Pallikkere (Kasargod District) / Kozhikode, KERALA / Dubai, U.A.E :
Kozhikode:
PA Ibrahim Haji, one of the most prominent businessmen, educational entrepreneurs, and philanthropists of India and the Middle East, passed away on Tuesday in Kozhikode aged 78.
According to the reports, Ibrahim Haji was first hospitalized on December 11 in Dubai Healthcare City on December 11 after he suffered a major cardiac arrest. He was later shifted to MIMS Hospital in Kozhikode on December 20. He breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon at the hospital.
Ibrahim Haji was the founder vice-chairman of Malabar Gold and Diamonds. He also served as the director of Chandrika newspaper, vice-chairman of Indus Motors, and founder chairman of PACE Group of Institutions.
Born in Pallikkara in Kasaragod district on September 6, 1943, Ibrahim Haji migrated to the Gulf in 1966 where he set up the successful textile, garment, and jewelry businesses. He ventured into the education sector with the launch of Pace Group of Institutions in 1999. At present, 20,000 students from 25 countries pursue many courses in various PACE institutions in India, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. In Kerala, the group owns RIMS International School in Kannur, PACE Residential School, and Blossom Public School, both in Manjeri. The group also owns the PA College of Engineering, PA College of Pharmacy, PA Institute of Physiotherapy, PA Polytechnic, and PA First Grade College in Mangaluru in Karnataka.
His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his house in Kuttikkattoor in Kozhikode till 3 pm.
Burial will take place at Vettekkad Juma Masjid in Manjeri after 4pm.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / December 12th, 2021
As we gear up to bid goodbye to the year 2022, here’s an about-turn to look at the most influential Muslim women who with their girt and strength have embedded their names in history.
Meet Mehr Sheikh from being a news anchor working with a company in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, to setting up her office in front of the same company, she has come a long way. She is presented as one of India’s youngest mainstream female motivational speakers, founder-director of Papr Network, and Editor-in-Chief of Nikology, a YouTube channel with nearly 2 million subscribers.
From being routed in regular corporate life to breaking the barriers and taking running as a full-time profession Sufiya Sufi set many records. From being the fastest female to run the Indian Golden Quadrilateral Road in 6 days, 12 hours, and 6 minutes to taking up the challenges of running continuously 200 km in Qatar and later running across the globe she has come a long way.
With many beauty pageants coming back to India in 2022, Tabassum took the podium a notch up when she represented India as one of the jury members in a beauty event held in South Korea’s Seoul
In the field of sports, Nikhat brought laurels to India as apart from winning the gold at the world championship, she won gold at the National Championship, the CWG and the Stranjde Memorial championship.
Do not marry your sisters, daughters, and other relations to men as their second wives or to those who are inclined on marrying another woman for no reason.” Hundreds of Muslim women unanimously passed the above resolution moved by Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz at the 7th All India Muslim Ladies Conference in 1920.
The All India Muslim Ladies Conference was established in 1914 under the presidentship of Begum Sultan Jahan, the ruler of Bhopal, and the leadership of women like Begum Waheed, Abru Begum, and Begum Shafi to bring social, educational, and economic reforms among Muslim women. Within six years of its inception membership of the Conference increased from a few dozens to hundreds. These women raised money to open and maintain girls’ schools in different parts of India and formed a public opinion in support of education.
Apart from the white robe of a doctor and the operation theatre, Dr. Jahanara Begum, a prominent obstetrician of Assam, also dons colourful costumes and has a wide stage to perform. Away from the hospitals and clinics, Dr. Begum has made theatre a part of her life despite her hectic professional schedule. While she has healed thousands of people as a doctor, she has also impressed numerous playwrights and audiences as an actor.
Syeda Salva Fatima – Amazed at her confidence, he decided to give wings to her dreams and she was enrolled in the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy in 2007. Despite failures, she remained undeterred and finally completed her training. She logged in 200 hours of flying in the Cessna 152 aircraft and 123 Hours of solo flight. She says,My best moment was when I flew for the first time. Also, every time I fly the big bird Airbus 320 in command, that’s the best feeling ever!
Farida Jalees, the founder of Lucknow Mahila Sewa Trust, who had boldly four startups during the Covid-19 lockdown to sustain the livelihoods of some 2.5 lakh women associated with her self-help group, said, “we have never felt these two (festivals) are different. We endeavor to make Jeevika Bakers viable and for this, I have been making use of every festival to sell baked foods under a canopy in marketplaces.”
Dr.Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadvi is a renowned Urdu author advocates Muslim women’s participation in mosques and namaz
Naseem Shafaie, the only Kashmiri woman to get the Sahitya Akademi award and the recipient of this year’s State Award for Literature rues that the Kashmiri language is being ignored by natives who prefer to speak with their children in Urdu (Hindustani) and not in their mother tongue. She laments that the language was not getting due treatment by its natural speakers. “Let all read it and be it our language,” she told Awaz-the Voice. She said there is a general trend among people in Kashmir to speak in the Urdu (Hindustani) language to their children at their homes.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Shaista Fatima, New Delhi / December 29th, 2022
From rose syrup to mango panna, Indian Muslims continue the Mughal tradition of crafting cooling summer drinks originally developed by royal physicians.
New Delhi :
Muslims in India proudly carry forward the centuries-old tradition of crafting refreshing drinks that originated in the Mughal era, a time when royal physicians invented syrups not only for their enduring taste but also for immense health benefits.
Salma Hussain, a researcher who has studied Mughal food and drink habits for over fifty years, explained: “Most of the drinks were invented by the royal physicians, who sometimes prepared drinks for medicinal purposes and sometimes for a refreshing taste, and they were very popular.”
She shared how the art of making these drinks flourished under royal patronage, especially during the reign of Empress Noor Jahan, whose influence in the royal kitchen brought many innovations. “Noor Jahan had creative talent. Under her leadership, excellent syrups were developed. The food was also good, tasty. She especially supervised the royal kitchen,” she told Clarion India recently.
Salma recalled an interesting anecdote from the Mughal court: “Once Queen Noor Jahan was strolling in the garden. Rose flowers were in full bloom. Noor Jahan’s mother, Ismat Ara Begum, used to make perfumes from these flowers. Noor Jahan called the royal physician and said many medicines were made from flowers; why cannot a syrup be extracted from the roses? ‘Many people drink in the name of medicine, but you should make something that will relieve us from the heat and be refreshing, and we will also enjoy it.’”
This simple request from the queen gave birth to the now-famous rose syrup, a cooling drink cherished across the Indian subcontinent to this day.
According to Salma, syrups were not limited to rose alone. “Syrups started to be made from roots, like khus syrup; Panna from mango. Similarly, vine syrup came up. Pomegranate syrup was made by cooking sour and ripe fruit, both said to be very beneficial for the skin,” she said. These drinks were especially popular among the royals, famous for their passion for beauty and health.
Salma further highlighted how Indian Muslims and Mughal royalty took special care to combat the intense Indian heat. “The heat in India was extreme, like today’s heat. Kings also used to cool drinks. Emperor Akbar started ordering ice from the mountains.”
The knowledge of cooling drinks extended to using yoghurt, lemon, and various salts to make beverages like shikanji and lassi, which remain popular today.
“Rose syrup was made from flowers, custard from custard. Jamun syrup was made from fruits, vine syrup was made from mango syrup. Yoghurt was used a lot then. We learned how to make raita from it. They used to cool the yoghurt or mix it in water and make a drink,” she said.
She also pointed to the influence of neighbouring cultures: “A syrup came from Turkey, Aryan, which is the buttermilk we drink today. Almonds were used to make a lot of syrups. It is said that in Iran, almonds were put in hot water and savoured.”
Salma stressed the importance of these drinks beyond refreshment. “There are some unsubstantiated stories about drinks, but all of them seem appropriate, such as the first among the sages who made syrup; his name was Fitha Ghoras. Sage Fitha Ghoras was the first to give a medicinal drink the form of a syrup, like a decoction, etc. Over time, the trade in syrup gradually started and all kinds of syrups started being made.”
She also mentioned that in 1906, Hakim Abdul Majeed (founder of Hamdard) made the spirit-enhancing syrup. The same refreshing syrup is still alive, and we drink it to relieve the heat.
The purity and quality of ingredients were also important to the Mughals. Salma explained: “The water mixed in the syrup was from the Ganges, although the Yamuna River was closer to Delhi. Its water was not used because of the belief that it caused diseases.”
Water management was taken seriously: “The Mughals used to inspect water tanks. Special officers were assigned to procure and preserve the Ganges water.”
This careful tradition of preserving royal recipes and using pure ingredients continues in India’s Muslim communities, who keep the memory of Mughal cuisine alive through generations.
Local historian Ahmed Khan commented, “These drinks are not just a part of our culture, they connect us to our glorious past. They remind us of the wisdom of our ancestors and the care they took in making life enjoyable and healthy.”
As the summer sun blazes, families across the subcontinent continue to enjoy these time-honoured drinks, a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Mughal era and the Indian Muslim custodians who have preserved these traditions.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 26th, 2025
Three decades of selfless environmental work in the lush hills of the North East have become a beacon of inspiration in the region
New Delhi :
While Manipur continues to recover from the scars of communal violence, a quiet yet powerful story of hope has emerged from the lush hills of the North East. Anees Ahmed, a humble resident of the Bualjang Hills, has become a beacon of inspiration in the region, earning the title of ‘Green Hero’ for planting over one lakh trees in the past three decades.
At a time when the world races towards rapid modernisation and faces the harsh realities of climate change, Anees has chosen a different path, one rooted in soil, seeds, and selflessness.
Born and raised in the Bualjang Hills, often referred to as the jewel of the North East, Anees developed a fascination with nature from a young age. “I was always curious about trees, plants, and the mysteries of the forest,” he said.
Now in his fifties, Anees has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to greening his surroundings — not for fame or money, but for the pure love of nature. With no external support, no government grants, and without access to advanced facilities such as greenhouses or water tanks, he continues to nurture thousands of saplings from his modest home nursery.
Remarkably, Anees funds his entire campaign from his own pocket. He uses traditional, eco-friendly methods to collect seeds and cultivate saplings. “Each seed I plant, I treat it like a child. I make sure it grows strong,” he explained.
His nursery has produced and planted more than one lakh trees, while over 40,000 saplings have been distributed free of cost to individuals, schools, and village groups across the region. “What I do may seem small, but if many of us do it together, it becomes big,” he said with a smile.
From remote hilly terrains to urban public spaces, Anees’s green footprint can be found in every corner of Manipur. His plantations dot school campuses, roadsides, cremation grounds, and local parks. “In the early days, I focused on neglected public spaces like crematoriums and roadside areas,” he shared.
Over the years, he has also organised numerous plantation drives, particularly involving children and villagers. “I believe educating the next generation is the key. Once they start loving trees, they will protect them for life.”
Anees’s methods are as grounded as his values. Instead of relying on expensive tools or technologies, he uses simple techniques like seed balls — a method of enclosing seeds in a mixture of clay and compost, which are then scattered across barren areas to encourage natural growth.
“These methods are cheap, effective, and easy for anyone to follow,” he noted. “You don’t need to be rich or educated to plant a tree. You just need care.”
In a state often marred by ethnic tensions and civil unrest, Anees’s story offers an alternative narrative — one of unity, peace, and environmental stewardship. While violence has driven many to leave or take sides, Anees chose to stay rooted, literally and metaphorically.
“The hills are my home, and I owe something to them,” he said. “No matter how dark things get, nature always offers a path forward.”
Initially a lone effort, Anees’s campaign has gradually evolved into a small but growing movement. Inspired by his unwavering commitment, many locals have joined hands with him in recent years.
“His work gives us pride,” said Lalramsanga, a school teacher in Imphal. “He’s not doing this for publicity. He’s doing it for the earth, for our children.”
Another supporter, college student Anjali Devi, echoed the sentiment. “He made us realise that saving the environment isn’t someone else’s job — it’s ours too.”
Manipur’s ecology is under increasing pressure due to rampant development, illegal logging, and shifting cultivation practices. Environmental experts have long warned of the long-term consequences of deforestation in the region — including loss of biodiversity, increased landslides, and depletion of water sources.
In this context, Anees’s decades-long dedication to reforestation is not just admirable — it’s vital.
“His work shows how grassroots efforts can counterbalance environmental damage,” said Professor T. Indumati, an environmentalist from Manipur University. “We need more people like him.”
Anees’s mission is guided by a simple yet powerful motto: ‘Green Earth for Better Tomorrow.’ It’s a vision that goes beyond trees — it’s about fostering a culture of care, sustainability, and hope in a troubled world.
“The earth gives us everything. Isn’t it our duty to give something back?” Anees asks.
His answer comes not in words but in leaves, roots, and branches — in the quiet forests he has brought back to life with his bare hands.
As Manipur heals and rebuilds, the work of people like Anees serves as a reminder that peace and progress are not always forged in grand gestures or political speeches. Sometimes, they grow silently — in the shade of a sapling, nurtured by one man’s faith in the future.
His story speaks to people far beyond his village, offering a model of sustainable activism that resonates globally. At a time when climate anxiety is on the rise and ecological despair is mounting, Anees Ahmed stands as a symbol of what one determined individual can achieve.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 28th, 2025
Riding a strong anti-incumbency wave, Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath emerged triumphant in Kerala’s Nilambur by-election, securing 77,737 votes and defeating CPI(M)’s M. Swaraj by a margin of 11,077 votes in a closely fought contest.
Nilambur’s former MLA, P.V. Anvar, the whistleblower who exposed the alleged corruption of the Left Front government and whose resignation in January triggered this by-election, garnered 19,760 votes, while CPI(M)’s M. Swaraj secured 66,660 votes.
BJP candidate Mohan George finished fourth, trailing behind the Congress, CPI(M), and P.V. Anvar, with 8,648 votes.
The constituency, which falls within the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat represented by Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi, had 10 candidates registered, with 75.87 per cent polling.
Aryadan Shoukath continued to hold a steady lead over his main rival, CPI(M) candidate M. Swaraj, even in areas traditionally considered LDF strongholds.
With this victory, Shoukath, the son of late Congress veteran Aryadan Muhammed—who represented Nilambur from 1987 to 2016—has not only reclaimed Nilambur for the Congress but also secured its first by-election gain from the LDF since 2021, breaking a streak in which it had only managed to retain its sitting seats.
The election, which Kerala Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan described as the “semifinal to the coming Kerala Legislative Assembly election,” is seen as crucial as it reflected public sentiment on the nine-year rule of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government.
A loss in the by-election would have dealt a blow to Satheesan, who had firmly rejected Anvar’s bid to align himself with the UDF in Nilambur.
However, by securing around 19,000 votes, P.V. Anvar showcased his continuing influence in Nilambur, a constituency he had represented since 2016 as a CPI(M)-backed Independent.
His performance highlighted his stronghold in the region and even prompted KPCC president Sunny Joseph to remark, “The UDF has not shut its doors on P.V. Anvar.” In many ways, Anvar’s candidacy split the anti-LDF votes, some of which might otherwise have gone to the Congress.
The bypoll outcome is crucial for both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government and the Congress-led Opposition UDF, as Kerala heads towards Assembly elections in April–May 2026. The Congress’s victory in the by-election serves as a major boost to its efforts to end the Pinarayi Vijayan regime, which is aiming for a third consecutive term.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India> South India / by Maktoob Staff / June 23rd, 2025
The MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government has honoured Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president K.M. Kader Mohideen with this year’s Thagaisal Thamizhar Award (Distinguished Tamilian Award).
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will present the award to Mohideen during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.
The award carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation.
An official release stated that Mohideen was honoured with the award following a meeting of the selection committee chaired by the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat on Friday.
According to the release, Mohideen has dedicated his entire life to the cause of social harmony and has demonstrated a deep understanding of Indian politics.
Born on January 5, 1940, in Thirunallar, Pudukottai district, to Mohamed Hanif and Kasimibibi, Mohideen served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and has authored numerous books.
During his student days, he was inspired by the late leader Quaid-e-Millath Muhammed Ismail and joined the Indian Union Muslim League in 1956. Since then, he has held various key positions in the party, including student wing organiser, youth wing organiser, secretary for educational and cultural affairs, organisational secretary, general secretary, and is currently the State president of IUML in Tamil Nadu as well as the party’s national president.
“Our #DravidianModel government is proud to announce this year’s #தகைசால்_தமிழர் award to Professor Kader Mohideen, a thinker who has dedicated himself to social harmony since the time of the venerable Quaid-e-Millath – the National President of the Indian Union Muslim League – and who has guided hundreds of students to graduation!” Stalin wrote in Tamil.
Since the institution of this award, previous recipients have included CPM leader R. Sankaraiah (2022), centenarian CPI leader R. Nallakannu (2022), Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani (2023), and former TNCC president Kumari Ananthan (2024).
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India> South India / by Maktoob Staff / July 05th, 2025
Shaheen Academy organised a grand event to honour its NEET achievers. The ceremony celebrated the students’ success and dedication.
The event was attended by educationists and community leaders. Among them was Abdul Qadeer, founder and chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions.
In his keynote speech, Abdul Qadeer praised students and faculty. He stressed that education should not just be for earning. “Education can uplift society and spark social change,” he said. “It plays a key role in national growth and development.”
He reaffirmed Shaheen Academy’s mission: to offer value-based, holistic education. He said students must grow into responsible citizens and future leaders.
Abdul Qadeer urged students to look beyond personal success. He asked them to engage in social service and nation-building.
He also made a heartfelt appeal against lavish weddings. “Don’t spend lakhs on grand celebrations,” he said. “Use that money to educate your children, neighbours, and the poor.”
He called education the true celebration. “Transforming lives through education is the real joy,” he added.
He also underlined the need for wider educational outreach. “Five or six institutions are not enough,” he said. “We need 5,000 organisations working for value-based education. Shaheen must have 500 branches to transform society.”
Kaleemul Hafeez, Chairman of Al-Hafeez Educational Academy, also spoke. He compared Abdul Qadeer’s work to that of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. “Abdul Qadeer Sahib is continuing that legacy to educate a new generation,” he said.
Noor Nawaz, founder of The Hind Guru Academy, echoed the same spirit. He reminded students of the idea of Rabbul Alamin—Lord of all worlds. “Be ambassadors of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ,” he said. “Show compassion, honesty, and service in all you do.”
The event ended with a special honour for teachers and staff of Shaheen Academy. Their hard work was praised as a key part of the students’ success.
The celebration not only recognised academic achievement but also highlighted education’s role in building a better society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 28th, 2025
The annual meeting of the Executive Council of Rahmaniya Education Society was held at Darul Uloom Rahmaniya (a branch of Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow), located in Sangam Vihar, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Maulana Muhammad Khalid Nadwi Ghazipuri. In this meeting, renowned social figure and medical expert Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan was unanimously elected as the new President.
On this occasion, after presenting the Secretary’s report, Maulana Muhammad Khalid Nadwi Ghazipuri congratulated Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan on his new responsibilities and extended best wishes to him. The meeting conducted a thorough review of the educational and training activities of the madrasa and deliberated on its infrastructural needs. Additionally, the proposal for the annual increment in the salaries of the madrasa’s teachers and staff was approved.
The meeting also considered the inclusion of certain necessary contemporary subjects in the madrasa’s curriculum. In light of this need, a structured plan of action was prepared and a proposal was made to implement it.
Special participants in the meeting included Maulana Shamsul Haq, Dr. Obaidur Rahman, Haji Syed Zahid Ali, Abdul Ahad, Muhammad Ishaq Khan, Muhammad Sabir, and Me’raj Khan Nadwi, all of whom shared their thoughts and emphasised the importance of expanding educational and training programmes at Darul Uloom Rahmaniya.
The meeting concluded with an emotional prayer led by Maulana Muhammad Khalid Nadwi Ghazipuri, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Maulana Me’raj Ahmad Nadwi.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / July 07th, 2025
Adhakparia Village (East Champaran District), BIHAR :
Motihari:
A village in East Champaran which was infamous for guns being pulled out on trivial matters and for fights, the village where last year a sarpanch was not only strangled by fearless criminals but also shot dead, now this same village will be known for the stories of Shafqat Amna becoming an IAS.
Shafqat Amna, daughter of retired teacher Mohammad Zafir Alam of Adhakparia village of East Champaran, has not only brought glory to her family by securing 186th rank in the UPSC Civil Services exam, but has also shown a path to lakhs of Muslim girls with the light of education.
The whole village is rejoicing at Shafqat’s success. 65-year-old Zafir is not tired of thanking people for this success.
In an exclusive conversation with BeyondHeadlines, Zafir Alam says, ‘We would like my daughter to work as an honest servant. She should strive for peace and prosperity in the society. And most importantly, she should take today’s new generation forward in the field of education.’
Let us tell you that Zafir Alam has retired as a teacher from an Urdu middle school in Agarwa village near Motihari.
24-year-old Shafqat Amna says in an exclusive interview with BeyondHeadlines that the backwardness of the village and the lack of infrastructure always bothered me. That is why since childhood I wanted to live among the people and do something for them so that I could change their thinking and circumstances. My father, sensing this desire of mine, inspired me to join the civil service.
Aamna says that my first choice is IAS and I am hopeful that I will definitely get IAS Insha Allah.
When asked what will you do first after becoming an IAS?
In response to this question, Aamna says that my first effort will be that whichever district I go to, I will first try to focus on education in the village. Since my father was a teacher, I understand the politics of teachers very well. I will inspire them to teach children honestly, away from that politics.
What if I get IPS instead of IAS?
On this question, Aamna pauses for a while and then after thinking says – I am hopeful that I will get IAS and I have not thought of anything else apart from this. But still if I get IPS instead of IAS then first of all I will pay special attention to law and order. I will try to maintain communal harmony in my district at all costs. I will try my best that there is never any fight or quarrel in my district, there is always mutual harmony.
When asked about preparing for civil services, Aamna says that, I would definitely like to tell those who want to join civil services that they should not start preparing for it suddenly, but first understand the syllabus well. If possible, try to take guidance from an IAS or IPS. Then start preparing for it thoughtfully with full courage and passion. Try to study smartly instead of studying like donkeys.
However, she also says that everyone’s way of preparing is different. The positive thing for me was that I had read NCERT books properly in school itself. So all the concepts were clear. I studied Geography very well in graduation as well. And yes, during my entire studies, I always had the habit of making short notes. These notes were very useful in my preparation. I paid full attention to its revision. Apart from that, I participated a lot in test series.
Let us tell you that Shafqat Amna passed 10th from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Bettiah, West Champaran. Then she went to Bokaro for 12th, passed 12th from DPS there. After that, circumstances became such that she had to return to the village. Here she got a BA Honors degree in Geography from a college of Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Motihari. After that, she came to Delhi in 2016 to prepare for civil services. Here she prepared by staying in the residential coaching of Jamia Millia Islamia and after failing twice, she succeeded this time in the third attempt.
Apart from her parents, Shafqat Amna’s family also has three sisters and a brother. Her younger sister is pursuing BA LLB from Jamia Millia Islamia. Her two elder sisters have completed B.Ed and are currently living with their mother in the village.
Aamna says that the situation at home was never good. My father was the only breadwinner in the house. But he never neglected our education. Whatever I am today is because of my father.
What would you like to say to the girls of the country?
On this question, Aamna says that I would like to say that it is very important for you to get educated. And never underestimate yourself. Your hard work, your efforts can change your fate. But yes, for success you will have to make your own policy and your own routing. You will have to decide for yourself what things matter in your life…
source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / April 06th, 2019
If someone decides to change the same conditions and backwardness about which you keep crying your whole life, then surely his name will be Babar Ali Chagatta.
Babar Chagatta has achieved great success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year. His rank is 364th. According to Babar, he may get IPS at this rank, but he wants to become an IAS. Therefore, he has started preparing to become an IAS once again.
24-year-old Babar is from Tehsil Mahore and village Baddar (Gulabgarh) of District Reasi in Jammu region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This area is considered to be the most backward area of Jammu, which is still deprived of many basic facilities.
Babar says that a paved road has not yet reached my village. Till one and a half to two years ago, my village remained in darkness because electricity had not reached there. Now my village has been illuminated by electric light.
Babar studied till 5th standard while living in the village. In the sixth class, he went to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, where he studied till 12th standard. He scored 90% in 10th standard and 86% in 12th standard. Then he went to Aligarh for further studies and obtained BA Honours degree in Political Science from AMU in the year 2014. After this, Babar took admission in the Political Science Department of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi to obtain MA degree. However, he could not complete this course due to his desire to join the civil service.
When and why did you think of joining the civil service?
In response to this, Babar says, when I was about to go to the sixth class, my father introduced me to the civil service. When I went to Navodaya, I saw an IAS officer for the first time in the school’s annual program. His words also inspired me a lot. Also, the backwardness of the area especially inspired me to become an IAS and remove the misery and backwardness of my village. In this way, it was always in my mind that I can change the condition of this village by becoming an IAS.
Let us tell you that Babar’s father Ghulam Qadir was an officer in the forest department in Jammu. When Babar was in the 9th class, he left this world forever. Amma Ghulam Fatima is a homemaker. Babar is the youngest among five brothers. He also has a younger sister. All his brothers are in government jobs.
Babar started his preparation in 2015. When he felt that MA classes were becoming an obstacle in his preparation, he left MA studies. He achieved this success in the third attempt. He wrote Mains in the first attempt. But in the second attempt, he failed in the prelims itself. Babar says that he was a little disappointed but this time I had decided that I must fulfill my childhood dreams and my father’s wish. All the things I remembered about my father kept inspiring me.
Which subject did you choose for this exam and why?
In response to this Babar says, I chose Political Science. The reason is that I have done my graduation in this subject and I am also very interested in International Relations.
He says that in the last 4-5 years the results of Political Science have been very good. Now this subject has become very scoring.
How and where did you prepare for the exam?
On this Babar says, I did not take any coaching. I stayed in the residential coaching of Jamia Millia Islamia. However, I did not attend many classes there either. I focused more on self study. On being asked that your name is also in the list of Zakat Foundation, Babar says that after passing the mains, I went there for a mock interview.
What message would you like to give to those preparing for civil services?
On this question, Babar says that, first of all you have to always be ready that no matter what the result is, never lose hope. If you are ready for this, then first of all look at its syllabus and try to understand it in a better way. Then definitely look at the papers of the last few years. From there you will understand what UPSC wants from you. Although UPSC does not have a fixed pattern, every year something or the other changes.
The second important thing is that you must be honest for this. You cannot prepare for this under pressure from anyone. The most important thing is that you yourself should be interested in it. That is, self-motivation is very important. If it is clear why you want to join the civil service, then no one can stop you from being successful.
He further says that initially read NCERT thoroughly. Along with this, you have to read the newspaper every day. Always keep yourself updated. Do as many test series as possible. Most of the study material is available online. There is a lot of material here, but you should not get confused, rather you have to read smartly by being selective.
Babar likes playing cricket and watching issue based films. He says that even while staying in Jamia, he never forgot to play cricket every Saturday-Sunday. He also likes watching films. When asked which film he has watched, he says that ‘Stree’ is my last film. This film not only entertains people but also gives the message of what a woman wants from the society. Babar likes Shahrukh Khan a lot. On the other hand, he gets a little shy when asked about his favourite actress. Then he says that he definitely likes Priyanka Chopra’s acting a little bit.
Babar says that my father is my ideal. I wish he were here, he would have patted me on the back for my success. Babar wants to give credit to his entire family for this success. He especially wants to thank his mother, because she always filled Babar with courage and passion.
Babar, while giving his message to the youth of the country, especially the youth of his community, says that if you really want to come into the mainstream, then you should definitely think about joining the civil service. What is needed is that instead of cursing the system, you should come into the system and understand it and work accordingly or change yourself. There is also a need to connect those who have become successful with the society.
Apart from this, Babar wants to give his message to the youth of his community through this verse of Shakeel Azmi –
Spreading out the wings the world watches the flight
What does one see in the sky while sitting on the ground?
If you have got beauty then protect this beauty
Walk carefully, the whole world is watching you…
source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / April 20th, 2019
