazrat Mahal, revolutionary Queen of Awadh, was the unsung heroine of the first war of Independence, who shot the British ruler, Sir Henry Lawrence and defeated the British army in a decisive Battle at Chinhat on 30thJune, 1857. Bi-Amma out of the hundreds of women who fought the battle of freedom along with their men folk against the British Raj. Abadi Begum (mother of Maulana Muhammad Ali), Amjadi Begum (wife of Maulana Muhammad Ali), Amina Tyabji (wife of Abbas Tyabji), Begum Sakina Luqmani (wife of Dr Luqmani and daughter of Badruddin Tyabji), Nishat-un-Nisa (Begum Hasrat Mohani), Saadat Bano Kitchlew (wife of Dr Saifuddin Kichlew), Zulekha Begum (wife of Maulana Azad), Mehr Taj (daughter of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan), Zubaida Begum Daoodi (wife of Shafi Daoodi, the reputed nationalist of Bihar)  and many others. Aruna Asaf Ali popularly known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Independence Movement. She is known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai during the Quit India Movement. In 1932, she had gone on a hunger strike in Tihar Jail against the mistreatment of the political prisoners, which led to an improvement in their living. There are many many more of such brave souls who fought for their nation all along with the people of other religions of the Country.

“Quit India”, “Simon Go Back”, “Inquilab Zindabad”,“Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna, Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai”, “Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara”,  the famous patriotic slogans commonly used during the Indian freedom struggle were coined by Muslim freedom fighters.

Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer 

  • The author is the Principal (I/C) Abhedananda Home-Higher Secondary Institution for Specially-abled Children, Solina, Rambagh, Srinagar and can be reached at abhome78@gmail.com  

source: http://www.kashmirobserver.net / Kashmir Observer / Home> Guest Author, M Ahmad / August 14th, 2021

Passing Out Parade Of Women Jail Warders Held

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KARNATAKA:

Mysuru:

The passing out parade of the 45th batch of Women Jail Warders was held at the Parade Grounds of Jail Staff Training Institute in Central Prison premises here this morning.

Speaking after receiving the Guard of Honour, ADGP (Prisons) N.S. Megharikh said that Warders should first try to understand the mentality, body language and attitude of the inmates, as it is vital in reforming them.

Highlighting the importance of getting well versed in prison administration, he said that most of the prisoners may be victims of circumstances and as such it is important to assess their mindset.

Pointing out that it was important for jail staff to ensure their own safety while dealing with prisoners, Megharikh said that every prisoner should be given immediate medical attention when he/she falls sick.

Stressing on the need for the jail staff to be always alert, he said that although there may be a negative perception about the Police and prison staff in general, the new recruits should try to overcome this perception by working in a positive manner.

Underlining the role of prison staff in reforming prisoners, the ADGP said that the staff should ensure that the guidelines in the jail manual are properly adhered to. Calling upon the newly recruited women Jail Warders to uphold the dignity of the Prisons Department, he wished them the best in their career.

Noting that 1,070 Warders and 32 Jailors have been appointed recently, he said that the ‘Government was ready to extend any sort of support that would uphold the name of the department.

DIG (Prisons) H.S. Revanna, AIGP (Prisons) G. Veerabhadraswamy, Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G. Sankar, KPA Director (In-charge) Vamsi Krishna, IGP (Southern Range) Soumendu Murkherjee, City Police Commissioner Dr. A.S. Rao, SP Amit Singh, Mysuru Jail Chief Superintendent P.V. Ananda Reddy, Jail Staff Training Institute Principal V. Seshumurthy and others were present.

A total of 38 Women Warders passed out. Most of them were highly qualified, with one recruit Swathi of Udupi being a BE (Electrical and Electronics) Graduate, while three are Diploma holders, 4 B.Com Graduates, 2 B.Com and D.Ed Graduates, 1 M.Com, 2 MA, 1 B.Sc, 2 B.Sc and B.Ed and 22 BA degree holders. Out of the 88 trainees, only three were SSLC, the minimum qualification that was required for the appointment to the post.

Deepa Idgal of Central Prison, Belagavi was adjudge the Best Trainee in Indoor Section, while Lilofer Guttedar of Central Prison, Kalaburagi the Best in Outdoor Section, Bhagyashri Yalagi of District Prison, Chikkaballapur came first and M.R. Bindu of District Prison, Madikeri came second in Firing Section and M.N. Mamatha of Central Prison Bengaluru for Good Conduct.

Shakina Begum Nadaf of Central Prison, Bengaluru bagged ADGP and IGP Cup, while Rudravva Kurubara of District Prison, Udupi was declared as the Best All Round Performer.

The trainees had undergone a 9-month basic training that started from Aug 16, 2017 at Jail Staff Training Institute here.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 01st, 2018

Meet Ruveda Salam – a doctor and Kashmir’s first woman IPS officer

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Farkin Village (Kupwara District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Meet Ruveda Salam - a doctor and Kashmir's first woman IPS officer

In 2015, Dr Ruveda Salam became the very first woman IPS officer from Jammu & Kashmir. When Ruveda was growing up, her father often used to say that he wanted his daughter to become an IPS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. That’s when she first thought of becoming one. It inspired her and she decided to aim for it.’

“As I have cleared the UPSC (Union Public Services Commission) exam for the second time, I will have to go for training again depending on the cadre. I think I will be posted as a sub-collector. Last year, I was selected to the Indian Police Service cadre. I went for training to Hyderabad. The training was very strenuous. Physically it was very hard. I joined the IPS cadre in Tamil Nadu and was posted as an Assistant Commissioner of Police in Chennai,” Ruveda said in a report in Rediff.com.

Before Ruveda cleared the UPSC (for the first time), she got into medical college, but even while studying medicine she used to read a lot. Ruveda found time to clear the Kashmir State Administrative Service exam. Instead of doing a post graduation in medicine, Ruveda started preparing for the UPSC.

As a young ACP, Ruveda has given motivational speeches to the youth, particularly girls. She encourages them to appear for the IPS exams in Jammu and Kashmir. Ruveda’s role is challenging. It carries a lot of responsibility. “I am in a state where people respect the police. I like it here (Tamil Nadu). When girls see me in uniform they look at me with admiration. I had conducted a workshop for girls in Hyderabad. The girls who attended said they wanted to join the IPS, but were apprehensive about whether their parents will support them,” Ruveda shared.

According to Ruveda, development will lead to peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “Peace and development go together. We should look to the future. Living outside has helped me understand the situation better,” said Ruveda.

source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Inspiration / by Think Change India / May 11th, 2016

Farmer’s daughter Ayesha becomes Judge

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Tolanur Village (Akalkot Taluk, Solapur District) ,MAHARASHTRA :

Unfovourable conditions were my inspiration, which pumped me to achieve something and bring positive and healthy change in family’s financial status, said Ayesha.

It is an inspiring story of 24 years Old Village girl Ayesha Aziz pasha Peerzade who defeated all odds and cracked the MPSC exam on her first attempt and became judge .


After four years of legal education, she has passed the first class examination of the Civil Judge Junior Division and the Judicial Magistrate. About 15,000 students from across the state sat for the exam. However, only 190 students have passed the exam and grab in the final list. Ayesha Rank is 99.

The girl who is eldest among five sisters from Tolanur, a small village in Akalkot taluka in Solapur district, has achieved a tremendous success which has brought smile on faces of her relatives and village people.

She is claimed to be the first girl in the district to be a judge at such a young age.

Tolanur is about 40 km from Akkalkot town and 70 km from Solapur city . Due to the difficulty of language in the village, Karnataka border is within walking distance of the village. Only up to 10 education facilities is available in the village.

Hence Ayesha along with her three sisters had to shift to Solapur city for higher education and she joined Dayanand Vidhi College.

During Conversation with Millattimes.com Ayesha shared, those days were challenging for us, we, four sisters used to live in small rented room for years. During stay we faced financial crunch several times.

Ayesha’s father, Azizpasha is a small landholding farmer. Agriculture is the only means of livelihood in the village. They have five daughters. But despite the circumstances, they did not allow their daughters to go away from education. Four out of five girls are highly educated. Their fifth daughter is also attending school.

He also taught Ayesha with the same amount of hard work. The family is happy after this success. Aisha also had tears of joy.

According to Ayesha in some Muslim families, girls are usually not motivated for education. But we are fortunate enough.


Credit of this success goes to my father and mother who always encourage us and take pains for our educational purposes , ”Aisha told Millattimes.com

Competitive exam guide Asif Yatnal commented that, Ayesha’s performances is encouraging. She has become a role model for Muslim community girls. We should try to create awareness among Muslim youngsters to join judiciary, Asif added further.

Adv. Asim Bangi lauded Ayesha’s success and congratulated her. He said that cracking such an important exam in a young age is really appreciable.Hope that more and more girls will take inspiration from this rural area girl’s remarkable success, added Adv. Asim.

source: http://www.millattimes.com / Millat Times / Home> Education> Muslim World / by Imran Inamdar / January 16th, 2020

Successful Event Jashn-e-Noor Amrohvi celebrated to honor Dr. Noor Amrohvi for the first time in history in the Parliament of London

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INDIA / Dallas, Texas , U.S.A:

The evening of 4th November 2022 became immortal for the lovers of Urdu and Dr. Noor Amrohvi. For the first time in British history, the first ever international conference and celebration of Dr. Noor Amrohvi regarding Urdu was held at the prestigious, magnificent, and historic Ealing Town Hall in London.

Ealing Town Hall was inaugurated on 15 December 1888 by the then Prince of Wales Edward. It was Prince Edward who went on to be called King Edward VII.

For the first time in this historic town hall, hosted and chaired by the Honorable Munir Ahmed, Mayor of Ealing London, fans of Shama Urdu gathered here from all over the world

For the first time in this historic town hall, hosted and chaired by the Honorable Munir Ahmed, Mayor of Ealing London, fans of Shama Urdu gathered here from all over the world.

The mayors, councillors, literary and social journalist personalities of different boroughs of London as well as precious personalities who love Urdu participated in this celebration.

Professor Aqeel Danish, patron of Bazm-e-Sukhan Britain, thanked the guests and explained the history and achievements of Bazm-e-Sukhan, and the Mayor of Ealing London, Muneer Ahmed gave the welcome speech, while Ehsan Shahid, the leader of Bazm-e-Sukhan, recited his poems for the participants. Welcoming the guests who came to join the celebration.

Dr Noor Giving Autograph

Ms. Shazia Khan, General Secretary of Al Noor International and founder of Stardom, came specially from America, highlighted Dr. Noor Amrohvi’s services to Urdu literature and his community. Dr. Shamsa Qureshi, the managing director of Al-Noor International and a well-known poet, could not come from America, but she expressed her good wishes over the phone from there and said that this honor can only be given to Dr. Noor Amrohvi. He is the most celebrated person for whom we Americans are proud.

Dr. Gabriela, a special representative of the Romanian Embassy and a literary figure, also participated in this speech ceremony for the first time and expressed his views.

Dr. Noor Amrohvi was awarded a certificate by the Mayor of Ealing London for his social and literary services and an award from Bizm-e-Sukhan Great Britain and it was acknowledged that the name of Dr. Noor Amrohvi is also London. It will also be written in golden letters in the literary history that he became the first representative of Urdu who took Urdu and his culture to such a high position and reached the London Parliament which was unimaginable. That’s why he was welcomed not only by all the audience, but also by all the assembly workers and mayors, and a standing ovation was given to Dr. Noor Amrohvi.

Chief organizer Mr Sohail Zarrar- Dr Noor Amrohvi

The program was moderated by Sohail Zarar Khalish, a spirited person from Great Britain. And thanked all the friends for organizing this wonderful event

The great poets of the Urdu world Syed Salman Geelani, Qaiser Wajdi, Aftab Alam Qureshi, Irfana Amar Ambrin Qureshi and Syed Shan Kanpuri captivated the hearts of the participants with their words.

In the end, the celebrant Dr. Noor Amrohvi took the seat and thanked Bazm for organizing the event. He said that Muneer Ahmed Sahib and Bazm-e-Sukhan may have made history today, after that there may be thousands of mushairas here, but whenever there is an event related to Urdu, this mushaira will always be remembered as the first mushaira. He will always be remembered.

Standing ovation to Dr Noor Amrohvi

Dr. Noor Amrohvi lit up the gathering with his wonderful words and beautiful speech and won the hearts of Londoners. A sumptuous dinner was given at the end of this long-remembered event.

source: http://www.millattimes.com / Millat Times / Home> World / by Millat Times Staff / November 13th, 2022

India’s first ‘Gate Woman’ Mirza Salma Baig is icon of dignity

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Mirza Salma Baig at her workplace
Mirza Salma Baig at her workplace

Mirza Salma Baig is India’s first woman to man the Railway crossing. She is stationed at Malhore Railway Crossing, one of the busiest intersections of railway and road traffic, located a few kilometers from Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Salma Baig, 29, a mother of a toddler, has been working at this crossing for the past 10 years.

Seeing a hijab-clad woman turn a heavy wheel to shut the gate when the train is about to arrive at that point and then open it for pedestrians and other road traffic, the onlookers often stop to take selfies with her.

People show respect to Salma Baig for her job. Seeing her for the first time, many people stop to just look at how she works.

Mirza Salma Baig was appointed as the country’s first Gate Woman in 2013 at the age of 19. She hails from Lucknow, Uttar pradesh.

Malhore crossing is a busy intersection between railway track and the city road and it’s challenging to control and direct the traffic. She has to frequently close the gate for the vehicular traffic as many trains cross this point all through the day. Salma turns a heavy wheel with a lever to close the gate and then unwinds it to open it.

The gates open as soon as the train passes. Salma says that while closing and opening the gate, she has to take care not to hurt anyone. She stands with a red and green flag in hand until the train has crossed the gate.

Interestingly, many people had questioned Salma’s appointment in 2013 as the newspaper reports of 2013 suggest.

Mirza Salma Baig opening the railway gate

The railway authorities had to clarify that this job was always open to women but not many serious contenders for this job had ever applied.

Salma’s father Mirza Salim Baig was also a gateman at the Railway crossing. Due to hearing impairment and other ailments, he had to take voluntary retirement much earlier than it was due. Salma’s mother had suffered a stroke and after father’s retirement, there was no bread winner in the family.

At this stage the Indian Railways offered Salma a job. Salma quit her studies and accepted it. Her relatives were angry but she chose what was best for her and the family under the given circumstances.

She credits her parents for her success.

Salma is proud of her 10-year career and smiles when asked about the snide comments made by many when she first joined.

When she started working at the crossing, the staff told her that being a girl she would not be able to open the crossing gate. They told her that a train passes this crossing every one minute and many predicted she would leave the job in four days. Salma worked hard and never gave up.

She has been standing here for the last 10 years. Salma says, everyone in the staff has become her supporter.”

She performs her 12-hour long duty with full responsibility and competence. Salma says that girls should have the same freedom as housewives.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Women / by M Mishra, Lucknow / November 07th, 2022