Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Thani and the Hidden Domains of Puratheel

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

Kannur, KERALA :

Puratheel. Image credit: Prageeth T N

The road unfolded before us like a ribbon, guiding our car through the lush greenery and coconut groves of Kerala. It was the sacred month of Ramadan, and we had embarked on a journey to the enchanting city of Kannur in search of a pious man. The road ahead promised a culturally rich, soul-stirring experience that would leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

We entered the city after a two-hour long drive; the streets bustled with pedestrians, the sound of traffic filled the air, buyers and sellers haggled in the marketplace. Amidst this vibrant chaos, an air of sanctity was palpable; it carried the essence of a bygone era, where the mingling of diverse traditions shaped the city’s identity. Our guide informed us of Kannur’s deep-rooted connections with the Islamic world, which dated back centuries.

Nestled along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Kannur holds a special place in the tapestry of Islamic culture. The arrival of Arab merchants, who had ventured to the Malabar Coast for trade, had a lasting impact on the locals. Legend has it that Islam took root in Kannur even before the arrival of Malik ibn Dinar, who is famously known as the first companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to arrive in India (though this cannot be verified historically). The tales passed down through generations speak of King Cheraman Perumal, ruler of the Chera kingdom, who was drawn to Islam after witnessing the miracle of the split moon. He embraced Islam, took the name Tajuddin, and ventured to Mecca, where he shed his worldly concerns. His story, engraved in verse on a wooden tablet at the Arakkal Palace, is a testament to the city’s historical connection with Islam.

Over the centuries, Kannur flourished as a centre for Islamic scholarship and culture, particularly Sufism. It became a hub of spiritual seekers, earning the moniker ‘Baghdad of India’. One notable figure in Kannur’s Sufi tradition is Ghawth al-A’zam (the Greatest Helper), Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Thani, whose presence lingers in the serene village of Puratheel, just a short distance from Kannur city, and whose grave we were destined to visit that day.

After parking our car near Varam Kadavu Bridge, we were drawn to a nearby river, its cool, sparkling waters beckoning us under the scorching summer sun. Seeking respite from the heat, I cupped my hands and splashed the cool water on my face, feeling rejuvenated in both body and soul. My colleague, who had visited Puratheel before, remarked that this river served as a natural border for the village, fortifying the sacred site with its life-giving waters. It was this very river that earned Puratheel the epithet dweep, or ‘island’. The flowing waters represented a boundary that was not only physical, but also spiritual, separating this land from the rest of the outside world.

Puratheel. Image credit: Salz Graphy

Standing on the river’s edge, engrossed in its serene beauty, I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me. At that moment, I understood why Puratheel was revered as a place of spiritual import. It provided a sanctuary, a space where seekers could disconnect from the outside world and embark on a meaningful journey of self-discovery. Even as we reluctantly left the riverbank, the serenity of that moment remained with us, and we cherished this reminder of the intense connection between nature, spirituality, and the pursuit of inner peace.

As we wandered through the village, faint sounds of devotional music played from afar. Our guide, prayer beads in hand, began to narrate the story of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Thani.

There once lived an extraordinary man in Afghanistan by the name of Shaykh Uthman Hamdani. A Persian ruler and descendent of the esteemed first Caliph, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, this Sultan of Hamadan left all his riches behind to go on a quest for truth. He wandered tirelessly across distant lands, his footsteps guided only by his faith and a thirst for spiritual knowledge.

Shaykh Uthman eventually arrived in Valapattanam, a tranquil village in the northern province of Kerala. One night, during his stay in the village, he experienced a vision. This vision promised him that, should he marry on that very night, he would sire a miraculous child. A year later, in the nearby kingdom of Chirakkal, royal astrologers uncovered a celestial secret. They revealed to their king that a child had been born in the Valapattanam province — a child destined to become the greatest of all miraculous beings. They further prophesied that if the King provided protection and support to this child, his kingdom would prosper.

Intrigued by this prophecy, the King of Chirakkal set out to meet the newborn child, who had been named Abdul Qadir. Recognising the infant’s extraordinary potential, the King assumed responsibility for his upbringing, ensuring that he grew into a virtuous and revered figure. As such, the child was brought to the King’s palace at the tender age of five or six, where he continued his spiritual journey surrounded by the kingdom’s grandeur. His princely childhood abruptly ended at the age of sixteen, when his fortuitous encounter with four strangers changed the course of his life forever. 

The strangers had arrived at his family home in a famished state while Abdul Qadir was away at the palace. With his mother’s permission, they slaughtered cattle she had originally set aside for her son, and chopped down a jackfruit tree in front of the house. They cooked their meal, ate, and saved some of the food to be given to Abdul Qadir when he returned. As the strangers departed, the family were astonished to find that both the cattle and jackfruit tree had been miraculously restored to their original state. When Abdul Qadir eventually came home, his mother informed him of their unusual visitors. Realising that these were no ordinary beings, he set off to find them, eventually encountering four people from Bhatkal, Karnataka. Amongst them was the distinguished Sufi shaykh, Mahmoud Al Khabooshani, who bestowed Abdul Qadir with an ijaza in the Suhrawardi tariqa. This was a licence that would formally permit him to instruct his own disciples in the teachings and practices of the Suhrawardi Sufi order. 

Mosque built by the Shaykh himself

Inspired, Shaykh Abdul Qadir abandoned all material pursuits and devoted himself to worship. When the King grew concerned at the Shaykh’s sudden withdrawal from the palace and other worldly affairs, the Shaykh expressed his desire to continue this path, furthermore requesting that the King grant him a portion of the land to be reserved for regular worship and seclusion. The King assented, and named this land ‘Puratheel’. There, the Shaykh built a mosque and established a settlement, fostering a culture of spiritual seclusion and growth. He eventually became known as Abdul Qadir Al-Thani (‘the Second’), as people reverentially associated him with Ghawth al-A’zam Abdul-Qadir Al-Jilani, esteemed scholar and saint of Baghdad. 

Despite my efforts, I found little information about Abdul Qadir Al-Thani in my research. Even in Malayalam, the native language of Kerala, references were scarce. Only in Arabic did I find a single work, entitled The Holy Maulid, by Shaykh Valappil Abdul Azeez Musliyar. Shaykh Abdul Qadir’s obscurity in the digital realm was, to say the least, disappointing. However, as I stepped into the sacred sanctuary of Puratheel, I was astounded to see its pathways abound with visitors, their footfall echoing with purpose and a yearning for the blessings of a shaykh unknown to Allama Google. This was a realm beyond the age of digital information, where human souls longed for a connection unencumbered by the pretensions of media and search engine rankings. I felt an enigmatic current that drew people to a shaykh who, while evading fame and renown in written histories, had claimed his place in living hearts and memories.

Tombs of Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Thani’s descendants

With the setting sun, a melodious call to prayer echoed through the misty valleys, summoning the faithful to gather in the sanctum of the mosque. Inside, the golden glow of flickering lanterns danced across the walls, and the congregation united in prayer between them. The rhythmic recitation of sacred Qur’anic verses rose and fell, followed by murmured supplications emanating from each devotee’s lips.

After the Maghrib (sunset) prayer, a serene calm enveloped the community. We had just shared an Iftar meal to end the day’s fast, replenishing both body and soul with food and prayer. However, the night was far from over. At 12.30am, as moonlight filtered through the mosque’s stained glass windows, bathing the prayer hall in its soft glow, the call to prayer would recommence. As the rest of the world slept on, these worshippers would perform the Taraweeh prayer until 2am, a night prayer reserved for the blessed month of Ramadan, followed by more supererogatory prayers and whispered invocations hoping to forge a bond between this earthly realm and the Divine.

Though Muslims the world over perform these rites every Ramadan, Puratheel has its own unique customs. The Qunut, a special supplication, is recited with every prayer except Maghrib. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays after Maghrib, devotees gather for a dhikr halaqa, or gathering of remembrance, chanting the Divine’s sacred names in melodious union. After the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, which are led by a descendent of Abdul Qadir Al-Thani, a ritual of repentance takes place; the Shaykh recites words of istighfar, invocations that seek Divine mercy and forgiveness. Believers repeat the Shaykh’s istighfar, and disclose their struggles and shortcomings to a spiritual mentor as a means of guidance, purification, and self-reflection.

As Ramadan nears its end, the anticipation of seeking Allah’s blessing in the final ten nights of the Sacred Month swells, culminating in the sought after ‘Night of Power’, or Lailat ul Qadr. This is the twenty-seventh night of Ramadan, where in Puratheel, the adhan (call to prayer) resounds seven times to herald the Night of Power’s arrival. The mosque transforms into a radiant beacon, drawing the servants of Allah from near and far.

Puratheel Juma Masjid

When the final sun sets on Ramadan, and Eid ushers in the Sacred Month’s end, the Isha (evening) prayer is delayed until 2am to encourage the faithful to immerse themselves in worship until dawn. Although these customs may seem arduous to some, they are embraced with an unwavering devotion in Puratheel, keeping the legacy of the Shaykh alive. In our age of information and instant gratification, Puratheel reminds us that there are still enigmas to unravel, hidden domains waiting to be explored, and extraordinary souls whose influence transcend the virtual realm. True enchantment lies not in its digital presence but in the transformative encounters that await those who embark on this journey with an open heart and a yearning for the Divine.

Before our trip came to its end, our guide led us inside the mausoleum that housed Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Thani’s tomb, where he rested adorned in royal green clothing. Mausoleums of his children, grandchildren, other family members, and companions abound, both in Puratheel and all throughout India.

As we left Puratheel, a sense of tranquillity washed over me, dispelling, for the moment at least, all of life’s uncertainties. I felt that an inner peace had permeated my being, reminding me that we are never truly alone. For a moment, the world stood still and breathless, before exhaling a gentle breeze that brushed against me. I felt tears spring to my eyes, and wondered if nature possessed its own soul.

I left marvelling at the interconnectedness of the human spirit and the natural world. With the wind divulging its secrets and the land preserving ancestral tales, our souls are inextricably tied to that of nature’s. Through timeless bonds, we find solace, guidance, and an earnest understanding of our place in the cosmos. I journeyed forward, guided by whispers of the unseen, embracing the beauty and mystery bestowed upon us by nature.

Edited by Asma

source: http://www.sacredfootsteps.com / SacredFootsteps.com / Home>Asia> India / by Swalih Kuzhinholam / edited by Asma

____________________________________

Swalih Kuzhinholam

Swalih is a writer, Islamic tutor, and cultural explorer based in Kerala, India. He is a graduate of Darul Huda Islamic University in Chemmad, and a former Associate Editor at Thelitcham monthly magazine. His interests lie in culture, society, Sufism, aesthetics, literature and the arts.

The Mughal Mapmaker and his Remarkable Hajj Maps

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), World Opinion

MUGHAL INDIA :

Safi ibn Vali’s Mughal Hajj maps

The Salamat Ras departed Surat in India on the 20th September 1676, carrying hundreds of pilgrims from Gujarat. On board was Safi ibn Vali; unlike the other pilgrims, his journey was sponsored by Zib al-Nisa, daughter of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707). Along with completing his Hajj, Safi ibn Vali was given the task of creating a Hajj guidebook for future pilgrims. Presumably aimed at Indian pilgrims like himself, the ‘Anis al-Hujjaj’ (The Pilgrim’s Companion) contains advice regarding all aspects of the pilgrimage, including the journey to Jidda by sea.

His book is but one of many surviving pilgrimage guidebooks, from various parts of the Islamic world, forming a long-established tradition. They are typically accompanied by diagrammatic views of the holy sites, and Anis al-Hujjaj is no different in this respect. What sets it apart, however, is its use of colourful illustrations depicting various scenes of the pilgrimage, as well as the remarkable accuracy of its maps.

Safi ibn Vali’s Anis al-Hujjaj (‘Pilgrims’ Companion’), possibly Gujarat, India, circa 1677–80. Ink, gold and opaque watercolour on paper; modern leather binding. 3 separate folios show here side by side.  Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art. Copyright Nour Foundation. Courtesy of the Khalili Family Trust.

The illustration below is a map of Jidda. Jidda was a major port for pilgrims arriving for Hajj, and is thought to have been founded by Caliph Uthman in 647 AD. Safi ibn Vali, arriving at the port himself, maps major parts of the city. Archaeologist Dr Geoffrey King examined the map and found that the vast majority of places and landmarks depicted lie in the same position today.

Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art. Copyright Nour Foundation. Courtesy of the Khalili Family Trust.

The upper section of the map depicts Hawa cemetery, thought to be the burial place of Eve, the mother of humanity. While the pink markers represent other graves, the black square indicates the head side of the resting place of Eve (peace be upon her), the white square her naval, and the gravelly area her feet. In Safi ibn Vali’s time, her grave, which is more than 100 feet in length, would have been marked by some sort of edifice. It is possible that the structure that can be seen in the image below, an illustration from 1894, or one similar to it, was what he saw two centuries earlier. The structure is no longer standing; it was destroyed in 1975 and covered with concrete by Saudi religious authorities.

Illustration of the Tomb of Eve in 1894, Jidda.

The middle section of Safi ibn Vali’s map shows the old city of Jidda. When examining the area, Dr King found that everything was accurately placed; a parade of shops and houses in the old city, as well as the surrounding roads, are all found in the same position today. There is however, one surprising discrepancy; an obvious landmark was mapped by Ibn Vali on the wrong side of the road. The green-domed Shafi’i mosque is shown in the Anis al-Hujjaj on the east side of the main street, whilst today it can be found on the west side; “This confuses me- was this main street in Jidda on a different alignment when the Anis al-Hujjaj was composed, or is it a simple error?” Given the remarkable accuracy of the map in every other way, King says this discrepancy is especially puzzling. The Shafi’i mosque is the oldest mosque site in Jidda; its floor is well below street-level, a fact that, according to Dr King, indicates that it predates the Shafi’i period. The oldest standing part of the mosque today is its Ayyubid minaret, dating back to the 13th century.

Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art. Copyright Nour Foundation. Courtesy of the Khalili Family Trust.

Since there is no question over the identity of the mosque depicted by Safi ibn Vali, further research needs to be conducted to reach a clear conclusion over the discrepancy. In the foreground of the Jidda map, the governor of the city is shown welcoming pilgrims. There are numerous such illustrations in Safi ibn Vali’s book, depicting various scenes of the Hajj. On the folio below, pilgrims are shown on the day of Eid al-Adha. In the top right hand corner, pilgrims in ihram throw stones at the three pillars representing shaytan, while others have their heads shaved after completing the rites of the Hajj. In the foreground, animals are being slaughtered for the Eid sacrifice.

 Safi ibn Vali also made mention of various holy places to visit that are not part of the Hajj itself. The illustration below is a typical diagrammatic view found in the tradition of Hajj guidebooks. According to the captions, the building in the upper section marks the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In Ibn Vali’s time, the blessed area was marked by a small mosque with a courtyard and dome. Today a simple library building built in the 1950’s stands over the area. Depicted beneath the upper section are the birthplaces of Lady Fatima and Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may God be pleased with them both) as well as the Madrassa of Sultan Sulayman and a Sufi lodge of the Bektashi order. The clothes worn by the visitors indicate their various nationalities.

Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art. Copyright Nour Foundation. Courtesy of the Khalili Family Trust.

While Safi ibn Vali’s Anis al-Hujjaj is not unique in its function, the accuracy of its map of Jidda, and possibly others, such as Surat in India and Mocha in Yemen, which are also represented, is remarkable, setting it apart from other guidebooks of the same genre. Its colourful illustrations give the viewer a sense of the energy of the pilgrimage, as well as the diversity of the pilgrims represented. Given that many of the sites Ibn Vali illustrates no longer exist in the same form, his work takes on added historical importance, preserving a past all but lost to modernity.

Bibliography 

L. York Leach, Paintings from India, The Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, volume VIII, London 1998, cat.34, pp.124–9.

J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.332–41, pp.284–7.

source: http://www.sacredfootsteps.com / SacredFootsteps.com / Home>Asia> Arabia> History / by Zara Choudhary

Women power in full force at Riyadh’s Indian International School

Amazing Feats, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :

The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson.

The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.

Photo of Shahnas Abdul Jaleel

Jeddah:

In a significant development, the governing body of the Indian International School, Riyadh (IISR) is now led by women, with four of the six members being women.

The new management committee for the school was announced on Tuesday and will be headed by Shahnas Abdul Jaleel as chairperson. The other members were Sajida Husna, Sumaiya Sangreskop, Shahzeen Eram, Pashim Ali and Syed Zafer Ali.

The four women in the management committee are in addition to principal Meera Rahman. Previously all management committees had seven members, however, this time only six members were named. Shahnas is a software engineer working in Saudi Arabia and is a native of Ernakulam in Kerala and is a mother of two. Her husband also works as a software engineer.

The women in leadership roles in the school is expected to change the dynamics, especially in matters of the academic affairs of the students. The community-run schools under the patronage of the Indian Embassy play a pivotal role in Indian community affairs in the Kingdom. It is noteworthy to mention that earlier, Dr. Hemalatha Mahalingam was nominated as chairperson of Jeddah’s Indian International School.

Interestingly, social reforms unleashed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman have brought sweeping changes in the Kingdom wherein women benefitted the most. The country, where women for decades had a restricted role in public, is now embracing their potential.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home> India / by Irfan Mohammed / September 06th, 2024

Who is Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi? Member of India’s men 4x400m relay team

Amazing Feats, Sports, World Opinion, , , ,

Palakkad, KERALA :

Following a remarkable performance of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Saturday night,…

Following a remarkable performance of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on Saturday night, the Indian 4×400 meter relay team consisting of Muhammed Anas, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh gained widespread recognition.

This lesser-known relay group not only shattered the Asian record but also accomplished a historic feat by becoming the first Indian team to qualify for a World Championship final.

Muhammed Ajmal, a 24-year-old Indian track and field athlete, specializes in 400m sprints. His motto is straightforward: “Hear the bang and just run.” Gradually making his mark in the national scene, he aspires to progress further and achieve significant success in the international arena.

More about Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi:

Born on June 1, 1998, in Palakkad, Kerala, Muhammed Ajmal initially embarked on his sports journey as a soccer player while growing up in Palakkad. He participated at the U-19 state level in football until his coach, Nandakumar sir, recommended that he shift his focus to running. This marked the beginning of Ajmal’s transition from a 100m sprinter to his current role as a 400m sprinter.

Indian athlete Muhammed Ajmal originally started as a 100m sprinter but eventually transitioned to the 400m category under the guidance of his coaches. In his very first 400m race, he achieved an impressive time of 46.91 seconds, securing the gold medal at the National Services Championships held in Bhubaneswar.

Muhammed Ajmal discussed his transition in an interview, saying, “In India, there’s a higher chance of competing in international events in the 400m. Otherwise, you need to be exceptional as a sprinter to make it in the 100m.”

His goal is to surpass the national record set by another athlete from Kerala, Mohammed Anas, who achieved a time of 45.21 seconds.

At the 7th International Sprint & Relay Cup held at Atatürk University Stadium in Turkey, Ajmal secured the third position with a timing of 46.04 seconds. In 2021, he clinched the gold medal at the Inter-Services Championship with a time of 46.91 seconds. He had a strong start in 2022 by winning gold at the Indian Grand Prix, finishing in 46.78 seconds.

He followed up his success by earning a silver medal at the National Inter State Senior Athletics Championship. There he improved his timing to 46.48 seconds. Ajmal is now dedicated to performing well at the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year.

Muhammed Ajmal’s Athletic Accomplishments:

Muhammed Ajmal has emerged victorious at the National Athletics Championship on two occasions.

He secured a gold medal at the Indian Grand Prix in the year 2022.

In 2021, he earned a gold medal at the National Federation Cup.

Interesting Tidbits about Muhammed Ajmal:

His initial aspiration was to become a soccer player.

He shares a strong friendship with the national record holder, Mohammad Anas Yahiya.

Major Achievements:

1x In the Top 8 at World Championships

1x Asian Championships Silver medallist

Alongside, 1x In Top 8 at Commonwealth Games

1x In the Top 8 at Asian Championships

2 x National Champion

1 x Current Asian Record holder – 4x400m

source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Statesman / Home> Who Is / by Statesman Web / August 28th, 2023

Merging passion with powerful storytelling

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Karnataka (under research project)

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Mysuru-based Director Islahuddin believes in movie-making beyond the ordinary

The Kannada film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, has recently witnessed a surge in films across diverse genres, breaking away from the conventional commercial ‘masala’ formula. Films like Achar & Co, Daredevil Mustafa, Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare, Tagaru Palya and Orchestra Mysuru have been warmly embraced by audiences, proving that the industry is in safe hands with the new generation of filmmakers stepping up to the challenge.

Joining this fresh wave of talent is N.S. Islahuddin from Mysuru, the director of the Kannada film Anna. Despite hardships, Islahuddin successfully directed a few films, including Nodi Swamy Ivanu Irode Heege, starring Rishi.

Known for inspiring many aspiring actors and technicians, Islahuddin is now back with his latest venture Anna, which tells the story of eight-year-old Mahadeva. Set in the 1980s, the film portrays the struggles of a poor family that cannot afford even rice (Anna in Kannada).

Islahuddin also pioneered Kannada’s first-ever crowd-funded film, Jaagadoreyuthade (Spaces for Rent), an adaptation of Maxim Gorky’s play The Lower Depths.

Star of Mysore caught up with the talented moviemaker Islahuddin during his recent visit to Mysuru for a brief chat.    Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): How do you feel about ‘Anna,’ a non-commercial movie, being accepted by all sections of the audience?

Islahuddin: I am elated. Being embraced by all sections of society feels like a blessing. Our movie doesn’t take sides — except for the side of the hungry. ‘Anna’ is merely a metaphor. While rice, as a staple food for billions, holds deep significance, our story is set in the 1980s when rice was a luxury beyond the reach of the common man. Today, ‘Anna’ could symbolise any unfulfilled desire of the underprivileged.

SOM: What inspired you to choose a subject like ‘Anna?’

Islahuddin: The story found me. It is based on a Kannada Sahitya Akademi award-winning short story by Hanur Chennappa, who had previously served as Assistant Director, Department of Kannada and Culture in Mysuru. The team was already in place, and I joined towards the end. I am deeply grateful to the entire ‘Anna’ team for making this an unforgettable experience.

SOM: For a film like ‘Anna,’ it’s often difficult to secure producers and theatres for release. How did you manage both?

Islahuddin: ‘Anna’ symbolises desire. It highlights the gap between ragi and rice and the divide between the haves and have-nots. Basavaraju, our film’s producer,  who faced hardships in his youth, was approached by our music director and executive producer Nagesh Kandegala and he instantly agreed to produce the film. The film has turned out exceptionally well and the overwhelming response during screenings gave us the confidence that we have a winner. Even though Basavaraju is a first-time producer, we chose to take this leap of faith on our own.

SOM: With four gold medals in journalism and mass communication, a master’s from the University of Sunderland and having cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) from the University Grants Commission (UGC), you could have easily settled as a Professor in a reputed university. Why did you choose theatre and films?

Islahuddin: I’ve always liked theatre and cinema and so did my friends. I’ve always valued my friendships and most of my friends are here in my city Mysuru.  We are a close-knit group here in Mysuru, bonded by our shared passion for the arts. Our journey began in theatre, but we quickly set our sights on filmmaking.

I took the next step by pursuing my master’s in filmmaking in the UK, then returned to Mysuru to reconnect with my friends. Our primary goal has always been to build a thriving ecosystem for filmmakers right here in our city.

SOM: What are your upcoming projects?

Islahuddin: I’ve been in talks with a few actors, who also happen to be good friends, about directing some scripts I’ve written. Additionally, there are exciting offers from producers interested in bringing my stories to life with me as the director. There’s also an international project in the works, but I’ll reveal more when the time is right. Only time will tell. — VNS

Excelled academically

A graduate in Business Management from  D. Banumaiah College, Islahuddin went on to pursue a Post Graduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism at Manasagangothri, where he excelled academically, bagging four gold medals, including the prestigious Star of Mysore Silver Jubilee Endowment Gold Medal in 2006.

His passion for filmmaking led him to secure a scholarship at the University of Sunderland, where he earned a Master’s in Media Production in 2008. Upon returning to Mysuru, Islahuddin embarked on a challenging 15-year journey to fulfil his dream of directing films.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / September 12th, 2024

Lest We Forget Kargil War Hero Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin!

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

NEW DELHI :

Pakistan’s misadventure in Kargil will be remembered not only for the convincing win of the brave Indian army but also for some of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our dear motherland. Prominent among those heroes was a 25-year young Captain Haneefuddin of 11 Rajputana Rifles who led from the front and made the ultimate sacrifice. Martyr Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin had to be from the Dilwalon ki Dilli! Truly, he had a large heart for he volunteered to command an operation to capture a post which would give a vantage position to observe the enemy’s movements.

It was quite early days of Kargil war when there was hardly any information available about the enemy troops. A company of 11 Rajputana Rifles was deployed in Operation Thunderbolt on June 6th, 1999 led by Captain Haneefuddin. It was at an altitude of 18,000 feet in the Turtuk region. The Mission: To capture a position in the region which would facilitate the Indian army to monitor the movements of the enemy troops better. The capture of this position would give the troops a strategic advantage in those early stages of the war. Captain Haneef volunteered for this Operation Thunderbolt as it was his ingrained in his nature to lead from the front. He set off for the vital operation with one junior commissioned officer and three other ranks. They made significant strides on the nights of 4th and 5th June 1999. They captured nearby positions. They captured the adjacent position and set out their advance on 6th June 1999 to capture the position they desired. They were undaunted by an altitude of 18,500 feet and extremely cold temperatures. They were however spotted by the enemy and fired upon. A firefight followed, against an enemy equipped with heavy artillery.

Captain Haneefuddin was concerned about the safety of his team more than himself. He took up a position and fearlessly showered bullets on the enemy. In the exchange of bullets, he was severely injured. But he kept engaging the cunning enemy, until his boys were safe from the enemy fire. Unfortunately, he ran out of ammunition and he was shot from all directions. He succumbed to his injuries, just 200 meters from the position they valiantly set out to capture. He displayed extraordinary valor in the face of the enemy and cared more about his team’s safety than his own. Captain Haneefuddin attained martyrdom at the young age of 25. It was exactly two years after he was commissioned in the army. But his body could not be retrieved due to heavy firing till a brave Colonel Bhatia and his illustrious team set out to retrieve the body. It was on 18th  July, 43 days after Haneef’s martyrdom, Captain S K Dhiman, Major Sanjay Vishwas Rao, Lieutenant Ashish Bhalla, Havaldar Surinder and Rifleman Dharam Vir volunteered for the task.

Col. Bhatia and his team carefully negotiated the deadly precipices. The team managed to locate the brave heroes Haneef and Parvesh. They extricated the frozen bodies. Dragging them behind the boulders, the team carried the fallen heroes on their backs. They walk quietly through the night, reaching Zangpal by early morning. A helicopter carried the bodies away as the brave Colonel Bhatia watched the body bags with moist eyes for one last time.

Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin’s mother Hema Aziz had paid tribute to her martyr son thus:  “As a soldier, Capt Haneef served his country with pride and dedication. “There cannot be a greater statement on his valor than his death which came while fighting the enemy.” Later, a subsector in the battle zone was named as Subsector Captain Haneefuddin.

It is interesting to note that Captain Haneefuddin had gone to fight for 11 Rajputana Rifles whose war cry is ‘Raja Ram Chandra ki Jai’. Twenty years later, in February 2020, in Captain Haneefuddin’s hometown – Delhi, a similar war cry —  Jai Sri Ram was used by the rioters who looted, raped, killed innocents, destroyed 11 mosques and burnt down the copies of the Holy Quran, according to the just released report of the Delhi Minorities Commission. Those who carried out this pogram do not have guts to go to the borders and fight the enemies Pakistan and China. Instead, they choose our own citizens!

Where have the Dilwallas disappeared from Dilli?  Lest we forget Kargil War Hero Vir Chakra Captain Haneefuddin and other heroes!

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> Lead / by Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui / July 27th, 2024

AMP celebrates Excellence in Education: 8th national awards honor outstanding teachers from across India

Amazing Feats, Education, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

INDIA :

On Teachers’ Day, AMP held the felicitation ceremony for the 8th AMP National Awards for Excellence in Education 2024. The event took place at an impressive function in Ravindra Bhawan, Raj Bhavan Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It was attended by award winners, invited guests, AMP members, volunteers, and the academic community. Some awardees who could not travel to Bhopal participated virtually, and many others joined through social media platforms.

The Chief Guest for the event was Shri Digvijay Singh, Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Member of Rajya Sabha. He praised the role of teachers and commended AMP’s initiative of uniting Muslim professionals to give back to society. Shri Singh emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare for the progress of the country. He also highlighted the need for Muslims to pursue professional education to foster community advancement.

In his keynote address, Prof. Furqan Qamar, Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and Central University of Himachal Pradesh, underscored the necessity of increasing participation in higher education. He stressed the importance of public investment in education to make it accessible to marginalized groups, such as rural communities, women, and landless laborers, who often lack opportunities for higher education.

Maulana Syed Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, Shahar Qazi of Bhopal and the Presiding Speaker at the event, quoted Allama Iqbal, saying, “The soil of Hindustan is very fertile and amenable to good works from its citizens.” He emphasized the special status of teachers in Islam, reminding the audience that according to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a good teacher can attain a rank close to that of the Prophets.

The winners of the AMP National Awards were selected by a jury of 14 distinguished educationists and academicians from thousands of nominations submitted across India. These awards were presented in seven categories:

  • Primary and Secondary Teachers
  • College and University Teachers
  • Principals/Head of Institutions
  • Islamic Education (Arabic/Fiqh/Islamic Studies)
  • Educational Institutions
  • Lifetime Awards
  • Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award

The Late Ibrahim Quereshi Memorial Award was bestowed upon Prof. Furqan Qamar in recognition of his exceptional service in the field of education.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to the following esteemed educators:

  1. Hazrat Maulana Sayyed Muhammad Aqil, Shaykhul Hadith, Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  2. Jamaluddin Ahmad Khan, Ex-Lecturer, Halim Muslim Inter College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  3. Sharifa A. Azeez, Correspondent, Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  4. Sheila Lawrence, Former Headmistress, Lucknow Christian College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

On this occasion 78 teachers were honored with Special Jury Awards in the categories of Primary & Secondary Education, Higher Education, and Heads of Institutions. Furthermore, 50 “My Favourite Teacher” Awards were presented to teachers who were voted by students and parents from across the country.

One of the Guests of Honour, Dr. Usha Khare, National Teacher Awardee (Govt. of India) and State Teacher Awardee (Govt. of M.P.), recounted her efforts to promote education for girls in impoverished neighborhoods. Dr. Khare, who recently retired as the Principal of Jahangirabad Girls Government School in Bhopal, shared her inspiring story of how she encouraged parents to send their daughters to school. She also mentioned her act of philanthropy, where she donated her entire prize money of Rs. 25 lakhs, won on the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati, to the school. Upon her retirement, she left assets worth Rs. 1.5 crores for the institution.

Other notable Guests of Honour included Mr. Arif Masood, MLA – Bhopal Central; Mr. Atif Arif Aqueel, MLA – Bhopal North; and Mr. Wazir Ansari, IPS (Retired), Former DGP of Chhattisgarh. Each guest lauded AMP’s tremendous achievements in the fields of education and employment over the past 17 years. They also praised the event’s organizing team and the jury for their thorough selection process and the professional execution of the felicitation program.

Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP’s National Coordination Team, hosted the event, reflecting on AMP’s humble beginnings and its expansion to over 200 cities across India. He also noted AMP’s growing global presence, with volunteers in many countries around the world.

The guests were welcomed by Kaleem Akhtar, Zonal Head for Central India, AMP NGO Connect. Sajid Qureshi, Acting President of the Late Ibrahim Qureshi Memorial Study Circle in Bhopal, expressed his gratitude to AMP for the opportunity to support such a prestigious event. Rafat Iqbal Farooqi, State Head of AMP Madhya Pradesh, extended a vote of thanks to the guests, awardees, and the entire AMP Madhya Pradesh State and Bhopal Chapter teams for their hard work in making the event a resounding success.

The event was a testament to the immense contributions made by teachers and educators, who continue to shape the future of the country through their dedication to education and their students.

Click hare for more details and the list awardees.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / September 07th, 2024

WORLD RECORD- SHOOTING: ’02nd World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024′ : Dhanush Srikanth breaks 02 world records, Shourya Saini claims Silver and Mohammed Murtaza Vania claims Silver as India sweeps men’s air rifle event in Hanover, Germany

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

INDIA :

World Deaf Shooting Championship: Dhanush breaks world records as India sweeps men’s air rifle event (Photo: X) / (L to R) Shourya Saini, Dhanush Srikanth (Centre) and Mohammed Murtaza Vania

New Delhi :

India dominated the men’s 10m air rifle event on day two of the second World Deaf Shooting Championship in Hanover, Germany, with Dhanush Srikanth, Shourya Saini, and Mohammed Murtaza Vania making a clean sweep of the medals.

Dhanush set two world records in a single day, first by scoring 632.7 in the qualification round, followed by a stunning 251.7 in the final.

His performance left Shourya, who secured the silver with a score of 249.9, trailing by a significant margin.

Mohammed Murtaza Vania claimed the bronze with a score of 226.2.

In addition to their success in the men’s event, India also shone bright in the women’s category with Mahit Sandhu and Natasha Joshi winning silver and bronze respectively, adding to the country’s medals tally.

The Indian contingent had already secured four medals on the first day of the competition, including one gold, two silver and a bronze.

( Source : PTI )

source http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports / by PTI (headline edited) /September 02nd, 2024

City Muslim girl Sarah Rizvi takes Urdu route to IAS

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

Sarah Rizvi has done her bit to issue a blow to the stereotype of the Muslim woman, moderately educated and socially subjugated, ensconced in hijab. She has cleared the IAS exam, ranking 86th among 734 successful candidates. More remarkably perhaps, she has achieved the feat with Urdu literature as one of her optional subjects.
 

“Urdu is my mothertongue. I learnt Urdu and Persian from my late grandfather, Khalid Hussain Khan, who was a lawyer in Uttar Pradesh. I have read Urdu poems and novels since childhood. My Urdu writing speed was bad but I wrote a page a day and that improved my pace of writing,’’ Sarah said. Mohammed Iqbal was, for her, the most difficult poet to understand. “But his shayeri is fabulous,’’ she said of the Kashmiri poet who wrote Sare Jahan se achchha, Hindustan hamara.
 

After finishing BCom from MMK College in 2003, Sarah attended a lecture on competitive exams by K M Arif, educationist and chairman of Alliance Foundation. That inspired her to go for the IAS. “I tried twice but could not clear even the preliminary stage. This was my third attempt and, masha Allah, I passed,’’ the 25-year-old said, adding that her success was the outcome of 10-12 hours of study a day.
 

While doing her BCom, Sarah also completed her foundation course in chartered accountancy. “I wanted to become a CA but Dr Arif suggested I study for the IAS exam instead. I was clueless about the exam procedure and the requisite study material but my family supported me,’’ she said. Sarah was also awarded a scholarship by MESCO, an NGO.
 

Sarah is now posted as section officer in the Haryana Accountant-General’s office.
 

Sarah’s father, Afzal Ahmed, a science graduate, and mother Nigar, an arts graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, run a small garments business.

Her elder brother, Wasif, a civil engineer, is working for a company in Dubai and Sarah’s twin sister, Sameera, a graduate in computer applications, from National College, is married and lives in Bahrain. “I feel more Mulims, especially women, should go for the competitive exams. Many women don’t even know what these exams are about but awareness is spreading,’’ Sarah said.
 

“This subject gives us an inside knowledge of government administration. And the topics are similar to the business administration course matter I read in college,” Sarah said, explaining why she chose public administration over accountancy as one of the optionals.
 

Sarah did her schooling from Canossa Convent School and St. Louis Convent High School in Andheri. She later joined CWC College for Commerce and Economics and eventually graduated from MMK College with 75.7 per cent marks.

(Courtesy Times of India)

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Mateen Hafeez, TNN (headline edited)

Girl Student Tops, The list of Muslim UPSC Candidates

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

31 Muslims figure in the list of 791 recommended candidates.

New Delhi: 

A girl student topped the list of the successful Muslim UPSC candidates when the results were announced yesterday. Of the total 791 candidates recommended by the commission in its list for various government posts, 31 are Muslims and the girl student topping them in the list is among the top 100 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successful candidates.

According to the press release issued by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Sufiyah Faruqui ranking 20 in the list of 791 candidates is among the list of 100 toppers for which the results were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) yesterday. Sufiyah is on top in the list of 31 Muslim candidates who figure in the list released by the commission that includes three other Muslim girls besides her.

While Sarfaraz Ahmad ranking 26, Shaid Iqbal ranking 51,Tamboli Ayyaz ranking 75 and Sadre Alam ranking 90 are other Muslims who are in the top 100 list, Koya Praveen ranking 120, Ayesha Rania ranking 139 and Sabiha Rizvi ranking 303 are the other three Muslim girls who stand in the list of 791 successful candidates.

The results were announced yesterday based on the written part of Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2008 held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in October-November, 2008 and the interviews for Personality Test held in March-April, 2009.

A total of 791 candidates have been recommended by the commission for appointment including 364 General (including 13 Physically Challenged candidates), 236 Other Backward Classes (including 07 Physically Challenged candidates), 130 Scheduled Castes and 61 Scheduled Tribes candidates.

Owing to the poor representation of Muslims in the Union Public Service sector, the Muslim Institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Hamdard, Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi are running special coaching classes for UPSC students since past three years.

“The result shows that Muslim representation for this year’s UPSC exams stands at 3.92%, a better progress compared to 3.6% in 2006 and 3.1% in 2007”, Omair Anas of Center for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University said to ummid.com adding, “However the achievement is still not at par and the institutions engaged in coaching the Muslim students for UPSC exams should pay special attention to contribute substantially in administrative services.”

The recommended candidates would be eligible for various coveted government posts including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Central Services-Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.

Appointment to the various services will be made according to the number of vacancies available with due consideration to the provisions contained in Rules 2 and 19 of the Rules of the Examination and subject to the final decision of the Supreme Court / High Court / C.A.Ts. on the S.L.Ps. / R.As/ W.Ps. O.As. pending therein.

The number of vacancies reported by the Government for the Indian Administrative Service is 120 (60 General, 33 Other Backward Classes, 17 Scheduled Castes and 10  Scheduled Tribes); for the Indian Foreign Service is 26 (13 General, 08 Other Backward Classes, 04 Scheduled Castes and 01 Scheduled Tribe); for the Indian Police Service is 130 (65 General, 36 Other Backward Classes, 20 Scheduled Castes and 09 Scheduled Tribes); for the Central Services Group ‘A’ is 546  (282 General, 146 Other Backward Classes, 81 Scheduled Castes and 37 Scheduled Tribes) and for Central Services Group ‘B’ is 59 ( 34 General, 13 Other Backward Classes, 08 Scheduled Castes and 04 Scheduled Tribes). This includes 20 vacancies for Physically Challenged candidates.

List of the 31 Muslim Candidates with their Ranks:

20: 002666: SUFIYAH FARUQUI

26: 010669: SARFARAZ AHMAD

51: 192126: SHAID IQBAL

75: 079564: TAMBOLI AYYAJ FAKIRBHAI

90: 001339: SADRE ALAM

120 003004 KOYA PRAVEEN

128: 024509: MASOOM ALI SARWAR

134: 003602: IMTIAZ ISMAIL PARRAY

139: 131443: AYESHA RANI A

169: 056251: ZIAUL HAQUE

244: 114573: ASHIQUZZAMAN

257: 043392: BASIR AHMED

303: 004357: SABIHA RIZVI

304: 010883: ANEES AHMAD ANSARI

353:008606 PATTAN IMTIYAZ KHAN

382: 010383: MASHHOOD UR REHMAN FAROOQUI

393: 104282: SHAHNAWAZ UL RAHMAN

398: 039145:0020: CHAN BASHA M

460: 102384: KAZI SUHAIL ANEESAHMED

472: 147935: T K SHIBU

499: 102579: TARIQ MABOOD

502: 051643: GEELANI BASHA K S M

523: 290928: R GULZAR BEGUM

540: 056907: MOHD SHAHID ALAM

546: 108290: MOHD FAIZAN NAYYAR

582: 303331: MAHFOOZUR REHMAN

595: 004523: MD SADIQUE ALAM

603: 002722: MD SALIK PARWAIZ

606: 018478: MD FAIZUL HAQUE

619: 079717: MOHAMMED YUSUF QURESHI

664: 055051: ABDUL HAKEEM M

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Staff Reporter / May 05th, 2009