Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Students from Islamic seminary in Mumbai top state board exams

Amazing Feats, Education

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

As per TOI, so far 97 Hafiz-e-Quran students have cleared the Maharashtra state board’s SSC exams. | Picture Source: Times of India

An Islamic seminary in the Malad area of Mumbai has a unique achievement with 22 of its Hafiz-e-Quran (Quran memorizers) clearing the state board’s SSC exams. 

New Delhi:

Students from an Islamic seminary in Mumbai, Maharashtra Jamia Tajveedul Quran Madrasa and its sister institution, Noor Meher Urdu School have achieved success by clearing the Maharashtra board’s SSC examinations. All 22 huffaz (memorizers of the Quran) from the madrasa have successfully cleared the SSC this year. The results were announced on Friday, June 24. 

Syed Ali converted his Malad bungalow in North Mumbai into a seminary in 2000. It began as an ordinary madrasa for learning and memorizing the Quran. In the last decade, Ali said he felt the need to include “formal education as part of the curriculum.” 

“Prophet Muhammed’s saying on acquiring knowledge which asks us to seek knowledge even if one has to go to China inspired me,” Ali said in an interview with the Times of India. 

The seminary collaborated with Noor Meher Urdu school for its students to receive formal education. At present, 13 teachers are leading the hifz course (Quran memorization) at the madrasa, and Noor Meher school has nine teachers to provide modern education to them,  

Abu Talha Ansari, a hafiz of the Quran, scored 83.4% in SSC and plans to pursue engineering. “Due to covid restrictions, our studies weakened, and madrassa gave us extra classes to cover the portions. It helped us achieve this position,” he told Mumbai Times while acknowledging the madrassa’s efforts. 

Talha said that students who study in Islamic seminaries usually lag in other streams of knowledge, and students who go for secular education fail to comply with their religious learnings. “This is why I decided to take up this effort to study both, and I believe this is the way,” Talha explained in an interview with Mumbai Times.

“Most madrassas are reluctant to introduce modern subjects like science and maths in their curricula. However, the achievement of this madrasa shows a way forward. This can be replicated at many madrasas in the country. Education of religious subjects is not disturbed at all while modern subjects are taught,” career counsellor Shaikh Akhlaq Ahmed explained to the Times of India . He had initially helped the founder with guidance and counselling of students.

Another hafiz who scored 80.18% wishes to continue his studies in software engineering. “I feel that the Muslim community is lagging in that field. I wanted to change that,” he told Mumbai Times. 

He said that it was hard for them to manage the time between Islamic and modern education. “But we were able to manage it somehow,” he told Mumbai Times. 

“Most huffaz here are orphans and stay in our hostel to continue their studies. So it is a residential academy,” a teacher of the madrasa said to Zee News.

Shazia, principal of Noor Meher High School, is thrilled with this achievement as it is scarce to see such a coming together of both kinds of education. So far, her institution has aided 97 huffaz from the madrasa to clear SSC examinations. “Lockdown period was crucial for the students, and we couldn’t afford to miss them. I want to thank the head teachers and students of the madrasa who put in the effort to achieve good results. Praise to Allah,” Shazia told Mumbai Times. 

Basil Islam is an independent journalist and researcher based in South India. He tweets at @baasiie

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Basil Islam, TwoCircles.net / July 01st, 2022

English version of book on Tamil Muslim community’s contributions in Singapore launched

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SINGAPORE :

(From left) Co-authors A R Mashuthoo and Raja Mohd with Education Minister Chan Chun Sing at the launch of the English edition of Singapore Tamil Muslims. PHOTO: TAMIL MURASU

Singapore :

The Tamil Muslim community in Singapore has contributed to the Republic’s multiracial and religious harmony, with collective efforts that have strengthened the nation’s social compact, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Saturday (Jan 15).

In 1946, for example, members of the community dedicated a portion of their salaries to help the Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League (SKML) start the Umar Pulavar Tamil School, the first Tamil-medium secondary school in South-east Asia at the time.

The school played an important role in advancing and shaping Tamil language education here, and many graduates have taken up the baton and become Tamil teachers today, Mr Chan said.

“While the school was closed 40 years ago, its name lives on in today’s Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre, which continues the important mission of transmitting Tamil language and culture to the next generation.”

The centre is in Beatty Road.

Mr Chan was speaking at the launch of the English edition of a book titled Singapore Tamil Muslims.

The event was held in conjunction with SKML’s 80th anniversary celebrations in Chui Huay Lim Club in Newton.

The book, which looks to provide a better understanding of the Tamil Muslim community in Singapore, is supported by organisations including the National Heritage Board and Islamic Religious Council of Singapore. 

It has forewords by President Halimah Yacob and former senior minister of state Zainul Abidin Rasheed.

The English edition of the book, which was first published in Tamil in 2015, is authored by SKML president Raja Mohamad and deputy president A. R. Mashuthoo.

In his speech, Mr Chan highlighted how the spirit of grit, resilience and service to community has shone brightly among Singapore’s Tamil Muslims.

Many have become successful professionals and leaders of the community, he said.

“But they have all imbibed the spirit of service, and continued to pay it forward to the community and nation.

“Importantly, these collective efforts by your community have also strengthened Singapore’s social compact – where we help the young to have a good start in life, give more to those with less, and enable our people to bounce back from adversity.” 

The minister expressed his hope that the book can serve as a reminder, not just for the Tamil Muslim community but also to a broader audience, that Singaporeans must honour and protect what they have, and inspire the next generation to continue paying it forward.

The book can be purchased by contacting SKML, and funds raised will be used for its work to support the disabled community and education needs of children from low-income families.

source:http://www.straitstimes.com / The Straits Times / Home / by Choo Yun Ting / Jan 15th, 2022

From sojourners to mosque builders, book documents history of Singapore’s Indian Muslims

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SINGAPORE :

Indian Muslims in Singapore: History, Heritage and Contributions is authored by Dr Ab Razak Chanbasha and published by the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

Singapore :

A number of Indian Muslims here face a dilemma: To hold on to the languages and customs of their forefathers or to embrace a “practical assimilation” into the wider Muslim community. This issue is raised in the new book Indian Muslims In Singapore: History, Heritage And Contributions, which documents the history, heritage and contributions of the community.

It is authored by Dr Ab Razak Chanbasha and published by the Centre for Research on Islamic and Malay Affairs (Rima). Launched by President Halimah Yacob on Saturday (June 11), the book traces the community’s transition from groups of sojourners who came to colonial Singapore to make a living into a settled community forming a sizeable minority within both the Indian and Muslim populations.

Rima is a subsidiary of AMP Singapore, which raised more than $250,000 for the benefit of the community in conjunction with the book launch.

As at 2020, Indian Muslims constituted about 23 per cent of the Indian community and 13 per cent of the Muslim community.

Speaking to an audience of about 140 at the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, President Halimah said that while the contributions of some Indian Muslim pioneers like writer Munshi Abdullah are well documented, others have only been remembered in word-of-mouth accounts and are not sufficiently researched and codified.

“This book therefore strives to fill this gap for the Indian Muslim community, so that we can better appreciate the significance of their contributions,” she said. “Let us emulate the pioneers who never viewed their circumstances as limiting, but instead focused on how they could do better for the community and their children; always looking at the possibilities ahead.”

The book begins by tracing the ethnic and geographical origins of the community and the trades they came to work in the growing port city that was Singapore in the 1800s.

Muslims of various ethnicities migrated here from British India, including Tamils from the south and Gujeratis from the west. Some set down roots and began building mosques, including Angullia Mosque and Bencoolen Mosque.

The book details the history of these mosques, the families, institutions and personalities behind them, and the religious and civic contributions of the community, many of whom donated generously to social causes. There is a chapter on prominent figures, including former MP Mohamed Kassim Abdul Jabbar and Singapore’s first attorney-general, Professor Ahmad Ibrahim.

In an interview before the launch, Prof Ahmad Ibrahim’s grandson, Mr Ibrahim Tahir, 48, said he is happy his grandfather’s life and achievements have been recorded in the book.

Mr Ibrahim, who owns bookstore Wardah Books, said: “It is good not just for the community and the family but because stories like his can lift young people’s aspirations. He was at the centre of things, and operating in a multiracial country and system, he was a minority without being marginal and held a seat at the table.”

Dr Razak, 63, who is a physicist by training and a board member at Rima, said the book is meant for the general reader.

“The book is by no means exhaustive or complete, but I hope it can serve as a starting point for more research into the community.”

Speaking of the challenge he raised about contemporary Indian Muslim identity and the choice between tradition and assimilation, he added: “It is all about finding balance. All communities in Singapore face problems like waning language use, but it is important to think about which of our forefathers’ values to hold on to.”

The book is on sale for $60 at this website and selected bookstores.

source:http://www.straitstimes.com / The Straits Times / Home / by Ng Wei Kai / July 13th, 2022

Letter about the burial of Muslim Indian soldiers

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Indian Muslims in World War I and II (wef. July 09th, 2022), Martyrs of the Nation, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UNITED KINGDOM :

This statement, made by Maulvi Sadr-Ud-Din, provides an insight into the treatment of Muslim Indian soldiers who had fought during World War One and died in hospitals in Britain. Sadr-Ud-Din, from the Shah Jahan Mosque at Woking, was charged with overseeing their burial in England.

What does the statement reveal?

From 1915, there were nine sites in the South of England set up specifically for the treatment of wounded Indian soldiers. This included the Dome Hospital in Brighton and the convalescent camp at Barton-on-Sea. These were hospitals of high standards with up-to-date medical facilities, as well as services dedicated to catering for every religious need.

The Maulvi’s statement, however, raises issues with the posthumous treatment of soldiers who died in these hospitals. He states that the bodies of Muslim soldiers were often sent to him with the wrong name; without flowers; or with no provision for a military demonstration at the grave. Although Sadr-Ud-Din had been allocated a plot of burial land at Woking on Horsell Common, he describes it being in a poor state and maintains that his requests for improvements have been ignored.

Sadr-Ud-Din warns of the ‘grave danger of allowing the impression to gain ground in India that England is not showing sufficient respect to the memories of her Indian heroes’. His concluding words hint at the unease in Indian-British relations at this time and, in particular, the growing nationalist movement which was campaigning against British rule. In response, the government – in a public-relations exercise – commissioned improvements to the burial site at Woking.

These improvements were led, in part, by the suggestions made in Sadr-Ud-Din’s statement. These included a permanent enclosure of the piece of land; making paths in order to distinguish between grave and ground; to employ members of staff in the everyday running of the cemetery; and to build three structures: a morgue, a waiting room and a gateway to not only simplify the burial process, but to also give the area precedence. The gateway, at Sadr-Ud-Din’s request, was designed ‘in Eastern-style […] as a Memorial to the fallen Indian soldiers.’

The majority of these requests were realised, although the morgue and waiting room were never built.

________

source:

Full title:Correspondence about Moulvi Sadruddin, Imam of the Woking Mosque, and the burial of Muslim soldiers in England.

Created:27 August 1915,

WokingFormat:Typescript, Letter

Creator:Maulvie Sadr-Ud-Din

Usage termsCrown Copyright

Held byBritish Library

Shelfmark:Mss Eur F143/80

Full catalogue details

_________

source: http://www.bl.uk / British Library / Home> Collection Items / (This item I feature in ‘All South Asians in Britain Collections’ and ‘All World War One Collection Items’ / (date viewed July 09th, 2022)

Navabharat Night School – on mission education for 80 years

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Navabharat Night High School, considered the first night school in the country, has been serving society for last 8 decades.

Mangaluru : 

As a high school boy, Khalid Mohammed used to often find illiterate people knocking on his doors to read letters for them. The visitors were mostly elderly and disadvantaged whose children had migrated from Mangaluru to Mumbai and elsewhere in search of greener pastures. 

It was then that the young Khalid, motivated by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for adult education movement, decided to teach such people how to read and write. Mohammed, a tin maker in the neighbourhood who was also not educated, was generous enough to spare his courtyard for a few hours each day for the noble cause. 

Five adults — Khader, Krishna, Kusappa, Rahiman and Mohammed himself — were the first students when the night school came into existence on March 15, 1943.

Buoyed by the good response, the next year Khalid started primary classes in a building opposite KRK Shet Building on BEM High School Road in Mangaluru and named it Noubahar Night School. Gradually, middle and high school classes were added. Later, during its golden jubilee celebration in 1992, the school managed to get its own three-storeyed building on Car Street.

Called Navabharat Night High School now, it is run by the Navabharat Education Society. Said to be the first night school in the country and the only one still functioning, it is celebrating 80 years of its existence this year. Khalid, who was an English teacher at Badriya High School for a while, later became the headmaster of the night school and continued in the same post till he passed away a few years ago. The school, which does not charge any fee from students, has seen a lot of transformation over the last eight decades.

During its initial years, the school got a stream of adults who did not know how to read or write. Later it started getting adults who had dropped out of schools due to financial constraints but wanted to complete their schooling to get a job or promotion. Those who study here write the SSLC examination by enrolling as private candidates.

The institution now has over 60 students, who are mostly children of labourers. Almost all these kids go to day schools, but also come to the night school as their parents are away at work in the evenings. 


Dr Vaman Shenoy, president of the Navabharat Education Society, beams with pride when he says many students from here have gone on to become doctors, engineers, advocates and also are employed abroad. There was a time when the school used to brim with 250-300 students, who used to stand outside the doors and windows of classrooms to listen to lectures. Bicycles used to be parked on both sides of the narrow road in front of the school building in Bunder.

The school has not received any government grant since its inception and runs only on donations. “Our founder Khalid Mohammed’s son Dr AR Nazeer who is a professor at a university in Saudi Arabia, Dr Vinay Hegde of Nitte, Kind Foundation, Canara Foundation and others contribute to the cause,” said M Ramachandra, secretary of the Society. Ramachandra himself was a student at the school. He later became its manager before he became secretary. “I dropped out of school after Class 8 because of poverty. After a gap of five years, I joined the night school,” he says.

The free school has six teachers and two office staff. Dinesh Kumar, a clerk at Canara College, has been teaching at the night school for the last 25 years. “I wanted to contribute something for society and that is the reason I am here,” he says. He teaches at the school from 6 am to 8.30 pm. Varkady Ravi Alevoorya, the present headmaster, says they have not kept the count of the total number of students educated in the school, but it could be in thousands. 

“The student strength has dwindled over the last few years as the government now lays a lot of stress on education and makes regular follow-ups on absentee students to bring them back. But we still keep our doors open as there may be people who still need our help,” he adds. The school has a computer centre and also teaches Yakshagana. Dr AR Naseer says the school belongs to the public and they need to take it forward.

“As a teenager, my father was drawn to Mahatma Gandhi’s adult education movement which led him to start this school. It was the first home for my father and he used to spend most of his time here,” he recalls.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Vincent D’Souza, Express News Service / June 26th, 2022

Kerala woman’s dream drive to obtain heavy vehicle licence

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

Marakkara (Malappuram District), KERALA :

Jumaila Haris

There’s no stopping Jumaila Haris, a 38-year-old mother of three who is on a path-breaking journey of exploring and teaching heavy vehicle driving, reports Vishnuprasad K P.

Malappuram :

At 38, Jumaila Haris is on a mission to explore a new path. Well, not just to find a way forward in her life. Rather something that would break barriers and inspire women to unshackle themselves.

A mother of three, she recently obtained a heavy vehicle licence. Her next target is driving tanker lorries. And she wants to help fellow women improve their driving skills. The Marakkara resident has already set that process in motion in her area.

“I used to commute on private buses during my school days. The one thing that amazed me was the manner in which the mighty vehicles were controlled by the drivers. I made up my mind then that I would drive these big vehicles one day,” Jumaila says.

However, she had to wait two decades before her dream could be realised. “Some women believe marriage ends their freedom to strive towards their goals. But if you find a supportive life partner, marriage is not  going to be a barrier in pursuing  your dreams,” she says.

Putting her knowledge to good use, Jumaila has started helping other women gain the confidence required to take control of the steeringwheel in any condition. “Many women obtain driving licences after picking up the skills from a driving school. However, they won’t be able to drive through narrow roads, hilly areas, and roads that are chock-a-block. After completing training, they give me some fees that they are capable of providing. I am planning to help more such women,” she says.

She is set to apply with the motor vehicles department to acquire a licence to drive tanker lorries. “Driving tanker lorries will help me improve my  skills further,” she says.Jumaila married  Onathukkattil Haris in 2000. For the past six years, she has also been working as a volunteer at the palliative care centre under CH Centre, Marakkara.

She obtained a four-wheeler licence in 2009. “My husband was working in the Gulf. So I had to manage the family affairs mostly by myself.  My driving skills helped me in many ways as I could move around on my own.  I was also able to take the elderly people in my family to hospitals. Also, I doubled as a driver of the palliative centre when the regular driver went on leave,” she says.

Jumaila has three daughters, Fathima Rinsha, Fathima Gazal and Ayisha.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Vishnuprasad KP, Express News Service / July 03rd, 2022

Aurangabad Children Mohilla libraries celebrate World Book Day in style

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aurangabad, MAHARASHTRA :

Aurangabad:  

On World Book Day, the Maryam Mirza Mohilla (neighbourhood) library movement commemorated the occasion with zeal. Several book reading and distribution activities were held in city mosques and Urdu schools under the auspices of the Read & Lead Foundation.

The Foundation’s President, Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, announced the commencement of a “Book at Home, Book at Every Home” campaign at the event. He stated that the book-reading awareness campaign is only getting started because today’s young generation is losing interest in reading due to the introduction of new electronic gadgets, particularly smart phones

Urdu, Marathi, English books were distributed to the children members of Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi Mohalla Library situated in  Masjid Faiz Beri Bagh, Harsol area of  Aurangabad.

It should be noted that for the past year in Aurangabad, 28 libraries have been working under the aegis of the Read & Lead Foundation in various sections of the city, slum mosques, Urdu schools, and neighbourhoods. More than 5,000 children are connected to these libraries.

It’s worth noting that eleven (11) of the 28 libraries are dedicated to children are located in mosques. Masjid Shadab Hina Nagar, Ahmadi Masjid, Shatabdi Nagar, Maulana Hasrat Mohani Mohalla Library, Misrarwadi, Qazi Iqbaluddin Mohalla Library, Bismillah Masjid, Madrasa Falah Darin Ghulam Mustafa,  Sher Khan Pathan Mitra Mandal Library, Narey Village Mohalla Library and other places.  In addition to this, Al-Huda Urdu High School Baijipura, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Mohalla Library Baijipura and other libraries celebrated World Book Day.

Maulana Sheikh Yusuf Nadvi, Imam of Masjid Faiz, where the Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi Mohalla Library is located, stated that he would do everything in his power to ensure that the library benefits the children and women of the area as much as possible. After Friday prayers, he also declared the start of the door-to-door book drive.

Sheikh Nargis Fatima, Headmistress of Al-Huda Urdu High School, stated that her school’s students and instructors would be more active in the campaign and would offer all available assistance. Farhat Jahan, a school teacher, and other teachers took part in the presentation and offered their opinions..

Children’s monthly periodicals such as “Bachu ki Dunia,” “Umang,” “Taleemi inquilab,” “Majhi Marathi,” “Meri English Kitab,”,” “Gulzar Urdu,” and other books, magazines, and journals were distributed to members of the aforementioned libraries.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Special Correspondent / April 26th, 2022

Guinness Book Of World Records conferred to Dr. Jhala Yadvendradev and Professor Qamar Qureshi, Scientists from Wildlife Institute Of India (WII) for Study of the ‘Largest Camera Trap Wildlife Survey’ for Tiger Census

Amazing Feats, Green Products, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UTTARAKHAND :

#GuinnessBookOfWorldRecords conferred to Dr. Jhala n Professor Qamar Qureshi, Scientists from #WildlifeInstituteOfIndia for largest #camera_trap #wildlife_survey (1/2)

source: Twitter @DrRaghavendraS / Dr Raghavendra S Gowda / July 20th, 2020

Sufiya Sufi ‘Runner’ set for Siachen to Kargil Run – Her 4th Guinness Record in Making?

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

NEW DELHI :

Calling it ‘The Tribute Run’, Sufiya Sufi is dedicating this challenge to the Bravehearts of the Indian Army.

Guinness record holder Sufiya takes on Siachen to Kargil run; to salute sacrifices of Indian Army.

New Delhi: 

Indian Ultrarunner Sufiya Sufi ‘Runner’ is no stranger to challenges. After entering the Guinness Book of World Records for the third time earlier this year, Sufiya is now set for her next challenge — a run from Siachen Base to Kargil War Memorial.

Calling it ‘The Tribute Run’, she is dedicating this challenge to the Bravehearts of the Indian Army who have made unmatched sacrifices for our country. The 7-day-long expedition will begin at Siachen War Memorial on July 17 and conclude at Kargil War Memorial, on July 23, ahead of the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas.

During the 470 km long expedition, Sufiya will navigate through difficult terrain and hostile conditions. The run will begin at an altitude of 3400m, reaching up to 5359m at Khardung La with oxygen levels dropping 40 to 60 percent and temperature dipping much below zero degrees.

Commenting on her upcoming run, the Under Armour athlete said, “Ever since I have taken up the discipline, I have worked continuously towards pushing my limits and encouraging more people to take up running.

“My upcoming run is special and close to my heart and through this run, I want to pay tribute to the deeds of our soldiers and their selfless service to our nation.”

“As I prepare for this run, I have a great team, be it my coaches or Under Armour, who have supported and motivated me to take up every challenge including this expedition. I have put in the work training continuously for the past 6 months.”

In 2018, Sufiya took up running to break away from her aviation job, to relax and de-stress. Since then, she has entered the Guinness Book of records three times and has set several benchmarks for ultrarunning in India.

She holds the records for covering the Manali-Leh stretch on foot in the year 2022, the fastest time by a female to complete the Golden Quadrilateral in 2021, and the fastest woman to traverse from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 2019. Sufiya has been an Under Armour Athlete since her first big achievement in 2020.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Life & Style / by IANS / June 28th, 2022