Wing Commander (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed Afraz lives up to the saying that a soldier is always on duty. Having served in the armed forces, Afraz has taken up the responsibility of documenting the stories of the martyrs and keeping their spirit of valour alive in the mind of public.
So far, he has collected 26,000 stories which are posted on his portal honourpoint.in. These are the soldiers and officers who laid down their lives in wars post-independence.
The Bengaluru-based Afraz says, “During my college days and job, I visited many memorials in the country. There are more than 200 memorials and almost half of them are inside the military cantonments. I would collect details of the martyrs from there.”
Afraz belongs to a Military family and he was brought up in Cantonments across the country. His father was in the Army; like him, his wife was in the Indian Air Force. His brother-in-law and many close relatives were in the Armed Forces.
He narrated a few stories about the martyrs, who would be forgotten and he made their memories come alive. Wing Commander Afraz talks about Flying Officer Farokh Dara Bunsha.
A post on the Facebook page of honourpoint.in commemorarting martyrs
Bunsha was martyred in the 1965 war. Soon his name was relegated to the pages of military history. Not many knew the poignant story of a young woman to whom Farokh Bunsha was betrothed.
After his story was posted on honourpoint.in it came up that this young woman had decided to live with his memory and never married.
Today, Farokh Bunsha’s fiancée is about 75 years old. She had no connection with the family of her martyred fiancé. However, when Wing Commander MA Afraz wrote the story, their families met and befriended each other.
He says, “When the Kargil war broke out, I was in the Air Force. I closely monitored the media coverage of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
“I noticed within two or three days, that the stories of martyrs would be shoved into inside pages and gradually people lost interest in them and even forgot their names. It made me realize there is a dire need to commemorate our martyrs.”
A poster announcement prize winners of the competition held by honourpoint.in
After he retired from the IAF in 2008, he decided to turn his dream of commemorating the martyrs’ memories into a reality.
He started working on his project in 2015 and launched his portal within two years.
“Collecting data was a major challenge for us. These forgotten soldiers had fought in the wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999. I focused on those who didn’t receive awards or commendations.
Back then there was no internet or a single source for us to collect information. Most of their families lived in far-flung villages.
Afraz says, “I realised that while the countrymen have expectations from our soldiers, nobody has any idea of the martyrs’ expectations from their countrymen.”
Kargil War memorial at Drass, Ladakh
Besides maintaining the portal, Afraz organises gatherings of the families of martyrs with civil society members. “It’s difficult to describe in words the feelings of martyrs’ families when people talk about their sons. Pride and honour are important for these families and no medal or financial help can match it,” he says.
Wing Commander Afraz says, “It is the moral responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the country; the contribution can be of any kind.”
The portal team posts the stories of martyrs on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram almost daily.
He says, “We are also spreading awareness offline. For example, we are continuously working on making people and students aware with the help of our association with the CSR partners from companies.
“We also organize marathons, radio, and print in memory of the martyrs.
Wg Cdr (Retd) M A Afraz
We are also connecting with people through print media and television.”
Afraz’s team has been organising ‘Rang De Veer‘ events all over India level for six years. These events held on Republic Day, Independence Day, and Kargil Divas (26 July), are attended by schools from India and abroad.
Afraz says, “Civil society should get in touch with these families. The government can only provide them with pensions and schemes. When the stories of the martyrs come to light, I have noticed that common people tend to stand up for their families who need help. For example, lawyers fight their cases for free; doctors provide free treatment.”
Another story that Afraz narrates is of Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav of Kosli village in Rewari, Haryana. He was martyred in November 2010 at the age of 26 years.
Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav and Flying Officer Farokh Dara Bunsha
Aakash was a helicopter pilot and his chopper crashed on the India-China border. He was the only child of his parents and they fell into mental depression after his death. Both parents felt there was nothing left for them to live for; they cut themselves off from everyone and lived like a recluse.
In 2017, M.A. Afraz’s portal invited the family of Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav to a program where the families of martyrs and members of civil society interacted.
After the function, the Yadav’s father said he would now onwards live the his life positively.
He set up an organization named ‘Flight Lieutenant Akash Yadav Yuva Prerana Samiti’ in their village. Under its aegis, the founder moves to the villages around Kosli and motivates the youth to join the armed forces.
He adopted children from slums and is educating them. Today he is fully involved in social service.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story/ by Rajeev Kumar Singh, New Delhi / August 14th, 2024
JIH vice-president Prof. Salim Engineer speaks at the history seminar organized by the Delhi unit of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
New Delhi :
Various speakers at a seminar here on Sunday said that the Muslim role in India’s independence and making of modern India was being overlooked by most of the historians.
The seminar titled “Making of Modern India and Role of Muslims in Freedom Movement” was part of a year-long campaign of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Delhi unit, to create awareness about the role Muslims played in India’s struggle for freedom from Britishers.
In his inaugural speech, JIH Delhi state president Salimullah Khan emphasizing the importance of compiling and presenting historical facts from various sources across the country.
He expressed concern over the current trend of rewriting history by omitting the Muslim contribution to serve vested interests, which he believes, is creating misunderstandings and communal hatred in the country.
“We are making efforts to collect historical facts, heritage, and monument information that exists in Delhi and will present it to the people,” Salimullah Khan stated.
He quoted Ayash Khan, former director of the renowned Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna, who highlighted the discrepancy between historical reality and its presentation by historians, often influenced by personal interests and inclinations.
The JIH state chief also cited renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Sadruddin Islahi, who emphasized the importance of genuine history writing and deplored the modification of historical narratives to suit personal agendas. He stressed that writing genuine history in the current climate is a significant service to humanity.
JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer, in his presidential address, praised the seminar’s theme as timely and appropriate amid rising Islamophobia and propaganda against Muslims worldwide and rising hatred in the country. He urged scholars and academicians to counter these narratives by presenting the overlooked contributions of Muslims and Islam to the nation.
“This government is not just a government of a political party but an ideological one,” Prof. Salim stated.
“Their agenda includes creating hatred and division in society against Muslims and Islam.” Prof. Salim reiterated this point, highlighting the ongoing attempts by the ruling government to rewrite history in a biased manner.
He emphasized that history should serve as a lesson for the future, advocating for collective action across communities to promote unity, reminiscent of the collaborative spirit against British colonialism. He emphasized the need for more conferences and seminars throughout the country to counter rising propaganda and hatred against Muslims.
The JIH Vice President asserted that Muslim participation in the freedom struggle was inspired by Islamic teachings, which fundamentally oppose injustice and oppression. He criticized both the British colonial distortion of history and current efforts by the ruling dispensation to rewrite history with bias against Muslims and Islam. Calling for more such events throughout the country, he emphasized the need for rigorous research, documentation, and public education to ensure historical accuracy in shaping national discourse and identity.
Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Struggle
Syed Ubaidur Rahman, a prominent who has authored several books on the history of Muslims in India, provided a comprehensive account of Muslim contributions to the freedom struggle. He highlighted the Faraizi Movement of 1819 as the first freedom movement, predating the widely acknowledged 1857 uprising.
“The Faraizi Movement, launched by Haji Shariatullah in 1819, was not just a religious reform movement but a revolt against oppressive landlords patronized by British colonizers,” Syed Ubaid explained. He emphasized that this movement, which lasted for 50 to 60 years, offered significant sacrifices and impact.
Syed Ubaid also shed light on the role of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, in the 1857 revolt. “Zafar had nothing to lose, as Mughal rule had already deteriorated to the lowest level before he took charge,” he clarified. “But for the sake of freedom, he revolted against the British Raj, leaving his luxurious life and power behind,” he pointed out.
The writer listed numerous prominent freedom fighters who made great sacrifices, including Imam Bakhsh Sahbai, Mufti Sadroddin Azoorda, Maulana Azad Subhani, and Maulvi Abdullah Shah.
Syed Ubaidur Rahman drew attention to many unsung heroes, including Maulvi Abdullah Shah and Azeemullah Khan, who played pivotal roles in the freedom movement. He enumerated the sacrifices of various freedom fighters, such as Imam Bakhsh Sahbai, Maulana Jafar Thaneswi, and Maulvi Liaquat Ali, all of whom displayed unwavering commitment to India’s independence, often at the cost of their lives and liberty.
Syed Ubaid also highlighted the pivotal role of the Reshmi Rumal Movement, led by the esteemed Deobandi scholar Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmoodul Hasan. This revolutionary movement, noted by the British Rowlatt Committee as a significant threat to British rule, garnered substantial support from the Ottoman Empire, Germany, Russia, and Afghanistan in its quest to destabilize British India. Maulana Hasan even travelled to Mecca seeking military assistance against the British government. However, the outbreak of World War I led to the unravelling of their plans, resulting in the imprisonment of many Indian revolutionaries, including Maulana Hasan, who was later released from Malta jail due to ill health.
Ubaid also remembered key figures like Haji Sahib of Turangzai, who bravely fought against British forces during the 1897 Frontier Revolt, and Maulana Barkatullah Bhopali, who served as the Prime Minister of India’s first Provisional Government in Afghanistan in 1915. He further shed light on Mohammad Iqbal Shedai, who established the Azad Hind Government in exile in Rome in 1941, and the tragic fate of Imam Bakhsh Sehbai, a scholar and poet executed by the British after the 1857 uprising, alongside his family members.
Syed Ubaid stressed the need to document and raise awareness about these unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, many of whom remain unknown to the general public.
Highlighting Women’s Contributions
Mrs. Syedah Swaleha Jabeen, a freelance journalist, focused on the contributions of Muslim women to India’s freedom struggle. She asserted that while their role was strong and leading, it has not been adequately documented. “Thousands of Indian Muslim women joined the freedom war, sacrificing their lives or facing acute suffering,”Swaleha Jabeen stated. She mentioned prominent figures such as Begum Hazrat Mahal, Abidi Bano Begum, and Aruna Asif Ali, among others. Jabeen recounted how Begum Hazrat Mahal, dressed as a soldier, led a group of fighters during the 1857 uprising, demonstrating the active involvement of women in the struggle for independence.
Swaleha Jabeen highlighted the significant contributions of Abadi Bano Begum, affectionately known as Bi Amma, during the Indian freedom struggle. As the mother of prominent freedom fighters Maulana Mohammad Ali Johar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, Bi Amma played an active role in the movement for independence. Her sons became key figures in both the Khilafat Movement and the broader Indian independence movement, significantly impacting the non-cooperation movement against British rule. Notably, they were also founders of the esteemed Jamia Millia Islamia, furthering their commitment to education and social reform.
She quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who wrote in Young India newspaper that “without mentioning the contributions of Muslim women, the history of the Indian freedom movement is absolutely incomplete.”
Political Leadership and Community Contributions
Dr. Abdullah Chishti, Assistant Professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, discussed Muslim political leadership in shaping the discourse of India’s freedom movement. He emphasized the need to focus on the role of the masses across all communities, rather than just leaders or religious groups.
“We talk much about the leaders and religious groups but less discuss the role of masses cutting across casts, sects, race, and religious divides,” Chishti noted. He pointed out that figures like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose had a significant following among Muslim masses.
Chishti also addressed the issue of communal periodization of Indian history, tracing it back to British scholar James Mill’s division of Indian history into Hindu and Muslim periods in 1817. He argued that this division paved the way for the two-nation theory during the British colonial period.
However, Chishti emphasized that not all Muslims favoured a separate homeland. He cited examples of prominent figures like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Allama Mashriqi, who were strong opponents of partition.
Dr. Abhay Kumar, a former History Scholar from JNU, spoke about the enduring impact of Muslim heritage on modern India’s cultural fabric. He stressed the importance of understanding and communicating history to counter ongoing efforts to distort it.
Prof. Salim Engineer presenting a memento to former JNU scholar Dr. Abhay Kumar.
“If you want to save India, you have to first understand the history of the country and then tell it to the common people in popular language,” Kumar asserted. He criticized the common approach of memorizing history in chronological order without understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind historical events. He emphasized the importance of understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind historical events, rather than merely memorizing dates and facts.
Kumar traced the roots of historical distortion back to the colonial period, criticizing early European writers for their biased portrayals of Indian history. He pointed out that many colonial historians, such as James Mill, wrote about India without ever visiting the country.
“To understand the distortion of history, we have to trace it back to the colonial period,” Kumar explained. “When the British came to India, they started writing history as a systematic institution, even colonial historians who wrote Indian history often never visited India.”
Kumar also addressed the visible bias and prejudice against Muslims in the writings of European scholars like Max Muller. He argued that these prejudices were partly because Muslim rulers were in power when the British arrived in India, and Muslims were among the first to resist foreign rule.
He also addressed the need for genuine history writing, urging efforts to preserve public-level history rather than relying solely on government or agency accounts.
JIH Delhi state secretary and organizer of the seminar Asif Iqbal provided an overview of the event’s objectives. He explained that the seminar aimed to highlight the contributions of Muslims in the freedom struggle and the reconstruction of the country, facts that a vast majority of the country is not well aware of or has overlooked.
Asif Iqbal announced that this seminar is a precursor to an upcoming grand history conference to be held in February next year in Delhi. He also revealed plans for about 10 similar history conferences to be held across different major cities in India, covering various themes including architecture, art and culture, spirituality, social reforms, textiles and craftsmanship, environmental contributions, cultural syncretic festivals, struggle heritage, mass movements, and Muslim personalities and their contributions.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow/ Home> National Interest / by Anwarulhaq Baig / August 14th, 2024
Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.
Internationally acclaimed Bodybuilder Mir Mohtesham
Hyderabad:
A celebration was held in Hyderabad’s Media Plus Auditorium to celebrate Mohtesham Ali Khan, who received the prestigious national award ‘Bharat Ke Anmol’ for his journey of determination, perseverance, and excellence in the realm of bodybuilding and fitness.
Khan is a professional bodybuilder from Hyderabad and has earned many national and international titles including a silver medal in Mr World Body Building Championship, in the heavyweight category.
The event which was held on Sunday, August 14, witnessed the presence of dignitaries and supporters who gathered to honour Khan’s accomplishments.
The chief guest Abdul Khayyum Khan, minority affairs advisor for the government lauded Khan’s unwavering commitment to his craft.
Other prominent figures including AIMIM leader Ather Farooqui, BRS leader Khaleequr Rahman, Pathergatti Corporator, Syed Sohail Quadri and chairman of Vandhe Bharat, Ramesh Eppalapalli were also present at the event.
The felicitation ceremony was organised by the founder and CEO of Ethos Imagination, Varaprasad who emphasised that the evening was not merely a tribute to Mir Mohtesham Ali Khan’s individual accomplishments but also a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
At the event, Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey and stood by him both during challenges and triumphs.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Sayma Ahmed / August 13th, 2023
On February 16, 2024, 36-year-old Sajida, a mother of six, received the most devastating news of her life. Her husband, Mohammad Junaid, the sole breadwinner of the family, along with his cousin, Nasir, had tragically passed away. They were brutally killed in a premeditated attack by cow vigilante goons. She was horrified to learn that her husband had been taken from them in such a cruel manner. She struggled with disbelief and fury, trying to grasp that the father of her children was gone.
The accused had meticulously planned the murders, discussing Junaid and Nasir extensively in the weeks leading up to the incident, ultimately agreeing on their killings.
“It was devastating news for all of us. I can never forget that day. At first, I could not believe it. Junaid was the most humble person in our locality. He always helped everyone and was so full of life. Everyone liked him, and I was so proud of him. He never fought with anyone. How could someone take his life? How can their conscience allow it? Don’t they fear the wrath of God?” she asked in disbelief, surrounded by her small children.
Over the past decade, incidents of lynchings targeting Muslims in India have seen a significant increase, accompanied by a normalization of hate speeches. In 2023, the country witnessed 668 hate speeches directed at Muslims, according to the India Hate Lab, a Washington DC-based group. Their report titled ‘Hate Speech Events in India’ revealed a rise from 255 events in the first half of the year to 413 in the latter half, marking a 62% increase.
Approximately 75% of these incidents occurred in states and Union Territories governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Delhi. Among them, 36% involved direct calls for violence against Muslims, 63% referenced conspiracy theories like love jihad and population jihad, and 25% called for targeting Muslim places of worship.
Amnesty International’s report titled ‘Bulldozer Injustice in India and JCB’s Role and Responsibility in Bulldozer Injustice in India’ documented the demolition of at least 128 properties between April and June 2022. These demolitions have left at least 617 people homeless or deprived of their livelihoods.
The report underscores that, authorities in Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi utilized demolitions as a form of punitive action following instances of religious violence or Muslim protests against discriminatory government policies. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused of anti-Muslim rhetoric, governs four of these states.
Amidst the demolitions and suppressions, most of the NGOs working for public welfare are hesitant to assist Muslims due to fear of repercussions and opposition from the government.
Junaid’s wife Sajida (in blue). Photo: The Quint
Recognizing the disparities in NGO assistance towards Muslims and their hesitance to aid those oppressed by the state, Aasif Mujtaba, a 35-year-old IIT alumnus, took initiative and established his own organization, Miles2Smile. His goal is to rehabilitate and support Muslims affected by violence.
“Following the communal in northeast Delhi in 2020, my colleagues and I felt compelled to aid the survivors. Initially, our focus was on providing essentials like clothing, medical care and food. In Babu Nagar, we established our first command centre, which evolved into a relief hub. It was our first experience supporting victimized survivors, and despite lacking a formal name initially, our determination to assist remained unwavering,” Aasif told TwoCircles.net.
On February 23, 2020, violence erupted in Delhi’s trans-Yamuna region, spanning several days and resulting in the deaths of 53 people, predominantly Muslims, with 250 others injured. Despite government and media characterizations of the incident as a “riot”, a fact-finding committee from the Delhi Minorities Commission concluded it was a “pogrom”. This independent body, dedicated to safeguarding minority rights, based its assessment on victim testimonies and legal sources, affirming that the events of February 2020 constituted a pogrom.
Aasif recalled that while Miles2Smile was officially established in June 2020, its origins can be traced back to providing relief to survivors of the violence in northeast Delhi earlier that year. Since then, the organization has remained steadfast in its mission.
During the COVID lockdown, Aasif and his team began compiling a list of students affected by the violence, many of whom had dropped out of school due to lost income or the absence of a breadwinner. This list grew to include over 200 students. His organisation took on the task of reintegrating these children into schools and subsequently, in September 2020, launched its sister organization, Shaagird, which means “student”.
However, admitting the students was relatively straightforward compared to the challenge of keeping them enrolled and motivated. Many had witnessed the violence firsthand, and some had tragically lost family members in front of them at a young age. Therefore, the approach to enrolling and sustaining their engagement in formal education had to be tailored and sensitive to their unique circumstances.
Haris with violence affected kids is below
Mohammad Haris, chief operations officer at Shaagird, who works closely with students affected by violence, expressed, “These children are deeply traumatized. Many have lost their enthusiasm for education, especially those approaching adolescence who feel compelled to contribute to their families financially. Keeping them engaged in formal education is an immense challenge.”
A study published in the journal Review of Behavioral Economics titled ‘Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Community Violence and High School Graduation’ found that girls who had experienced childhood violence were 24% more likely to drop out, while boys who had experienced violence were 26% more likely to drop out compared to their peers.
Recognizing the impact of trauma on students’ educational motivation, Shaagird developed a curriculum specifically designed to provide emotional support and solace. Initially, students focus on co-curricular activities such as sports and painting rather than academic subjects. As they gradually become more engaged with the school environment, core subjects are reintroduced, all while closely monitoring their mental health needs.
“It’s incredibly challenging to keep children affected by violence in school. Due to their trauma, we don’t initially focus on academic subjects like math, science, or English, which can overwhelm them. Instead, we have developed a specialized curriculum that identifies each student’s unique talents and keeps them engaged through these interests. This approach helps them form a stronger connection to the school. Only once they are fully engaged and comfortable do we gradually introduce academic subjects,” explained Haris.
An illustrative case at Shaagird is Anas (name changed), who tragically lost his father in the pogrom and has a deep passion for drawing and art. The Shaagird team actively encourages Anas to explore and express his creativity through drawing, with Haris expressing confidence in Anas’s promising future in painting.
According to Aasif, beyond immediate rehabilitation efforts for families affected by communal violence, ensuring their long-term welfare is crucial. Families endure immense suffering after such violence, losing sources of income, breadwinners and leaving children traumatized. Therefore, empowering them to become self-reliant is essential, as they are often overlooked by relief organizations or volunteers over time. This goal is achieved through educating the children of affected families and involving them in small businesses that provide sustainable livelihoods.
“What families endure during the pogrom is only a fraction of their challenges afterward. It’s imperative to support these families in becoming self-reliant. At Miles2Smile, we consistently engage families affected by pogroms and other forms of state oppression in small businesses, such as setting up kirana shops, to help them earn a livelihood,” explained Aasif.
(Anas name changed)
In addition to assisting over 10,000 individuals affected by violence last year through rehabilitation and relief efforts, and enrolling hundreds of violence-affected students for free education, Miles2Smile also responded to the 2023 Turkey earthquake by sending 2,365 metric tonnes of emergency relief. This included tents, thermal mattresses, blankets, clothing, sanitary napkins, baby diapers, baby food, overcoats, snow boots, chairs, sleeping bags, towels, and inflatable pillows.
Inspiring Rehabilitation Stories
Among the many rehabilitations, some stories stand out where families affected by lynchings or pogroms displayed exceptional courage and began new lives with determination. One such story is that of Sajida, the wife of Junaid. Despite being illiterate and a young mother of six, she showed remarkable bravery by starting a small cosmetics shop set up by Miles2Smile in one of the rooms of her home. Although initially in disbelief over Junaid’s death, she quickly accepted her fate and forged ahead courageously.
“Sajida is one of the bravest women I’ve encountered in this journey. Young widows often struggle to accept their circumstances, but Sajida embraced hers and began anew with courage. We often wondered how a young woman with six children would manage, but her resilience is beyond words. Women like Sajida continue to inspire and motivate us,” remarked Aasif.
Sajida, along with her brother and son, at Sadar Bazar, Delhi shopping cosmetics and other women’s items for her shop. Photo: Miles2Smile
“I faced two choices: either break down or muster the courage to start anew for my children, and I chose the latter. I knew that if I lost hope, my children would suffer greatly. I had to do it for them. Aasif Bhai provided me with immense emotional and financial support. His team set up the entire shop and supplied the items. Now, the shop is running well, thanks to Allah first and then Aasif Bhai, who did so much for me,” shared Sajida.
Another poignant and inspiring story is that of Rukhsana, the wife of Feroz Ahmed, who owned a dupatta house and tragically lost his life during the Northeast Delhi pogrom. His body was later discovered in a nearby drain. Rukhsana was two months pregnant at the time of Feroz’s death.
Throughout her pregnancy, Miles2Smile covered all her medical expenses and provided support by accompanying her to regular checkups. Meanwhile, the organization enrolled her children in school at no cost, taking care of their educational expenses. After giving birth to a baby girl, whom she named Feroza after her father, Rukhsana successfully revived and managed the shop. Within a year or two, she began employing more young women, and now nearly ten girls work under her at her dupatta house.
Rukhsana’s daughter at Miles2Smiles owned Sunrise Public school. Photo: Miles2smile
“I was moved to tears when Rukhsana brought me small polythene bags filled with cash. She explained that since Miles2Smile had supported her children for years by covering their school fees, this was her way of expressing gratitude. It brought me immense joy. These are the stories that inspire and drive us to persist in our mission,” said Aasif.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / Two Circles.net / Home> India News> Lead Story / by Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net / July 14th, 2024
Dr. Faiza Abbasi receiving the Nishan-e-Urdu Award from Mr Abbas Ali Mehndi at Lucknow
Aligarh :
Dr. Faiza Abbasi, Director, UGC Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP), Aligarh Muslim University, has been honored with the prestigious Nishan-e-Urdu Award by the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Memorial Committee, Uttar Pradesh Government. The award ceremony took place at the Premchand Sabhagar of the Rajarshi Purushottam Das Tandon Hindi Sanstha, Lucknow on June 22.
The Nishan-e-Urdu Award is conferred upon individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of the Urdu language in India but neither got their employment from Urdu nor studied through the Urdu medium. Dr. Faiza Abbasi was selected for her contributions to the Urdu language, despite the fact that she holds a PhD degree in Wildlife Sciences and has been teaching Environmental Studies to undergraduate students in the departments of Shia and Sunni Theology and Quranic Environmental Ethics at the Khaleeq Ahmad Nizami Centre for Quranic Studies, AMU, which primarily imparts higher education to the students from Madrasas.
Dr. Abbasi has authored, edited, and translated five books in Urdu on educational, scientific and literary topics and regularly writes for Urdu journals and magazines, including the Tehzib ul Akhlaq and Fikr-o-Nazar. She also emceed at Jashn-e-Rekhta and organized Urdu literary evenings, voluntary Urdu language classes, and delivered lectures on the contributions of non-Muslim Urdu poets.
She was felicitated by Mr Abbas Ali Mehndi, Vice Chancellor, Era University, Lucknow, at a programme convened by Shri SN Lal, Convener, and Jitendra Kumar, Additional Secretary of Languages, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / July 01st, 2024
“He (Mahatma Gandhi) said that while he did not think that Umar Sobhani was a revolutionary, he was frank and open by nature and he (Gandhi) thought that if Umar felt convinced that a revolution was the best way to secure the well-being of India, he would not hesitate to adopt such methods. He thought that in such a case Umar Sobhani would plainly tell him (Gandhi) of his intentions…” This is what Mahatma Gandhi was reported to have told to C.I.D on 8 May 1919 during a police interrogation.
Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle
Sobhani was a rich businessman from Mumbai who traded in cotton and joined the freedom struggle early in his life.
Those who take an interest in Mahatma Gandhi consider Young India, an English journal edited by Gandhi, and Navajivan, a Gujarati journal, as his voice. Interestingly, these journals were started by Sobhani who later cajoled Gandhi to take charge as the editor.
Rajmohan Gandhi, one of the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi, notes, “Three of the Sabarmati ‘covenanters’, Umar Sobhani, Shankerlal Banker and Indulal Yagnik, were between them bringing out two journals, Young India, a weekly in English from Bombay, and Navajivan, a monthly in Gujarati from Ahmedabad, and were also associated with the nationalist daily, the Bombay Chronicle. At the end of April, in one of the Raj’s drastic measures, Horniman, the British editor of the Chronicle, was deported, and the paper’s publication had to be suspended.
“In response, Sobhani, Banker, and Yagnik requested Gandhi to take over the editorship of Young India and Navajivan and with their help bring out Young India twice a week and Navajivan every week. Gandhi agreed, and on 7 May 1919 the first number of Young India, New Series, came out. When, soon, the Chronicle resumed publication, Young India reverted to being a weekly but now published, for Gandhi’s convenience, in Ahmedabad, along with Navajivan, which first appeared as a weekly on 7 September.
“Gandhi now possessed what he had hoped for from the moment of his return to India: vehicles to communicate his message.”
Charkha (spinning wheel) is a synonym for Mahatma Gandhi and his movement and Sobhani played an instrumental role in making it a success. Rajmohan writes, “Indian spinning mills wanted to turn all their yarn into mill-made cloth, not sell it to hand-weavers. Gandhi therefore asked associates to search for spinning wheels that could make yarn. At the Godhra conference in November. 1917, a woman called Gangaben Majmudar, who had ‘already got rid of the curse of untouchability and fearlessly moved among and served the suppressed classes’ (A 442), promised him that she would locate a wheel.
“She found not one but hundreds in Vijapur in the princely state of Baroda, all lying in attics as ‘useless lumber’ (A 443). Women who in the past plied the charkhas told Gangaben that they would spin again if someone supplied slivers of cotton and bought their yarn.
Gandhi said he would meet the conditions, his friend Umar Sobhani supplied slivers from his Bombay mill, and the ashram received more hand-spun yarn than it could cope with.”
Sobhani was one of the original 20 signatories of the pledge to oppose the Rowlatt Act. The pledge was prepared by Gandhi at his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. Along with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sobhani was one of the associates of Gandhi who backed him against the old guards in Congress on the question of the non-cooperation movement in 1918.
K. R. Malkani, a former R.S.S stalwart and BJP leader, writes, “Gandhiji’s right-hand man in Bombay in the 1921 movement was Umar Sobhani. The first bonfire of one and a half lakh pieces of choicest silk was ignited by Gandhi in Umar’s mill compound in Parel.
“When Gandhiji decided to collect Rs. 1 crore for Tilak Swaraj Fund, Umar offered to contribute the entire amount, but Gandhiji wanted it collected from a large number of people. But even so, Umar contributed Rs. 3 lacs.
“Umar was a big cotton merchant. When the British came to know of his role in the Freedom Movement, they ran special trainloads of cotton to Bombay by Viceregal order. As a result, cotton prices collapsed in Bombay and Umar suffered a loss of Rs. 3.64 crores. Daan-Vir Sobhani ended his life.
“Earlier the British tried to divide the family. At their instance, Umar’s father, Haji Yusuf Sobhani contested the office of Sheriff of Bombay. Umar worked. against his father and had him defeated. Later the British tried to tempt Yusuf Sobhani with a knighthood, but Umar told his father that he could accept the title only “over my dead body.” Today probably not even people living on Sobhani Road, Cuffe Parade, Bombay, know who the great Sobhani was!”
Sobhani used to lead the marches in Mumbai, arrange the meetings of Gandhi, and raise funds for the political agitations against the English. Gandhi, according to the police reports, used to call him one of the props of the satyagraha in Mumbai.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / July 31st, 2024
A hundred-year-old Muslim library stands firm in the narrow lanes of Shivajinagar, Bangalore, barely visible from the outside and quite difficult to locate. By asking the locals, one can find a small staircase squeezed between shops leading to the library. You can easily detect the smell of old books on the staircase, and upon entering the library, a sudden sense of calm and peace permeates the bustling market. There have been many highs and lows throughout the library’s long and illustrious history, and in 2014, it celebrated its centenary.
At the beginning of the second decade of the 20th century, a group of intellectuals and benefactors in the city of Bangalore came together to promote the Urdu language and raise educational awareness among Muslims. On 5th May 1912, Bangalore’s Muslim Library was founded. The inaugural conference took place at Maulvi Abdul Ghaffar Sahab’s New Market Road (Char Minar Road) building on 9th May 1912. Five months after its establishment, in 1912, the library moved from the New Market Road building to a shop on Masjid Street, where Madarasa Quwwatul Islam was located.
In January 1929, a significant event took place when Amin-ul Malik Mirza Muhammad Ismail Diwan of the Mysore State presided over a grand meeting at the Globe Theatre (Opera Bazaar) in honour of the poet of the east – Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal. During this meeting, Allama Iqbal was presented with a letter of appreciation by the library. The library members raised money for Allama Iqbal’s visit and the meeting under the name “Iqbal Fund.” Additionally, the library celebrated its founding anniversary on 9th May 1937, with a grand celebration presided over by Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, the Secretary of Anjuman Tarqee Urdu.
The Muslim Library was registered under Registration Act 21-1860 on 3rd May 1935, at the Bangalore office of Joint Stock Companies. To ensure the security and maintenance of the library’s assets, a trust named “Muslim Library Trust, Bangalore” was established and registered under the Indian Registration Act 1-1908 in the office of the Sub-Registrar, Civil Station, Bangalore, on 14th September 1957. Donations were received, and the present building of the library was purchased on 22nd May 1958, although there were concerns about the institution’s stability.
Throughout its 100-year history, many notable and famous personalities from the country and the state have visited the library and expressed their good wishes.
These include Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Maulana Shaukat Ali (Ali Brothers), Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (Director Zamindar-Lahore), Baba Urdu Maulvi Abdul Haq, Professor Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Sagar Nizami, Hazrat Josh Malihabadi, Allama Seemab Akbarabadi, Mirza Yas Yagana Chingizi, Ejaz Siddiqui, Hazrat Jigar Moradabadi, Hazrat Hafeez Jalandhri, Hazrat Amjad Hyderabadi, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Ashraf Ali, and Professor B Sheikh Ali, among others.
Photo by Nabeel Ahmad
The two-storey library houses more than 30,000 books in various languages, though it has a treasured and rare manuscript collection in Urdu and Persian, some of which are even a century old. The library houses rare and valuable books on various subjects, ancient magazines, 1980s newspapers, and manuscripts from the Haidari era. The total number of manuscripts is 29. Some important manuscripts include: Maulvi Abdul Haq bin Saifuddin’s “Completion of Faith and Taqwaity of Faith”, “Al-Tazirat” (Dakhini Urdu), compiled by Hafiz Ahmad bin Muhammad Maghrib in 1235, “Deewan Naziri” (Fari Kalam) by Nazir Neshapuri, “Kaliat Kamal” (Urdu) by Kamal Shah Peer (Dakhini Urdu). Additionally, selected letters from Shaheed Tipu Sultan, written to various friends, are available here. The library also holds many rare books published by the famous publisher Munshi Kishore of his time. Notable among them is “Ajab al-Makhluqat,” published in 1889, and ancient and rare books on medicine such as “Talb Akbari,” Volume I, published in 1895, and the translation of “Makhzan-e-Adawiya” written by Hakeem Muhammad Noor Kareem in two volumes. Moinuddin Farooqi’s books on Islamic medicine are also available in the library.
A thick, long register at the entrance with visitors’ signatures in Urdu is a rare sight, but it simply depicts the library’s love of Urdu. Photo by Nabeel Ahmad
The first person to greet visitors at the library is Muhammad Altaf, the caretaker who has been looking after the library for the past 24 years. Altaf says, “Urdu is the sweetest of all languages, though the new generation is drifting away from it. There was a time when the library used to be filled with readers. However, most of those readers are no longer alive. Only a few PhD scholars now visit the library for their work.”
Photo by Nabeel Ahmad
A place that was previously bustling with activity from city dwellers who devoured Urdu newspapers, magazines, and novels is now desolate and silent. Amidst the haunting stillness, the sound of pages rustling from bygone eras is nearly audible. Altaf bemoaned the slow but steady decline of Urdu readers, citing youth as an example of an audience that values instant gratification more than the more reflective practice of reading, especially Urdu.
Altaf emphasised that parents should encourage their children to learn to read and write Urdu in this era. The new generation needs to pay heed to Urdu; otherwise, the language will gradually go extinct.
Altaf added, “The library is open to the public and provides a lifetime membership for Rs. 1,500. Members can issue the books; however, the older and rare collection is aesthetically stacked on the shelf. Over the years, Urdu lovers in the city have considered this place a haven for learning.”
The Muslim Library is one of the repositories of India’s linguistic and cultural wealth, holding the key to Urdu’s revival. By digitising their precious collections, these forgotten sanctuaries can be transformed into accessible digital archives. Coupled with restoration efforts, proper funding, and community engagement through reading clubs, literary events, and language courses, these libraries can become vibrant hubs of learning and appreciation. Strategic partnerships with the government, corporations, and the public are essential to ensuring their preservation and expansion. With a concerted effort, these libraries can ignite a renaissance of Urdu, reasserting its place as the soul of India’s literary heritage.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Culture / by Nabeel Ahmad / August 01st, 2024
SDPI workers ready to participate in rescue/ help operation.
In the early hours of July 30th, a massive landslide devastated the Mundkkai-Chooralmala areas in the southeast region of Wayanad district, Kerala. The natural calamity swept away two villages, leaving behind almost no structures and claiming numerous lives. The catastrophe quickly drew the attention of the outside world, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Rescue volunteers from various religious organizations and political parties hurried to the scene to search for survivors and recover bodies. Estimates suggest the death toll has surpassed 300, with more than 200 people still missing. Among the first to arrive were the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) volunteers, reaching the disaster site even before military and government rescue teams could mobilize.
The rescue operations saw the involvement of multiple organizations, including Indian Relief Workers (IRW), Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth Congress, Welfare Party, and the Muslim League. These groups have been tirelessly working to find and rescue any remaining survivors.
SDPI volunteers played a crucial role in recovering bodies from challenging terrains, including marshy areas and rivers flowing kilometers away from the landslide site. They ventured deep into the forests to carry bodies to hospitals, often on their shoulders, demonstrating immense dedication and bravery.
Relief activities are ongoing with significant momentum. The focus now is on ensuring the dignified rehabilitation of the surviving victims. The tireless efforts of all volunteers, especially those from SDPI, have highlighted the importance of community solidarity and prompt action in the face of natural disasters. The collaborative spirit and commitment shown by these volunteers offer a beacon of hope amid the devastation, emphasizing the need for continuous support and rehabilitation for those affected by this tragic event.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / August 06th, 2024
The store originally goes back to about a century ago, when it was situated at Dabeerpura in the Old City of Hyderabad.
Vintage radio sets at Mahboob Radio Service. (Image: Siasat.com/Yunus Lasania)
Hyderabad:
Monuments are often built to last forever, or at least are built with the intention to last. These edifices are the more obvious markers of our heritage in cities. However, we often overlook the importance of everyday places that also are an equally important part of our culture and heritage. And oftentimes, without anyone doing anything, fate puts such places at the crossroads of extinction.
When I first visited Mahboob Radio Service, it was very nonchalant. It was in fact during a heritage walk early on a Saturday morning about seven or eight years ago and I never really thought much of it. However, I eventually went back, and kept returning as many times as I could because of the immensely important significance it holds for Hyderabad and the legacy of its heritage.
As I began peeling back layers of its history, I understood one thing: that Mahboob Radio Service is special. It became that by just existing and its owners doing what they do with dedication – fixing vintage radios. And of course, as any other typical old establishment, it had one owner who was a tough nut to crack. That would be Mr Moinuddin.
His elder brother Mujeebuddin (below) who I met several times in the past unfortunately passed away a few years ago. In fact, when he was no more, I suddenly realised that Mahboob Radio Servie may not be there anymore when Mr Moinuddin is gone in the future. That sinking feeling has hit me harder after I learnt in recent times that Mr Moinuddin, who is 74 years old, suffered a stroke in recent times.
Thankfully, he recovered and is back in the store fixing old radios as he always did. When we mourn the loss of our heritage in Hyderabad, it is usually when monuments are destroyed. And in the case of Mahboob Radio Service, it also may not survive and carry forward its legacy if there is no one to carry it forward.
By simply continuing to fix vintage radios regardless of how much technology advanced over decades, the place has managed to remain permanently locked in time. Mahboob Radio Service needs to survive. Establishments like these are part of the city’s soul, and the death of such places is in fact a great loss to our cultural heritage.
Nothing except a collective effort can save such places. In this case, I am not sure how that would work, but perhaps this is the time for the city and its lovers to think about what can be done.
How it began
The store originally goes back to about a century ago, when it was situated at Dabeerpura in the Old City of Hyderabad.
Shaik Mahboob, the original proprietor, was selling other things which he would bring from Bombay, until he one day brought back a radio unit to sell. Thus was born Mahboob Radio Service. Soon he along with another person began repairing and selling radio sets. The shop eventually shifted to its current location at Chatta Bazar in 1948.
“I was in fact a motor repairman earlier. I started running Mahboob Radio Service after my father passed away in 1996,” Mr Moinuddin (above) told me during one of our several conversations over the years. Oftentimes he’d laugh and tell me how he refused to entertain ‘pesky’ people. But I came to this stage of comfort with him also after years of spending time with him. As of now, his nephew Mr Majeeduddin is also helping out to fix the old radios. So perhaps there is hope.
I think more people from Hyderabad should spend time loitering at legacy places like these so that it creates a bond. There is no point in writing obituaries and having only memories remaining of such places, because the more important job we have is to save our heritage instead of mourning it. Here’s to hoping that Mahboob Radio survives and thrives.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Yunus Lasania X / July 31st, 2024
In a convocation ceremony held at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University in Sikar, Rajasthan, Nigar Chaudhary, a student of Islamia PG College, was awarded gold medal by Governor Kalraj Mishra. Nigar Chaudhary achieved the top position in PG Home Science at Shekhawati University for the year 2022, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.
Governor Kalraj Mishra, serving as the Chancellor of the university, awarded gold medals to a total of 72 outstanding students during the event. The convocation witnessed the conferral of degrees upon a vast number of graduates across various faculties, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.
Among the dignitaries present were Haji Anwar Ahmed Qureshi, Chairman of Islamia Management Committee, and numerous well-wishers who congratulated Nigar Chaudhary, recognizing her dedication and academic prowess. The ceremony underscored the university’s role in nurturing talent and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation at large.
The event also featured Governor’s address, highlighting the pivotal role of education in shaping a progressive society and urging students to pursue excellence with dedication and determination.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / July 07th, 2024
