Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Malegaon sees the blossoming of New Educational Institutions under Ahmed Naseem Meena Nagri Education Society

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, ,

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani laying foundation of the Millat Urdu High School, Malegaon

Malegaon:

The educational journey of the Ahmed Naseem Meena Nagri Education Society is set to become a defining milestone for New Malegaon, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Shakir Sir. In honour of his legacy, Shakir Sir has been instrumental in establishing new educational institutions including the Abdul Shakur Pre-Primary and Primary School and Junior College, Millat Urdu High School, Insha Paramedical College and Diploma Courses. The inauguration ceremony of these institutions was held near Labbaik Hotel in the Malda area of New Malegaon. The residents of Malegaon are expected to benefit greatly from these new facilities.

The foundation stone ceremony of Millat Urdu High School was conducted by General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani. Maulana Rahmani acknowledged the significant contributions of Shakir Sir, saying, “He has been a dedicated teacher, and with the establishment of this institution, he has gifted the community a place of learning that will endure even after him.”

Maulana Rahmani also highlighted that the late Maulana Syed Wali Muhammad Rahmani had close ties with Shakir Sir.

Inaugurating Insha Paramedical and IT College, Dr. Saeed Farani remarked, “This campus offers education from primary levels to medical training. Paramedical services are now indispensable, serving as the backbone of healthcare without which medical care cannot function.”

Dr. Farani stressed that medicine ensures success in both this world and the hereafter if pursued with sincerity. Highlighting Malegaon’s rise as a medical hub, attracting patients from a 150-200 km radius, he noted the growing presence of hospitals and increasing interest from corporate healthcare. However, these hospitals will need qualified paramedical staff, now mandated by the government. He urged residents to enrol in paramedical courses to boost their employment prospects.

Dr. Ayub Khan Poonawala, speaking on the significance of paramedical education, noted that the era of paramedical and IT training has begun. “This is the sixth paramedical college being established after Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Paramedical students have a 100% job placement rate. Malegaon, known as a city of skilled workers, will now benefit from this initiative.”

Headmaster Al-Haj Qureshi Mukhtar also addressed the gathering saying, “In an era where educational institutions are becoming commercial enterprises, establishing such a purposeful campus in the suburbs is truly commendable.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / October 04th, 2024

Maulana Anas Falahi Madani’s book on Islamic livelihood concepts launched at ICIF

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Uncategorized, ,

NEW DELHI :

New Delhi :

The book Kasb-e-Maash Ka Islami Tasawwur (Islamic Concept of Livelihood) by Maulana Muhammad Anas Falahi Madani was launched at the Indian Center for Islamic Finance (ICIF) on Saturday. This publication was made possible through the collaboration and financial support of ICIF and Rafah Chambers of Commerce, along with the coordination of Tasneefi Academy.

In his introduction, the author discussed two prevalent attitudes towards wealth in Muslim society: one driven by inflation and the other by extravagance. He noted that some individuals disregard ethical boundaries in their pursuit of wealth, often ignoring whether their means are halal or haram, driven solely by the desire to accumulate more.

“Islam recognizes wealth as a vital necessity of life. While individuals are encouraged to earn as much as they wish, it is imperative that they do so through legitimate means and adhere to the limits set by Allah,” he emphasized.

Dr. Razi-ul-Islam Nadvi, National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, expressed his appreciation for the book’s detailed exploration of this balanced perspective of Islam. He outlined the book’s structure, noting that it consists of six chapters: the first examines the nature of worldly life through the lens of the Qur’an and Sunnah; the second highlights motivational aspects of earning a living as described in the Qur’an and Hadith; the third discusses legitimate versus illegitimate sources of income; the fourth reflects on the economic life of the Prophet Muhammad; the fifth covers methods of earning and spending; and the sixth analyzes the consequences of Islamic and non-Islamic approaches to wealth accumulation.

Dr. Nadvi expressed hope that the book would be well received in both academic and religious circles, clearing up many misunderstandings in the process.

Professor Mohsin Usmani Nadvi praised the author for illustrating Islamic principles of earning through various examples from the Qur’an and Hadith.

In his closing remarks, Professor Jawed Ahmad Khan, Chairman of ICIF, pointed out the abundance of literature focused on spending, contrasting it with the scarcity of works aimed at wealth creation. He urged young students and researchers to engage in research that meets the demands of our rapidly evolving economic landscape, where the focus increasingly lies on wealth generation and investment. H. Abdur Raqeeb, General Secretary of ICIF, concluded by emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by admin indiatomorrow / October 07th, 2024

Kalam Learning Centre Unveils Rs. 50 Crore Scholarships Fund to Uplift Muslim Minority Students

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, SCHOLARSHIPS, Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

In a landmark effort to uplift the educational aspirations of Muslim minority students across India, the Kalam Learning Centre has announced the launch of a substantial Rs.50 crore scholarship fund.

This ambitious initiative, which stands as one of the largest scholarships programs specifically targeting Muslim minority students, aims to provide essential financial support to deserving students, helping them achieve their academic dreams without the burden of economic constraints.

The scholarship program is open to students from Class 5 to Class 12, as well as recent 12th-grade graduates who are preparing for their next academic steps. The initiative covers a wide spectrum of students, making it accessible to a large segment of the Muslim minority population. To qualify, students will need to participate in a scholarship examination conducted by the centre, ensuring that the scholarships are awarded based on merit and need.

By offering these scholarships, the Kalam Learning Centre aims to empower young students with access to quality education, removing financial hurdles that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing higher studies. The centre’s vision aligns with the broader goal of enhancing the educational landscape for minorities in India, especially at a time when educational inequalities persist across different sections of society.

The `50 crore scholarships fund represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education. It is set to play a pivotal role in the academic journeys of thousands of students, allowing them to focus on their studies, reach their full potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. This initiative will not only benefit the students but also strengthen the foundation of India’s future workforce by nurturing young minds through education.

In addition to this, the scholarships program resonates with the legacy of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former president and renowned advocate for education. Several scholarships across India bear his name, each dedicated to advancing his dream of a fully literate nation. These scholarships, offered by various state governments, educational institutions, and organizations, aim to provide deserving and financially struggling students with the necessary resources to complete their education. Dr. Kalam’s legacy continues to inspire efforts like the Kalam Learning Center’s initiative, which seeks to build a more inclusive and educated India, one student at a time.

Through this scholarship, the Kalam Learning Centre is not only supporting individual students but also contributing to the broader mission of promoting literacy, equality, and opportunity for the underrepresented and marginalized sections of society. This initiative sets a precedent for other organizations to follow, encouraging more efforts to bridge the educational gap for minorities in India.

For more information or registration, you may click here, or download Kalam Learning Centre App, or call KLC helpline number +91-9335004071.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / October 15th, 2024

Constitution, Conversations and Community: Kolkata Marks World Minorities Rights Day

Community Involvement / Social Issues,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Articles 29 & 30; Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan highlights lesser-known articles protecting minority rights

  NUJS’ Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed speaks on World Minorities Rights Day | eNewsroom

Kolkata:

December 18, holds great significance, as it marks the World Minorities Rights Day. The day serves as a reminder to those in power of their pledge to safeguard the rights of religious, racial, linguistic and ethnic minorities residing in their country.

In Kolkata, the day extended beyond Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s tweet and was celebrated across the city.

So, if a section of Jan Bazar had been cordoned off to allow the Congress Party to address the rights of minorities in India, then a little away from their location, Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim was addressing another group of people at a symposium on the ‘Inclusion of minorities is vital for sustainable democracy’ and little further away in Central Kolkata, All India Milli Council’s Kolkata chapter called for a yet another discussion on the road ahead for the minorities in India.

The panelists comprising Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Associate Professor, National University of Juridical Science, Kolkata; Maulana Shafique Qashmish, VP AIMC, West Bengal, Rafay Siddique, convenor AIMC, Kolkata and Amaan Ahmed of AIMC.

The two-hour-long session aimed to raise awareness about December 18 and its significance. “The event is to raise awareness, promote understanding, and actively champion the rights of minority communities in India,” informed Maulana Qashmish.

Adding to that Dr Khan, spoke at length about the significance, evolution and the need for ‘The World Minority Rights Day’. “The whole idea of safeguarding the minority rights stems from the fact that no society can progress, if it is not inclusive,” Dr Khan.

“Our constitution was being drafted around the time the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared,so those drafting it took care of incorporating clauses to safeguard minority rights. It was to create an inclusive India,” he said.

Speaking about the Indian Constitution and its safeguards, he made the audience aware of two lesser-used but vital articles that protect minority rights. “Article 29 of the Constitution states that any section of Indian citizen having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same. Also, no citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.”

He elaborated on Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which grants all minorities, whether based on religion or language, the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. And the second clause of this article states that the State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.” However, he lamented over the fact that Muslims till date have been unable to use these two articles for their best.

“We the people of India, is a right given to the people of India by those drafting the Constitution. No government is going to put your rights on a platter before you. It’s upon the citizens on how they make sure that their rights and provisions are given to them,” said Maulana Qashmish.

Siddiqui mentioned, “Creating awareness about minority rights has become even more important today. Today, minority communities are facing a lot of issues right from the arrest of activists spearheading the CAA-NRC movement, the houses of those speaking against the government being bulldozed, drafting laws that are discriminatory among many other issues.” He added, “Hence, we have reached a point when we need to be aware of our rights and also the legal recourse to get them.”

On being asked what the panelists had to say about Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi being behind bars even today, Dr Khan said, ‘What has happened is unjust. The prosecution team may struggle to present substantial evidence and in the end, they are likely to be acquitted. Sadly, by the time they are released their prime years will have been spent behind the bar.”

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom / Home> Bengal> Inclusive India / by Staff Reporter / December 20th, 2023

Reading Rumours uncovers truth of 20th century Muslim women writers in Kerala

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

Kozhikode, KERALA :

Their work focused on Muslim women writers and their contributions to magazines in Kerala during the period.

Reading Rumours curators Haneena P A and Jazeela Basheer

Kozhikode :

Victorian-era English novelist and poet Mary Ann Evans famously adopted the pseudonym George Eliot to escape the constraints of social norms and patriarchy.

As times changed, female writers increasingly gained the courage to publish under their own names. However, in Kerala – a region still grappling with significant gender disparities – women defied the odds and entered the publishing industry as early as the 1900s. Yet, tracing the contributions of some, particularly Mappila women, proves challenging.

The exhibition titled Reading Rumours, held at Silk Street in Kozhikode, shed light on the hidden history of women’s involvement in Kerala’s print culture between 1900 and the 1950s. Curated by research scholar Haneena P A and exhibition designer Jazeela Basheer, the event is the result of two years of research by the collective Around The Sufrah. Their work focused on Muslim women writers and their contributions to magazines in Kerala during the period.

“Print culture flourished in Kerala from 1900 to 1950, and readership grew. But the contributions of women writers from this era have largely been overlooked,” Haneena told TNIE.

“Reading Rumours brings together the micro-histories of these women writers, encouraging visitors to engage with their stories and legacies.” The title, Reading Rumours, symbolises women’s quest for knowledge and their fight for recognition.

“Rumours are often seen as statements without a reliable source of truth, frequently associated with women. Much of women’s knowledge, history, and experiences are dismissed as mere gossip. The title is also a play on the traditional vayanashaala, or reading rooms, where men would gather to read and discuss,” Haneena explained.

The idea for Reading Rumours originated from a desire to present Haseena’s postgraduate thesis in a more accessible, popular format.

“This exhibition is an extension of my thesis, which focused on Mappila women in print. We are generally aware of only a handful of female writers from the early 1900s, but my research uncovered around 25 Muslim women who were actively involved in writing for magazines and other publications,” she said.

The three-day exhibition, which began on October 4, received enthusiastic support from the public. “The response has been overwhelming,” Haneena noted.

“Many visitors expressed surprise at discovering the significant role Muslim women played in Kerala’s early print culture,” she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Lakshmi Athira / October 07th, 2024

Udupi district Muslim Okkoota (R) to host award ceremony on Nov 10

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

Udupi, KARNATAKA :

 Udupi district Muslim Okkoota (R) will host an award ceremony to recognize individuals who have made significant contribution to society and various communities meeting at Basel Missionaries Memorial auditorium on November 10.

Mohammed Idrees, general secretary Udupi district Muslim Okkoota, addressing the media in the press meet held on October 14 said, “The awards include the ‘Manava Ratna’ for those who have upheld human values and the ‘Seva Ratna’ for social service, and also introduced a new award this year the ‘Souharda Ratna,’ aimed at honouring those who work towards communal harmony.”

Sasikanth Senthil, a former deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada and current member ofparliament, has been selected for the ‘Manava Ratna’ award. The ‘Seva Ratna’ will be awarded to K S Nisar Ahmed, a businessman originally from Karkala who has made his mark in Dubai. Additionally, Fr William Martis, a Christian clergyman and social activist from Udupi, will be the first-ever recipient of the ‘Souharda Ratna’ award.

In addition to the awards, six individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as education, literature, folklore, organization, and social service will be honored. Among them are a distinguished writer and speaker Dr Gananath Ekkar, political leaders Saraswati D Bangera and Sarala Kanchan, a Dalit leader and social activist Annappa Nakre, and social workers Nityananda Olakadu and Haseenaru Kodi Kundapura, who have dedicated their lives to serving the marginalized.

The awards will be presented by Karnataka’s minister for women and child development and Udupi district in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. The keynote address will be delivered by a folk scholar and chairman of the Kannada Development Authority Dr Purushotham Bilimale. The event will be inaugurated by chancellor of Yenepoya University Abdulla Kunhi, president of the Udupi District Muslim Federation Yaseen Malpe will deliver a vote of thanks. Principal of Baraka International School and College B S Sharafuddin, will preside over the ceremony. The event will be coordinated by S K Iqbal Katapadi, with Iqbal Manna as co-coordinator and Ismail Hussain overseeing the programme.

Notable guests include former ministers Vinay Kumar Sorake and Jayaprakash Hegde, alongside other dignitaries such as honorary president Udupi district Muslim Okkoota Haji Abdulla Parkala, president Karnataka Allied Health Council Dr U T Iftikhar, businessman Prasad Raj Kanchan, Afroze Assadi Dubai, president Sahabalve K Phaniraj, organization secretary Karnataka state Dalith Sangharsh Committee Sundar Master, president Sugamya district women’s federation Gracy Coellho, and principal of Kodi BEd College Dr Firdose.

Treasurer Udupi district Muslim Okkoota Sayyad Farid, secretary Ismail Sheik, vice president Salauddin Abdula, member Daffrulla, event coordinator Iqbal Manna and zilla panchayath member Abdul hajid Udyavara, were present in the press meet.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home>Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP) / October 14th, 2024


 



Minority Welfare Department gives students time till Nov 11 to apply for hostel accommodation

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, FREE : Accomodation, Karnataka (under research project), Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

KARNATAKA :

Representational image (credit: businesstoday.in)

Mangaluru:

The deadline to submit applications for entry into the post-matriculation boys’ and girls’ hostels under the Minority Welfare Department for the current academic year (2024-25) has been extended to November 11.

Pre-university (PUC), parallel course, professional course, graduation and post-graduation students may apply for accommodation at the hostels, under the State Scholarship Programme, the authorities have said in a press release, adding that the applications are provided on the State Hostel Portal (SHP) site.

Additional information on applying for accommodation at the hostels is available on the SHP site. The applicants may also approach the government personnel at the district and taluk offices of the Minority Welfare Department, the press release has stated.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / October 15th, 2024

Pioneer of India’s street art movement Hanif Kureshi is no more

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues

Palitana (Bhavnagar District), GUJARAT/ GOA:

Hanif Kureshi (Facebook)

New Delhi :

Have you walked through India’s first art district of Lodhi Colony in South Delhi where high walls along streets come across as vibrant art works? The man behind this and the street art movement of India Hanif Kureshi is no more; he passed away on Sunday at 41.

Hanif, an alumnus of the Baroda Art College died of cancer leaving behind a culture of vibrant public spaces and colourful neighbourhoods across India.

A wall in South Delhi’s Lodhi Road created by Kureshi

Kureshi’s quest for vibrant neighborhoods brought him to Lodhi Colony in Delhi in 2013, where the high walls and pedestrian-friendly lanes became a canvas for murals that quickly captured the community’s attention.

His death was announced on Instagram. The post read: “Hanif Kureshi, the man behind the Amazing street art you see across India has passed away…”

“Hanif Kureshi (@hanifkureshi) will forever be remembered as a visionary artist who transformed the urban landscape, one wall at a time.

After transitioning from advertising, Kureshi took the lead in shaping India’s modern street art movement and reviving the fading art of hand-painted typography.

An art work created by HanifHanif Kureshi in Chennai

Through St+art India (@startindia), Kureshi and his co-founders built a community of urban artists whose projects have revitalized cities across India, turning public spaces into cultural landmarks. From the vibrant Sassoon Docks in Mumbai and the iconic Lodhi Art District in Delhi to Kannagi Nagar in Chennai, the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, and international showcases like the London Design Biennale, Venice Biennale, and Centre Pompidou, Kureshi’s artistic imprint is unmistakable.

In light of his untimely passing, we reflect on the enduring legacy Kureshi leaves behind—on walls, in typographic art, and throughout neighborhoods and communities nationwide.”

Hanif Kureshi co-founded St+art India and started giving shape to his vision in 2013. When he started transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases, he could not have anticipated the profound impact it would have across the nation.

Asian Paints posted this image of Kureshi’s work on X:

@asianpaints / The MTNL building in Bandra has a shiny new coat of paint. Love the work by @StartMumbai / December 09, 2014 / 4.55 pm

This young visionary artist devoted his life to making art accessible to everyone. “Our aim is to make art more accessible. When you are working in an art gallery, your concerns are different, but this is art on the streets for everyone,” he said in an interview.

Kureshi was behind popularizing street art in India and setting up a model that has inspired countless artists.

According to Storyboard 18, art curator Rahul Bhattacharya, a close friend and former classmate at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, reflects on Kureshi’s unconventional approach: “He was constantly exploring new avenues.”

His journey began with an interest in sign-board painting and hand-lettering, leading him to seek out local sign painters and eventually digitzing their unique styles under the banner of HandpaintedType.

He launched St+art India as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating public art projects.

Kureshi’s first project was Lodhi Colony in Delhi where the high walls and pedestrian-friendly lanes became a canvas for murals that quickly captured the community’s attention.

Gupt Dwar by Kureshi’s NGO in Lodhi Colony

Gond artist Bhajju Shyam, who collaborated with Kureshi in Lodhi Colony, remembered him as modest and patient. “He was extremely sincere and listened to constructive feedback during our discussions,” Shyam noted, highlighting Kureshi’s collaborative spirit.

Kureshi’s St+art India has since organized numerous art festivals and painted murals across cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, inviting both local and international artists to contribute. Kureshi was actively involved in his project including the installation at the Sassoon Dock Art Project in Mumbai.

Kureshi’s influence extended beyond borders afters he showcased his work at prestigious venues including the London Design Biennale and the Venice Biennale-. His recent solo exhibition at Wildstyle Gallery in Sweden in June 2023 impacted the world of art globally.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / posted by Aasha Khosa, ATV / September 26th, 2024

A tuk-tuk fuelled by service in TN

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, ,

Vellore, TAMIL NADU :

Shabir and his team stepped in, despite the language barrier, to assist the grieving daughter.

Vellore :

At the chaotic Ariyur auto stand in the heart of Vellore, amidst the blare of honking rickshaws and the buzz of commuters, 39-year-old Mohammed Shabir orchestrates a life-saving mission that few would notice.

With one eye scanning for passengers and the other glued to his phone, he is constantly coordinating urgent blood donations for patients in dire need. For Shabir, it’s more than just a local cause.

His focus stretches across borders and helps patients from as far as West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Assam, who come all the way to Vellore, most of them clinging to the last straw of hope for critical medical treatment.

Since 2019, Shabir has been at the helm of a team of volunteers, racing against time to provide emergency blood donations across the districts of Vellore, Tirupathur, and Ranipet. Their relentless efforts have become a lifeline for patients at their most desperate moments, a beacon of hope in the face of life-threatening crises.

Shabir, a BBA graduate from Vellore, was forced to take up the role of an auto driver in life in 2013 due to financial difficulties at home. However, the course of life changed forever after a personal tragedy struck him.

His father, Ansar Basha, was a kidney patient and was admitted to the Vellore Government Hospital and Medical College. Back then, according to Shabir, the hospital didn’t have a well-equipped facility for dialysis, and despite his desperate efforts, he could not secure a blood donor for his father’s treatment on time.

Tragically, his father passed away within a week due to the unavailability of blood. “The incident shattered me,” Shabir recalls, tears welling up in his eyes. “I couldn’t move on from it for a long time,” he added, reflecting on the event that now fuels his determination to help others.

Driven by this loss, Shabir began arranging blood donations in 2013, focussing particularly on patients from North India, who often face language barriers in Vellore.

Despite financial challenges, Shabir formalised his work in 2019 by rallying a group of volunteers and forming the Nodtigal Trust. Every day, they receive about 10 requests from various hospitals, prioritising the most urgent cases. “We manage to fulfil at least five requests weekly within Vellore,” Shabir said.

The outbreak of Covid-19 added another layer of complexity to their work. Arranging blood donations during the pandemic became increasingly difficult. But Shabir and his team were undeterred, stepping up to the challenge.

In 2020, they encountered a particularly heartbreaking case involving a cancer patient from West Bengal. The patient passed away while her husband was away trying to sell his land to fund treatment. Their daughter was left alone with her mother’s body.

Shabir and his team stepped in, despite the language barrier, to assist the grieving daughter. With the husband’s permission, they arranged for the woman’s burial in Vellore, free of charge. “It was a deeply emotional moment for us,” Shabir said. “The husband saw his wife’s body over a video call and thanked me in Bengali. I couldn’t understand his words, but I could read the emotion on his face.”

What began during the pandemic has now become a regular part of Nodtigal Trust’s work. “We’ve buried over 24 bodies so far, mostly North Indian patients who don’t have any local connections,” Shabir explained. “It costs around Rs 5,000 to bury one body, and we’ve been covering the costs ourselves, with help from friends and well-wishers.” In addition, Shabir also cares for five orphaned girls in Vellore, committing to support them for life.

Looking ahead, Shabir has broader ambitions for the Trust. He is particularly concerned about the lack of awareness and support for transgender people in Vellore. “If any transgender individuals want to study and live a decent life, we are ready to support them,” he said. He also aims to assist mentally ill people found on the streets, helping them reunite with their families.

However, the work is not without challenges. “We sometimes struggle to cover transportation costs for the burials,” Shabir shared. “It would be a great help if the district administration could provide us with an ambulance for these cases.”

(For more details, Mohammed Shabir can be contacted at 9361719520)

(Edited by Sneha Joseph)

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Rajalakshmi Sampath / October 13th, 2024

Mohammed Ali Library: Journey from traditional to new-age library-cum-information centre

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022),

Kolkata , WEST BENGAL :

  Courtesy: Facebook/Mohammed Ali Library Students’ Section

Kolkata:

Mohammed Ali Library, located on the ground floor of Barry House, on Kanai Seal Lane is one of Kolkata’s oldest public libraries. Lost in the hustle-bustle of the ever-so chaotic, ever-so-charming Zakaria Street is this 93-year-old library being resurrected to its past glory.

Many local residents and researchers in the past have complained about the treasure trove of Urdu literature being in ruins and how not much is being done to preserve the library’s legacy and the thousands of rare books that lie in it.

“This library was established in the year 1930, by Mulla Mohammad Jan to create a reading space for the community youths. After the death of Mohammad Ali Jauhar, a fellow Khilafat leader and prominent freedom fighter, in 1931, the library was named in his honor. Mohammad Ali was a visionary, who was also one of the co-founders of Jamia Milia Islamia,” said Anwarul Haque, librarian of Mohammad Ali Library.

Admitting that the library had been in a deplorable state and needed a shot in the arm, Haque said, “The library, in need of a complete makeover, had long been the subject of demands from locals and visiting researchers.”

Rising from its ashes

Taking a cue from the public demand, and a pump of new blood in the committee that takes care of the almost century-old library, a slew of changes has been initiated to not just preserve the books but to also transform it into a new-age library that caters to the new age readers and researchers.

Speaking to eNewsroom, the president of the library committee, Nasir Ahmed, said, “We had been thinking about this makeover for a long time. But the fact that the library is in a rented space, initiating a renovation seemed a mammoth task. However, with the induction of new members who were willing to work for the betterment of the library, we realized the importance of having a new-age library for the readers. The books were decaying, racks were falling off, and we were seeing the legacy of the library being destroyed. So, we had a couple of meetings and decided to go for a complete renovation.”

On being asked about the library’s rare collection, Haque said, “It houses some rare books and manuscripts like the Urdu translations of the Mahabharata and Ramayana and the Awadh Punch, an Urdu satirical weekly.”

From archaic library to new-age library-cum-information centre

A budget of Rs 10,00,000 has been estimated to give a face-lift to the library, which is being done under the leadership of Usman Ghani, head of office and ALIO, National Library.

Ghani explained the transition that the library is undergoing at the moment. He told eNewsroom, “The library will be undergoing a gradual metamorphosis, where we will witness its transition from a local library to a state-of-art library cum information centre that will cater to the needs of the new-age readers, researchers and bibliophiles.”

Elaborating on the slew of changes that the library will undergo, he said, “A complete structural makeover has been initiated, which will be followed by the restoration of books, cataloguing, digitization of rare books that the library boasts off. I will be overseeing the indexing, cataloguing and digitization of books.”

Adding to that, Ahmed said, “Once we are done with the renovation, we plan to introduce computers and digital readers. We also plan to make the library air-conditioned and use it as an information centre from where the youths can not just get information about the competitive exams but also use other resources available here to prepare for the exam.”

Ghani also mentioned that the library would have its own website and offer online services, enabling readers to register, request, renew, and even read books online.

The proposed upgrade will take almost six months to complete. Talking about funds, Ahmed said, “We sought help from Siddiqullah Chowdhury, minister-in-charge of Mass Education Extension & Library Services. We are hopeful to get some help from him. Local MP and MLA have also been approached to help us bring Mohammed Ali Library to life . 

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Bengal> Let There Be Light / by Shabina Akhtar / December 05th, 2023