Telangana and Iran entered for the repair, conservation, digitalization and cataloguing of Urdu and Persian historical manuscripts and documents.
Hyderabad:
The Telangana State Archives and Research Institute on Wednesday entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Noor International Microfilm Centre, Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi for the repair, conservation, digitalization and cataloguing of Urdu and Persian historical manuscripts and documents, a common heritage between India and Iran.
The Telangana State Archives and Research Institute has a collection of rare and historical records dating back to 1406 A.D. pertaining to the Bahmani, Qutb Shahi, Adil Shahi and Mughal dynasties that ruled over the region.
The Institute houses more than 43 million documents, of which eighty percent of the records are in the classical Persian and Urdu languages owing to them being the official languages of the erstwhile dynasties of the Hyderabad Deccan region.
The records also include the original copies of GOs, gazettes etc of unified Andhra Pradesh from 1956 to 2014.
India and Iran have enjoyed a shared history which has influenced both cultures and civilisations. The documents housed in the Telangana State Archives are important historical artefacts of both countries.
This initiative, carried out by the Noor International Microfilm Centre which is housed in the Culture House of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi, will bring millions of historical documents to life, and give future generations a glimpse of the state’s rich heritage.
It will also be a valuable asset for scholars from other countries who collaborate with Telangana State Archives for their research on the medieval and modern history of India and Telangana.
The entire process will be done at no cost to the state and will be entirely borne by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The MoU exchange ceremony took place at T-Hub Phase 2.0, in the presence of Telangana IT minister K.T. Rama Rao and Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Ali Chegeni
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by News Desk / September 07th, 2022
Although known primarily for its food and culture, Hyderabad is fast emerging as a centre for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). All over the country, those looking to make their mark in the sport make the city their home as the Hyderabad MMA Gym on Kali Khabar Road in Chaderghat churns out well-rounded, technically sound fighters. The man responsible for this, Head Coach Shaik Khalid, creates fighters adept at grappling and striking.
Among his earlier students is India’s first gold medallist in the sport, Mahboob Khan. Originally from Gulbarga, Karnataka, he moved to Hyderabad with his family at the age of 10. To help make ends meet, he began working from a very young age at an onion shop in Madannapet. His work ethic improved even further as helped provide for his family.
But a chance visit to Shaik Khalid’s gym would change his life as Khalid recognized that Mahboob incorporated the same discipline from his previous jobs into his training.
Seeing this potential, Khalid asked Mahboob to quit his job and paid for his daily expenses. The result has been a gold medal on the international stage and more than 10 within the country’s domestic scene. He hopes to also make a professional debut soon. Do check out Siasat.com’s mini-documentary about Khan’s journey.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Daneesh Majid / September 05th, 2022
After a tough competition among the six finalists, 14-year-old Mohammad Faiz from Jodhpur turned out to be the winner of ‘Superstar Singer 2’ and lifted the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15 Lakh.
Instagram/ @faiz_mohammad.faiz
After a tough competition among the six finalists, 14-year-old Mohammad Faiz from Jodhpur turned out to be the winner of ‘Superstar Singer 2’ and lifted the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.
His soulful rendition of romantic tracks such as ‘Pehla Nasha’, ‘Kesariya’ and ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ not only impressed the judges but also the special guests, including Bollywood actresses of the yesteryear such as Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon.
Mani and Sayisha were declared first and second runner-up, respectively. The show, which premiered on April 23, was judged by Alka Yagnik, Himesh Reshammiya and Javed Ali. It provided a platform to 15 contestants aged seven to 15 years to show their talent.
The young talents were mentored by Salman Ali (‘Indian Idol 10’ winner), Pawandeep Rajan (‘Indian Idol 12’ winner), Arunita Kanjilal (‘Indian Idol 12’ first runner-up) and Sayli Kamble (‘Indian Idol 12’ second runner-up) and Mohammad Danish (‘Indian Idol 12’ third runner-up).
Music maestro Anand also graced the show as special judges for the grand finale along with him the evening also saw popular singers Shabbir Kumar, Sonu Kakkar and Bhumi Trivedi.
Apart from sizzling performance by the contestants,the fun banter by Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, who were co-hosting the grand finale with Aditya Narayan had added more to the entertainment quotient of the show. Furthermore, best friends and veteran actresses Poonam and Padmini accompanied the contestant Aryananda R. Babu from Calicut to perform the famous track picturised on Poonam ‘Chori chori koi aaye’ from her 1979 film ‘Noorie’ opposite Farooq Shaikh
Winner of the show Mohammad Faiz, who was from the team of captain Arunita called ‘Arunita Ke Ajoobe’ expressed his excitement saying: “Being on ‘Superstar Singer 2’ is an achievement by itself. When I gave the auditions, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would not only be in the TOP 6 but also win the coveted trophy. I am unable to describe this feeling in words, it’s so surreal. It still feels like a dream to me.”
He also thanked his fans and shared: “I would like to thank all the viewers and my fans i.e., Faizians who have showered me with so much love and votes. I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has made my journey on the show special, especially all the judges and my captain Arunita di, who has been my pillar of strength, who believed in me and guided me to make this dream of mine come true.”
Arunita was elated looking at the performance by Faiz and she commented: “I am extremely elated to see our Rockstar Faiz lift the trophy and be crowned as the winner of ‘Superstar Singer 2’.”
On the other hand, Alka praised all the top 6 contestants which included Faiz from Jodhpur, Mani from Dharamkot, Pranjal Biswas from West Bengal, Sayisha Gupta from Mohali, Aryananda R. Babu and Rituraj from Kerala.
She said: “Seeing them mature, grow and flourish throughout the season has been an experience. Everyone from the top 6 contestants have been outstanding. Faiz is a well-deserved winner, his graph on the show has been so good. He has been one of the best singers the stage has witnessed, and his determination towards music and zeal to win has made him win the coveted title.”
Himesh also congratulated the winner, saying: “Faiz has been a complete rockstar right from the beginning and has consistently given his best. I am very proud of Faiz.
Javed concluded with his best wishes for the contestants and winner: “I have personally received so many messages and calls praising the kids of the show. I am extremely proud of all the contestants, especially Faiz who is a very well-deserved winner, and I wish him all the luck for a brighter and successful future. Kudos to the whole team of ‘Superstar Singer 2’.”
‘Superstar Singer 2’ aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Art & Entertainment / by IANS / September 04th, 2022
The Delhi-based Institute of Objective Studies has chosen the veteran politician K. Rahman Khan, a former Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Ex-Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, to receive its 10th annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was created to honour people who have significantly contributed to society’s growth and development across a range of fields. Rahman Khan’s name has been officially approved by the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. Khan was instrumental to the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2013 and the comprehensive report on auqaf in India prepared by the Joint Parliamentary Committee under his chairmanship.
Rahman Khan was born on April 5th, 1939 in Mandya, then a part of the Mysore State, and established his credentials as an accountant before entering politics out of a desire to aid the general populace. He was the first Muslim from Karnataka to crack the tough Chartered Accountant examination. Khan holds a D. Lit., is a fellow chartered accountant, and a business degree.
He was first elected to the Karnataka Legislative Council in 1978, rising to become its chairman in 1982–84 and then the head of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission (at the Cabinet level) in 1993–94. As chairman of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, he made recommendations that resulted in a door-to-door evaluation of minorities’ socioeconomic status that led to 4% of State Government offices and educational institutions being reserved for minorities.
He was first chosen to serve in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of Parliament in April 1994 and was again chosen in May 2000. He held the position of Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Upper House from May 2000 until July 2004. He was chosen to serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from 22 July 2004 to 2 April 2006 after being appointed as the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Union Cabinet. He was chosen to serve a third term in the Rajya Sabha in April 2006. He was appointed minister of union minority affairs in the UPA government in April 2012.
Through his association with the Al-Ameen Education Society of Bangalore, which oversees a number of prominent technical and other educational institutions, he established new standards for higher education for minorities. In addition to founding a respectable institution, he also provided the community with a fresh outlook, inspiring them to build and support educational institutions of their own throughout the preceding 50 years.
His most recent book, The Roadmap for Indian Muslims, is regarded as a significant piece of academic literature. K Rahman Khan will receive the 10th Lifetime Achievement Award this year in recognition of his all-around contributions, according to the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. The award ceremony date will shortly be made public.
It should be mentioned that the following people have previously received this award based on remarkable services. Emirate Shariah Phulwari Sharif , Patna, former Chief Justice of India AM Ahmadi, Akhlaq Rahman Qidwai, Prof B. Sheikh Ali, Maulana(Dr.) Saeedur Rahman Azmi Nadvi, A G Noorani Prof Akhtar Al Wasey, Prof Mohsin Osmani Nadvi and Maulana Hakeem Abdullah Mughaisi.
The Institute of Objective Studies first presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the domains of law, journalism, science, technology, literature, and other relevant fields is the main goal of this award. In order to motivate the future generation and encourage more people to follow their passions and become authorities in their professions, it is important to support and value their services.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / September 06th, 2022
On this day, 80 years ago, in 1942, Rash Behari Bose founded the Indian National Army (INA) also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, which he later handed over to Subhash Chandra Bose. Rash Behari Bose continued to serve as the INA’s supreme advisor under Subhash Chandra Bose.
The Muslims of India, especially those settled in Rangoon and surrounding areas gave their lives and fortunes to the INA for the sake of the freedom of India. The efforts by Muslim soldiers and the business community at times made Subhash Chandra Bose praise them in unprecedented words. It’s a well-documented fact that numerous Muslim troops and officers are said to have received from Netaji the Tamgha-e-Sardar-e-Jang, Tamgha-e-Vir-e-Hind, Tamgha-e-Bahaduri, Tamgha-e-Shatru Nash, Senad-e-Bahaduri, and other decorations.
Following is the list of 12 such people who became legends due to their contribution and struggle in the INA.
Captain Abbas Ali
Freedom Fighter Captain Abbas Ali was born in Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh on January 3, 1920. Abbas fought for the liberation of our country as a captain in the Indian National Army. Capt. Abbas was inspired by the speech of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943 and decided to commit his life to our country’s freedom. Abbas was detained by the British Army and given a life sentence. But after India became independent, the death penalty was revoked. Captain Abbas Ali breathed his last on 11 October 2014 at Aligarh.
Abdul Habeeb Yusuf Marfani
Memon Abdul Habeeb Yusuf Marfani was a freedom fighter and businessman from the Dhoraji town of Saurashtra, Gujarat. On July 9, 1944, when Subhas Chandra Bose founded INA in Rangoon, Marfani was the first to come forward to contribute financially to the Azad Hind Bank. Soon, the box swelled with contributions from Indian expats in Rangoon and Singapore. Yusuf Marfani was so close to Netaji that he gave Rs 1 crore in cash and Rs 3 lakh in jewellery in 1944, which would be worth almost Rs 800 crore today.
Abid Hasan Safrani
Zain Al-Abdin Hasan was born to an anti-colonist family in Hyderabad on 11th April 1911. He became acquainted with Subhas Chandra Bose when the latter was addressing a meeting of Indian prisoners of war In Germany. Abid became Bose’s close aide and was given the title of a Major in the INA. On the suggestion of Abid, the INA adopted “Jai Hind” as its slogan. After independence, he joined the Civil Service in 1948 and retired as the Ambassador to Denmark in 1969. Aged 73, He passed away in 1984 in his hometown.
M.K.M Ameer Hamza
M.K.M. Ameer Hamza also known as Hamza “Bhai” was born on 22 January 1918 at Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. Ameer Hamza was a member of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army and a liberation fighter from Tamil Nadu. As a teenager, he travelled to Burma for trade and there he supported and donated millions of Rupees to INA. The British government detained and questioned him for supporting Netaji’s Army. In his final years, he suffered from poverty and struggled. On January 1, 2016, Ameer Hamza passed away.
General Shah Nawaz Khan
Azad Hind Fauj officer Shah Nawaz Khan was born in Rawalpindi, British India. He joined the INA after the arrival of Subhash Chandra Bose in South-East Asia. Shah Nawaz led the INA troops into North-Eastern India, capturing Kohima and Imphal, which were thereafter held by the INA under Japanese authority. He also created history by being the first Indian to hoist the Tricolor at Red Fort after taking down the flag of the British Empire. Post-independence Shah Nawaz was active in politics, elected four times Lok Sabha from Meerut.
Major General Mohammed Zaman Kiani
Major General Mohammed Zaman Kiani served in the British Indian Army before transferring to the Indian National Army (INA), under the command of Subhas Chandra Bose, where he oversaw the 1st Division. After graduating from the Indian Military Academy with the Sword of Honor, he enlisted in the Punjab regiment. His efforts to the Azad Hind were eventually recognised, and the Indian government posthumously gave him the Netaji Medal. He died on June 4, 1981.
Colonel Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin, whose birth name was Saifuddin, was born in 1901 in the village of Dhakwan (in the current Uttar Pradesh district of Azamgarh. Saifuddin left his house when he was in his early 20s and sailed from Calcutta to the metropolis to join the British army. While he was serving in the colonial army He overheard a British army general urging white soldiers to let the Indian sepoys die but to save the donkeys to carry food for the rest of the force. He shot the officer out of rage at the callousness and injustice of the comments and then fled to Singapore. Nizamuddin was employed as a driver of Subhash Bose, driving the leader everywhere. He also battled alongside Netaji in the forests of Burma between 1943 and 1944 against the British Army (now Myanmar). He was shot three times in 1943 after jumping in front of him (Netaji) and saving his life. He was given the nickname of “colonel” lovingly by Netaji himself.
Colonel Habib ur Rahman
Colonel Habib ur Rahman who co-founded Azad Hind Fauj alongside General Mohan Singh was put in command of the Administration branch at the organization’s headquarters. He oversaw a mission to Burma. Netaji was given the position of Officer in Charge of the Training School after taking over the command of the Azad Hind Fauj. He also took his oath as a minister on October 21, 1943, the day Azad Hind Sarkar was established. Later, he was also named the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, and on August 18, 1945, he accompanied Netaji on his last known trip.
Colonel Inayatullah Hasan
General Mohan Singh named Inayatullah Hasan as the director of Azad Hind Radio. He created well-known nationalistic radio plays that compelled All India Radio to air a competing storyline in India. Later, Netaji named him the head of the training division, where he instructed citizens, including women and children, in the use of weapons.
Colonel Shaukat Ali Malik
The first national flag to fly over free Indian land was flown by Colonel Shaukat Ali Malik. At Moirang in Manipur on April 14, 1944, Malik, the commander of the Bahadur Group of the Azad Hind Fauj, raised the flag. Moirang was the first region in India to be taken over by the INA and the first location on the Indian subcontinent that the Azad Hind Government controlled. Malik received the Sardar-e-Jung for leading his soldiers in this capture. After establishing a civilian administration, intelligence agents were dispatched inside enemy territory. One of the highest military honours of Azad Hind Fauj, the Tamgha-e-Sardar-e-Jang, was bestowed upon him by Netaji.
Colonel Mehaboob Ahmad
The connection between Azad Hind Sarkar and Azad Hind Fauj was Colonel Mehaboob Ahmad. He served as Major General Shahanwaz Khan’s counsellor throughout the campaigns in Arakan and Imphal
Karim Ghani
Before Netaji arrived from Germany, Karim Ghani, a Tamil journalist who resided in Burma, served as the leader of the Indian Independence League. He took an oath to serve as one of the six advisors when Azad Hind Sarkar was established. Karim Ghani served as Dr Ba Maw’s parliamentary secretary in Burma prior to the Second World War. He served as the manager of “The Muslim Publishing House,” the editor of the Malayalam daily Malayan Nanban, and the editor of the Malay edition of Dawn, under the name Sinaran, as president of the All Malaya Muslim Missionary Society (AMMMS) and a representative in a number of other organisations, Ghani was also active in the Muslim League.
Written by Talha Hussain Gulbargavi for Kalam Research Foundation.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> History / by Talha Hussain Gulbargavi / September 02nd, 2022
In a first of its kind, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is coming out of its academic cocoon and honouring a few of those whose contribution to the spread of Urdu across the linguistic communities in unmatched. Most of them are the unrecognized greats of the Urdu language, literature and culture.
The University has aptly selected Teachers Day that falls on September 5 (Monday) to honour the greats of the language. They have been named as Sitara-e-Urdu or the Stars of Urdu.
According to sources this will become a permanent feature of the MANUU calendar.
A press note from the PR Department of the university, Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood, Dean, School of Education and Training (SET), informed that his former veteran colleague Prof. Amina Kishore has agreed to speak on “Challenges of Being a Teacher in 21st Century” at CPDUMT auditorium at 11.00 am.
Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor will preside over the function.
The felicitation programme has been organized by Centre for Urdu Culture Studies to mark the occasion.
Prof. Shugufta Shaheen, Chairperson of the Felicitation Committee, said that Lakshmi Devi Raj, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Oudesh Rani Bawa and Mazhar uz Zaman Khan will be honoured for their unique role in promoting Urdu in its various forms.
Five professors and lecturers of different universities and colleges in the undivided Anantapur district and three in the undivided Kurnool district have been selected for Best Teacher Award 2022.
Five professors and lecturers of different universities and colleges in the undivided Anantapur district and three in the undivided Kurnool district have been selected by the State government to receive the ‘Best Teacher Award 2022’ out of the 24 Statewide on Teachers’ Day on September 5.
Government Arts College Anantapur Botany lecturer E. Sreedevi, who has been selected by the State government for the Best Teacher Award 2022. | Photo Credit: R.V.S. Prasad
While Government Arts College, Anantapur Botany Department in-charge lecturer E. Sreedevi got selected, others include Sri Krishnadevaraya University Rural Development and Social Sciences professor M. Muninarayanappa, JNTU Anantapur Mechanical Engineering professor M.L.S. Devakumar and V. Venugopal Reddy from the same department and T.S. Syam Prasad, lecturer in Political Science, Government College for Men, Anantapur.
In the Kurnool district, those selected for the award are K.V.R. Government College for Women, Kurnool, Urdu Department lecturer Irfana Begum, Biochemistry lecturer B. Dhanashree from the same college, and A. Vimala Rhode of Silver Jubilee Government Degree College.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Andhra Pradesh / by Ramesh Surla / Anantapur-Kurnool / September 03rd, 2022
Sibga Yusuf Shaikh, a resident Valpoi town in Goa, has excelled at University by winning the Gold medal in her Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in (Elections & Telecommunication).
Sigba, a student of the Don Bosco college, Maragao, has scored 86.6% and received first rank at the Goa University to bag the Gold medal
She was felicitated on 26 August at the hands of Governor Shridharan Pillai in Goa University campus during the 33rd Annual convocation ceremony.
Speaking with Muslim Mirror Sibga said that it was her father’s dream to see her as a doctor or an engineer.
“I couldn’t get seat in MBBS so I chose to become an engineer and started giving my 100% to studies and Alhamdulillah got excellent results,” she said.
“I used to study 4 to 5 hours daily, going to Margao (about 45 km) to attend college daily was tiresome and time consuming but when we are committed to studies it becomes easier,” she added.
Sibga hails from Valpoi town of Sattari which is located in North Goa district. She is believed to be the first girl from entire Sattari Taluka who received a gold medal at the Goa University in engineering faculty.
Father of Sibga,Yusuf Shaikh, who is transporter felt very proud and said their dream has come true.
Head Master of Unity High school Mr.Ashraf Ali Khan said that he is proud and happy to learn that the ex student of the school has received gold medal for having stood first in B.E. at Goa University.
Ashraf said, “She was indeed a bright student during her school days and performed well in all fields.”
“Sibga was found well disciplined and sincere, established a good rapport with teachers and fellow students. I wish all the very best in her career,” he added.
Sibga was felicitated by SIO recently for her achivement. She is now planning to pursue masters degree abroad.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / September 03rd, 2022
His preachings and Farazi movement not only helped the people in fighting against the anarchy, but also provoked the desire for freedom among them
Haji Shariatullah
Haji Shariatullah, who militantly led Farazi Movement that stood as a source of inspiration for several revolutionaries in the Indian Freedom Struggle, was born in 1780 in Bahadur / Banderlakola village, Faridpur district in Bengal. His father Abdul Zaalib was a weaver.
When Haji Shariatullah was 18 years old, he went on a pilgrimage to Makkah, where he studied spiritual scripts extensively and became a scholar.
In Makkah, Haji Shraiathullah met Syed Ahmed Barelwi, the founder of the Wahabi movement and the warrior Syed Mir Nisar Ali (Titu Mir) who added militancy to the Wahabi movement in India. The trio decided their path of movement before leaving for India. As a result of their decisions, Haji Shariatullah reached Faridpur in 1802.
After returning to the motherland, he settled in Nawabari Village near Dhaka (presently the capital of Bangladesh). While imparting spiritual knowledge, he used to encourage the people towards the movement to emancipate the country from the yoke of British Raj. His movement was known as the ‘Farazi Movement’ and his followers were known as ‘Farazis’ in the history.
When he travelled extensively in Bengal, he saw the woes of peasants and artisans who were being exploited by the officials of the East India Company, Zamindars and the Mahajans. Haji Shariathullh decided to liberate the people from these problems and took to the path of revolution. He garnered support from the farmers, artisans and different classes of people. Haji Shariathulla fought on behalf of the people, against the English rulers, Zamindars and English plantation owners and succeeded several times.
As Shariatullah was very cautious in legal matters, the Courts and the laws could not trouble him. Haji Shariatullah’s preachings and Farazi movement not only helped the people in fighting against the anarchy, but also provoked the desire for freedom among them. Farazi movement was active for about half a century and later it continued to influence the freedom movement for another half a century. Haji Shariatullah, the guiding light of the Farazi movement, passed away in 1839.
Syed Naseer Ahamad is a Telugu writer and journalist who has written several books on the role of Muslims in the struggle for the freedom of India. Many of his books have been translated into other languages. He can be contacted at naseerahamedsyed@gmail.com and cellphone number 91-9440241727.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Opinion / by Syed Naseer Ahamed / posted by Sameer / September 02nd, 2022
The new information technology minister of Bihar Mohammad Israil Mansuri belongs to a socially backward Dhuniya community.
Mohammad Israil Mansuri. | Photo: Facebook/Israilmansuriofficial
Patna (Bihar) :
Mohammad Israil Mansuri, a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA is the new minister of Information Technology in the government of Bihar.
Mansuri, 46, belongs to the Dhuniya community and uses Mansuri as a surname. In Bihar, the Mansuris are primarily involved in quilt making. He is considered to be the first in his community to become a minister in the government.
Mansuri started his political career in 2001 as a Mukhiya (village head). Though he calls himself a “servant of all communities,” in political terms he is a Pasmanda (socially backward).
Mansuri completed his early education in his village Mathurapur, Patahi in the Muzaffarpur district. He studied up to I.Sc. and later joined politics.
His father Mohammad Usman does not have prior experience in politics and his wife Zubaida Khatoon is a homemaker. His only daughter Neha Tarannu is studying Unani medicine. Mansuri used to work with his father in litchi gardens and at his grocery shops. He is the third among six siblings of four brothers and two sisters. One of his brothers runs a fruit shop while the other is a teacher. He wanted to be a teacher but could not clear the main examination in 1994 while he had also passed the preliminary test for T.C. in Railways after passing his 12th board examination the same year.
He first joined Nitish Kumar’s party Janata Dal in 1996 and was part of the party till Kumar joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2017. He resigned from JD (U) and joined RJD.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Mansuri thanked the Almighty and his party leaders Lalu Prasad and his son the deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejaswhi Yadav for choosing him to be a minister. “For me being a Mukhiya too was a big dream. Then in 2020, I got a ticket from RJD and got elected as an MLA in my first attempt from the Kanti seat. I was extremely surprised when I got a call to take the oath as a minister. It seems that my struggle in politics has impressed my leaders Lalu and Tejashwi,” he told TwoCircles.net.
“To struggle and strive for something comes naturally to me. I studied in a school where we had to take our Bora (Jute bag used as a mat) and did not have a pen and notebook but slates to write on. I used to cycle 10 to 15 kilometres to bring the grocery items for our shop while I was in school. As I had an interest in social work, I got a chance to meet people. Though I come from the Mansuri community, my popularity in all communities is equal,” he said.
Mansuri was caught in controversy soon after he became a minister. He travelled with the chief minister Nitish Kumar to the Hindu holy city of Gaya as he was the in-charge minister of that district. When he entered the Vishnupad temple accompanied by Kumar, a huge controversy erupted as “non-Hindus were not allowed to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. “I used to visit all places of worship without caring for the religion. I was not made aware of the restriction at that temple. I entered without any intention to breach the rule.”
When asked what his focus would be as a minister of the IT department, he said, “IT is a fast-changing sector. We would try to keep our state updated in this field. We would also see how many jobs we can provide to the youths from our department as this government aims to give ten lakh jobs.” He checks his emails and runs his Facebook page by himself and has his own website.
All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz President and former Rajya Sabha member Ali Anwar told TwoCircles.net that as Mansuri belongs to Pasmanda Biradari his election as MLA and now elevation to a minister is a great morale booster for the downtrodden section of the Muslim community. “Lalu and Tejaswhi took the right decision to induct Mansuri as a minister and many more such steps are needed for the society,” he said.
Former Director of Jagjivan Ram Institute of Parliamentary Studies and Political Research – Srikant sees it as a necessary step to bring upward mobility to the people who belong to the lower strata of society. “Since Mansuri belongs to the most backward section of the society his empowerment in politics is in accordance with the theory of Ram Manohar Lohia and Mahatma Gandhi,” Srikant said.
Srikant added that it was a time taking process to empower the Pasmanda section but a positive step has been taken.
www.israilmansuri.in
Sami Ahmad is a journalist based in Patna, Bihar. He tweets at @samipkb
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Careers / by Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net / August 30th, 2022
