All posts by mpositiveone@gmail.com

Empowering women thru’ education, AIMMS path-breaking initiative

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

Coimbatore / Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Muslim women-folk with a major chunk of them being home-makers showed keen interest to take up the Afzal-Ul-Ulama degree examinations conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. Interestingly, this year 93 students from Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) wrote their exams with zeal and confidence.

“All I want is education and I am not afraid of no one.” So said Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, UN Messenger of Peace and co-founder of the Malala Fund, who is credited to be the youngest education campaigner to address the UN Youth Assembly when she was just 16 years old. No doubt, this had a great impact among the Muslim women across the globe to continue their education breaking the taboo and gender bias.

Taking a cue from “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” which is a powerful Quranic Dua from Surah Taha Verse 114 which means “O My Lord! Increase my knowledge”, the Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) under the able guidance of noted Holy Quran researcher, writer, orator and publisher Haji Dr Ameer Althaf, about 93 Muslim women aged between 19 and 55 enthusiastically wrote Afzal-Ul-Ulama examinations with confidence.

With a sharp increase this year (last year 85 students), it only proves to show the awareness among the Muslim women to get educated. About 850 students drawn from different corners of the State (last year 827) took up the exams conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. All credit goes to AIMMS, the maiden Muslim women community college in Tamil Nadu established in 2005 with the sole objective of helping Muslim women mostly home-makers from lower echelons of the society to pursue their education with the support of their family.

From a humble beginning, AIMMS grew from strength to strength to become one of the much sought-after institutes by Muslim women. As to the revelation of the first word “Iqra” in the Holy Quran meaning ‘To Read’, AIMMS left no stone unturned to impart education to women using modern methods in tune with the emerging trend keeping in view of technological development.

Notably, the Institute is located in a good environment equipped with all latest facilities including powerpoint presentation, modernised Arabic computer lab besides scope for doing MA, MPhil and PhD in Arabic while exempting the women from poor family background from paying fees.

Yet another redeeming feature is guest lectures by experts and resource persons giving useful tips to the students in getting their varied skills honed. Thanks to the wholehearted support extended by the AIMMS trustees.

In today’s globalised world, knowing multiple languages can significantly boost one’s career prospects. And one language that stands out for its potential to expand job opportunities is Arabic since it offers a plethora of opportunities right from becoming an Arabic teacher, translator, software pro, Medical Tourism, Language adviser, Editor, E-publishing, Journalism, Multi Media, Advertisement and Data Collection.

It may be noted that the Arabic language is among the oldest and most spoken in the world, serving as a cornerstone of cultural and historical identity across many nations. It is spoken by more than 550 million people and is the official Arabic language in 25 odd countries, mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. To top it all, Arabic is one among the six languages – English, Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish to be recognised by the UN as the official language.

The zeal to excel through education among the Muslim women is definitely a welcome sign at a time when many success stories were pouring in from several quarters with the first Muslim female to become IAS officer in Maharashtra after clearing the civil services in AIR 142 this year while not to speak of S Ajeetha Begum from Coimbatore who made headlines after cracking civil services to become IPS (2008 batch). Age is never a barrier to those who have the will to learn at any stage. AIMMS women-folk have proved this through dedication and determination.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Features> Report / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 07th, 2025

Outstanding Students Honoured with Medals for Academic Excellence in Patna

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Patna, BIHAR :

Patna :

Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO), Sultan Ganj Unit, Patna, organised a felicitation ceremony on Sunday at Markaz-e-Islami, Tekari Road, to honour over 100 meritorious students who secured excellent marks in Class 10 and 12 examinations. The achievers were awarded medals and congratulatory cards in recognition of their academic accomplishments. The event also included guidance sessions to support their future educational journeys.

The chief guest, Mohammad Shehzad from Allied IAS, delivered a comprehensive guidance talk under the theme Care and Guidance, sharing professional and academic opportunities from an Islamic perspective along with practical insights.

Motivational speaker Shazia Ahsan emphasised the value of hard work, self-confidence, and positive thinking in her inspiring speech aimed at empowering the students.

Dr. Zubiesh Firdous, Secretary Women’s Wing Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bihar, delivered a thought-provoking address on the topic Balancing Deen and Dunya (religion and worldly life). She stressed the need for a harmonious blend of religious and secular education.

Umme Kulsoom, President of GIO Sultan Ganj Unit, introduced the organisation and highlighted its mission of empowering girls and women through education and awareness.

The event was attended by teachers, students, and parents who appreciated the efforts taken by the organisation.

The program began with a spiritual reminder from the Qur’an by Anjum Mukhtar. A soul-stirring na’at (poem in praise of the Prophet ﷺ) was beautifully rendered by Musheerah Fatima, filling the atmosphere with a spiritual essence. Saima Parveen presented an emotionally resonant poem, which was well received by the audience.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Shagufta Bano, City Secretary of Patna .

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 01st, 2025

Siasat Felicitates Over 370 Inter BiPC Toppers, Ignites Educational Aspirations Among Muslim Youth

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

In a celebration of academic excellence and community empowerment, The Siasat Daily hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honour 373 Intermediate BiPC students who scored above 90% in their board examinations. The event, held at the Siasat Auditorium on Tuesday, is part of a larger educational upliftment initiative spearheaded by Congress MLC Amer Ali Khan.

Addressing the packed hall, Amer Ali Khan declared, “This is not just a function—it is a movement. A campaign to build an atmosphere of academic pride and ambition among Muslim youth.” His powerful words echoed the core message of the ceremony: education is the most effective tool to uplift India’s Muslim community and ensure a dignified future.

Over 1,500 students had responded to an open call, out of which 373 were selected for recognition. Notably, 43 top performers scoring between 99% and 99.6% were awarded cash prizes, certificates, medals, and boAt smartwatches under the tagline “Smart Watches for Smart Students.” An additional 204 students scoring above 95% also received smartwatches as a token of encouragement.

The students were honoured in the following score brackets:

43 students with 99% and above

97 students with 98% and above

49 students with 97% and above

36 students with 96% and above

33 students with 95% and above

27 students with 94% and above

29 students with 93% and above

19 students with 92% and above

98 students with 91% and above

19 students with 90%

Speaking with heartfelt emotion, Amer Ali Khan reminded students of their heritage: “Knowledge is noor (light), and hard work is ibaadat (worship). With Allah’s help, even the impossible becomes possible.” He urged them to emulate Islamic historical figures such as Muhammad bin Qasim, Salahuddin Ayyubi, and Imam Bukhari, who once were students and later transformed the world through their knowledge and leadership.

The event emphasized the importance of both male and female education. Faiz-e-Aam Trust Secretary Iftekhar Hussain passionately appealed to parents to support their daughters’ education. “Girls often outperform boys. We must break the practice of marrying them off immediately after exams,” he said.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Quran and concluded with the distribution of awards. Despite his busy schedule, Amer Ali Khan remained present throughout, personally honouring each student and motivating their families.

Other dignitaries present included Asghar Ali Khan, M.A. Hameed (Career Counselor), Zahed Farooqui (Director, Siasat Hub), N. Snehith, and Sai Sree (Managers). The event proceedings were conducted by senior journalist Mohammed Riyaz Ahmed.

With applause reverberating through the auditorium, the atmosphere brimmed with pride, inspiration, and a strong sense of community direction. The initiative reinforced the idea that education is not just a means to employment, but a path to dignity, empowerment, and leadership.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News>Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 06th, 2025

Manzoor Wangnoo Honoured with Environmental Stewardship Award at Shaheen Group Convocation

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bidar, KARNATAKA / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Hyderabad :

In a special ceremony held at the iconic campus of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, environmentalist and conservationist Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), was conferred with the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award.

The award was presented during the Convocation and Personality Development Program, a flagship event hosted by the Shaheen Group, which houses over 6,000 boarding students and has earned nationwide acclaim for producing doctors, engineers, scientists, and civil servants.

Wangnoo was invited as the Chief Guest at the event by Munawar Zama Sahib, renowned for his exemplary work in motivation, value-based education, and moral leadership. The award was presented by Abdul Qadeer Sahib, CEO of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, alongside Dr.Zama.

The Environmental Stewardship Award was conferred upon only two individuals, selected from among a vast network of students and alumni spread across the globe, marking this recognition as a specail one.

In his address, Wangnoo expressed his sincere gratitude and dedicated the award to his beloved parents, well-wishers and supporters, and dedicated NLCO team,.

 “This is not just an award—it is a call to continue. For Nature. For the Future,” said Wangnoo.

The event highlighted the synergy between education, moral vision, and environmental action, serving as a reminder of the vital role youth and institutions can play in healing our planet.(KNS)

source: http://www.knskashmir.com / Kashmir News Service / by KNS Desk Srinagar / June 02ns, 2025

Dr Irfan Ali of AMU’s Department of Statistics Ranked Among World’s Top 0.5% Scholars by ScholarGPS

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Dr Irfan Ali, a faculty member in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been ranked among the world’s top 0.5% of scholars in the fields of Mathematical Optimization and Environmental Statistics by ScholarGPS, a globally recognized academic analytics platform.

A distinguished researcher in applied statistics, mathematical optimization, estimation theory, and artificial intelligence, Dr Ali has made significant contributions to his field. He has authored over 105 research papers indexed in the Scopus database and 71 in the Web of Science, and edited eight books published by renowned publishers such as Taylor & Francis and Springer Nature, all indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus database.

He has also His textbook, Optimization with LINGO 18: Problems and Applications, is widely regarded as a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, and students in the field of Operations Research.

His work has garnered more than 2,250 citations on Google Scholar, where he holds an h-index of 26 and an i10-index of 63.

In addition to his prolific research output, Dr Ali is a Lifetime Member of several prestigious professional societies including the Operational Research Society of India, Indian Society for Probability and Statistics, Indian Mathematical Society, and The Indian Science Congress Association. He is currently serving as an Associate Executive Council Member of the Indian Society for Probability and Statistics (ISPS) since 2021.

He is actively involved with over ten international journals in editorial capacities, including roles as associate editor and editorial board member.

source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.com / IndiaEducationDiary.com / Home> Academics> University News / June 02nd, 2025

Alumni of a government school in Kodagu reunite to renovate the age-old institution

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Suntikoppa (Kodagu District), KARNATAKA :

Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Madikeri :

As several government schools are struggling to see the light of the day due to non-maintenance, an alumni association of a government school in Kodagu is striving towards renovating the institution.

Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The Suntikoppa Government Primary School, established 108 years ago, has educated lakhs of students. The institution was expanded with high school education 44 years ago. However, the lack of funds for development works had remained a challenge.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Recently, a group of alumni organised a reunion event as a Guru Vandhana programme, which witnessed participation from the former teaching staff.

The Alumni Association was launched as plans took shape to renovate the school building, which is in a vulnerable condition.

Funds adding up to Rs 10 lakh were collected by the alumni association. The school classrooms are being renovated and upgraded even as the alumni will initiate plans to increase admissions to the institution.

Key alumni members KH Sharif, Harish, Anil Kumar, C Mahendra, Razak, Abdul Aziz, Arun Kumar, Dhanu Kaverappa, Vincent, Shashikumar, and Kamalahasan, alongside local donors from Suntikoppa and neighbouring areas, have committed themselves to elevating the school’s standards to match private institutions.

The alumni association has members from all walks of life, some who have reached reputable posts following their primary education at the institution. “We cannot be more grateful to the alumni for taking up the renovation project,” shared Geetha, headmistress of the government school.

“This renovation represents our modest contribution to the institution that shaped our lives. Some of our alumni have become High Court judges, and under their guidance, along with support from other alumni, we are undertaking this renovation. We are ensuring minimal disruption to current students’ education,” shared RH Sharif, the VP of the alumni association.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / June 04th, 2025

Anjum Parwez appointed CM’s new ACS as L K Atheeq steps down

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

L K Atheeq (left) and Anjum Parwez

Bengaluru : 

L K Atheeq, a trusted aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah and a 1991-batch IAS officer, has resigned from his post as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the chief minister. He was serving on a contract basis after his superannuation on January 31.

Anjum Parwez, a 1994-batch IAS officer and currently the ACS in the rural development and panchayat raj department, has been appointed as his successor in the chief minister’s office.

Atheeq will continue as chairperson of Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for the Peripheral Ring Road project. Sources indicate he stepped down to spend time with family and pursue personal interests, including motorcycling and poetry. 

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 05th, 2025

11 athletes from Alva’s Foundation chosen to represent India in World University Games

Karnataka (under research project), Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

All of these athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Education Foundation’ Sports Adoption Scheme.

Eleven athletes from Alva’s Education Foundation’s Sports Adoption Scheme, representing Mangalore University, have been selected to represent India in the forthcoming World University Games 2025, scheduled to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27.

Foundation president M. Mohan Alva told reporters in Moodbidri on Wednesday that with the selection, the total number of athletes from the foundation participating in the games has risen to 32. He said the selection was a matter of pride for the institution and the State. The athletes were selected during the trials held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a deemed-to-be university in Bhubaneswar.

In the men’s category, the selected athletes are Gagan (5,000 meters run), Sachin (20 km walk), Balakrishna (400 meters run) and N. Taufique (decathlon). Those selected in the women’s category are Deekshita Ramakrishna Gowda (400 meters hurdles), Basanti Kumari (half marathon), Manju Yadav (steeplechase), Sindhusree (pole vault), Sakshi Sharma (javelin throw), Jyoti (half marathon) and Shalini (20 km walk).

Dr. Alva said all the selected athletes represent Mangalore University and are trained under Alva’s Sports Adoption Scheme. Each athlete will require a financial outlay of ₹2.5 lakh to participate in the event. While Mangalore University has assured a contribution of ₹75,000 per athlete, the remaining expenses are being borne by the foundation, he added.

source:jhttp://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / May 29th, 2025

TN Women’s Right Activist Kavingar Salma Becomes Rajya Sabha MP

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

TAMIL NADU :

Noted writer, poet, women and transgender rights activist Salma alias Rokkaiya Malik from Thuvarankurichi in Trichy district developed a passion for reading and writing in her teens to become an accomplished writer. As an active member of DMK, she served as chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board and presently DMK Media Wing joint secretary.

I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. So said women rights activist Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2014 for championing the cause of girls’ right to education. Not unusual to witness Muslim women-folk breaking the glass ceiling to reach dizzy heights in their chosen line of interest.

Meet 58-year-old Salma alias Rokkaiya Malik from Thuvarankurichi in Trichy district who has been nominated to Rajya Sabha as MP by the DMK party. A recognition for her active involvement as an accomplished poet, writer and women’s rights activist. Presently, she is a joint secretary in DMK media wing. Her life wasn’t all that rosy as she had to face the odds to become what she is now.

More often than not known by her pen name Salma, she received global acclaim for her writings in contemporary Tamil literature. In fact, she developed an interest for writing right from her teenage years, inspired by Russian literature more so the translated works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy.  Ultimately, Nelson Mandela and Che Guevara became her icons.

Really heart-rending to read her story as she was betrothed to a cousin named Malik at the age of 13 and she got into wedlock after she turned 19 due to her mom’s pressure. Following marriage, Salma was granted the name of Rokkiah Begum and had two children. Her interest in literature continued in her married life and was seen as akin to insanity by her family.

At 22, Salma wrote her maiden poem, Oppandham, as an outlet for her frustration and anger with her situation. Forced to hide her passion from her family, she would write while sitting on the toilet, on pieces of paper ripped from calendars and notebooks. It is learnt that she was subjected to abuse by her husband because of her desire to write and he would often destroy her work. Her mother eventually helped her by smuggling out poems from her home and getting them published in a Tamil weekly.

Salma hogged the limelight in literary circles during the nineties. Later, she signed with the Kalachuvadu publishing house and was invited to a number of literary conventions around Tamil Nadu which she visited under the guise of medical visits. Since a woman travelling alone was frowned upon in her social setting, her mother accompanied her on her first event in Chennai city.

Brushing aside the criticisms, she contested the local body elections in 2001 and was elected president of Ponnampatti panchayat. Since the seat was reserved for women, she could easily win the polls and carved a niche for herself in discharging the responsibility bestowed upon her by the villagers. Seizing the opportunity, she created awareness among the Muslim women on the importance of education.

Going the extra mile in her chosen line of interest, Salma got her anthology of short stories titled Saabam published in 2009, which was translated by N Kalyan Raman into English as The Curse: Stories. In 2016, she published her second novel Manaamiyangal, which narrated the parallel lives of two women named Mehar and Parveen. In a review by the Hindustan Times, the novel was described as having captured Hélène Cixous’s “feminine practice of writing”. [It was translated from Tamil into English by Meena Kandasamy under the title of Women, Dreaming.

It is interesting to infer that her novel “Irandaam Jaamangalin Kadhai” in 2004 was described as a semi-autobiographical work which depicted the life and hardships faced by a young girl called Rabia born in an orthodox Muslim minority community. Noteworthy to mention that Salma’s life was documented by Kim Longinotto in her documentary Salma, which is described as a journey of an under-educated housewife who was subjected to an effective form of house arrest and became an acclaimed Tamil literary figure. Longinotto herself described Salma as an “extraordinary beacon of hope”. The documentary, which was screened in 2013, received several awards and was seen in eleven countries. The quote of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the American writer and activist who was a leader of the women’s rights movement in the US during the mid-to late-19th century – “The best protection any woman can have is courage” is relevant to Kavingar Salma.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Latest News / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 26th, 2025