Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

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

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Martyrs of the Nation, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 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

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

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

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Cool way to show warmth

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Food, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge.

A sign reads ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

Chennai :

The lights flicker on as the fridge door opens. A cool burst of air escapes, revealing neatly arranged packets of home-cooked meals, biscuits, and bottled water—the humble bounty waiting for the city’s hungry. There’s no cashier. No question asked. Only a sign reading ‘Ayyamittu Unn’, a call to “share the food with the needy before you eat”.

Launched in 2017 by Dr M Issa Fathima Jasmine, a Chennai-based dentist, ‘Ayyamittu Unn’ has evolved into the city’s very own food-sharing revolution in the last eight years. What started as a single community fridge in Besant Nagar has now spread to 11 locations across Chennai, from Broadway and Mylapore to Kodambakkam, and the most recent addition in Saligramam’s Kaveri Rangan Nagar.

The concept is brilliantly simple: Place a refrigerator in a public, accessible location, allow anyone to donate surplus food and let those in need take what they require. Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, these fridges accept sealed, fresh, and wholesome items. To ensure safety, strict guidelines are in place: Only packaged or freshly cooked food is allowed, while raw meat, seafood, eggs, alcohol, and half-eaten meals are strictly prohibited. The focus is on ensuring that generosity meets safety without compromise.

In addition to food donations, the initiative also features a charity counter right next to the fridge. Here, residents can donate books, toys, clothes and other essential items for those in need. A register is meticulously maintained for transparency, while a security guard oversees the process to ensure that both food and other donated goods remain in proper condition and are not misused.

In Kaveri Rangan Nagar, it’s a full-blown community affair. The fridge was set up with the active involvement of Dr Sulaikha, a gynaecologist and daughter of social activist MD Ghani. Ghani, who dedicated his life to improving local infrastructure, left behind a legacy of community service that Dr Sulaikha now honours.

In one modest home on KK Salai, a family has generously provided a portion of their premises to house the refrigerator and manage its daily upkeep. Local businesses, too, have thrown in their support; a nearby hotel contributes six breakfast packets every morning, while residents routinely drop off lunch boxes, biscuits, and even occasional sweet treats.

Community effort ensures that the fridge which is affectionately dubbed ‘Akshaya Patra’ never runs empty (Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

For many, the fridge is nothing short of a lifeline. “I get food here at least three days a week. My work hours are unpredictable, so I can’t always be here, but when I do manage to come, it saves me from having to buy meals. Earlier, I mostly relied on roadside vendors—this is safer and more reliable,” says R Rengaraj, a loadman working at the Saligramam market. For Rengaraj, and countless others like him, the fridge not only reduces daily food expenses but also provides the reassurance of a proper meal in a city where hunger often goes unnoticed.

Beyond its practical benefits, ‘Ayyamittu Unn‘ taps into something deeper – a sense of community. The initiative is backed by the Public Foundation (an NGO founded by Dr Jasmine), which handles the logistics and coordination. Dr Issa Fathima and Dr Sulaikha sum it up succinctly.

(Photo | P Ravikumar, EPS)

“‘Ayyamittu Unn’ is not just about food – it’s about trust and a collective commitment to social responsibility. Small acts of kindness can create a huge difference.” Community effort ensures that the fridge — affectionately dubbed Akshaya Patra after the legendary vessel that never runs empty — continues to serve as a reliable source of nourishment.

This is a vibrant example of how local solutions can effectively tackle issues like food waste and hunger simultaneously. In a country where a significant amount of edible food is discarded daily, redirecting surplus to those in need is also a step towards environmental sustainability.

As the initiative continues to gain momentum, there are plans to replicate the model in other parts of the city and even in neighbouring districts. This is not charity with strings. It is not aid from a distance; it is how one neighbour looks out for another.

(Edited by Adarsh TR)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by S Kumaresan / edited by Adarsh TR / April 06th, 2025

What Days They Were: Memoir sheds light on events before India’s partition and its aftermath

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bayara Village (Basti District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Kazi Jalil Abbasi was a leader, freedom fighter and politician who witnessed key events of twentieth century–not just as an observer but as someone who took active part in public life, participated in movements and after independence went on to fight elections and become a legislator, minister and Parliamentarian.

When a large number of Muslims from Uttar Pradesh including elite and the community leaders, were leaving the country, he remained committed to his political ideology, kept opposing communalism and led from the front–fighting and raising his voice democratically in independent India.

Uttar Pradesh, the heartland and the most populous state in the country, had been the battleground for Congress and Muslim League before 1947. It had seen competitive communalism, inter-religious tensions and riots. On the ground, situation in UP was complex and different from other states.

Kazi Jalil Abbasi’s autobiography is insightful and reveals a lot about the period and the struggles. Abbasi was born in Bayara in Basti district in1912. He studied in different schools in Gonda, Unnao and Basti before he joined the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from where he was expelled.

All these circumstances, his idealism, role in freedom struggle are part of the book. He was against the political stand of Muslim League. The books also provides information about Congress’ organisation and the politics in UP, its leaders. There are interesting anecdotes about top leaders, ranging from Rafi Ahmad Kidwai to Indira Gandhi. 

The autobiography titled ‘Kya Din The!’ was originally published in Urdu. 

Arif Ansari has now translated it in English. Ansari is settled in Washington DC. The book that runs into nearly 350 pages is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the era, important events and the post-partition situation in Uttar Pradesh.

Notionpress has published the book and it is available online. 

source: http://ww.newsbits.in / Newsbits.in / Home> Special / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, Bhopal / January 26th, 2021