Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Siasat Felicitates Over 370 Inter BiPC Toppers, Ignites Educational Aspirations Among Muslim Youth

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

In a celebration of academic excellence and community empowerment, The Siasat Daily hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honour 373 Intermediate BiPC students who scored above 90% in their board examinations. The event, held at the Siasat Auditorium on Tuesday, is part of a larger educational upliftment initiative spearheaded by Congress MLC Amer Ali Khan.

Addressing the packed hall, Amer Ali Khan declared, “This is not just a function—it is a movement. A campaign to build an atmosphere of academic pride and ambition among Muslim youth.” His powerful words echoed the core message of the ceremony: education is the most effective tool to uplift India’s Muslim community and ensure a dignified future.

Over 1,500 students had responded to an open call, out of which 373 were selected for recognition. Notably, 43 top performers scoring between 99% and 99.6% were awarded cash prizes, certificates, medals, and boAt smartwatches under the tagline “Smart Watches for Smart Students.” An additional 204 students scoring above 95% also received smartwatches as a token of encouragement.

The students were honoured in the following score brackets:

43 students with 99% and above

97 students with 98% and above

49 students with 97% and above

36 students with 96% and above

33 students with 95% and above

27 students with 94% and above

29 students with 93% and above

19 students with 92% and above

98 students with 91% and above

19 students with 90%

Speaking with heartfelt emotion, Amer Ali Khan reminded students of their heritage: “Knowledge is noor (light), and hard work is ibaadat (worship). With Allah’s help, even the impossible becomes possible.” He urged them to emulate Islamic historical figures such as Muhammad bin Qasim, Salahuddin Ayyubi, and Imam Bukhari, who once were students and later transformed the world through their knowledge and leadership.

The event emphasized the importance of both male and female education. Faiz-e-Aam Trust Secretary Iftekhar Hussain passionately appealed to parents to support their daughters’ education. “Girls often outperform boys. We must break the practice of marrying them off immediately after exams,” he said.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Quran and concluded with the distribution of awards. Despite his busy schedule, Amer Ali Khan remained present throughout, personally honouring each student and motivating their families.

Other dignitaries present included Asghar Ali Khan, M.A. Hameed (Career Counselor), Zahed Farooqui (Director, Siasat Hub), N. Snehith, and Sai Sree (Managers). The event proceedings were conducted by senior journalist Mohammed Riyaz Ahmed.

With applause reverberating through the auditorium, the atmosphere brimmed with pride, inspiration, and a strong sense of community direction. The initiative reinforced the idea that education is not just a means to employment, but a path to dignity, empowerment, and leadership.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News>Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 06th, 2025

Manzoor Wangnoo Honoured with Environmental Stewardship Award at Shaheen Group Convocation

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

Bidar, KARNATAKA / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Hyderabad :

In a special ceremony held at the iconic campus of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, environmentalist and conservationist Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), was conferred with the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award.

The award was presented during the Convocation and Personality Development Program, a flagship event hosted by the Shaheen Group, which houses over 6,000 boarding students and has earned nationwide acclaim for producing doctors, engineers, scientists, and civil servants.

Wangnoo was invited as the Chief Guest at the event by Munawar Zama Sahib, renowned for his exemplary work in motivation, value-based education, and moral leadership. The award was presented by Abdul Qadeer Sahib, CEO of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, alongside Dr.Zama.

The Environmental Stewardship Award was conferred upon only two individuals, selected from among a vast network of students and alumni spread across the globe, marking this recognition as a specail one.

In his address, Wangnoo expressed his sincere gratitude and dedicated the award to his beloved parents, well-wishers and supporters, and dedicated NLCO team,.

 “This is not just an award—it is a call to continue. For Nature. For the Future,” said Wangnoo.

The event highlighted the synergy between education, moral vision, and environmental action, serving as a reminder of the vital role youth and institutions can play in healing our planet.(KNS)

source: http://www.knskashmir.com / Kashmir News Service / by KNS Desk Srinagar / June 02ns, 2025

Alumni of a government school in Kodagu reunite to renovate the age-old institution

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Karnataka (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Suntikoppa (Kodagu District), KARNATAKA :

Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Madikeri :

As several government schools are struggling to see the light of the day due to non-maintenance, an alumni association of a government school in Kodagu is striving towards renovating the institution.

Funds adding to over Rs 10 lakh are being collected to enable the renovation and revival process of the school building.

The Suntikoppa Government Primary School, established 108 years ago, has educated lakhs of students. The institution was expanded with high school education 44 years ago. However, the lack of funds for development works had remained a challenge.

The institution did not even record a centenary celebration due to financial issues. However, the alumni of the institution became active recently and are now involved in the revival process of the institution.

Recently, a group of alumni organised a reunion event as a Guru Vandhana programme, which witnessed participation from the former teaching staff.

The Alumni Association was launched as plans took shape to renovate the school building, which is in a vulnerable condition.

Funds adding up to Rs 10 lakh were collected by the alumni association. The school classrooms are being renovated and upgraded even as the alumni will initiate plans to increase admissions to the institution.

Key alumni members KH Sharif, Harish, Anil Kumar, C Mahendra, Razak, Abdul Aziz, Arun Kumar, Dhanu Kaverappa, Vincent, Shashikumar, and Kamalahasan, alongside local donors from Suntikoppa and neighbouring areas, have committed themselves to elevating the school’s standards to match private institutions.

The alumni association has members from all walks of life, some who have reached reputable posts following their primary education at the institution. “We cannot be more grateful to the alumni for taking up the renovation project,” shared Geetha, headmistress of the government school.

“This renovation represents our modest contribution to the institution that shaped our lives. Some of our alumni have become High Court judges, and under their guidance, along with support from other alumni, we are undertaking this renovation. We are ensuring minimal disruption to current students’ education,” shared RH Sharif, the VP of the alumni association.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / June 04th, 2025

Anjum Parwez appointed CM’s new ACS as L K Atheeq steps down

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

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

L K Atheeq (left) and Anjum Parwez

Bengaluru : 

L K Atheeq, a trusted aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah and a 1991-batch IAS officer, has resigned from his post as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the chief minister. He was serving on a contract basis after his superannuation on January 31.

Anjum Parwez, a 1994-batch IAS officer and currently the ACS in the rural development and panchayat raj department, has been appointed as his successor in the chief minister’s office.

Atheeq will continue as chairperson of Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for the Peripheral Ring Road project. Sources indicate he stepped down to spend time with family and pursue personal interests, including motorcycling and poetry. 

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 05th, 2025

Mujeeb Syed QSM honored by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan NZ

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Auckland, NEW ZEALAND :

This recognition reaffirms Mujeeb Syed’s role as an inspiring leader in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.

  Mujeeb Syed QSM

In a significant acknowledgment of his efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage, journalist Mujeeb Syed—recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM)—was honored by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan New Zealand for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Urdu language.

At a recent ceremony, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan NZ presented Syed with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing his “Service to Heritage Language – Urdu.” The accolade celebrates his dedication to championing Urdu across communities in New Zealand, especially in Auckland.

Syed has long been a key figure in community media and cultural initiatives. Through organizing literary events, promoting Urdu education, and engaging diaspora communities via journalism and storytelling, he has played a pivotal role in preserving Urdu as a living, vibrant expression of South Asian identity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, an internationally respected institution promoting Indian culture and values, noted Syed’s commitment as exemplary. Attendees at the event praised his ability to unite generations and strengthen cultural bonds through language.

In his acceptance remarks, Syed said, “This honor is not just for me, but for every individual who believes in the power of language as a vessel of identity and expression. Urdu is a language of love, poetry, and deep heritage. I am humbled to play a small part in keeping it alive.”

This recognition reaffirms Mujeeb Syed’s role as an inspiring leader in New Zealand’s multicultural landscape, highlighting the vital importance of heritage languages in fostering social and cultural richness.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> NRI’s Corner / May 21st, 2025

Kolkata young Muslim girl proves pen is mightier than sword, wins global honour

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL / New York (U.S.A) :

A 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata won the prestigious UK’s The Press Award for investigative reporting. Armed with BA English, she is pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. Her in-depth report on Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America (The American Multimedia Broadcasting Network) fetched her the highly commended “Young Journalist of The Year Award”.

Be bold, be curious, and be unyielding in your pursuit of the untold stories. Yes, this applies to 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata in West Bengal, who had put up a brave face to report from the field about the inhuman treatment meted out to Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America, part of American Multimedia Broadcasting Network. This, in fact, fetched her the “Young Journalist of the Year” this year.

Armed with BA English from Loreto College in Kolkata, she is now pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories as a freelancer even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. To top it all, she has been a contributing reporter for The Guardian, The Telegraph (UK), South China Morning Post (SCMP) and The Christian Science Monitor besides others.

In November 2024, Aziz published an investigative report in The Telegraph (UK), exposing the truth behind the “mysterious” death of a Rohingya child who had been detained by the Indian government in New Delhi. The multimedia report not only delved into the medical negligence and abuse faced by the child in detention, but also revealed the wider pattern of the mass arbitrary detention and torture of Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge in India.

Earlier in the same year, Aziz had exposed the hidden scandal of rape and sexual abuse faced by incarcerated women in India, particularly in West Bengal. The investigative report, published in The Guardian, laid bare the tactics used by authorities to cover up crimes against some of the most vulnerable women in the country.

Aziz has extensively covered the persecution faced by Rohingya Muslims in India and Bangladesh for multiple international news outlets like The South China Morning Post, Voice of America and The Guardian. Her investigative breaking news reporting on the 2025 Bangladesh student protests was published in The Times (UK).

On cloud nine, Sarah Aziz is reported to have said, “My interests lie in investigative reporting on human rights issues of national and global importance. Some beats I have covered extensively are women’s health, the Rohingya refugee crisis, human trafficking and Indigenous affairs both in India and the U.S. It’s a great honour to receive the Highly Commended “Young Journalist of the Year” instituted by The Press Awards (2025) and the Thomson Foundation.

Sarah Aziz dedicated this award to her dad Sheik Azizur Rahman and her seventh grade English teacher who motivated her to be what she is now. She will be graduating from Columbia University with an MS in Journalism in August 2025.  Glad to learn that Sarah Aziz is a poet, translator, and artist based in Kolkata, India. In 2021, her translation of Bangladeshi activist and author Pinaki Bhattacharya’s “History of Bengal: from Ancient to British Rule” got published receiving rave reviews.

Established in 1962 by The People and World’s Press News, the first award ceremony for the then-named Hannen Swaffer Awards, named after journalist Hannen Swaffer, was held in 1963. This got transformed from British Press Awards to The Press Awards which is being given under the aegis of Haymarket Media Group on behalf of the News Media Association.

Some of the categories include Business and Finance Journalist of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Cartoonist of the Year, Columnist of the Year, Critic of the Year, Environment Journalist of the Year, Excellence in Diversity Award, Feature Writer of the Year, Foreign Reporter of the Year, Front Page of the Year, Health Journalist of the Year, Interviewer of the Year, Investigation of the Year, News Podcast of the Year, News Website of the Year, Newspaper of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Political Journalist of the Year, Science and Technology Journalist of the Year, Scoop of the Year, Specialist journalist of the Year, Supplement of the Year, The Hugh McIlvanney Award for Sports Journalist of the Year, Travel Journalist of the Year, and Young Journalist of the Year.

[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 31st, 2025

K.M. Azeem re-elected as President of SKMWA, Muscat for 2025–26

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, ,

KARNATAKA / Muscat, OMAN :

Muscat, Oman:

The newly elected office-bearers for the 2025–26 term include Niyaz Mohammed (Mangaluru) and Sameer Ahmed (Udupi) as Vice Presidents; Imran Manna (Udupi) as General Secretary; Irfan Ahmed (Udyavara) and S.F. Jasim (Kundapura) as Joint Secretaries; Abdul Ravoof (Udupi) as Treasurer; K.M. Akif (Karkala) as Assistant Treasurer; Mohammed Asif Gafur (Karkala) as Finance Secretary; and Munir Ahmed (Udupi) as Assistant Finance Secretary.

The proceedings began with the recitation of the Qur’an by Master Zaid Asif.

Sameer Ahmed presented the Annual Report for 2024, while the Annual Financial Report was audited and verified by SKMWA auditor Ashraf Ali.

The session concluded with a presidential address by K.M. Azeem, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Mohammed Asif Gafur.

The entire event was compered by Shahnawaz Rafiq of Ganjimutt.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / May 31st, 2025

Engineer by day, educator at night for young minds

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, SCHOLARSHIPS,

Dehri-On-Sone (Nabinagar, Aurangabad District), BIHAR :

Jameel Akhtar, an NTPC manager in Bihar, combines his professional career with a passion for education, founding a free school for underprivileged children, narrates Ramashankar

Bihar :  

Education is the best tool to change society and transform the lives of the poor.” So believes Jameel Akhtar, a deputy general manager at NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Nabinagar, in Bihar’s Aurangabad district.

For him, life is more than just about having a cushy job. An engineering graduate from Kanpur’s Harcourt Butler Technical University, Jameel landed a job in NTPC in 2001 and got his first posting in New Delhi. But his life took a turn after he was transferred to Nabinagar in 2014. “It was close to my maternal uncle’s house at Dehri-on-Sone, a place I used to visit as a child. So, I was familiar with the town,” he smiles.

Not long after settling down there, he decided to open a school for students belonging to underprivileged families in 2015. Without wasting any time, he rented and appointed teachers to that end nursery to class VII. And the school was filled with the hustle and bustle of children not long after it opened as word spread about free education.

“The number of students grew sharply as we did not charge a tuition fee. In fact, at Noble Public School, we even provided the pupils with books and the necessary educational material free of charge.” Today, the school has a strength of more than 550 students.

“We have a co-education set. Both girls and boys study here,” he shares, adding, “I bear all the expenses. We have 14 teachers. I pay their salaries. I also take care of all other costs involved in running the school. For me, it is an opportunity to serve humanity.”

Ask him if he faces any financial problems because of the initiative, and he shrugs with a smile, saying, “I don’t have any monetary constraints. I am a bachelor. And all members of my family are well-settled.” However, he does take some steps to minimise the expenses. The school authorities have been asked to contact book publishing houses directly to supply the educational material for the students.

It makes the cost of books much cheaper as they don’t have to pay commission to agents or local suppliers.

“The money we save is spent on the students’ welfare,” he reveals. Despite having a full-time job, he has a very hands-on approach towards the school. “Though we have quality teachers and experts at the school, I take personal care of the students,” he shares.

Remarkably, students from Hindu, Muslim and Christian families alike study there. “The school has set an example of communal harmony in the small town of Dehri-on-Sone,” Jameel grins. At his school, education is not merely limited to the academics. His educators lay special focus on the personality development of the students.

Jameel says he wants to make sure that his students don’t lag behind others in any field. For the purpose, personal monitoring is required, he said. Since the quality of education imparted at government schools across the country remains under a cloud, schools like the one set up by Jameel is a perfect proposition for parents who can’t afford the high fees of a public school.

“It’s a boon for children belonging to economically backward sections of the society as education is imparted here free of charge,” notes Girija Devi, former councillor of Ward No. 36 (Dehri-on-Sone). Teachers at the school, such as Aarti Kumari and Tabassum, exude hope that students of the school have a bright future.

Quality teaching and proper guidance will shape the career of students studying here, they firmly believe.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Ramashankar / May 25th, 2025

Nurses feted

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

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Picture shows Foundation President Rekha Srinivas, Nazarbad Nataraj, Mahadev, Ramesh Ramappa, Ravichandra and Sujatha along with the nurses.

City’s Sri Durga Foundation celebrated the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale by felicitating nurses Rashmi, Rasheeda, Komala and Poornima during International Nurses Day function on May 12 at Jeevadhara Blood Bank.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 14th, 2025

‘Kolnad Friends’ organise blood donation camp in memory of Late Safwan Kolnad; 62 units collected

Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mulki Town ( Mangalore Taluk, Dakshina Kannada Distirct) , KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Mulki : 

A public blood donation camp was successfully organised on Sunday in memory of Safwan Kolnad, a 25-year-old youth who tragically passed away on May 10, 2025, due to sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai. The camp was held at Mahila Samudaya Bhavan, located near the Kolnad Government School, and was jointly conducted by Kolnad Friends Kolnad (R) and Blood Helpline Karnataka (R), in collaboration with Wenlock District Hospital, Mangalore.

The event began with a dua and blessings from Sharif Darimi Al-Haitami, Khatib of Shafi Juma Masjid, Kolnad. The program was presided over by Manjunath B.S., Circle Inspector of Mulki Police Station.

Dr. Ayisha Suhana, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Chief Eye Surgeon at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mukka, was the chief guest. In her address, she highlighted the critical importance of blood donation and how a single unit of blood can help save up to three lives. She also explained how regular blood donation contributes to better health by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers, while also controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and iron levels. She advised donors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity after donating blood.

As a tribute to the late Safwan Kolnad, Dr. Ayisha Suhana announced that she will perform five free cataract surgeries with premium intraocular lens implantation for underprivileged patients. She has conducted similar charitable surgeries in the past, in association with NGOs including the Naushad Haji Suralpady Memorial Charitable Trust (R).

This was the second blood donation camp organised by Kolnad Friends Kolnad (Reg) Charitable Trust, and a total of 62 units of blood were collected, including 52 male and 10 female donors.

The organisation continues to serve as a ray of hope for underprivileged patients, providing financial assistance for dialysis and cataract surgeries, and also supporting economically weaker students.

During the event, both Manjunath B.S. and Dr. Ayisha Suhana were felicitated by the organisers.

The program concluded with remarks from Yasir Arafat and a vote of thanks delivered by Abbas Ali.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / May 20th, 2025