Ahmer Khan, a journalist hailing from Kashmir, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Martin Adler Prize at the annual Rory Peck Awards. Khan, a regular freelancer for The Guardian, was recognized for his fearless reporting on some of the most challenging and contentious issues in India.
The award ceremony, held on November 17, showcased Khan’s remarkable contributions to journalism, with the jury commending his work for shedding light on tough issues in India with both impact and sensitivity. The Guardian, which nominated Khan for the award, expressed their unwavering confidence in his journalistic prowess, citing his reliability and dedication to going above and beyond for stories he is passionate about.
In response to winning the Martin Adler Prize, Khan dedicated his achievement to the “brave journalists working in Gaza who, in the line of duty, sacrificed their lives for journalism.” This heartfelt gesture underlines Khan’s solidarity with journalists facing perilous conditions in conflict zones.
To brighten up this Monday morning, here's the moment @ahmermkhan is announced winner of the Martin Adler Prize at the #RoryPeckAwards last week👏 👏.
The Martin Adler Prize, established in memory of Swedish freelance camera operator Martin Adler, who tragically lost his life in 2006, aims to honor local freelancers or field producers making significant contributions to newsgathering.
source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Motivational Story / by The Hindustan Gazette / November 20th, 2023
Ms. Taranum was among the 22 recipients of Best Electoral Practices awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to election management, security management, voter education and inclusivity.
President Droupadi Murmu presenting Best Electoral Practices Award to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum at Maekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi on National Voters Day on Saturday, a day before the 76th Republic Day. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum was honoured with an award for adopting the Best Election Practices Award for 2024-25.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to the officer in the presence of Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu at Maekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi on National Voters Day on Saturday, a day before the 76th Republic Day.
Ms. Taranum was among the 22 recipients of Best Electoral Practices awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to election management, security management, voter education and inclusivity. The awards recognised exceptional contributions across multiple categories in election management for the 2024 Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections held in 2024.
Best Performing State Award was given to CEOs of Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. Government Departments like NIC, Railways, and Petroleum Ministry were also lauded for voter awareness and logistical support. Media awards acknowledged Radio Mirchi and Doordarshan for impactful election campaigns.
Ms. Taranum was among the 11 officers from across the country who received the award in the General Category and the only one in Karnataka.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 26th, 2025
Till recently whenever the 45-year-old Muslim Ansari drove his autorickshaw through the officers’ colony of the city, he was overawed by the luxurious bungalows. He visualized living in one of these houses with his family.
His dream is about to come true as his daughter is on the verge of becoming a Deputy Collector and being entitled to such an official accommodation in the Officers’ colony.
In the recent result of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission examination, Ayesha Ansari of Rewa district has secured 12th rank in the state.
Ayesha Ansari being being congratulated by visitors at her house
She has been selected for the post of Deputy Collector. Her success is being celebrated across the district. Although she is yet to get orders for her posting, her family is already looking at good days.
Ayesha Ansari was born in a middle-class Muslim family. Her father, Muslim Ansari put in all his efforts to make his daughter’s dream come true. Ayesha credits her parents for her success. She says that her father used to walk every morning through the Police Line Colony and read the nameplates of officers living in the bungalows.
Her father manifested and visualized a big future for her daughter and his dream has come true.
Ansari often told his daughter, “I wish someone in our family had a big bungalow to his name.”
Ayesha with relatives
Wanting to make her father proud, Ayesha focused on her education and decided to make his dream come true.
Ayesha Ansari believes success comes only with dedication and hard work. She never joined any coaching class.For the preparations, Ayesha used her mobile phone to access study material and did a home study.
He said he worked hard to provide for his family and ensure that Ayesha got everything she needed for her important examinations and education.
Muslim Ansari says, “I had no idea about the civil services, but always dreamt of my daughter getting a good position.”
Ansari says he drove his auto rickshaw even when he was ill so that his daughter’s studies were not affected.
Ayesha Ansari’s success has sent a wave of joy in her family and neighbourhood. There is a beeline of people outside their house with everyone wanting to meet and congratulate Ayesha.
Ayesha believes that the youth should leave no stone unturned in their hard work and keep trying to secure their goals. She asks them to stay away from social media and distractions.
Muslim Ansari said, he never thought that his daughter would reach such high a high point in her life.
“Our life was full of struggle, but now we can proudly say that our daughter has achieved this feat with her hard work.”
Ayesha who belongs to the marginalised Pasmanda community has thus become a sources of inspiration for many who otherwise believed that lack of resources was an impediment to their drowth and realisation of their dreams.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Abdul Wasim Ansari, Rewa, MP / January 23rd, 2025
The valedictory function of the 4th Asian Congress for Alternatives to Animal Experiments held at Jamia Hamdard Convention Centre where Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard was the Chief Guest of the programme.
Organizing secretary Prof. S. Raisuddin informed that this congress is being held for the first time in India. During this congress the founding members of the society and representatives from India, China, Japan, and South Korea signed a joint declaration to establish the Asian Federation of Societies for Alternatives to Animal Experiments (AFSAAE).
Well-wishers from societies working for alternatives from America, Europe, and Sri Lanka also wished good link to the foundation. All the representatives were felicitated by the Organizing Secretary. Prof. Y.K. Gupta and Dr. M. A. Akbarsha graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
Prof. Y. K. Gupta urged the scientists to understand the pain of Animals while using them for scientific experiments.
Dr. Akbarsha announced the next meeting to be held at Hyderabad. Prof. Raisuddin presented a detailed report of 3 days deliberations during the conference. He also announced various awards for best presentations by young scientists. Dr. Christian Pellevoisin, Scientific Director, MatTek & CEO Urbilateria France sponsored best poster presentation awards and cash prizes to the budding scientists. Dr. Kristie Sullivan, Vice President, Education and Outreach, Institute for In Vitro Sciences, USA and Prof Winfried Neuhaus, member of the Austrian Commission for Animal Experimentation also appreciated the successful organization of the Congress.
Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor congratulated the Organising committee members for the successful organisation of the conference. He appreciated the patronage of Janab Hammad Ahmed, Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard and financial support of Hamdard National Foundation along with other funding agencies for enabling Jamia Hamdard to develop alternative models of animal experiments.
Programme ended with vote of thanks by the Organising Secretary and National Anthem.
source: http://www.taasir.com / Taasir.com / Home> Education / by Taasir News Network / December 15th, 2024
Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) , a project under the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM),
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has been awarded the prestigious title of “University of the Year 2024” at the Academic Insights Education Excellence Awards & Summit 2024, held in Bengaluru.
The honor was received by USTM’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. GD Sharma, a former President of the Association of Indian Universities. The event witnessed the presence of over 200 dignitaries, including Vice Chancellors, Deans, Principals, Directors, and leading educational thought leaders.
Renowned for its commitment to innovation, research, and holistic education, USTM outshone a competitive pool of institutions nationwide to secure this esteemed accolade. Organized at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bengaluru, the Academic Insights Education Excellence Awards recognize exceptional contributions in education. USTM was presented with a Certificate of Excellence and mementos in the “University of the Year 2024” category.
This recognition underscores USTM’s remarkable contributions to quality higher education and impactful social initiatives. The university has consistently demonstrated excellence through its unique policies and achievements. Notably, it ranks 52nd in India according to the globally acclaimed Nature Index, which measures scientific contributions and high-impact research. Accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC and recognized by NIRF, USTM is celebrated for providing transformative opportunities to the youth of Northeast India, fostering skill development, and contributing to nation-building.
Prof. GD Sharma, while accepting the award, expressed his gratitude and pride. He remarked, “This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Each has played a vital role in shaping USTM’s success story. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this extraordinary journey.”
Mahbubul Hoque, the Founder and Chancellor of USTM, shared his joy, stating, “This is a moment of immense pride for the entire USTM family. Being named ‘University of the Year’ acknowledges our steadfast dedication to quality education and creating an environment of continuous learning and growth.”
USTM’s achievements have attracted significant attention from institutions across India, many of which have expressed interest in collaborations to advance shared goals of educational excellence and societal development. This milestone reinforces USTM’s standing as a leader in higher education, inspiring others to prioritize innovation and community impact.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Desk / January 21st, 2025
Janakinath Bose, Bivabati Devi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Sarat Chandra Bose in Shillong, 1927
‘The Great Escape of Subhas Chandra Bose’, i.e., his escape from house arrest by the British Government in Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Berlin in 1941 is now part of folklore. Almost every Indian with a basic knowledge of the Indian Freedom Struggle knows that Bose escaped dressed as a Pathan and reached Berlin via Delhi, Peshawar, and Kabul.
Historians have overlooked the role of women in many historical events and this case is no exception. Writers have discussed in detail how Mian Akbar Shah, Sisir Bose, Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat Khan, Uttam Chand, Haji Amin, etc. helped Bose in this journey to Berlin. They have failed to note the contributions of Bivabati Devi, Ramo Devi, Larissa Quaroni, and Mrs Haji Abdul Sobhan in the great escape.
Netaji held Bivabati Devi, wife of Subhas Chandra Bose’s elder brother Sarat Chand, in high esteem. Bhagat Ram Talwar, who had accompanied Subhas in his journey through Peshawar and Afghanistan, writes, “He considered her as his second mother. He said that in times of difficulty, he always turned to her for advice and guidance. He took her into confidence as also did Sarat Chandra Bose and their son Sisir Bose. With their help, he succeeded in dodging the police.”
Larissa Quaroni and Alberto Pietro Quaroni
It was Bivabati who ensured that after Subhas’ escape all his meals reached his room and empty dishes removed so that police did not know about his absence till 27 January 1941, and by then he had reached Kabul.
Talwar also noted, “He had spoken to me of her (Bivabati’s) capacity to judge a particular situation and understand things and of her tact to adapt and prepare herself to meet a certain situation and thus how she was of tremendous help to him all his life.”
Ramo Devi, wife of Uttam Chand, an Indian who owned a shop in Kabul, was another person who helped Netaji in his escapade. Uttam was a revolutionary who served the jail in India during the 1930s for his nationalistic activities. Subhas stayed at his house in Kabul for a few days.
Talwar recalled, “Ramo Devi played a great and noble role in affording us protection in our difficult days during our stay in Kabul. She displayed wonderful tact and presence of mind in handling the situation. Credit goes to her for the fact that during our stay for such a long period, the neighbours or visitors never got suspicious of us. She spared no pains to make Netaji’s stay in her house as comfortable as possible. She always provided good food for Netaji and looked after him with great care, particularly when Netaji was unwell. She managed the children so well that we never had a reason to suspect that they would let the secret out. Under her control, even the servant proved to be useful and reliable. I think she gave very valuable support to her husband in this difficult task of sheltering a personality so well-known and so much sought after by the police.”
Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat Khan Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rahmat KhanBhagat Ram
Bhagat Ram Talwar alias Rehmat Khan
Larissa Quaroni was married to Mr. Alberto Pietro Quaroni, the ambassador of Italy in Kabul. After his futile attempts to get help from the USSR and German embassies, the Italian ambassador extended all the help to Subahs to get out of Kabul and reach Berlin. He gave him a new passport with the fake identity of an Italian, Orlando Mazotta.
The government in Kabul would not support anti-British activity on its soil. Larissa acted as a messenger between the Italian embassy and Subhas. She would take the messages from the embassy to Uttam Chand’s shop. She procured Bose’s new Italian passport and also arranged clothes for his travel.
Haji Abdul Sobhan, an Indian revolutionary based in Kabul, had served jail as a member of the Ghadar Party. He married a German woman. He and Uttam Chand looked after Subhas’ stay in Kabul.
Sobhan’s wife was Subha’s link with Germany. She suggested that if everything went as planned the German forces could reach Afghanistan in six months and with their help tribals could attack the British in India. When Subhas was living in Berlin, she kept sending clothes and messages to him through her sister.
There is no denying that Subhas Chandra Bose and other men with him did something heroic but these women were no less. It is unimaginable that the escape could have succeeded if these women were not there.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / January 23rd, 2025
Sunday saw an impressive flag-off ceremony for two determined cyclists, Akbar Ali Bandukwala and Rishabh Jain, who set off on an extraordinary journey of 1500 kilometers from India Gate in New Delhi to the Gateway of India in Mumbai, all in the name of promoting cleanliness and health as part of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ vision on this Republic day.
The ceremony, hosted at Vasant Kunj, South Delhi, was marked by high enthusiasm as local councillors Jagmohan Mahlawat and Dharamveer Singh waved the Indian tricolour to send the cyclists on their mission.
Sister Falak BK, who organized the ceremony, highlighted the cyclists’ remarkable journey, nicknamed “G2G” (India Gate to Gateway of India), as a symbol of their dedication to spreading awareness on fitness and cleanliness across the country. The cyclists will travel through several cities, raising awareness about health and cleanliness in schools, public spaces, and communities along the way.
On this occasion, a large number of participants, including notably another host Rakesh Kothari and their enthusiastic team of supporters, warmly welcomed both cyclists with great enthusiasm and fervour.
Later on Sunday, Judicial Magistrate Rishabh Tanwar also joined at India Gate, helping to kick-start the journey with the rallying cry: “Let’s pedal towards a cleaner, healthier India!”
On this occasion, Akbar Ali Bandukwala, an iron trader turned fitness enthusiast, shared his inspiring story at the ceremony. Originally from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Akbar’s life took a dramatic turn after a severe spinal injury in 2013, which led doctors to warn him that he would be restricted to only baby steps for the rest of his life. However, driven by his indomitable spirit, Akbar defied the odds. After months of rehabilitation, he began running again. His journey from bedridden to marathon runner became a story of triumph.
By 2015, Akbar completed a half marathon, and soon after, he participated in marathons across India and China. In 2018, he organized the Bandukwala Marathon, inviting his family to run alongside him. The crowning achievement came in June 2023, when Akbar ran an astounding 50 kilometers to celebrate his 50th birthday. The event saw thousands of supporters join him in solidarity, running in cities across the world. According to him, his wife Tasneem Bandukwala is his biggest supporter and motivator.
Akbar has pushed his limits further. In January 2024, Akbar participated in the ‘Fundraiser Ultrathon for Gaza,’ where he achieved yet another milestone. He completed a gruelling 70-kilometer Vertical Trail Run, covering a total distance of 78.14 kilometers in 15 hours and 40 minutes, taking an astounding 101,258 steps in Guangzhou, China. The trail was incredibly challenging, with vertical, uneven, rocky, and steep terrain, making the task extraordinarily difficult. Yet, for Akbar, it was just another feather in his cap.
Earlier last year, Akbar also promoted the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ under the Guangzhou Consulate General of India and emerged as a pioneer in strengthening India-China public relations. He was also awarded the Parvasi Bhartiya Award.
Later in 2024, he turned 51, he cycled 151 kilometers non-stop, battling heavy rainfall and completing the feat in just 6 hours and 15 minutes. This remarkable achievement has led him to embark on the G2G journey, spreading Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ with every pedal. Akbar is now strongly committed to inspiring others to follow his path toward better health with cleanliness drive.
From Iron Trader to Ironman, Akbar Ali Bandukwala is now embarking on the “G to G” journey, covering 1500 kilometres by bike from India Gate to the Gateway of India. In his own words, “Chalo aur kuch toofani karte hai, Delhi to Mumbai ab cycle par chalte hai.”
This Republic Day, Akbar aims to express his love for his nation through the campaign, ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat.’”Good health and cleanliness are life’s greatest blessings, and they cannot be bought but can only be earned through enduring,” Akbar shared at the flag-off ceremony.
Through his G to G journey, Akbar is dedicated to promoting Swasth Bharat. Along the way, he plans to visit schools, collaborate with NGOs and health organizations, and engage with people from all walks of life. His mission is to educate citizens about the critical connection between physical health and mental well-being, and the importance of living a long, active life without being dependent in old age. In his own words, “Chalo aur kuch toofani karte hai, Delhi to Mumbai ab cycle par chalte hai.”
Rishabh Jain, Akbar’s cycling partner and fellow fitness fanatic, is no stranger to endurance challenges. An Ironman finisher and certified fitness expert, Rishabh has completed numerous grueling cycling and marathon events, including the Manali to Leh ride and a 1450km ride from Udaipur to Mumbai. He runs the Triform Fitness and Adventure Club in Udaipur and has coached many fitness enthusiasts, including Akbar, who was a novice cyclist just a year ago. Under Rishabh’s guidance, Akbar has transformed into a cycling enthusiast.
Sharing details of their epic 1500-kilometer journey, Rishabh Jain on this occasion, disclosed that they are undertaking this ambitious ride from India Gate in Delhi to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. They will cover the entire distance in just 7 days, spreading the message of Swachh Bharat and Swastha Bharat as part of their campaign for cleanliness and health.
According to their cycling itinerary, after departing Delhi, they will reach Jaipur on January 20, Bhilwara in Rajasthan on January 21, and Udaipur’s Kherwara on January 22. From Kherwara, they will head to Godhra, Gujarat on January 23, and embark on their journey to Surat on January 24. They will continue to Manor on January 25, before concluding their ride at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai on January 26.
Rishabh shared that along the way, they will participate in various awareness programs in cities and towns, focusing on cleanliness and health. They will also visit schools to raise awareness about fitness, health, and the importance of sports among children, students, and adults alike.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Rishabh noted that he has always enjoyed long cycling adventures and connecting with people. He also shared the story of Akbar, who just a year ago knew little about cycling but approached Rishabh for training. After months of hard work and dedication, Akbar has transformed into an avid cycling enthusiast, proving that with determination, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.
As the cyclists progress on their 7-day journey, they will organize health awareness programmes in schools and collaborating with NGOs to spread the message of fitness and hygiene. The duo’s cycling itinerary spans 1500 kilometers, with the final destination being the iconic Gateway of India on Republic Day, January 26th. Along the way, they will meet communities, educating people about the importance of fitness in maintaining good mental health and a long, healthy life.
In a bid to encourage the younger generation to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Akbar and Rishabh are determined to leave a lasting impact on everyone they encounter, from school children to senior citizens. Their journey is not just about cycling, it’s about motivating people to take small steps towards a healthier and cleaner future of the country.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow.net / Home> National Interest / by admin indiatomorrow.net / January 20th, 2025
Zainab-ul-Kubra (3rd year), and Intizar-ul-Islam (4th year), Prize winners from NUSRL
Ranchi:
Students of National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), have secured first place in the International Arbitral Award Writing Competition. Two university students, Intizar-ul-Islam (4th year) and Zainab-ul-Kubra (3rd year), achieved the top honour in the 5th Surana & Surana RGNUL International Arbitral Award Writing Competition 2024.
This is a significant achievement for the university, as the duo won this accolade by outperforming participants from some of the most renowned universities in India and abroad. The competition was organised by Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR) at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys.
Participants were tasked with drafting an arbitral award based on a hypothetical legal problem.
More than 72 contestants took part, including students pursuing BA-LLB, LLM, PhD, MPhil, or other law-related courses. The competition deadline was October 30, 2024, and the results were announced in January.
Based on their exceptional skills, Intizar and Zainab not only secured the first position but also received a cash prize of ₹25,000 for their victory. Their success highlights their dedication and expertise in the field of law. The competition served as an excellent platform for students to showcase their legal writing abilities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Ashok R. Pal, congratulated Intizar and Zainab on their achievement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / January 21st, 2025
In a landmark achievement, the Government of India has recently awarded Patent No. 556810 to Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) scholars Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, an Assistant Professor, and his PhD student, Miss Nisha Chaudhary, from the Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research & Studies (MCARS) at JMI.
The patent granted on December 24, 2024, recognises their pioneering invention titled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENOMIC MARKERS AND DIGITAL PATHOLOGY IMAGE-BASED PREDICTION OF ORAL MALIGNANT DISORDERS.”
Their innovative methodology, developed in collaboration with partners, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology to enhance the diagnosis and prediction of oral cancer.
Miss Nisha Chaudhary and Dr. Tanveer Ahmed
This advanced system can study tissue images to identify if they are linked to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OLL), oral lichen planus (OLP), or oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). For OSCC, it can also determine how severe the cancer is—welldifferentiated, moderately differentiated, or poorly differentiated—using AI technology. The system predicts the chances of OSMF or OLP/OLL developing into OSCC, giving doctors helpful information about risks. By using genetic markers and digital tools, it provides clear treatment insights and lowers diagnostic costs compared to traditional methods. This invention is set to transform oral cancer detection by making it more affordable and accurate.
In addition to the patent, the research team has recently achieved another significant milestone with their publication in Scientific Data, a high impact factor (9.8) journal from the Nature Publishing Group. Their paper, “High-resolution AI image dataset for diagnosing oral submucous fibrosis and squamous cell carcinoma,” highlights the dataset underpinning their innovation, offering a valuable resource for researchers worldwide.
This accomplishment is shared with distinguished collaborators, including Dr. Akhilanand Chaurasia, Dr. Arpita Rai, Dr. Deepika Mishra, and Dr. Charbel Darido, whose contributions have been pivotal.
Together, these achievements have significant implications for medical treatment, underscoring the transformative potential of AI-driven solutions in digital pathology and oral cancer research, marking a significant leap toward improved diagnostic and prognostic outcomes.
Professor Mohammad Husain, Director of MCARS at JMI, congratulated all who were part of the study and expressed pride in the achievement.
source: http:/www.jmi.ac.in / Jamia Millia Islamia / Home / by Public Relations Office / December 31st, 2024
If published, Amir Rizvi’s work would be the largest set of lexicons
When this monumental work sees the light of the day, Urdu readers will have the largest ever set of lexicons — six dictionaries spread over nearly 4000 pages are awaiting publication. Only, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi doesn’t have the wherewithal to publish them.
A nuclear scientist by profession and a linguistic buff by passion, Amir has slogged for ten years to write the dictionaries on subjects which are totally new to Urdu language. Having accomplished the task, he is desperately looking for a sponsor to publish his works. His talks with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in this connection have remained unfruitful.
Lexicography runs in his genes. His grandfather, Syed Tasaduqh Hussain Rizvi, authored the Loghat-e-Kishwari , way back in 1886; that still remains a popular reference point in Urdu. But what triggered Amir’s interest is Gossamer Years’ the tenth century classic of a Japanese writer, presented by his daughter. So impressed was he with the book that he wanted to translate it in Urdu. But when he sat down to translate he couldn’t get appropriate words in Urdu. “It was then that I decided to compile a comprehensive dictionary,” says Amir who served in the Department of Energy, US.
After retirement in 2007 he devoted his time and energy to writing seven dictionaries – Farhang-e-Amir, Farhang-e-Mauzoee (thematic dictionary), Farhang-e-Mutaradif and Mutazad (dictionary of synonyms and antonyms), Farhang-e-Qafia (rhyming dictionary), Urdu Lugath ki Tareekh (history of Urdu lexicography) and Farhang-e-Lisaan (linguistic dictionary). Of these only Farhang-e-Amir has been published; the rest await publication.
Salient features
What is unique about Amir’s lexicons is their encyclopaedic range. They not only provide information related to language and literature but are also a treasure trove of words for students and research scholars. For instance the thematic dictionary is a thesaurus in four languages – Urdu, Persian, Arabic, English. So one can find the meaning of a word in four languages at once. With more than one lakh words, the 1100-page lexicon is structured subject-wise.
Amir has fulfilled a long-felt need for a thesaurus in Urdu with a 2000 page dictionary. “Its benefits will be known once you start using it”, he says.
The Farhang-e-Qafia is also exceptional; it could be of immense help to poets in search of appropriate rhyming words. “Such a dictionary simply doesn’t exist in Urdu”, says Shujat Ali Rashid, a Urdu writer.
Apart from this, Amir has also penned Urdu and English poetry under the title Milak-e-Shairi and Distant Song, and has authored a Hand Book of Nuclear Science and Engineering on design and construction of nuclear power plants. What worries this 80-plus writer is the fate of his lexicons. He wants them published during his lifetime. Will someone come forward to help him?
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Todays Paper> Features> Friday Review / by J S Ifthekhar / December 07th, 2018
