In recognition of his global contributions toward academic excellence, cultural preservation, and social welfare, the University of Kufa has conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community.
A distinguished Iraqi delegation, led by Prof. Dr Hayder Abed Dhahad, Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Prof. Dr Alaa Naji Almawla, President of the University of Kufa, conferred the degree upon Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin at a ceremony held in Surat.
“The Diamond City of Surat serves as a fitting venue to honour His Holiness,” stated Prof. Dr Haider Abed Dhahad. “As his ancestral home and the principal seat of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, which for centuries has stood as the premier educational hub of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Surat embodies a rich legacy of scholarly excellence. Conferring this honorary doctorate here underscores our shared dedication to knowledge, culture, and humanitarian values.”
Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Dr Alaa Naji Almawla said, “His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education, heritage preservation, and global social upliftment. This doctorate honours his efforts in connecting higher learning with selfless social service, offering an inspiring model of compassionate and visionary leadership to our institution and academic communities worldwide.”
He added, “By presenting this honour to His Holiness, the University of Kufa recognises the enduring bond between classical scholarship and global humanitarian action.”
A Legacy of Academic and Social Leadership
Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has consistently emphasised the role of education as the cornerstone of societal development. He has served as Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and is the present Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and the patron of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, the community’s premier Arabic academy; he champions a holistic educational framework integrating classical humanities with modern science.
Beyond academia, Syedna’s leadership spans extensive environmental stewardship, healthcare access, and community development initiatives across the globe.
Located in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq, the University of Kufa is a prominent seat of higher learning and academic research operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Republic of Iraq. The university, with 40,000 students, encompasses diverse faculties across medicine, humanities, jurisprudence, and natural sciences.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / September 21st, 2026
From representing India on the football field to supporting distressed expatriate workers and building bridges between Indian and Saudi business communities, Mir Gazanfar Ali Razvi, popularly known as Zaki, has spent decades turning community service into a sustained commitment.
In recognition of his humanitarian work and contribution to India-Saudi relations, he has been honoured with the Duggar Da Sammaan 2026 by GHRT International.
The honour recognises Zaki’s longstanding service to the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, particularly his efforts to assist vulnerable workers and promote community welfare irrespective of region, religion, caste or creed.
Zaki moved to Saudi Arabia in 1995 after an early sporting career that saw him represent India in football and participate in the prestigious Santosh Trophy during the 1989–90 season. His experience in team sport later found a different expression in his community work, where collaboration, perseverance and service became defining features of his public life.
For more than three decades, he has been involved in initiatives supporting Indian workers facing hardship. During the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat-related amnesty programme, he worked on the ground to assist distressed expatriates, organising job fairs and helping arrange food, clothing and other essential support in coordination with community organisations and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.
His humanitarian work has also extended to some of the most difficult moments faced by expatriate families. He has assisted in the legal repatriation of stranded workers and helped coordinate the transportation of the mortal remains of Indian nationals to India, providing practical support to families during periods of grief.
Zaki has also placed considerable emphasis on the younger generation of Indians living in the Kingdom. He has supported higher-education and career guidance initiatives, health-awareness programmes, sporting tournaments and cultural activities designed to encourage young expatriates to remain connected with their heritage while building their futures in Saudi Arabia.
His contribution extends beyond community welfare to economic engagement. As former General Secretary of the Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN), Zaki worked to strengthen interaction between Indian and Saudi business communities. His tenure included efforts associated with Memoranda of Understanding signed with the Vibrant Goa Foundation and the Trade Promotion Council of India in 2019.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also contributed to efforts supporting the supply of oxygen cylinders to India during a period of critical need. He has additionally received a letter of appreciation from the Millet India Initiative for his efforts to promote Indian millets in Saudi Arabia.
The Duggar Da Sammaan 2026 adds another milestone to a journey that has brought together sport, humanitarian service, community development and economic cooperation.
For Zaki, the recognition reflects decades of engagement with people and institutions across the Indian diaspora and his continued efforts to strengthen the bonds between India and Saudi Arabia.
source: http://www.yahind.com / YaHind / Home> India / by YaHind Team / September 30th, 2026
Bushra Bano defies four surgeries, responsibility of two kids to become IPS
Aligarh :
Its very rare in the history of Indian civil services that women candidates face interviews when they are more than eight months pregnant and have undergone multiple surgeries.
Dr Bushra Bano, a resident of Sork Qaswa in Kannauj district, uttar Pradesh, and Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Firozabad (Sadar tehsil), has faced this odd meritoriously. She has secured 234th rank in the latest UPSC list of successful candidates. She was allotted the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Bushra is mother of two children, both born through caesarean surgeries. Besides, she had to endure two more major surgeries. Yet her resolve to continue her education and later pursue competitive exams for various Indian services remained unaffected.
“I was a gifted child since childhood. At least this is what my parents feel proud of and all my acquaintances admit. I started my primary education at the age of four in Class 2. All through my academic life, I have been a topper. After completing my B. Sc in Mathematics (usually rare for girls in India), I decided to go for an MBA and I completed that before I turned 20.
“Just after that I joined PhD in Management at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The very next year, I qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) that gave me confidence to make my education self-reliant and a passion to earn on my own. I finished my PhD in a short time of two years and few months,” Bano told this correspondent in a candid chat from Firozabad.
She said that while she was still pursuing her research at AMU, she started teaching at Hindustan and Anand Institute in Agra.
“Then I got married to Asmer Hussain, an assistant professor in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Perhaps as a marital boon, I was also selected as an assistant professor at the same university and both of us taught together,” said Bano.
However, the Saudi sojourn was not suiting her heart.
“I was working there, but my heart always stayed in India. The only memorable thing for us was to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca. After four years, it became impossible for me to defy the pangs of homesickness. I consulted my husband and resigned. He stayed back,” said Bano, insisting that it was the most difficult decision of her life.
After arriving in India, Bano didn’t sit idle. She was now a mother of a son. She joined a post-doctoral programme in AMU and at the same time started preparing for various competitive exams.
“My first attempt at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was not successful. However, I managed to join a reputed Coal India company as assistant manager. My posting was in Sonbhadra. Next year, I got through the prelims of both the Public Service Commission (PCS) of UP state and UPSC.
“In June 2018, I cleared the Mains of both the exams. I was pregnant with my second child then and when interviews were conducted, I was in the last stage of my pregnancy. The UPSC first declared its list. I had secured 277th rank and was allotted the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). Later, when the PCS result was announced, my rank was 6th and that meant I was eligible to become Deputy Collector or Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Thus, I joined as SDM of Firozabad Sadar in 2020,” said Bano.
Bano also shared an interesting episode of her married life.
“In families with kids, it is usually women who sacrifice. But in my case, my husband sacrificed his Saudi job for me. Since it became clear that I would work in India and our children would also be with me, he decided to resign from his job and join us in India. Now, he works as a businessman,” said Bano.
She added that her husband, who was teaching without a PhD, is now also pursuing a PhD.
As an SDM, Bano has been famous for her stand on illegal mining in Firozabad. She has also been strict in ensuring law and order and devising ways to bring relief to weaker sections of society.
She wears a hijab and it raised some eyebrows in her office. “Some people thought I was a ‘kattar’ (hardliner) Muslim. But, when they began to understand me, their doubts melted and now I am their favourite madam,” said Bano.
One of the most joyous moments in her life came when her another attempt at UPSC brought her 234th rank and she was allotted IPS.
“But I have decided that I will join it only when I am offered my home cadre. Otherwise, I am happy as SDM in UP,” she said.
Bano’s advice to young Muslims, especially girls and their parents, is that youth should be given the choice to pursue their passion at whatever stage in their lives.
“I chose to quit my Saudi job, come to India and opt for these services and my family supported me. Such cooperation from your dear ones makes a lot of impact in your life,” said Bano. -IANS
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Women / by Muslim Mirror / January 04th, 2022
Students of Barakah NEET Academy’s 2026 batch have recorded strong results in medical admissions, with around 30% securing MBBS seats and another 25% gaining admission to BDS courses.
The results mark the second consecutive year of encouraging performance by the academy, which reported 100% medical course admissions among its students in 2025.
The remaining students are awaiting the third round of counselling, with the academy expecting them to secure seats in MBBS, BDS, BAMS and other government medical courses. The academy has expressed confidence in achieving 100% enrolment for the batch.
Following the results, the academy has launched a new NEET repeater batch, particularly for female students, offering preparation in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.
The academy provides hostel accommodation, nutritious food, attention to cultural and religious needs, round-the-clock security, an affordable non-commercial fee structure and professional academic training.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 20th, 2026
Dr Hina Qasim Foplinkar, daughter of an ST bus driver, completed BHMS, served as an excise inspector and fought a legal battle before securing her police selection in Maharashtra
Mumbai :
Dr Hina Qasim Foplinkar, who began her education at an Urdu-medium school in the small Konkan village of Sai, has been selected for the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police/Assistant Commissioner of Police after clearing the Maharashtra Public Service Commission examination.
The daughter of a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus driver, Foplinkar first became a doctor, then spent nearly seven years working as an inspector in the Maharashtra Excise Department before clearing the MPSC examination. She is currently undergoing training at the Maharashtra Police Academy in Nashik.
Foplinkar completed her early education at RZP Urdu School in Sai. She then studied at Advocate Haroon Solkar High School in Sai, where she completed Class 10, followed by Class 12 in science at SS High School and Junior College in Morbe.
She completed her BHMS in 2014 and became a doctor.
Speaking to Urdu daily Inquilab, Foplinkar said her teachers in Sai and Morbe played an important role in her educational journey by guiding her and encouraging her to pursue higher education.
“During my BHMS studies in Kharghar, I learnt about government jobs and competitive examinations,” she said.
After completing her graduation, Foplinkar worked for a year at different hospitals. During this period, she came across an advertisement for a free competitive examination preparation programme run by Savitribai Phule Pune University.
She cleared the entrance examination and was subsequently provided free accommodation and preparation facilities for around two years. She said this period helped her prepare for competitive examinations.
“During this period, I successfully cleared all the stages of the examination for Excise Inspector,” she said.
Nearly Seven Years in the Excise Department
Foplinkar joined the Maharashtra government’s Excise Department as an inspector in 2018. During her nearly seven years in the department, she served in areas including Andheri, Matunga and Chembur.
Despite having a government job, she continued preparing for further competitive examinations.
“I had a feeling that I had to do more. I continued my studies while performing my government duties,” she told Inquilab.
Her attempt to move into the state police service, however, did not come without setbacks.
Foplinkar appeared for the MPSC examination in 2023 and cleared all three stages but did not succeed at the medical stage and therefore could not secure a place in the final merit list.
She appeared again in 2024 and cleared the examination, but her name was again absent from the final list. She then challenged the matter through legal proceedings.
According to Foplinkar, she spent eight months pursuing the case before the decision was made in her favour.
“I had to fight a legal battle for eight months for my right. You have to raise your voice against injustice within the system and within the prescribed legal framework. It is not an easy task. In the end, the decision came in my favour,” she said.
Parents’ Sacrifices
Foplinkar has attributed her success to the sacrifices and support of her parents.
Her father worked as an ST bus driver but later decided to go to Kuwait to provide better educational opportunities to his two daughters. He worked as a driver for a private company there for around 10 years.
“My parents’ sacrifices are part of my success. Their prayers and hard work are the reason I have reached this position today,” Foplinkar said.
Her career has also drawn attention because of her educational background. She studied in an Urdu-medium school in Sai before pursuing science education, completing BHMS, entering government service and later clearing the state civil services examination.
Foplinkar’s journey is being seen as an example for students studying through Urdu, particularly those from smaller towns and villages.
She believes Urdu does not prevent a student from achieving professional success, provided students continue to acquire knowledge and skills and prepare themselves for competitive examinations and new opportunities.
Her progression from an Urdu-medium school in a small Konkan village to the medical profession, the Excise Department and now police service has made her an example of perseverance for students, particularly Muslim girls pursuing higher education.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India Team/ August 25th, 2026
SFI leader Dilshada Raihan, a Muslim woman, was elected president as the AISA–ASA–DSU–SFI–TSF alliance reclaimed the University of Hyderabad Students’ Union from ABVP, winning all general posts.
Dilshada Raihan, the candidate of an alliance comprising the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA), Dalit Students’ Union (DSU), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Tribal Students’ Forum (TSF), has been elected president of the University of Hyderabad Students’ Union for 2026.
Her victory puts a Muslim woman at the head of the union after the ABVP won the previous election.
Raihan is an SFI leader.
The alliance also won the vice president and general secretary posts. Korra Nithin Chauhan of TSF was elected vice president, while Pratik Sagar of ASA won the general secretary post.
Naresh Podishetti contested for president on the ABVP–Sevalal Vidyarthi Dal panel. K. Naveen Kumar was the presidential candidate of the alliance comprising the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Fraternity Movement, Muslim Students Front (MSF) and Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU).
Muhammad Aflah KK and Venisa Choudhary also contested the general secretary post against Pratik Sagar on the three alliance panels.
Siddhant of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) has won the joint secretary post on the AISA–ASA–DSU–SFI–TSF alliance panel.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> South India> India / by Maktoob Media / September 30th, 2026
A district-level Muslim Women’s Conference was held at Royal Palace, Yavatmal, under the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Yavatmal (North), drawing more than 3,000 women and girls from across the district. The conference was organised around the theme “Tum Se Hai Taameer-e-Ummat, Tum Se Hai Tehzeeb-e-Hayaat,” focusing on women’s role in family life, moral values and social responsibility.
In the run-up to the event, a district-wide quiz competition was held based on Hum Aisi Banein by Mael Khaerabadi, a book on the lives of the Sahabiyaat, the female companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Copies of the book were distributed to students in high schools and colleges across Yavatmal district, with the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) and the Women’s Wing coordinating the effort in towns and villages.
Winners across three categories received cash prizes totalling ₹30,000, along with mementos and certificates, presented during the conference.
The presidential address was delivered by Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, State President of JIH Maharashtra, who spoke on the importance of prayer (Salah) as a pillar of Islamic life.
Other speakers included Prof. Mubashshira Firdaus Khan, Assistant National Secretary of the Women’s Wing; Nafisa Atiq, State Secretary of the Women’s Department, Vidarbha Region; Dr. Sabiha Khan, a member of JIH’s Representative Council; and Shameem Bano, District President of the Women’s Wing, Yavatmal. Dr. Rana Noor of Wani, a social worker and educationist involved in setting up the first women’s law college in the Vidarbha region, was also present.
Sessions covered topics including women’s role in building society, household financial management, and raising children with strong values. A separate session addressed the challenges young women face online, including social media platforms and artificial intelligence, and the need to navigate digital spaces responsibly.
The conference featured what organisers described as the first interactive panel discussion of its kind held exclusively for Muslim women on such a scale, facilitated by Dr. Uzma Shah of Wani. The panel discussed family and societal challenges and the multiple roles of Muslim women as students, mothers and community leaders, along with discussions on mental and spiritual well-being and parenting.
Children from the Children’s Islamic Organisation (CIO) performed the CIO Tarana, and the event was anchored by GIO members Aqsa Mirza and Fariha.
The concluding address was delivered by Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi on the theme “O Daughters of Islam! You Are the Pride of the Ummah,” focusing on women’s character, values and responsibility in strengthening families and society. Organisers said the event, supported by the Yavatmal Volunteer Tehreeki Team, was conducted with discipline and coordination despite the large turnout.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 29th, 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, organised a grand felicitation ceremony at the GSSS Auditorium, Wimberly Gunj, to honour two distinguished achievers from the region.
The event celebrated Mr. Shiyad, who secured All India Rank 743 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, and Dr. C. Sabique, an accomplished Urologist.
The programme began at 6:30 PM with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by P. Mohammed Sajid, President of SIO. N. Abdul Salam delivered the welcome address, setting an inspiring tone for the evening.
Dr. Manoharan, Deputy Education Officer, Wimberly Gunj Zone, attended as Chief Guest. He stressed the need for institutions across the islands to actively support and guide students preparing for competitive examinations like the Civil Services, with the goal of raising academic standards across the region.
MK Mohammed, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Andaman, delivered the presidential address. He highlighted the importance of using personal achievements and professional services to benefit humanity with dignity and responsibility.
Mementos were presented to Mr. Shiyad by MK Mohammed, and to Dr. C. Sabique by PK Mohammed Ali, Ex-President of JIH Andaman. The Islamic Welfare Society also presented Appreciation Certificates to both honourees. Mr. Shiyad received his certificate from Dr. Manoharan, while Dr. C. Sabique was honoured by M. Abdul Majeed, President of IWS.
Mr. Shiyad addressed the gathering and shared his personal journey, pointing to hard work, focus, and perseverance as the key drivers of his success. Dr. C. Sabique spoke about the value of patience and consistency in reaching long-term goals.
KP Mohammed Yunus, MB Abdul Rasheed, and N. Moosa also addressed the gathering, encouraging students to aim high. An interactive session followed, giving students the opportunity to ask Shiyad questions and draw practical insights from his experience.
Nearly 450 people attended the event, including PRI members from Ferrargunj Tehsil, school principals, and representatives from various organisations. P. Yousuf delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organisers.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 08th, 2026
Senior social worker and entrepreneur Tonse Sheikh Budan Basha Saheb passed away on Wednesday. He was 89 years old.
Born at Tonse Bengre on November 6, 1937, he began his professional career at the Karkala Munsiff Court. In 1971, he moved to Doha, Qatar, where he worked in the commercial sector. He served as the general manager of Mars Trading Company for around 30 years.
He returned to Udupi and settled there in 2001. He served as the president of the Udupi Wakf Board for around nine years. He also served as the president of Udupi Jamia Masjid for several years. He had several agency and distribution businesses in Udupi and also served as the president of Mars Traders.
Budan Basha Saheb was a former president of KMCA Qatar and a former vice-president of Tulu Koota Qatar. He was actively involved in several Indian organisations and forums in Qatar.
He is survived by two sons, three daughters, relatives and a large number of well-wishers.
The burial and last rites were performed at Tonse Khadimi Masjid after Isha prayers on Wednesday.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 10th, 2026
Thikekarwadi Panchayat (Junnar Taluk, Pune District), MAHARASHTRA :
Aslam Shaikh in front of the Gram Panchayat office in Thikekarwadi
In 2021, Aslam Shaikh, a diploma holder in agriculture, took charge of the Thikekarwadi Gram Panchayat as Gram Sevak. His arrival accelerated the village’s development. During his tenure, the village won the first prize of Rs 1 crore across the entire country under the ‘Gram Urja Swaraj Visesh Panchayat Puraskar 2023’.
The award ceremony was organised at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. At this grand event, President Droupadi Murmu presented a certificate of honour, a memento, and a cheque of Rs 1 crore to Thikekarwadi’s Sarpanch Santosh Thikekar, Gram Sevak Aslam Shaikh, and Block Development Officer (BDO) Sharadchandra Mali.
When this trio returned to the village with this special honour, a historic victory celebration was held across Thikekarwadi with the sounds of traditional instruments, fireworks, and women’s singing troupes.
Thikekarwadi’s Sarpanch Santosh Thikekar said, “We have worked with Aslam Chacha for many years. He executes his work with absolute honesty. He was highly cooperative. We received excellent support from him.”
President Droupadi Murmu awarding Thikekarwadi’s Sarpanch Santosh Thikekar, Gram Sevak Aslam Shaikh,(Extreme right) and BDO Sharadchandra Mali.
Aslam Hussain Shaikh once cleaned the office of the Gram Panchayat of Thikekarwadi as a peon.
Aslam Hussain Shaikh hails from an ordinary family. He completed his schooling from a Zilla Parishad school in Narayangaon and Guruvarya Rajaram Parshuram Sabnis Vidyamandir.
In 1982, when he was in the eighth standard, his parents suddenly passed away. He was left to fend for himself. However, the villagers did not leave him alone.
The late Bhagubai Shelar, Bhamabai Walke, and their families took care of Aslam.
It was because of their support that Aslam could study up to the tenth standard. Throughout this journey, his sister, Babyjan Inamdar, also played the role of a parent for him.
After passing the tenth standard in 1984, Aslam started his career as a peon in the Warulwadi Gram Panchayat. It was Krushiratna awardee Anil Meher, who gave Aslam his first opportunity to work as a peon.
Even while working, Aslam never gave up his determination to study further. In the next two years, he completed his Agriculture Diploma with distinction from the Agriculture College in Manjari Farm. He also passed his 12th exams as an external student from Manchar College.
His first wife Shamim Shaikh, who passed away, and his second wife Biismillah Shaikh have played great roles in his life. Aslam Hussain Shaikh and Bismillah have a son named Sajid and a daughter named Mumtaz.
Thikekarwadi’s Sarpanch Santosh Thikekar, Gram Sevak Aslam Shaikh, and (BDO) Sharadchandra Mali at Vigyan Bhawan
Aslam Hussain Shaikh faced a rough patch in his life when, due to a freeze on appointments, Aslam could not get a government job.
Finally, in 1989, he was appointed as a clerk in the Narayangaon Gram Panchayat, where he worked till 2006.
In 2006, the Pune Zilla Parishad opened up contractual Gram Sevak recruitments through a 10 per cent quota for Gram Panchayat employees.
Based on his Agriculture Diploma, Aslam wrote the exam and scored the highest marks in Maharashtra. He was appointed as a Gram Sevak.
He left a remarkable imprint of his work in various Gram Panchayats in the Junnar taluka, including Aptale, Nirgude, Ambegavan, Rohokadi, and Thikekarwadi.
Aslam Shaikh and Sarpanch Santosh Thikekar worked together to turn this tiny village into a ‘smart village’. During his tenure, they executed several major developmental projects.
100% Use of Solar Energy: Special subsidies were secured for all families in the village to use solar energy. Today, 100% of the households in the village use solar water heaters for hot water.
Self-Generated Electricity: The village set up solar plants, biogas plants, and windmills to generate up to 10,000 watts of electricity, effectively bringing the village’s electricity bill down to zero.
Complete Measurement of Agricultural Land: Thikekarwadi possibly became the first village in Maharashtra to have all its agricultural land officially measured by the government.
100% Drip Irrigation: With the help of the agriculture department, all farmers in the village were motivated to use drip irrigation methods for 100 percent of their farming.
Soil Health Testing: To understand the deficiency of nutrients in the soil, a special soil testing initiative was launched in the village, the benefits of which farmers are reaping to this day.
Aslam Shaikh with his wife Bismillah Shaikh
Village Honoured with Over 45 Awards
Thanks to the precise planning of the Gram Panchayat, Thikekarwadi has received over 45 big and small awards to date. Under the ‘SantGadgebaba Gram Swachhata Abhiyan‘, the village won the first prize in the state of Maharashtra. Along with this, by winning the highly prestigious national-level ‘Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Spardha Puraskar’, this village became the number one Gram Panchayat in the country.
Aslam is as good a citizen as he is an honest worker. Expressing his concern over the current social climate, Aslam says, “There are very bizarre attempts being made right now to create social polarisation. The situation was not like this before. People used to live in harmony with each other. This harmony is the hallmark of our Narayangaon.”
Aslam further states, “I have been seeing this since childhood; till date, no incident causing religious tension has ever occurred here. We celebrate all festivals together joyfully. I have served as the secretary of the Mahasaroday Ganeshotsav Mandal for 10 years, and as its vice president for another 10 years.”
Summarising his entire journey, he gives one final, invaluable message. He says, “Our country will only progress if we all live united and with one heart. If we all stay united, our future is very bright.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Success-Story / by Bhakti Chalak / July 15th, 2026
