Senior journalist, storyteller, and news editor of Vartha Bharati, B.M. Basheer, will release his new book titled Agnipath on Saturday, May 10, at a special event to be held in Mangaluru.
The book release programme is being jointly organised by Kavita Prakashan, Mysore, and the Kannada Department of St Aloysius Deemed University. It will take place at 3:30 pm at the Sahodaya Auditorium of the university campus near Bavutagudde.
The book Agnipath, published by Kavita Prakashan Mysore, will be released by noted thinker and columnist Shivasundar.
Senior writer Vasudeva Belle will introduce the work to the audience.
The event will be presided over by renowned author Chandrakala Nandavar. St Aloysius Deemed University Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis and Ganesh Amingad from Kavita Prakashan are expected to attend the function, as per the official announcement.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / May 08th, 2025
AMU Alumnus Yusuf Farooqi Joins Ontario Geological Survey, Canada
Aligarh:
Mr. Yusuf Farooqi, an alumnus of the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected to join the prestigious Ontario Geological Survey, Canada, as a Geological Assistant.
In his new role, Mr. Farooqi will contribute to geological research, conduct fieldwork, collect and analyse geological data, and support technical and administrative aspects of mapping and exploration projects. He completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geology from AMU in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
Prof. Rashid Umar, Chairperson, Department of Geology, congratulated Mr. Farooqi and expressed pride in his achievement, noting that it reflects AMU’s global impact and the academic rigour of its Earth Sciences programme.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2025
Nuzha Fathima Sarfaraz, a student of G.M. Vidyaniketan Public School in Brahmavar, Udupi, has achieved an outstanding 95% in the CBSE Class 10 board examinations, the results of which were declared on May 13, reported the Varta Bharati.
Daughter of Sarfaraz T.S. and Farzana Sarfaraz, and granddaughter of the late T.S. Ismail Saheb and Sabeera Ismail of Kodi Bengre, Nuzha’s accomplishment has earned her praise and admiration from teachers, family, and peers alike. Her dedication, focus, and perseverance have been widely appreciated as the foundation of her academic success.
Her performance stands as an inspiration for fellow students in the region, showcasing the possibilities that hard work and determination can bring.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2025
Prof. Zakia Siddiqi Honoured with Dr. B R Ambedkar International Award
Aligarh:
Prof. Zakia Ather Siddiqi, a celebrated educationist and former Principal of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred with the Dr. B R Ambedkar International Award (Certificate of Excellence) by the Tirupati Balaji Educational Foundation, honouring her lifelong service to education and social upliftment.
Renowned for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, Prof. Siddiqi transformed academic standards and inspired generations of female students. As the OSD of Aligarh Public School, she introduced dynamic pedagogical reforms and steered the institution to national recognition.
Under her leadership, the Aligarh Public School secured the prestigious Digital India Competition Award four times – in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024 – reflecting her vision of merging education with technological advancement.
Even after retirement, her dedication remains undiminished. This award not only celebrates her legacy but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and students alike.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2025
Syed Mir Qasim, former Chief minister of J&K and UN Security Council in session (file)
Since its formation in 1947, Pakistan has tried to portray India as a Hindu country where Muslims are second-class citizens. Each time Pakistan launched an armed attack against India, it was to ‘help’ the Indian Muslims. Not given to learning lessons, Pakistan looked the other way when the Indian Muslims countered its narrative.
In the 1965 war, Pakistan attacked India “to help Muslims in general and Kashmiri Muslims in particular,’ and the propaganda was counter by two Indian Muslims.
Syed Mir Qasim, a Congress leader who later became the chief minister of J&K, represented India at the UN General Assembly during the 1965 war. He declared, “Perhaps I should mention that I belong to the majority community of Muslims in my home State of Kashmir; in our country, unlike Pakistan, we do not believe that religious distinctions should impinge upon political life. I have played a small part in the political life of our State from the days of princely rule. It is for these reasons that it is my duty, on behalf of our delegation, to set the record straight on the various statements made by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.”
Indian Army Officers in front of a captured Pakistani tank in the 1965 war
Qasim told the Assembly that a Plebiscite in Kashmir was out of the question. He categorically told the world that the Pakistani claim that Kashmir was acceded to India because of a pact signed by the ruler was wrong. India accepted the accession only after the National Conference, the most popular political organisation in Kashmir, asked the Indian leadership to do so. The Indian leadership was convinced that the ordinary Kashmiris wanted to be part of India. He further told the Assembly that much before the Indian Army reached Kashmir in 1947, it was the local Kashmiri Muslim militia that had resisted the invasion.
On the issue of the Plebiscite, Qasim said, “Referring to my statement that there was no binding commitment on the part of India to hold a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir, the representative of Pakistan said: “What an extraordinary statement to come and make to this Assembly?” Was this an extraordinary statement? Let us examine the facts. I can do no better than to quote our late Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whom the representative of Pakistan does not wish to forget. When proposals for a plebiscite were submitted to the Government of India by the United Nations Commission, the late Prime Minister made it clear that he was accepting the proposal only on certain conditions.”
He added, “Need I remind the representatives that apart from ratifying the accession to India, apart from supporting the political party which stands for irrevocable association and complete integration with India, apart from reaffirming their wishes at periodic elections, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have twice within eighteen years given their answer in blood to Pakistan. Thus, there is no justification for any further ascertainment of the wishes of the people. The Government of India has made its position clear on this point, and I hereby reiterate it. There will be no plebiscite.”
A Muslim representing India at the General Assembly to call out the lies of Pakistan frustrated the Pakistani representative at the Assembly. He said, “Finally, the representative of India and I find this is a peculiar weakness in Muslims who come to represent or plead India’s case at the bar of international opinion – finds himself, and I sympathize with him, in the position of having to be more Catholic than the Pope.”
Qasim gave a befitting reply when he said, “We Muslims of India are quite used to these cheap jibes. We understand the reason, or rather the frustration behind such insulting remarks, not only from the representatives of Pakistan who speak at the United Nations, but also, more so, from the founders and leaders of Pakistan. The frustrations are there because the founders and leaders of Pakistan failed in their efforts to persuade the great nationalist Muslim leaders of India to accept their favourite theory that religion determines nationality.”
Another Muslim, Mohammedali Currim Chagla, represented India at the Security Council to counter Pakistan’s claim. He told the Security Council (SC), “Pakistan has pretended to show a great solicitude for the Muslims living in India, and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan has stated that hundreds of thousands of Indian Muslims have been pushed out into East Pakistan. When Pakistan talks of the Muslim minority, it gives one the impression that we are dealing with a few thousand or a few hundred of thousands of people in a large country tucked away in some far corner and surrounded by a large mass of Hindu population.
“Now let me inform the Council that Muslims are not a minority in the ordinary sense of the term. They constitute 50 million of the population of India. India is the third largest Muslim State in the world, the first being Indonesia and the second being Pakistan. They are sons of the soil, they are Indian by race, and they enjoy all the rights of citizenship. Every office is open to them, and in fact, many of them hold the highest offices in the land.
“Our civilization is a synthesis of many diverse cultures, and the Muslim contribution is one of the most significant. Ours is a secular State and an egalitarian society where everyone enjoys equal rights and equal opportunities, and equal protection of the law. We have no official religion. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, and others have full freedom of worship, and fundamental rights under the Constitution are guaranteed to every citizen. We have no first-class and second-class citizenship.”
Chagla also told the world that India has every right to use its armed forces against Pakistan’s aggression and should redraw the LoC to control infiltration from the other side of the border.
In 2025, when India is again under attack from Pakistan and their propaganda machinery is spreading lies that Indian Muslims are not loyal to their country, they should turn the pages of history to know that these were the Indian Muslims who countered their propaganda during the 1965 war.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / May 08th, 2025
Dr Wasim ur Rehman UPSC Indian Civil Services, AIR 281 ranking
Dr. Wasim ur Rehman cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, without coaching and preparing for this difficult examination for Indian Civil Services while serving as a doctor in a hospital. He scored 281st All-India Rank.
“I used to study for 6 to 7 hours daily. It was not easy. I studied after performing 7-8 hours of duty in the hospital. But I think this experience improved my time management. I mostly studied from online content,” Dr Wasim told Awaz-the Voice.
Dr. Wasim was successful in his fourth attempt. He said in his previous appearances, though he sat in the examination, that he was clear that his performance was below the mark, and he hadn’t done enough to make it. “However, I didn’t give up. Each failure made me stronger. My family has always been my strength. Whenever I would get tired, the encouragement of my parents and siblings would push me forward.”
Dr. Waseem ur Rehman is a resident of Katra block of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. He was born into an educated and middle-class family. His father Haji Saud Azam Rahmani retired as Block Agriculture Officer in the government and mother Jahan Ara Khatoon, retired as headmistress of a government school.
The family environment was conducive to education and excellence. Waseem was inspired to work hard and was goal-oriented from the beginning.
Wasim did her early schooling at Muzaffarpur. Later, he joined a school affiliated with the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) till the 12th class.
He studied MBBS from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr. Wasim’s success lay in the fact that he prepared for UPSC without joining a traditional coaching institute. Although he chose Anthropology as an optional subject and joined an online coaching course, he largely remained focused on self-study and digital resources.
Dr. Wasim achieved this success in his fourth attempt.
According to Dr. Wasim, during the UPSC interview, he was asked questions about the famous litchi of his home district, Muzaffarpur. He impressed the interview board with his medical and administrative knowledge and understanding of the local socio-economic context.
Wasim sees his success as a path to serving society and the nation.
For the youth of India, Dr Wasim has a message, “Work hard and honestly; take advice from your elders; move forward in the right direction with dedication and patience. Every goal is difficult, but not impossible. If you keep trying, one day success will happen”.
Dr Wasim has two brothers: a businessman in Muzaffarpur, and the other is studying in a law college in Patna. One of his sisters is a government school teacher, and the other a homemaker.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mohammad Akram, New Delhi / May 16th, 2025
In a bold stride towards structured youth empowerment, the Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new state office in Bengaluru.
The formal opening ceremony was led by Dr. Mohammed Saad Belgami, Ameer-e-Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, coinciding with the annual state Shura session.
Far from being a mere administrative facility, the new office symbolises the growing institutional presence and ideological clarity of a movement that has evolved from grassroots activism to state-wide influence. Speaking at the event, Dr. Naseem, State President of Solidarity Youth Movement, described the organisation not just as a protest platform, but as “a transformative force for grooming morally conscious and socially responsible youth leaders.”
From a Youth Wing to a Mass Movement What began in 2008 as the “Youth Wing of JIH Karnataka” with just 250 members, formally transitioned into the Solidarity Youth Movement in 2016. Today, it boasts an expansive network across 27 districts with over 80 local units and a membership exceeding 7,000 – out of which more than 900 are actively engaged as trained “Activists.”
According to Dr. Naseem, this journey reflects the urgent need to channel the dynamism of youth towards constructive and long-term social reform. “We envision a generation of youth who are ethically upright and capable of leading society toward peace, progress, and justice,” he said. He emphasised the movement’s focus on skill development, employability training, and intellectual empowerment, aligning with both the constitutional ethos of India and the legacy of Islamic civilizational values.
Leadership Speaks Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saad Belgami remarked, “From its inception, the Islamic movement has placed youth at the centre of its mission. Solidarity Youth Movement is a natural extension of this vision – shaping minds and building character.” He added that the 2022 Youth Convention acted as a catalyst, significantly expanding the movement’s outreach and operational capacity across Karnataka.
The event was also graced by former state presidents of JIH, Mr. Iqbal Mulla and Mr. Atherulla Shariff, along with other senior functionaries from various wings of the organisation.
A Nerve Centre for Change With the establishment of this new state office, Solidarity Youth Movement is poised to further institutionalise its efforts in leadership training, civic engagement, and ideological grounding. The office is envisioned as a nerve centre for nurturing grassroots leadership, mentoring youth activists, and coordinating state-wide programs aimed at social justice and pluralistic harmony.
“This will be more than brick and mortar. It will be a lighthouse for Karnataka’s aspiring youth leadership,” said Dr. Naseem. “And a strategic base for long-term nation-building efforts,” he added with conviction.
As the curtain drew on the inaugural ceremony, the message was loud and clear: Solidarity Youth Movement is not just responding to the times – it is shaping them. And this new office stands as a testament to that mission. A platform today, a movement tomorrow. Indeed, a future-defining institution in the making.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa / May 12th, 2025
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh:
Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, a retired faculty member from the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University, has been conferred with the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Asian and Pacific Studies (ICOAAPS-25), held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Prof. Khan presented a research paper titled “Impact of Urbanisation on Dairy Farming and Sustainable Rural Development in Peri-Urban Area in India: A Case Study of Aligarh City”.
His work was lauded for its scholarly depth and relevance to contemporary urban-rural dynamics in developing regions.
Organised by the Association for Scientific and Academic Research (ASAR) with support from Google Scholar, the conference attracted researchers and academicians from around the world, providing a platform to exchange ideas and findings on pressing regional issues.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 09th, 2025
Imtiaz’s last rites were performed in the presence of a large crowd who shouted slogans in solidarity. Tearful, his son Imran Raza says his father sacrificed his life for the country and that he is proud of him.
Imran Raza pays tribute to his father, BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz, in Patna on May 12, 2025. Imtiaz lost his life in the line of duty in J&K’s Jammu district. | Photo Credit: PTI
Mortal remains of Border Security Force (BSF) Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz from Chhapra, who was martyred in Operation Sindoor in the R S Pura section of Jammu border, reached Patna on Monday (May 12, 2025).
He was given a guard of honour by the security personnel, and a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Patna airport. Mr. Imtiaz’s son Imran Raza was also present at the airport to receive his body.
Several politicians, including Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav and Shravan Kumar, a Minister in the Cabinet of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, were present to pay tributes to the martyred Sub-Inspector.
Speaking to the media at the airport, with tears in his eyes, Mr. Raza said, “I am really proud of my father who did not give up till his last breath and sacrificed his life for the country. Last time papa called me at 5:30 a.m. (May 10) saying that terrorists had attacked and his right leg was damaged. I told my father not to lose hope as I was coming to meet him.”
He said, “I boarded the flight for Delhi but when I reached there, I was informed that there was no flight for Jammu. Then I travelled by train. Till 3 p.m., the situation was under control and he was out of danger. I received a call from one assistant commandant at 6 p.m. who informed me that my father was no more. I could not get the chance to even speak to my father in his final moments.”
Mr. Raza broke down while speaking to the media and said that his father last visited the village to celebrate Eid with his family and resumed duty 18 days ago.
‘Army’s befitting reply’1
Mr. Yadav, in his address to the Press, said that the country and Bihar took pride in Mr. Imtiaz’s sacrifice and martyrdom.
“It is because of such brave martyrs that we are all safe today. The nation will always remember their sacrifice. We all should be proud of the Indian army and soldiers the way they gave the befitting reply to Pakistan. This is not for the first time the Indian army has boldly replied to Pakistan, It has happened before as well,” Mr. Yadav said.
Accompanied by RJD Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the Sub-Inspector’s sacrifice also proved that there is unity in diversity in the country.
“Martyr Imtiazji was from Chhapra and we all are proud of him. He has made a big sacrifice as well as given a message that there is unity in diversity in our country. There are different languages, states, religion and caste, but when it comes to the matter of our country, everyone gets united against the enemy, be it Pakistan or terrorists, to win the battle,” Mr. Yadav said.
Minister Shravan said that through Operation Sindoor, the Indian government had ended terrorism and the army had played an important role.
“Mohammad Imtiaz has sacrificed his life while saving the entire nation. Along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the people of the entire country are with his family in this hour of grief,” Mr. Shravan said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Dilip Jaiswal was also present to pay the floral tributes to the Sub-Inspector.
Later, his body was taken to his native village Narayanpur in Chhapra, where last rites were performed in the presence of a large crowd. People shouted slogans in support while holding the national flag.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by Amit Bhelarii, Patna / May 12th, 2025
The Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies in collaboration with the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, hosted a special extension Lecture titled, “Unpacking the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction about Women in Islam” on April 24, 2025, at Mir Anis Hall of Jamia Millia Islamia.
The lecture was delivered by noted British Islamic Scholar Dr Shiekh Mohammad Akram Nadwi. Formerly the Dean of Cambridge Islamic College and currently the Principal of the Al-Salam Institute and famous for his multi volume book Al-Muhaddithat, which documents female scholars in Islamic history, he is a leading authority on Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith, inspiring global audiences with his teachings.
The event opened with a soulful recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome from the honorary director of SNCWS Prof Nishat Zaidi.
The introduction of the speaker was given by Prof. Habibullah Khan, Honorary Director of the Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies. Prof Habibullah praised Dr Nadwi’s globally recognised contributions to Islamic scholarship, particularly his work on gender and Hadith.
Dr Nadwi’s lecture captivated the large audience present in the hall as the urging open dialogue to dismantle stereotypes about women in Islam.
Referencing his monumental 40-volume work, Al-Muhaddi that: the Women Scholars of Islam that chronicles the contributions of female Islamic scholars.
The speaker presented a compelling case for re-evaluating historical narratives, generalisations, myths and patriarchal notions through rigorous scholarship and proper understanding of Islam. His call for mutual respect and understanding across cultures sparked vibrant discussions among attendees, reinforcing the lecture’s relevance in today’s diverse world.
The lecture was followed by the presidential remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MazharAsif, who emphasised Jamia’s commitment to inclusive discourse and highlighted the pivotal role of women in shaping Muslim society.
He urged audience to practice equality of women in their lives and shape a society that respects women.
Among the attendees were Prof Mohammad Muslim Khan (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences), Prof Iqtidar Khan (Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Languages),Prof Kausar Mazhari , faculties and staff of SNCWS and Dr Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic studies besides teachers, researchers and students from across the faculties of the Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages and from various Centers of the University.
Dr Tarannum Siddiqui of the Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies convened and moderated the program. Dedicated volunteers, including Vaibhav, Zoyba, Gargi Mishra, Shubhangi, RaiyahQamar, and Fatima Zohra from MA Gender Studies of SNCWS ensured a seamless experience.
“Dr Nadwi’s lecture is a clarion call to challenge misconceptions and embrace informed dialogue,” said Prof Nishat Zaidi while thanking the speaker. She further said: “His scholarship inspires us to bridge tradition and modernity in pursuit of equity and understanding.”
The session concluded with pertinent Q&A session in which students satisfied their curiosities by asking relevant questions to the speaker.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Gargi Mishra, student of MA Gender studies. Students and particularly girls who attended the talk were well impressed to know about the historical contributions of women in shaping society and their contributions in nation building.
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-EDU / by theokhlatimes / April 29th, 2025
