Category Archives: Amazing Feats

From UP to Hyderabad: Journey of MMA fighter Khushboo Nishad

Allahabad, UTTAR PRADESH / Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

Khushboo has been practising different forms of martial arts for about 11 years.

Leaving her home and family behind in Uttar Pradesh, 23-year-old Khushboo Nishad secretly travelled to Hyderabad two years ago under the guise of a job transfer to become a mixed martial artist. Within a short period of time, she earned a silver medal at a national-level amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament.

A native of Allahabad, Khushboo has been practising different forms of martial arts for about 11 years now. She started with Judo at the age of 12, moving on to master the South Korean art of Taekwondo for another three years. Khusboo’s father taught her Karate.

Mastering different styles of fighting consequently developed her interest in the fastest-growing combat sport- Mixed Martial Arts. Khushboo said she tried learning MMA in UP, however,”I couldn’t find the level of training I was looking for,” she told Siasat.com.

She started her own research, some ‘asking around,’ and concluded that the best training she could find was in Hyderabad under the guidance of Sheikh Khalid. Moreover, Khalid taught MMA in a traditional form.

Khusboo never told her family about her dream to become a mixed martial artist. “I worked for Radisson in Ludhiana for eight months in order to save money and persue my goals,” she added.

Knowing very well her family would not allow her to go to Hyderabad, Khusboo told them she was transferred to the city of pearls by her company.

Narrating an incident that led to this decision Khushboo said, “One day my father saw a video where I was punched on my face by my coach. Disturbed, he immediately called me back.”

Khusboo was studying at Amity University, Lucknow at that time.

To keep her father happy, Khusboo studied hard and secured a top rank in her college. However, she still nourished the dream of becoming a mixed martial artist.

“I am extremely grateful to the person who recommended Sheikh Khalid to me. I have learned so many new things here,” she concludes adding that she has fallen in love with the city.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Usama Hazari / July 28th, 2022

Dadasaheb Phalke Award conferred on Waheeda Rehman

Chengalputtu, TAMIL NADU / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Waheeda Rehman, 85, is a towering legend of Indian cinema known for iconic roles in films like ‘Guide’, ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’

Waheeda Rehman


Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on September 26 announced that veteran Bollywood actor Waheeda Rehman would be conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021, honouring her stellar contribution to Indian cinema.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 85-year-old actor through an X (formerly Twitter) post. “Delighted that Waheeda Rehman Ji has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Her journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. A beacon of talent, dedication and grace, she embodies the best of our cinematic heritage. Congratulations to her,” he said.

Ms. Rehman has been critically acclaimed for her roles in Hindi films, prominent among them being Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Chaudhavi Ka Chand, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide and Khamoshi.

The announcement coincides with the birth centenary of Dev Anand, who had worked with Ms. Rehman in the classics like Guide (1965), an adaptation of R. K. Narayan’s book; and crime thriller C.I.D. (1956), which was her first Hindi film. Earlier, she had acted in Telugu films Rojulu Maraayi and Jayasimha, which were released in 1955.

“In her career spanning over five decades, she has essayed her roles with extreme finesse, leading to a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film Reshma and Shera. A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Waheeda ji has exemplified dedication, commitment and the strength of a Bharatiya Nari who can achieve the highest level of professional excellence with her hard work,” said Mr. Thakur.

The Minister said: “At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (women’s reservation Bill, 2023) has been passed by Parliament, her being awarded this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema and one who has dedicated her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society.”

The award will be presented during the 69th National Film awards ceremony. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award selection committee comprised prominent Indian cinema personalities, Asha Parekh, Chiranjeevi, Paresh Rawal, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Shekhar Kapur.

Ms. Rehman has worked in more than 90 films. She won the Filmfare Best Actress Award for her roles in Guide and Neel Kamal (1968). She also bagged the National Award for Best Actress (1971) and was honoured with the Padma Shri by government in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by The Hindu Bureau / September 26th, 2023

Asian Games 2023 boxing: Nikhat Zareen settles for bronze; Parveen Hooda secures Paris 2024 Olympic quota

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

India’s Nikhat Zareen bowed out in the women’s 50kg semi-final after losing 3:2 to Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat. Parveen Hooda is assured a medal in the women’s 57kg.

Nikhat Zareen 
(Boxing Federation of India (BFI))

Two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen finished her campaign in the women’s 50kg event with a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2023 boxing tournament in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China.

Nikhat Zareen lost her semi-final bout against Thailand’s Chuthamat Raksat by a 3:2 split decision. Zareen and Raksat faced each other in the quarter-finals of the world championships earlier this year and the Indian boxer had come out on top then.

In Hangzhou, both Nikhat Zareen and Chuthamat Raksat started the bout cautiously, the two only able to land soft punches with measured jabs. In the final round, the Thai boxer managed some decisive hooks to take control and won the bout by the barest of margins.

“My experience was great. I had very good bouts in these Asian Games,” Nikhat said. “Today, unfortunately, I couldn’t win the semi-final match against Thailand. But it’s fine, I will take this as a learning lesson.

“I’ll definitely come back stronger. I’ll learn from my mistakes from this competition, and I definitely look forward to that.”

Earlier in the day, Parveen Hooda made it to the women’s 57kg semi-finals by defeating Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan by unanimous decision. The 23-year-old Indian boxer, by virtue of making the top four, secured a maiden Asian Games medal as well as a quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics next year.

However, as National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes’ participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.

Boxing at the Asian Games 2023 is also a Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier event. In men’s events, the gold and silver medallists in each of the seven weight divisions will be issued a quota to Paris 2024. In the women’s categories, four quotas will be on offer for all categories other than the 66kg and 75kg, for which there will be two berths on offer like men’s.

Parveen Hooda will face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu Ting in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Lamboria missed out on a medal after she lost by RSC (referee stops count) in the women’s 60kg quarters against Ungyong Won of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Indian boxer endured three standing counts in a space of one minute before the referee stopped the bout.

source: http://www.olympics.com / Olympics.com / Home / by Anurag Peesara / October 01st, 2023

The Awe-Inspiring Wildlife Drawings of Shaikh Zain ud-Din

Patna, BIHAR (BRITISH INDIA) :

An 18th-century album of India’s flora and fauna showcases the startling work of an overlooked master.

Bird
Shaikh Zain ud-Din’s Brahminy Starling with Two Antheraea Moths, Caterpillar, and Cocoon on an Indian Jujube Tree was originally part of an album commissioned by his British patrons. © Minneapolis Institute of Art

In the late 1770s, a British colonial official named Sir Elijah Impey and his wife, Lady Mary, commissioned the Indian artist Shaikh Zain ud-Din to catalog a private menagerie, including various bird species, the couple had assembled at their home in Calcutta. Using paper and watercolors from England, Zain ud-Din, a Muslim from the city of Patna, modeled his work after English botanical illustration, but he also brought to the job his training in the ornate Mughal artistic tradition—and his own distinctive style. Today critics praise the quality of the colors and the composition, in which a bright, simple background offsets the keenly wrought details of plants and animals. “Everything is incredibly precise and beautifully observant,” says Xavier Bray, director of London’s Wallace Collection, which this month mounts the first UK exhibition of works by Indian artists commissioned by officers of the British East India Company.

The expat aristocrats who patronized Zain ud-Din and his fellow artists had been sent abroad to help manage their country’s growing empire, but once there many, like the Impeys, fell in love with the subcontinent, as well as its flora and fauna. “These paintings,” Bray says, “were made into albums to be leafed through back home, on a rainy day, drinking Earl Grey tea.”

History failed to record much about Zain ud-Din’s life beyond his watercolors for the Impeys. But the new show, which includes 99 paintings of nature studies, portraits and landscapes by 18 artists, makes an argument that he and his contemporaries should be recognized on their own merits, as some of India’s greatest painters. “Anything with a colonial air about it is now considered politically incorrect,” Bray says. “But what we’re trying to do is bring back these extraordinary artists who have been almost completely forgotten.”

Bat
A Great Indian Fruit Bat, or Flying Fox (pteropus giganteus), by Bhawani Das, Calcutta, c. 1778-1782. Courtesy Private Collection
2nd bird - Indian Roller
Indian Roller on Sandalwood Branch, by Shaikh Zain ud-Din, Impey Album, Calcutta, 1780. © Minneapolis Institute of Art
Stork
Asian Openbill Stork in a Landscape, by unknown artist, Lucknow, c. 1780. Courtesy Private Collection (Photo: Margaret Nimkin)
arum
Arum tortuosum (now Arisaema tortuosum, family Araceae), by Vishnupersaud, c. 1821. © The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com / Smithsonian Magazine / Home> Arts & Culture / by Amy Crawford, Contributing Writer / December 2019

IIT Kanpur professors Bushra, Nitin awarded INSA Fellowship for 2023-24

Kanpur, UTTAR PRADESH:

Professor Bushra Ateeq is Special Senior Fellow, and teaches at the Department of Biological Sciences and Bio-Engineering (BSBE) of the IIT Kanpur.

IIT Kanpur professors Bushra, Nitin awarded INSA Fellowship for 2023-24

Kanpur: 

Two professors of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Bushra Ateeq and Nitin Saxena, have been awarded with the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Fellowship for the year 2023-24.

Professor Bushra Ateeq is Special Senior Fellow, and teaches at the Department of Biological Sciences and Bio-Engineering (BSBE) of the IIT Kanpur.

Professor Nitin Saxena, Founding Coordinator of the Center for Developing Intelligent Systems (CDIS) at IIT Kanpur, is from the Computer Science and Engineering Department of the institutions.

“I am delighted to share that two distinguished members of our faculty, Prof. Bushra Ateeq from the Department of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, and Prof. Nitin Saxena from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, have been honoured with the prestigious Fellowship of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) for the year 2023-24”, Director IIT Kanpur, Abhay Karandika, wrote on social media platform X, earlier known as Twitter.

“The INSA Fellowship recognizes the research of scientists from diverse fields and supports them to further their research with necessary assistance”, he added.

Professor Bushra Ateeq

Dr. Bushra Ateeq joined Department of Biological Sciences and Bio-Engineering (BSBE) at the IIT Kanpur in February 2013. She was trained as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Arul Chinnaiyan’s group at Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan. Prof Bushra also served there as a Research Investigator (Junior Faculty) before joining IIT Kanpur.

Prior to this, she was a postdoctoral trainee in Dr. Shafaat Rabbani’s group at McGill University, Montreal. She served a brief stint as a Research Associate at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. She received her Ph.D. from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Dr. Ateeq is primarily interested in exploring the genetic and epigenetic changes that initiate cancer and its progression by employing novel strategies and approaches. Her overarching goal is to explore the molecular events that drive cancer and facilitate the process of acquiring resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs, in hopes that these discoveries can lead to the development of more effective therapies against specific causative pathways or alterations.

Professor Nitin Saxena

Professor Saxena has completed Bachelors in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur in 2002 and completed PhD under Manindra Agrawal in 2006. His interest area is Computational Complexity Theory, Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory.

Professor Saxena is a visiting Graduate Student in Princeton University (2003-2004) and National University of Singapore (2004-2005); a postdoc at CWI, Amsterdam (2006-2008) and a Bonn Junior Fellow (W2 Professor) at Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, Bonn (2008-2013).

source: http://www.ummid.com/ Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Ummid.com news network / September 18th, 2023

Fouzia Tarannum: AIR 31, managed to clear the exam while working as an IRS

Udupi, KARNATAKA:

Background: 

Fouzia Tarannum started her preparation for UPSC in December 2010. She quit her job as a Business Analyst with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. In CSE 2011, she cleared with AIR of 307, thereby joining the IRS (IT). The attempt in 2012 didn’t see any improvement in her rank/service.

Her preparation journey: Once posted she started feeling the difference in service – IAS and IRS. She felt that she should try one last time for her dream service and give one last attempt. A few weeks before 2014 prelims she jumped into preparation mode.

What made her successful this time? She reread the standard books, along with the sources available online. She feels that a big part of the improvement in rank to AIR 31 this year was due to her growth as a person, becoming more mature, having seen more of this world and a creeping sense of practicality and realism in approach, compared to an over-idealistic one earlier.

Her advice:  She advises that UPSC is actually looking for more rounded personalities with problem solving approach and an analytical mind. The UPSC journey should be looked at in this light, and not merely reading of books.

How difficult it was to prepare with her job? She felt a deep sense of duty and responsibility towards her work that she doesn’t compromise on her present work while giving this attempt. She had to be more than justifying the salary that she was taking home.

Though it was tiring at times, but she made sure that at office, she would concentrate on work, and at home on preparation efforts.

How did she balance both? The balance came from management of time. There will never be enough time; rather we have to make time for everything. She took no leave before prelims, took 30 days leave before mains and 5 days leave for interview.

How did she plan her studies? She studied for atleast 2 hours a day, on working days – depending on her work day either early morning or late night – August to December 2014. She also managed to take a few Fridays off after the prelims results, so as to get 3 days of continuous studies.

She finished weekly newspapers that she piled up and studied for about 4 hours a day, on weekends and holidays.

How did she manage her different subjects? She focused on revising her strong areas (economy, geography, etc.) and re-prepared her weak areas (history, culture, sociology, etc.) along with preparing for the newly introduced topics.

She focused on current events and ensured that she remained updated with GS.

Optional Subjects: she chose Sociology as optional because it takes lesser time to prepare in comparison and enjoyed reading this subject, though she had never studied this subject academically.

Her tips for Ethics- GS Paper 4: She just read a few solved papers and looked up definitions on all the terms used in the syllabus and made short notes. She suggests that one must give true answers to most situational questions/case studies.

Did she practice writing answers? She says she couldn’t practise writing due to lack of time and also feels that if she had practised, she could have scored better.

Tips to write answers: She gave many examples in her answers, and tried to keep them interesting to whoever was to read them.

Time Management: There is a dire need for short, productive periods of reading through the day. For instance, she read the news feeds after returning from lunch at office, watched news/saved videos while travelling to and from office, etc. Such reading of 15 minutes in short bursts 4-5 times a day really adds up and contributes immensely to our efforts.

Whenever she felt low in her studies: She use to take up a subject that she liked and enjoyed when she would feel depressed. This really helps make our efforts more productive. She suggests one should be judicious in the time one allots to various “sub-subjects”.

Writing style: She feels short, to the point, bullet points, covering as many dimensions and aspects as possible is the best way to write answers. She didn’t focus much on word limits, for some answers she looked for more space and for some she just jotted down half a page. She suggests interlinking of topics and use of diagrams/charts. She also underlined important points while writing.

Her suggestion: A lot of resources are available online, one must have a look and settle for what works best and not waste time on internet unnecessarily.

Do not lose focus and never lose faith. Stay consistent in your efforts. Believe in yourself! Don’t forget to keep learning and to keep improving!

Though a certain amount of luck is required, hard work does pay!

She says- “I have not studied in big “Ivy League” institutions, nor do I have any civil servants in my family. I come from a very simple, ordinary, loving household, where education has never been very important”.

source: http://www.civilsdaily.com / Civils Daily / by Root

A student at the age of 92, Salima Khan is new Internet sensation

Bulandshahr, UTTAR PRADESH: 

A student at the age of 92, Salima Khan is new Internet sensation
Salima Khan is seen with Dr Pratibha Sharma and her great-grand daughter-in-law

Salima Khan is a new Internet sensation who enrolled herself in Chawli Primary School in Bulandshahr at the age of 92, becoming an inspiration to many. 

Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh): 

Remember Swara Bhaskar’s much acclaimed film “Nil Battey Sannata” released in 2016 where the ace actress goes back to school, attending class right with her daughter much to her dismay?

The plot is “recreated” in real life in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh though for a different reason where a Muslim woman in a video is seen sitting in a classroom with her great-grand daughter-in-law.

Salima Khan is a new Internet sensation who enrolled herself in Chawli Primary School in Bulandshahr at the age of 92, becoming an inspiration to many.

The immediate reason behind Salima Khan’s inspiring endeavour at this age is to receive pension given to elderly citizens under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).

The government under this scheme gives a monthly pension of Rs. 200 to elderly citizens of 60 to 79 years and Rs. 500 thereafter.

“Amma used to come to me with a request to help her in getting pension. I promised her help provided she come to school every day for at least half an hour and learn something”, the Headmistress told media.

Despite facing a number of age-related issues, including hearing loss and weak eyesight, Salima Khan started coming to school and attend classes.

“Salima is a regular student and is never absent. She is attending the school since the last ten months. In this period, she has learnt a lot of things”, Dr Sharma said.

“Even at this age the interest and dedication with which Salima Khan learns is motivatinf for other students”, she added.

Salima who was unable to recognise letters is now able to write her name with fare fluency and can also confidently count up to 100.

Acha lagta hai padhna. School aana bahut badhiya lagta hai. (I like to study and attend school)”, 92-year-old Salima Khan said in the video now going viral.

Inspired by Salima Khan, as many as 25 other women of the village, including her daughter-in-laws, have decided to go to school.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / September 29th, 2023

NRI entrepreneur Nasir Syed honored at NKN Media’s UAE Business Leaders award ceremony

Moodbidri (Dakshina Kannada) KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E:

Dubai :

In a ceremony held at Taj Exotica, The Palm, Dubai, NRI entrepreneur Nasir Syed was honored with Business Icon award by NKN Media, celebrating the success stories of Indian business leaders in the UAE.

The event, boasting 16 icons from diverse industries, was graced by the presence of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, former Minister of State for External Affairs and acclaimed author, who handed over the award to Nasir Syed.

Nasir Syed, a prominent figure hailing from Moodbidri and the son of Syed Mohidin from Dakshina Kannada, has established himself as a renowned entrepreneur and international superbike rider in the UAE. He is the founder and CMD of Creative House Scaffolding.

The prestigious event was organized in collaboration with India Today Group, one of India’s leading media houses. The ceremony was broadcasted on India’s prominent news channels, Aaj Tak and India Today TV. The award aimed to celebrate visionary leaders and recognize their significant impact on the UAE’s business landscape and community.

Renowned actors and influencers, including Vivek Oberoi and Salman Yusuff Khan, shared exclusive video messages with their dedicated fan base, expressing their anticipation for the event.

In addition to these messages, India’s leading news anchor, Rajdeep Sardesai, graced the occasion with his presence.

The ceremony served as a platform to showcase the inspiring journeys and remarkable accomplishments of these business icons. Engaging 30-minute episodes highlighting their stories will be broadcasted, allowing viewers to gain insights into the experiences and achievements of these influential personalities.

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

All India Ideal Teachers Association to Honor Dr. Abdul Qadeer with Afzal Hussain Shikshan Ratna Award

Bidar, KARNATAKA:

Gulbarga :

The All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has announced a highly anticipated State-level program set to take place on October 1st, 2023, at Gulbarga, Karnataka.

In a recent press conference, Muhammad Raza Manvi, the President of AIITA’s Karnataka Chapter, unveiled the event’s details, highlighting the prestigious State Level Education Award, the Afzal Hussain Shikshan Ratna Award, which will be bestowed upon Dr. Abdul Qadeer the founder of Shaheen group of Institutions, a distinguished figure in the field of education.

Dr. Abdul Qadeer has been selected to receive this distinguished accolade in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field of education, setting an inspiring example for educators across the state. The award ceremony is expected to draw attention not only to Dr. Qadeer’s accomplishments but also to the importance of education and its transformative power.

The highlight of the event will be the presence of Dr. Fouziya Tarannum, the District Commissioner of Gulbarga, who has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as the chief guest.

The event is anticipated to be a gathering of educational luminaries, as teachers and educators from across Karnataka are expected to participate. This assembly will not only celebrate Dr. Abdul Qadeer’s exceptional achievements but also provide a unique opportunity for educators to come together, exchange experiences, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education in India.

The AIITA State-level program on October 1st, 2023, promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating excellence in education and the dedication of individuals like Dr. Abdul Qadeer, who continue to shape the future of our nation through their unwavering commitment to learning and teaching. The event is expected to inspire and motivate educators, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of educational excellence across Karnataka.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by The Hindustan Gazette / September 30th, 2023

Jamia alumnus and Okhla resident Umar shines at ‘BS2023 Competition’, Tongji University, Shanghai

Okhla, DELHI:

Jamia alumnus and Okhla resident Umar shines at Shanghai event

Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus and Okhla resident, Mohd Umar, shines at the BS2023 competition at Shanghai.

Son of Professor Asif Zameer and Gauhar Asif, he is a resident of Nazir Apartment in Okhla.

Four students from India – Arjita Gupta, Debanjana Das, Mohammed Umar, and Mohi Saxena – participated in the event.

Of the 19 entries received from the USA, Australia, China, Africa, and other European countries, the CEPT team from Ahmedabad, conducted an in-depth performance analysis of the Students’ Activity Centre (SAC) at Tongji University, Shanghai, China and brought home the trophy.

This year’s competition programme aims to design and optimise a nearly net zero carbon emission building by computer simulation, it said.

source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI/EDU / by the okhla times (headline edited)/ September 15th, 2023