Category Archives: Amazing Feats

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibet Uzra Zeya to visit India and Nepal

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bihar,INDIA / North Carolina / Washington, U.S.A. :

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya. File | Photo Credit: AFP

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya will travel to India and Nepal this week to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals with the two nations, the State Department has announced.

Ms. Zeya, the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights and an India-American, is expected to visit Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh during her visit to India.

Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

“Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights and U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Ms. Zeya will travel May 17–22 to India and Nepal to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals, and to advance humanitarian priorities,” the State Department said on May 16.

“She will also discuss partnering with India and Nepal during this Year of Action for the Summit for Democracy. The delegation will include U.S.AID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur,” it added.

It will be the first high-level contact between the U.S. and the Tibetan leadership after Joe Biden became President in January last year.

In New Delhi, people familiar with the development said last month that Ms. Zeya will hold talks with the Dalai Lama and other senior leaders of the Tibetan Government in exile in Dharamsala, signalling the Biden administration’s commitment to the Tibetan cause.

Last month, Tibetan exile leader Penpa Tsering paid a visit to Washington D.C. and met Ms. Zeya. Tsering — the elected head of Tibet’s India-based exile Government the Central Tibetan Administration — had also met House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders.

China considers the 14th Dalai Lama as a political exile who has attempted to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion.

According to the people cited above, key issues relating to the Tibetan cause are likely to figure in the talks.

As the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, Ms. Zeya has been coordinating the Biden administration’s policies, programmes and projects relating to the Tibetan cause.

Ms. Zeya was sworn-in as the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 14 last year.

On December 20, she was concurrently appointed as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues.

The U.S. has been consistently supporting the Tibetan cause notwithstanding China’s strong objection.

In 2020, the U.S. came out with legislation reaffirming the absolute right of Tibetan people to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama and the preservation of Tibet’s environment.

After the U.S. Congress passed the legislation, China had accused Washington of meddling in its internal affairs.

China has been insisting that the selection of the next Dalai Lama has to be decided within Chinese territory and that it has to have a say in the matter.

The issue of a successor to the 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in Dharamsala since 1959, gained traction as he turned 86 in July last year.

Mr. Blinken had met a representative of the Dalai Lama during his visit to New Delhi last year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> International / by PTI / Washington, May 17th, 2022

After PM’s praise, Inayat Khan posted to Araria

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Martyrs of the Nation, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , ,

Agra, UTTAR PRADESH / Patna, BIHAR :

Inayat Khan in her office
Inayat Khan in her office

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered praises on IAS officer Inayat Khan for her phenomenal work as the District Magistrate of Sheikhpura, one of the backward districts of Bihar covered under the Aspirational Districts Programme for development, she has been posted to Araria in the Seemanchal region of Bihar. 

During the video conferencing on 24 January, the Prime Minister praised the young DM for her work related to women’s health, malnutrition and education. 

The Prime Minister acknowledged Inayat’s efforts and said that the change in the Sheikhpura district of Bihar was only because of her constant efforts.

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Inayat Khan interacting with Pm Narendra Modi in a virtual conference

Inayat Khan, 35, was born in Agra and did her B.Tech from Anand Engineering College. She cleared her UPSC in 2011 with an All-India rank of 176 and was allotted Bihar cadre. 

After working for India’s leading IT firm for one year before writing her UPSC examination to become a civil servant. job to serve the country. She cleared the exam in 2011. 

Inayat Khan’s first posting was as an assistant collector in the Patna district and the second one as the SDO in Rajgir.  

It was in Bhojpur where she was posted as District Development Commissioner (DM) that Inayat Khan was nicknamed a ‘tough officer’ as she got officer CCTV cameras and biometric attendance installed in offices in every block. 

She was a stickler for discipline and work culture. From surprise inspections to visiting the station premises personally to taking walks on foot in the district, Inayat did her best to improve the governance and service of the public at the hands of the government machinery.

ias
Inayat Khan

Besides making news with her strict demeanor and work ethic, Inayat has also adopted the children of the martyrs. 

The Aspirational Districts Programme is an initiative by the Government of India implemented by NITI Aayog with the help of various stakeholders to improve the living standards of people in aspirational districts. There are 112 Aspirational districts identified throughout the nation covering a minimum of one from each state in India. 

Recently, the state of Bihar was appointed with new DMs in 13 districts. Inayat Khan was allotted Araria district .

The district is a Muslim majority area and people are socially and economically backward. Her posting has given hope to the locals that Inayat Khan would work out a solution to the problems of the area. 

Inayat Khan made headlines when she adopted the kids of the martyr soldiers.

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Inayat Khan during her inspection tour

After the Pulwama attack, Inayat Khan remained in the headlines for her duty. She never announced the adoption of the daughters of Ratan Thakur and Sanjay Kumar of Bihar, who were martyred in the Pulwama attack.  

She not only donated her two-day salary but also made officers posted in Sheikhpura district donate their one-day salary to the fund for the families of the Pulwama martyrs. 

On a personal front, Inayat lives a simple life. She even has a housing loan from LIC to pay off for the financial year 2021-22. This came to the fore when she declared her movable and immovable property at the end of the fiscal year.  

According to the details as recorded on the website, the DM has about one kg of gold and Rs 3.50 lakh deposit in the bank.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / May 13th, 2022

Dr. Fathima Raeesa awarded best outgoing student in MD Radiodiagnosis at KMC Mangalore

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Science & Technology, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , ,

Mangalore, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru: 

Dr Fathima Raeesa was awarded ‘Prapulla S Hegde Memorial Endowment’ Gold medal for the Best outgoing Post Graduate student in M.D Radiodiagnosis for the year 2021 at the  ‘College Day and Awards ceremony’ held on 13th May 2022 in TMA Pai International convention center. This award has been instituted by Dr H.S Ballal, Former Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Dr Fathima Raeesa currently is working as a Senior Resident in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, KMC Mangalore. Dr Raeesa completed her schooling from Doha, Qatar. She is the daughter of Mr Mumtaz Hussain and Mrs Ishrath Jahan Khan, residents of Qatar. Mr Hussain is an Entrepreneur in Qatar. She is married to Dr Safwan Ahmed, Consultant Neurologist, who is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.

Dr Santosh Rai, HOD Radiodiagnosis, KMC Mangalore, received the award from Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice chancellor of MAHE, on behalf of Dr Raeesa, as she was out of station.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / Vartha Bharati / May 13th, 2022

In Kolkata, history builds bridges between communities

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Sabir Ahamed leading a KYN walk. Photo: Special Arrangement

Neighbourhood walks resume after pandemic to promote communal harmony

While history has turned out to be a source of confrontation in some parts of the country, with the Taj Mahal and the Gyanvapi mosque once again in the news for the wrong reasons, history is building bonds between communities in Kolkata.

A social experiment called ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ or KYN, which began in 2016, has returned after a pandemic-forced gap of two years, and is once again using history — through neighbourhood walks — to dispel apprehensions and promote communal harmony in West Bengal.

The next walk is in June, and the one held most recently — on April 23, during Ramzan — had led to the 1784-built Niyamatullah Ghat Masjid in north Kolkata. The mosque visit was held under what KYN organisers call Dosti-ki-Iftar, which has Muslims and non-Muslims breaking bread together, and saw about 150 participants, several of them non-Muslim women who were allowed into its premises for the first time.

“The idea came to me in 2015, when communal violence was taking place in parts of West Bengal — in Barasat, in Naihati. Rumours were being spread and there were cases of lynching. That’s when we realised that there was inadequate information and adequate misinformation about Muslims. KYN is an attempt to bridge the gap between communities using dialogue as a tool,” Sabir Ahamed, national research coordinator with the Pratichi Trust, and the convenor of KYN, told The Hindu.

“Neighbourhood walks in an important tool of dialogue because even though we share the same geography and live in the same city, we do not go to each other’s neighbourhoods or bother to find out about each other’s customs. Hatred breeds in this atmosphere of ignorance. Today, KYN has become a popular campaign, aiming to tackle religious prejudices and dismantle stereotypes,” Mr. Ahamed said.

The initiative, according to him, has succeeded in breaking new ground. During one of the walks, non-Muslim women climbed to the top of a minaret of the famous Nakhoda mosque for a majestic view of old Kolkata. Participants also discovered that water from the Hooghly river is used for ablutions before the offering of prayers at the mosque.

“Many young people admitted — after our events — that they harboured hatred because of misinformation and that they had changed their minds. A young lady told us that she never got into a cab if she found the driver to be a Muslim. Many students often refuse field surveys in Kidderpore (a locality with a large population of Muslims) because they fear something might happen to them, many believe that all you see in Muslim neighbourhoods is green flags — we need these ideas to change,” Mr. Ahamed said.

“That’s why we would like to work with colleges and univarsities to bring about a lasting change in the way we know each other. We are working with Presidency University and other colleges,” he said.

Samata Biswas, who teaches English at the Sanskrit College and University, said of her experience at recent walks in Kidderpore and in Taltala: “They reminded us of the confluence of faiths, cultures and people that has created modern Calcutta. From the Tamil church at Kidderpore to the historic Calcutta Madrassa which is older than both Presidency and my own institution — this aspect of Bengal’s history is often forgotten, the one that has Anglo-Indians, Jews, Parsis, Muslims, Tamils and Afghans living and working together in Calcutta.”

She added: “The trip to Baker Hostel, where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a resident, reminded me of the shared history of the two Bengals and Calcutta’s contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War. These are stories we seldom hear — stories that remind us that Calcutta is not merely for and by the Bengali bhadralok (elite), and that it has accommodated multiple cultures, institutions, cuisines and religious beliefs.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kolkata / by Bishwanath Ghosh / Kolkata – May 14th, 2022

Rouf Hamza has documented 100 mushroom varieties of Kashmir

Agriculture (since June 07th, 2021), Amazing Feats, Green Products, Leaders, World Opinion, ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Dr. Rouf Hamza Boda
Dr. Rouf Hamza Boda

Srinagar:

Dr. Rouf Hamza Boda has documented 100 indigenous and yet little known varieties of mushrooms in the Valley to earn the sobriquet of ‘Mushroom Man of Kashmir’. This includes the most expensive fungi in the world – Gucchi (Morel) – and the exotic Porcini.

Dr Boda is the author of Nano Mushroom Identifier, a Book that is beginners’ guide on mushroom cultivation. He belongs to Doru Shahabad of Anantnag and works as a lecturer in Government Higer secondary School, Verinaag in South Kashmir.

He says, “Since I come from a village (Doru Shahabad, Anantnag), I used to be part of the mushroom hunting groups in spring. I used to collect mushrooms in wicker baskets. Along the way, I often saw mushrooms of various shapes and sizes. Sometimes, seeing the large size of mushroom was intimidating.”

His childhood exposure made his pursue a Master’s degree in Botany and, he followed it up with a doctoral research on Mushrooms.

“My guide, Dr. Abdul Hamid Wani inspired me to research on wild mushrooms. I am the first person in the valley to research on wild mushrooms,” he says.

In his research paper, he has documented about 100 mushrooms from forest areas in South Kashmir and evaluated them for antioxidants. Rauf Hamza Boda says, “I have documented their nutritive value, cultivation pattern and studied their classification.”

He said that all mushrooms are fungi and they produce spores similar to pollen or seeds that are spread by wind. A mushroom mature only after this process is completed.In nature the mushroom grow in soil or on wood.

A local variety of mushroom on South Kashmir jungles

Mushrooms grow well on a pine tree. Hamza explains: “Mushroom extracts water and some minerals from the soil and gives it to the roots of these trees and the tree undergoes photosynthesis. This in turn produces many sugars for the mushroom.”

He says Kashmir has many naturally growing types of mushrooms, some of which are edible, including well-known species such as buttons, oysters, porcini and chanterelles, he said.

However, there are inedible ones too that can cause abdominal pain, or vomiting if eaten. Some can even prove fatal.

He says mushrooms are today known for their significant health benefits as these contain a variety of medicinal properties. “Mushroom is a low calorie food. It is rich in many health-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Mushrooms have been recognized as an important part of the diet.

For example, mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light are a good source of vitamin D, an important component in bone and immune health. In addition, many of them have anti-cancer properties.”

However, he pointed out that climate change and urbanization have affected many mushroom species. As a result, there has been a gradual decline in the mushroom production including that of Gucchi mushrooms.

“I have been tracking them for the last 10 years. It is estimated that their production has decreased as a result of climate change, deforestation and habitat destruction. Similarly, other mushrooms that grow in early spring, such as the monkey cap, are beginning to disappear. Earlier, they were seen in March and April.

He said that mushroom growing is a profitable venture for anyone who has the basic knowledge about the technique and art of growing mushrooms.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Youth / by awazthevoice.in / May 03rd, 2022

Danish Siddiqui, three other Reuters photographers win Pulitzers for images of India’s Covid crisis

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Fatalities, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , ,

NEW DELHI / JAMMU & KASHMIR / INDIA

The late Siddiqui, Adnan Abidi, Sanna Irshad Mattoo and Amit Dave won the prestigious prize for feature photography.

Reuters photographers Adnan Abidi, Sanna Irshad Mattoo, Amit Dave and Danish Siddiqui. | The Pulitzer Prizes

Reuters photographers Adnan Abidi, Sanna Irshad Mattoo, Amit Dave and the late Danish Siddiqui won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography on Monday for their coverage of the coronavirus crisis in India.

Siddiqui, 38, was killed while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan on July 16.

The jury said that the prize was awarded to the four photographers for their images of the crisis that “balanced intimacy and devastation, while offering viewers a heightened sense of place”.

This is Abidi’s third Pulitzer. Siddiqui had also won the prize before, in 2018.

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Twitter

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Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni said that the world was “jolted awake” to the scale of India’s Covid-19 outbreak after the news agency’s photographers documented it.

“To have Danish’s incredible work honoured in this way is a tribute to the enduring mark he has left on the world of photojournalism,” Galloni said in a statement.

A mass cremation of victims who died due to the coronavirus disease is seen at a crematorium ground in New Delhi on April 22, 2021. Reuters/Danish Siddiqui

While Abidi is based in New Delhi, Mattoo is a photographer from Kashmir. Dave is based in Ahmedabad, from where he covers local and national news assignments for Reuters.

The body of a person, who died from the coronavirus disease, lies on a funeral pyre during a mass cremation at a crematorium in New Delhi on May 1, 2021. Reuters/Adnan Abidi

Family members embrace while wearing personal protective equipment as they mourn a male relative, who died from the coronavirus disease, during his cremation ceremony in New Delhi on April 21, 2021. Reuters/Adnan Abidi

Other winners

The New York Times won three Pulitzer Prizes and was named as a finalist in five other categories on Monday.

The Washington Post won the award in the public service category for its “compellingly told and vividly presented” account of the attack on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 6, 2021.

The journalists of Ukraine were also awarded a special citation for their coverage of the Russian invasion.

American journalists Corey G Johnson, Rebecca Woolington and Eli Murray of the Tampa Bay Times were awarded the Pulitzer for their investigative reporting.

The three had exposed highly toxic hazards inside Florida’s only battery recycling plant that forced the implementation of safety measures to adequately protect workers and nearby residents.

Novelist Joshua Cohen was awarded the Pulitzer in the fiction category for his book The Netanyahus. The book is based on the life of Benzion Netanyahu, the father of former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Pulitzer Prize in music was awarded to Raven Chacon for his composition Voiceless Mass.

See the full list of winners here.

source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Latest> Media Matters / by Scroll Staff / May 10th, 2022

Sports model physique medal winner Tabassum shares her fitness mantra

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

Dhubri District / Guwahati, ASSAM :

Guriya Tabassum Parveen training in the Gym
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)

Amazing Feats, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kadur (Paivalike Panchayat), Kasargod District, KARNATAKA :

pix: thehindustangazette.com

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

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

Kamrup District, ASSAM :

Abdul Barek

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

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Karnataka (under research project), Sports,

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.

BCCL

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

PTI

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.

PTI

“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.

PTI

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.”

PTI

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