Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Assam’s Dr. Mustafa A. Barbhuiya among top 20 heroes of Pathology in US

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hailakandi District, ASSAM / Massachusetts, U.S.A :

Dr. Mustafa A. Barbhuiya at his workplace in the US

Hailing from a remote village in southern Assam’s Hailakandi district, Dr. Mustafa A. Barbhuiya has been selected among top 100 most influential people in Pathology, specifically, as one of the Top 20 Heroes of Pathology in US for this year.

Featured in ‘The Pathologist Power List’ 2024, Dr Mustafa has demonstrated innovation, leadership, and achievement in the field of Pathology. But the journey of Dr Mustafa to achieve this coveted position was not so easy.

Dr Barbhuiya completed his elementary schooling (HSLC/10th) in Sanuhar Ali Memorial High School, Bahadurpur, a remote village in Hailakandi district of southern Assam. During those days in the early nineties, his village neither had electricity nor had motorable road communication.

Dr Barbhuiya Mustafa with his family

“I used to cycle from my village on muddy roads to attend Advanced Mathematics and Science classes in Hailakandi town. I went to Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam for 12th and Bachelor of Science with a major in Zoology and pass course in Botany, Chemistry and other science and language electives,” Dr Barbhuiya told Awaz – The Voice.

He studied further in Jiwaji University, Gwalior for Masters and PhD in Biochemistry which paved his way to become a Clinical Biochemist and a Molecular Biologist.

“I will remain ever grateful to two of my teachers who helped me to become what I am today. One is Prof. Baby Singha (Retired) of Department of Zoology, Gurucharan College, Silchar with whom I have specialized in the subject of Parasitology and I have never looked back. The other teacher who actually got me into Clinical Biochemistry was Late Prof. Meenu Rai, former Head of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

“My PhD guide Prof. Pramod K. Tiwari shaped me as the future molecular biologist with whom I have not only learnt about science of medicine, study of diseases but several life lessons that I continue to carry as of today,” Dr Barbhuiya said.  

Dr Barbhuiya with his collegaues

Dr Barbhuiya completed his PhD in Biochemistry Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh in July, 2013. He went to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA in July 2013 to pursue advanced postdoctoral training.

“The ultimate goal was to return to India and set up my own laboratory around clinical biochemistry and molecular diagnostics in my home state Assam. But the circumstances after completion of my postdoctoral training in Johns Hopkins and lack of securing a suitable job back in India compelled me to pursue things in the United States. I further completed my clinical chemistry fellowship in Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA and have become a practicing clinical biochemist and clinical laboratory director,” he said.

Dr Barbhuiya currently holds the position of section medical director overseeing the Clinical Chemistry and Point of Care Testing operations of Baystate Health Pathology services across Western Massachusetts, USA.  He provides clinical consultation to physicians and other healthcare providers regarding the laboratory test interpretations in the subspecialty area as systems consultant. 

Dr Barbhuiya with other renowned pathologists

He ensures that the clinical laboratory meets several US federal and local state regulations delivering timely and accurate diagnosis for patients. He is accountable for the effective management and administrations of clinical operations of the Clinical Chemistry and Point of Care Testing service within the Baystate Health Pathology operations. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Pathology; Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School- Baystate Regional Campus.

Dr Barbhuiya has set up a global non-profit organization, Foundation for Advancement of Essential Diagnostics, both in the USA and India. “My next goal is to take my non-profit foundation activities to low and middle-income countries around the world and locally serve in underserved areas of the United States,” he added.

Academically, Dr Barbhuiya is making efforts to continue his research areas of interest. His primary areas of research are studying biliary tract (liver and gallbladder) cancer mechanisms, discover biomarkers of diagnostic and therapeutic values.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Daulat Rahman, Guwahati / October 27th, 2024

Quran, Coding and Community: Inside India’s Most Unique Educational Center

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Munger, BIHAR :

The long history of social change at Khanqah Rahmani. Where freedom fighters and future leaders meet. Rahmani30 has sent 513 students to different IITs and 838 students to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs)

Munger:

When you reach Khanqah Rahmani during the last asra (phase) of Ramadan, you will find hundreds of people doing itikaf – a ritual, in which faithful reside inside the mosque from the night of the 21st Ramzan till the sighting of the Eid Moon. They pray and fast and reside there only. Mohammed Salauddin, is a regular for itikaf for three decades.

The 64-year-old man remained associated with Khanqah for the last 32 years.

And the obvious question arises, what does he get by giving so many years of his life in the Khanqah?

“Everything,” the tall man gives a single-word answer. And adds, “I am an angutha chap (an illiterate person). For employment, I got a driving license in 1982, and since then I started working for the Rahmani Saheb family. And did other jobs as well but remained attached to the Khanqah.

“Later Salauddin got married and became the father of two sons. Both of his children studied in Jamia Rahmani.

“I became hafiz from Jamia and then did an initial study of Alimiat from here. And went to Deoband for the completion of Alimiat. And took a graduation degree from Munger, MA from CCU Meerat, BEd from Haryana, Mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia. I cleared state and centre level teacher’s eligibility tests. Then sat in the examination of Bihar Public Service Commission’s TRE2 and became a teacher in February this year,” informs Mohammed Najmuddin, Salauddin’s son. Najmuddin is also pursuing a PhD from Munger University.

Najmuddin is not alone. Along with him, Mohammed Mudassar Usmani (MA, MEd), Akbar (MA, BEd) and Mohammed Hassan (BA, BEd) all are huffaz of Khanqah Rahmani who cleared the BPSC TRE 1 and 2 and have become teachers in 2023 and 2024.

Najmuddin’s elder brother Shahabuddin also a hafiz from Jamia is now an officer in the National Council For Promotion Of Urdu Language, has done a BA from Jamia Millia Islamia, MA from Maulana Azad Hyderabad, qualified NET and done an MPhil from Delhi University before joining NCPUL, Delhi.

“All these were possible for a person like me because of Khanqah Rahmani and its educational centres,” claimed Salauddin, the father.

APJ Kalam and Mohammed Wali Rahmani in Khanqah Rahmani in 2003 | Arranged

The history of Khanqah Rahmani

It was established in 1901 by Maulana Mohammed Ali Mungeri. Since then the Khanqah not only remained as a center for societal reform and purification of souls but also helped freedom fighters during the freedom struggle. Freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad and Dr Rajendra Prasad among others stayed at this centre. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi also visited the Khanqah.

After Ali Mungeri, Maulana Syed Shah Lutfullah Rahmani, his nephew ran the centre. And thereafter Minnatullah Rahmani and then his son Mohammed Wali Rahmani and now his son Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani is taking care of it. His brother Fahad Rahmani is the CEO of Rahmani Programmes of Excellence under which Rahmani30 functions.

Khanqah was also been instrumental in establishing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which safeguards Muslims in protecting their personal laws and identities.

Who is Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, the present head?

The chief of Imarat-e-sharia and the secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, is also head of the Khanqah. He has studied Information Technology from the University of California and worked as a teacher there. His professional career also includes working for Adobe and British Petroleum. However, Faisal Rahmani got his early education in Khanqah Rahmani as he got his elementary education in Arabic, Quran, Deeniyat and Mathematics in the Khanqah. He started looking after the activities of the Khanqah after the demise of his father Mohammed Wali Rahmani.

Whenever he gets time from the activities of Imarat Shariah and AIMPLB, he spends time in the Khanqah. He does not let anyone chide even a screaming child. There are a large number of women who come to listen to him. He prefers to eat along with the students and members as well as the faculty of the centre.

Students of Rahmani BEd College | Arranged

Jamia students hold the Quran on one hand and tablets on other

Jamia Rahmani, which came into existence in 1927 is one of the several centres run by the Rahmani Foundation , a charity body of Khanqah Rahmani. Jamia’s students not just memorize the Qur’an, but also understand it by learning Arabic.

Here, every student also learns science, English and Mathematics as well and gets tablets for their study. They have smart classes too.

But this is just the beginning for the students. The Khanqah has Rahmani30, to prepare for JEE Advanced (IIT), JEE Mains. It has branches in several cities across India. There is also a centre for Medical (NEET) entrance and for the preparations for Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary entrances. It has a BEd College, which has a large number of female students. Jamia Rahmani has added several new courses after 2011.

“When Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani became head here, the first thing he did was, start a one-year Diploma in Mass Communication in journalism course in Jamia. Later started two years of Master in Islamic Jurisprudence Study and last year, a two-year course, Diploma in English Language in Professional Skills also began,” said Fazle Rahma Rahmani, head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Khanqah also provides residential facilities to the families of its faculties as well as the cooks. It provides meals to almost 1200 people three times a day. Most of the beneficiaries are the Jamia students and people associated with the Khanqah.

Then there is the Rahmani School of Excellence (where students can get enrolled in a Nursery and study up to standard twelve). In the School Management Committee, Muslims as well as non-Muslims teachers are present, it has females too. And it has a diverse background of students.

“While Jamia Rahmani and Rahmani30’s study is completely free, BEd, school education and other studies have some fee structure. But where there are fees, Khanqah authorities give scholarships to needy students and have a liberal approach to such cases where parents approach the centre. Money never became a hurdle in getting an education from the educational centres related to Khanqah,” points out Fazle Rahma.

Since the inception of Rahmani30, 513 students have been admitted to different IITs in the country. While 838 students reached JEE Advanced to get admission to the National Institute of Technologies (NIT) during the same period.

“Several students of School of Excellence have become IITians so far,” claims Fazle Rahma.

Whereas, many students of different centers of Rahmani30 also take part in the Olympiad, every year.

The Jamia Rahmani’s Taleemgah building was inaugurated by Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam. Kalam, who wanted to be known as a Professor rather than a former President, in 2003 itself, says a lot about Khanqan’s educational work.

From the stage of Khanqah, the scientist claimed that he was also a student of the Madrasa Board.

However, neither before the visit of the President of India nor after it, did Khanqah Rahmani’s educational works got the attention that it should have got the mainstream media.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Education / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / April 09th, 2024

Well, Well

Amazing Feats, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , ,

Nagara Fort (Shivamogga District), KARNATAKA:

Rockets, Nagara Fort, India (Courtesy Karnataka Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage (DAMH))

More than 1,000 unexploded rockets have been recovered from an abandoned well in the state of Karnataka in southern India.

The excavators believe the corroded shells date to the eighteenth century when the Muslim warrior King Tipu Sultan ruled the region.

The cache was uncovered when the well, located at Nagara Fort in the Shivamogga District, was being repaired. “The rockets, which are of several sizes, are metallic cylinders filled with some powder, possibly saltpeter or some form of explosive propellant,” says R. Shejeshwara Nayaka, assistant director of the Karnataka Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage (DAMH), who led the excavation in 2018. “They have circular end caps on oneside, while on the other side there is an opening which lights like a fuse. We have also found some equipment that might have been used for assembling or making them.”

G. Venkatesh, commissioner of DAMH, adds, “Records say that Tipu Sultan’s father, Hyder Ali, was the first to use metal-cased rockets. He also had an armory and factory at Nagara Fort, a strategically very important city. There is a strong possibility that this site was used as a storage point or a factory for the rockets.”

source: http://www.archaelogy.org / Archaelogy Magazine / Home> Digs & Discoveries / by Gurvinder Singh / Nov-Dec 2018

Major Mahmood Hassan Khan Vir Chakra

Amazing Feats, Bravery Awards, Citations, Commendations etc (since April 14th, 2024), Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , ,

Dhanuri Village (Jhunjhunu District), RAJASTHAN :

Major Mahmood Hasan Khan hailed from Dhanuri village in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan and was born on 02 March 1941. Son of Risaldar Nawab Mohd Hasan Khan, he was born into a military family but lost his father at an early age. He was brought up by his uncle Major Akbar Ali Khan who was serving with the then Nizam of Hyderabad. He completed his school education in Hyderabad and later went to Aligarh Muslim University for higher studies. He joined the Indian Army in the year 1962 as a Sepoy and subsequently got commissioned as a commissioned officer. He was commissioned into 14 Grenadiers of the Grenadiers Regiment, an infantry Regiment known for its brave soldiers with a rich history of various battle honours. In 1971, Maj MH Khan got involved in the thick of operations as his unit got deployed on the western border when the war with

Atian Supply Point Raid (Naushera Sector): 06 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak 1971 War, Maj MH Khan’s unit 14 Grenadiers was deployed on the western front. In December 1971, India had to go to war with Pakistan as the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani army in their erstwhile eastern part of the country had resulted in an unprecedented influx of millions of refugees into India. Though the war was concentrated on the eastern front, Pakistan launched operations on the western front too. When the war was declared on 03 Dec 1971, 14 Grenadiers under the command of Lt Col Inderjit Singh was functioning under the operational control of 25 Div and was spread all over the Div AOR (Area of Responsibility) from Naushera to Poonch. On 06 Dec, 14 Grenadiers along with the elements of 8 Mahar battalion were tasked to raid the enemy’s Atian Supply Point to cause maximum damage to it.  Maj MH Khan as ‘Raid Commander’ was tasked to carry out the assault along with two more officers, Capt Roy Chowdhary and 2nd Lt Prakash, and 49 OR (Other Ranks).

The raid involved going through a heavily guarded area and destruction of the objective of platoon strength. The team led by Maj MH Khan and divided into three groups planned a multi-directional attack on the enemy to achieve an element of surprise and cause maximum possible damage. The attack commenced at around 1800 hrs on 06 Dec and Major Khan led his men to the objective by shrewd manoeuvres, destroying post after post. The raid was thus successfully carried out after twelve hours of constant action. Maj MH Khan and his soldiers fightly valiantly, destroyed the enemy’s 12 storehouses, and 6 timber stocks, besides eliminating several mules and personnel. Maj MH Khan was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his act of conspicuous gallantry, unyielding fighting spirit, and leadership. By the second week of Dec 1971, India had almost achieved victory on the eastern front but the border skirmishes were still going on, on the western front. Maj MH Khan’s unit 14 Grenadiers was involved in operations in the “Battle of Daruchhian” during that period. 

“Battle of Daruchhian” (Indo-Pak War): 13/14 Dec 1971

After the failure of the Pakistani divisional attack on Poonch, the Indian Army decided to carry out local and limited actions all along the ceasefire line to improve its defensive posture. One such attack was launched by an infantry battalion in the area opposite Madarpur on the night of 10/11 December, and having captured Nangi Tekri, Jungle Tekri, Bump and other features denied the use of the Kotli-Madarpur-Hajira road to the enemy. As a follow-up to these operations, it was decided to secure Daruchhian, a feature blocking the Balnoi neck of the Kotli-Balnoi road between the Poonch River and the ceasefire line. Daruchhian was a conical feature, narrow and rugged at the top and with steep projections. It was forested on all sides except the southwest spur and was reportedly held by less than one Pakistani company of regular troops and some Mujahids as part of the main picquet line. 14 Grenadiers battalion under the command of Lt Col Inderjit Singh was tasked to launch an attack on Daruchhian and it was allotted an additional company and artillery support of four to six fire units. Maj MH Khan was functioning as a Company Commander of “D” Company at that time.

The capture of Daruchhian was planned to be carried out by 0800 hrs on 14 Dec in three phases. It was a multi-pronged attack involving primarily B, C, and D companies of 14 Grenadiers and elements of other outside resources. As per the plan, in Phase-I ‘B’ Company was to capture OP (Observation Post); in Phase-II ‘C’ Company was to capture West Spur and in Phase-III ‘D’ Company was to capture South West Spur. Besides the commanding officer Lt Col Inderjit Singh, Maj MH Khan, Maj HS Chahal(‘B’ Company Commander), and Capt Hamir Singh(‘C’ Company Commander) as company commanders were involved in planning and executing the operational plan. ‘A’ Company under the command of Maj SR Dogra was responsible for marking the FUP(Forming up Point) for Pase-I and then acting as a reserve for Phase II. The attack was launched on the night of 13/14 Dec 1971 in three phases with three assault groups attacking from different directions.

In Phase-III of the battle, Maj MH Khan’s ‘D’ Company was given orders to attack SW Spur at about 0400 hrs on 14 Dec. Maj MH Khan moved swiftly and ordered his platoons to give him fire support when he with one platoon moved towards the objective. Despite heavy enemy firing, Maj MH Khan and his men kept moving and reached the flat ground west of the OP position. While moving forward, Maj MH Khan noticed one of the enemy MGs that was impeding the advance and causing casualties. Maj MH Khan along with a few men in a daring move charged towards the bunker with grenades. However while doing so, Maj MH Khan was shot and got injured. But despite the injury, he moved forward and lobbed the grenade in the enemy bunker, before falling to another burst of fire on his head. The enemy gave a very stiff resistance and the battle for Daruchhian continued for over 12 hours. Maj MH Khan as the Company Commander of ‘D’ Company fought valiantly and led his men to give a befitting reply to the enemy firepower. In the fierce exchange of fire, during the battle, a total of eight officers, seven JCOs, and one hundred and forty-five other ranks were martyred, wounded, or missing in action. Besides Major MH Khan, the other martyred brave hearts included five officers (Maj HS Chahal, Maj SR Dogra, Capt OP Dalal, Capt Bakshish Singh, and 2nd Lt GP Bahukhandi), 4 JCOs ( Sub Jai Singh, Sub Taj Mohd Khan, Nb Sub Hasam Khan and Nb Sub Ram Sarup Singh) and 44 ORs. 

Major MH Khan displayed commendable gallantry and devotion to duty during the operation and laid down his life in the service of the nation. Though he was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his act of gallantry on 06 Dec 1971, he did not live long enough thereafter and made the supreme sacrifice on 14 Dec 1971 during the heroic ” Battle of Daruchhian”. 

____________________________

2 Comments
  • Shaheen KhanReplyLate Major MH khan is my grandfather. We obviously have a lot of relevant information about him. Pease contact us so we can give as much info for the page of this great man.
  • Salim khanReplyPuri gatha batao plz

  • Honourpoint is an online memorial to honour, appreciate and remember the spirited and valiant sons and daughters of India who had the distinction of serving the country in “military uniform”, and are no longer with us. It is an endeavour to ensure that supreme sacrifices of our soldiers and their families do not fade away and are given their rightful place in our nation’s collective consciousness. Read more…

source: http://www.honourpoint.in / HonourPoint / Home> Profile / headline edited

Inside 700-year-old Dargah Shah-e-Mardan, the Karbala of Delhi

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DELHI :

In central Delhi’s Jor Bagh, lies a holy place that provides a spiritual sanctuary to those unable to visit holy shrines in distant lands

MODEL FOR DEVOTEES: A replica of shrine of Ali in Najaf, Iraq, at the Shah-e-Mardan dargah in Jor Bagh

Moinuddin meticulously sweeps the dusty floors surrounding a grave, his lips moving in silent prayer. With a handkerchief covering his head out of reverence for the “greats”, as he affectionately calls them, he speaks of his steadfast faith in the dargah. 

“I have been coming to Dargah Shah-e-Mardan for the last seven to eight years,” he says, a glint of devotion shining in his eyes.

This 700-year-old dargah, nestled in Delhi’s Jor Bagh, holds the distinction of being one of India’s oldest. It attracts people from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, each hoping for their wishes to be granted within its hallowed grounds.

According to historian Rana Safvi, the dargah’s origins are steeped in legend. It is believed that in the 15th or 16th century, a Shia Muslim man named Arif Shah sought refuge at the spot where the dargah now stands, invoking the name of Imam Ali. Legend has it that Imam Ali himself appeared before Arif Shah, saving him from harm and prompting the construction of the dargah.

ENTRE POINT: The Shah-e-Mardan dargah attracts processions from all over the city during Muharram

Named after Imam Ali, also known as Shah-e-Mardan, meaning ‘King Of Heroes’, the dargah holds immense significance for the Shia Muslim community. 

Syed Bahadur Abbas Naqvi, General Secretary of Anjuman-e-Haideri, which oversees the dargah complex, emphasises its importance not only to Delhi’s Shia community but also to those living in neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

“Tazias from all over the city are buried on our Karbala ground,” asserts Abbas, referring to the commemorative processions marking the Battle of Karbala, a pivotal event in Shia Islam. 

Karbala, a city in modern day Iraq is famous as the field of battle between forces of Umayyad Caliph Yazid and Husayn Ibn Ali, son of Imam Ali in 680 AD.

The papier mache replicas, known as Tazias, are carried by mourners during the month of Muharram to honour Imam Husayn Ibn Ali’s sacrifice.

Reflecting on the dargah’s rich history, Abbas notes the impact of the 1947 Partition. The area was initially known as Karbala Colony. Today, it is known as BK Dutt Colony and is surrounded by structures commissioned by Qudsia Begum, grandmother of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zaffar.

Renowned filmmaker and heritage activist, Sohail Hashmi praises Qudsia Begum’s contributions, highlighting structures like Qudsia Begum Mosque and Bibi ki Chakki within the dargah complex. 

“She was a powerful regent and administrator in her own right,” he says. 

While both shrines draw devotees daily, only women are permitted entry into Bibi ki Chakki.

Devotees flock to Bibi ki Chakki to pray before a millstone believed to have been used by Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad. 

Hashmi reveals historical accounts of Timur’s visit to the dargah in 1399 AD, during which a Tazia was buried, marking one of the earliest such burials in the world.

RESTING: The grave of Saiyid Fazl Ali, a former judge of Supreme Court who served as Governor of two states as well as head of States Reorganisation Commission

The regal begum now rests peacefully alongside an odd 111 graves at her mazar (mausoleum) in Karbala Ground. 

“It is a great honour to be able to witness and pray to the very footprint of our Shah-e-Mardan,” says a devotee who did not wish to be named. 

“Qudsia Begum was very spiritual in her own right and she was the one who brought this important stone to the land,” claims Abbas. 

The dargah has also hosted eminent figures like India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rajiv Gandhi, attesting to its enduring significance. 

With lakhs of devotees visiting during Muharram and Chhehlum, the dargah’s complex, adorned with centuries-old graves, serves as a site of spiritual solace for many.

For devotees like Mahfooz Ali from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, the dargah offers a sacred refuge. 

“We don’t have many dargahs to turn to, hence I make it a point to visit here every once in a while,” he shares.

Abbas emphasises the dargah’s role in providing a spiritual sanctuary for those unable to visit holy shrines in distant lands. 

“With important religious symbols enshrined here, people get an opportunity to observe their religious practices,” he explains.

As devotees continue to stream into the dargah, seeking solace and blessings, Moinuddin reflects on its inclusive nature. 

“Dargahs are an essential feature of the Sufi doctrine,” remarks Hashmi, underscoring their enduring appeal. 

“The great Imam will keep inspiring future generations,” adds Abbas, his voice filled with pride.

source: http://www.thepatriot.in / Patriot / Home> Heritage / by Monish Upadhyay / April 11th, 2024

Retired OFT machinist, son design and acquire patent for device to remove oil slick

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 Chathiramanai village (Perambalur district) /Tiruchi, TAMIL NADU :

A. Basheer Khan, right, and his son Mohamed Imran, of Tiruchi demonstrate the oil spill filtration device that they have designed and obtained a patent. / | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A. Basheer Khan, 62, and his son B. Mohamed Imran, 28, of Tiruchi recently received a patent for a device that they designed to remove oil spill from seawater through filtration along coastal areas.

The recognition was given on September 24 by the Patent Office and is valid for 20 years from the date of filing.

“At present, the technology to deal with oil spill on land is limited. Our device uses a low-energy method to draw out the oil contaminated water from a targeted area, and after filtering, pumps cleaned water back into the sea. The filtered sediment has to be processed further for eco-friendly usage,” Mr. Khan told The Hindu.

Mr. Khan, who retired as a machinist at the Ordnance Factory Tiruchi (OFT) in 2023, was interested in engineering from a young age while growing up at Chathiramanai village, Perambalur district. “ I studied at an Industrial Training Institute in the 1980s and apprenticed at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). I used to be inspired by mechanical objects and science concepts to invent my own machines. In 2017, when an outbound empty tanker collided with an inbound loaded oil tanker in Ennore, Chennai, the crude oil was spread all over the coastal areas. I decided to design something to deal with such situations, and started working on the concept from 2018,” he said.

A prototype of the device is available at his home. It consists of a metal tank with two sections for polluted and clean water. The inlet pipe is lined with fine nylon mesh and sieved sand to allow free movement of water contaminated with oil.

During a demonstration on Saturday, Mr. Khan mixed machine oil into water in one section of the device and created ‘waves’ in it with the help of a small steel snack plate fitted to a pulley and sewing machine motor. To guide the water into the filtering inlet pipe, a manually operated shutter fixed with multiple springs is placed at the mouth of the targeted area. In a matter of minutes, the oil and grease were separated from water.

Mr. Imran, who helped his father in research and trials, said the prototype had potential for commercial development. “In the event of an oil spill, our machine can help not only save the environment, but also keep salvage workers safe from direct exposure to harmful chemicals,” he said.

source: http://www.tartv.in / TARTV / Home / by admin / October 19th, 2024

Over one lakh students to appear for AMP’s 5th National Talent Search competitive exam in December 2024

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Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Patna : 

Association of Muslims Professionals (AMP) will be conducting their 5th Annual National Talent Search Exam (AMP-NTS 2024), for School & College students on Saturday, 7th December 2024.

The National Talent Search Exam is organized with the intention of increasing and rewarding the students’ general awareness and competitive spirit and identifying the best and brightest students to support and nurture for the forthcoming national competitive exams.

The specially designed poster of AMP-NTS 2024 was launched at a grand function in the auditorium, Arcade Business College auditorium in Patna on October 19, where more than 200 influential people like social and community leaders, professionals, policy makers, retired bureaucrats, and others were present.

Farooq Siddiqui, Head of  AMP National Coordination Team, welcomed the dignitaries, guests and students. He said that the purpose of AMP NTS is to create achievers from smaller cities and informed the audience that in NTS 2023, 90% of top rankers were from tier 2 and 3 cities. He further informed that this year, the AMP NTS 2024 intends to reach out to 1000 Blocks in all the minority-concentrated districts of India and is bound to achieve many milestones.

Dr. Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmad Munemi, Sr. Professor & HOD Arabic Department, Oriental College, Patna, was the guest of honour at the event. He said, “The Association of Muslim Professionals has brought about a revolution in the country in the field of education. Their commitment and focus are exemplary. They have touched innumerable underprivileged lives through their many activities and I wish them well for the 5th edition of their National Talent Search 2024 competition.”

Mohammad Ashfaq Sir, Director-Gravity Classes & Lead partner – AMP NTS, said “When AMP approached us to support them for their National Talent Search exam, we wholeheartedly agreed as we believed in their vision. We all need to create awareness regarding this talent search all over the country especially in smaller cities and towns so they can benefit, as their students’ IQ level is the same as in bigger cities, and those who start the training from 9th Standard onwards have a higher ratio of success.”

Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Director & Founder – Shaheen Education Foundation said, “AMP is known all over India for its excellent work in education and we decided to collaborate with them for the National Talent Search. This year we will be selecting students for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as well, which is for 450 Universities, through AMP NTS 2024.”

Mohammad Reyaz Alam, AMP State Head, Bihar and the driving force for this programme hosted the event very successfully and explained to the audience the purpose of the event, which was to launch the promotion and students’ registration of AMP NTS – 2024.

The AMP NTS 2024 exam will be held for 3-Categories of students:

* Senior/Degree Colleges (Undergraduates)

* Junior Colleges (11th & 12th Std)

* Schools (8th, 9th & 10th Std)

This year 2.5 lakh-plus students from over 8,000 schools and 2,000-plus colleges from 600-plus districts across India are expected to participate. This year, this competition will be held offline in a physical mode in 1000 exam centres of over 400 districts across the country. There will also be an online version available on the AMP World mobile app for those who are unable to appear in person.

The top 500 students will be given IIT-JEE/NEET coaching scholarships worth Rs. 10 Crores ranging from 50% to 100% by AMP’s top 20 training partners. Also to encourage the students to participate in the NTS 2024, AMP is giving out cash rewards worth ₹ 5 lakhs+. Other than these, academic scholarships worth over ₹ 20 lakhs will also be given to deserving underprivileged students through IndiaZakat.com, their Zakat-based crowd-funding platform, plus a whole lot of additional support for the students.

The uniqueness of this competition is, that along with school, college, NIOS, ITI, and Diploma students; even Madrasa students between the ages of 13 to 15 years can also participate in the National Talent Search.

This examination will be conducted simultaneously across the country on December 7, 2024 from 11 am onwards. The last date for registration in this competition is November 26, 2024.

More details about the NTS 2024 exam are available at: www.ampindia.org/National_talent_search

The AMP NTS 2024 promotion launch event ended on a positive note with all present affirming that they will try to reach the maximum number of institutions and students to become exam centres and register for the exam. The local AMP Bihar team and the respective chapter executive team members all worked relentlessly for the success of the launch event.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin India Tomorrow.net / October 21st, 2024

His name is Khan: Meet Kashmir’s only Padmashree award winning ‘Jamawar’ craftsman

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Business & Economy, , , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar:

Master-craftsman Ghulam Rasool Khan had once made a shawl using 360 individual pieces of ‘jamawar’. He has produced several other priceless jamawar designs for which he has received several state and national level awards including  the prestigious Padmashree (2021).

Though Khan has not lost passion for this work, he regrets that the new generation does not take much interest in the craft and says the machine-made cheap varieties posed a great threat to the sector.

“Now, we have machine-made shawls that sell for Rs. 5000 and are no match for the original jamawar. This is the biggest threat to this craft as there is no match for a hand-made piece. This art requires a lot of hard work and patience but nowadays artisans do not have the patience,” Khan told reporters during a Craft Safari to Amda Kadal area of the old city on Saturday.

The safaris had been started in the wake of Srinagar making it to the coveted list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Crafts and Folk Arts Category for the year 2021.

Khan said they also used to receive orders worth Rs. 100 cr for ‘Arabi Rumal’ annually but due to entry of fakes, they had stopped receiving the same.

“There was a time when there was a great demand for Arabi rumal. The ones we make have different and intricate artwork that is not usually available in the market. There was a time when we used to receive orders to the tune of Rs. 100 cr annually from the elite Arabs. Unfortunately, the same has stopped now,” he said.

An official of the Handicrafts Department said the master craftsman had received several awards in recognition of his hard work.

“Though many artisans have received Padmashree, Ghulam Rasool Khan is the only one who has received it for his jamawar works. He has also received several other awards at the state and national level. His enthusiasm, patience, and knowledge of the colours and designs enabled him to bring out the extraordinary work. He also made a shawl using 360 individual pieces of jamwar to make the pattern,” the official said.

source: http://www.thekashmirmonitor.net / The Kashmir Monitor / Home> Kashmir> Latest News / by M Aamir Khan / October 22nd, 2022

Tough road to information

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , ,

Moradabad District, UTTAR PRADESH / DELHI :

Saleem Baig has spent 18 years filing 20,000 applications under RTI to root out corruption. His efforts have earned him the wrath of many but resulted in correcting a few wrongs.

RESILIENT: Saleem Baig has file 20,000 applications under the RTI Act.

Saleem Baig has been using the RTI (Right to Information) Act as a sword against corruption and irregularities for the last 18 years. He has filed around 20,000 applications in states and Union Territory departments, as well as, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

While his applications have often resulted in forcing authorities to change their decisions, and punishing the officers, Baig’s journey as an RTI activist has hardly been ‘a bed of roses’.

He has paid a heavy price for it as his life has turned private and he is hardly seen in public, living in complete secrecy nowadays.

“I have faced different kinds of problems [as an RTI activist]. I have been harassed for asking questions to police and anti-social elements. I was underground for around three and half years, jailed for 20 days and changed residence many times due to fear of arrest, fear or threat,” says Baig, who hails from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district.

BIG RESPONSE: The reply from the Prime Minister’s Office

But peace of mind isn’t the only thing affecting him adversely.

“I have lost my earnings, business and have had to leave my hometown too.”

Earlier, he owned a business dealing with brass products and also practiced Ayurveda medicine in his hometown of Moradabad, which is famous for its intricate brass-work and is called Peetal Nagri (city of brass). But his dispensary and business shut down and his newspaper became defunct after he was sent to jail in 2008.

Although Saleem started filing RTI immediately after the act came into force in 2005, harassment started in 2007 when he filed an RTI seeking to unearth caste-based recruitment in Moradabad police.

“In February, 2007, I had filed an RTI application at the Moradabad Police office seeking details about recruitment of police constables in the district. I suspected that the jobs had been sold. We challenged it to the RTI watchdog body UP State Information Commission, which found an illegal process in this recruitment and slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on SP, rural Moradabad.”

The order put him in the bad books of police and others associated with them.

“This order was enough for the police officials to start harassing me and my family. I was pressured and threatened too not just by the police but also by acquaintances who were affected by it, as well as brokers. They wanted me to withdraw the case. But I didn’t and informed it to the commission,” he says.

He says he had to pay a heavy price for it.

“The SO (Station Officer) Police implicated me in fake cases of theft and extortion, among others. So, I went underground for six months,” reveals Saleem.

“When I returned after six months, the police first arrested me in June, 2008, in connection with fake cases and then filed an FIR before sending me to jail. I was released after 18 days. After my release, the police filed a fake FIR against me again.

“Finally, I left my hometown and moved to Lucknow and remained underground for two and a half years. My lawyer told me that the police wanted to impose NSA (National Security Act) and arrest me. They are all bogus cases, which have been quashed by the court now,” said Baig.

The RTI is an act of the Parliament of India which sets rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information. Right to Information Act, 2005, mandates timely response to citizens’ requests for government information and empowers every citizen to seek any information from the government, inspect any government document and seek certified photocopies thereof.

FRUITS OF LABOUR: Some of the responses that Baig has got from his applications

During this entire period, Saleem’s personal life has been badly affected. Not only Baig, but his family has also paid a huge cost.

“I am unable to complete my regular work — related to authorities — easily. For example, if I want to admit my child to school and if there is any requirement or difficulty, I cannot even approach any politician, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) or a Member of Parliament (MP). Other people can do, but I can’t because of the bad rap due to our RTI queries,” he adds.

“If we ask for any information like road, water, electricity from local, state or central government-level officers, then we enter their ‘bad book’. When we reveal information, politicians and officers feel upset. So, our general work from block level to Centre, which is our right, anyway, doesn’t happen easily,” he complains.

Baig feels that the lives of most of the RTI activists are at risk.

“I have personally faced this. People need to realise that while filing applications under RTI, we are helping the state and Centre by bringing in awareness. But RTI activists are being killed in the country because no government or officer wants to back them.”

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative data shows that 28 activists have been threatened, assaulted, or killed every year on an average since the Right to Information Act came into effect in 2005 in India.

“When I went underground for over three years, everything – my brass goods business and ayurvedic shop — was crushed. Sab chopat ho gaya (Everything ended).We barely survived. I was not as rich. My earnings got reduced drastically but expenses increased due to travel or lawyer’s fees. Our belongings were sold. My children’s education had come to a halt for two years. So, I had to shift them to my father-in-law’s home,” Baig says before breaking down.

“My younger son often asks his mother, ‘Ammi (Mother), why do the police come to our home again and again’. My heart would tremble when my wife would tell me over phone that our son is asking, ‘Ammi hum school kab jayenge (Mother, when would we go to school). I faced a lot of problems, which I can’t explain,” he says.

Some relief had come in the form of some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which helped Baig.

“Some big NGOs offered me fellowships after that. In 2011-12 ‘Dalit Foundation’ gave me a fellowship of Rs 7,000 per month for highlighting atrocities on Dalits and minorities. In 2012, another funding agency gave me a fellowship of Rs 15,000. That was a big support for me to survive that time.”

Baig has won many awards for his courageous work, including a lifetime achievement award by the Delhi State Minorities Commission. Also, his RTI reference was used by the court and published in international media. He was a member of the fact-finding team of the 2020 North-East Delhi riots too.

“Presently, I work as a RTI trainer. Some NGOs invite me to train their people and also, I work as a researcher with a prestigious organisation. Currently, these two are the only sources of my income. But during Covid, my condition went bad again, because my job as a trainer came to a halt. Then I went into debt, which I haven’t been able to pay as yet,” he says further.

For the last 5-6 years, Baig has been living in Delhi with his family.

“I want to appeal to the citizens to use the RTI Act for public’s benefit. The usage of RTI is very low at present because many state and even Central governments have shrunk power of this act. Especially since 2014,it has gone from bad to worse. But we can use this act as a tool or sword to stop corruption. We should fight for our rights. If we don’t have awareness, then we are like dead people. Aap mare hue hain, aur mara hua aadmi hi harkat nahi karta (You are a dead man, as it is only a dead man who doesn’t react).”

source: http://www.thepatriot.in / Patriot / Home> Community / by Muhammad Tahir / March 06th, 2023

Assamese researcher Rahul Islam develops app to detect depression

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), , , , , , , , , ,

ASSAM / New Jersery, U.S.A :

Amidst the joy of the Durga Puja festival, the news of an Assamese young researcher in the United States hitting a major success had doubled the happiness of the people across the State.

Rahul Islam a researcher at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, has developed a mobile app that can identify people suffering from depression. The app can scan a person’s face and eyes to decode the state of his brain.

Rahul Islam, a native of Assam, is an important part of the research led by a senior professor at the university. He hails from the Radhakuchi village in the Karra area of ​​Baihata Chariali in the Kamrup district.

Rahul Islam graduated in Computer Science Engineering from the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and left for the USA. received a scholarship to fulfill his dream of pursuing higher studies. Rahul Islam is researching under Senior Professor Sang Won Bae at one of the oldest universities in the United States established in the 1870s.

Rahul Islam, son of Golmahmud Ali and Sulema Begum, spent his childhood and adolescence outside the home.

Golmahmood Ali was a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier.

Rahul attended several Kendriya Vidyalayas in India till higher secondary due to his father’s job that took the family across India. Rahul Islam passed his matriculation and higher secondary examinations from Dimapur Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Rahul topped the North East with 97% marks in the 2010 High School Leaving Certificate Examination.

In an interview with Awaz-The Voice, Rahul Islam’s father Golmahmood Ali said; “Rahul was a keen reader since childhood. He spent most of the day reading books. As a father, I am very happy and proud today. I have a daughter. Rahul is older, my daughter is younger Every year, Rahul comes home in December and returns to the United States in January.”

It is worth mentioning that depression is currently recognized as a silent killer of human society and a serious threat to mental stability. Identifying depressed people at an early stage is essential to free them. This can be done to identify such patients at an early stage. However, in reality, it is difficult to identify such patients in the early stages.

This is because people who suffer from depression do not want their inner turmoil to be expressed and do not allow it to be reflected on their faces.

Researchers at the Stevens Institute of Technology have developed two mobile apps that can scan a person’s face and eyes to detect depression. Both apps use artificial intelligence (AI). The first app detects brain functioning by scanning subtle changes in the size of the eyeballs that happensto a patient suffering from depression. 

A second app, FacePsy, identifies such patients by studying the person’s emotional state through changes in facial muscle movement and brain posture. The innovative discovery of the son of Assam has already been published in various scientific journals in the United States as well as in the national media of India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ariful Islam, Guwahati / October 19th, 2024