Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Sports model physique medal winner Tabassum shares her fitness mantra

May 5, 2022Amazing Feats, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)First Muslim Professional Gym Trainer in Assam, First Muslim Woman Professional Gym Trainer in Assam, Guriya Khatan - Tabassum, Guriya Khatun, Guriya Parveen, Guriya Tabassum, Guriya Tabassum - Gymaholic - The Fitness Bar Gym - Guwahati - Assam, Guriya Tabassum - Miss Kamrup, Guriya Tabassum Parveen, Muslim Women Gym Trainers in India, Muslim Women Gym Trainers of Assam, Muslims in Assam, Muslims of India, Women Gym Trainers in Guwahati - Assam, Women Gym Trainers of Indiampositiveone@gmail.com

Dhubri District / Guwahati, ASSAM :

Guriya Tabassum Parveen training in the Gym

The time an average Indian woman spends grumbling about her health, shape, and figure each day, Guriya Tabassum Parveen aka Guriya Khatun spends the same in the gymnasium. Yes, one and a half hours every day is what Guriya spends in workouts to keep herself fit and healthy.

Probably the only Muslim woman professional gym trainer, Guriya has won sports model physique contests in the past couple of years. The bronze medalist of the 10th Federation Cup National Body Building Championships in Women Sports Model Physique event at Lucknow in April 2021, Guriya is the first-ever woman bodybuilder from Assam to bag a sports model physique medal at the national event.

Guriya eats like any other person but knows what, how much, and when to eat and drink. The premium trainer at the posh Gymaholic – The Fitness Bar gym in Guwahati, Guriya’s basic mantra of toning herself to be in good shape is to eat at regular intervals and burn calories through regular workouts.

Guriya Tabassum Parveen training at the Gym

“I do eat as anyone should. But, to maintain good health and fitness it is necessary to maintain a balance. One should never eat like a glutton. Nutrition is always necessary for our bodies. For that, we should eat at regular intervals in the right quantity and at the proper time. After all, it’s like filling a bucket with water. It’ll overflow once it’s full, and the same applies to human fat as well. When you replenish a body saturated with the necessary amounts of fat, it will lead to obesity. One should particularly never eat after 8 pm. Besides, I ensure that if the intake is 1000 calories, I should burn 1500 calories so that the balance is maintained,” Guriya said in a tete-a-tete with Awaz – The Voice.

Guriya’s love affair with the gym and its machines started in 2016 when she first stepped into one to lose weight. “I joined the gym as a trainee in 2016 when I became overweight. I lost the excess weight, but I fell in love with my workouts and continued with the regime and workouts. In due course of time, I started participating in local contests and started winning medals. Then I went on to participate in nationals and won a couple of medals over the past couple of years.”

Having gained the confidence of being crowned a winner in several contests, including Miss Kamrup, the gym trainer now eyes international honours. “I have not participated in any contest in the current calendar year. But, I am preparing for international events. I am also taking to financially strengthen myself for the international events. Bodybuilding is one sport which involves huge financial costs,” she said.

Guriya Tabassum receiving various awards

On being a Muslim, Guriya said, “It is not because of my religion, but because of being a woman, I did face problems. No matter how much we talk about gender equality, society is always critical about a woman’s rise in any field … Although nobody dares to tell me anything, some try to influence my parents by pointing out my contest costumes. Instead of telling them that a bikini costume is the requirement of the sport during contests like any other sport, some would go to frighten them speaking about social and religious implications. But, I am not at all bothered about all those and am focused on my sport.”

“My parents are simple people from Dhubri district (western Assam) who have hardly any knowledge about sports, gym or dumbbells. They are also not very interested in reading newspapers or watching television. They only know that I am a trainer of some kind and also a participant in some sports. They have neither asked me to participate in bodybuilding contests nor have they ever opposed it,” she added.

**Guriya Tabassum Parveen with the gym owner Neha Dey**

Gymaholic’s proprietor Neha Dey Jain also appreciated Guriya’s dedication and professionalism saying: “She is one of the sincerest and most dedicated women I have come across as far as maintaining fitness is concerned. We have a lot of parties and feasts at our gym. But, Guriya is someone who would never take anything sweet. Not even a piece of cake! She has that kind of dedication. And, when it comes to participation in any contest, she does a lot of hard work to give her best. We always stand in support to her.

“As a person, she is a gem! I always bank on her to face any challenging situation. She has been instrumental in shaping many clients as well as guiding them to lead a healthy life,” Neha added.

Guriya has a message about those planning to join a gym: “It is not about the gym where you do your workouts. It is sincerity and dedication that matter in achieving fitness. Besides, a proper trainer is essential in bodybuilding.”

To sportspersons, Guriya said: “Fitness is the basis of every sport. But it is not always necessary to work out in the gym to maintain fitness. Fitness can be maintained with the help of any activity. Even walking and cycling can help maintain fitness.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, TheVoice / Home> Women / by Imtiaz Ahmed, Guwahati / April 21st, 2022

Dr. Sekiba Ali Kadur, Gold Medallalist secures First Rank in All Karnataka, in MDS (Dentistry)

May 5, 2022Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Ali Kadur, Dentists of Karnataka, Dr Sekiba Ali Kadur, Dr Sekiba Ali Kadur - Gold Medallist - First Ranker - Rajiv Gandhi Health & Science University - Karnataka, Dr Sekiba Ali Kadur - Gold Medallist - MDS - Karnataka, Indian Muslim Gold Medallists in Education, Muslim Women Dentists of In;dia, Muslims Dentists of Karnataka, Muslims of Karnataka, Muslims Women Dentists of Karnataka, Sekiba Ali Kadur, Women Dentists of Karnataka, Zuhara Alimpositiveone@gmail.com

Kadur (Paivalike Panchayat), Kasargod District, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

Dr. Sekiba Ali Kadur secured the first rank and gold medal in Karnataka MDS (Dentistry) examinations.

Dr. Sekiba reportedly obtained the first rank in the Dental Postgraduate Examinations (Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics) conducted under the Rajiv Gandhi Health and Science University.

Daughter of the couple Ali Kadur and Zuhura Ali, residents of Kadur at Paivalike panchayat in Kasaragod district, Dr. Sekiba was studying at the Hasanamba Dental College and Hospital in Hassan, pursuing a degree in MDS.

She had completed her BDS at the Victoria Medical College in Bengaluru. Before that, she finished her PUC education at the Vitla PU College in Dakshina Kannada district.

Dr. Sekiba obtained her Primary education at Paivalike Panchayat’s Kadur Government School and later studied in the Kurudapadavu School as well.

Dr. Sekiba’s achievement is truly a matter of pride for the Kannadigas residing in the border regions. Having studied in Kannada medium, Dr. Sekiba has garnered admiration from Kannadigas.

Hasanamba Dental College Principal and head of the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dr. Sahadev C. K., and the chairman of Hassan’s S.H.D.C.H. Yathish H.C have congratulated Dr. Sekiba’s efforts and achievements.

source: http://www.english.vrthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati (headline edited) / February 17th, 2022

Brahmaputra devoured Abdul Barek’s land and made him run to glory

May 4, 2022Amazing Feats, Sports, World OpinionAbdul Barek, Abdul Barek - Athlete - NF Railways - India, Abdul Barek - Indian Athlete - Sprinter, Athletes of India, Indian Athlete, Indian Muslim Athletes, Muslims of Assam, Muslims of Assam in Sports, Muslims of India, Muslims of India in Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kamrup District, ASSAM :

The saying that ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is so much actualized by Assam’s long-distance runner Abdul Barek. In his case, the ‘necessity’ was the money he desperately needed to buy food and books after his family farmlands were washed away by the mighty Brahmaputra.

“It was not out of love for a particular sport… I was born and brought up in a self-sufficient family in a rural hamlet in the Kamrup district. However, when our farmlands were eroded by the Brahmaputra, we were left with nothing for sustenance. The little produce from our livestock was not enough for the family. I was in standard IX when for the first time I participated in a Rongali Bihu Marathon in a nearby locality and came first in it to win prize money of Rs 1,000. Well, that was a lot of money for me! I could buy my school uniform and books with it.

“Now that I’ve discovered a way of earning and my family was in a very bad financial shape, I have started looking to every marathon event as a means to earn. I participated in every known event and would look for all the prize money up for grabs. Gradually, I developed a yearning for winning all possible cash prizes in marathons in Assam and the Northeast. And, for that, I started practicing regularly and improving my performance with each run,” Barek told Awaz-the Voice.

**Abdul Barek (second from left) with fellow sportspersons from Railways**

Barek craved newer heights in the no-cost sport. Having bagged scores of medals and trophies at state and national levels, his campaign culminated in the World Railways Athletics Meet at Denmark in 2005 where he emerged 10th in the individual event and third in the team event of the marathon championship. He is the first-ever sprinter from NF Railway to participate and win a medal in World Railways Meet.

“My success lies in my perseverance. I’ve never compromised with my practice. My job with NF Railway has helped me a lot because I don’t have to forgo practice due to household work as I did in the past … I would like to thank former international athlete Tayabun Nisha for suggesting my name to the Indian Railways which promotes sports. I had also appeared in interviews with Central Excise and Indian Army,” Barek explained.

On his success, Barek said: “Practice, rest, and nutrition are the key to performance. There was hardly any infrastructure during our times. But, after the 2007 National Games, we’ve got a whole lot of infrastructure and necessary facilities including coaches. However, the problem now is that our young players have lost interest in sports. The smartphone and fast food have spoiled a generation. Most of the youngsters nowadays munch on fast food, and keep themselves glued to their mobile phones when they should be at the playground.”

**Abdul Barek in the international Railways sports meet**

Regarding his food habits, Barek is a follower of cricketer MS Dhoni; both love to drink milk as an energy booster. “I used to drink a lot of milk. My father used to tell us to drink milk instead of water and that I used to do. I don’t like fast food and I’ve always preferred vegetables with our staple rice.” Barek also lamented that the urban youth were reluctant to do hard work. “Since I am based out of Guwahati and I am associated with an athletic academy, I always wanted to groom some good athletes. But, what pains me is that the rural youths can’t sustain long-term coaching and urban youths are reluctant to do hard work. A few very talented youngsters from Baihata Chariali and Morigaon were training under me for some time. But, they could not sustain the tough regime and left. One basic requirement of a marathon runner to be successful is to run at least 200 km a week which is divided into a scientifically designed schedule.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by Imtiaz Ahmed, Guwahati / May 04th, 2022

Meet Mohammed Azmat, Powerlifter With 295 KG Record, Gives Dignified Burial To COVID-19 Victims

May 1, 2022Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Karnataka (under research project), SportsMohammed Azmat, Mohammed Azmat - Power Liftermpositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Highlights

He said he has rostered himself for this work on Saturdays and Sundays.
The deaths due to COVID are rising but that has not scared the powerlifter.
Azmat has transported more than 15 bodies and performed the last rites.

There is so much confusion and fear around the COVID-19 pandemic and it has reached a point where even family members are afraid and reluctant to accept the bodies of those dying of the infection and give them a proper burial.

In the past few months, we have heard any number of stories where bodies of COVID-19 victims were disrespected by families and civic authorities due to the stigma around it.

But, in Bengaluru, a man doing his bit by ensuring that COVID-19 victims are given a proper burial.

42-year-old Mohammed Azmat doesn’t look like an average man for five feet and eight inches – he looks like a mountain of a man!

That is because he is a champion powerlifter, who set a record with a deadlift of 295 kg in an international powerlifting championship two years ago

But these days, the programme manager in DXC Technology, an IT firm is spending much of his time carrying bodies of COVID-19 victims and giving them proper last rites.

He said he has rostered himself for this work on Saturdays and Sundays.

“I was part of the drive for relief work during the lockdown and when I saw people dying in huge numbers in July, I decided to associate myself with the Mercy Mission,” Azmat told PTI.

The challenge those at Mercy Mission face is that the last rites is a time-consuming process, right from the procedures involved at the hospital and at burial grounds.

Besides, volunteers also have to confront protests, which further delays the procedure.

The deaths due to COVID are rising but that has not scared the powerlifter.

“Death is certain, so there is no need to be bothered much about it. But I do take the utmost precautions, which is multi-layered because I too have a family,” Azmat said.

Speaking about his experience, the champion powerlifter said “The pain I experience while carrying the body of someone who has died due to coronavirus can’t be explained.”

Since he joined two co-workers to carry the senior man to the Christian burial ground, Azmat has transported more than 15 bodies and performed the last rites.

source: http://www.indiatimes.com / India Times / Home> News> India / by Bobins Abraham / July 29th, 2020

Mangaluru: Gulbarga University to confer honorary doctorate on Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi

April 29, 2022Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Transport, World OpinionYenepoya Abdullah Kunhimpositiveone@gmail.com

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Gulbarga University has selected Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor of Yenepoya University, managing director of Yenepoya Group of Institutes and social and religious leader for an honorary doctorate.

The 39th and 40th convocation of the university will be held together and three people each have been selected for honorary doctorate. The honorary doctorate on Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi will be conferred on the 40th convocation considering his immense achievements in the educational sector.

He has served as the trustee of Islamic Academy of Education, promoter of the Centre for Development Studies, president of Yenepoya Moidin Kunhi Memorial Educational and Charitable Trust, president of Malja-Ul-Islam English medium school, vice president of Badria Educational Institute, president of Takwa Open university, trustee of P A Education trust, president of Yenepoya Institute of Medical Sciences, partner in Moidin Kunhi and Company, managing director of Canara Wood and Plywood Industries, trustee of Yenepoya Saw Mills, convener of Yenepoya Vineers, partner in Yenepoya Transport company, partner in Yenepoya hotels, partner in Yenepoya Builders and Developers, president of Yenepoya Energy Private Limited and SLV Power Private Limited, chief promoter of Yenepoya Football Club, vice president of Islamic Trust, president of Malja-Ul-Islam Orphanage, president of Masjid Zeenath Baksh and Idga Juma Masjid, president of Islamic Cultural Centre, president of Karnataka Muslim Jamat, Dakshina Kannada district unit etc.

Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi stays at Vas Lane in city his wife P K Nasreen. His two sons and two daughters are also serving in the Yenepoya group of organizations.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> National-World / by Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP) / April 25th, 2022

Atiqa Bano’s Meeras Mahal heritage museum to be refurbished

April 27, 2022Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World OpinionAetiqa Bano, ALIPH, Ateeqa Bano, Ateeqa Bano - Director of Libraries & Joint Director Education in Jammu & Kashmir, Ateeqa Bano - Founder - Meeras Mahal, Ghulam Mohammad Hanfi, Indian Muslims, Jammu & Kashmir Muslims, Meeras Mahal, Meeras Mahal - First Private Museum in the J & K Valley, Meeras Mahal - Private Museum - Kashmir, Muslims of India, Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, Muzamil Bashir Masoodi, Saima Iqbal, Saleem Beg, Saleem Beg - Head - Kashmir Chapter of INTACHmpositiveone@gmail.com

Sophore (Suvyyapur) Town (Baramulla District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Atiqa Bano’s vision that the generations to come must know how people lived in Kashmir over centuries had made this retired Kashmiri educationist collect ancient households articles like hey mats (Waguv), multipurpose earthen pots, wooden doors, latches, and possibly all things used by humans over two centuries and create the first-ever private museum in the Valley.

Called “Meras Mahal” (The palace of heritage), it houses more than 5,000 artifacts reflecting the social and cultural life of Kashmir over two centuries.

**Atiqa Bano standing in front of Meeras Mahal**

Atiqa Bano passed away in 2017 and her family continued to struggle to maintain it and not let forces of Nature damage this treasure trove. However, they always lacked resources for this gigantic task.

Finally, Atiqa Bano’s love of her labour is all set for a major revamp and scientific conservation as this historic treasure had attracted the attention of the Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage (INTACH), J&K Chapter.

Atiqa Bano, an educationist, had made great efforts to collect the exhibits over two decades after she retired from the J&K Government services in 1998. A woman of strong resolve, Atiqaji, as she was popularly called, had taken to looking after her father after her mother’s death. She had chosen to remain single and devote her life to education, women’s welfare, and society.

**Household items on display in Meeras Mahal**

It was during her campaigns for women’s empowerment that she was drawn to the collection of rare kitchenware, old ornaments, agricultural tools, clothing, earthenware, and manuscripts lying around in many Kashmiri households. It dawned upon her that with the changing times, all these human inventions would be lost to time if not preserved for posterity.

She started collecting artifacts in 2002 and continued her mission till her death.

Atiqa Bano is gone from this world, but her memory and work is commemorated for posterity, and, as she wished, for the generations to come.

**A collection of watches and eye glasses on display at Meeras Mahal**

Realizing the importance of Atiqaji’s rich heritage collection, the J&K Chapter of INTACH and HELP Foundation have taken up the gigantic task of rejuvenating Meeras Mahal.

Saleem Beg, head of the INTACH, J&K Chapter, said, “Saima Iqbal and INTACH team are digitizing, curating and contextualizing the rich collection of vernacular objects after preventive conservation. The museum will have a thematic display demonstrated through sketches and write-ups supported by an elaborate digital presence.”

Saima Iqbal said, the work, supported by ALIPH- an international alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas, is getting streamlined. She stated that a team comprising a web designer, photographer, conservator, curator, and illustrator is working in tandem as all are interdependent and need to work in sync.

**Earthenware used in Kashmiri households in Meeras Mahal**

“I have to say that the challenges are many and we are making the best use of available meager resources here but the passion is alive and the project will be a great success”, she said.

“The first article preserved in the museum is Kondul, an earthen bowl that holds smoldering embers in Kangri, a personal and portable heating device of Kashmiri, said Muzamil Bashir Masoodi, Caretaker or (Honorary) President of the five-member Trust of prominent literary personalities, constituted to look after the museum.

Muzamil, who is also Atiqa Ji’s nephew had been taking a keen interest in maintaining and preserving the rare articles of the museum. The initially preserved items also included hand-written books of Ghulam Mohammad Hanfie, a scholar, Ateeqa Ji’s grandfather.

“All the items are counted one by one like 10 different Charkhas (spinning wheels) are counted as 10 separate items”, explained Muzamil.

The museum was initially set up in their private B. Ed College, Kashmir Women’s College of Education, at Noorbagh, Sopore. It was shifted in 2012 and called Meeras Mahal to a Hostel building of the College, at Highland Colony, where the rare items are “stored” due to the paucity of space.

**Doors and windows used in Kashmiri architecture**

Muzammil said that “we cannot provide the normal gap of at least two feet between the items”, which makes it difficult to maintain the entire treasure. “There has been no support from the Government”, he said. He said so far he has been getting a token amount from the college funds for maintaining the museum.

“During the Covid restrictions, when everything was closed, we managed to be in the museum to provide basic maintenance,” Muzamil said. He had submitted a detailed project report, for conservation and preservation of the museum to the UT Government in 2019.”

Nothing has came his way so far.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Culture / by Ehsan Fazli, Srinagar / April 11th, 2022

Khassa brings alive the century-old legacy of the Royals

April 26, 2022Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World OpinionAdil Mirza, Begum Shahnoor Jehan, Faiq Jehan, Khassa, Muzaffar Unissa Begum, Nawab Ahmed Baig, Nimrah Mirza, Shahnoor Jehan, Shaukat Ali Khan, Shaukat Ali Khan - IAS, www.khassabyshahnoorjehan.commpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Whether it is a hundred-year-old dish Kuzi or Fish Salad or Badam Ka Kund or the Noorani Seviyaan, Shahnoor Jehan, the descendent of a Sultan of Yemen, dishes out these mystic 100-year old cuisines for the connoisseurs and the gourmands.

Even as the erstwhile nawabs of India deal with the loss of their titular legacy, tables laden with succulent meats, and the foods flavoured with freshly ground spices and their untranslatable code of tehzeeb- their last standing bastions of power, wealth, and heritage – Shahnoor Jehan, whose grandmother Muzaffar Unissa Begum hailed from the family of the Sultan of Yemen, has kept it alive.

Meeting this soft-spoken lady was a quiet grounding experience given her repertoire of knowledge on food.

Daughter of an IAS officer and wife of a very supportive businessman Adil Mirza, Shahnoor Jehan was also encouraged by her adorable children Shohrab Mirza and Nimrah Mirza to use her knowledge and the knowhow inherited from her blue-blooded family and preserve the 100-year-old recipes for posterity. Khassa, a food brand, is a reality because of the support Shahnoor Jehan got from her family.

Shahnoor Jehan says, “There’s a certain etiquette that embraces all nawabi culture. It’s not so much about the commonality of ingredients or dishes but the way the food is prepared and served and the way we host our guests. And for these families, it’s comforting if you understand that,” she says. “Khassa is just that.”

In earlier days people never said “food is ready’ while inviting guests to the table,; they would say but said “Khassa Taiyaar Hain.” Shahnoor Jehan has preserved her well-guarded recipes dating back to several generations.

Her cookbook which she has preserved to date from her school days takes on a narrative beyond food; it’s about legends, anecdotes, and antiquities that comprise heritage. It is this inherited legacy that has made her take up cooking as a passion and make it her business. “I think cooking was a hidden talent in me. Most of the time friends appreciating my cooking made me ponder over the possibility of taking it up as my profession and when my kids and family support came, I converted my culinary skills into a startup.”

“Till I got married, I never had any experience of cooking; it was only an interest. It was my grandmother and mother who inspired me initially and the realization and confidence that I can cook well came with the appreciation I got from my friends and family who eagerly awaited the indulgence. The original cuisine is slowly fading away. I kept up the tradition of preparing dishes on charcoal and grounding spices made by hand..”

Begum Shahnoor Jehan the granddaughter of Nawab Ahmed Baig and her Grandmother Muzaffar Unissa Begum shares a princely legacy of the Sultan of Yemen and her food is an amalgamation of Mughal, Turkish and Arabic and influences of Hyderabadi cuisine.

She has infused local foods like rice, wheat, and meat dishes and the skilled use of spices herbs, and natural edibles in Khassa,

Owner of brand Khassa, Shahnoor Jehan serves cuisines like mutton haleem, mutton Shikamaru, dum ka murgh, or whether it is her signature dish a hundred-year-old dish called the Kuzi- leg of mutton cooked in pure almonds, saffron, and spices like black pepper enriched further with dry fruits, sugar candy ( Rock Mishri ) saffron, and silver foil are steeped in history.

While Khassa has been in the limelight for its iconic Kuzi, mutton roast or the kebabs like Shikampoor Shahnoor has also drool-worthy desserts to her credit that you can never say ever! Whether they are the innovative desserts like the Noorani Seviyan or the most rich ones like the Badam ka Kund– a traditional Hyderabadi dessert rich in almonds infused with saffron and cooked for hours together to get that creamy finish.

Says Shahnoor Jehan some of the recipes are native but they have been prepared and perfected down the generations at Shah Manzil, which is the present-day Raj Bhavan (the official residence of the State Governor). They have been part of Shahnoors family legacy for generations over a hundred years of age Adds Shahnoor my maternal Grandmother Muzzafar Unissa Begum, the daughter of the Sultan of erstwhile Yemen, and her grandfather Nawab Ahmed Baig, the son of late Shehzoor Jung, was influenced prominently by the flavours of Yemen, where she was from. I picked up most of her techniques and recipes which were well guarded and preserved by Shahnoor Jehan’s mother Faiq Jehan Till date Shahnoor continues to preserve the diaries and books belonging to her royal family. She adds that while her mother has been an inspiration for her she did pick up a few techniques from her mother-in-law Shaheda Begum she adds.

Today this luxury dining has come alive with her cuisine “Khassa” which is offered to her customers by way of food based on orders from her customers. It is indeed a luxe dining experience as nothing is too extravagant at her end whether it is the use of the saffron or the almonds, or whether it is the use of gold and silver foil, they season most of her meals. Only the finest cuts of meat make it to your orders. Whether it is ordering the mutton roast -chunks of meat soaked in sauces, ginger garlic paste, pepper, and roasted or whether it is Kairi Ka Do Pyaaza chunks of meat cooked alongside with raw mangoes spices and silky onion gravy a seasonal specialty.

Shahnoor says some of her dishes are cooked languorously , sometimes for entire day-the dum (where food is cooked for hours over low heat in lagan and smoked with the piece of burning coals placed on top to flavor the food , and these remain her techniques of choice.

In the earlier days, the chefs or the bawarchis at her Shah Manzil sometimes specialized in just one dish. Kitchens were considered laboratories, and chefs artists were encouraged to experiment innovate and create. Today we are preserving this past heritage as an agenda. She recalls the Nawabs of yore were patrons of food, helping the food to evolve Now dining With The Khassa brings back some of the grandeur and is a beautiful reminder of the lavish brilliance of nawabi food.

Says Shahnoor Jehan we want to bring a culinary slice of Yemen and the Nawabs of Hyderabad at Khassa with dishes that resonate with our philosophy of cooking with the choicest of ingredients.

Her spread in her menu looks fit for a king. There are Shammi Kebab-succulent pieces of tender lamb cooked with spices a melt-in-the-mouth experience and the Mutton Shikampur, the iconic kebabs from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad. The main course consists of Tamatar ka Kut a classic Hyderabadi dish and a rich tomato gravy topped with mild temperate spices and boiled eggs. Mutton Dalcha, is an age-old recipe of mutton cooked with lentils and bottlegourd. There are classic dishes such as Chicken or Mutton Korma cooked in rich gravy sauce or the traditional Kairi Do Pyaza a tangy lamb preparation. Her signature dishes include Haleem, Kuzi, Fish Salad Mutton Roast, Dum Ka Murgh, or the Dum Ka Raan all slow-cooked in mild spices.

Also, there are desserts to die for whether it is the Zafrani Badami Kheer, Sheer Khorma, or the Qubani ka Meetha.

Khassa indeed brings the hidden treasures of food that is heavy on aroma and boasts of rich flavours that will hit the spot if you’re looking for a feast.

www.khassabyshahnoorjehan.com

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Culture / by Ratna G. Chotrani, Hyderabad / April 17th, 2022

Shaharabanu is bringing smiles on faces of would-be brides from poor families

April 25, 2022Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Muslim Women of Coorg, Muslim Women of Karnataka, Muslims of Coorg, Muslims of India, Muslims of Karnataka, Muslims of Kodagu, Shaharabanu, Shaharabanu - Founder - The Rainbow Free Bridal Boutique, The Rainbow Free Bridal Boutique - Chettalli - Madikeri - Karnatakampositiveone@gmail.com

Chettali (Madikeri Talu), Kodagu, KARNATAKA :

From pre-wedding shoots to the selection of bridal outfits, the stress, especially on the bride-to-be, is tremendous.

Shaharabanu shows one of the many bridal outfits which is available at The Rainbow Free Bridal Boutique, opened just weeks ago | Express

Madikeri :

From pre-wedding shoots to the selection of bridal outfits, the stress, especially on the bride-to-be, is tremendous. It is the day when she hopes to look her most beautiful.

However, not every bride can afford a dream wedding, and many young women are forced to stick to simple and inexpensive wear. The Rainbow Free Bridal Boutique in Kodagu is taking these weddings up by a notch. Established by Shaharabanu (20), the Free Bridal Boutique is just weeks old, and operates from the rural part of Chettalli in Madikeri taluk.

Shaharabanu, who quit studies after completing PU examinations last year, is a YouTuber, and had also worked as a beautician for some time. The strong calling to do charity work has manifested itself in the form of this boutique.

“I always looked forward to doing charity work, but my family is not very well-to-do. Financial hurdles are many. However, a unique initiative has been started by one of my friends in Kerala, which led to the establishment of the Rainbow Free Bridal Boutique, a first of its kind in Karnataka,” explained Shaharabanu.

So, what is so unique about this boutique? It provides free bridal dresses to brides from economically weaker sections of society. “Weddings are very special to girls, and almost every girl dreams of wearing a special outfit on that day. However, many cannot afford these bridal outfits, and hence, I started a boutique to collect bridal clothes from women from rich families,” she explained.

She laid out her plan on social media platforms and received positive feedback and support. Responding to her social media post, many women donated their wedding attire, like sarees which they had worn for their own nuptials, and fancy outfits from their trousseau.

The clothes were collected and dry cleaned. “I have collected many wedding clothes, some even from my family members. These clothes will be handed over to brides from weaker sections of society, including orphaned girls who are unable to afford wedding clothes,” she said.

“Our generation is very active on social media and we often make new friends virtually. A WhatsApp group of like-minded girls who were on Instagram was created almost a year ago. In the group, one of the girls, who was poor, requested us to help her out for her wedding,” recalls Shaharabanu.

However, she felt helpless with her family’s meagre earnings, since her parents, Ameena and Maanu from Chettalli, are daily wage workers. Despite the impediments, the girls managed to collect funds and bought their friend a new bridal outfit, she added.

Following the incident, she realised that many girls face this challenge before their wedding, which the girls discussed in the group. That is when one of the girls from Kerala informed her about a boutique that donates bridal dresses to girls from poor families. “This boutique was started by a Kannur resident, Sabeeda, and I contacted her for support. Initially, when everyone was reluctant to donate their bridal wear to my boutique, Sabeeda helped me and brought many dresses all the way from Kannur to Chettalli,” she recalled.

When dresses were donated to a couple of poor girls, residents from Madikeri and Virajpet came forward and donated their bridal outfits. “My house is small. I had to make space to keep the dresses without damaging them. I bought a shelf for this purpose which is in my mother’s room, where the dresses are kept neatly,” she said. “It has been just 15 days since I started the boutique. There is no bar on religion or community of the brides. They can book the service and visit my place in Chettalli to select the dresses they want from what’s available. They can keep the outfits for themselves. This service is for those brides across the state who are battling economic hardship,” she said.

To ensure that the dresses reach the needy, she asks the beneficiary to submit a letter from the religious committees concerned, about the family’s financial situation. In just two weeks, more than 40 brides from across the state contacted the boutique, and Shaharabanu is working towards making their weddings special. “I ask the girls to visit my place 20 days prior to the wedding day. Their happy faces when they find the right bridal dress give me immense pleasure and satisfaction,” she added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News/ by Prajna GR, Express News Service / April 24th, 2022

Indian doctor performs 1st pediatric stem cell transplant in UAE

April 22, 2022Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World OpinionDr Zainul Aabideen, Dr Zainul Aabideen - Head of Department - Pediatric Hematology and Oncology - Burjeel Medical City - Abu Dhabi - UAE, Dr Zainul Abideen, Indian Doctors in Abu Dhabi, Indian Doctors Overseas, Indian Muslim Doctors, Indian Muslims, Indian Muslims of Kerala, Muslim Doctors of Kerala, Muslims of Kerala, VPS Healthcare - UAEmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kannur, KERALA / Abu Dhabi, UAE :

Dr Zainul Aabideen, with his patient, a 5-year-old Ugandan girl.

Abu Dhabi/Thiruvananthapuram :

A Malayali doctor in Abu Dhabi wrote himself into record books when he performed the first pediatric stem cell bone marrow transplant in the UAE.

Dr Zainul Aabideen, a native of Kannur in Kerala, presently Head of the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Burjeel Medical City successfully performed the advanced allogeneic procedure on a five-year-old girl from Uganda with sickle cell disease.

Billed as the first such surgery done in the UAE, the patient’s 10-year-old sister donated her bone marrow for the transplant treatment at Burjeel Medical City, a flagship hospital of VPS Healthcare.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder, which results in an abnormality in the hemoglobin found in red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and leading to several complications including anemia, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent pain, acute chest syndrome, and sometimes stroke.

Prior to the treatment, the child has been regularly admitted to the hospital due to complications arising from her disease since birth.

“As this was a life-threatening condition, the only curative option was bone marrow transplantation. Before this procedure, the patient suffered a lot. The entire care team here at the hospital and the child’s parents are delighted that the transplant will relieve this pain from her life,” said Zainul Aabideen, who headed a team of highly specialised doctors, including a pediatric intensive care team, for the procedure.

The patient has responded well to the treatment and will be discharged in a few days after a five-week stay at the hospital.

Earlier, pediatric patients in the UAE who had to undergo allogeneic stem cell bone marrow transplants travelled to the US, the UK, India, and other European countries.

Zainul Aabideen, completed his MBBS from Calicut University in Kerala and a post-graduate degree in Pediatrics from the University of Mumbai.

He then moved to the United Kingdom to specialise and undertake further training in pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric bone marrow transplantation in various hospitals in the UK.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz / Home> Health / by awazthevoice.in / April 20th, 2022