In Marapala, under the Thitimathi Gram Panchayat of Kodagu district, a dilapidated house belonging to a poor family—damaged over the years due to heavy rains—has been rebuilt into a beautiful new home. The initiative was undertaken by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Kodagu District’s Baitu Zakat unit, with generous support from donors and the Sadrimane team.
In a simple ceremony held on the evening of Wednesday, July 23, the newly built house was inaugurated, and the keys were handed over by JI Abdussalam, Convenor of the Mysore Zone.
The event was graced by Gram Panchayat President Mrs. Ponnu, Vice President Mrs. Shyamala, members JI Afroz, local cleric Maulana Kamaruddin Ahsani, Baitu Zakat supervisor, and businessman JI Ahmed Balele, JIH Kodagu District Convenor JI C.H. Afsar Madikeri, District Secretary P.K. Abdurrahman Virajpet, Gonikoppa Circle Convenor JI Tanvir Ahmed, and JIH Siddapur Local President JI M.K. Ashraf, who played a key role in overseeing the construction.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / July 24th, 2025
Among them are women who, through their work, have not only guided society but also become role models themselves. With courage, dedication, hard work, and limited resources, they are bringing about changes.
The list includes teachers, entrepreneurs, social workers, and heralds of change. Their stories fill us with pride and remind us that you can realise your objectives of serving society.
Khursheed Ahmad
Khursheed Ahmad has played a pivotal role in reviving Bihar’s cultural soul and turning Patna into a vibrant center of literature and arts. He has brought traditional forms like qawwali, poetry, literature, and Sufi music back into public life, infusing them with fresh energy and contemporary relevance.
Jabir Ansari
The right guidance at the right time can profoundly shape a life. Jabir Ansari, who hails from a humble background, reached the international martial arts arena thanks to his unwavering dedication. Hailing from Tumba Pahaad village in the Naxal-affected Jhajha block of Jamui district, he has won many gold medals and made his mark in martial arts.
Shams Alam
When doctors diagnosed a tumor in Shams Alam’s spine, they reassured him he would be running again in weeks. That day never came. Paralysis left his body’s lower half numb—a life-changing moment. Instead of despairing, Shams chose determination. Through grit and love for swimming, he emerged as a para‑swimmer who has made an indelible mark in Bihar, across India, and on international stages—breaking records and breaking barriers.
Tayyaba Afroz
She’s a pilot, and her social media bio proudly features phrases like “Born To Fly,” and “Dream, Achieve, Fly.” But behind these inspiring words lies a powerful story—selling ancestral land, withstanding social criticism, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers. Tayyaba Afroz from Jalalpur village in Saran district is not just the state’s first Muslim woman commercial pilot—she is a vibrant symbol of struggle, perseverance, and lofty dreams.
Dr. M. Aijaz Ali
Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. M. Aijaz Ali has been an advocate for the marginalized for nearly 30 years. His guiding belief is that true development is incomplete without social equality and protecting the rights of the poor. Born in 1958 and raised in an orphanage, he overcame poverty through his academic passion to gain admission to the prestigious Patna Medical College.
Jameel Akhtar
As Deputy General Manager at NTPC, Jameel Akhtar has dedicated his life to educating underprivileged children in Bihar. His commitment is so intense that he has chosen to remain unmarried, believing marriage might hinder his mission. “If I marry, managing the education and care of 550 children will become difficult,” he told Awaz –The Voice. In a senior role at NTPC, his heart beats for the children who have no means to attend school.
Mohammad Ibrahim
A resident of Ramna in Motihari, Mohammad Ibrahim’s extraordinary journey inspires not just the youth of Bihar but all of India. His path from Motihari to Dubai is a powerful testament to determination and purpose. Recently honoured with Oxford University’s Best Travel & Immigration Services Award, his story marks a significant milestone in his professional journey.
Dr. Mumtaz Nair
Dr. Mumtaz Nair hails from a small village in the Kishanganj district of Bihar. In her early years, her family struggled even to meet basic needs. Despite hardships, her family chose to invest in her education—a decision that one day contributed significantly to the global fight against some of the world’s deadliest viruses.
Faizan Ali
At just 18 years, Faizan Ali was earning a degree in business studies when life called him to a deeper purpose. More than studies or ambition, he realised his true calling was serving humanity. “If you truly want to share someone’s pain, age and education don’t matter—passion does,” Faizan told Awaz – The Voice. Now 23, Faizan from Gaya is a shining example of selfless service. Raised in a modest family, he never imagined his life would pivot from a corporate future to community work.
Rani Khanam
Rani Khanam is the first Muslim Kathak dancer in Independent India to turn her love for classical dance into a profession. Originally from Gopalganj, Bihar, she practiced Kathak clandestinely, in a family that did not allow music or dance. Through her art, she has empowered women and highlighted key social issues.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>The Changemakers / July 20th, 2025
Yet another feather in the cap of paediatrician Dr Abdul Kasim Jaleel Ahamed as he was honoured with ‘Eminent Doctor Personality Award’ for the year 2025 at an event held at Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquartered in New Delhi. The occasion was during National Doctors Day
“Medicine cures diseases but only doctors can cure patients.” This thought-provoking quote of Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychologist Carl Gustav Jung is relevant in the context of noted paediatrician from Coimbatore Dr Abdul Kasim Jaleel Ahamed as he was honoured with ‘Eminent Doctor Personality Award’ for the year 2025 at an event held at Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquartered in New Delhi on the National Doctors Day event.
Indian Medical Association (IMA), the world’s largest association of doctors with over 4 lakh members and 1,800 branches across the country, held its prestigious national award ceremony in the nation’s capital on July 14, wherein scores of medical professionals in different categories were recognised with the honour by Chief Guest Dr Jitendra Goyal, Union Minister of Science and Technology besides the Guest of Honour Dr Anil Goyal, MLA from Delhi.
With over four decades of dedicated service, Dr Jaleel Ahamed carved a niche for himself in treating children at his Cloud One Smart Clinic at West Ponnurangam Road in RS Puram neighbourhood in Coimbatore city. No gainsaying the fact that the child specialist earned name and fame among the residents within and off the city. Noteworthy to mention, he earlier served as Chief Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital for 34 years.
It is pertinent to point out that Holy Quran researcher, noted speaker, author and publisher Dr Ameer Althaf, in his book ‘Pettagam’ released in 2013 which is a compilation of 300 years history of Coimbatore Muslims, has a separate chapter on Dr A K Jaleel Ahamed.
He married the daughter of Sakkarai Mohamed Rowther, a philanthropist, who spared a considerable amount for charity even while running his transport company in the 1970s. Those were the days when the less privileged and poor waited in front of Jungle Beer Dargah, Jamesha Dargah and Five Corner mosque during Jumma Ki Raat and on Jumma day.
Dr Jaleel Ahamed taking a cue from his father-in-law is doing his mite continuing his tradition in reaching out to the poor and the needy. Not to be left behind, Dr Jaleel’s service to mankind fetched him accolades from several quarters from far and near while not to speak of the recent IMA Delhi’s ‘Eminent Doctor Personality Award’ at a function organised in connection with ‘National Doctors Day’.
Making heads turn, Dr Jaleel treated an 800-gram test-tube baby claimed to be the country’s first while serving at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital as Chief Paediatrician & Neonatologist, which was the talk of the town then. Interestingly, the baby whom he had treated grew to become a graduate bringing pride to the paediatrician for his noble gesture. This particular incident finds a place in the Pettagam book.
Significantly, he was instrumental in donning the role of Organising ChairPerson – State Neocon 2007 and 2014, Organising Committee Ooty Pedicon (State IAP Conference 2005), Organising Committee , Kongu Pedicon (State IAP Conference 2017 Coimbatore, Organising ChairPerson – South Neocon 2018 in Chennai besides Organising Chairperson – State Neocon 2019 in Madurai, Organised Various CME and Neonatal and Paediatric Workshops in Coimbatore and was State & South Zone Coordinator for IAP Presidential Action Plans.
To his credit, he has numerous awards, including Sr Paediatrician Award, IAPTNSC Senior Neonatologist Award, NNFTN Academic Excellence Award, IMA Community Service Award UG, PG at Coimbatore Medical College during 1976 to 1981,1983-1985 besides Fellowship in Neonatology & Paediatric medicine.
Moreover, he had attended various International, National and State level conferences, workshops, CME programmes in Neonatology at Germany, Norway, Singapore, Italy, UK, South Africa, Dubai, Malaysia, Netherland, Athens, and Alexandria.
Adding more to this, Dr Jaleel said that he was part of the International vaccine summit during 2004 at Thailand and submitted various papers, presentations in paediatrics and neonatology and was selected as a special invitee to attend surfactant replacement therapy during 2006, 2007 in Norway (Oslo), and Italy (Ancona) while not speak of his participation at ESPGHAN summit held in UK, Czech Republic., Geneva, Scotland Visited Marburg, Germany as an observer in neonatology and paediatric nephrology during 2005.
He obtained observer fellowship in neonatology during 2012 at Texas Children’s Hospital USA. The list is endless as he is armed with many recognitions across the globe.
Radiance takes pride in felicitating Dr Jaleel Ahamed for the IMA honour for his dedicated service to the needy.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by M Rafi Ahmed / July 22nd, 2025
ACP Rehana Sheikh, who received nearly 150 awards and served across Maharashtra, says she will continue to serve the nation even after retirement
Mumbai/Sangli , MAHARASHTRA :
Rehana Sheikh, Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman police officer, has retired after nearly 36 years of dedicated service. She started her journey as a sub-inspector and retired on 31 May from the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). At the time of retirement, she was working in the VIP security at Raj Bhavan in South Mumbai.
Governor of Maharashtra CP Radhakrishnan honoured ACP Rehana Sheikh on her retirement. She was recognised not just for her long career but also for her contribution to law enforcement and her trailblazing role as the first Muslim woman in the Maharashtra police force.
Speaking to Clarion India, Rehana Sheikh said, “I was the first Muslim woman to become a police officer in Sangli and Maharashtra. When I applied, 25,000 women took the police recruitment exam. Only 25 were selected and I was the only Muslim woman among them.”
Sheikh, who hails from Sangli, said her father served in the military, but no one in her family had worked in the police before. Her dream began when she was a national-level volleyball player. Watching the TV serial Udhan, which showed a woman police officer, inspired her to serve the country.
“A kabaddi player from our neighbourhood had become a sub-inspector. I had job offers from banks, but my volleyball coach asked me, ‘Do you want to be a clerk or an officer?’ That question changed my life,” she recalled.
Despite social challenges and the fact that a police job was not seen favourably at the time, her family stood by her. Rehana’s journey in the force was marked by both professional achievements and personal hardships.
“Shortly after I joined the force, my father passed away. I had to take care of my mother, younger sister and brothers. Then I got married in 1991, but my husband died in an accident in 1993. My son was very young at that time,” she said.
After her husband’s death, she was transferred to Solapur and later promoted and posted in Kolhapur. She remarried in 2004 and continued her service with dedication in various cities and districts of Maharashtra.
Rehana Sheikh worked during some of the most dangerous times in Mumbai’s history. “When I began my career, the underworld was very strong. Crimes were violent — beatings, murders. Now, the nature of crime has changed. We see more cybercrime and online fraud,” she explained.
She played an active role in many high-profile operations. “I was part of the police team during the Lokhandwala shootout. I was also involved in the search at Arun Gawli’s Dagdi Chawl, where we seized weapons. Those were difficult times, and I believe the new generation will find such work challenging.”
She also spoke about being among the first batch of women allowed to work at police stations. “Earlier, women officers were only posted at airports or less active places. We were the first to be allowed to work in police stations.”
Balancing home and duty has never been easy. “My husband and my colleagues supported me. I had the responsibility of my family and later my in-laws, too. But I managed both because of their support and Allah’s grace,” she said.
During her long career, Rehana Sheikh was honoured with nearly 150 awards. But for her, the real success lies in the lives she touched and the message she now wants to spread.
“My message to women is: be educated and join the police force. Serve the society, the nation and the country. Even after retirement, I want to continue working for the betterment of people,” she said with pride.
ACP Rehana Sheikh’s journey from Sangli to the top ranks of Mumbai’s police force is not only inspiring but also a symbol of determination, courage, and service.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / June 03rd, 2025
Let us not forget him in a hurry. Let us not reduce him to a paragraph in history books. Instead, let us pass on his memory like a worn volume of Pavangal, read and reread, loved and lived, whispered from one generation to the next.
Vakkom Majeed (1909-2000). Photo: From KM Seethi’s archive.
Vakkom Majeed passed away on July 10, 2000.
“He never went out without a book under his arm, and he often came back with two.”
— Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
In the long and rolling corridors of memory, some lives stay like verses, opening out slowly, sentence by sentence, chapter by chapter, never quite closing. Vakkom Majeed’s was one such life. A life commemorated not only by its fearless engagement with history, but by its quiet, intense companionship with books. On the 25th anniversary of his passing, as we also mark the 100th year of Pavangal, the Malayalam translation of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables , it feels almost providential to recall him through the pages he so often inhabited.
Majeed Sahib, as many called him with reverence, moved with a book always kept under his arm, a bulwark against ignorance, a lamp in times of doubt. And among the many volumes he read and reread, Pavangal held a sacred space. Nalapat Narayana Menon’s 1925 translation of Hugo’s masterpiece was more than literature to him. It was revelation. He had devoured the original edition in his youth, and its characters never left him – Valjean’s anguish, Javert’s moral rigidity, the revolt in the streets of Paris, the quiet dignity of suffering souls. When he spoke of Pavangal, it was with a fervour one reserves for scripture. He did not read the novel, rather he lived it.
A.P. Udayabhanu, a veteran freedom fighter of Kerala, once described Majeed as a “moving encyclopaedia with at least one book in his hands.” But Majeed Sahib was more than a repository of knowledge. He was a seeker, a provocateur of conscience, a gentle fire that never flickered out. I have the sweetest of memories of my time spent with him, from childhood itself, I remember the rhythm of his voice as he discussed Bertrand Russell’s three-volume autobiography, Churchill’s sprawling accounts of World War II, or the 10-volume correspondence of Sardar Patel. There was never a trace of vanity in his learning. He read not to impress but to illuminate. And when he shared his readings – Azad’s Tarjuman al-Qur’an, Muhammad Asad’s Road to Mecca, M. N. Roy’s The Historical Role of Islam, Arthur Koestler’s The Yogi and the Commissar, or Hugo’s Pavangal, like many – he spoke with the urgency of a man who felt truth must never be hoarded.
Born on December 20, 1909, in the storied Poonthran Vilakom family of Vakkom near Chirayinkil (Travancore), S. Abdul Majeed inherited a legacy of reform and resistance. His uncle, Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi, had already lit the flame of renaissance among Kerala Muslims. From his schooldays at St. Joseph’s High School, Anjengo, young Majeed was pulled into the vortex of reform movements and the call of the Indian freedom struggle. By the time the Quit India movement broke out, he was already a marked figure in Travancore, arrested, jailed, and later jailed again for resisting the plan of “Independent Travancore.”
But what set him apart – what made him more than just another freedom fighter – was the deep moral imagination that animated his politics. His understanding of rebellion was not ideological. It was profoundly ethical. Like Victor Hugo, he believed that human dignity must stand unshackled before the majesty of any state or creed. He condemned the ‘two-nation theory’ not because it was politically inconvenient but because it was morally vacuous. To him, the soul of India was plural, secular, and indivisible.
In 1948, he was elected unopposed to the Travancore-Cochin State Assembly from Attingal. But when his term ended in 1952, he walked away from practical politics, choosing instead the solitary path of reading, reflection, and moral clarity. While others sought power, Majeed Sahib sought wisdom. And in doing so, he became more relevant with age. Over the next decades, he would immerse himself in the philosophical and historical writings of Bertrand Russell, the radical humanism of M. N. Roy, and the emancipatory visions of Narayana Guru. He called for a “return of Ijtihad”, a freedom of thought within Islamic traditions, and dreamed of a society beyond caste and creed.
He never became rigid in doctrine. His politics was never a fixed ideology, but a conversation between ideas and reality. In our many conversations, I recall his thoughtful analysis of the Malabar Rebellion. He agreed with the thesis that it was fundamentally a revolt born of agrarian injustice but he was deeply saddened by its later communal turn. For him, the tragedy of history was when righteous anger was manipulated into sectarian hatred.
And always, there was a book in his hand. Always, a passage to quote. Always, a memory to share.
The last three decades of his life were his most contemplative. He reread the classics, interrogated nationalist histories, and engaged with young minds who came to him for guidance. To them, he gave not slogans but questions. When he spoke of Jean Valjean’s redemption, it was a commentary on our prison system. When he discussed Javert’s suicide, it became a parable about the dangers of legalism without compassion. When he recalled Fantine’s fall, it was a scathing critique of social hypocrisy.
He never forgot the moment when he visited the Indian National Army hero Vakkom Khader in the Madras Central Jail. It was Majeed Sahib who brought back Khader’s last letter to his father before his hanging, a task that broke his heart and steeled his resolve.
In 1972, when the nation celebrated the silver jubilee of independence, Majeed was awarded the Tamrapatra by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Later he was deeply perturbed by the excesses of Emergency.
There was no trace of ceremony in his life. No pursuit of fame or favours. He lived in quiet dignity, read in solitude, and died in obscurity, on July 10, 2000. He left behind not an estate, not a political dynasty, but an idea of what it means to live ethically, read deeply, and act justly.
Today, as we remember him, the centenary of Pavangal seems to carry the tenor of prophecy. One hundred years since Jean Valjean entered Malayalam letters, and twenty-five since Vakkom Majeed left this world, the two seem braided, one fictional, one real, both intensely human. Majeed Sahib was Kerala’s own Valjean: hunted by regimes, misunderstood by many, but ultimately redeemed by the fire of truth and the grace of humility.
Let us not forget him in a hurry. Let us not reduce him to a paragraph in history books. Instead, let us pass on his memory like a worn volume of Pavangal, read and reread, loved and lived, whispered from one generation to the next.
For in remembering Vakkom Majeed, we remember the best of what we once hoped to be.
K.M. Seethi is director, Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala, India. Seethi also served as Senior Professor of International Relations, Dean of Social Sciences at MGU and ICSSR Senior Fellow.
source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> History / by K.M. Seethi / July 11th, 2025
“This Too Shall Pass,” a debut poetry collection by Muskan Sufi, a young Kodagu student studying in Mysuru, has earned international recognition after being nominated for the prestigious Indie Authors Award 2025, held in memory of American poet Emily Dickinson. The book is now available for purchase online on Amazon.
Muskan Sufi, a student of English Literature and Psychology at St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, hails from Virajpet in Kodagu and belongs to the Kodava Muslim community. Her literary achievement has drawn attention not only for its quality but also for the quiet determination that brought her recognition at a young age.
Published by the internationally acclaimed Bookleaf Publication, This Too Shall Pass was born out of Muskan’s participation in the publisher’s “21 Poems in 21 Days” challenge. She surpassed expectations by writing more than 28 poems, which resulted in a 50-page collection of emotionally rich, thought-provoking verse.
Her poems explore themes of pain, healing, nature, death, and the complexities of human emotion. With modern and socially conscious subjects, Muskan’s writing brings to life the inner turbulence of individuals and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. She uses simple yet powerful language, aiming to connect souls and provide hope to those facing life’s darkest times.
Thousands of poets participate in Bookleaf’s global poetry initiatives, and the top entries are selected for book publication and nomination to the Indie Authors Award. Muskan’s nomination has created a ripple in the English literary community, marking a proud moment for the Kodava Muslim community.
Expressing her joy, Muskan said, “I joined the challenge after coming across the campaign on social media. I’ve always loved writing English poetry, but I never imagined my poems would be published or nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s given me great motivation to pursue more literary work.”
Muskan is the daughter of Duddiyanda H. Sufi and Masuda Sufi, who head the DHS Group of Companies in Virajpet. Her father also serves as the president of the Kodava Muslim Association (KMA).
Muskan’s poetry book, This Too Shall Pass, is now available for purchase on Amazon.
source: http://www.hindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / pix:kannada.hindustangazette.com / July 21st, 2025
Umar Sheikh’s determination and the school’s support have been vital to his academic achievements
New Delhi :
The Maharashtra State Examination Council’s recent 5th and 8th class scholarship exams witnessed remarkable achievements from students across the state. Among them, 954 students from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools secured places on the district merit list, with Muslim student Muhammad Umar Sheikh standing out as the top scorer in the 8th class scholarship exam with an impressive 72.79% marks.
This achievement is particularly significant given the exam’s difficulty and the fierce competition from students all over Maharashtra. The 8th class scholarship exam was held on February 9, drawing hundreds of participants. In the 5th class category, Ridhi Kamlesh Mishra from Vakola BMC Hindi Medium school topped with 79.19% marks.
Muhammad Umar Sheikh, a student of Deonar Colony MPS School No. 4 and currently in the ninth grade, secured 236 out of 300 marks, making him the highest scorer in all BMC schools for the 8th grade. This year, out of the 954 successful candidates, 536 were from the 5th grade and 418 from the 8th grade. This is a sharp increase compared to last year’s 405 students who cleared the exams.
Speaking to the media, Muhammad Umar’s father, Muhammad Saleem, shared the challenges their family has faced. “My son has been topping his class in mathematics and science since the beginning. He loves these subjects and has been very focused,” said Saleem. He added that Umar had also topped the 5th class scholarship exam.
Saleem narrated the difficulties faced by the family during the COVID pandemic. “Before COVID, my two children studied at DY Patil School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. However, due to the loss of income during the pandemic, I could not pay their school fees, and the school stopped their studies. The school even refused to give their transfer certificates because of unpaid fees,” he explained.
With limited options, Saleem moved his family to Govindi in 2021 and struggled to find admission for his children. “It was not easy, but with persistence, I managed to get them admitted to a school here,” he said. Despite the hardships, Saleem is proud of his children’s resilience and achievements. “They are intelligent, and their performance at the new school has been excellent,” he remarked.
When asked about his son’s ambitions, Saleem said, “Umar wants to become a scientist. He has been saying this since the first grade, and with the way he is studying, I believe he will achieve it.”
The school’s principal and staff have expressed great pride in Muhammad Umar’s success. Principal Menal Chaudhary, along with teachers Uday, Ravi, Balu, Prateek, Nitin, and Smithia Madam, congratulated Umar and praised his dedication and hard work. “His success is a source of pride for the entire school,” they said.
This story highlights not only the academic excellence of Indian Muslim students in Mumbai’s government schools but also the obstacles faced by economically weaker families. It also reflects the support provided by committed teachers and principals who encourage students to reach their full potential.
Muhammad Umar Sheikh’s story serves as an inspiration for many young students facing financial hardships, demonstrating that determination and support can lead to success. His achievement, along with the rise in the number of successful students from BMC schools, reflects a positive change in the educational opportunities for Indian Muslim children, who often face social and economic challenges.
In a city known for its diversity, such stories emphasise the need to acknowledge and support the talents and ambitions of minority communities. This achievement sends a message to all that education is the key to overcoming barriers and achieving dreams, regardless of one’s background.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India / July 14th, 2025
Prof Shahab Fazal of the Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred the prestigious National Geospatial Faculty Fellow Award at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
The award was presented in recognition of Prof Fazal’s significant contribution to advancing geospatial education through his textbooks and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). His work has played a vital role in popularising geospatial technologies and making them accessible to students across the country.
Padma Shri Prof Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), presented the award during a special ceremony held at the Prof B. Nag Main Auditorium of IIT Bombay.
The award ceremony was a key highlight of the Open Source GIS Day Celebrations, organised by the FOSSEE GIS project of IIT Bombay. This initiative falls under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT), Ministry of Education, Government of India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 18th, 2025
At 59, a motor mechanic in Rajasthan dedicates his life to helping 19,000 poor families, distributing free ration kits and gifts to Hindus and Muslims alike, proving that service knows no religion.
New Delhi / Dungarpur :
In the heart of Dungarpur city in Rajasthan, a remarkable story of selfless service and unity is quietly unfolding. Haji Noor Mohammad Makrani, a car mechanic by trade, has become an inspiring figure of humanity and brotherhood, breaking barriers of religion and caste with his unwavering dedication to the poor and needy.
For many years, Noor Mohammad has devoted himself to social service through the public welfare group “MMB Group,” inspired by the spirit of the Mastan Shah Baba Dargah, where he is actively involved. His mission has touched the lives of over 19,000 families, distributing free ration kits and providing essential support during every festival, including Holi, Diwali, Eid, Bakrid, and Ramadan.
“Service is the biggest religion,” says Noor Mohammad, whose commitment has not waned even at the age of 59. His efforts go beyond just ration distribution; he has donated blood 40 times and regularly distributes clothes, food, and daily necessities to the destitute across Dungarpur. He also cares for animals and birds, ensuring they have food and water.
“Noor Mohammad does not see anyone’s caste or religion. His heart is open to all,” shares Asrar Ahmed, former minister of state, praising the man whose actions unite communities. Non-Muslim residents of Dungarpur also express deep respect and support for him, showing that goodwill crosses all divides.
“As long as I live, I will continue this service,” Noor Mohammad states firmly, embodying the true spirit of brotherhood in a time when such examples are rare.
At the Mastan Shah Baba Dargah, Noor Mohammad regularly collaborates with government officials, social workers, and local leaders to organise public welfare programmes. His work stands as a shining example in an age where division often dominates headlines.
This story of Noor Mohammad Makrani is a reminder that humanity and kindness can prevail over differences. His life’s work inspires many to see beyond religion and caste and to embrace the shared responsibility to care for the less fortunate.
“Noor Mohammad’s service has helped our family during hard times. His help is given without any conditions,” says Rahim Khan, a beneficiary.
“In these times, it’s rare to find someone who works for all communities alike. He truly represents brotherhood,” remarks Suman Patel, a local Hindu resident.
Noor Mohammad’s journey shows that compassion and dedication can build bridges where others see only walls.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / July 15th, 2025
On July 10, a significant milestone in Northeast India’s healthcare landscape unfolded as Dr. Parveez Ubed inaugurated the 7th Hub Hospital of ERC Eye Care in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district, Assam.
The ceremony represents more than just another hospital opening—it symbolizes the transformative vision of a social entrepreneur who chose to stay in his homeland over greener pastures in metropolitan cities.
Dr. Parveez Ubed’s story begins in Jorhat, Assam, where, after completing his ophthalmology specialization from the Gauhati Medical College in 2007, he decided to change lives.
His classmates left for bigger cities for attractive offers, but Dr. Ubed chose to stay put in Assam to serve his people. His decision was driven by his understanding of the region’s healthcare challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Presenting an award to Dr Perveez Ubed
His entrepreneurial journey started in June 2011, when he founded ERC Eye Care in a converted kitchen space with just Rs 4 lakhs borrowed from his mother.
What began as a single-man mission has now evolved into a phygital (physical + digital) eye care network spanning across Northeast India with 267 full-time employees and 190 part-time staff.
Dr. Ubed’s venture addresses a critical healthcare gap in Northeast India, where the statistics paint a sobering picture.
Assam has a blindness prevalence of 3.03% against the national average of 1.99%, with an estimated 92% preventable blindness. The World Health Organization reported that 18.8% of Indians suffer from vision impairment due to cataract in Assam alone, making it one of the most affected regions in the country.
Bad roads and difficult terrain, lack of information, poor overall health status, and absence of escorts are barriers that limit access to eye care services in the region.
The beneficiers of Dr Perveez Ubed’s eyecare facilities
With only 0.6 ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Assam, the doctor-patient ratio represents a massive healthcare infrastructure deficit.
Dr. Ubed’s entrepreneurial genius lies in his innovative hub-and-spoke business model that tackles the three critical healthcare challenges: affordability, accessibility, and availability. The model operates through: Hub Hospitals: (i) Equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities serving as main centres in Sivasagar (2015), Nagaon, Silchar, Guwahati, Tezpur, Boko (6th hospital, January 2025), and now Abhayapuri (7th hospital, July 2025).
(ii) Spoke Centres: Satellite vision centres and mobile units extending basic eye care to remote areas, bringing services directly to patients’ doorsteps. (iii) Digital Integration: The organization leverages AI and IoT technology through their digital platform erclens.com, making them the world’s first phygital eye care company.
Dr. Perveez Ubed with a patient
Dr. Ubed’s transformation from a medical professional to a successful social entrepreneur showcases remarkable business acumen. “All my nights were spent reading MBA books to find a business plan,” he recalls with characteristic humility.
This self-directed learning was later complemented by formal business education at Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2019-2021), where he completed the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme Certificate.
Dr. Ubed’s work has garnered prestigious recognition, underscoring his impact as a changemaker. He received several awards and recognition in India and abroad.
Dr. Ubed’s vision extends far beyond numbers, though the statistics are impressive: over 1.1 million patients served, 500,000 eyeglasses distributed, and 43,000 cataract surgeries performed. Each figure represents a life transformed, a livelihood restored, and hope renewed.
The organization’s pricing model reflects its social mission: eye consultations for Rs 50, optical retail starting at Rs 99, and cataract surgeries from Rs 3,500. Studies referenced by ERC indicate that good vision can increase incomes by 30% and productivity by 25%, making eye care not just a medical intervention but an economic empowerment tool.
Dr. Parveez Ubed
Dr. Ubed’s forward-thinking approach incorporates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT technologies to create scalable healthcare solutions. The digital platform erclens.com offers teleconsultation services, online appointments, and home eye testing, making ERC a pioneer in tech-enabled healthcare delivery for underserved markets. The organization’s expansion plans extend beyond India to Southeast Asia and Africa, positioning ERC as a global model for affordable healthcare delivery.
Dr. Parveez Ubed stands as living proof that one person’s commitment to serve can illuminate the path for millions. In a world where success is often measured by personal wealth, Dr. Ubed has chosen a different metric—the number of people who can see clearly enough to dream again, work productively, and live with dignity.
His story reminds us that true entrepreneurship lies not in creating unicorns, but in nurturing phoenixes—taking communities from the ashes of neglect and helping them rise to their full potential.
As thousands more patients walk through the doors of this new hospital in Abhayapuri, they will not just be receiving medical treatment; they will be touching the legacy of a man who saw beyond the obvious, dreamed beyond the conventional, and dared to stay when leaving would have been easier.
In the annals of social entrepreneurship, Dr. Parveez Ubed’s name will be etched not just as a successful businessman but as a visionary who gave vision to the visually impaired and hope to the hopeless, proving that sometimes, the greatest journey is not about going far but about going deep into the heart of what truly matters.
The author is the former DGP of the Assam Police
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Pallab Bhattacharyya / July 17th, 2025
