Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

23-year-old Kashmiri girl becomes first from her village to crack civil services

September 4, 2021Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Nadia Beig, Nadia Beigh, Nadia Beigh - Punzwa Village - Kupwara District - Jammu & Kashmirmpositiveone@gmail.com

Punzwa Village (Kupwara District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar:

Twenty-three-year-old Nadia Beigh hailing from Punzwa village in Kupwara district of North Kashmir is the first girl from her village to crack the prestigious Civil Services Examination in her second attempt.

Ranked at 350, Nadia credits her success to her family.

To escape the recurrent internet shutdowns in the valley, Nadia enrolled herself in Residential Coaching Academy, Jamia Millia New Delhi which provides free coaching to selected students who are chosen through a rigorous entrance exam. Thirty students from the academy cleared the civil services exam this year.

“If I had stayed back in Kashmir last year, I don’t think I would have been able to prepare for my exam. The internet is extremely important if you are preparing for civil services. Other than that, I live in a remote area where newspapers reach late and a single newspaper will cost you 20 or more rupees. So, I thought it was better to move to Delhi,” says Nadia.

When asked about what service she would prefer to choose, Nadia, a graduate in Economics (Honors), told TwoCircles.net that she is keen about working in administration or foreign services. But her rank doesn’t allow her to be allotted to those ranks. She now plans to sit for the civil services exam again next year and is hopeful of scoring a better rank.

“I know I have potential to do better. Though I’ll be joining services this year, I’ll sit for the exams next year as well. It is a safe option,” she says.

Fighting all the odds, 16 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir managed to clear the exam. With the abrogation of Article 370, a complete communication and security lockdown was imposed in the erstwhile state of J&K. This was followed by a massive influx of students to different states of India, especially those preparing for various competitive examinations.

“I could spot a Kashmiri on every corner of Delhi. Some students in my locality who could not afford to move out of Kashmir, unfortunately, could not clear the exams,” she says.

Nadia has two sisters who are doctors by profession and a brother, a civil services aspirant himself. Her parents are government school teachers, the reason why she believes she has been able to excel in her education.

Since the news of her cracking the exam has come out, scores of people have flocked to her home to congratulate her. She is particularly overwhelmed by the number of girls who have approached her to procure information about the examination pattern.

“If because of me more girls are inspired to appear for the exam, I believe that would be the biggest achievement. People of Kashmir are very talented. Once they set their minds to it, they can achieve anything,” she says.

Just a day after clearing the exam, somebody created a fake Twitter profile using her name and picture and posted controversial tweets that could cause problems for her, she said.

“Since I am going to be a government official now, the tweets were against the government. I have spoken to the Cyber Police Srinagar and the account has been taken down but the screenshots of those tweets have been circulated widely. I am very anxious about it,” she said.

Despite all this, Nadia wants to work for the upliftment of her people. She believes that with a high position in the administration she can serve the people of Kashmir. Her plans consist of working diligently and aiming for a better rank next year.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Asma Hafiz, TwoCircles.net / August 08th, 2020

11 Mewati sisters show mettle to break patriarchy, obtain higher education, job

September 3, 2021Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)mpositiveone@gmail.com

Chandeni Village (Mewat), RAJASTHAN :

New Delhi :

Muslim dominated Mewat, one of the most backward regions of the country, will now also be known for producing 11 daughters who strived hard – braving the patriarchal set up – to realise their dream of obtaining higher education and choose their own lifestyle.

All of them are well qualified and work in different sectors. Four of them are government school teachers. One of them, who is named Nusrat is a lecturer at Government Polytechnic, Malab, Mewat. Apart from them, sister Razia is an MBA and works in a private firm while Nazia has done Diploma in architecture and is employed in the private sector.

They hail from Chandeni, a village in Haryana’s Muslim-dominated Mewat area.

Shabnam, who is a government school teacher, told Muslim Mirror that she along with her sisters had gone through a long struggle to realise their dreams of education.

She recalled that her sisters had to travel a lot and move to different locations due to the lack of good colleges in nearby areas.

Locals used to tell her elders that they should not give higher education to their girls because they will have to face difficulties to marry them.

Shabnam believes that in the 90s when she and her other sisters were in schools, it was difficult to find a perfect match for educated girls in Mewat. ”However, that situation has changed nowadays,” she added.

Sometimes, the sisters have to face ‘troubles’ at the workplace due to their Muslim identity. ”We meet troubles, more specifically in private sectors,” Shabnam added.

”However, they gradually change their behaviour with us when they come to know about us,” she stated.

In her message to society, Shabnam said, ”Apart from getting degrees, people should try to be open-minded and good human beings for the society.”

Indian parents, more commonly in villages, hesitate to send their daughters to colleges and universities. That’s why a large number of girls fail to be independent financially as well as mentally. In such an atmosphere, the success story of ’11 sisters’ is encouraging.

Their Qualifications:

1: Nafeesa: J.B.T and B.Ed and working as govt.teacher.

2:Shabnam: M.A, J.B.T and working as a govt. teacher.

3:Afsana: J.B.T, M.A, B.Ed.

4:Farhana: J.B.T, M.A, B.Ed
and working as a govt.teacher.

5:Shahnaj : J.B.T, M.A, B.Ed and working as a teacher in private school.

6:Ishrat: B.A.

7:Nushrat: J.B.T, M.A, M.Ed and working as a lecturer in Malab Polytechnic.

8:Ana: J.B.T, M.A B.Ed and working as a govt. teacher.

9: Razia: M.B.A and working in private sector.

10:Nazia: Diploma in architecture and working in private sector.

11:Bushra: M.A, B.Ed

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Featured / by Hasan Akram / March 13th, 2021

Dawakhana team distributes free medicines

August 31, 2021Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Education, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Leaders, Science & Technology, Useful / HEALTHCARE, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)mpositiveone@gmail.com

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

In a patient-friendly move to meet community health needs, free Unani medicines were distributed to patients from the lower economic strata by a team of Dawakhana Tibbiya College (DTC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The free medicines were dispensed during the inaugural of a Unani Medicine Clinic in Jamalpur locality.

“We found that many poor patients were struggling to get medicines. Some of them have been without any income and couldn’t afford the health facilities. It prompted us to distribute free medicines to people in dire need,” said Prof Salma Ahmed (Member-in-Charge, DTC).

She distributed the medicines with the DTC Marketing Team headed by Mr Shariq Azam.

Former Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Prof Abdul Mannan; Prof Shamim Ahmad (Department of Agriculture Management) and Prof Mohd Khalid Azam (Department of Business Administration) stressed that this free medicine campaign in the wake of the pandemic is a big boon for the financially backward patients.

They added that it is our duty to provide the financially weaker sections with free essential health services including medicines.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University / Home> AMU News / by Public Relations Office, AMU / August 27th, 2021

Jamiat Hands 66 Newly-Built Houses to Muzaffarnagar Riot Victims

August 31, 2021Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Muzaffarnagar, UTTAR PRADESH :

So far, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has constructed 311 houses, mosques and schools at different places in the riot-affected district of UP

Maulana Arshad Madani handed over the keys of the houses to the victims of Muzaffarnagar riots

New Delhi :

President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani on Wednesday handed over keys of newly-built houses to 66 families who lost their homes in the deadly Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013, the group said in a statement.

Thousands of families were displaced due to riots. “These people were still living in extreme despair in different places. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has continued its relief and assistance from the very beginning as per its long tradition,” the Jamiat statement said, adding the group has constructed 311 houses, mosques and schools at different places in the district and the victims have been settled in them.

In March 2019, Maulana Madani had inaugurated the proposed Jamiat Colony consisting of 151 houses in Bagowali village of Muzaffarnagar. “At that time, the keys of 85 houses were handed over to the riot victims,” said the statement. “Today, Maulana Madani handed over the keys of the remaining 66 houses to the victims. A school for the religious education of the children of the victims and a mosque have also been built in the same colony.”

So far, 466 houses have been constructed for the Muzaffarnagar riot victims, and they have been resettled in them.

Addressing a grand function for handing over the keys of the houses to the beneficiaries, Maulana Madani said that “the riots in the city of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh can also be listed as horrific because for the first time, a large number of Muslims had left their homes due to the fear of their lives. In these riots, the police showed the partiality which caused the killing and looting in the rural areas of Muzaffarnagar.”

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion / Home> Big Story> India. Indian Muslims / by Team Clarion / August 25th, 2021

Amid disastrous floods in Maharashtra, a Madrassa opens door to flood-affected people

August 29, 2021Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Uncategorizedmpositiveone@gmail.com

MAHARASHTRA :

Amid disastrous floods in Maharashtra, a Madrassa opens door to flood-affected people.

Amidst scenes of chaos and mayhem, a Madrasa called Darul Ulum Imam Ahmed Raza in Kondivare, Ratnagiri, located 30-35 km from Chiplun and 100-150 km from Mahad in Maharashtra, offered its space to flood affected people. Named as Jani Miya Relief Center after the founder of the Madrasa, Ismail Ahmed Jani Miya, the centre offered relief, aid and succor to the affected people. One of its kind, the relief centre transformed the space of the university prayer hall, spanning across an area of 126×80 sq feet, into a makeshift mall where items of sustenance and daily use – starting from a hair comb to mattresses and ration were provided free of cost.

MAHARASHTRA :

The districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad in Maharashtra were centres of a severe flood that hit the Konkan region on July 22. The worst-hit was Chiplun in Ratnagiri and Mahad in Raigad. The region, which is surrounded by the Sahyadri hills and two rivers Vashishthi and Shiv, is prone to flooding. This year the flooding occurred at an unprecedented level, aggravated by the over-flowing of the Koyna dam whose water regularly arrives at a reservoir close to Chiplun.

Talking to TwoCircles.net, Pankaj Dalwi, an environmentalist working in the Konkan said there are other factors such as extensive deforestation and poor urban planning as the cause of growing calamities.

A jarring example of a 21st-century man-made disaster, the flooding caused massive damage in terms of human life and livelihood. Hundreds of people in affected areas died (at least 209 deaths according to an Al- Jazeera report), thousands got displaced and entire villages and roads were turned into layers of debris and mud.

Amidst scenes of chaos and mayhem, a Madrasa called Darul Ulum Imam Ahmed Raza in Kondivare, Ratnagiri, located 30-35 km from Chiplun and 100-150 km from Mahad, offered its space to flood affected people. Named as Jani Miya Relief Center after the founder of the Madrasa, Ismail Ahmed Jani Miya, the centre offered relief, aid and succor to the affected people. One of its kind, the relief centre transformed the space of the university prayer hall, spanning across an area of 126×80 sq feet, into a makeshift mall where items of sustenance and daily use – starting from a hair comb to mattresses and ration were provided free of cost.

The flood had left entire communities without basic items of survival and the provisions provided by the relief centre were crucial for the survival of the affected community.

The members of the Madrasa undertook the mammoth task of providing a lifeline to the affected even if that meant working day and night, in rain or in cold.

TwoCircles.net spoke to fifty-year-old Qazi Mohammed Abdul Rahim Maqbooli, an important member of the Madrasa, about how they organized a centralized system of distribution.

Talking about how it all started, he said, “We first started distributing small ration kits and other essential items through a coupon system. Our volunteers visited each house, looked at the condition of the house, the number of family members in the household and issued coupons accordingly. These coupons were to be brought to the mall for receiving the provisions. Impressed by our fair and efficient system of distribution, trusts and NGOs providing relief from areas like Mumbai, Nasik, Malegaon, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bhiwandi and many more started sending all kinds of items from combs, buckets, flex sheets, blankets, cylinders, stove, utensils, and so on to our mall. The mall became the distribution point for all items big and small,” he said.

The arrangements included well-thought-out needs of different members of the community of afflicted people. “We even gave out the special essentials required by women, old people, and babies including pads, diapers, small blankets for infants and so on,” Qazi told TwoCircles.net.

When asked about the challenges faced by the volunteer team in its operation, Qazi said that, “Sometimes people turned up without coupon. We didn’t want to turn them down and send them empty-handed. So we gave them basic ration kits with food essentials. We wanted to make sure that at least 1000-2000 rupees worth of goods is given to everyone.”

The Madrasa did not restrict itself to setting up the mall and distributing goods. They hired buses and drivers to drive people from their houses to the mall and back. “Our volunteers helped people load the bus with their goods that drove them and sometimes, all the way to Mahad, which is at least 100 kilometres away. Sometimes, we also delivered mattresses and other heavy items to the doorstep of the affected houses.”

The Madrasa sent out an appeal for help and mobilized a strong volunteer base of people of all ages from the nearby villages.

Qazi recalls that what was especially striking was the enthusiasm with which young volunteers and students of madrasa served the community. “This is what we teach our students in the school – to help everyone and work for the public good. My brother, Mufti Qazi Muhammed Ibrahim Maqbooli, who is also the principal of the school, and I provide free education and necessary items such as bags, stationery, books etc. free of cost to all our students.”

“At the Madrasa, we believe in serving humanity no matter what religion a person belongs to. Some Hindus in the area were hesitant about whether they will also receive the relief goods or not. We went to their houses to reassure them that we served everyone irrespective of religion,” Qazi said.

Talking about his motivation in serving the public, Qazi said, “Our parents always taught us to serve people. My father is bedridden and needs constant support and care. Despite this, all members of my family gave all their time to relief work. Last year, when the cyclone devastated thousands of homes in Konkan and there was no electricity for 3 months, we distributed ration kits to all affected areas. To me, the message of our faith is to love, share and view everyone with equality.”

What stands out in this brave example of relief work is not the generosity and benevolence of a charitable institution, but the humility and empathy of people who understand what it means to live in human society. Through their exemplary action, the people of the Madrasa and the volunteers of the region showed what it means to truly care and serve the people by opening up their spaces, giving their valuable time and providing labour for the welfare of a disaster-struck community.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Nikita D, Twocircles.net / August 23rd, 2021

Dr Hamid Hussain – A Progressive Personality

August 24, 2021Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

BIHAR :

It was the year 1982, I heard of DrHamid Hussain.

During a conversation at home, my father Late Janab Shahid Ahmad Shoaib was telling somebody about this young dynamic person who could be the future of the community. I did not understand much about that then. As the time went by, I did my graduation, went to Mumbai to pursue my engineering and then MBA and simultaneously got involved with my corporate jobs.

At this juncture, when I recollect my memory, I find my father was always concerned about the social, economic, educational backwardness of the community. He was no doubt an intellectual who could prove that anything is possible if there is strong will and focus. A researcher, an educationist, a man with highly fertile mind, he was much ahead of time in his vision. He always believed that there has got to be a dream to serve the humanity and positively impact people, take them along and help them realize their dreams.

It wasDr Hamid Hussain who could understand the feelings of my father. He was instrumental in creating an active and dedicated team which finally culminated in the successful execution of the Biradari Conference at Itki in 1994.

The grandeur of this conference is still considered as a historic moment which provided a unique platform to the community. Dr Hamid Hussain played the most remarkable role as the Chairman of the Bihar Muslim Kalwar (Kalal/Eraqui) Millat Committee Conference so well that he is considered as the architect of the mission.

He has displayed an effective role of the community leader. A Leader with passion & compassion. As far as I know him, his focus has always been to bring in the basic changes in the community and take this to the most desired progressive level. He is actively contributing to the welfare of the community by serving as the President of ; AnjumanFalahMilli, HamdardAnjuman, Munni Masjid, Madrasa MadinatulUloom Management Committee, Qabrastan Committee,

Dr Hamid Hussain has been able to provide a direction to the community members in many ways. Today there are many success stories under his guidance. We have many people in the community who have proved their mettle in the fields of Education, Industry, Politics, Bureaucracy, Social Service and other fields. There are many members who are serving at various levels in many countries. However, there are lot of work to be done.

As an effective community leader, Dr Hamid has provided a Vision, Established Effective Organizational Structure and Communication Protocols, is an Effective Role Model, has Inspired and Motivated many, Delegated and Empowered the next generation of the community. I found him displaying the roles of a Coach, Facilitator, Strategist, Visionary, Change agent, Decision-maker, Influencer and above all a Team player.

Dr Hamid has emerged as s successful Social Leader who has devoted his life and talents to improving society regardless of social standing, wealth, or privilege. He has served and blessed the community. He has lifted the vision of community, broadened our possibilities and deepened our life experiences. He has preserved peace and ensured prosperity for as many people as possible.

As far as I know Dr Hamid, he is a man on mission. He is not going to rest till he sees his community members’ progress to the highest level. He is relentlessly working towards bringing in Unity & Co-operation among the people through the common agenda and unidirectional alignment. He is trying to set a system wherein Intellectuals, Entrepreneurs, Educationists, Politicians, Health Professionals, Government Employees of the community can come under one umbrella to work together for the welfare and upliftmentof needy & deserving members.

Leadership is the activity of persuading people to co-operate in the achievement of a common objective. This is the activity of influencing people to strive willingly for mutual objectives. Leadership always involves attempts on the part of a leader to affect the behaviour of a follower or followers in a situation. And the entire Biradari is happy to note that Dr. Hamid Hussain has proved to be an able Leader of the Community.

source: http://www.maeeshat.in / maeeshat.in / Home> Corporate> Opinions / by Ainain Shahidi for Maeeshat, Mumbai / July 29th, 2021

Winners For Association Of Muslim Professionals’ 1st National Awards For Social Excellence 2021 Announced

August 23, 2021Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

INDIA :

(L-R: Dr Manoj Kumar Jha, Sam Pitroda, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, Navaid Hamid, Aamir Edresy and Farooque Siddiqui)

inners of 1st AMP National Awards for Social Excellence 2021 was announced on the evening of Independence Day, 15th August in a ceremony attended by guests and a large gathering of participants from across India.

Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) is an organisation of volunteer Muslim professionals, who are working towards the socio-economic empowerment and development of Muslims in India. Started in 2007 by Aamir Edresy, AMP is present in more than 100 Cities of India and as many as 16 countries globally.

15 Organizations were given the National Award of Excellence 2021 and the Best NGO Award was given to a minimum of 3 Organizations from all the States of India. Also, the Special Jury Award was given to some top performers of every state.

Apart from NGOs, 200 Individual Change Makers were also awarded, including The Cognate‘s Founder, Editor Shaik Zakeer Hussain. These are individuals who worked in the last year for the welfare of the people, especially during the Corona crisis.

While speaking to the audience Former Advisor to Prime Minister Mr Sam Pitroda said that an active civil society is the most important element of any successful democracy. It is the duty of the people who are governing the country to involve civil society in all its decision and policymaking. He congratulated the winners and spoke about the importance of collaboration in today’s world.

Mr Navaid Hamid (President All India Muslim Majlis e Mushwarat) said that it takes courage to appreciate and recognize the efforts of others. He said this spirit is continuously increasing in Muslims and most of the organizations are now open and ready to work with each other. He further said that he hopes AMP will be the torchbearer in this movement of change and will take the community to greater heights.

Rajya Sabha Member Dr Manoj Kumar Jha said that it is very heartening to note that close to 1000+ nomination has come from three States of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh & Jharkhand where we together really need to do a much better job as these three states is at bottom of all index with respect to education, employment and empowerment.

Renowned Islamic Scholar Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali from Lucknow spoke about the importance of social work and helping the needy and poor in the light of Islamic teachings. He appreciated the efforts of all the organizations and specially AMP in establishing this platform to work jointly.

In his inaugural speech, AMP President Mr Aamir Edresy spoke about AMP’s efforts in the last 14 years for the welfare of the Muslim community and nation. He spoke about the importance of partnership and collaboration among Muslim organizations across India for better results and wider reach.

National Award for Social Excellence was awarded to Rahmani 30, All India Ideal Teachers Association, Centre For Information And Guidance India (CIGI), Hamdard National Foundation, Human Welfare Foundation, Indian Civil Liberties Union (ICLU), Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, Mercy Mission, Millat Foundation For Education Research & Development (MFERD), Minhaj Interfaith And Welfare Foundation, Quill Foundation, Rehab India Foundation, Safa Baitul Maal, Taraqqi Foundation and Zakat Foundation Of India.

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to the President of All India Muslim OBC Organization Mr Shabbir Ahmed Ansari Sahab for his relentless service for the cause of not only Muslims but for all for the last 50 Years.

Mr Farooque Siddiqui (Head of AMP NGO Connect Initiative) hosted the event. While introducing the Awards Mr Farooque Siddiqui said that getting nominations of 2300+ organizations is a stepping stone for a big transformation of the rural part of the nation. He said that this Award function is just the beginning and we will work closely with all NGOs who all have shown their interest in joining hands with us in Community/Nation Building.

Dr Zahida Khan gave the welcome speech and Mr Shoeb Syed (AMP West Zone Head) gave the vote of thanks. The awards were presented by AMP Team including Mr Reyaz Alam (AMP Bihar Head), Mr Qamar Faheem (AMP Jharkhand Secretary), Miss. Shaheen Islam (AMP UP Head), Mr Chand Mohammed Shaikh (AMP Rajasthan Head), Mr Sayeed (AMP Hyderabad Head), Mr Manzar Hussain (AMP East Zone Head) and Mr Saphat Ajmeri (AMP Central Zone Secretary).

The program was concluded with the Dua by AMP North Zone Head Mr Ameen Mohammed.

source: http://www.thecongnate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / August 17th, 2021