Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Hyderabad girl Ayesha emerges as one of Telangana inter toppers

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Out of 1000 marks, she scored 990.

Hyderabad: 

A Hyderabad girl, Ayesha Sultana, has emerged as one of the Telangana inter toppers. She scored 99 percent.

Out of 1000 marks in all subjects in the first and second years of intermediate, she scored 990.

How did the Hyderabad girl become one of Telangana inter toppers?

A student of St. Joseph’s Junior College in Hyderabad, Ayesha Sultana became one of the Telangana inter topper after scoring 100 percent marks in botany, zoology, and physics.

In chemistry, she scored 59 out of 60 marks in the first year, whereas in the second year, she scored 100 percent in the subject.

It was in the languages, English and Arabic, where she lost nine marks.

Telangana intermediate results

Today, the Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TSBIE) announced the much-awaited results for the first and second years of intermediate.

The pass percentage for the first year is reported at 60.01 percent, while for the second year, it stands at 64.19 percent. Notably, female students have outperformed their male counterparts in both the first and second year exams.

The incredible achievements of the Hyderabad girl Ayesha Sultana, one of the Telangana inter toppers, inspire all students.

According to officials, the Inter Advanced Supplementary Examinations will start from May 24 to June 1. The TSBIE has released the schedule to this extent. First year exams will be held from 9 AM to 12 PM, and the second year exams will be held from 2 PM to 5 PM.

The examination fee for the supplementary examinations will be collected from April 25 to May 2 in the respective colleges. Fees for recounting and reverification also have to be paid online at the same time.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Top Stories / by Sameer Khan / April 25th, 2022

Prof Naima Gulrez Is New Vice Chancellor of AMU

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH:

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has appointed Prof Naima Gulrez new Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) out of three names sent to the visitor (President of India) by the AMU court.

Prof. Naima Gulrez, who served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology before joining as Principal, Women’s College in July 2014, also taught at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa. A PhD in Political Psychology, she worked at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi, and served as Deputy Coordinator of UGC assisted Special Assistance Program on Spiritual Psychology in the Department of Psychology, AMU.

She has authored, co-authored and edited six books and published many papers in journals of national and international repute. She has supervised 15 Ph.D. theses and a large number of dissertations. Her area of specialization is in the field of Clinical, Health, Applied Social and Spiritual Psychology.

Apart from academics, Prof. Naima Khatoon has vast experience in Educational Administration. She served as Provost in Indira Gandhi Hall and twice in Abdullah Hall. She also served as Deputy Director, Residential Coaching Academy and Deputy Proctor of AMU. She was elected twice to the Women’s College Student Union. She also worked as Literary Secretary and Senior Hall Monitor of both Abdullah Hall and Sarojini Naidu Hall. She was awarded the Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Best Girl Award for all-around excellence.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 22nd, 2024

Mohammad Ashfaq credits his family for his success in civil services

Gotla Palli Mauza (Padamul Mandal) Tandur Town (Vikarabad District / Hafeezpet, Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Mohammad Ashfaq

Mohammad Ashfaq of Tandoor, a small town in Telangana, who cleared the Civil Services examination 2023 on his fourth attempt gives credit to his family, especially his mother, for his achievement.

Muhammad Ashfaq said that his mother realized the importance of education and despite he being the only child sent him to Delhi to do his graduation and post-graduation studies. “For my bright future, my mother looked alone after the family and never bothered me with problems at home.”

A sensitive soul, Muhammad Ashfaq gives full credit for his success to his parents.

Speaking with Awaz-The Voice, Mohammad Ashfaq attributed his success to his parents and elder sister. He said that his father dreamed that his son would become a civil servant. “At every stage of my life, my father not only encouraged me but also instilled determination to reach the goal in me. His words motivated and made me determined to clear the examination.”

Mohammad Ashfaq said at the time he thought of picking a corporate job but his father reminded me of my dream and goal. “I can never forget the role my parents and elder sister played in my educational journey,” he said.

Muhammad Ashfaq was a bright child from the beginning. He passed his SSC from Janapriya High School and completed his graduation in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi in 2020. Two years later he completed his master’s in Economics from Delhi School of Economics. 

Mohammad Ashfaq with his parents posing in front of the UPSC office in New Delhi

He joined coaching for the civil services from his intermediate class. He wrote his first civil services exam in the year 2020, soon after completing his graduation. 

He did not succeed. It was the same in his next two examinations. Failures did not deter him; he continued to pursue his dream with renewed determination and courage. 

Muhammad Ashfaq is a native of Gotla Palli Mauza of Padamul mandal of Tandoor. Currently, he resides in Hafeezpet, Hyderabad. His father Mohammad Jafar has an engineering works company at BHEL Ashoknagar. Mother Rizwana Begum is a homemaker. 

Mohammad Ashfaq’s elder sister Uzma Sultana is a dentist. His father Mohammad Jafar dreamt of his children having good careers and he is the happiest man today. 

Mohammad Jafar moved to Hyderabad in 1992 from Tandoor and started working as a scooter mechanic for a small salary. Later he established his engineering works company.

Ahmed Ashfaq’s grandfather Abdul Razzaq and Grandmother Syedan B live in their ancestral village. They were overjoyed at Nabirah’s success in the civil services examination and celebrated it by distributing sweets among the villagers.

Muhammad Ashfaq is thus the epitome of a never-give-up spirit. His story tells the youth never to be a victim of despair hopelessness or failure. 

He said that instead of being discouraged by failures, one should get motivated and try to move forward by addressing one’s shortcomings. He said that hard work never goes in vain. 

Muhammad Ashfaq said that as a civil servant, he will focus on the development of the country, service to the people as well as the elimination of corruption. He said that corruption has become a problem in the administration today. They know that they cannot eradicate corruption alone, but they will try their best to eradicate corruption with the cooperation of all honest officials. He said that he would try his best to bring the administration to the doorstep of the people.

Muhammad Ashfaq said that although he has achieved success in civil services, he may get a job in IPS or IRS depending on his rank, but his aim is IAS and he will write the exam again for it.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Sheikh Muhammad Yunus, Hyderabad / April 23rd, 2024

Agricultural scientist Moinuddin started his journey from Madrasa

Jalalpur Town (Ambedkar Nagar District) , UTTAR PRADESH :

Agricultural scientist Dr. Moinuddin

Dr. Moinuddin’s life is a testimony to the fact that education is the key to changing lives and resolving the present-day problems of societies. This Madrasa-educated agricultural scientist Is an inspiration for those who want to grow in life no matter how many odds are stacked against them.

Dr. Moinuddin was born in Ambedkar Nagar, Jalalpur town, Uttar Pradesh. He joined Madrasa Nida Haq in his town where he completed his primary education. Driven by a desire to study, he continued his education beyond the Madrasa.

He completed his Ph.D. degree from Allahabad (Prayagraj), UP and is today posted as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Sri Guru Ram Rai University of UP.

Not that his journey was smooth.  Moinuddin says that during his student days, life was quite hard for him.  When he was studying at the NPG College Barhalganj, run by Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, he was not able to rent out a house. “Wherever I went for renting a house, I was met with refusal, and finally had to live in the Bhimsawa Ashram for two years.”

Thereafter a kind-hearted Hindu family offered him their house for rent.

Dr. Moinuddin

Dr. Moinuddin obtained his Ph.D. from Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Allahabad on the topic “Effect of different organic sources of nitrogen on growth, yield and oil content of groundnut”. He also presented his thesis for his MSc degree on ‘Growth and yield behavior of mustard under different sowing methods and sulfur levels’.

Today Dr. Moinuddin is working as a teacher and also continuing his research. He is currently posted as an Assistant professor of Agriculture at Maya College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Dehradun, College of Agriculture and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Dr. Moinuddin received many national and international awards for his work on agricultural research. He was awarded the Young Scientist Award for the first time by the Bioweed Research Institute of Agriculture and Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the “15th Indian Agricultural Scientists and Farmers Congress” at Allahabad University in 2013.

He attended the 3rd International Conference on “Global Initiatives in Agriculture and Applied Science for Green Environment”.

He was awarded the Best Agricultural Scientist Award at Shobhat Deemed University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh in 2021 on the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Global Perspectives in Climate Smart Agriculture Natural Resource Management during the coronavirus pandemic. He was awarded the Outstanding Scientist Award at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara, Nepal in 2022 on the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Global Efforts on Agriculture, Forest, Environment and Food Security.

Dr Moinuddin receiving an award

Dr Moinuddin says, “I cannot explain my feelings of gratitude at the respect I have received from people at such a young age. Today if I am considered worthy, it is because of my education. Education can lift anyone from the ground to the sky. Everything was not easy for me when I was getting my education. Rather often have to face adverse environments. But I completed my studies. And today this education made everything suitable for me.”

Dr. Moinuddin is also a life member of the Indian Society of Agronomy, Agronomy Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He is also an active member of the Society of Agronomy, Department of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad. He is also an active life member of the Agricultural Technology Development Society, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. Moinuddin has participated in several important seminars, and conferences including the National Seminar on “Livelihood Generation in Hill Statistics of India based on Agriculture and Allied Sectors” organized by Uttaranchal (P.G.) College of Technology and Biomedical Sciences, Dehradun, UK in 2014.

Dr. Moinuddin asks the youth “to recognize the value of time and avoid wasting it; always be in good company. Also, those who don’t value their time will be left behind.”

His father Haji Munir Ahmed was the Principal in Mirza Ghalib Inter College Jalalpur and now leads a retired life.

He told me on the phone that his son Dr. Moinuddin was always a studious child. Unlike other children of his age, he did not make many friends and never wasted his time hanging out and having fun.

He was always focused on his education. He says that his early studies were in the madrasa till the fifth grade. “After he completed his matriculation, a friend told me that “your son is very intelligent and extremely sincere in studies”. He advised me to put him in the field of agriculture studies. After this, I discussed it with my son and he also agreed. And with his hard work today, he is a scientist in agriculture and serving the country,” the proud father said.

(The Author is a Lucknow based Freelance Journalist)

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Irshad Saqafi, Lucknow / April 15th, 2024

These Biharis left their luxurious life for imparting education to the underprivileged

Siwan, BIHAR :

Siwan (Bihar): 

Malcolm X rightly said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Dr Wasim and Tanweer Ahmad perhaps had the same thoughts in their minds as they came up with the idea of providing an enriching environment to those who cannot afford the luxury of education. They along with their colleagues left their comforts of life and well-established occupation to impart education to the underprivileged children of their home district i.e. Siwan.

Dr Wasim along with Tanweer Ahmad, Sharique Ahmad, and Sana Hussain, were keen to establish an institution that would serve as a ladder to the children who were underprivileged and could not afford basic education due to the paltry amount of resources.

Dr Wasim is a doctor from Aligarh and has completed his education from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He worked in a government hospital but gave up his job, to educate the children who are the leaders of tomorrow and who are the faces of our future.

Tanweer Ahmad, who hails from Siwan itself has completed his MBA from Williams college of LONDON and holds the post of the Director and he juggles between the tasks of administration as well as imparting knowledge to the children.

Sana Hussain, who holds the post of the Principal at the school, has achieved her master’s degree from South Korea. She works hard to maintain the smooth functioning of this institution’s administration and imparts education to the blooming buds.

Sharique Ahmad, who is also a pillar of this school, has achieved his double master’s degree in Education and English from Delhi University and AMU respectively. He works as a student counsellor and teachers’ trainer at the school. He aims at not only providing efficient educators but also endeavours to become a patient listener and a solution provider to these curious and creative minds.

They established a school named ‘bloombuds’ in Barharia, Bihar. Bloombuds was an idea born due to the concerns of its founders over rising illiteracy rates in certain parts of Bihar. The school came into existence in January 2016.

“This school has been established with the idea of providing an enriching environment to those who cannot afford the luxury of education”, says Dr Wasim, the chairman of the school.

Sana Hussain says, “We are constantly endeavouring to provide all essential facilities for the children. We aim at providing every facility that we couldn’t get while we were students; we are constantly working to educate the young minds. We are often told that we shouldn’t have left our jobs and compromised on our well-settled future but the contentment we derive out of imparting knowledge to these underprivileged children and providing them with resources that could help them  lead a better life is unmatchable.”

These four pillars of bloombuds are in a constant endeavour at providing all essential facilities for the children. They aim at providing every facility that they couldn’t get while they were students; they are constantly working to educate the young minds. They are continuously struggling to impart knowledge to these underprivileged children, so as to provide them with resources that could help them to lead a better life.

This institution has not only provided educational aid but has also stood by its children through all thick and thins.

These mentors took complete responsibility of their students from selecting the students for the entrance exam to allowing them a stay at the hostel and preparing them from beforehand.

Dr Wasim says, “We brought these students to Delhi for their exam and stayed with them until they were back safe. To promote girls’ education, Bloombuds provided 50% discount on the admission fee for girls in the last couple of years. The bloombuds family has set an example of what overall support and aid should be like.”

“Due to the collective support, hard work and indulgence, the Bloombuds family feels very proud of the selection of its six students. These students of bloombuds have cracked the Jamia Millia Islamia School’s class 9th entrance examination. We couldn’t be happier”, he added.

When we inquired about the background of these students, we came to know that all these students belong to families where they believe that education is only for the rich and the upper class.  The parents due to insufficient resources are not able to provide their children with adequate facilities, almost all the mothers are homemakers, fathers either work as drivers or in chemist shops or are shopkeepers, some even work as farmers and have little or no educational qualifications. Nevertheless, these students with their hard work and a little encouragement proved that one can achieve anything with the help of committed guidance and supervision. The parents at first were sceptical to send their children to this university, but when they saw the environment, they at once knew that this was the best for their children.

The parents due to insufficient resources are not able to provide their children with adequate facilities, almost all the mothers of these students are homemakers, and one of them is a teacher in a government school. The fathers either work as drivers or in a chemist shop or shopkeepers, some even work as farmers and have little or no educational qualification. But these students with their hard work and a little encouragement proved that one can achieve anything with the help of committed guidance and supervision. They made their parents and teachers proud after cracking the entrance exam. Four out of six students are girls, and all belong to rural areas.

On how important this result was to him, Sharique Ahmed says, “For the people belonging to a small town like Siwan, Jamia and Aligarh are a dream place to study not just for students but also for parents. Siwan is a place which is known for coaching centres and too expensive, but this school made it easy. They used to organize free coaching in summer vacation for the students as well,”

Talking about the obstacles faced in this journey, he adds, “In this blooming, there is only one hurdle and that is a hostel for girls. Parents are ready to send their children to Jamia, but their main concern is the hostel. While interviewing Zeba’s father, Mr Wahabuddin who is working in the Gulf also has only one condition and that is a hostel. So, the movement which has been started by Bloombud is becoming smooth day by day, but accommodation is one obstruction in this metro city.”

(Mehwish Matloob is pursuing MA History from Jamia Millia Islamia.)

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India / by Mehwish Matloob for Beyond Headlines / August 03rd, 2019

Kayamkhanis take pride in Col Ishrat’s promotion

Nua Village (Jhunjhunu District), RAJASHTHAN :

Col Ishrat with her family in her office (Facebook)

Ashfaq Kayamkhani/Nua (Jhunjhunu) Rajasthan :

Colonel Ishrat Ahmed has become the first Muslim woman to hold such position in the Indian Army. 

She took over the command of the Ordnance Army unit in Meerut on Thursday. 

Col Ishrat belongs to the Kayamkhani Muslim community that prides itself in higher educational levels and military, administration and Police Services being their first choice of careers.

Col Ishrat hails from a prominent family of Nua village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Though the Indian Army doesn’t highlight the religion of officers, her community posted the news of her appointment on social media and took pride in a woman from the community reach such a top position.

An old news clipping on Col Ishrat (Facebook)

Colonel Ishrat is the daughter of Colonel Zaki Ahmed and, sister of Brigadier Saqib Hussain. IGP Liaquat Ali Khan also comes from her family.

Col Ishrat’s family boasts of many civil servants in the State administration who have reached top positions.

Expressing happiness over this achievement of Colonel Ishrat, Kamkhayani Bidri said, “The community also feels proud of such a family.” The community expressed hope that this family would prove helpful in the advancement of their children as well.

source: http;//www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ashfaq Kayamkhani, Nua / April 19th, 2024

2020 riots case: Delhi court amends its ruling to permit Ishrat Jahan to practice law outside of NCR

NEW DELHI:

New Delhi:

A local court has recently amended its ruling to allow former Delhi Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan to practice law outside the National Capital Region (NCR). Jahan, who is a defendant in the 2020 Delhi riots case, was granted regular bail on March 14, 2022, with the condition that she does not leave the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

Now, as Jahan is a practicing advocate registered with the Bar Council of Delhi, she requested the aforementioned permission. She stated that since being granted bail, she has consistently adhered to the court’s orders without any violations. “Considering the applicant’s (Jahan) good conduct, it is requested that the bail order be modified to grant the relief sought by the applicant,” noted Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court.

The prosecution objected to Jahan’s application, contending that the court had already granted her reasonable freedom and, considering her past behavior during the alleged offenses, she should not be given further leniency. However, Judge Bajpai observed that since the bail was granted, the investigating agency or the prosecution had not presented any information to the court indicating that Jahan had violated any bail conditions.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 16th, 2024

Falcon spreads its wings to Civil Services, Five Crack IAS

Malappuram, KERALA / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Bengaluru :

In its fifth year of service five students at Falcon Civil Services Academy here have cleared the Civil Services Exam 2023.

Fathima Shimna, who secured the 317th rank, hails from Malappuram in Kerala. Daughter of a village officer, she had a B.Tech degree. Abdul Fasal, who was placed 507th in the ranking, comes from a madrassa background in Kerala.

Third among the Academy’s successful candidates is Kalanupaka Sahana. She is daughter of a teacher from Karimnagar in Telangana. She has secured 739th rank. Rashid Ali, 840th ranker, also hails from Malappuram in Kerala. Both of his parents are reported to be teachers.

Vasant Kumar, who got 902nd rank, is son of a farmer from Nelamangala in the outskirts of Bengaluru.

According to the Academy director Abdus Subhan, the Academy has been providing coaching for civil services for the last five years.

Of the 38 who appeared for the Preliminary for CSE, nine were called for personality interview. Subhan said the Academy has been providing lodge and boarding facilities for the candidates.

From the humble beginning of PU College a few years ago, the offshoot of Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar, the Falcon Group in Bengaluru has made its presence felt in different fields of learning.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 17th, 2024

For Saima Seraj Ahmed, UPSC Opens Up Her Passion to Work for Society

UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

Saima Seraj Ahmed, originally from a village in Uttar Pradesh, now residing in Kolkata, achieved the 165th All India Rank in the UPSC exam 2023, fulfilling her passion for societal service despite facing challenges and setbacks over the last three attempts.

In a conversation with Radiance after her success in UPSC, Saima shared her emotions, expressing that she couldn’t believe at her achievement. She described a sense of relief that her hard work had finally paid off, acknowledging her parents’ joy and crediting her faith for the outcome.

Saima emphasized the necessity of relentless effort in the UPSC journey, reflecting on her approach to success, underscoring the importance of patience and perseverance after initial setbacks.

Saima highlighted a growing awareness among minorities about the significance of education and women’s participation in societal progress regarding the educational empowerment of Muslim women, fueled by the   unwavering support of her family.

Stressing the value of resilience and continuous effort, based on her experiences, Saima noted that the fear of failure and the challenge of regaining motivation post-setbacks are significant hurdles for Civil Services aspirants.

Looking ahead, Saima reiterated her lifelong commitment to societal betterment, emphasizing her passion for understanding and positively impacting communities irrespective of her role or position.

Saima’s dedication to societal causes remained her driving force, despite contemplating giving up after her third unsuccessful attempt, emphasizing that her goal extends beyond the UPSC to meaningful societal engagement and contribution.

Ultimately, Saima aspires to leverage her position in public service to serve society comprehensively and diligently.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home>Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / April 17th, 2024

Iqra Hasan: A Century-Old Struggle and the Ascent of ‘Brave’ and Consistent Daughter

Kairana (Shamli District) , UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

New Delhi

“I don’t comment on numbers, but it’s for sure that I got blessings of people who want me to represent them in Parliament,” said Iqra Hasan who seemed confident of her victory after her fate was sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs) following first phase of the ongoing general elections that was held on April 19.

What led her to believe that she is poised to win? “There was no political wave unlike 2014 and 2019. Electorates were largely maintaining silence about which party or candidate they would vote for. Attempts to polarise voters on communal lines did not work,” she listed out.

Talking to TwoCircles.net, she claimed people this time voted on local problems. “I don’t see any major obstacles in this election as it is clear from engaging with people that there is no prevailing national narrative, unlike the narrative being pushed by the BJP,” she added.

The thirty-year-old belongs to a well-known political family of Kairana. Along with her grandfather Chaudhary Akhtar Hassan, father Chaudhary Munawwar Hasan and mother Tabassum Hassan, Iqra has a political legacy since they were all elected members of Parliament.

The Hasans and the Singhs (Hukam Singh and his daughter Mriganka Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP) have over a century-old political rivalry. They were once a single Gujjar family connected to the Kalshyan Khap. This was more than a century ago.

But the Hasans chose to secede and convert to Islam, which led to a slew of disputes. This family’s descendants, Chaudhary Munawwar Hasan of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Hukam Singh fought elections against each other in the 1990s.

In a similar vein, after their dads’ deaths, their offspring Mriganka and Nahid carried on the rivalry.

Thirty-year-old Iqra, Nahid’s sister, got back from London. She fought against BJP’s Pradeep Chaudhary — who had defeated her mother Tabassum Hasan in the 2019 general elections.

Though her family’s century-old feud with the Singhs has taken a short hiatus, she is still a competitor even though she has a new opponent.

The Hasans and Singhs have dominated the Kairana Assembly segment since the 1970s, with the exceptions of Rajeshwar Bansal in 1989 and Bashir Ahmed in 1977. Notably, starting in 1996, late Hukum Singh won the seat four times in a row.

In 2014, he moved to represent the constituency in the Lok Sabha. Since then, Nahid has won the Kairana Assembly seat twice, defeating Mriganka in 2017 and BJP candidate Anil Kumar in the 2014 by polls.

Iqra completed her primary education at New Delhi’s Queen Mary School and graduated from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College in arts. She later went to London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) to get her master’s degree in international politics and law.

Having been brought up outside Kairana for studies because the constituency lacks higher education institutes for women is one of the major issues around which Iqra contested elections.

In addition to other issues, one of the main components of her election campaign was providing resources for the women in the constituency to pursue higher education.

Iqra is one of the most talked-about candidates in this election because of her poise, positive outlook and grounded manner. She is also among this year’s youngest Muslim female candidates.

“Iqra might be a Muslim by faith, but she is a Gujjar first. She belongs to our community and is like a daughter to us. All 36 biradari (communities) supported her wholeheartedly. And therefore, only she will win and go to Lok Sabha. There are no longer any ifs and buts,” said an elderly man amid applause from the crowd that had gathered at a square in the constituency after the polling was over.

Others said she travelled from England to take over the Assembly election campaigning of Nahid who faced “unfair” imprisonment. Although Iqra is a new contender in this race, her experience with politics is not. While her brother Nahid was imprisoned by the UP government, she ran an effective campaign for him in the state Assembly elections of 2022 and secured a seat on his behalf.

“She has been a prominent character in this race, having devoted more than two years to her campaign. She is obviously in the lead in the race,” he said.

The Uttar Pradesh Police accused Nahid and his mother Tabassum Hasan of being Gangster Act suspects in February 2021. He was conspicuously absent from campaign events and meetings, even after being freed on bond.

The town with the largest concentration of Muslims — nearly 80%, many hold to the prophecy of the man quoted first.

Fifty-four-year-old Jitendra Singh, a former member of Zila Panchayat and a resident of Kandhla village, said, “She is young, dedicated and smart. We think highly of her.”

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Elections Update> Indian Muslim> Lead Story> April 20th, 2024