The fact that Supreme court lawyer and fashion icon Sana Raees Khan is an inspiration for the modern-day youth is no hidden fact.
Her legal prowess and meticulous journey which is all about excellence in her legal field speaks for itself and no wonder, she’s emerged as the go-to lawyer in the country for everyone, especially the ‘creme de la crème’ of this country for her ability to handle complex legal matters with ease and finesse.
Her body of work is enviable for a lot of individuals and well, no wonder the credibility she has earned by delivering results for her clients who have shown faith in her is unbeatable. One of her most amazing victories include the infamous Sheena Bora murder case, Aryan Khan Drugs Cruise case, Vaibhav Raut UAPA case and many more. She is known for her victories in the most controversial and complicated cases in the country. She is a noted Celebrity lawyer who is known for being strongly opinionated and vigorously defends the rights of her clients.
Sana Raees Khan has to be the perfect blend of ‘beauty with a brain’. On one hand, her legal expertise is seen time and again in the courts and on the other hand, the way she dominates the oomph game and swag quotient everywhere effortlessly is something to learn from.
She’s the perfect youth icon and certainly, no one in this country is a better blend of legal excellence and fashion innovation. Well, no brownie points for guessing that she is the most deserving personality to win a prestigious honour on a similar note. Yes that’s right.
Sana Raees Khan unlocked another major milestone for herself as she won the prestigious ‘Legal Fashion Innovator, Epitome Of Excellence in Law & Style’ award at the reputed Mid-day Showbiz Icons 2024.
Sana’s winning moment was lauded immensely by the stalwarts in the audience who too felt that she was the most deserving to win this special title. Sana looked breathtakingly beautiful in a custom-made multi-layered gown and given the fact that she is a natural beauty, minimalistic make-up was all that she needed to complete her look. Photos of her smiling moment posing with the trophy is winning hearts all over the internet.
Check out below – It is to be noted that this time, it’s truly raining awards for Sana. She also won the ‘Fitness Icon Of The Year’ award at a recently-held International Yoga day event and not just that, she’s set to make the country proud at a global level as she will be honoured with a special award at the Asian UK Business Meet and Awards 2024 on 3rd July 2024 at the renowned House Of Commons in London.
On the work front, Sana Raees Khan is officially set to get going with her own legal firm ‘SRK LEGAL’ from July and we simply can’t wait.
Congratulations to Sana for consistently bagging awards one after the other and here’s wishing her good luck and success for her future endeavours.
source: http://www.morningkashmir.com / Morning Kashmir / Home> Entertainment / by MK Online Desk / June 28th, 2024
Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a renowned oncosurgeon, announced his candidacy for the presidency of the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) during a press conference at Hotel Riverview in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi.
Dr. Talikoti highlighted his diverse interactions with people from various walks of life as a key factor in his decision to engage with IICC. “As a surgeon, I interacted with people from different walks of life, and I know how to deal and serve people. That’s why I decided to engage myself with IICC,” he stated.
Dr. Talikoti, who is well-regarded in the medical community, aims to showcase IICC as a beacon of Islamic heritage and culture. He emphasized the peaceful nature of Islam and the importance of promoting this message through IICC. “Given a chance, I will try to showcase IICC as a prominent center of Islamic heritage and culture. Islam is a religion of peace, and I would try my best to send the message of peace through this Centre. We are supposed to welcome our non-Muslim brothers on Eid and join them on Diwali,” Dr. Talikoti said.
Dr. Talikoti outlined his vision for IICC, focusing on maintaining a non-political, brotherly atmosphere during the election and beyond. He stressed the importance of adhering to IICC’s aims and objectives, which include fostering youth empowerment and initiating interfaith dialogues to bridge community gaps. “We will not fight this election as a political battle, but in a brotherly manner in a very congenial atmosphere and try to keep the center away from politics, following the aims and objectives of IICC. We will develop IICC as a center of empowerment for youths and start interfaith dialogues to bridge the gap between communities,” he asserted.
With the support of former IICC president Sirajuddin Quraishi, Dr. Talikoti’s campaign has garnered significant attention. He is also the convener of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated organization formed in 2002 to facilitate dialogue with the Muslim community.
Established in 1981, IICC is a premier institution in New Delhi dedicated to promoting and preserving Islamic culture and heritage. It aims to foster cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue, and communal harmony through various educational, social, and cultural programs.
The election campaign for the governing body of IICC has officially commenced, with candidates contesting for posts of president, vice president, and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and Executive Committee (EC) promising significant shifts in the center’s functioning. The election is scheduled for August 13th.
Among the other presidential candidates are ex-cabinet minister Salman Khurshid, retired IRS officer Abrar Ahmad, former bureaucrat Afzal Amanullah, businessman and philanthropist Waseem Ghazi, businessman M. Asif Habib, and BJP activist Suhail Hindustani. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and visions, making this election a pivotal moment for IICC’s future.
Interestingly, Dr. Majid Talikoti’s panel includes Kaleemul Hafeez, who is contesting for the post of vice president. Until recently Hafeez has been a sharp critic of Serajuddin Quraishi, the former IICC president, who is also running for membership on the Board of Trustees (BoT)
Md Irshad Ahmad Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Former President, AMUOBA-DELHI is also contesting for BoT from this panel.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Special Correspondent / June 25th, 2024
Khaleel ur Rehman, a noted Urdu poet and former Inspector General of Police, Karnataka breathed his last on Friday after a cardiac arrest.
Born here in 1948 and better known by his pen name Mamoon, he won the 2011 Sahitya Academi Award for his poetry collection Aafaaq ki Taraf. In 2004, Mamoon became the first Urdu writer to win the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti.
After working as a staff artist for All India Radio, Delhi and later working as an Assistant editor of Daily Salar, Mamoon joined the Indian Police Service in 1977 and eventually promoted to IPS and retired as IGP in 2008.
Mamoon has published a number of works. Lissan Falsafe Ke Aine Me on the philosophy of language. Unnees Lillahi Nazmen is a translation of poems written in praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by Scherzade Rikhye. Nishaat-e-Gham is a collections of Ghazals. Kannada Adab is a collection of translations of Kannada language poetry and fiction. His poems are published in ‘La Ilah’ and ‘Andherey Ujaley Mein’ – two voluminous poetry collections.
His poetry stands out for its animated use of everyday images, sometimes shocking metaphors and use of wit that lay bare everyday experiences. His poetic sensibilities are steeped into the sufi-mystical traditions of Indo-Persianate culture. He experimented in the genres of both classical ghazal and azad nazam in a collection Saanson ke paar. He was most prolific in the genre of nazm which he thought suited to articulate the changing experiences of contemporary times – Jism-o-Jaan se door, Banbas ka Jhoot, Saraswati ke Kinare.
He served as the President of Karnataka Urdu Academy during 2008-10. During his tenure, he also edited the literary organ of the Karnataka Urdu Academy Azkaar.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff / June 22nd, 2024
Asia’s largest carpet on display in Srinagar (Pics by Basit Zargar)
After Srinagar was designated among the most creative cities in the world, Kashmir Valley’s artisans are making sure to live up to the expectations of this title. In a village called Wayil in North Kashmir’s Kralpora area, a team of Kashmiri artisans have created a masterpiece touted as Asia’s largest handcrafted carpet.
This hand-knotted carpet measuring 72 by 40 feet covers an area of 2,880 square feet. It took over 25 artisans around eight long years to complete this masterpiece.
The huge carpet on display in Srinagar
The whole carpet industry of Kashmir Valley is priding itself on this masterpiece. The intricate weaving of this exceptional carpet was overseen by two seasoned artisans – Fayaz Ahmed Shah and Abdul Gaffar Sheikh. It is due to their dedication that this monumental piece has found shape.
”This was an order by someone from our country only. This carpet is 72 feet long and 40 feet broad, and we have never made such a big carpet in the Kashmir Valley ever. We had to put our minds to a lot of things as it required a huge loom to be woven on.
“It was a big challenge and thank god it’s been finally completed. I am sure it will be sold abroad, and I am sure that in future we will make something bigger than this, ” said Fayaz Ahmed Shah, a craft dealer.
Asia’s largest carpet
The last eight years of weaving this masterpiece have not been smooth. There have been multiple obstacles that the artisans faced particularly the COVID-19 Pandemic. The lockdowns led to a lot of supply chain-related disruptions.
This mammoth carpet has written a new chapter for Kashmir’s rich legacy of art and craft.
According to the craft dealers, hundreds of artisans are returning to looms to pick up carpet weaving again.
An artisan tying the loose threads of Asia’s biggest carpet
”We have artisans coming back to us after this carpet was made. Around 226 artisans have come back to us and said that they want to work again. We just hope the way any employees get paid; it has to be the same and equal wages for them as well. Our artisans need to have a life of dignity and they should be able to afford their families… I am telling you they will never leave the work if they are paid well. This is a teamwork. From the designs to artisans, everyone has worked very hard for the making of this masterpiece, ” Shah added.
As this masterpiece becomes a symbol of Kashmir’s craftsmanship and artistic prowess, it has also become a ray of hope for the revitalization and recognition of local artisans and their invaluable contributions to preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Basit Zargar, Srinagar / May 18th, 2024
Social activist and convener Umar UH, who had been recently appointed as the chairperson of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy, took charge at the Academy office situated in the Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat building on Thursday.
Academy Registrar Rajesh G handed over the charge of the body to Umar and heartily congratulated him on his appointment as the new chairperson of the Academy.
Speaking on the occasion, Umar said that his dream of many years, to see a ‘Beary Bhavan’, could now be fulfilled as the Academy had a site as well as funds of Rs 6 crore to support the construction of a hall for the Beary Academy. He added that there were plans of providing the Beary Academy a full-fledged museum and a library similar to those of the Konkani and Tulu academies. The decision would be taken after holding discussions with the Academy members, said the chairperson.
Umar laid stress on working in harmony with the literary bodies of other languages and supporting the cultural co-existence in the coastal belt, adding that the Academy hoped to focus on research rather than cultural programs.
Former chairperson of the Academy Rahim Ucchil, Mohammed Hanif, Tulu Academy Chairperson Taranath Gatti and Konkani Academy Chairperson Stany Alvares were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 13th, 2024
We’re back with another interview from the ‘The Brigade That Builds Brands‘ series. It’s all about fauji wives / military spouses, who make work work for them through multiple postings, back-to-back social commitments, spotty internet connections, long stints of single parenting, community mindset regarding how military spouses should or should not work and a lot more. Today, I’m talking to Maryam Hasan Ahmad about how she juggles her life as a brush-wielding artist and as a wife of a man in boots ‘n’ beret – an Army officer.
A talented illustrator and artist, she didn’t give up her work to fit into the fauji life, but instead, carved out a freelance career that she could pack and take along to the multiple postings across the country and world. I hope that this interview will get you revved up to create a freelance career around your passions too.
C. Please tell us something about yourself – what do you do, where are you based and how long have you been a fauji wife.
M. I am a freelance illustrator of children’s books, fashion and portraits/caricatures. I am, as of now, based out of Haryana and have been wedded to the Olive Green for 15 years.
C. What has been your business or creative journey been like: how & when did you start your venture?
M. I am an Applied Arts Graduate and have been freelancing in illustrations since college, and then did a 2 year stint in Chennai as an animator in a French Animation studio. Those two years were a big learning curve. But all that came to a standstill after getting married and being sent to obscure places where there were absolutely no job avenues. Internet was a blessing that got me hooked onto online freelancing while following my husband around the world. Now I could work from any corner and have clients from all over the world!! This opened up a whole new world for me and my dreams. Our 2 year tenure in New York was another time of personal and professional growth. I started my blog https://homespunaround.blogspot.in/ there, attended a lot of arty lectures and seminars… learnt studio pottery. Participated in a couple of pop up fairs and started selling my handmade products online.
C. Fauji wives make their home in an assortment of obscure places across the country. Our lives are about living in the moment and doing what we can, when we can. Can you share how you stayed creative or found work that satisfied you while moving across the country?
M. Fauj teaches you a lot of things (especially if you are creatively inclined and willing to learn). There are so many courses being conducted all over the stations which at least tell you the basics of art, craft, painting, decoupage etc etc. and now with the smart phones and internet at your fingertips, trying out something new is not rocket science. There are so many websites that cater to freelancers, whether you are a writer or an artist or a software professional or even if you want to sell your hand-made wares… Staying creative, finding you mojo is not difficult these days as long as you have a decent internet connection and the passion.
C. How do you juggle that load of social commitments & welfare activities that are an integral part of the fauji community, while nurturing your passions and meeting work deadlines?
M. Time management.If you let it, Fauji commitments can take over your life and as your husband moves up in the ranks and gets busy… you get busier. And there are so many commitments and obligations that you just can’t say no to. Here time management comes in handy. If you have a pending assignment, or a client getting jumpy for not getting work on time- you have to learn to prioritize.
You can leave the cleaning of the cupboard for tomorrow, send the client that work now. Tell people that this and this is the time that you need to work, and would appreciate being left alone then. (It’s a little hard for people to get it, but insist). Decide what time works for you, put it your maximum then, with no distractions of Facebook scrolling, checking emails then.
C. As a creative/entrepreneur + fauji wife, is there something that you cherish very much about being part of this community? And is there something you feel must/can change for the better?
M. See each world has its pros and cons. I love being a fauji wife. I love the clean environment, the fantastic and SAFE cantonment life that we expose our kids too. The quality of life when you compare with our civilian counterparts is way better. (I know a lot might disagree) but tell me where can your kids go out every evening without a care in the world, cycle, play basketball, squash, tennis, golf, swimming and come back when its dark…. And you are NOT worried. You are not the one ferrying them from one sports coaching to another. I have friends whose kids stay at home and play videogames because there is not playground in their vicinity and if its is, you cannot let them go alone! It’s not safe. So either you tag along, or you let them stay in.
We all have a fantastic social life as faujis; we work hard, but we party harder! We learn to get along with everyone (esp. relevant in unit life)… we grow as individuals, posting to posting, place to place. I think I have made lifelong friends at every station that I have been posted to.
Things to change? Hmmmm…. When I compare what was prevalent in my mother in law’s time to what is now happening in my time… fauj has changed. And evolved with time. But it needs to evolve more. It needs to understand the requirements of the extremely well educated, articulate young brides coming in with professional backgrounds. Their requirements, expectations are way different and our organization needs to listen to them.
C. What challenges have you faced in balancing work and fauji life?
M. You know there are times and places/stations that are more busy than others. During my husband’s command, my freelance work took a backseat. My pottery was forgotten (in fact still is) and my life as a CO’s wife took over. I didn’t resent that, because the station/ tenure was such and I needed to do that for my husband/unit. After command, I started freelancing again, but after a year I have got posted to another really busy station where my work has taken a backseat again. Lot of good projects were lost because I could not deliver. So yes, it does get frustrating and one has to come to terms with it, deal with it. Take out your frustration on the ever-willing husband and then make the most of what you can get and carry on regardless.
C. What tips would you give to fauji wives out there who’d like to pursue their dreams while living at small and busy bases (many still believe or led to believe that you can either be a fauji wife or a professional, and that’s not true)?
M. The world is your oyster. You are qualified and ambitious, don’t let your ambitions die out, just modify them a bit to the life that you have now. You might not work at the dream job that you planned on while you were studying, but on hindsight you will realize that you got a better deal. Try out other avenues and see what works. It’s not always necessary that as an Army wife you can only become a teacher. With the internet seeping into even the remotest of corners of the country, see what can work for you online.
Don’t get disheartened, instead think of it as an opportunity to try out something different… something you might not have thought of before. Network with fellow army wives, forge partnerships and alliances and you never know just what might work.
C. A parting quote or philosophy that helps you stay calm and do what you do?
M . Don’t let go of your dreams. Hold on to them tight…. Plan, dream and dream some more. And work towards your dreams. Slowly and steadily you will get there.
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Haarish during one of his jungle visits with his camera
Udupi:
Haarish Mohammed, a wildlife photographer from Udupi, now residing in Saudi Arabia, has won the international photography competition organized by 35 Awards in the Black and White category. This contest saw a remarkable participation of 465,000 photographs submitted by 111,253 photographers from 174 countries.
Reflecting on his journey, Haarish shared, “I’ve been fascinated with nature and forests since childhood. During my college years, trekking through the Western Ghats became a regular activity. In 2011, I moved to Saudi Arabia for a job, realizing that my connection to the forest could only be maintained through a career in the Forest Department, becoming a naturalist, or pursuing wildlife photography. I dedicated 1.5 years to learning the theory of photography before purchasing my first camera in 2013.
“The period from 2013 to 2017 was all about learning, and in 2017, I met a group of talented photographers in Saudi Arabia called Photomates, which I joined. With their support, I honed my skills. However, my job in Saudi Arabia limited my opportunities to explore the forests of Karnataka. After the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, I decided to resign and return to India to start my own business. Since then, I’ve had many of my works featured and published on various platforms. I visited national parks like Nagarhole, Kabini, and Bhadra, photographing beautiful animals such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and many colorful birds.”
Haarish elaborated on the story behind his winning image: “It was taken during an evening safari in the lush forests of Kabini, Karnataka. We were waiting for a herd of elephants to cross our path to reach a water body. To our surprise, a single tusker emerged from the dark forest.”
Haarish’s photo that bagged first place in international photography competition organized by 35 Awards
Haarish’s achievements include being featured in BBC Earth, the international online magazine PawsTrails, and Nature In Focus.
He secured third place in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 photography competitions held by Pilikula Biological Park in Mangalore. His work was also accepted for the International Wildlife Photo Exhibition held by Alvas Virasat in 2023.
Additionally, he won a certificate of merit in the National Level Photography Contest conducted by the Karnataka Forest Department in 2023. His most recent accolade is the first place in the 2023 international photography competition conducted by 35 Awards in the Black and White category.
“Wildlife photography is like a window into the world of animals. It helps us understand and appreciate them better by capturing their beauty and diversity. Moreover, wildlife photography raises awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. By showcasing the wonders of nature, it encourages us to take care of it. When we see how amazing animals are, we’re more likely to want to save them,” Haarish added.
In an interview with TNM, academician Afsar Mohammad speaks of how Telugu writing suffers from a lack of adequate representation of Muslim voices and the current dearth of research into Telugu literature.
There was a paradigmatic shift in Telugu literature post the demolition of Babri Masjid, says Afsar Mohammad, senior faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in the US. In an interview with TNM, Afsar Mohammad speaks about how mainstream Telugu dailies like Eenadu and Andhra Prabha were unwilling to accommodate voices keen on promoting identity politics, citing his academic paper published in December 2023, titled ‘The Rise of a Muslim Voice: Telugu writing in the Times of Hindu Nationalism.’
According to Afsar, this vacuum created by mainstream papers gave rise to counter-culture magazines such as Kanjira, Ujwala, Chinuku, and others, which ensured representation of female, Muslim, lowered caste voices in the Telugu heartlands. “The Muslim question was discussed using a new vocabulary,” he tells TNM, adding that in Telugu folklore, a visible syncretic relationship between Hindus and Muslims was witnessed.
Afsar speaks of how Sita, from the Hindu epic Ramayana, and Fatima, Prophet Mohammad’s daughter, are both invoked by female storytellers during Muharram in Telangana’s Karimnagar district. “The narrative describes certain commonalities between Fatima and Sita that represent the pain and suffering of many women and transcend the boundaries of a devotional text,” he writes in his paper.
In the interview with TNM, he speaks about how one year following the demolition of Babri Masjid, the Muslim subcaste group of dudekula (cotton cleaners classified as BC-B) started chronicling their distinction from upper-caste Muslim voices in Telugu. He also says that the connections Telugu literature and culture shared with Tamil Nadu were severed, and how as things stand, there exists a visible lack of research into Telugu writing.
source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Telangana / by Anjana Meenakshi / January 12th, 2024
It’s the author’s well-founded belief that Salim Ali’s life offers today’s children a role model.
Here’s hope for those young people who are mediocre with mathematics and other studies, and likely to be uninterested in business. Salim (pronounced Saalim, not Saleem) Ali’s interest in birds began to awaken when he shot a male sparrow, standing guard over its mate’s nest, with an air rifle. Next morning he found that another male sparrow had taken its place, and he shot that too… This went on until he had shot eight male sparrows, and then wonderment took the place of whatever had urged him to shoot those sparrows. This wonderment gave his life a foundation of incredible strength. It enabled him to survive the loss of several salaried jobs, and, later, the loss of Tehmina, his wife, who, throughout their 21 years together, supported his efforts wholeheartedly.
This book is his life story, told simply, and for children. It’s the author’s well-founded belief that Salim Ali’s life offers today’s children a role model.
The author makes no effort to sugar-coat the story. Salim’s initial difficulties with academics are covered in some detail, as well as mediocre performance in school, and his inability, found in many others of his extended family, to run a business successfully. This mediocrity at school had nothing to with his powers of observation, though. For example, it was known that the houbara bustard he saw in Sind (now in Pakistan), under normal hot and dry conditions, has a colour that affords perfect camouflage, enabling it to hide easily in the sand. Salim discovered, however, that the bustard’s colour changes in the rains, enabling it to hide in wet sand as well!
Also included is the story of Salim’s relationship with Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen, a former British Intelligence officer. The Colonel’s claims to being a hero might have been authentic, but his claims as an ornithologist were proven false in the 1990s, decades after his death. It illustrates Salim’s naivete with people, but also warns youngsters of the possibility of charlatanry in science.
My favourite story, though, is about Salim’s encounter with a bandit in the summer of 1945. Near the Tibetan border, poking around among the bushes, he saw a bandit armed with a dagger and a rifle. Escape was impossible, so he resorted to a ruse. He had a collapsible chair, a small folding seat on a stick. He pretended that the stick was a rifle barrel, and clicked the folding seat open to give the impression that he was loading and cocking his own rifle. It worked, for the bandit fled.
So here’s proof that commitment, integrity, and hard work — combined with observation, quick thinking, and luck — will get you where a great academic background won’t. A terrific lesson for youngsters, and packaged well, to boot.
The Bird Man of India: Salim Ali for Children
By Zai Whitaker / Hachette / pp. 142; Rs 350
source: http://www.asianage.com / Asian Age / Home> Books / by Shashi Warrier / August 27th, 2023
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui And his wife Zahida with students during a quiz programme
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui, founder and chairman of Quiz Time, Mumbai, has organized more than 275 general knowledge quiz shows to promote the Urdu language across the megacity of Mumbai.
Committed to the promotion of the Urdu language and education in Mumbai, Siddiqui has been holding general knowledge quiz competitions in modern style for more than three decades.
He is so popular among students who are learning Urdu that as soon as he reaches a school, children gheroa him. They run towards him chanting “Uncle Hamid Iqbal aa gaye…”
Iqbal Siddiqui received the title of “Superstar of Urdu Students” long ago. besides, The Times of India publication has also honoured him with the title of “City Angel.”
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui delivering a motivational lecture
Siddiqui told Awaz-the Voice that apart from their syllabi, today’s children must have a good knowledge of arts, science, sports, technology, politics, civilization and culture, film, medicine, history, mathematics, current affairs (current affairs), etc.
“It plays an important role in a child’s success in life. If we look at our education and job entry examinations, it cannot be denied that questions in general knowledge are asked in almost every examination and this percentage is quite high. If attention is paid to this aspect from the early stage of children, the preparation process for any competitive exam can be started from the primary school.”
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui said that it was during 1992-93 that he and some of his close friends decided to do something for the youth. “I was given the responsibility of teaching General Knowledge. I used to conduct Islamic quiz competitions in madrasas during my student days. I also used to make Islamic quiz programs on the streets by putting up a stage in a street, However, those programs were also quite popular among the students. Therefore, I did not face any particular difficulty in organizing the General Knowledge Quiz competitions.”
Siddiqui says that even before the advent of quiz shows on television, he had been conducting general knowledge quiz competitions with music, and full pomp and show. At the end of the program, children are awarded prizes, and Siddiqui also presented gifts to their parents and their teachers.
“We presented a gift to each participant in the general knowledge competition. We value his hard work more than winning and losing,” Siddiqui said.
Hamid Iqbal the presentation of prizes to all participants made him quite popular. He says once he distributes prizes worth rs one lakh.
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui with teachers of urdu school
Quizmaster Hamid Iqbal says that it has been wrongly projected that there are no employment opportunities for those studying the Urdu language.
“Those who follow the outdated way of thinking and feel inferior are the ones. They are harming Urdu. Even today, Urdu is the source of livelihood for millions of people in our country. Urdu culture is still very attractive.”
He said that when Urdu is connected with modern technology, higher education, fashion, and entertainment many new opportunities of jobs will flow.
Hamid Iqbal has been working on sustaining and improving the quality of Urdu schools for years. “When the era of e-learning came, he introduced it in Urdu schools. We are continuing with that project without charging the school fees,” he said.
While visiting a school, he always carried chocolates and small gifts for the students. He asks the students questions during his lecture and gives away chocolates and gifts to those who reply or even attempt to reply correctly.
He however regrets the fact that there is no significant change in their condition. “In these schools, no special attention is paid to general knowledge.”
He narrates an incident. During his visit, he asked students the name of the President of the country and the reply was Narendra Modi. They didn’t know who the chief minister of the State was. “I realized that despite conducting General Knowledge Quiz competitions for 26-27 years, there is still a lot of work to be done. That’s why I am paying special attention and giving lectures in Urdu schools to change the mindset and trigger their minds to seek information and knowledge.”
In 1999, Quiztime Mumbai organized the first Inter-School General Knowledge Quiz Competition. The success of this large-scale program encouraged them to continue the trend in 2024 with the 23rd Annual General Knowledge Quiz Competition ‘Dhamal’. 2024′ was successfully organized in February. Fifty schools participated in this competition. A team of three students from each school participated.
A special feature of Dhamal 2024 was that not four but six teams were selected for the competition and they were awarded with trophies and prizes.
Siddiqui’s wife Zahida is the backbone of his operation. Zahida is a teacher in a government school and she spends a part of her salary on Urdu General Knowledge Quiz competitions.
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui with award winners
“She is also my like-minded friend and a friend of Urdu. Ever since she joined us, the quality of our quiz competitions has improved even more. Acknowledging his wife’s talent,” Hamid Iqbal says that Zahida is the best organizer.
Born in 1958 in Mumbai, Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui is the grandson of Allama Seemab Akbarabadi. His family has been serving the Urdu language for more than a hundred years. He has been working as an assistant editor of the 93-year magazine Shayar published in Mumbai.
This literary magazine has been banned for some time now. However, he writes a column for the Urdu newspaper Daily Inquilab. Interestingly, Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui is a trained designer; he is also fond of poetry.
Siddiqui continues to participate in national and international Mushairas. Hamid Iqbal says there have been occasions when he had to choose between attending a Mushaira and children’s quiz competition, he settled in favour of children.
Siddiqui commands an interesting personality, has a charming voice, and speaks polished Urdu. When he picks the mike, the audience is smitten by his way of speaking. He does not let his words burden the environment. The children who participate in Hamid Iqbal’s programs remember him forever. He is very happy. “when I go out, many people coFlecme and greet me. Students who are under study meet me as well as those who are now holding high positions when they mention me.”
Siddiqui has no children and he keeps showering his love, compassion, and sincerity on children.
A few years ago, he wanted to expand his work. he decided to find scribes in the Urdu educational institutions.
Apart from this, he organizes the program ‘Urdu ki Mohabbat Mein‘ every year under the banner of Quiz Time Mumbai. he awards a person who has worked selflessly for the promotion of the language. The award is called ‘Mohab Urdu Honour‘ He has seven books on General Knowledge to his credit so far.
Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui says that Urdu is a complete, modern, and living language. Like all the living languages of the world, science, history, geography, and other modern sciences should be taught in Urdu. However, he says, a lot of hard work, effort, and struggle is needed to improve the quality of the education at these schools.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Shah Taj Khan, Pune / May 31st, 2024
