Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Assam | Bagh Hazarika: The legendary warrior who fought Mughals alongside Ahom general Lachit Barphukan in Battle of Saraighat

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, World Opinion

ASSAM:

Assam Bagh Hazarika
Portrait of Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika. Credit: wikipedia

Many people know about Lachit Barphukan – the Ahom general – who led the Ahom army against the invading Mughals forces and defeated them in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.

But very few know about Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, who fought alongside Lachit Barphukan in the famous Battle of Saraighat.

Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, a 17th century Ahom army warrior, is believed to be instrumental in turning the tide in favour of the Ahoms in the Battle of Saraighat.

The Battle of Saraighat was a naval battle fought in 1671 between the Mughal Empire (led by Ram Singh I) and the Ahom Kingdom (led by Lachit Borphukan) on the Brahmaputra River at Saraighat, now in Guwahati, Assam.

Although weaker, the Ahom Army defeated the Mughal Army by massive army, clever diplomatic negotiations to buy time, guerrilla tactics, psychological warfare, military intelligence and by exploiting the sole weakness of the Mughal forces—its navy.

The Battle of Saraighat was the last battle in the last major attempt by the Mughals to extend their empire into Assam.

ABOUT BAGH HAZARIKA

Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, was a 17th-century warrior who fought against the Mughals for the Ahom kingdom.

He was born in an Assamese Muslim family at Dhekerigaon village near Garhgaon in Assam.

LEGEND

The legend around his origins states that there was once a tiger that had entered his village and Ismail Siddique, who was unarmed, killed the tiger barehanded.

The news of this valour reached then King of the Ahom kingdom – Chakradhwaj Singha – who then called young Ismail Siddique to his court to display his strength.

The Ahom King was impressed by the show of strength and appointed Ismail as a Hazarika, an Ahom office in charge of 1000 paiks.

This event marked the beginning of the legend of the brave Bagh (Tiger in Assamese language) Hazarika that culminated in his acts of bravery during Battle of Saraighat.

BAGH HAZARIKA’S ROLE IN BATTLE OF SARAIGHAT

In this first conflict, the Mughal forces were well entrenched on the hills of the north bank of the Brahmaputra river with a chain of huge cannons.

Bagh Hazarika suggested a plan on how to disable the Mughal guns to Ahom General Lachit Barphukan, royal minister Atan Burhagohain and other generals.

Impressed by the plan, they entrusted Bagh Hazarika with command to lead the operation.

That night an advance party led by Bagh Hazarika along with a few soldiers crossed the Brahmaputra by boat and landed on the northern bank of the river and laid in wait for the right moment.

While the Mughal soldiers were busy saying their Fajr or dawn prayers, Bagh Hazarika and his soldiers climbed the high embankments and poured water into the Mughal cannons, rendering them useless.

Later, the Ahom army announced their advance by blowing the trumpets. In response, the Mughal soldiers rushed to their posts and tried to fire the cannons at the advancing Ahom forces.

But, the wet cannons would not work. The Ahom forces used their cannons to the full strength and the Ahom army landed safely on the north bank and attacked ferociously as the Mughal soldiers retreated helplessly.

This victory proved the courage and valour of Bagh Hazarika beyond any doubt and he was felicitated by the Ahom King.

Bagh Hazarika thus went down in the annals of Assam history as a highly skilled front ranking military officer.

RECENT CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING BAGH HAZARIKA

A controversy erupted recently in Assam surrounding legendary Ahom warrior Bagh Hazarika.

A major controversy erupted in Assam following tagging of Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, as a “fictional character” by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, was a 17th century Ahom army warrior, who fought the Mughals alongside Lachit Barphukan in the famous Battle of Saraighat.

Ismail Siddique alias Bagh Hazarika is believed to be was the second in command to Ahom general Lachit Barphukan in the Battle of Saraighat.

Recently, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing a state convention of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Guwahati, said that Bagh Hazarika was a “fictional character”.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had claimed that there was no authentic information about Bagh Hazarika in the history books.

“Our history teachers have never questioned this narrative,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said while saying that a narrative had been created about him (Bagh Hazarika).

Slamming the Assam chief minister over his statement on Bagh Hazarika, several Assam Muslim intellectuals and scholars rejected the CM’s “interpretation of history”.

“We reject the chief minister’s interpretation of history about one of Assam’s illustrious sons with a communal overtone,” a statement issued by 10 Assamese Muslim intellectuals and scholars said.

“If there is any confusion about Bagh Hazarika, the government should constitute a committee of historians under a university in Assam to find out whether he existed or not,” the statement said.

The 10 include professors Abu Nasser Syed Ahmed and Poynuruddin Ahmed, former Minister Samsul Huda, political activist Mehdi Alam Bora, and Kazi Nekib Ahmed and Mushtaq Golam Osmani of the Bagh Hazarika Research Forum.

Recently, the Tai Ahom Yuva Parishad (TAYP) had warned Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against distortion of Ahom history.

In a statement, TAYP president Vijay Rajkonwar urged the Assam chief minister to refrain from distorting the history of Ahoms.

“Avoid the thought of distorting the history of the Ahoms. This history is thousands of years old and written history. Mahavir Lachit Borphukan cannot be made a Hindu hero even if you try a thousand times,” the TAYP president said.

“Lachit Borphukan is an Ahom and Assamese hero, he is not a religious warrior. We don’t even allow it to happen,” Rajkonwar added.

In his address at the ABVP conference, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said that the name of Ahom King Chakradhar Singh carries the identity of Hindus.

Reacting to the Assam chief minister’s comments that there is no authentic information in history about the presence of Bagh Hazarika,  Rajkonwar said whether he was a part of the battle of Saraighat or not, Tai script will tell.

“The chief minister or anyone else cannot keep saying it,” he added.

Referring to Chief Minister’s comments about Lachit Borphukan going to Kamakhya temple to offer prayers, the TAYP president said, “Ahoms are allowed to go anywhere. They eat all types of food. There is no restriction in Ahom tradition and beliefs. The Ahoms worship nature and their ancestors.”

source: http://www.nenow.in / NorthEast Now / Home> Assam / by NE Now News / January 12th, 2023

Faiz-e-Aam Trust: A journey of 40 years in helping the helpless; but miles to go before one sleeps

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

Syed Husain and Saba Begum with the Faiz team

Hyderabad: 

Everything begins with an idea. But sometimes a moment of indifference could be the trigger. It was so in the case of Zulfequar Hussain, former Director of Bombay Mercantile Cooperative Bank. One day he was sitting in his office in Aurangabad and a dilapidated house collapsed right in front of his eyes in Loha Bazar, Chowk area. Those present there were touched by the tragedy which claimed the lives of two earning members and left their five children to fend for themselves. More than the misfortune, what troubled Hussain was the crass indifference of people who merely expressed sympathy and left. He was moved in a different way and wanted to do something for the bereaved children beyond lip sympathy.

Zulfequar Hussain

And the idea of Faiz-e-Aam Trust took birth. Soon poor and destitute found in it a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on. That was the year 1982. Two years later the Trust opened its branch in Hyderabad. There has been no turning back since then. As the name suggests, its ‘faiz’ (munificence) has spread far and wide to all and sundry.

As he looks back on Faiz’s journey in the last four decades, Iftekhar Husain Fida Ali, Hon. Secretary of its Hyderabad branch, is pleased with the work done and the achievements made. But he doesn’t want to rest on laurels. “I have miles to go before I sleep,” he repeats a line from a famous poem.

Iftekhar Husain, Faiz-e Aam Secretary

On Monday evening Husain will take a walk down the memory lane at the programme being organised at the Salar Jung Museum and outline the vision statement for the coming years. The Faiz teams, both in Aurangabad and Hyderabad, have their job cut out: create more opportunities for students who have the calibre to study but can’t afford the expenses, render medicare to more underprivileged persons and rehabilitate the lower strata of society by helping them set up small businesses.

If statistics are something to go by, Faiz has impressive numbers of providing succour and relief to the needy: 10,000 plus education beneficiaries and 8000 plus medical beneficiaries. The Zulfeqar Husain Memorial Hospital at Kagzipura in Aurangabad has treated 3.80 lakh patients at a cost of Rs. 1 crore. This selfless service has drawn the appreciation of one and all, including Mother Teresa, the famed nun known for her charitable work.

Unlike other welfare organisations, Faiz doesn’t believe in merely adopting a child. It goes a step ahead and ensures that other children in the family are also taken care of so that the entire family is uplifted economically. Its volunteers look out for deserving destitute in vulnerable areas who want to study but have no means to do so. Over the years it has transformed the lives of many poor children by providing assistance for education and now they are in a position to help others. Helping others grow is the secret of Faiz’s growth.

On the education front Faiz has done extremely well. It has spent a total of Rs. 8.78 crore to help 3341 students from 1982 to 2022. Of these the female beneficiaries account for 2,080. This apart, Faiz has churned out more than 3000 nurses in partnership with the Bibi Amena Hospital in Hyderabad. Each one of them was provided with financial assistance of Rs. 1000 per month. In association with other charitable trusts too, Faiz has been extending aid to families based on their needs.

This is not all. Faiz has also helped many realise their dreams. Take the case of Mohammed Yousuf, a polio affected boy from the old city of Hyderabad. To his misfortune a pair of crutches became an inseparable part of his body. But his fortune turned for the better when he came into contact with Husain and the late Abid Ali Khan, the founder Editor of Siasat. Looking at his interest in education, they extended financial assistance. He passed B.E (Electronics and Communications) in the first division. Faiz helped him fulfil his American dream too. Yousuf landed a job in General Motors and did extremely well. Now he has set up the Equally Able Foundation in the US and helps differently able persons. In 2019 he spent more than Rs. 2.40 lakh through his Foundation on 101 students back home.

Mohd Yousuf, the polio affected boy, now helping others

Likewise, Syed Hasan of Mir Alam Tank and his sister, Saba Begum, have realised their dream of becoming doctors. Faiz adopted him right from the first standard and funded his education till he completed his MBBS. Now he is working in the Owaisi Hospital as a doctor in General Medicine. His sister too has cleared MBBS with the financial assistance of Faiz. “Now I want to do my bit for the community and guide others”, says a grateful Dr Hasan.

The case of Mohd Jameel Husain’s children is also quite interesting. Faiz adopted all his 12 children and helped them come up in life. The eldest daughter, Ayesha Jabeen, has completed MBBS and is pursuing M.D while her younger sister, Atufa Jabeen, has passed out B Pharmacy. The other siblings Adeeba Jabeen, Aafiya Jabeen, Arshiya Jabeen, Mohd Muzammil are all pursuing different courses. They couldn’t have come this far without the timely help rendered by Faiz.

In the same way, Faiz has helped the children of Mahmooda, a widow, who was struggling to raise her children through tailoring. Besides extending financial assistance towards ration, house rent and medical treatment, Faiz adopted her three children – Syeda Fayeq, Syeda Asma and Syeda Tabassum. While the first one is pursuing B.Ed, the second one has completed B.Sc and the third sibling is doing B. Pharma.

Another major thrust area of Faiz is imparting technical skills through its four Skill Development Centres in the old city. Through the Ayesha Effendi and Siasat centres computer skills are being imparted to the students.

Apart from education and medical care, Faiz has been helping out people in association with the Siasat Daily. The Kapda Bank set up by them has benefitted more than 50,000 persons. Similarly the two organisations have rendered help to Delhi riot victims and rehabilitated the affected families thanks to the generous contribution received from donors. While the COVID pandemic and the resultant lockdown left thousands of people sick, unemployed and struggling, Faiz pitched in to render relief. It fed more than 7000 families at a whopping cost of Rs. 24 lakh.

Among the many beneficiaries is also Syeda Salwa Fatima, the first woman pilot from Hyderabad. Her success shows how Faiz and Siasat Daily gave her not just the wings but also the landing gear. As its motto goes, Faiz believes in helping the helpless.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by JS Ifthekhar / December 25th, 2022

Bengaluru lad beats the world to win Men’s Classic Physique C’ship

Amazing Feats, Karnataka (under research project), Sports, World Opinion

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Meer Ashar Qureshi

Bengaluru:

Meer Ashar Qureshi, a 27-year-old fitness trainer from the city, topped the Men’s Classic Physique Championship in Delhi and ‘Mr Karnataka Men’s Champion’ held this year by Musclemania. As many as 45 contestants from across the world participated in the championship, and Ashar defeated them all “in style”. It is not always that people with career passion achieve their goals in life.

But ‘Namma Bengaluru Huduga’ has learned what it really takes to be a successful trainer. The gymnast completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Ramaiah institute of Management while excelling in his fitness career. At the age of 15, he not only represented India at the International Karate Championship in Sri Lanka, but also won the competition.

“After winning the competition in Sri Lanka, I decided to pursue a career in fitness. My family has been very supportive, and my father keeps me inspired,” Ashar told News Trail.

Ashar underwent several certification programmes including those offered by the National Academy of Wellness, the Diploma in Fitness and American Counselling on Exercise (ACE) before registering for the Musclemania competition in 2022. With a belief that fitness goes beyond physical transformation, the muscleman has also trained and transformed over 600 people across the world over a span of eight years.

As a coach, he works on bringing out the hidden potential in his clients. Ashar has now been selected for the Asian Division competition. “I am extremely happy about my achievements. I’m keen and preparing myself with the hope of representing my country in the next competition,” he said.

source: http://www.newstrailindia.com / NewsTrail / Home / by Hameed Ashrafi, NT / December 28th, 2022

Why CM Shivraj Chouhan is calling Sana Ali an inspiration

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021),

MADHYA PRADESH:

Sana Ali
Sana Ali

New Delhi:

When Sana Ali of Vidisha, a town in the state of Madhya Pradesh received her appointment letter for the job of technical assistant in the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), it turned out to be a celebration of the human spirit and opportunities that the country offers to hardworking youth.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated Sana Ali and her family. He called her “Daughter of Vidisha.” Chief Minister Chouhan also belongs to Vidhisha.

In his message posted on Twitter, the chief minister said

“Hearty congratulations to Sana Ali, daughter of Vidisha, on being selected as Technical Assistant at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Center. Congrats! Ladies like you are making Madhya Pradesh proud and revealing the potential of daughters. I wish you all the best for your happy, successful, and bright future ahead.”

Even central minister Jyotiraje Scindia, who hails from Madhya Pradesh congratulated  Sana. He complimented Sana for rising above her adverse circumstances to reach this position and become an inspiration to others.

Sana’s achievement has to be seen in the context of her social and economic backdrop. Considering that Sana Ali’s father was a bus driver in the engineering college where she completed her B.tech and later M.Tech degrees, Sana’s achievement is great.

Her father and family had to raise funds for her education by mortgaging family jewelry and eliciting snide comments from relatives.

Sana’s father Sajid Ali used to be employed as a bus driver in the same college from where Sana completed her engineering studies. Sana Ali completed her master’s degree from Samrat Ashoka Technology Institute (SATI) of Vidisha.

https://www.hindi.awazthevoice.in/upload/news/167369148401_Sana_Ali_Khan_ISRO_Driver's_daughter_Sana_Ali_Khan_will_now_fly_ISRO's_rocket_2.jpg
Sana Ali’s family celebrating her appointment i ISRO

However, later Sajid was promoted to the position of a laboratory assistant in the same college.

While Sana was completing her Master’s degree, Sajid Ali faced a severe financial crisis. He had to borrow money and pawn his wife’s jewelry to pay for his daughter’s education.

As the family made efforts to raise money for their daughter’s higher education, they also faced taunts from extended family and others. People around them disapproved of the family’s obsession with making a daughter go for higher studies when they didn’t have enough resources.

They brazenly asked Sajid why he choose to take a loan for his daughter’s studies as she will have to leave his home one day after her marriage and he would be left to repay the loan.

However, Sajid ignored them and kept supporting his daughter’s education.

Today a proud father Sajid says, “I worked hard to educate my daughter. Despite all the financial constraints, we continued her studies. I told my daughter that she has to complete her studies at any cost and achieve her goal. My daughter also worked hard and reached this point. We are very happy. I pray that my daughter progresses all through her life.

https://www.hindi.awazthevoice.in/upload/news/167369150701_Sana_Ali_Khan_ISRO_Driver's_daughter_Sana_Ali_Khan_will_now_fly_ISRO's_rocket_1.jpg
Sana Ali with her parents

After completing her M.Tech course, Sana started preparing for the competition. Sana will be joining the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) at Sriharikota in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.This center of ISRO is a rocket launcher center, where rockets with state-of-the-art technology are sent into the space.

Sana told the local media, “I belong to a middle-class family. I want to give a message to all women that they must strive to get an education at any cost. Make all efforts to achieve the goal which you have set in your life. You need to work hard and don’t get discouraged by the failures that come your way.”

Significantly, Sana not only worked hard in her studies but also gave tuition to young children to meet the expenses related to her education.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by awazthevoice.in / January 15th, 2023

Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib Memorial Trust holds wedding ceremony of 11 couples in Mangaluru

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project)

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru: 

The Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib Memorial Trust organized a mass marriage event at the Shadi Mahal in Bolar on Sunday, with 11 couples entering wedlock in a simple ceremony.

The dua was performed by AL Haj Shaikuna Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, Khazi of Dakshina Kannada, and AL Haj Mufthi Mannan Saheb, Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, Kudroli.

AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, president of Muslim Central Committee for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, chaired the event. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader inaugurated the ceremony.

Chancellor of Yenepoya University Dr AL Haj Y Abdullah Kunhi and chairman of Naash Group of Companies in Dubai AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala were the chief guests.

An introduction on the objectives of the Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib Memorial Trust was made on the occasion by AL Haj K S Imthiyaz Ahmed Karkala.

Trust treasurer Mohammed Aseef Masood, Shadi Mahal chairperson Yousuf Khader, former legislator Moideen Bava, BCCI president S M Rashid Haji, C Mahmood Haji, Haneef Haji Bunder, Basha Saheb Kundapur, Corporator Samshuddin H B T, Lathif Kandak and former Corporator Aboobakar Kudroli were among those who attended the event on Sunday.

Maulana Zubair read the Kira-at, while Trust secretary Dr Mohammed Arif Masood welcomed the gathering.

Muslim Central Committee vice president Haji Ibrahim Kodijal was the master of ceremony.

Felicitation: AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala and Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi were honoured on the occasion.

Whatever I have achieved as a member of society and the community is thanks to your prayers and blessings. I am happy that our Trust has organized this simple wedding event for 11 couples. I pray for your cooperation in future too. I also pray to Allah to bless me to serve the people.

– AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, president of Muslim Central Committee

With the farsightedness of senior leader of the community, AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, the wedding ceremony of 11 couples has been held. He has given an ideal message society with this. The new couples who entered wedlock today should take a decision to raise their children in a noble manner. Only education will help us overcome our problems. The children should be provided excellent education so that they become noble citizens.

– Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader

It is laudable that the Trust, which is led by senior leader of the community AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, has undertaken a noble step towards fulfilling the dream of Shaikh Shabu Sahib. May the new couples lead a happy life.

– Dr AL Haj Y Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University

AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood and AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala, who are my elder brothers, have been involved in social and community service for several years. Haji Mohammed Masood has also reached great heights in the political field. My other elder brother Haji Nisar Ahmed, who is a businessman, also has always worked for the welfare of the people. My father Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib has been an inspiration for such work. My father, who was a revenue inspector under the British government, was a disciplined worker and also a philanthropist. My brothers have developed this quality of my father and are inspiring us too.

– AL Haj K S Imthiyaz Ahmed Karkala

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 15th, 2023

Cricket: Umran Malik clocks 156kph to become fastest Indian bowler

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

GujjarNagar (Jammu), JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Umran Malik

Guwahati

Young tearaway fast bowler Umran Malik on Tuesday bowled a 156 kph delivery to better his own record and deliver the fastest ball for India in international cricket, during the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old achieved the milestone in the 14th over of the Sri Lankan innings. He picked 3/57 in his eight overs and acted as the middle-overs enforcer for India.

Recently, Umran had surpassed Jasprit Bumrah (153.6 kmph) to bowl the fastest delivery in international cricket by an Indian after clocking 155 kmph delivery in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.

Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer has also bowled at a speed of 157 kmph in the IPL. He has been on the money off late controlling his line and length well apart from delivering balls at extreme pace.

“I have played 6 games, I just want to bowl well and in the right areas. The wicket was flat, I spoke with Siraj bhai, Shami bhai, the input was to make the most of my pace. I want to be as accurate as possible,” said Umran after India’s win.

Virat Kohli’s 45th ODI century and captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill fifties powered India to a 67-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first game and 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by awazthevoice.in / January 11th, 2023

Providing succour in their sunset years: Yusuffali builds Rs 15 crore building at Kollam’s Gandhibhavan

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Accomodation, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion

KERALA / Dubai, UAE :

The Rs 15-crore, 40,000 sqft modern facility that can accommodate 300 people was opened last week.

Yusuffali M A and Punalur Somarajan bring two wheelchair-bound inmates to the prayer hall of Gandhibhavan.

Kochi:

In September 2016, after laying the foundation stone of his proposed mall in Thiruvananthapuram, Lulu Group chairman and managing director Yusuffali M A visited Gandhibhavan, a destitute home for senior citizens and children in Pathanapuram, Kollam. The sight of elderly women left orphaned by their children troubled the UAE-based businessman, who runs 255 stores and shopping malls in the Gulf and other parts of the globe.

“He could not fathom how aged mothers could be abandoned in a destitute home by their children. And this troubled him no end,” a confidant said. The next few months and years saw Yusuffali visiting the inmates of Gandhibhavan at regular intervals and supporting them with their medical, food and other requirements. In the process, he supported the home with around Rs 7.5 crore for the medical, food, and clothing needs of the inmates.

Around the same time, Yusuffali also got personally involved in setting up a three-storey elderly home for the women of Gandhibhavan. The Rs 15-crore, 40,000 sqft modern facility that can accommodate 300 people was opened last week. Gandhibhavan, founded by Dr Punalur Somarajan, a public figure who lost his mother early in his life, will be run as earlier with Yusuffali as its mentor.

Gandhibhavan building

inauguration of the new building, constructed over three years, was also unique: it was carried out by three aged mothers of the care home, and no politician was invited. The ‘griha pravesh’ (housewarming) was completed when Yusuffali and Somarajan helped two inmates in wheelchairs into their respective rooms. The billionaire has also provided adjustable side-rail beds, furniture, two lifts, a laboratory, pharmacy, library, prayer rooms, dining hall, a doctor’s consulting room, and modern waste-management facility, among others, for the elderly home.

“The responsibility of taking care of aged parents rests with their children. Only 15 women of Gandhibhavan are unwed. The remaining women had grown-up children, who had abandoned them. I built the new facility so that their sunset years will be spent at a good place and in abundance,” Yussufali said at the opening of the new home.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / January 12th, 2023

Udupi’s Areej Ahmed awarded best outgoing student at Manipal College of Health Professions

Amazing Feats, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , ,

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

Udupi:

Areej Ahmed, a resident of Udupi was awarded the best outgoing student for the year 2021 at the 23rd Annual and Awards day at the Manipal College of Health Professions.

Areej, completed her Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) with distinction. She is the daughter of Udupi’s Khaleel Ahmed and Zeenath.

Areej received the award of best outgoing student of the BASLP batch from Manipal and Mangalore campuses.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 12th, 2023

Karnataka Sahitya Akademi winning writer Sara Abubakar dies at 86

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , ,

Kasargod, KERALA / Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

She was one of the first girls in her community of Muslim families in Kasargod to be educated, graduating from a local Kannada school. 

Renowned Kannada novelist, essayist, and translator Sara Abubakar.
Renowned Kannada novelist, essayist, and translator Sara Abubakar.

Mangaluru :

Renowned Kannada novelist, essayist, and translator Sara Abubakar passed away on Tuesday. She was 86. She died around 1 pm at a private hospital due to illness.

Some of her noted works include Chandragiriya Theeradalli, Hottu Kanthuva Munna, and more. Her novels deal with trials and tribulations in Muslims’ lives as well as women’s empowerment.

Sara was born in a Malayalam-speaking family from Kasaragod to advocate P Ahmad and Zainabi on June 30, 1936. She was one of the first girls in her community of Muslim families in Kasargod to be educated, graduating from a local Kannada school.

She bid goodbye to her studies after her marriage with Abu Bakar, an engineer. But Sara was always interested in reading and addicted to the writings of Shivaram Karantaru, Inamdar, Bhairappa, Ananthamurthy and Vaikom Basheer.

Sara had once stated that her desire to pursue her education was constrained by community norms that restricted female access to higher education.

Her mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at her residence at Hathill in Mangaluru and final rites will be held at 8 pm today.

Many dignitaries have mourned the death of Sara Abubakar, including leader of the opposition party, Siddaramaiah who tweeted about the death of the veteran writer.

Sara has won several awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi award of honour, the Karnataka Rajyotsava award, and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe award from the Karnataka Government.

She is survived by four sons and many relatives.

(With inputs from Online Desk)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Divya Coutinho / Express News Service / January 10th, 2023

Rickshaw-puller’s daughter awarded gold for topping varsity

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

Bulandshahr, UTTAR PRADESH :

Shama Parveen with her father Yanoon Khan and a relative after she received a gold medalfor topping Mathematics in B.Sc course
Shama Parveen with her father Yanoon Khan and a relative after she received a gold medalfor topping Mathematics in B.Sc course

When Governor Anandiben conferred the gold medal on the university topper in B.Sc Mathematics at the convocation, tears rolled down the cheeks of Shama Parveen. The tears were of joy and gratitude for making it through challenges both financial and personal.

Shama hails from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, and she topped in B.Sc Mathematics at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut with 89.80% marks in the subject in the final examination.

Shama Parveen turned emotional in memory of her tough life as the daughter of a rickshaw puller who, with his small income, could barely make ends meet.

However, her father Yunoon Khan cut corners to ensure that his daughter goes to school and later college. The daughter too didn’t disappoint him.

Shama Parveen says that her father taught her to work hard and honestly. “He mortgaged his belongings to raise money to pay my fees. My father had pinned high hopes on me. Today, I have been able to live up to his expectations,’ she told local media persons.

However, Shama’s achievement also came despite her physical disability. She has no sight in one of her eyes.

Due to her physical problem, people generally were not kind to the child. Her father Yunoon Khan says that when she was one year old, suddenly, the vision in her one eye started fading and as she grew up, it further declined.

Shama Parveen holding her medal and a certificate

He says that neighbours and relatives taunted his daughter and made uncharitable comments about her. They even taunted Yunoon Khan about his daughter’s condition.

He says: “I never paid attention to them and also taught my daughter to do the same. On the contrary.” On the contrary, he encouraged Shama to pursue higher education.

Shama cleared the 12th standard with good marks. Unlike others in the neighbourhood who confined their daughters to home, Shama got admission to B.Sc Mathematics at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.

Her father did everything possible to support her and Shama’s success was a beautiful culmination of Yunoon Khan’s mission.

Shama Parveen has topped examinations at the district level many times. She now wants to become an IAS officer.

However, being the eldest of her siblings, she says right now she wants to support her father financially as she feels responsible towards her siblings.

Shama says that every parent should provide higher education to their daughters. Education is the only weapon that can make one live life with respect.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / January 08th, 2023