Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Beyond Faith and Flames: The Nampally Heroes Who Defined Humanity

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

​Hyderabad:

In a world increasingly fragmented by invisible walls and bitter divides, two young men from Nampally recently proved that the pulse of humanity beats stronger than the fear of death. Mohammad Imtiaz and Habib didn’t just save lives; they offered the world a profound lesson written in soot and sacrifice: “Humanity is the greatest religion of all.”

​The Dance of Death

​The day began like any other, but it quickly turned into a nightmare as a ferocious fire broke out in the narrow lanes of Nampally. As the sky turned black with smoke and the screams of trapped children pierced the air, a crowd gathered. Many watched in horror, paralysed by the spectacle of the “dance of death.”

​But Imtiaz and Habib did not hesitate. They didn’t stop to ask the names of the children or the faith of their parents. To them, they weren’t “someone else’s children”; they were simply young lives on the verge of being extinguished.

​A Sacrifice for the “Tender Buds”

​Driven by a singular, frantic urge to protect the innocent, the duo plunged into the inferno. Witnesses describe a scene of pure heroism: two shadows moving through the orange glow, determined to pluck “tender buds” from the jaws of a fiery end.

​They succeeded in their mission – the children were brought to safety. But in a cruel twist of fate, the fire that failed to claim the little ones took the lives of their saviours. Imtiaz and Habib breathed their last, leaving behind grieving families and a city in mourning.

​The Message in the Blood

​These were young men with dreams, parents waiting at home, and a future ahead of them. Yet, in that defining moment, they chose “the other” over themselves. Their sacrifice sends a stinging rebuke to a society often blinded by communal friction. Through their actions, they declared that their faith was one that gives life, not one that takes it.

​As the saying goes, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Imtiaz and Habib became those candles. They burned out, but in doing so, they ignited a flame of empathy in thousands of hearts.

​Our Debt to the Martyrs

​The question now remains: How do we honour such a colossal sacrifice?

​State Recognition: It is imperative that the government supports their families and recognises their bravery with posthumous gallantry awards.

​A Living Tribute: The truest monument we can build for them is not made of marble, but of mindsets. To truly salute Imtiaz and Habib, we must purge the religious prejudice from our hearts and learn to see the human before the creed.

​In the ashes of Nampally, a grim tragedy occurred. But from those same ashes, a story of immortal love has risen – one that Hyderabad, and the nation, must never forget.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features > Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026

AIMIM Backs Sahar Sheikh, Alleges Selective Action Over ‘Green Mumbra’ Row

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbra, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen has defended newly elected Mumbra corporator Sahar Sheikh amid controversy over remarks described by critics as communal. Party leaders said her words targeted no community and called the backlash an example of selective scrutiny faced by Muslim representatives.

At a press conference, AIMIM state president and former MP Imtiaz Jalil said Sahar Sheikh made no remark against Hindus and issued no call for removal of any group from Mumbra. He said pressure continues for police action despite absence of any offensive content. He said the party stands with its corporator and treats her position as the party position.

The controversy followed remarks made after her election from Panel No. 30 B in Mumbra. AIMIM leaders said sections presented the remarks out of context to create a national level dispute soon after a Muslim woman secured an electoral win.

Jalil said the party will challenge the police notice served on Sahar Sheikh. He said the matter will reach the Supreme Court if required. He also questioned demands for an apology raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Jalil asked under which authority such demands were made while similar or harsher remarks by ruling party figures drew no response.

He referred to public statements by leaders speaking about entering mosques or issuing threats against Muslims. He asked why police action failed to follow in such cases. He said swift notices appear when Muslim women speak, while silence follows other instances.

Jalil pointed to the presence of Mayur Sarang, a Hindu supporter, at the press conference alongside AIMIM’s five elected corporators from Mumbra. He said such presence reflected the inclusive nature of the party stand.

Sahar Sheikh sat with party leaders and maintained her statement. AIMIM said it will pursue legal remedies and urged calm, asking authorities to address the issue within constitutional limits.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026

Tania Parveen’s journey from village transformer to special invitee to R-Day Parade

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Siswa Purvi Panchayat (East Champaran District), BIHAR :

Tania Parveen, Sarpanch of Siswa Purvi Panchayat in Bihar

Tania Parveen, head of the Siswa Purvi Panchayat in East Champaran district of Bihar, will be seated among the special invitees of the President of India to witness the ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Delhi on Monday.

Tania, an engineering graduate, is among the guests of honour at the 77th Republic Day Parade due to her work in transforming her village through her vision and work as an elected head of the Panchayat.

Today, the Siswa Purvi Panchayat is a model for the rest of the country and a living proof that villages too can have amenities enjoyed by people in cities.

Tania Parveen left her government job to take up the leadership of her village. She contested the Panchayat election with a clear idea that this position could help her in changing the poor living conditions of her village.

Her trigger for giving up a well-paying and stable government job was the air pollution caused by sugar mills. Taniya has been the head of the village Panchayat since 2016.

Panchatay Office of Siswa Purvi, Bihar 

The Panchayat has about 48 per cent of the Muslim population. She recalls that earlier, girls in the village showed little interest in education. Today, the situation has changed, with girls eagerly preparing to go to school.

When Taniya took charge, she had a lot of problems to tackle. Child labour, the trend of early marriages and the violence against women were immediate issues demanding her attention.

During the COVID period, she had to dispel rumours and misconceptions about the disease and its treatment. People were afraid of taking vaccines and tried to avoid quarantine. Through her strong leadership, Tania Parveen created awareness, and gradually, villagers began following the protocols.

The invite to Taniya is under the Central Government’s Panchayat Empowerment Scheme, which honours the outstanding panchayat representatives from across the country.

Tania Parveen became Mukhiya at the age of just 32 and, within the last three years, has transformed Siswa Purvi from a backward area into a model gram panchayat. Even former sarpanch Faizal Rahman, 50, openly praises her work and leadership.

Girls attending school in Siswa Purvi village

Her focus is on health, employment, education and empowerment of women in the panchayat.

Her efforts showed significant improvements in the health sector. Regular health check-ups are conducted for the elderly, pregnant women, and girls. ASHA workers go door to door to fulfil their responsibilities. Women are encouraged to join schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Jeevika to make them earn.

Tania introduced smart classes and computers in schools, and paid attention to high dropouts among girls. After the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, girls developed a strong interest in education. With the installation of streetlights, women feel safer even at night.

Tania Parveen says that when she became Mukhiya in 2016, the condition of the panchayat was poor. Roads had potholes, drains were clogged, and sanitation systems were weak.

Today, Siswa has better roads, organised drainage, proper water disposal, and improved cleanliness.

She injected transparency in the spending and ended a culture of bribery and commissions in public works. She says her vision was to bring the basic amenities in her village to the level of a city.

An RTPS counter has now been set up at the Siswa Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan, where birth certificates, death certificates, pensions, residence certificates, caste and income documents are issued. Every day, 20 to 35 people come to get their work done without needing to visit the block office. Led by Tania, all employees attend regularly.

Tania Parveen is now working towards setting up a women-friendly panchayat. She believes that women will become strong only when they have self-employment opportunities. She has plans for conducting tailoring, computer training, and martial arts classes to make women and girls self-reliant and confident.

Asking her peers across the country to adopt honesty as the best policy, Tania says, when a panchayat changes, society will change. Then cities will change, and eventually, Bihar will change. Panchayat development, she says, is true national development.

She also notes that women’s participation has increased significantly in social security schemes such as pension schemes, ration schemes, housing schemes, and the “toilet in every home” initiative.

The construction of the Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan has also been completed in her village.

Tania Parveen is not ready to sit on her laurels. She is working towards creating newer employment opportunities, strengthening women’s education, and digitising the panchayat system. “If panchayats are to be made dignified and strong, it is essential to provide women with equal opportunities and full respect,” she says.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mansooruddin Faridi, New Delhi / January 25th, 2026

Number of Muslims in Mumbai Corporation 2026 up by 1: Full list

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TELANGANA / MAHARASHTRA :

The new Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation 2026 or BMC 2026) to have 01 more Muslim corporator as compared to the community’s tally last time.

[Imran Pratapgarhi, Member of Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra and National Chairman Congress Minority Department, leading a rally in support of Congress candidates in Mumbai]

BMC 2026 Final Result: 

The new Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation 2026 or BMC 2026) to have 01 more Muslim corporator as compared to the community’s tally last time.

A total of 29 Muslims from different parties had won the 2017 BMC elections. As against this, number of Muslims in the Mumbai Mahanagar Palika 2026 is 30, as per the final election result announced by the Maharashtra State Election Commission Saturday.

Of the total 30 Muslim Corporators who have won the 2026 Mumbai Municipal Corporation Elections the maximum 13 are from Congress, 07 are from Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), 03 each are from NCP (Ajit Pawar) and Shiv Sena (UBT), 02 are from Samajwadi Party (SP) and 02 each from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Sharad Pawar).

List of Muslim Corporators in Mumbai Corporation

Following is the party-wise full list of Muslim corporators in Mumbai.

Muslim Corporators of Congress Party

1. Qamar Jahan Moeen Siddiqui (Ward No. 33)
2. Haiderali Aslam Sheikh (Ward No. 34)
3. Rafiq Ilyas Sheikh (Ward No. 48)
4. Mehr Haider Mohsin (Ward No. 6)
5. Mohd. Ibrahim Qureshi (Ward No. 92)
6. Khan Rahebar Siraj (Ward No. 102)
7. Amir Naseem Khan (Ward No. 162)
8. Ashraf Azhmi (Ward No. 165)
9. Dr Saman Arshad Azhmi (Ward No. 167)
10. Sajida Bi Haji Babbu Khan (Ward No. 184)
11. Waqar Khan (Ward No. 211)
12. Naseema Javed Juneja (Ward No. 213)
13. Parack Ruksana Nurul Amin (Ward No. 224)

Muslim Corporators of AIMIM in BMC

14. Mehjabeen Atique Ahmed Khan (Ward No. 134)
15. Zameer Murtuza Qureshi (Ward No. 136)
16. Sameer Ramzan Patel (Ward No. 137)
17. Roshan Irfan Sheikh (Ward No. 138)
18. Shabana Atif Sheikh (Ward No. 139)
19. Shabana Mohammad Farooq Qazi (Ward No. 143)
20. Khairunnisa Akbar Hussain (Ward No. 145)

[The AIMIM has won a total of 08 seats in Mumbai. The 8th member of the party is Vijay Tatoba Ubale.]

Muslim Corporators of (NCP Ajit Pawar)

21. Khan Ayesha Shams (Ward No. 96)
22. Dr Saeeda Khan (Ward No. 168)
23. Ayesha Sufiyan Vanu (Ward No. 179)

Muslim Corporators of Shiv Sena (UBT)

24. Zishan Genghis Multani (Ward No. 62)
25. Saba Harun Khan (Ward No. 64)
26. Sakina Sheikh (Ward No. 124)

Muslim Corporators of Samajwadi Party

27. Iram Sajit Ahmad Siddiqui (Ward No. 201)
28. Abrahani Ambareen Shahzad (Ward No. 212)

Muslim Corporators of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde)

29. Sufi Nazia Abdul Jabbar (Ward No. 78)

Muslim Corporators of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP Sharad Pawar)

30. Bushra Nadeem Captain Malik (Ward No. 170)

What is important is that the Muslim candidates have won the BMC 2026 elections from all parties – including  Congress, AIMIM, Samajwadi Party, NCP (Ajit Pawar), NCP (Sharad Pawar) and also from Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray or UBT).

This is a clear message to the BJP, which because of its communal agenda and hate for Muslims does not give the party tickets to Muslims, and gives an excuse that the community does not vote for it.

Along with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), civic body elections were also held in 28 other corporations of Maharashtra.

As per the final result announced by the state election commission, out of the total 2,869 seats, the BJP has won 1,420 seats, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) 375, Congress 329, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 175, Shiv Sena (UBT) 160, AIMIM 125, NCP (Sharad Pawar) 40 and MNS just 13 seats. (The result of some seats have not been announced.)

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Maharashtra / by ummid.com news network / January 18th, 2026

Chief Minister Pays Tribute to Amir-e-Shariat of Karnataka, Maulana Sagheerr Ahmed Khan Rashadi

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid his last respects to Hazrat Maulana Sagheerr Ahmed Khan Rashadi, Amir-e-Shariat of Karnataka and rector of Darul Uloom Sabilur Rashad, expressing deep grief over his passing. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience during the period of mourning.

Recalling the life and work of the late scholar, the Chief Minister said Maulana Rashadi devoted his entire life to Islamic education, moral guidance, and the cause of communal harmony. He described him as a respected religious scholar and social leader whose influence reached far beyond classrooms and institutions. According to Siddaramaiah, the Maulana’s scholarship and counsel shaped generations of students and earned respect across religious and social communities.

Several senior leaders and officials attended the prayers, including Ministers K J George and Zameer Ahmed, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, and Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Pervez. Their presence underlined the regard held for the late Maulana within the administration and public life.

Community leaders also joined the gathering. Among them were Dr Belgami Mohammed Sa’ad, state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, Maulana Ifteqar Qasmi, president of Jamiat ul Ulema Karnataka, along with scholars and representatives from different walks of life.

The mortal remains of Maulana Sagheerr Ahmed Khan Rashadi were laid to rest at the burial ground within the Darul Uloom Sabilur Rashad campus.

The funeral prayer drew thousands of students from across Karnataka, fellow scholars, and members of the public.

His son, Maulana Zubair Ahmed Khan, led the prayer in an atmosphere marked by grief and reverence.

Speakers described the late Maulana as a symbol of knowledge, humility, and lifelong service whose legacy will guide future generations.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 14th, 2026

Pervez Lakdawala honoured in British House for building houses for slum dwellers

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Parvez Suleman Lakdawala, founder CEO, Grace Group of Companies

Mumbai :

Mumbai-based real estate developer Parvez Suleman Lakdawala, who has played a significant role in building homes for slum dwellers, has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sorbonne of France at the British Parliament for his extraordinary work in real estate and housing infrastructure particularly in slum redevelopment, over the last three decades.

He was given this award during the ‘Sorbonne International Convention’ held at the ‘House of Lords’ in London by the French higher education institution ‘Ecole Supérieure Robert de Sorbonne.’

Speaking about the honour, he said, “I never even dreamt that I would receive such an honour.”

This institution is known worldwide for granting degrees based on professional experience. Speaking after accepting the honorary degree, Lakdawala said, “This is a global success for the slum rehabilitation work I have done through SRA schemes. I have been in this business for 30 years and have completed the construction of 32 buildings so far.”

Parvez Lakdawala was born into poverty in a small hutment in Bandra when conditions in the slums were sub-human, and the residents had to struggle for basic amenities like water.

Parvez recalls that there was a filthy settlement outside his house, and the condition of the household was very poor. For children living in such conditions, even dreaming big was considered a crime.

However, Parvez never let his poverty weaken his resolve to rise above his circumstances.

Despite the fear of dropping out due to poverty, Parvez held onto his education. Studying while living in a slum, he completed his education. Not many know that Parvez Lakdawala, the successful businessman, is a law graduate.

The law gave him discipline in life and the knowledge to fight against injustice. He often says that he prospered in life only because of education.

In 1989, he laid the foundation of the Grace Group of Companies and started working in the real estate sector.

Sorbonne University campus

Around 1995, he worked for the Slum Rehabilitation Authority of Mumbai (SRA) to provide highly subsidized apartments to slum dwellers. At that time, not many builders were willing to work there. Today, he has completed projects of more than 32 grand buildings in Mumbai.

He gave a new face to the homes of the poor by implementing new designs, modern amenities, and innovative concepts.

Earning money was never his sole aim. Having experienced poverty, he empathized with the poor. That is how he bears the educational expenses of thousands of poor children. For parents who cannot afford to pay their children’s school or college fees, Parvez Lakdawala has become a ray of hope. “Allah has given to me so that I can give it back to society,” he says.

During the Corona lockdown, when the entire country was under the shadow of fear, Parvez Lakdawala was working in the streets.

Thousands of labourers with their small children were walking towards their villages. Parvez arranged for vehicles and buses for them. He transported more than 3000 people to their homes.

He also ensured the travelers got food and water. For this work, he received appreciation not only from Mumbai but also from states like Rajasthan.

In a city like Mumbai, where even dreaming of a home is a luxury, Parvez Lakdawala has helped thousands of families get their rightful homes. His journey builds buildings worth crores today, starting from a 250-square-foot house.

The most important aspect of Parvez Lakdawala’s work is the self-respect he has given to the common man. Recalling old memories, he says, “Earlier, people living in slums used to feel ashamed about their address. They regretted their living conditions. Today, when the same people enter flats equipped with all amenities, they proudly disclose their address to others. Giving them the property they deserve and a sense of security gives me the most joy.”

Parvez Lakdawala’s mantra is: Your intention is more important than your destiny. If your intention is good, God comes to your aid and grants you success.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 09th, 2026

Kerala: CPI(M) MLA Kanathil Jameela dies at 59 after cancer battle

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Kuttiyadi (Kozhikode District), KERALA:

Kanathil Jameela, CPI(M) leader and sitting MLA of Koyilandy, passed away late on Saturday at a private hospital in Kozhikode. She was 59.

Jameela, who had been undergoing treatment for cancer, was admitted to the intensive care unit earlier this week. Hospital authorities confirmed that she died around 11.30 pm.

An MLA, former district panchayat president, and one of the most prominent women leaders of the CPI(M) in Kozhikode, Jameela had a long public life that spanned local governance, women’s mobilisation, and welfare work.

During her administrative tenure, she oversaw several notable programmes, including Snehasparsham for kidney patients, a cancer screening drive for women, the KARUNA initiative for humane stray-dog management, a mission to end landlessness, and schemes promoting sports and education.

Jameela had been a district committee member of the CPI(M). She was also the State vice-president of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association.

The CPI(M) state leadership condoled her death, calling it an “irreparable loss.”

Jameela made active interventions in issues concerning the people, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. As a leader of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, she was keen to bring to the fore issues concerning women. She garnered respect for her simplicity and friendship across party lines, Vijayan said.

Leaders across parties also issued statements remembering her as an accessible and grounded representative of the coastal constituency.

According to party sources, Jameela’s body will be taken to her residence today. Public homage will be held at the CPI(M) district committee office in Kozhikode and later at the Koyilandy Town Hall.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India / by Maktoob Staff / November 30th, 2025

Asaduddin Owaisi’s door-to-door campaign helps AIMIM secure 114 seats in Maharashtra civic polls

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , ,

TELANGANA / MAHARASHTRA :

The AIMIM won 33 seats in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 21 in Malegaon, 15 in Amravati, 13 in Nanded, 10 in Dhule, eight in Solapur, six in Mumbai, five in Thane, two in Jalgaon, and one in Chandrapur.

Asaduddin Owaisi / PTI

Asaduddin Owaisi’s door-to-door campaign and the sting of narrow defeats in previous polls energized the workers of All India Majlis E Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the Maharashtra civic elections, resulting in the party winning 114 seats across the state, its leader Shareque Naqshbandi said on Friday.

The AIMIM won 33 seats in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 21 in Malegaon, 15 in Amravati, 13 in Nanded, 10 in Dhule, eight in Solapur, six in Mumbai, five in Thane, two in Jalgaon, and one in Chandrapur.

Winning 80 seats in earlier civic polls gave the party an idea of the temperament of the urban voter, which also helped, Naqshbandi told PTI.

“Initially, AIMIM faced a challenge from its own people over candidature in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Later, the presence of Asaduddin Owaisi and his rallies in potent pockets resulted in AIMIM winning 33 out of 37 seats we contested here. We have bagged wins from Mumbai to Chandrapur this time,” he said.

Owaisi dedicated more time to the campaign compared to 2015 and managed to overcome dissidence by speaking to disgruntled leaders and convincing nearly 70 percent of them, Naqshbandi said.

“The rest had already moved ahead by joining other political parties. We brought these people together and this got converted into votes. There were divisions among the opposition parties, which proved to be an opportunity to us. Moreover Asaduddin Owaisi went door to door in the areas where we were contesting. He pointed out local civic issues in smaller rallies which appealed to the voter,” he added.

Narrow losses, like the one faced by Imtiaz Jaleel in the 2024 assembly elections from Aurangabad East, had hurt workers who put in extra efforts, Naqshbandi said.

Speaking on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar civic poll results, former MP Jaleel said the BJP was fighting with the aim of ending the Shiv Sena here.

“The BJP had money and resources but they had a target to end Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. They severed the alliance at the last moment and achieved their target. Now Shiv Sena is behind us here. They have 4-5 MLAs, one MP and a minister here. But they could do nothing and people have answered them through votes,” he told reporters.

The people of the city have stood with AIMIM for the past 12 years, resulting in 33 wins, Jaleel added.

“We are the second biggest party in the city after BJP. We have given candidature to the ordinary people here and they have won here. This is a tight slap to those political parties who gave candidature to their relatives. While the opposition called AIMIM communal, we made people from the Hindu community win seats,” he said.

source: http://www.telegraphonline.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> India / by The Telegraph Online Web Desk & PTI / January 16th, 2026

2.5 lakh girls to get Azim Premji Foundation scholarship

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, SCHOLARSHIPS, Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / INDIA :

Anurag Behar

The Azim Premji Foundation on Thursday announced the Azim Premji Scholarship for up to 2.5 lakh girl students from government schools across 18 States for pursuing higher education.

A scholarship of ₹30,000 will be given annually to girl students who have passed their 10th and 12th examinations in government schools and have received admission in a bona fide higher education institution (HEI). These bona fide HEIs will include all government HEIs and selective private HEIs as well. The ₹30,000 scholarship will continue for the duration of the girl’s college/university programme, so long as the girl successfully continues in the programme. 

“There is no additional criteria or eligibility for the candidates. We are not conducting any exams or checking the financial backgrounds of the students,” said Anurag Behar, the Chief Executive Officer of the Azim Premji Foundation.

He stated the reason for such a type of screening was that more than 90% of government school children come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship aims to ease some of the financial burdens of girl students pursuing a higher education, rather than focus on too many checklists or screening processes.

He also noted that while primary school admissions for girls were almost equal to those of boys, higher education admission numbers showed a lesser percentage of girls. “Tuition fees are often waived off or given at a discount for girls from disadvantaged financial backgrounds. But additional expenses like commute, clothes, books etc discourage them from pursuing their higher education,” he explained.

A pilot test of the ‘Azim Premji Scholarship’ was launched in 2024-25 across certain districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand, where over 25,000 girls were selected for the scholarship. For the academic year of 2025-26, the scholarship has officially been launched across 18 States, some of which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Tripura, Odisha, and Mizoram.

The application process for 2025-26 will start in September 2025. Students can apply online. The scholarship program is a ₹2,250 crore commitment across three years by the foundation, and is likely to be expanded to cover the entire country in coming years.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / May 16th, 2025

Bengaluru to get 1,000-bed charitable super-speciality multi-organ transplant hospital; pact inked

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Useful / HEALTHCARE

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

The Foundation has set a target of spending ₹4,000 crore over the next five years to build and operate a 1,000-bed charitable super-speciality and multi-organ transplant hospital in Bengaluru.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Anurag Beharm, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation, at a ceremony in Bengaluru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Azim Premji Foundation has set a target of spending ₹4,000 crore over the next five years to build and operate a new 1,000-bed charitable super-speciality and multi-organ transplant hospital in Bengaluru.

The hospital will come up on 10 acres within the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases campus in Bengaluru, which the government has agreed to lease to the Foundation for 99 years, he announced on Saturday after the Medical Education Department and the Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction and management of the facility.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said the State was grateful to the Foundation and to Azim Premji ‘for undertaking this noble initiative’, and for deciding to run the facility free of cost. The Foundation will invest ₹1,000 crore on building the hospital and more over the years to run the facility, he said.

Over the last 25 years, the Foundation has supported teacher training, contributed ₹1,500 crore to the government’s egg distribution scheme in schools in 2024, and extended annual scholarships of ₹30,000 each to students from government colleges under the Deepika scheme, the Chief Minister added.

Public systems key

Anurag Behar, CEO, Azim Premji Foundation, emphasised the importance of strengthening public systems, saying private initiatives cannot compensate for weak public infrastructure.

“The foundation believes that public systems are central to a good society. Our commitment is to work with the government to strengthen them,” he said, pointing out that healthcare begins with ASHA workers, primary health centres, and preventive work in communities. “Hospitals are critical, but the first goal must be to prevent people from falling ill,” he said.

Mr. Behar praised Karnataka as ‘one of the three most proactive States’ the Foundation works with. He noted that the Foundation’s 25-year engagement in Karnataka has shown progress most visibly in grassroots work in, among other places, Surpur and Sindagi.

Transplant hub

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash R. Patil said the proposed hospital will provide transplant services across multiple organs, with 70% of procedures free of cost and the remaining 30% at minimal rates on the lines of the autonomous Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.

He said more than 5,000 patients in Karnataka are currently awaiting kidney transplant, and over 1,000 require liver transplant.

Dr. Patil added that the project aligns with the government’s larger roadmap to strengthen tertiary healthcare. “We have set a target of establishing one medical college, one super-speciality hospital, one trauma centre, and one cancer hospital in every district,” he said.

At present, Karnataka has 22 government medical colleges, 10 super-speciality hospitals, eight trauma centres, and eight cancer centres, and is ‘halfway through’ with the plan. He said the State intends to transition towards a universal health coverage model, as in the UK, in the coming decade.

This article has been updated to rectify a factual error

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India>Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 18th, 2026