Category Archives: Amazing Feats

Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain: scientist who changed the course of TB diagnosis in India

Gaya, BIHAR:

Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain

Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain’s scientific research has changed the complicated regimen for the diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and the Indian Basmati getting its patent and trademark in the UK in the fight against the Pakistani variant. This Bihar-born scientists’ findings have saved patients suffering from Drug-Resistant TB money and time and helped the Indian government and farmers earn through exports of the Basmati.

He told Awaz-the Voice in an interview that the government of India has taken at least two major policy decisions based on his research. “One decision was that previously the testing of tuberculosis (TB) was based upon antibody-antigen reaction. So, the antibody formed was based on the antigen of a bacterial protein, and the sequence (genetic) used was mostly European or American isolates. 

“When I did sequencing in India, I found out that the Indian variant is completely different. Therefore, the test could give false positives or negatives…. I published this finding and had a meeting with the DG of ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) and recommended that the tests based on foreign kits be banned and that made a big impact.” 

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Prof. Seyed E. Hasnain, renowned biologist, at an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 29, 2006.

Padma Shri recipient Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain said. E. Hasnain was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest Civilian decoration of Germany in 2014. Nature, a famous scientific journal, reported on his receiving the award, “With the Order of Merit, he joins the league of outstanding personalities from various fields including Nobel laureate biologist Paul Herman Muller, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and music conductor John Crosby.” 

In 2006, he received Padma Shri in recognition of his scientific work. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1995) and J. C. Bose Fellowship (2006), two of the most prestigious Indian Awards in the field of science have also come his way apart from numerous other decorations.

Hasnain was born in Gaya, Bihar in 1954. He was born seven years after India had attained independence. At that time Bihar was not the most developed of the Indian states. Hasnain’s father was a college lecturer and he nursed a dream of studying abroad. He studied at the Nazareth Academy, an expensive school in the town. It’s said that almost 20% of his father’s salary would go into children’s school fees. 

He did his M.Sc. from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. However, though he was selected for his post-graduation studies by Harvard University, for some reason he could not join.

In 1981, Hasnain moved to Canada as a Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF). He worked in Canada and the USA for the next six years. At this stage, his father asked him to return home to serve his country and people. He was advised by many people that he must try to get his green card before moving back to India. 


Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain with Dr Venky Ramakrishna, Nobel Prize Winner and President of Royal Society, UK, in Cambridge

In 1987, he joined the National Institute of Immunology (NII) as a scientist. Hasnain says, “I thought that after getting a green card, I would have a fall-back and a plan B. I did not want a plan B. My plan was the only plan A. I will work in India and do something good in India.”

Hasnain broke the convention by not continuing the research he was doing abroad. He started afresh and soon made a name for himself in research of baculoviruses. He established a baculovirus insect cell expression system (BEVS) for the first time in India and used this to express foreign genes and also to ask fundamental questions concerning gene expression in BEVS. The idea was to make India a scientific power.

Hasnain says that when his career was at the peak with research on baculovirus one day, Dr. Sandeep Basu, the then director of NII, asked him, “Seyed, you are publishing in good journals, it is fine, but how does humanity benefit? What is India gaining out of it? How are the common men benefiting from your papers? Doing research is good but do something which will benefit the common man.” 

This was the turning point in Hasnain’s life and career. He says “I decided to do something where I can do direct application.” He started his research on tuberculosis. 

Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain at the Global Health Conference organized by the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, Halle, Germany

Hasnain initiated studies on molecular epidemiology and genetics of multi-drug resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis (M.tb). He says, “second important observation that was published, again the first time in the world. We used to test TB for drug resistance. The bacteria was tested against each drug. I showed with my study that if the bacteria are resistant to one drug then it will be resistant to almost all other drugs. I established the correlation and proposed that you don’t need to do multi-drug resistance testing for all the drugs. Just test one drug rifampicin and if it is confirmed then 95%-99% of drugs will be resisted by the bacteria. That has become a standard treatment all over the world. He is still working on developing cheaper methods of diagnosing TB.

In 1999 Hasnain was invited as the first director of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. It was based on his work on Indian Basmati Rice DNA fingerprinting that India won the Patent case against Pakistan enabling the export of the Indian Basmati to the UK. This prevented a major economic loss to India. Subsequently, the Ministry of Commerce established the CDFD-APEDA Basmati DNA Analysis Centre, where all Basmati exports are certified. 

Hasnain also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (2005-11), and Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and is currently A National Science Chair of SERB, at the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at IIT-Delhi. 

Hasnain Mantra is: “Nothing is a substitute for hard work.”  

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / November 03rd, 2023

Mohammed Shami jerseys sold out around Eden, stadium where Clive Rice once felt like Neil Armstrong

Sahaspur Village , Amroha, UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

Mohammed Shami jerseys are out of stock at the sports goods market near Eden Gardens. (PTI | Express Photo by Sandip G)

Adjoining the sprawling maidan and the Eden Gardens is what the locals call – the largest sports goods market in Asia. Whether it’s a brag or the truth, the half a kilometer-stretch is the first stop of every aspiring sportsman of the city.

Badminton racquets dangle from creaking ceilings, cricket bats of all sizes, shapes, wood and football boots are a nudge away from falling off the glassed showcases. There are also imitation-gold plated trophies shinning garishly under the glare of tube-lights.

“The journey of every sportsman starts here, and not the maidan,” says Rahman Ali, who owns Palace Sports. “Established 1965,” he asserts. Ali’s grandfather, like most shop-owners had migrated from East Pakistan after the partition.

“Back in the 70s, Abbas Ali Baig tore his shoes one day and bought a pair from us. My grandfather didn’t take any money from him. Dhoni brought a pair of gloves from here too once. And of course, we have spotted Shami bhai a lot of times here (before he got into the Indian team). Now, of course, he can’t. He would be using foreign goods,” he says.

Shami’s jerseys, though, are out of stock. Ali reasons: “Usually, we stock more jerseys of Rohit and Virat. But we didn’t know our bowlers would become such a hit. But no worries, the load will arrive tomorrow, in time for the match,” he says.

Every replica jersey costs around Rs 450, which in normal time is sold for Rs 250-300. “The pandemic struck us badly, we were running on heavy losses. So we have to cash in during the World Cup,” says Armaan, who quips: “We look forward to the sports season more than the sportsmen.”

The three-week window is their equivalent of the harvest season. These days, they sell around 200-300 jerseys a day, and on match-days even more. Match-days are the busiest days, and therein lies their biggest pang. “The stadium is so near, yet we can’t leave the shop and watch the match,” he says.

Search for selfie

The jersey-hunters are swelling by the minute and the narrow passageways have become narrower. Some stop by and chat about Shami’s demolition of Sri Lanka, or whether Virat Kohli would equal Sachin Tendulkar at the Eden. The proximity of the bus station that is ferrying thousands of cricket pilgrims from different corners of the state and the line of hotels in the neighboring New Market Area has made an already crowded part of the city seaming at its bursts.

Some of them wander into the Eden Gardens, across the Maidan with its kite-fliers. These marching cadet scouts go past the hundreds of sports clubs and the Lesilie Claudius Sarai named after the city’s most famous hockey star, in search for a selfie or to merely soak in the atmosphere.

Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens illuminated with lights ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa, in Kolkata. (PTI)

Eden Gardens illuminated with lights ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa, in Kolkata. (PTI)

“You should come after six,” a policeman tells a pair of inquisitive tourists.” That is when the facade of the storied stadium glows. A fleet of police cars screeched past the stadium, tired policemen could be spotted leaning against the walls or resting on the cane fence near the stadium.

There is a buzz crackling in the humid air of the city. When the list of games were announced, the city was dejected that it would not host any of India’s marquee games. It’s hosting a semifinal—but it was accustomed to hosting bigger games, the finals (1987 World Cup and 2016 T20 WC). And wallowing about its glorious past is ingrained in the city’s psyche.

SA’s piece of history

Political subplots were read into it. But the sleight of destiny ensured that the city got the most competitive game of the tournament, India versus South Africa. Few considered South Africa contenders, but they are now the second favourites. Two days cannot fly faster is the common refrain. Some fans loitered around the stadium, assuming that the team would practise in the stadium on Friday. A policeman, tired of shooing a pack of youngsters away, now starts shouting expletives and waving the cane lathi. They flee. The new batch arrives, and the policeman is his wits’ end.

Anyone passing along the premises of the stadium is asked the standard question: “Ticket hain?” It could be anyone from a casual inquirer to a desperate fan pleading, or a tout seeking a potential buyer to slap an over-priced ticket. Among them was Ebrahim, from Durban. He landed on Thursday, but has no ticket. Draped in a South Africa flag, he says: “Maybe, I can buy one in the black market, or one of the South African supporters here can manage one. I was so thrilled to watch this World Cup that I didn’t bother about the ticket. I called a friend of mine from Cape Town last week and decided to travel just like that,” he says.

He says it was destiny that has brought him to Kolkata. “We played our first game after reintroduction here, we won our first Test match in India here. Hopefully, we will watch something special here too,” he says.

There is another connect—the administrator credited with bringing South Africa back into the cricket fold, Jagmohan Dalmiya, too was from the city. The series was organised in a week’s time, thanks to a meeting between then West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu and South Africa cricket board administrator Ali Bacher.

A batch of nervous cricketers in a chartered flight landed to a raucous welcome. In the post-match interview, captain Clive Rice would emotionally say: “I know how Neil Armstrong felt when he stood on the moon.” There is a picture of him and his teammates bowing down with folded hands and thanking the crowd after the game. “The most historic match in the history of South African cricket,” he would say.

A sense of history is lurking around the Eden Gardens this week too, as two of the strongest teams in the World Cup encounter on Sunday. And there is a whole ecosystem around it, literally and symbolically, waiting for the match and their catch.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Sports> Cricket World Cup 2023 / by Sandip G, Kolkata / November 04th, 2023

Meet India’s second-most generous man who made Rs 1774 crore donation, much more than Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

One such figure on the list is Azim Premji, the IT magnate from Wipro, who along with his family gave Rs 1774 crore, making him the second most generous person in India. Premji’s donation has exceeded Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani’s contribution, which was Rs 376 crore.

article-main
DNA Web Team / Updated: Nov 02, 2023, 07:14 PM IST

Indian millionaires have been recognised for participating in several charitable endeavours to give back to the community across a variety of fields. The Hurun India Philanthropy List includes some well-known people, like Shiv Nadar of HCL and Mukesh Ambani, the head of Reliance.

One such figure on the list is Azim Premji, the IT magnate from Wipro, who along with his family gave Rs 1774 crore, making him the second most generous person in India. Premji’s donation has exceeded Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani’s contribution, which was Rs 376 crore. 

Who is Azim Premji?

Azim Premji, a Mumbai native, served as Wipro’s chairman and is currently a non-executive member. Hashim Premji was the name of his affluent businessman father. Azim graduated from Stanford University in 1966 with a degree in electrical engineering. Following his father’s death in 1966, Premji left Stanford to manage the family’s cooking oil company before branching out into software.

Remarkably, he used distance learning to finish his engineering degree from the institution in 1999. Azim Premji has built an enormous empire and is referred to be the “Czar” of the IT sector. Wipro has an innovation centre in Silicon Valley where they work with entrepreneurs and create new technologies.

Rishad, Premji’s son, took over as executive chairman of Wipro in July 2019. Wipro, the Rs 2 lakh crore company owned by Indian IT billionaire Azim Premji, is one of the biggest software services companies in India. Azim Premji is a wealthy Indian tycoon who also happens to be one of the most generous with a staggering net worth of $11.4 billion or Rs 94,000 crore.

He committed to donate half of his money in 2013. He gave the Azim Premji Foundation, which supports education in India, 2.2 billion dollars. In the 1980s, he founded Wipro in response to a request from the government to remove IBM. The 1990s saw a sharp surge in Wipro’s worth.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA / Home> Business / by DNA Web Team / November 02nd, 2023

Seven Kashmir Daughters Inconsolable After Father, Head Constable Ghulam Mohammad Dar Killed Months Ahead of Marrying The First One

Baramulla District, JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Wreath laying ceremony of Head Constable Ghulam Mohammad Dar who lost his life in a militant attack near his house in Tangmarg area of Baramulla district on October 31, 2023

Srinagar :

Residing in an under-construction house, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, was killed outside his residence in Kralpora area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district. This incident marks the third militant attack within a week in Kashmir. The killing has rendered the family inconsolable as they were expecting a marriage in March.

The Kralpora village transformed into a mourning ground after Dar was shot five times outside his residence. Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a constable in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, had dedicated 25 years of his life to serving in various districts.

On Tuesday, Dar had returned home from his office after two days at the District Police Lines in Srinagar. As he approached his home, with the evening sun casting long shadows, a sudden, inexplicable shout pierced the air. Seconds later, Dar lay on the ground, his life ebbing away.

Dar’s family, particularly his seven daughters, were plunged into despair. Their father, their sole provider, was taken from them in an instant. A cloud of sorrow hung over the household, darkening their lives as they struggled to come to terms with their loss.

“We are doomed. We just had our father, now we have no one,” lamented Dar’s eldest daughter. She vividly recalled that ill-fated evening when her father had been accompanying a labourer to his home. It was meant to be a routine task, but in an instant, their world was shattered.

“When he was coming back, we heard a loud shout and ran outside. In front of us was lying our father, a blood-ridden body, and no breath,” she recounted, the pain etched across her face.

The tragedy was compounded by the impending wedding of one of Dar’s daughters. The joyous anticipation that had filled their hearts was now replaced by sorrow and uncertainty. “I was getting married in a few months, and my father was working day and night to make my wedding easy, but we have nothing left now,” the daughter about to be married said.
Dar was the sole breadwinner for his family, with seven daughters and his wife depending on his income. With no sons or brothers to share the burden, the weight of their financial security rested solely on Dar’s shoulders.

Dar’s neighbour, speaking to the media, conveyed the gravity of the situation, “He was shot just outside his house. We took him to the Tangmarg hospital from where they referred him to Baramulla, and he passed away. He is survived by seven daughters and his wife. They had only one person earning in the family. He had no son or brother and was the sole breadwinner for his whole family. He had been working with the police for the last 25 years; he had served in every district and was a noble soul. Targeting innocents is wrong. They were preparing for the wedding of his daughter.”

Day before Dar was shot dead, Inspector Masroor Ahmad, another member of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, was shot in Srinagar. While enjoying a game of cricket on a local ground in Eidgah area, militants approached him and shot him at point-blank range with a pistol. His life now hangs in the balance, as he is battling for survival in a tertiary hospital in Kashmir.

Dilbagh Singh, the Director General of Police for Jammu and Kashmir, who superannuated on Tuesday, expressed his dismay, “The enemy wants to create violence here in the valley. We have lost so many people in the mad era of violence. The incidents that have taken place today and yesterday have to be seen from the same prism as they are failing, and they cannot see peace returning to the valley. These incidents are only and only that they don’t want peace to prevail here. We are working hard to completely stop all kinds of violence in the valley. We have already managed to find out some major proof with regard to yesterday’s attack. If a poor labourer is killed, I don’t think either God or police will forgive the perpetrators of this attack.”

Few days before, In Nowpora village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a labourer named Mukesh from the state of Uttar Pradesh lost his life to a militant attack. The region hadn’t witnessed such a spate of target killings and attacks for over a year, rekindling painful memories of a turbulent past in the Kashmir Valley.

source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Web Exclusive / by Raashid Andrabi (headline edited) / November 01st, 2023

Mangaluru: HIF India honors Munawar Zama with HIF Global Youth Icon Award

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Secunderabad, TELANGANA:

Mangaluru:

Highland Islamic Forum (HIF India) on Saturday honored motivational speaker Munawar Zama with the HIF Global Youth Icon Award here at the TMA Pai Hall in the city. Munawar Zama was in the city to hold a talk for youth and parents organised by HIF India.

The recognition was presented by UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, after Zama’s address to youth and parents.

In his address, UT Khader commended Zama’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of the youth, emphasizing the transformative impact of such efforts in shaping a brighter future for the world.

During the event, Munawar Zama emphasized the importance of mentorship and support systems for the younger population.

HIF members and other dignitaries including Shaz Ahmed AK as the program anchor, and Ashraf Ali – Trustee of Sana Shaheen Charitable Trust, Niyaz AK – Managing Director of AK Apple Ply Group, Naushad AK – Director of AK Apple Ply Group, and SM Farook – Director of SM Fisheries and Export, were present during the event.

HIF India President Adil Parvez presided over the event. 

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 30th, 2023

Charmadi Hasanabba, gets prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Award for 38 years of selfless service

Dakshina Kannada, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru:

Charmadi Hasanabba, a selfless social worker known for his tireless efforts in saving lives, has been honored with the Kannada Rajyotsava award by the state government for his remarkable 38 years of service to the community. 

Hasanabba, born in 1951 to Ijjabba and Bifatima in Lala near Ujire in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, displayed exceptional dedication to social service, especially in saving lives, irrespective of caste and creed.

Despite facing early challenges and limited educational opportunities, Hasanabba exhibited extraordinary resilience. At the age of eight, he moved to Balehonnuri and worked as a dishwasher in a small hotel, mastering the art of the hotel industry. At 18, he returned to his hometown, opened a small hotel, and built a home nearby.

Hasanabba’s journey in social service began in 1985 when he learned about daily accidents on the route frequented by truck drivers. Motivated to make a difference, he and his friends would rush to accident sites in his Maruti 800 car, providing immediate assistance and transporting the injured to hospitals. His dedication saved numerous lives, including a father-son duo from Chikkamagalur who were critically injured at Charmadi Ghat. Their recovery and gratitude inspired Hasanabba to continue his mission.

Beyond saving lives, Hasanabba actively participated in clearing roads after landslides, fearlessly navigating treacherous terrains to ensure safety for travelers. He also assisted the police as a witness in various cases, including murder and robbery.

Hasanabba’s contributions extended to community leadership as well. He served as the President of Juma Masjid from 1984 to 2015 and played a pivotal role in founding organizations like Belthangadi Taluk Muslim Union and the Muslim Unity Forum. His involvement in the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee showcased his commitment to social causes.

Recognizing his outstanding service, Hasanabba received several awards, including the Beltangady Taluk and DK Zilla Kannada Rajyotsava Award, ‘Sarathy No. 1’ from the All India Drivers Association in Bangalore, the Person of the Year Award from Beary’s Welfare Association in Bangalore, the A Shyamarao Memorial Award, and the Alwas Nudisiri Awards from Beary Sahitya Academy, among others.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023

DK District Rajyotsava Awards to NRI businessman Abdulla Madumule, Journalist Ibrahim Adkasthala

Dakshina Kannada District, KARNATAKA:

Abdulla Madumule (On the left), Ibrahim Adkasthala (On the right)

Mangaluru: 

In an announcement made on Tuesday evening, the prestigious DK District Rajyotsava Awards have been revealed, recognizing the outstanding contributions of 46 individuals and 17 organizations. Among the awardees are figures such as Prominent Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman Abdulla Madumule, journalist Ibrahim Adkasthala, and literary expert Dr. Prabhakar Neerumarga.

Ibrahim Adkasthala is a senior correspondent at Vartha Bharati.

Additionally, recognition has been bestowed upon organizations, including the Ullal Syed Madani Charitable Trust, for their noteworthy work in various fields.

A notable recipient of this honor is Badruddin Farid Nagar, the former president of Harekala Gram Panchayat, acknowledged for his significant contributions to rural development.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Nehru Maidan in the city on November 1, starting at 9 am. Dinesh Gundu Rao, the DK District In-charge Minister, will preside over the event, with Speaker UT Khader in attendance to present the awards to the deserving recipients.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023

MEIF Honored with Kannada Rajyotsava Award for transformative contribution in education sector

KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru:

The Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF), a prominent educational organisation operating in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has been honored with the prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Award this year.

The Karnataka state government recognized MEIF’s significant role in revolutionizing education within the Muslim community across both districts. Founded by former Higher Education Minister of Karnataka, BA Mohidin, MEIF’s commendable efforts in education for the past 22 years have earned them this esteemed accolade.

In response to the educational gaps prevalent among Muslims in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Mohidin initiated free English classes within mosques’ madrasas during daytime. The positive reception from the community led to Jamaats in undivided Dakshina Kannada establishing English medium schools within Madrasa premises.

Encouraged by the overwhelming response, Mohidin conceptualized the Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF) in 2001. Today, MEIF comprises 180 English medium schools and pre-university colleges across Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, catering to 60,000 students and employing 6,250 teachers. Notably, students of all communities and religions study in these institutions.

MEIF’s mission centers on the belief that education is pivotal for development and strives to empower Muslim community, through education. The Federation extends guidance to member-school boards on administrative matters and conducts regular training sessions for teachers, students, and parents across its five zones. MEIF’s concerted efforts have yielded remarkable results in annual examinations, with an impressive 83 percent of students achieving distinction and first-class grades in recent years. Furthermore, pre-university students have displayed consistent improvements in their academic performances.

Operating with government approval, MEIF’s private unaided schools, primarily located in rural areas, maintain affordable tuition fees. Financially disadvantaged students receive free education, while others are charged nominal fees. Additionally, MEIF facilitates 174 SSLC students’ admission to prominent PU colleges in the districts, supporting over 300 eligible rural students in securing free seats in technology institutes in Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

MEIF has also been instrumental in adding interest among high school students in civil service careers, organizing training sessions to enhance their skills. Over the past three decades, MEIF has played a pivotal role in enhancing literacy rates and women’s education in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Founder-chairman of MEIF and esteemed educationist PA Khader Kukkady significantly contributed to the Federation’s development. Following his tenure, Mohammed Beary Yedapadavu assumed the role of chairman, steering MEIF to greater heights. Retired officer Moosabba P Beary is currently running the Federation successfully as its President. Umar Teekay serves as the honorary chairman of MEIF, while Syed Mohamed Beary is the chief advisor. Riyaz Ahmed Kannur is the current general secretary of the federation.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023

Udupi’s prominent social worker Parkala Haji Abdullah honored with Karnataka Rajyotsava Award

Udupi, KARNATAKA:

Udupi:

Parkala Haji Abdullah Saheb, a reputed social worker, senior socio-religious leader, successful businessman, and Honorary President of Udupi District Muslim Okkuta, has been conferred with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award this year.

Born on the 16th of August, 1943, in Nileshwar, Kerala, to K. Ahmed and Aisha, he relocated to Udupi in 1967 at the age of 24 and commenced his career under the guidance of Dr. T. A. Pai of Manipal. With dedication and honest business practices, Abdullah Saheb transformed a small-scale venture into a thriving business, earning recognition as a prosperous businessman in Udupi.

Haji Abdullah Saheb has been a fervent supporter of students and underprivileged individuals arriving in Manipal from abroad for educational and healthcare services. He has consistently extended a helping hand to address students’ challenges and provided care for the less fortunate.

His contribution is evident in the construction of Masjid-e-Manipal in Manipal, accommodating pilgrims, the families of patients, and students seeking education and medical treatment. Additionally, he is acknowledged as a bridge fostering interfaith harmony in Manipal and Udupi.

Throughout his active involvement in renowned coastal associations such as Jamiatul Falah, Muslim Welfare Association, Millat Education Trust, and Zia Education Trust, Haji Abdullah Saheb has demonstrated his commitment to community welfare. His significant role in the establishment of Udupi District Muslim Okkuta highlights his dedication to community service. Serving as the organization’s first president, he successfully led the union for six consecutive years. Presently, he holds the honorary position of its president. In recognition of his selfless spirit and generosity, Udupi District Muslim Okkuta honored him with the Sevaratna Award for the year 2021-22.

Known for his humility, simplicity, and charitable nature, Parkala Abdullah Haji is revered as a philanthropist and community advocate.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 31st, 2023

68th Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards distributed on November 01st, 2023 : Check the complete list of awardees here

Karnataka government has awarded the Rajyotsava award to 68 people including ISRO Chairman S Somanath and golfer Aditi Ashok.

S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO
S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO

Here’s the complete list:

The Karnataka government’s Rajyotsava Award will be given to 68 people this year, including ISRO Chairman S Somanath and golfer Aditi Ashok, for their excellent service in their fields.

The Rajyotsava Award is the state’s second-highest civilian award given by the Karnataka government annually. The 68th Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards will be conferred on the occasion of the state’s formation day on November 1. This year is the golden jubilee of renaming Mysore state as Karnataka.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is the head of the Award committee, who has selected the winners.

The government also decided to give 10 awards to organisations along with 68 Rajyotsava awards on the occasion of ‘Karnataka Sambhrama’. 

Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi said that it is ensured that every district has been given representation while selecting the awardees. The awardees also include 54 men, 13 women and one transgender. The list also has two centenarians.

The Rajyotsava Awardee will get cash rewards of Rs 5 lakh, a 25-gram gold medal and a plaque.

Here’s the complete list of Rajyotsava Awardees

Music/Dance

  • Nayana S. More (Bengaluru) 
  • Neela M. Kodli (Dharwad)
  • Shabbir Ahmed (Bengaluru) 
  • Balesh Bhajantri (Belagavi)

Sculptures/Art/Handicraft 

  • T. Shivashankar (Davangere)
  • Kalappa Vishwakarma (Raichur)
  • Martha Jakimovich (Bengaluru)
  • P. Gowraiah (Mysuru)

Yakshagana

  • Agrodu Mohandas Pai (Udupi)
  • K. Leelavathi Baipadithaya (Dakshina Kannada)
  • Keshappa Shillikyathara (Koppal)
  • Dalawai Siddappa (Vijayanagara)

Folk Art

  • Husenabi Buden Sab Siddi (Uttara Kannada)
  • Shivangi Shanmari (Davangere)
  • Mahadev (Mysuru)
  • Narasappa (Bidar)
  • Shankuntala Devala Naik (Kalaburagi)
  • H.K. Karamanchappa (Ballari)
  • Shambu Baligara (Gadag)
  • Vibhuti Gundappa (Koppal)
  • Chowdamma (Chikkamagaluru)

Social Service 

  • Huchchamma Chowdri (Koppal)
  • Charmadi Hasanabba (Dakshina Kannada)
  • Roopa Naik (Davangere)
  • Nijagunanda Mahaswami (Belagavi)
  • Nagaraju G. (Bengaluru)

Administration

  • G.V. Balaram (Tumakuru)

Film/Cinema

  • ‘Dingri’ Nagaraj and B. Janardhana (both Bengaluru)

Theatre

  • A.G. Chidambara Rao Jambe (Shivamogga) 
  • P. Gangadhara Swami (Mysuru)
  • H.B. Sarojamma (Dharwad)
  • Thaiyabkhan M. Inamdar (Bagalkot)
  • Vishwanath Vamshakrutha Mata (Bagalkot),
  • P. Thippeswamy (Chitradurga)

Medical

  • C. Ramachandra (Bengaluru)
  • Prashanta Shetty (Dakshina Kannada)

Literature

  • C. Naganna (Chamarajanagar)
  • Subbu Holeyar (Hassan)
  • Satish Kulkarni (Haveri)
  • Lakshmipathi Kolara (Kolar)
  • Parappa Gurupadappa Siddapura (Vijayapura)
  • K. Sharifa (Bengaluru)

Education

  • Ramanna Havele (Raichur)
  • K. Chandrashekar (Kolar)
  • K.T. Chandru (Mandya)

Sports

  • Divya T.S. (Kolar)
  • Aditi Ashok (Bengaluru)
  • Ashok Gagigeppa Yenagi (Dharwad)

Judiciary

  • V. Gopala Gowda

Agriculture/Environment

  • Somanatha Reddy Poorva (Kalaburagi)
  • Dhyavanagouda T. Patil (Dharwad)
  • Shivareddy Hanuma Reddy Vasana (Bagalkot)

Miscellaneous

  • A.M. Madari (Vijayapura)
  • Haji Abdulla, Parkala (Udupi) 
  • ‘Mimikri’ Dayananda (Mysuru) 
  • Kabbinale Vasanth Bharadwaj (Mysuru)
  • Lieutenant General Codanda Poovaiah Cariappa (Kodagu)

Media

  • Dinesh Amin Mattu (Dakshina Kannada)
  • Javarappa (newspaper distributor from Mysuru)
  • Maya Sharma (Bengaluru), and Rafi Bhandari (Vijayapura)

Science/Technology

  • S. Somanath (Bengaluru)
  • Gopalan Jagadish (Chamarajangar)

NRI Kannadigas

  • Seetharam Iyengar
  • Deepak Shetty
  • Shashikiran Shetty

Freedom fighter

  • Puttaswamy Gowda (Ramangara)

Organisations receiving the Rajyotsav Award

Here’s the list of organisations which received the award. 

  • Karnataka Sangha (Shivamogga)
  • B.N. Shivarama Pustaka Prakashana (Mysuru)
  • Mythic Society (Bengaluru)
  • Karnataka Sahitya Sangha (Yadgiri)
  • Moulana Azad Shikshana and Samaja Kalyana Sanskrithika Sangha (Davangere)
  • Muslim Education Institutions Federation (Dakshina Kannada)
  • Sneharanga Havyasi Kala Samsthe (Bagalkot)
  • Chinnara Bimba (Mumbai)
  • Maruthi Janaseva Sangha (Dakshina Kannada)
  • Vidyadana Samithi (Gadag)

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> India> News / by Sudeep Singh Rawat, New Delhi / November 01st, 2023