According to an agreement ironed out by some Kerala mosque committees, the use of loudspeakers for all other religious purposes will be stopped. (Burhaan Kinu/HT File Photo)
The Valiya Juma Masjid will deliver only one azaan in place of five and 17 mosques in Vazhakkad will repeat without speakers.
A prominent mosque in the Muslim-majority Malappuram district in Kerala has set an example by curbing noise pollution during the holy month of Ramzan.
Valiya Juma Masjid, the biggest in Vazhakkad area, has decided that only a single ‘azaan’, the Islamic call to prayer, will be delivered from the mosque and 17 other small mosques dotting the area will only repeat it without any noise.
Taking a cue from the grand mosque, other mosque or mahal committees are also planning to follow it. There are seven mosques run by various denominations in Vazhakkad and 10 others in the village areas.
According to an agreement ironed out by these mosque committees, the use of loudspeakers for all other religious purposes will also be stopped.
“Initially many opposed the idea but later came around. Nearby schools and hospitals often complained about the indiscriminate use of loudspeakers,” TP Abdul Aziz, president of the mahal council, said.
The council has also constituted a five-member panel to unify the timings of the azaan. It will also consult the chief qazi of Kozhikode, who wields enough influence among community members.
Many NGOs, social bodies and residents of the area have lauded the latest initiative.
“Valiya Juma Masjid has set an example. It will go a long way in curbing the mindless use of ear-splitting speakers. Now, political parties will have to follow suit,” Mohamed Koya, a trader in the area, said.
In 2015, the supremo of the Muslim League Sayed Hyderali Thangal requested all mosque committees to restrict the use of loudspeakers to check noise pollution and respect the sentiments of other communities.
The district was in the news earlier this month after the Shree Narasimhamoorthy Temple in Punnathala threw a sumptuous vegetarian Iftar for Muslims in the area, who helped renovate the centuries-old shrine.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India / by Ramesh Babu K C, Hindustan Times, New Delhi / June 14th, 2017
Going strong: Y. Abdul Rasul has been collecting stamps since he was 10 years old.
Abdul Rasul’s trove of 5,915 mosque stamps sets a world record
Y. Abdul Rasul was one of many philatelists collecting whatever stamps came his way, till a chance meeting with Viswanatha Iyer, another philatelist, in 2005 paved the way for his entry into the Guinness Book of Records.
“He gave me his collection and advised me to focus on the theme of mosques and it has paid rich dividends,” recalls Mr. Rasul, a 41-year-old IT professional who has entered the Guinness Book of Records for the largest collection of 5,915 stamps featuring mosques.
The oldest stamp in his possession was released by the Afghanistan government in 1892. Mr. Rasul also has a rare stamp with inverted centre — printed upside down — released in Somalia in 1902. “Normally these stamps are immediately withdrawn. A few people, however, are able to get them and I obtained one,” said Mr. Rasul, who began collecting stamps when he was 10 years old.
Both his grandfather G. Abdul Rasul and father R. Yusuf were ex-servicemen. His grandfather saw action against the Japanese in the Second World War.
“When my father was working in the Middle East, he would write letters and I started collecting the stamps,” recalled Mr. Rasul who has stamps from 95 countries, many displayed on his interactive site www.mosquestamps.com.
Besides Viswanatha Iyer, who had a huge collection of stamps from Travancore, Balakrishna Das, president of the South Indian Philately Association, and Abdul Azeez, a Varanasi-based philatelist, also played a major role in Mr. Rasul achieving his feat.
Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries release special stamps to mark the annual Haj pilgrimage and these stamps form a section of Mr. Rasul’s collection.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by B. Kolappan / Chennai – June 12th, 2017
Bengalureans Santosh Chandrasekhar, 26, Aiman S, 24 and Sumit Dasgupta , 24 started working on their dream project Rangzen – a 39-minute-long documentary film on Tibetans, hardly did they know it will fetch this trio the award for best documentary in Bangalore Short Film Festival 2017.
Not just that, this documentary film featuring lives of Tibetans who had escaped Chinese invasion and took refuge in India has made three Bengalureans proud by bagging a special jury award at International Film Festival of Prayag, Delhi and the audience award at Feel the Reel International Film Festival in the UK, this year.
Santosh Chandrasekhar, assistant professor at a city college, “The movie is all about their struggle to hold on to their Tibetan identity in a foreign land and how they dream to go back to a nation that doesn’t exist anymore. The film has got answers to seeking their identities and their perpetual fight for freedom and a struggle to find their self.”
“We, through this documentary, were trying to initiate discourses related to the Tibetan struggle for freedom and generate awareness about our ‘guests’ among our fellow Indians. Although in exile for over 56 years, we fail to recognise Tibetans. We ignorantly see them as either northeasterners or Chinese. The Tibetan freedom struggle being one of the longest after the exodus of the Jews can put this documentary film into major political articulation,” added Aiman S, a copy writer and another maker of this documentary. The documentary has also made an entry to official selection category at International Documentary and Short Film Festival, Kerala and Calcutta International Cult Film Festival, 2017.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by Sreemoyee Chatterjee / TNN / June 13th, 2017
Nishaat Ahamed on quitting her media job to take up bridal and fashion photography
She started studying journalism but all it took was a credit course in college to get her interested in photography.
Already Nishaat Ahamed, proprietor of Glaamour Studio (www.facebook.com/glaamourstudio.in), is carving a niche for herself as a full-time bridal make-up artist and wedding photographer.
Choosing photography and consequently make-up seemed like a seamless career option for the young woman. Once done with college, Nishaat worked at a media firm for about a year. “I soon realised I wasn’t meant for a nine-to-five desk job so I quit and was free for about seven months. During that period, I happened to meet a photographer who was already into wedding and fashion photography. I was intrigued by his work and was inspired to take up photography professionally. Once I joined photography school, I realised the importance of make-up in a fashion shoot. Once I finished my photography course, I enrolled for a professional make-up course and then began taking up work in both fields together.”
Currently, Nishaat offers make-up services for all occasions, takes classes in personal and professional make-up, shoots weddings, takes up couple shoot assignments such as pre wedding/post wedding shoots, portfolio and fashion shoots for models, maternity pictures….
The youngster says, “Honestly, if I was doing a regular desk job, I’d probably have more free time than I do now. But at the end of the day, when the client gives me good feedback, it makes up for everything.”
Nishaat enjoys being her own boss. “I always tell everyone, including my husband, to quit their job and do something on their own. It is way more rewarding, at least mentally, and at some point financially too. It is just a matter of taking that leap of faith.”
Nishaat has had her fair share of challenges. “Every business has its ups and downs. But you learn from your mistakes and try to get better. After so many rounds of trial and error, I seem to have figured things out a bit. The world of make-up and photography is massive and I’ve only just set foot into it.”
Looking ahead, the young entrepreneur says: “I want to learn more and get more certifications from international artists. I want to get certified by Aliya Baig, one of the best make-up artists in India. And I’d also want to get certified by Tamanna Roashan from California. Then I will open my own photography and make-up school.”
I always tell everyone, including my husband, to quit their job and do something on their own. It is way more rewarding, at least mentally, and at some point financially too.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Neeti Sarkar / June 06th, 2017
Actor-Kuchipudi dancer Haleem Khan will appear in a 30-minute short film titled Dressed to dance that is based on Kuchipudi.
The film relates to Haleem Khan’s issues related to dance, including the female impersonation aspect and what he learned over a period of time through art forms and his tips to younger generation dancers.
Directed by Sravan Jadala, the film has been produced by Srini Reddy and Deccan Kuchipudi Art Academy.
“Kuchipudi is not often associated with mainstream films and short films since a very long time.
We (director Sravan Jadala and I) felt there is a need to expose dance related content through short films. Dressed to dance is a small attempt to create content around our culture,” states Haleem Khan.
Praveen Bangari and Sameer Khan have done the cinematography for the same.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / June 05th, 2017
A female snow leopard photographed by Ismail Shariff
Hyderabad-based wildlife photographer Ismail Shariff on how the lens-totting tribe can exercise restraint in wilderness
The photograph of a snow leopard occupies a pride of place in Ismail Shariff’s edgily-designed studio. The Hyderabad-based wildlife photographer says he was blessed, not plain lucky, to have been able to capture the leopard from barely 15 feet distance in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, this year.
Shariff has been a part of three snow leopard expeditions. Earlier, he had to be content with images where the leopard was a speck in the frame. “Animals in regions like Spiti or Leh are shy. They sense human presence a mile away,” he says.
A cartload of patience helps photographers get the right shot. They wait for minutes or hours, anticipating the animal’s next move. Shariff’s experience was no different, “From where we were staying, we could spot the leopard sleeping and ran out with our cameras. The villagers were also keen to have a glimpse. We felt that when the leopard wakes up, it will walk away from the noise and make its way to a clearing. We positioned ourselves such that we can get images but not be in its line of sight.”
He’s elated to have captured these images, but he mulls over and says, “If the snow leopards could come this close to humans, either they were short of food or they’ve gotten used to human presence.”
Shariff has been an avid wildlife photographer since 2008 and has observed the rise in numbers in his tribe. “There were fewer people exploring wildlife photography back then since not everyone could afford the flamboyant lenses,” he says.
In July, Shariff plans to visit Ladakh to photograph the Pallas’ cat (named after German naturalist Pyotr Simon Pallas). Besides these niche expeditions, he’s also frequented Tadoba National Park (92 times), Kabini and Jim Corbett National Park that are popular among tourists.
The observations while on these trips make him wonder if aspiring photographers compromise on the ethics of wildlife photography for instant gratification on social media.
It isn’t a case of sour grapes or a cry for exclusivity, Shariff clarifies, “There isn’t much money to be made out of photography in India. A few established photographers work with forest departments and voluntary organisations. Their work helps in documentation and conservation activities. For most others, it’s a hobby. There’s nothing wrong with more people exploring this line. The trouble begins when ego kicks in and you want to bend rules.”
There have been instances of photographers getting too close for the comfort of animals and birds — from attempting to veer off course during safaris to getting closer to bird nests. This isn’t limited to India, says Shariff, sharing instances where he spotted photographers getting off a safari vehicle in Yellowstone National Park in the US or crowding to take shots of a Broadbill’s nest in Malaysia.
Dos and don’ts
* The enthusiasm for a great shot needs to be tempered with restraint and respect for wildlife habitats. While on safaris in places like Tadoba, Kabini or Corbett, drive slowly, don’t talk loudly and never get off the vehicle. By irritating or threatening the animal, you also put yourself at danger. “I’ve seen people trying to bribe guides and drivers to take a different route or allow them to get off the vehicle, setting a wrong precedence to others,” Shariff points out.
* Don’t underestimate nature. Respect weather conditions. Shariff recalls being blown five feet high when a gust of wind changed director in Chopta, Uttarakhand.
* Steer clear of mothers with cubs. “Mothers, be it a tigress, lioness, deer, peafowl or a bear, will do anything to safeguard its offspring.”
* Don’t try to film animals in nocturnal situations unless permitted by forest department. Animal movement is pronounced and unpredictable at night. There have been cases of road-kills where vehicles have knocked down animals.
* If one is truly interested in turning their passion for wildlife photography into something meaningful, collaborate with forest departments or organisations that document wildlife and living conditions of people living close to these zones. A niche category that’s emerging, called conservation photography, helps initiate a dialogue.
Factoid: Collaborate for conservation
Dharmendra Khandal is a conservation biologist, researcher, botanist and photographer associated with Tiger Watch in Ranthambore. His efforts have led to capture of several poachers in Rajasthan. Khandal also helped identify several species of spiders.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> LifeStyle> World Environment Day / by Sangeetha Devi Dundoo / June 03rd, 2017
There was no heart break the second time round for intrepid cyclist S S S Shameem, assistant professor of MIT, Manipal University. Having fallen agonisingly short of attempted solo cycling journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, a 3,500-kms ride in 23-days in 2016; Shameem successfully completed Okha (Gujarat) to Dibrugarh (Assam) solo cycling expedition covering 3,400-kms, a journey that started on May 15 and ended on May 29.
This solo cycling expedition which he decided to complete in just 20 days was not for any record, but to spread message of unity and humanity in a greener and healthier way. Shameem’s endurance and past experience in such long distance cycling events saw him cover the distance in just 15-days. Shameem said, “I just managed those extra miles each day, helping me shave off a good five-days from my earlier journey schedule of 20-days.”
If the Okha to Dibrugarh journey saw Shameem cover 3,400-kms, for his journey from Manipal to Okha he travelled a hectic 2000+ km which saw him undertake a roller-coaster journey of 50 hours. Starting with Gujarat, and followed by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal , and Assam; each state had its own surprising flavour. During this journey, he passed through six states and UTs, 35 districts, and many cities, NHs, check-posts.
Risk factor of cycling in particular sensitive parts of UP and Bihar was a matter of worry for him, though it turned out all safe and sound without any issues. “Constant support of parents, wishes of friends paid off, and I could finish the feat without any major challenges,” he said. Factoring the summer heat and aiming to cover sufficient distance, he spent most of the day resting while covering major part of the route during early morning, late afternoon, evening, and night hours.
The distance covered daily was around 200km to 300 km. With heat, causing irritation; modified schedules; and focus on extra mileages, Shameem could not enjoy beauty of the nature around; nor could he stop at places to interact with people as he wanted. Throughout the journey; he was getting offers for help and support from many. Since such offers would consume time, forcing him to travel additional distance to reach to them; Shameem avoided it all.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mangalore News / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / May 31st, 2017
House of lore: Sara Cohen with Thaha Ibrahim in her backyard. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
A nonagenarian Jewish woman in Mattancherry in west Kochi finds a pillar of support in a Muslim couple and a Christian maid.
Thaha Ibrahim is as keen on maintaining the sanctity of shabbat as he is of his Friday namaz. The devout Muslim spends almost all day taking care of a nonagenarian Jewish woman, Sarah Cohen, whom he calls aunt.
A strong bond of love binds them together in the sunset years of the Jewish community in Mattancherry in west Kochi, where Jews lived in the thousands in the past, contributing substantially to the city’s growth. The strength of the community waned over the years, with a large number of them migrating to Israel. A few like the Cohens stayed put, determined to live in the land of their birth that gave them the identity of Cochin Jews.
Sepia-tinted memories: A corner of the home dedicated to the past. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
Mr. Ibrahim found a place in the hearts of the Cohens and the Jewish community as a whole. The middle-school dropout used to earn a few rupees selling souvenir postcards to tourists arriving by ship at the nearby port a quarter century ago. One day, a ship docked and Mr. Ibrahim discovered he had no cards to sell as the place where he had stacked them had been locked by its owner. An inconsolable Mr. Ibrahim found a mentor in Ms. Cohen’s husband, Jacob, who allowed him to store the cards at his place. It soon developed into a familial tie, which got Mr. Ibrahim to take care of Ms. Cohen after Jacob’s death some 15 years ago.
A job shared: Thaha helps Sarah embroider a Kippa, the Jewish skullcap. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
Mr. Ibrahim and his wife have been a pillar of support for Ms. Cohen, who runs an embroidery shop at the mouth of the narrow alley leading up to Pardesi Synagogue. They take care of the household and run errands for her.
Simple repast: Seli serving lunch to Sarah. PHOTO: THULASI KAKKAT
They are like children to the childless matriarch, who is as much a Jew as she is part of the multicultural mosaic of west Kochi. Seli, Ms. Cohen’s Christian maid, who has been by her side for over a decade, adds to the mix.
Text and images by Thulasi Kakkat
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Kerala / by Thulasi Kakkat / May 28th, 2017
A manimandapam meant for Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, constructed near Aranmanaikulam at Anguvilas Irakkam here, would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami shortly, said Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur Raju.
Inspecting the manimandapam here on Saturday, he said the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had announced a manimandapam for Tipu Sultan under 110 Rule in the Assembly and also sanctioned funds to the tune of for ₹1.30 crore for the construction.
Now, the construction was over and manimandapam was ready for inauguration, he said.
While inspecting the Gopal Naickar Manimandapam at Virupatchi near Palani, the Minister said this manimandapam was constructed at a cost of ₹69 lakh to enable the public to know valour of this great warrior during the freedom struggle.
He asked Collector T.G. Vinay to display signboards on both sides of the Palani-Dindigul Highway to enable people to identify the place easily. Additional funds would be sanctioned for improving infrastructure and creating basic amenities for the public in the manimandapam.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Madurai / by Staff Reporter / May 27th, 2017
Old is gold Mahboob Radios in Hyderabad packed with vintage collections. Serish Nanisetti | Photo Credit: Serish Nanisetti
A ‘shop like no other’ in Hyderabad’s Old City fixes antique radios from across country
“This is a Johnson radio from the U.K. It is over 80 years old. This is a spool tape recorder that I am told is still used by All India Radio and Radio Ceylon. That one is the oldest radio we have: the original GEC radio, which used to run with a dry battery,” says Muhammad Moinuddin, as he walks around his small shop on the Chatta Bazaar Road in Hyderabad’s Old City.
Mahboob Radios is packed with vintage radios, record players and cassette decks from a different era. The names on the electrical devices include Murphy, Philco, Marconi, Telefunken, Grundig, HMV and Philips.
“This Grundig spool recorder and the HMV record player belonged to Marri Chenna Reddy. Only we can repair these as we have a stock of 4-volt and 6-volt valves. There are no repair shops like this anywhere in India. Whatever cannot be repaired, we can repair. We have customers who send their radios from Mumbai and Kolkata,” says Mr. Moinuddin.
80 years old
The 80-year-old shop was established by his father Shaikh Mahboob in his house in the Dabeerpura area. “Once my father realised that the new city would soon become densely populated, he bought this place for Rs. 7,000 and established the shop,” he says.
Now, the shop is run by Mr. Moinuddin and his brother Mujeebuddin.
Earlier, the brothers not only sold and repaired radios, they also assembled them from completely knocked down kits (CKDs). “Most of the radios that are being sold now are use and throw. They cannot be repaired like these,” says Mr. Mujeebuddin, the older brother, who deftly tightens the tuning thread on a Philco.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> History & Culture / by Serish Nanisetti / Hyderabad – May 27th, 2017
