Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Farkhanda Qureshi: Small town woman achieves big success by securing 67th rank in UPSC

Balaghat, MADHYA PRADESH :

Farkhanda Qureshi of Balaghat, Madya Pradesh, outside UPSC office in Delhi

Farkhanda Qureshi was in her eighth grade when she saw district Collector B. Chandrasekharan son a local Television channel. This visual ignited a dream in her mind; she too wanted to become a civil servant. Today this Muslim woman from from Balaghat, a small town of Madhya Pradesh, has realized her dream which she nurtured over the years with passion, hard work, overcoming failures and perseverance.

Farkhanda Qureshi has secured 67th rank in the UPSC 2024 Civil Services Examination and would soon join the Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Academy for Administration, Dehradun, for training to become an Indian civil servant.

“I had decided that one day I will also become a collector and work for society.” She credits her success in her fourth attempt to her family’s support.

She started preparing for UPSC in 2021. Despite failures, she did not give up. She says, “My parents did not let me break down; they motivated me and told me that I will get success one day. Had they not supported me, I would have probably given up in the first or second attempt,” she told the told media persons.

Farkhanda believes that for a tough exam like UPSC, studying for 18 hours is not necessary, but consistency and strategy are. “I studied for 6 to 8 hours every day, but I studied every day. Old year papers, standard books, current affairs and newspapers were an important part of my preparation.”

Farkhanda Qureshi flanked by her parents Nikhat Anjum and Abdul Malik Qureshi

Farkhanda, who completed her 10th from St. Mary’s School and 12th from Methodist Mission, says, “Being from a small town like Balaghat has never been my weakness. I believe that if the youth here get the right direction and resources, they can make a name for themselves across the country.”

Farkhanda considers her father Abdul Malik Qureshi, who is a lawyer, and her mother Nikhat Anjum Qureshi, a homemaker, her heroes and credits her success to them.

Her father said, “Today people recognize me by my daughter’s name, nothing can give me greater happiness than this.”

There is a festive atmosphere in the area, the collector congratulated Farkhanda and and wished her a bright future. The local mosque committee (Anjuman( also felicitated her and called her inspiration for the Muslim youth.

Out of the 1,009 candidates recommended by UPSC this year, 26 are Muslims, though none made it to the Top 25. 

Iram Choudhary (Rank 40) and Farkhanda Qureshi (Rank 67) are the highest-ranking Muslim candidates in the merit list. A total of 97 Muslim candidates were selected for the interview stage, and the success rate stands at 2.57%, lower than previous years.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Abdul Wasim Ansari, Balaghat, Bhopal (name error edited) / April 26th, 2025

Muslims’ historic contributions highlighted at National History Conference in Delhi

NEW DELHI :

New Delhi :

At a landmark one-day national history conference, prominent scholars, professors, and historians Sunday gathered to commemorate the unparalleled contributions of Muslims to India’s cultural and civilizational fabric. Titled “Delhi: Crucible of Indo-Islamic Synthesis in Medieval India,” the conference was hosted by the Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Hamdard University, in collaboration with the Institute of Study and Research Delhi (ISRD), New Delhi.

Held at the Hamdard Convention Centre, Jamia Hamdard, the conference aimed to explore the profound impact of Islamic heritage on shaping medieval Indian culture, society, and governance, with a special emphasis on Delhi as the epicenter of this cultural convergence.

A wide array of research papers was presented under several sub-themes aligned with the central topic, including the Advent of Islam in North India , Educational Institutions and Knowledge Production, Indo-Islamic  Architecture, Sufi Traditions and Sacred Spaces, Language and Literature, Music and Performing Arts Role in the Freedom Struggle, Calligraphy and Decorative Arts, Culinary Heritage and the Culture of Cuisine, Women’s Contributions, Science and Technology, Mughal Gardens and Economic and Administrative Innovations.

As a chief guest, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Syed Sadatullah Husaini emphasised that the Quran repeatedly encourages the study of history and historical events to extract lessons and guidance. “If lessons are taken from history, it becomes an asset,” he asserted, adding that history serves as a mirror of society.

Refuting the prevailing negative narratives surrounding Muslims in India, Husaini remarked, “Muslims are not outsiders or foreign invaders. They are developers, not destroyers; builders, not colonizers; inheritors, not intruders.” He highlighted how the Delhi Sultanate acted as a conduit, connecting India with the thriving global centers of knowledge in the Muslim world.

He cited the example of Sanskrit scholars and experts in numerics being recognized and honored in the court of the Abbasid Caliphate. The Arabs, he noted, never appropriated the intellectual achievements of Indian scholars but instead gave them due credit. “Muslim Sultanates helped disseminate India’s hidden treasures of knowledge across the globe,” he stated.

Husaini also praised the architectural marvels of the Delhi Sultanate, such as the Qutub Minar, calling them a testament to the era’s artistic grandeur. He emphasized that the most valuable contribution of Muslim rulers was the promotion of unity and human equality, bringing together people across religions, castes, and classes under a shared identity of humankind—a concept Allama Iqbal referred to as “Wahdat-e-Khaas Quwwat” (special power of unity).

Referencing Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, he recalled Azad’s fervent appeals to Muslims at the time of Partition to remain in India, invoking their emotional and civilizational connection to iconic Islamic monuments such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar.

Dr. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University, presided over the inaugural session. He provided a historical overview of Islamic rule in India, tracing it from Mohammad Ghori’s arrival in the 12th century to the British colonial era, covering the Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodhi, and Mughal dynasties.

He emphasized how Delhi became the nucleus of Indo-Islamic cultural fusion, with Central Asian and Persian architectural styles merging with indigenous Indian designs. This, he said, resulted in a unique Indo-Islamic architectural identity, visible in the city’s rich heritage.

Alam also elaborated on the contributions of the Islamic period in education, science, music, literature, governance, and social reform, asserting that this synthesis laid the foundation of what is now referred to as South Asian culture. “This fusion didn’t just shape Indian civilization—it gave it depth, diversity, and resilience,” he concluded.

Dr. Hafeezur Rahman, convenor of the Khusro Foundation and an expert in Urdu and Persian, delivered speech as a special guest. He reflected on historiography, distinguishing between pro-establishment and anti-establishment narratives, and praised Islam’s contribution to historical objectivity through the tradition of “Asma al-Rijal” (biographical evaluation of narrators).

He noted, “It is often said that the Mughals gifted India three unparalleled treasures: the Taj Mahal, Mirza Ghalib, and the Urdu language.” Rahman particularly celebrated the role of Sufi saints, especially Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple Ameer Khusrau, a 13th-century polymath and the founding father of the Urdu language. Khusrau, he said, was also a distinguished scholar in astrology, astronomy, and music.

Quoting Khusrau’s oft-repeated teaching from his spiritual mentor—”Agar duniya aap ke raste mein kaante bichhaye, to tum phool bichhao” (If the world throws thorns in your path, you lay down flowers)—he emphasized the Sufi message of love and resilience.

Dr. Hafeezur Rahman further illustrated how cultural synthesis led to creations like biryani and sherwani, both products of Indo-Islamic fusion. He expressed hope that the academic papers presented at the conference would become historical documents in their own right.

Dr. Fazlur Rahman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic Studies, anchored the conference and gave a brief introduction to its aims.

ISRD Secretary and Organizer Asif Iqbal outlined five core objectives and sub-themes of the event. Asif Iqbal emphasized that civilizational interactions—such as those between Islam and Indian culture—often result in positive transformations. He stated that Muslims, while introducing new cultural and civilizational values to the subcontinent, also embraced indigenous practices. “This mutual exchange reshaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of the region,” he said.

ISRD President Saleemullah Khan offered reflections on the ethical teachings of Prophet Muhammad, citing his instruction to Hazrat Ali to return belongings even to those who plotted to kill him during the Hijrah (migration to Madinah). He also quoted Urdu writer Rashidul Khairi, who praised the skills, cooperation, and intelligence of Delhi’s women during the medieval era.

Professor Arshad Hussain, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard, delivered the welcome address and warmly greeted all dignitaries and guests.

The day featured parallel academic sessions, with 50 research papers presented by scholars and students from institutions including Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), National Institute of Technology (NIT), Delhi University, and Jamia Hamdard.

Sessions were chaired by eminent professors such as Prof. Obaidullah Fahad (AMU), Dr. Faizan Ahmed (National Archives of India), Dr. Mohiuddin Ghazi (former Dean, Al Jamia Al Islamia, Kerala), Prof. Azizuddin Husain, and Prof. Parvez Nazir. Guest speakers received mementoes, and research scholars were presented with certificates.

In the valedictory session, Prof. Mohammad Salim Engineer, retired professor from MNIT Jaipur, addressed emerging researchers, emphasizing key research ethics—many of which, he noted, align with Islamic principles. These include academic honesty, objectivity, peer review, and depth over volume. “There’s no shortcut to excellence,” he advised. “Hard work can even surpass intelligence.”

In light of the current communal atmosphere, he urged the Muslim community to take charge of creating history, not just recalling it.

Abdul Kalam, co-convenor of the event, delivered closing thanks, while Dr. Shadab Musa, Assistant Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, offered a speech reflecting on the present socio-political environment.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Breaking News> Education> National Interest / by Anwarulhaq Baig / April 21st, 2025

In a first, Maharashtra gets first Muslim female IAS officer – Adeeba Anam Ashfaque Ahmed

Yawatmal (Vidharba Region), MAHARASHTRA :

Do it again and again. Consistency makes the raindrops create holes in the rock. Whatever is difficult can be done easily with regular attendance, attention, and action. Perhaps imbibed by the words of Israelmore Ayivor, an inspirational writer, blogger and LifeSkills Entrepreneur, Adeeba Anam Ashfaque Ahmed from Yavatmal in Maharashtra created a record of sorts to become the first female Muslim IAS officer after successfully clearing the civil services with All India Rank 142.

The success saga of Adeeba only proves the awareness shown by Muslim girls to take up civil services exams breaking the barriers.

On cloud nine are Adeeba’s parents, relatives, friends and more particularly her teachers on seeing her victory after three failures. She came out with flying colours in her fourth attempt after getting the necessary guidance and coaching from Jamia Millia Residential Coaching Academy in Delhi.

Can’t imagine a girl hailing from a parched and drought-prone Yavatmal district bringing glory to her native. All because of her patience and consistency as to the quote of American business honcho Robert Kiyosaki – “Successful people don’t fear failure but understand that it’s necessary to learn and grow from.” It is learnt that Maharashtra hardly witnessed any female Muslim IAS officers in the last one decade or so.

Kudos to her dad Ashfaq Ahmed, an auto driver, who despite financial constraints strained his nerves to make his daughter’s civil service dream a reality. Of course, her mom and uncle were very supportive in ensuring she achieved her IAS after successive failures. Adeeba started her early education at Zafarnagar Zilla Parishad Urdu Primary School, where she studied from Class 1 to Class 7. Thereafter, she finished schooling from Class 8 to 10 at Zilla Parishad Government Girls High School. And she completed her 11th and 12th grades at Zilla Parishad Ex-Government College in Yavatmal.

Armed with BSc Mathematics from Inamdar Senior College in Pune, she joined a coaching academy in Pune to take UPSC foundation classes based on the advice of her maternal uncle Jan Nizamuddin Sahib, who works as secretary at Seva NGO.

She got interested after meeting a few IAS officers and was determined to become an IAS. The road to civil services wasn’t smooth for her as she faced many obstacles. However, she was firm and worked relentlessly to taste success.

Noteworthy to mention that her dad Ashfaq Ahmed dropped out of school after tenth standard due to family circumstances. But decided not to let her daughter face the same fate, left no stone unturned and encouraged Adeeba to do her UG. Right from her school days, she had a fascination for civil services inspired by the young IAS officers’ remarkable feat through newspapers. Since then, she has been working towards her civil service dream.

In an interview to a local television channel, she is reported to have said that studying isn’t easy, especially for girls in patriarchal communities like Muslim, but her parents stood by her. She expressed her gratitude to mom, who extended support for her in her endeavours. The community was against girls pursuing higher studies, but her dad told her not to worry about society, and focus on her goal.

It is interesting to infer that she chose Urdu Literature as her optional subject despite having a science background. However, she displayed her prowess in clearing the civil services with confidence. A total of 32 candidates from Jamia Millia Islamia and 3 from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) have figured in the UPSC Civil Services 2024 Merit List. Of the 1009 candidates selected, only two Muslim candidates figured in the top 100.

She said that IAS is the first step to serve the society and added that her area of interest is to work for the underprivileged, more specifically girls. And she wanted to contribute to the education and health sector as a civil servant. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) RCAs are renowned academies in the field of coaching students for Civil Services. They provide free coaching and training for preparing for the Civil Services Examination for candidates from SC, ST, Women, and Minority communities.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by M Rafi Ahmed, Radiance News Bureau / April 28th, 2025

Dr. Iqbal Urdu Primary and Middle School Adds Another Feather to Its Cap

Malegaon (Nashik District), MAHARASHTRA :

Malegaon:

Every year, the Government of Maharashtra conducts a scholarship examination for students of Grade 5, in which lakhs of students from across the state participate. Recently, interim results of this exam were announced. In this examination, 48 students from Dr. Iqbal Urdu Primary School – a renowned and quality institution run by Al-Huda Social Welfare Society, Malegaon, District Nashik – participated. Out of these, 31 students achieved outstanding success.

Hafsa Saman Mohammad Mujahid secured 212 marks out of 300. Fatima Sitwat Azhar Hussain and Zobia Anam Mohammad Mujahid both secured 188 marks respectively, while Sheikh Umar Sheikh Sabir obtained 186 marks.

The school administration always strives not only to encourage students to participate in competitive exams but also to ensure their thorough preparation. For this purpose, the school arranges special classes throughout the year specifically for scholarship students, providing them with extensive practice.

Behind this success lies the significant role of competent and dedicated teachers. The school has expert teachers for this competitive scholarship activity, and the Headmaster is always ready to guide the students. In addition, the parents extended full support.

The institution’s President Dr. Ahmed Urooj, Vice President Khwaja Nizamuddin, Secretary Riyaz Khan, Headmaster Mohammad Ateeque ur Rahman, and the school staff congratulated the students and their parents and expressed their best wishes for great success in the future.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / April 26th, 2025

Pahalgam pony operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah dies protecting tourist, tackles armed terrorist

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Pahalgam terror attack:

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the sole breadwinner for his family, was among the 26 killed on Tuesday

Syed Adil Hussain Shah (Photo: Social media), security tightened in Pahalgam (Photo: Reuters)

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, reportedly lost his life while trying to protect a tourist during Tuesday’s terror attack that left 26 people dead. Shah attempted to wrest a rifle from one of the terrorists as gunfire erupted near the scenic Baisaran meadow. 

Shah, who earned a living ferrying tourists on horseback from the car park to the meadow – accessible only on foot – was the only local civilian killed in the attack. According to an ANI report, eyewitnesses said the terrorists, before opening fire, asked victims their religion and made them recite Islamic verses, reportedly selecting targets based on their answers.

His brave act came as tourists scrambled to flee the ambush. Shah had reportedly tried to shield the tourist he had taken up the trail earlier that day. 

The 32-year-old was the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes his ageing parents, wife, and children. His family is now shattered by both the emotional loss and the financial uncertainty that lies ahead. 

His grieving mother, overwhelmed with sorrow, pleaded for justice, while his father, Syed Haider Shah, recounted the panic and heartbreak upon learning of his son’s fate.

“My son went to Pahalgam yesterday for work. Around 3 pm, we heard of the attack. We tried calling him, but his phone was off. It rang again around 4:40 pm, but no one answered. We rushed to the police station and were told he had been shot,” he told ANI. 

Shah later succumbed to his injuries.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> India News / by Vasudha Mukherjee, New Delhi (headline edited) / April 23rd, 2025

Jamia’s free UPSC coaching produces 32 civil servants in 2024

NEW DELHI :

New Delhi :

Turning aspirations into achievements, the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) has once again proven to be a beacon of hope for civil service aspirants as a total of 32 students trained there have cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024, one of the most competitive exams in the country.

Of the 78 candidates from the RCA who reached the interview stage, 32 made it to the final selection list, according to a statement issued by the JMI.

Twelve among them are women, reflecting the RCA’s strong emphasis on inclusive and gender-responsive education, the statement said.

Alfred Thomas emerged as the academy’s top performer this year with an All India Rank (AIR) of 33. He was followed by Iram Choudhary (AIR 40) and Ruchika Jha (AIR 51), all of whom have earned praise for their inspiring journeys.

Speaking exclusively to PTI, Jha said, “The Jamia Millia Islamia RCA gave me a healthy competitive environment to push myself to work hard. The peer group I got here kept me motivated through tough times. The JMI RCA has played a crucial role in my UPSC-CSE journey.” She added that service allocation is expected in the next four to five months and her first preference is the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre.

Several of the selected candidates are likely to be inducted into top services like the IAS and Indian Police Service (IPS), while others will join the India Revenue Service (IRS), Audit and Accounts, Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and other Group-A services based on their ranks and preferences.

Celebrating the achievement, JMI Vice Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif said, “This result is a matter of great pride. The RCA continues to uphold its mission of empowering students from socially- and economically-disadvantaged backgrounds. The performance of our women candidates particularly underscores the potential of inclusive education.”

Registrar Professor Mohammad Mahtab Alam Rizvi said, “These results are a reflection of the academy’s rigorous preparation model and the unwavering determination of our students. The RCA has built an environment of excellence that consistently delivers.”

Professor Samina Bano, the in-charge of the RCA, was praised for her personalised mentorship and hands-on guidance, which played a crucial role in this year’s success.

Established in 2010 under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) initiative, the RCA operates through the university’s Centre for Coaching and Career Planning (CC&CP). It offers free coaching and residential facilities to candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities and women. Admission is based on a national-level written test, followed by interviews.

The academy’s legacy includes Shruti Sharma, the UPSC topper of 2021. Since its inception, the RCA has helped nearly 300 students enter elite services such as the IAS, IPS and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), while more than 300 others have joined services like CAPF, IB, RBI, Bank PO and various state PSCs.

According to the statement, the RCA’s structured programme includes more than 500 hours of classes, mock interviews, special sessions with retired civil servants and experts, and mentorship by successful alumni. It also provides round-the-clock library access, free Wi-Fi and secure residential facilities.

The Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages — preliminary, mains and interview — to select officers for the IAS, IFS, IPS and other central services.

The preliminary exam was held on June 16, 2024, with 9,92,599 candidates applying and 5,83,213 appearing. A total of 14,627 candidates qualified for the main exam held in September and 2,845 reached the interview stage that was conducted from January 7 to April 17, 2025.

This year, the UPSC has recommended 1,009 candidates — 725 men and 284 women — for appointment to various services.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by PTI / Tarique Anwar / April 24th, 2025

Chairman of Mitra Academy Iqbal Ahmed receives Lifetime Achievement Award by Education Today

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of education, Iqbal Ahmed, Chairperson of Little Flower Public School and Chairman of Mitra Academy in Bengaluru, was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award – 2023 by Education Today Magazine.

The ceremony, held at the Taj Hotel Kempegowda International Airport Rd, Bengaluru, on December 11, 2023, celebrated Ahmed’s commitment to educational excellence.

“The accolade is a testament to Mr. Ahmed’s deep-rooted passion for education, driven by a sense of social responsibility. His leadership has not only elevated academic standards within the schools but has also prioritized holistic development, shaping students into well-rounded individuals with both knowledge and character. His dedication to excellence serves as an inspiration to educators and learners alike,” a press release stated.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Iqbal Ahmed’s impact on the educational landscape, acknowledging his role in providing exceptional education at an accessible cost.

Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Iqbal Ahmed attributed the honour to the collective efforts of the school’s faculty, staff, students, and parents.

In addition to Iqbal Ahmed’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the ceremony also celebrated Tanveer Ahmed, CEO of Mitra Academy and Little Flower Public School, and his wife, Nafeesa Ahmed, Director of Presidency Group of Institutions Bengaluru/Mangaluru, who were honoured with the Power Couple Award for 2023 by Education Today Magazine.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> India / by Vartha Bharati / December 12th, 2023

Bihar: Senior IPS officer Nurul Hoda resigns in protest against Waqf Law, joins poilitics

BIHAR :

Senior IPS officer Nurul Hoda has resigned from the Indian Police Service in protest against the controversial Waqf law. On Wednesday, he joined the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by former minister Mukesh Sahni.

Formerly serving as an Inspector General (IG) in the Railways, Hoda is now set to enter the political battlefield with a mission to represent and lead the Muslim community in Bihar.

Hoda, a 1995 batch officer from Sitamarhi, Bihar, is known for his sharp and dynamic approach.

With 28 years of service in sensitive areas like Dhanbad, Asansol, and Delhi, he has earned awards for his work in railway security, Naxal control, and crime prevention.

He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal twice and Director General Chakra. 

Hoda’s resignation comes at a time when political tensions in Bihar are escalating as the state approaches its Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025, with the Waqf (Amendment) emerging as a central point of contention.

The ruling JD(U)  has faced a wave of resignations from its Muslim leaders in April 2025, in a protest against the party’s support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. 

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> East India / by Maktoob Staff (headline edited) / April 19th, 2025

Hina Saifi, a Climate Change Champion, Unearthing Hope from Village Dweller to Climate Visionary

Sisola Village (Meerut District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Hina Saifi’s remarkable journey from rural roots to Climate Change Champion is an inspiring example of empowering change.

Hina Saifi pioneering Global Change Advocate reshaping rural realities

A youthful dreamer and a climate change activist named Hina Saifi has lit the route to long-term reform in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. She was born and reared in Sisola, a humble village in Meerut district. Her journey from a low-income family to a trailblazing advocate for climate education and action exemplifies the spirit of leadership that crosses borders. Hina Saifi’s United Nations association in the campaign known as #WeTheChangeNOW led her to be part and face of the campaign among the list of 17 climate change leaders.

Early Life and Education

  • Hina Saifi, Meerut’s resident, hails from Sisola, where education for girls is a formidable challenge.
  • Hina, the young climate leader, is currently pursuing MBA from the Bharti Institute of Technology, Meerut. She has reached this stage in life with her true dedication and willingness to break the stereotypical barriers of her village and change the existing mindsets.
  • Considering the situation of Sisola, an underdeveloped village in Uttar Pradesh, Hina couldn’t even imagine pursuing her studies post-8th grade, over a decade ago.
  • Managing to achieve complete school education, along with higher studies, Hina has showcased her limitless power and outshined on a national level for Women Climate Crusaders among 16 other women.
  • Hina Saifi, Women Climate Collective’s crucial member, has made a remarkable turn in her life. Her trajectory seemed predestined by the harsh realities of her village, where education was a luxury and the pursuit of higher learning was rare.
  • However, against all odds, Hina’s mother recognized the value of education and facilitated her journey to knowledge.
  • At such a young age, her thoughts align with personal as well as environmental growth and sustainability, which sets her apart from today’s youth.

“Poverty is rampant in my underdeveloped village, and child labor is common here. I, too, was advised to stop studying after I finished the eighth standard. However, I stuck to my decision to study further. To support myself through school and to help my family, I also worked part-time in a football factory”.

         —– Hina Saifi

Hina Saifi: Championing Climate Education

  • 22-year-old Hina Saifi’s journey into climate advocacy began with a realization that education was the cornerstone of addressing the multifaceted challenges troubling her village.
  • Armed with this insight, she set out on a quest to motivate children to attend school, thereby causing a small wave of awareness.
  • Partnering with local NGOs and the ‘Women Climate Collective’ (WCC), she found her voice in discussions about climate change, clean energy, and sustainability.
  • She was the first one from her village to move to Lucknow and be part of the Climate Agenda Initiative 2018.
  • Proud to be a member of Women Climate Collective, she supports the notion that addressing the climate crisis and fighting climate change is a collective responsibility of the people and not just that of the government alone.
  • Hina has also achieved an international recognition by her association with #WetheChangeNOW campaign by United Nations(UN) in India. The campaign showcases the climate based solutions devised by 17 young Indians that are innovative, sustainable and equitable, further focusing on strengthening engagements with governments and society.

The Hina Saifi Chronicles of Grassroots Change

  • Hina’s endeavors extended beyond education, culminating in the ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’ campaign, launched by herself that spotlights solar power’s potential and advocates for cleaner energy solutions.
  • Her grassroots approach, encompassing workshops, speeches, and dialogues, has led to tangible change: cleaner streets, waste-free water bodies, and enhanced greenery. She acknowledges the intrinsic link between education and climate, recognizing their mutual capacity for transformation.
  • Hina’s belief in micro-behaviors as agents of monumental transformation underscores her leadership philosophy. By engaging with the village Pradhan and initiating innovative projects, she showcases the potential of individual actions to revolutionize communities.
  • Her involvement in the ‘100% Uttar Pradesh’ initiative reflects her dedication to the larger cause, emphasizing that collective progress stems from local commitment.

Hina Saifi: Empowering Change Through Climate Advocacy

Hina Saifi’s journey, stemming from her village’s challenges, inspires hope for a greener future. As a catalyst for change, her efforts stimulate broader dialogues concerning the representation of women’s voices in climate advocacy. Through platforms like the Women Climate Collective, her voice resonates beyond geographical boundaries, exemplifying the power of unity in tackling global challenges. From her humble origins in Sisola to her pivotal role within the Collective, Hina embodies the leadership needed for a brighter tomorrow. Her story showcases how determination and knowledge can bring about significant change.

source: http://www.leaderbiography.com / Leader Biography / Home> Featured> Featured Women / by Rahul Iyer

AITM CodeFest 2025 concludes in Bhatkal, recognises young innovators from across India

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA :

Bhatkal: 

The Anjuman Institute of Technology and Management (AITM), Bhatkal, successfully hosted the AITM CodeFest 2025, a 24-hour national-level hackathon that saw participation from student teams across the country. The event, held on the AITM campus, concluded on Sunday evening with a grand valedictory function celebrating the winners and appreciating all participants for their innovative tech solutions and collaborative spirit.

A total of 30 teams participated in the overnight coding challenge, working intensively on real-world problems to develop creative and impactful solutions.

The results were announced by AITM Principal Dr. K Fazlur Rahman at the valedictory ceremony. Team CrashMax, represented by Abul Khair from Yenepoya Institute of Technology, Mangalore, won the first prize of ₹60,000.

The second prize of ₹30,000 was awarded to Team Cyphernova, comprising Hemanth C S and Mohamed Kamran from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.

Team Hustlers.dev, featuring Ahamed Ali Z, Syed Iyanulla, and S Tejas from GM Institute of Technology, Davanagere, secured the third prize of ₹15,000.

Apart from the top three teams, the top ten performing teams also received special cash prizes in recognition of their efforts and exceptional coding solutions.

The judging panel for the hackathon included industry professionals and AITM alumni, including Mohsin Khan, Founder of Niveus Solutions; Mubeen Jukaku, Technology Head at Emertxe Information Technologies; and Waseem Ahmed, Founder of Wynteam Global and Director at RaqMEA. They were joined by Dr. J. Anvar Shathik, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Dr. Daniel Francis, Professor in the same department.

The valedictory ceremony began with a welcome address by Registrar Prof. Zahid Kharuri.

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, highlighting the learning experience, teamwork, and mentorship they received. AITM Secretary Mohiddin Ruknaddin congratulated the students and the organizing team, while Event Coordinator Farkhalit Rida delivered the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the event.

The CodeFest was supported by several sponsors and partners. Niveus Solutions was the Title Partner, DigiScrypt Technologies was the Organizing Partner, and Mohtisham Builders, SproutXP, iTecs Solutions, Emertxe Technologies, Tahoora, and Wynteam Global were Associate Partners.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / April 14th, 2025