The Bearys Welfare Association, Bangalore, has announced its newly elected office bearers for the upcoming term, following a unanimous selection process. The appointments aim to strengthen the association’s ongoing welfare initiatives and community engagement activities.
Shamsudhin Adoor has been unanimously selected as the President, while Umar Haji B.M will serve as the Vice President. Waaheid Kayrkhan has been appointed as the General Secretary, with Mohammed Tasleel taking charge as the Joint Secretary. Mohammed Ashraf Kuchoor will serve as the Treasurer.
Ten individuals have been named as Executive Committee Members. They are: Ahmed Bava Bajal, Yusuf Perody, B.M. Haneef, Yusuf Mani, Abdul Khader Mustaq, Athuru Chaiyabba, Ashraf Kodi, Tanveer Ahmed, Mohammed Haneif, and Junaid P.K. The outgoing secretary, Mohammed Shareef T.K, will continue to serve as the Ex officio member of the committee.
Additionally, four senior members have been co-opted into the Executive Committee. These include G.A. Bawa, Ibrahim Goonadka, Siddiq Beary, and Hamzathullah Kuvenda.
In a structural update, the association has also incorporated a Governing Council into its bylaws. This council is intended to offer guidance and ensure the smooth functioning of the association. The members of the newly formed Governing Council are Syed Mohamed Beary, B.M. Farookh, Umar Teekay, Iqbal Ahmed, and Dr. Maqsood Ahmed.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / August 03rd, 2025
The speakers addressed the marginalisation of Muslims along with self-criticism on the mistakes made by the community.
Starting May 31, 2022, CPI(M) hosted a 2-day conference on the issues faced by Muslims. The program was held in Mangaluru, Karnataka and saw over a 1000 delegates in attendance. The chief guest was KT Jaleel, former Minister for Higher Education in Kerala. Pictures by Nikhil Cariappa.
On May 31, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) hosted a two-day conference in Mangaluru on the issues faced by the Muslim community in Karnataka. The event was attended by more than one thousand Muslim delegates from across the state. The chief guest at the event was KT Jaleel, former Minister of Higher Education and member of the Legislative Assembly in Kerala. Other notable guests included Dr K Shareefa, a poet; Mavalli Shankar, state convenor of Dalit Sangarsha Samiti (Ambedkar Vada); BM Haneef, senior journalist; B Peer Basha and K Neela, noted writers; several teachers and activists. In the audience was Nabisab Killedar, the fruit vendor whose cart was vandalised by members of a Hindu extremist group in Dharwad.
KT Jaleel spoke about India’s history. He said, “The leader of the first war of independence was none other than Bahadur Shah Zafar. Until the moment he was exiled to Burma, he fought for the country’s freedom. After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru didn’t allow India to turn into a religious state. For instance, when he was inaugurating the Bhakra Nangal dam, he proclaimed that these dams were the temples of modern India because they were feeding crores of farmers. Subsequent governments also worked to keep India a secular state. Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee condemned the Gujarat riots in Parliament. But the present BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government is relentlessly oppressing minorities on the basis of religion, caste and even mode of dress.”
Writer K Shareefa also recalled incidents from the past. She said, “Muslims have shown remarkable patience in the face of persecution. However, religious organisations have not opposed anti-women ways. Oppression of women is happening within the community as well as from outside the community.” She continued, “Thirty years back, there was an incident in Bijapur. This is the story of Najma. She had gone to the cinema to watch a film. Men in the community tried to stop her from entering and decided that watching movies would corrupt women. The name of the film was ‘Khuda Gawah’. When she was stopped from going to the movie, she protested against it, saying that it was her right to watch it. Infuriated, the men picked up swords and threatened to kill her. She ran into a police station for protection. But the man came there and threatened to burn down the station. These were Muslim fundamentalists. We went there and ensured police protection for Najma. There are violent acts within our community as well. That too we have to confront.”
Some of the speakers referenced to the Sachar committee report, which notes how Muslims are in a worse economic state than even Dalits in various regions of the country. It was noted that Muslims require state assistance, and instead they receive state oppression. Muneer Katipalla, CPI(M) state committee member, noted, “Representation of Muslims is abysmal in education, government jobs, judiciary and legislature. For example, yesterday, a list of IAS and IPS officers was released. Out of 675 successful candidates, there were only 28 Muslims. A community which makes up 15% of the country has only 3% representation.”
Senior journalist BM Haneef introspected on the mistakes made by Muslims in failing to acknowledge fundamentalism within the community, especially during the Hijab row. He said, “By protesting for the hijab in educational institutions, we (muslims) gave the Sangh Parivar what they wanted, on a platter.”
He also spoke about the diversity within the Muslim community, which is largely ignored. He said, “All communities should get equal representation in every state. Among muslims in Karnataka, various commissions have identified at least 17 sub groups based on profession. It is known that Dalits are made to clean toilets. However, if you go to Bijapur, you will find Muslim women cleaning toilets. That community is called Band. There are many other communities – Chaparband, Darvesh, Vakil, Nalband and more. These are the oppressed groups within an already oppressed community. They can be considered as castes. They are in need of help and facilities from the government. However, the government has created development commissions for Brahmins and other dominant castes.”
The most fiery speech was arguably delivered by writer K Neela. She acknowledged growing communalism among the minorities, however, she also warned that one should not equate it to the danger of majoritarian communalism. She said, “Everybody knows how the hijab issue in Udupi became so big. We know which organisation (referring to PFI) made it so big. Similarly, where the BJP is likely to lose, which party goes there to contest? Doesn’t AIMIM contest there? The threats of these organisations cannot be compared to the communalisation of the majority. However, communalisation of the minorities cannot liberate us. This message has to be taken to the people. During the NRC, CAA protests, when you felt the ruling class was conspiring to take away your voting rights and remove your citizenship, you allowed women to come out and protest in large numbers. Once that issue came to an end, you sent them back to the kitchen. This is not going to bring any change or liberation for us.”
The program was concluded by songs and dances performanced by young boys of the beary Muslim community. The songs were sung in Kannada and Beary languages. Their songs were in praise of the nation as well as the almighty.
On Day two of the conference, a resolution was passed demanding that the government allocate funds in the budget for education, housing and social welfare to Muslims, in proportion to their population.
source: http://www.newsclick.in / NewsClick / Home> India> Politics / by Nikhil Cariappa / June 02nd, 2022
Turning pain into purpose: The son of an auto rickshaw driver, Sahel Hashmi, now a chemistry lecturer and researcher, proves that courage and hard work can defeat adversity
Mumbai :
Life’s challenges may stop many, but those with courage never give up. Sahel Hashmi, known officially as Shahla Hashmi in government records, has proved this through his remarkable journey from injury to international recognition.
Selected to represent India in the upcoming International Para Cricket Tournament in Sri Lanka, Sahel’s story is one of extraordinary willpower, faith, and hard work. Born on 19 September 1996 in Mumbai, Sahel was only nine years old when the devastating floods of 26 July 2005 changed his life forever. During the chaos, an accident left him 45 per cent disabled, affecting his right hand permanently.
Recalling the incident, he said, “I was injured during the floods. My right hand was badly hurt. Two or three operations were done, but the hand never recovered.
“During the surgeries, doctors had to cut all the muscles of my right hand, and skin from my legs and thighs was used for grafting. It was extremely painful. Since childhood, I was right-handed — I used to write and bat with my right hand. But after the injury, I had to learn everything with my left hand. Now I can write with both hands, and my batting style has also changed,” he explained with quiet pride.
Despite his physical challenges, Sahel never let disability define his limits. “I kept playing cricket and continued performing well for my team,” he said. “My family and friends supported me at every step, and their encouragement helped me reach where I am today.”
Sahel’s father drives an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai. As the eldest of three brothers, he has carried his family’s hopes with humility and strength.
A passionate student, Sahel completed his BSc in Chemistry from RJ College, Mumbai, scoring 63.93%, followed by an MSc in Organic Chemistry from Ismail Yusuf College with 63.58% marks.
In 2021, he cleared the SET (State Eligibility Test) and began teaching as an Assistant Professor at Rizvi College, Bandra, while also lecturing in several other Mumbai colleges. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Mithibai College, University of Mumbai, with his research focused on “Synthesis of Nanoparticles from Plant Extracts.”
Sahel’s selection for the Sri Lanka Para Cricket Tournament marks a new milestone in his inspiring journey. He will play alongside some of the best para cricketers from across the globe, representing not only India but also the spirit of resilience and determination.
“I still love cricket as much as I did in childhood,” Sahel said. “This opportunity means a lot to me. I want to show that physical challenges can never stop someone who has faith and hard work.”
Sahel’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many who face difficulties in life. His message is simple but powerful: “Difficulties come in life, but those who have courage never stop.”
From surviving one of Mumbai’s worst natural disasters to becoming an international sportsman and scholar, Sahel Hashmi’s journey stands as proof that strength, faith, and family support can turn even pain into purpose.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Team Clarion / October 22nd, 2025
Chikkamagaluru, Senior litterateur of the district, Rahmat Tarikere, has been awarded the 2025 Rajyotsava Award. Born in 1959 in Samatala, Chikkamagaluru district, Rahmat Tarikere did his primary education in Samatala, Tarikere, Shivamogga, and Mysore.
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Kannada Prabha News, Chikkamagaluru
Senior writer of the district, Rahmat Tarikere, has been awarded the 2025 Rajyotsava Award.
Born in 1959 in Samatala, Chikkamagaluru district, Rahmat Tarikere completed his primary education in Samatala and later studied in Tarikere, Shivamogga, and Mysore.He secured first position in BA and received the Teenamsree Gold Medal, M.A. First rank and 7 gold medals. He pursued a teaching career and worked at Sahyadri and DVS College in Shivamogga, and Kannada Universities in Hampi from around 1984 to 2021.
He also served as a visiting professor at Stanford University, California (2023); and the University of Mysore. He has published several publications including Counterculture, The Path of the Sword, The Bloody Sutaka, Doormat, and Thought Path.
He has written research works on literary criticism, metaphysics, and cultural studies such as Karnataka Sufis, Karnataka Nath Panth, Karnataka Shakta Panth, Karnataka Moharram, Rajdharma, and Karnataka Guru Panth.
Apart from this, Rehmat Tarikere, who is a skilled craftsman in many genres such as Anuva and travelogue, has written Marudhogna Kicchu, Dharmaparikshe, Bahutva Karnataka (Thoughts); Andaman Dream, Kadali Hokku Bande, Jerusalem (Travelogue); Kadatsattu Nadu, Sanasangati, Hasuhokku (Column); With the Worldly Opponents, With the Law-abiding (Interview); Hitalajagattu (Essay); Furnace (Autobiography); Amirbai Karnataka (Biography): Colonial Consciousness and Liberation (Googi Thiango’s ”
For his literary cultivation, from Karnataka Sahitya Akademi, Kendra Sahitya Akademi (2010), GS Shivrudrappa, Hama Nayaka, P. Lankesh, Vasudeva Bhupalam, Sunithishetti, Veechikkaweeraiah, SG Sannaguddaiah, Kukke Subrahmanyashastri, Pradeep, Sandesh, Patil Puttappa, Prof. Karimuddin Memorial Awards.
He has created excellent works of travel in many places. Among them, his travels to Palestine, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Germany, Croatia, Estonia, Netherlands, Italy, Bhutan, Nepal, America, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are notable.
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— Box–
I am very happy to have received the award. This award came with the cooperation of everyone, and this honor goes to Tarikere – Rahmat Tarikere
— 30 KCKM 5
source: http://www.kannadaprabha.in / Kannada Prabha / Home> Karnataka News / by Kannada Prabha News Network / October 31st, 2025
Theatre group Kathputliyan’s latest production is based on a Marathi play
Zafer Mohiuddin
Zafer Mohiuddin, founder of Kathputliyan theatre group, is known for his signature Urdu and Hindi plays. Most plays directed by him deal with serious subjects including the Partition and complicated human relationships.
This time Zafer has directed a Hindi slapstick comedy, Pyaari Padosan. The play was originally written by a Marathi playwright, Suresh Khare. “It deals with the relationship between a husband, wife, and a new neighbour, which leads to misunderstandings and confusion between these characters, when the wife goes to visit her parents,” says Zafer. “We chose this play as it lends itself to comic situations.”
The architect-turned-playwright and director says, “I had not done a comedy for 20 years. This time, I decided to come up with a rib-tickler.”
The director has been a part of the theatre scene for over two decades and directed and acted in many plays. Besides this, he has also been part of Bikhre Bimbh with Arundhati Nag and written dialogues for the series Malgudi Days.
A still from the play
Zafer is thrilled that the theatre scene has come alive once again. “We were being suffocated within our four walls during the pandemic. Theatre groups have become active and people too have started venturing out to watch plays.”
Zafer says, “Most of us theatre practitioners, put in our own money into the production. We are still struggling for sponsorships. So, many of us work during the day so we can follow our passion for theatre during our free time. I only hope people and corporates will encourage theatre, classical music and dance. Without the right support, these arts will not be able to sustain themselves.”
Pyaari Padosan, will be staged on November 27 at 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Ranga Shankara. Tickets, ₹250, available on BookMyShow
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Theatre / by Shilpa Anandraj / November 25th, 2022
Director Zafer Mohiuddin says the play is a conversation between the medium of theatre, film and television
Kavita Agarwal and Zafer Mohiuddin in stills from the play | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kathputliyan Theatre Group (KTG) will stage, Ek Actor Ki Maut. Directed by theatre actor, director, playwright Zafer Mohiuddin, the play is originally written by Croatian writer, Miro Gavran and adapted to Hindi by Saurabh Srivastava.
“It is about two actors, Akshay and Ira, who develop a bond while rehearsing for a charity show,” says Zafer in his baritone, from Alliance Francaise. “Akshay is a struggling actor, while Ira is established with a successful career spanning 40 years. Akshay invites Ira to act in a play, and Ira reluctantly agrees. The play explores Ira’s love for theatre, and the emotions the two actors go through as they share aspects of their lives.”
Zafer plays Akshay while Kavita Agarwal plays Ira. “The play is also a conversation between the medium of theatre, film and television. And how many use theatre as a stepping stone for film. For instance, though NSD was started to propagate theatre, actors train there to seek a career in films. Ira is also guilty of the same while Akshay, however, believes in theatre.”
The play, says Zafer, posits the theory that an actor dies when he exits the stage.
Zafer started off as an architect, but discovered his passion for theatre and became a playwright. Though he has done voice overs, advertisements and films, Zafer has stayed deeply rooted in theatre since 1979, when he founded Kathputaliyaan Theatre Group
Ek Actor Ki Maut Zafer says is a serious play. “I travelled to Delhi recently and a visit to NSD is a must with every trip. This time, while I was there, I bought 20 plays and one book was this. The subject hit me so hard that I immediately contacted the playwright, sought his permission and we started working on this play.”
The theme engulfed Zafer. “It is an intense play with no form of stylisation, and a lot of dialogue. It is a serious discussion between two senior actors with long, meaningful, powerful silences that are crucial to the play.”
Zafer says the play was staged for an intimate audience and this is their first public show. Kavita has been with Kathputliyan for the past three years and has also worked with other theatre groups.
The play will be staged on March 24, 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Jagriti, Whitefield. Tickets on BookMyShow.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Theatre / by Shilpa Anandraj / March 20th, 2024
The primary objective of this tour is to elevate the aspirations of students enrolled in government high schools, encouraging them to envision grander ambitions and realise them.
MP Prabha Mallikarjun (Photo | Express)
Davangere :
Nine SSLC toppers of government high schools in Davanagere parliamentary constituency, which encompasses Harihar, Honnali, Channagiri, Davanagere North and South, Jagaluru, Mayakonda and Harapanahalli, are set to embark on an educational excursion to New Delhi.
The primary objective of this tour is to elevate the aspirations of students enrolled in government high schools, encouraging them to envision grander ambitions and realise them.
Member of Parliament Dr Prabha Mallikarjun is committed to increasing the capacity of government schools, and this tour programme is a vital component of her initiative. She said a majority of students reside in rural areas, relying on government institutions for their educational pursuits. If influential people demonstrate their commitment to enhancing these students’ self-esteem, there will be no shortage of enrolment in these schools.
Strengthening government schools will indirectly lead to increased admissions, thereby unveiling the latent talents of the nation, Dr Prabha told the TNIE.
She added, “Initially, we intended to send eight top-performing SSLC students from government high schools; however, with two exceptional students identified in Honnali, we resolved to send both to New Delhi. All travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will be personally covered by me.”
“I am confident that witnessing these accomplished children will invigorate the current batch of SSLC students, motivating them to study diligently and excel in their examinations,” she added.
The students will take part in a five-day journey, visiting important landmarks such as India Gate, Kamal Mandir, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Kartavya Path and Swamy Narayan Mandir. The nine students will be accompanied by both a male and a female teacher. They will depart from Hubbali Airport on Monday, said Dr Prabha.
The MP is personally overseeing the expedition of these children, insisting that while monetary rewards may fade from memory, an experience of this nature will remain etched in their minds forever.
The students are P Manjunath, Dhanush, K P Pavan Kumar, Jeshta B, Amrutha T M, Mizba Naz, Usha H, Latha H A and Yogeshwari J B, accompanied by teachers B Arun Kumar and K M Ningamma.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / Express News Service / October 24th, 2025
The government of Karnataka’s department of Kannada and culture has announced the Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards for 2025–26, naming Zakaria Jokatte, founder of Al Muzain Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and president of Mangaluru-based M Friends Charitable Trust, as the recipient in the Non-resident Kannadiga category.
Born on May 10, 1958, at Thokur in Jokatte, Zakaria is the eldest of five children of Haji B Shekuni and Katheejamma of Bajpeguttu. His journey from humble beginnings to international recognition is one of perseverance and determination. After discontinuing his schooling, he undertook various odd jobs — selling jaggery on streets, working as a welder, and even as a labourer carrying cement up to the 28th floor at construction sites abroad.
His years of hard work and sacrifice bore fruit when, in 2008, along with his eldest son Zaheer, he established Al Muzain Manpower Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, starting with just three employees. Through dedication and leadership, the company has now grown to employ 8,000 workers, with a goal of creating 10,000 jobs by 2027.
Following the success of Al Muzain, Zakaria expanded his entrepreneurial ventures, founding several other companies in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, London, and India. He has also forayed into education by establishing an international institution in Al Khobar in collaboration with Yenepoya Group, and plans to set up a hospital and medical college in the near future. His upcoming projects include AI innovation initiatives and development ventures for the coastal region of Karnataka.
Currently residing in Bolar, Mangaluru, Zakaria lives with his wife Hazra Zakaria. His three sons — Zaheer, Nazir, and Zahid — are engaged in various business ventures abroad.
Zakaria serves as the chairman of M Friends Charitable Trust, Hidaya Foundation, and Zara Family Charity Trust. He is also associated as director, advisor, and sponsor with several organisations across Karnataka, working tirelessly for the welfare of thousands of underprivileged and needy individuals.
In recognition of his philanthropic contributions and entrepreneurial achievements, Zakaria Jokatte has received numerous national and international honours. His selection for the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award stands as a testament to his service, dedication, and pride as a global Kannadiga.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru / October 30th, 2025
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) hosted the prestigious International Research Awards 2025 at Novotel, Goa, to honour exceptional global contributions to academic and applied research. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, featuring 316 research submissions from 18 countries, representing a diverse range of disciplines and research domains.
The programme was presided over by CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, president of ICAI, and graced by John Turner, guest of honour and chairman of the jury, who also serves as the chief executive officer of XBRL International. In his address, Turner emphasized the importance of impactful and policy-oriented research in shaping the future of finance and governance, underscoring the role of academic institutions in driving evidence-based policy and innovation.
Among the sixteen globally recognized research papers, the YEN-REFINED, Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), achieved an outstanding milestone by securing three awards in the finance category. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a robust research culture and promoting excellence in financial and behavioural studies through its dedicated research center, YEN-REFINED – the Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development.
The award-winning research papers from Yenepoya include ‘An Empirical Analysis of Stock Market Participation: From an Islamic Perspective’, which received the Gold Award, followed by two Silver Awards for the papers ‘Development and Validation of Social Inclusion Scale for Stock Market Participation’ and ‘Developing a Digital Currency Adoption Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study’.
The research team comprising Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of YEN-REFINED & MBA, Dr S M Riha Parvin, assistant professor, YEN-REFINED, Dr Abhinandan Kulal, research associate, YEN-REFINED, Mohammad Shahid, HOD, department of commerce, Dr Madhura, assistant professor, department of management, and Niha Sheikh, JRF, YEN-REFINED received the honours at the ceremony. Their collective achievement reflects the university’s growing contribution to global research on financial inclusion, digital innovation, and behavioural finance.
These prestigious awards mark a significant moment in YEN-REFINED academic journey, reaffirming its vision to promote interdisciplinary research, intellectual excellence, and international collaboration.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Media Release / October 20th, 2025
For the first time, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), led by Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary, has a Muslim woman as an elected executive member. As Muslims in BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts) had been feeling marginalised for a long time, a Muslim woman’s election to a council is significant and historic.
BTC is the governing autonomous council of BTAD, aka BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region), comprising Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur of Assam as districts. It was formed following the peace treaty with the Bodoland Liberation Front in February 2003. BTAD covers an area of over 9000 square kilometres and is predominantly inhabited by the Bodo people and other tribal communities of Assam.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed has been elected from Mathanguri constituency of the BTC and inducted into Mohilary’s cabinet. She has been bestowed with the responsibility of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department. Regional political party BPF won the single largest party majority in the BTC elections held in September 2025 with 28 seats.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed and Hagrama Mohilary
Incumbent UPPL won seven seats and the BJP won five seats in the 40-seat council. The BTC was formed in 2003, and Hagrama Mohilary has been in power for the past five years.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed of the BTC had no aim or desire to be in politics as she wanted to be a litterateur. But destiny has another script for her life.
Begum Akhtara was born in the Kalgachia area of Barpeta district. She got her primary education in Kalgachia. She was married while studying in Class VII.
Her husband, Ibrahim Ali Molla, recently retired as a higher secondary school teacher. Begum Akhtara could pursue her education. Her first child was born while she was in Class X. She passed her matriculation examination under such circumstances.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed addressing a political rally
Her second child was born while she was in Class XII. Begum Akhtara continued her education and completed her postgraduate degree from Gauhati University in 2003.
She joined Langla College in the Bangaigaon district as a part-time lecturer, but quit soon. She got involved in politics. She joined the Congress and was appointed as the organising secretary of the Barpeta District Women’s Congress.
Since her matrimonial home is in Lawahur village of Mathanguri constituency in Baksa district, she changed her address and became the president of the Baksa District Women’s Congress. She joined the BPF in 2004.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
This is where her new political journey and new life of conflicts begin. Party chief Mohilary formed the women’s wing of the BPF, and she was appointed its president.
After three years as the women’s BPF president, she was appointed as the party’s organising secretary by party president Hagrama Mohilary.
She contested the 2020 BTC elections for the first time and was defeated by the BJP’s Gautam Das in the Mathanguri constituency. This time, however, Begum Akhtara contested from the same constituency for the second time and defeated the same opponent.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed was attacked and her house was torched in the once-violent BTC. She was even threatened and asked to stay away from politics in the BTC. Once, while she was busy with a political meeting, her car was set on fire at the venue, and she barely survived.
Begum Akhtara Ahmed with activists of her party at a rally
Begum Akhtara Ahmed said three of her cars were set on fire in 2012. It may be mentioned that several incidents of attacks on minorities took place in the BTC in 2012. Most of the attacks took place in the Baksa district, from where many minorities were forced to flee their homes. Several people were even brutally murdered.
However, all this could not distract her from her goals and objectives.
Praising her leader, Hagrama Mohilary, Begum Akhtar said he wants the Bodo people to move forward along with all ethnic groups. So she is happy to work under the leadership of Mohilary.
According to Begum Akhtara, BTC is a small place. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on the governments at the Centre and in the state to work for its development. Otherwise, developmental work may be interrupted. “We don’t have to look at which party’s government is at the Centre or in the State, we have to work with that government in coordination,” she said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Priya Sarma, Guwahati / October 27th, 2025
