All posts by mpositiveone@gmail.com

A different ball game for Rahman

May 30, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social IssuesAbdul Rahman, Area Secretary, CPI(M), Mohammed Khader, Thiruvananthapurammpositiveone@gmail.com

Thiruvananthapuram , KERALA :

The crowd of party supporters swelled all around him, but Abdul Rahman stood in the middle of it all, exuding calmness, with a football balanced on his head, in a posture reminiscent of the Greek God Atlas.

A long-time Leftist and a ball boy for many of Kerala’s legendary football teams, Rahman regaled the crowd at the Central Stadium with his football balancing skills, ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the LDF government on Wednesday.

He had literally worn a flex sheet, wishing best of luck to new Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues.

“I come from what they call a ‘party family’. I have been participating in the Communist party’s programmes ever since I was a kid. I took some part in the election campaign too,” he says. In his younger days, Rahman used to play with a local football team in Changanasssery, where his team mates included future stars like K.T. Chacko.

“Later, I became a ball boy. That way, I have been a part of F.C. Cochin, Viva Kerala, Eagles, and several other teams. But, that is not enough to make ends meet. So, I work as a rag picker,” he says. His next big plan is to cycle all the way from Sachin Tendulkar’s house in Mumbai to the Indian Super League football tournament venue in Kochi in September-October.

“I will start two weeks before the tournament and hope to reach here on the day it starts,” says Rahman.

His brother Mohammed Khader, an area secretary of the CPI(M) says: “We rarely get to see him. He’s almost a vagabond.”

An ardent Leftist, he regales the crowd at Central Stadium with his football balancing skills

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by S. R. Praveen / Thiruvananthapuram – May 26th, 2016

De Villiers praises ‘calm’ Abdulla

May 28, 2016SportsBowler, Cricketer, Iqbal Abdulla, Mumbai Cricketer, RCB Bowler, Royal Challengers Bangalorempositiveone@gmail.com

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Bengaluru :

RCB’s star batsman AB de Villiers , who guided his team into the IPL final with an unbeaten 47-ball 79 against Gujarat Lions, praised teammate Iqbal Abdulla for his ‘fantastic’ support. Coming together with the side at 68/6 while chasing 159 on a tricky M Chinnaswamy stadium wicket, Abdulla held his own with an unbeaten 33 off 25 balls to see the home side through with 10 balls to spare.

The South African said he knew from the look in Abdulla’s eyes that the young man was determined to finish the job. “I thought I’d have to say a lot to him but he was probably more calm than me,” De Villiers said. “When he walked up, you could see that he had done this before. He had a calm head and straightaway understood what I was telling him. I didn’t have to talk to him after that. You can see it when you have a connection with someone. He was there to win the game for the team and cross the line with me.”

“I had a lot of self-belief,” said the 26-year-old Abdulla, who has a first class century to his name. “AB only told me to watch the ball and play my shots and that is what I did.”

De Villiers admitted that the wicket was unlike what the teams are used to here, with a total of eight wickets falling in the Powerplay overs. “It was a funny kind of wicket. While we were bowling, I thought anything more than 160 and we would be in trouble. It didn’t seem like a wicket where you can just go out and score. I always felt we needed a foundation in the first six overs but we didn’t get that,” he said, hailing Lions pacer Dhawal Kulkarni for his four-wicket burst.

With a light drizzle midway through e the RCB innings, De Villiers admitted that the prospect of the tie being decided via the Duckworth-Lewis method had t prompted the team to be more positive in their approach.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Sports> IPL / TNN / May 26th, 2016

A topper whose toes did all the scoring

May 28, 2016Amazing Feats, EducationBallari, Dastagir, Disabled Student, Kolagal Village, Lorry Driver, Maqbal Banu, Mustafa, Veerashaiva Collegempositiveone@gmail.com

Ballari, KARNATAKA :

Mustafa, who got 80 per cent in II PU and emerged a topper in Veerashaiva college, near Ballari city.

Mustafa did the unbelievable; he used his toes to write the II PU exams

Getting 80 per cent in II PU may not be a remarkable feat today, but it is extraordinary indeed when it has been achieved by a student without both hands. Writing with his toes, Mustafa emerged the topper in Veerashaiva College near Ballari city.

Son of Dasgir Sab, a lorry driver, and Maqbul Banu of Kolagal village, Mustafa (18) was born disabled. He is the second of three siblings and the only one who is disabled in his family.

Rejects assistance

Practice made this studious boy perfect. For the PU exam, Mustafa rejected all assistance extended to the disabled. “Neither did I take any assistance to write the exam, nor did I take exemption for writing language papers,” he said.

His score card reads: 93 in Kannada, 70 in English, 82 in history, 60 in economics, 86 in political science and 83 in social studies. “I have applied for re-evaluation of the economics paper,” he said.

K. Gadilingappa, his teacher, has been his friend, philosopher and guide. “I was transferred to Kolagal around six years ago, and I was astonished and proud to see that Mustafa was independent and faced challenges on his own. Seeing his self-confidence and positive attitude, I helped him get a scholarship for the disabled and gave him moral support to motivate him,” Mr. Gadilingappa said.

Mustafa, who had secured 74 per cent in his SSLC exams, said: “I want to become an IAS officer and serve the country.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / A. Ahiraj / Ballari – May 27th, 2016

MLA Tanveer Sait launches final asphalting of Jodi Thenginamara road

May 26, 2016Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, TransportCongress Leader Kaiser Ahmed, Congress MLA Tanveer Sait, Kaiser Ahmed, MLA Taneer Sait, National Marbles, NR constituency MLA Tanveer Sait, President, Propreitor, Railyway Goods Shed Lorry Owners Association, Shahid, Tanveer Sait, Zubairmpositiveone@gmail.com

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

N.R. Constituency Congress MLA Tanveer Sait — the man behind re-building of Jodi Thenginamara Road (Star of Mysore road) which was in a highly-dilapidated condition for over 10 years from Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle) upto Srinivasa theatre — is seen launching the final asphalting of the widened 80-feet road with two lanes here this morning in the presence of hundreds of local residents and businessmen among whom were The National Marbles Proprietor Zubair, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, City Congress President T.S. Ravishankar and Congress leader Kaiser Ahmed.

Mysuru :

N.R. Constituency MLA Tanveer Sait, this morning, launched the final phase of asphalting works on Jodi Thenginamara Road (Star of Mysore road) starting from Maulanana Abul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle) upto Srinivasa Theatre.

This important road, linking Highway Circle to Srinivasa Theatre, was in poor shape for over two decades and innumerable number of press reports on the bad condition of the road and recurring accidents, some fatal, had fallen on deaf ears of the authorities, including the MCC and District authorities till MLA Tanveer Sait took special interest to rebuild the road around six months back at a cost of Rs. 5.5 crore provided under Chief Minister’s Special Grant.

It may be mentioned here that when District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad came on this road to attend a function, his car got stuck more than once forcing him to call on Deputy Commissioner and order for immediate action. However, nothing happened for almost one-and-a-half years till MLA Tanveer Sait took the initiative. By the way, this road was last asphalted in the year 2001 when B.K. Prakash was the Mayor.

Soon after the works began, Tanveer Sait made regular inspections to check the quality of works in order to ensure that the road works are executed with top quality and as a result, the busy road, having heavy vehicular traffic movement, is being rebuilt with high quality.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy who was the chief guest on the occasion, thanked Tanveer Sait for taking special interest in rebuilding the road with 80ft width thus fulfilling the long-felt need of the road users.

Noting that Tanveer Sait like his father late Azeez Sait is committed to work culture, Ganapathy said that Tanveer Sait was very much sensitive to the people’s problems and as such he was elected four consecutive times as MLA of NR constituency.

He called upon the people to extend their support to such committed legislators and co-operate with them in all developmental works.

City Congress President T.S. Ravishankar, Railway Goods Shed Lorry Owners Association President Shahid, MUDA member Annubhai, National Marbles Proprietor Zubair and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / May 20th, 2016

Gautam Gambhir lauds Yusuf Pathan after Kolkata Knight Riders storm into playoffs

May 23, 2016SportsYusuf Pathanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Yusuf Pathan slammed an unbeaten 34-ball 52 in KKR’s do-or-die clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad to help his team sail into the Indian Premier League 2016 playoffs.

Gautam Gambhir had said his team felt lik a Class IX student before their final league against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He shed light on how his team ran out of steam in the mid-stages of the Indian Premier League 2016 and that it was facing a must-win situation in Sunday’s game just like the student who is racing against time to clear the final exams. (IPL Full Coverage|Points Table)

Gambhir, however said his team was focussed and would give their best to make the playoffs. And in front of their home crowd at the Eden Gardens, KKR did just that. Riding on Yusuf Pathan’s 34-ball 52, KKR sealed a playoff berth with a 22-run win over SRH .

The all-rounder partnered with Manish Pandey and the duo looked at ease against a strong SRH bowling attack stitching an 87-run stand for the fifth wicket. Pathan remained unbeaten to take KKR to 171 in 20 overs.

‘YUSUF’S ROLE HAS CHANGED’

Skipper Gambhir was all praise for his Yusuf, who has been in rich vein of form this season. “Yusuf’s form is important and he’s not flirting with it. Yusuf is taking his time and his role has changed from being a finisher last season. We are now giving him more overs,” Gambhir said.

In reply, SRH could only manage 149 in their 20 overs. Credit should go to KKR’s Sunil Narina who lead the show with the ball scalping three wickets in his four overs. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets to haunt SRH.

‘CREDIT GOES TO THE ENTIRE GROUP’

Gambhir lauded the way the team stood up in a must-win game.

“It was a must-win game for us. The credit goes to the entire group. We can take a lot of positives from this game.

“It was a playoff for us. Suddenly when you lose a player of Russell’s caliber, it forces us to make changes,” he said.

‘LOOK IN CONTROL THIS SEASON’

Yusuf himself is elated with his consistent contributions for the team. The swashbuckling player has altered his style of playing to suit the team’s needs. From 14 games this season, Yusuf has scored 359 runs at a staggering average of 89.75 including three half-centuries.

“Very happy that the team has been helped by my performance. Moreover, I look in control this season and feel calm given the overs I have been getting.

“Enjoying my bowling too, and whenever there’s an opportunity, I try to do well,” he said after being named the Man of the Match in yesterday’s game.
y, I try to do well.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News / New Delhi -May 23rd, 2016

Three policemen killed in militant strikes in Srinagar

May 23, 2016Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social IssuesAssistant sub-Inspector Ghulam Mohammed, Chairman, Constable Mohammad Sadiq, Ghulam Mohammed, Head Constable Nazir Ahmed, J&K Pasmanda Tabqajaat, Mohammad Abdullah Chatwal, Mohammad Sadiq, Nazir Ahmedmpositiveone@gmail.com

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar :

Militants today carried out two strikes within as many hours in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three policemen, including an officer, and decamping with service rifle of one of the slain cops.

In the first strike, militants shot dead two policemen in Zadibal area of Srinagar at around 10: 45 AM.

The ultras shot at the two cops from close range at Mill Stop in Zadibal area which connects the city to Hazratbal Shrine and super speciality SKIMS Hospital at Soura, a police official said.

The two cops died on the spot, he said, adding the deceased have been identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Ghulam Mohammad and Head Constable Nazir Ahmad.
The slain cops were posted at Zadibal Police Station.

Police and other security forces have been put on an alert to look out for the assailants, who managed to flee the spot.

In the second strike, militants shot at constable Mohammad Sadiq, who was posted as personal security guard to chairman of J&K Pasmanda Tabqajaat (downtrodden classes) Mohammad Abdullah Chatwal, at Tengpora on Parimpora-Hyderpora Bypass road.

The militants also snatched the service rifle of the injured cop before fleeing from the spot, the official said adding the attack took place at around 12 noon.

The cop later succumbed to injuries at Police hospital at Batamaloo.

These major attacks in the city come after nearly three years.

The last such attack took place on June 22, 2013 when two policemen were shot dead at Hari Singh High Street.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> National / PTI / Srinagar – DHNS, May 23rd, 2016

The Quint: Vadodara Mosque Claims to House World’s Largest Quran

May 23, 2016Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, Videos, World OpinionGujarat, Juma Masjid, Mohammad Ghous, Vadodara, Vadodara Mosque, World's Largest Quran in Vadodara Mosquempositiveone@gmail.com

Published on May 23, 2016

The Juma Masjid in Vadodara houses a unique 250-year-old Quran. At six and a half feet long, and four and a half feet wide, members of the mosque trust claim it to be world’s largest Quran.

Handwritten by Mohammad Ghous nearly 250 years ago, two volumes of the Holy Quran were restored at the Jama Masjid in Vadodara in May

source: http://www.youtube.com

Double podium for racer Armaan Ebrahim in Shanghai

May 23, 2016Sports, World OpinionArmaan Ebrahimmpositiveone@gmail.com

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Shanghai :

Indian driver Armaan Ebrahim, along with Sri Lankan team-mate Dilantha Malagamuwa, started his campaign in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series on a bright note by finishing second in both the races here on Sunday.

Having qualified second for the first race, 27-year-old Chennai-based Armaan, driving for Dilantha Racing, was quick off the blocks and soon took the lead, but could not push any more as he encountered problems with the brakes and dropped to second, a position he held to the finish line.

In the next race, Dilantha who had qualified sixth, opened the proceedings and quickly moved to the third spot. However, he was hit from behind which cost him track positions. He soon pitted for Armaan to take over.

Armaan could not make headway thereafter and opted to hold position to complete a successful weekend.

Reflecting on his performance, Armaan said in a release: “We could have probably won both the races, but not a bad way to start the championship. I am happy to have points in the bag. We had a few issues with the car, but overall, it was a good weekend.”

–IANS— sam/vt

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS / Shanghai – May 22nd, 2016

Kerala’s farmers reap a rich plant genome saviour award harvest

May 18, 2016Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Science & TechnologyMalappuram, Melethil Beerankutty, Muhammed Moopan, National Genome Saviour Farms Award, Tirurmpositiveone@gmail.com

Thrissur, KERALA :

The Kerala farmers dominated the National Plant Genome Saviour Awards-2013 by winning seven out of fourteen rewards announced by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV & FR) Authority, Government of India.

The seven farmers involved in conservation of traditional crop varieties were nominated for awards by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).

K V Kannan ( Kannur), Benny Mathew (Agali, Palakkad), Melethil Beerankutty (Malappuram) and Muhammed Moopan (Malappuram) have been selected for Plant Genome Saviour farmer’s reward which consists of a purse of `1.5 lakh, a memento and a citation, while K Raman (Cheruvayal, Wayanad), P Krishnan (Palakkad) and K Narendran (Kollam ) will receive Plant Genome Saviour recognition which consists of a purse carrying `1 lakh, a memento and a citation at a function to be held in Delhi shortly.

KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr P Rajendran described the seven awards as a significant acknowledgment for Kerala farming community as well as farm scientists. “Bagging seven out of fourteen awards is very special. The role of KAU in supporting such activists and helping them earn such recognition are often forgotten. I appreciate the efforts of our scientists, especially Dr C R Elsy, Coordinator, KAU IPR cell, Dr M C Narayanankutty, RARS, Pattambi and Dr M R Bindu, ORARS, Kayamkulam, who nominated these farmers,” he said.

The KAU had played a pivotal role in helping the Pokkali Rice farming Community (2011), Akampadam Padasekhara Samithy (2012) and Ciby Kallungal of Thrissur and N Vasavan of Kannur ( 2012) win the Plant Genome Saviour Awards earlier.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / May 11th, 2016