Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Hyderabad Siblings Launch India’s First All-Women Taxi Bike Service

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Transport, Travel & Tourism, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Founders of Dovely

Hyderabad: 

“It was while commuting to college that I began exploring ideas for safe travel for women after personally facing security issues. I researched extensively to find a way for women to commute without harassment and inconveniences,” said Zainab Khatoon, one of the founders of Dovely — India’s only bike taxi service for women, driven by women.

Zainab, along with her friend Masarrat and her siblings Obaidullah Khan and Uzma Khatoon, deliberated extensively and came up with the idea of running taxi bikes for women, where both the passengers and the service providers are women. Together they founded an app (Dovely) to cater to women and girls who want to travel safely in the city.

“‘DOVE’ is a bird, which represents peace and harmony, and ‘LY’ stands for ladies,” shared another founder, Uzma.

They launched the app on June 15, 2022, initially with very few users. However, they now have around 80-100 riders registered, with 20-25 working as full-fledged riders.

Zainab, who heads the company, personally interviews every candidate to ensure they have a valid license and can navigate Hyderabad’s busy streets. Their riding skills are also tested by a team of experts.

“All of the women who are registered with us share the same concern for women’s safety. Besides, they see this as an opportunity to earn income,” explained Zainab.

Most registered bikers are young women aged 18-50. Some are single mothers, seeking to support their families, while others are students — earning pocket money. Their passengers include working women, students and middle-aged women visiting relatives or doctors.

The initial stages were challenging, as many Hyderabad residents were unaccustomed to seeing women bikers, especially those wearing burqa (veil). Some questioned the young bikers why they needed to earn money by becoming drivers when there were other job opportunities. They perhaps overlooked the fact that many girls are passionate about riding.

“Once a woman passenger books a ride with Dovely, she often becomes a regular customer and subscribes to the app,” claimed Zainab.

“Many aunties give us lots of duas (blessings) after we drop them safely at their destination,” she said.

Uzma Khatoon, Zainab’s sister and co-founder of the firm, shared, “I am humbled to be part of many women’s stories and want to help them fulfill their passion through Dovely.”

One young woman, Tasneem (name changed), shared that she tried working with other delivery platforms but quit on the first day because she had to deal mainly with men. She said she feels safe and comfortable working with Dovely.

The founders claimed they get compliments for contributing to a safe commuting experience for ladies. “This feedback from our passengers and partners keeps us going. The feeling that we are empowering women in our own way and ensuring that at least 100 women travel safely every day makes us happy,” said Zainab.

A member of the Dovely team monitors rides, tracking the live location from pick-up to drop-off. However, some women are also unhappy due to the limited number of drivers and busy schedules. The Dovely team hopes to resolve this issue as they recruit more women drivers.

Currently, it provides services through WhatsApp and plans to launch the app on the Play Store after achieving the target of over 200 rides. The app is still being developed, and the four founders are funding their venture — taking baby steps for now.

Dovely operates at ‘zero’ commission, unlike other service providers — who charge drivers. The team feels they have a long way to go.

Currently, services run until 8:30 pm, but they may extend the time if more safety measures are in place for women commuting at night. In the future, they plan to expand to auto-rickshaws and cabs, all managed by women. They also aim to handle transport and logistics led by women.

The Dovely team is driven by the passion to empower women.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net / June 03rd, 2024

Historic triumph for Indian Union Muslim League, the party sends 3 stalwarts to Loksabha

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

KERALA / TAMIL NADU :

In a thumbing victory, IUML continues its consistent legacy of electoral successes right from 1952 Loksabha Elections.

The party retained it’s bastions of Malapuram and Ponnani with a record breaking victory margin along with a blitzkrieg victory in Ramanathapuram, decimating the BJP and AIADMK

Kerala registered a record winning the 3 of 3 seats it contested. Party worker’s enthusiastic campaigns and IUML’s strategic electoral support to INDIA Allaince partners also ensured in restricting the authoritarian ruling party to retaining power.

While E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER won from Malapuram and DR. M.P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI Ponnani from Kerala, NAVASKANI K got elected from Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.

IUML backed, Congress led UDF also secured 18 seats out of 20 in Kerala, while DMK-IUML- Congress Allaince swept TamilNadu Loksabha securing all 39 seats of the state.

Congratulations on the stellar electoral performance with record vote margins. May the elected parliamentarians stand steadfast in the fight against minority infringements and protection of human rights.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Election 2024> Indian Muslims> Politics / by Muslim Mirror Staff / June 05th, 2024

Sajda Ahmed and Iqra Hassan among 24 Muslim elected to Lok Sabha

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

WEST BENGAL / Kairana, UTTAR PRADESH / INDIA :

Iqra Munawwar Hasan Chaudhary and Sajda Ahmed

New Delhi :

Sajda Ahmed of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Iqra Munawwar Hasan Chaudhary of the Samajwadi Party are among the 24 Muslim members who have been elected to the 18th Lok Sabha in the just concluded election.

The entry of 24 Muslims in the Lok Sabha is seen as a positive move towards the participation of India’s second-largest religious community in Parliamentary democracy.

While the 27-year-old year Iqra is a law graduate who won from the Kairana constituency in Western Uttar Pradesh on the ticket of the Samajwadi party Sajda Ahmed is a veteran leader who has won for Lok Sabha election a third time.

Sajda Ahmed has been re-elected from the Uluberia constituency where she secured 694,945 votes and defeated her nearest rival of the BJP Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary.

Iqra, a debutant defeated her nearest rival BJP’s Pradeep Kumar by 69,116 votes in a closely contested election.

Iqra, an alumnus of the Lady Sri Ram College of New Delhi – she also graduated in law from the UK – hails from a political family of Shamli.

The number of Muslims elected to Lok Sabha doesn’t look as low as was feared by the Community. Muslims have been complaining about their diminishing presence in India’s political spectrum.

However, this time political parties had fielded only 78 candidates from the Muslim community as against 115 in the 2019 election.

The most well-known Muslim who successfully contested elections is cricketer Yusuf Pathan. He not only won his maiden political battle as the candidate of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from the Baharampur constituency of West Bengal, he also turned out to be a giant killer as he defeated Congress veteran Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary.

Muslim leaders like the two former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir – Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah – were defeated in their respective constituencies. Omar was defeated by an independent candidate Abdul Rashid Sheikh who is known by his nickname of Engineer Rashid, whose campaign was run in absentia by his two sons.

Engineer Rashid, whose real name is Abdul Rashid Sheikh won the Baramulla seat by securing 4.7 lakh votes against his main rival Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and vice-president of the National Conference. He too is a giant killer in this election.

Interestingly, Engineer Rashid’s campaign was carried on by his two sons as he has been in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for five years facing trial for his alleged involvement in supporting terrorists in Kashmir.

In Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri seat, National Conference’s Mian Altaf Ahmed defeated Mehbooba Mufti by 2,81,794 votes, and in the Srinagar constituency, NC candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehndi got 3,56,866 votes against PDP’s Wahid Para.

From Ladakh, Independent candidate Mohammad Hanifa won by a margin of 27,862 votes.

In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party’s Maulana Mohibullah fought the election for the first time and he won on the ticket of the Samajwadi Party from the Rampur seat by securing 4,81,503 votes.

Ziaur Rahman of the Samajwadi Party from Uttar Pradesh has been elected from the Sambhal constituency.

Afzal Ansari has won from the Ghazipur on the ticket of the Samajwadi party. He is the brother of the gangster Mukhtar Ansari who died while serving a sentence for murder in the jail.

Imran Masood of Congress won against his BJP rival Raghav Lakhanpal from Saharanpur.

From Hyderabad (Telangana) Asaduddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen(AIMIM) won against BJP’s K. Madhavi Latha. He has won the Lok Sabha election for the fifth time.

In the 16th Lok Sabha, there were only 22 Muslim Members while the highest number of Muslims elected to the lower house – 49 – was in 1980 and most of them were from Congress. In the last General election 115 Muslim contested while only 22 won.

As against this, in the 2024 elections, only 78 Muslim candidates were fielded and 24 of them won.

West Bengal has elected the highest number of Muslim MPs in the just concluded elections. They are: Khalilur Rahaman,  Jangipur, Yusuf Pathan,  Baharampur, Abu Taher Khan, Murshidabad, S K Nurul, (Basirhat), Sajda Ahmed, (Uluberia), Isha Khan Choudhary, (Maldaha Dakshin).

Bihar: Muhammad Javed Kishanganj and Tariq Anwar Katihar (Congress)

Assam: Raqib Hussain Dhubri

Kerala: Shafi Parambil (Vadakara), ET Muhammad Basheer (Malappuram) and Dr. MP Abdul Samad Samdani (Ponnani)

Lakshdeep: Muhammad Hamdullah Saeed

Tamil Nadu: Nivas Kinis Ramanathapuram

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / posted by Aasha Kosa / June 05th, 2024

Sofia Firdous of Congress, becomes first ever Muslim woman MLA in Odisha

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

Cuttack, ODISHA :

Following her victory from the Cuttack seat, Congress candidate Sofia Firdous has become the first Muslim woman MLA in the history of Odisha since Independence.

Sofia Firdous won the Barabati-Cuttack seat with a margin of 8001 after a neck-to-neck contest with BJP’s Purna Chandra Mahapatra. Firdous replaced her father and sitting MLA Mohammed Moquim from the seat.

In the Lok Sabha elections across the country, at least 15 Muslim candidates successfully secured seats in the lower house. The list includes TMC nominee and former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan who secured a comfortable victory over Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in the Congress veteran’s Baharampur bastion. ( With Agencies Inputs )

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Politics> Women / by Muslim Mirror Staff / June 06th, 2024

A documentary record of trauma and resilience

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers

NEW DELHI :

Shaheen Bagh: From ‘Anti-National’ to Nation Saviour
Author: Asad

Don’t judge a book by the cover, they say. But in this book, the cover has a lot going for it. The photo is arresting. A Muslim man, dressed in a PPE suit and a white skullcap, holding an oxygen cylinder. His eyes stare right at the reader. COVID narratives are all over mainstream and alternative media. There have been films made on the pandemic; featuring some testimonies and narratives. But overall, they have been a discomfiting read. Many people, despite appreciating the quality of the film, found themselves struggling to get through films such as Bheed (2023), a stirring black-and-white account of the workers’ migration and the quarantine. No one wishes to revisit some of the darkest times in recent history. It is also perhaps too soon. 2023 was perhaps the first year since the pandemic resembling full ‘normalcy’. But where is the normalcy for those who suffered directly from it? Asad’s book is a haunting testimony to those days, particularly in Delhi.

Ask any Delhiite and they will tell you that the sound of ambulances in those times is not forgotten. This book too, takes you back into those days. Many videos of families stranded outside hospitals with no knowledge of their loved ones come back to mind as you flip through the pages. A large chunk of Asad’s narrative is based in Jamia Nagar and Okhla. The award-winning journalist brings to life familiar names and familiar losses.

Resilience is a common term that comes to mind in times of great tragedy. Cities that suffer great loss are called resilient. They bounce back. Resilience is a running theme here too. When you reach the end of the book and you can feel the sirens slowing down for a while, you breathe a sigh of relief. But then, you think – the book might be over, but the trauma isn’t, for many families. Does resilience need to go hand in hand with justice, restoration and adequate redressal?

There are many parts of the book that highlight and centre the subtitle of the book – from ‘anti-national’ to nation saviour.

Muslims became the target of a media campaign. Members of the Tablighi Jamaat were unfairly arrested and held responsible for the pandemic. Shaheen Bagh had been cleared forcefully. A pogrom ripped through the city. The facts do not need to be repeated but recalled. Muslims emerged to fight back against this narrative and help out their own; people set up helplines, task forces, did everything in their human capacity to help others even at great human risk. Asad, with the true quality of a journalist, does not gloss over failures or places where more efficiency was needed.

The book, unfortunately, like many other self-publishing efforts was in dire need of a good editor. There are errors and lack of standardisation that can be corrected if a second edition emerges. The book also needed more structure to make it clearer; in parts, the book reads like news reports and first-person narratives running into one. However, as an act of record-keeping, it is a vital contribution and a brave effort, and must be supported.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Review Article / by Shayma S / Radiance News Bureau / February 08th, 2024

Bilkis Bano, old Congress hand and Siddaramaiah pick

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

Shivamogga , KARNATAKA :

For the uninitiated, Bilkis Bano has no connection to Gujarat. She is a KPCC general secretary from Bhadravathi in Shivamogga, who once used to work closely with the Janata Parivar and has known Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from those days.

Bilkis Bano is KPCC general secretary from Bhadravathi in Shivamogga. Photo | X

Bengaluru :

With a certain Bilkis Bano figuring in the list of Congress nominees, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who on earth is she?

For the uninitiated, Bilkis Bano has no connection to Gujarat. She is a KPCC general secretary from Bhadravathi in Shivamogga, who once used to work closely with the Janata Parivar and has known Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from those days.

Sources said she is Siddaramaiah’s candidate while his’s son Yathindra, who sacrificed his Varuna seat for his father, is the high command nominee.

Other Siddaramaiah MLC nominees are minister NS Boseraju and K Govindraj. Vasanth Kumar and Basanagouda Badarli are AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s candidates while Ivan D’souza is said to be Krishna Byre Gowda’s man although he is said to be close to Siddaramaiah too.

It was a surprise that Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s two nominees, Vijay Mulgund, who was also raided due to his closeness to the KPCC chief, and Vinay Karthik, who is an office bearer in the KPCC, did not make it to the final list.

The 10 Congress MLAs necessary for nomination of Bilkis Bano signed on her nomination and the proposer and seconders will be on Monday.

Sources said Bilkis Bano is respected as a loyal party worker. She is quite close to Bhadravathi MLA Sangamesh for whom she campaigned vigorously and personally led the canvassing in 2023. She has served formerly as the chairman of the Minorities Development Corporation during the previous tenure of Siddaramaiah as CM for about 18 months.

When TNIE tried to reach her on Sunday evening, all three of her numbers were either switched off or not reachable.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bansy Kalappa / June 03rd, 2024

VCK Honors Leaders for Community Service and Harmony

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TAMIL NADU:

S.N. Sikkander (second from Left) receiving the award

Chennai :

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a Dalit social movement and political party committed to combating caste-based discrimination and actively participating in Tamil Nadu’s politics, held an awards ceremony, on Saturday last, to honor prominent state leaders for their exemplary service to society.

VCK, currently represented by two MPs in the Lok Sabha, recognized seven individuals for their decades of selfless dedication to various social causes, ranging from political activism to fostering communal harmony

One of the distinguished awardees was S.N. Sikkander, State Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Tamil Nadu, former State President of Welfare Party of India, and editorial board member of Samarasam Magazine. He was awarded the ‘Qaid-e-Millath Crescent Award’ for his significant contributions to communal harmony, disaster relief efforts, and political activism.

Other notable awardees included Mr. R. Mutharasan, State Secretary of CPI; Advocate Arulmozhi, Secretary of Dravidar Kazhagam; actor Prakash Raj; Bishop Esra Sargunam; Mr. A. Subbarayulu, an epigrapher; and Professor Raj Gowthaman.

The award ceremony, held in Chennai, attracted thousands of spectators who echoed the importance of nurturing harmony, peace, and mutual respect among communities.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / June 01st, 2024

Lok Sabha 2024 to have 23 Muslim MPs, Check full list

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

INDIA :

Despite the impressive show by the secular parties in the 2024 Parliamentary Elections, number of Muslim MPs in the new Lok Sabha has gone down by 04 as compared to their tally in the last house.

Iqra Hasan and Afzal Ansari – both have won from Uttar Pradesh

LS Election Result 2024: 

Lok Sabha 2024 to have 23 Muslim MPs New Delhi: Despite the impressive show by the secular parties in the 2024 Parliamentary Elections, number of Muslim MPs in the new Lok Sabha has gone down by 04 as compared to their tally in the last house.

According to the final result released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the 18th Lok Sabha will have a total of 23 Muslim MPs from different states of the country.

Of them a maximum 07 are from the Congress Party followed by 05 of the Trinamool Congress Party (TMC), 04 are of the Samajwadi Party (SP), 02 of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), 02 of the Jammu Kashmir National Conference, 01 of the All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and 02 Independents.

List of Muslims in 18th Lok Sabha

Congress

  1. Rakibul Hussain Congress Dhubri, Assam
  2. Mohammad Jawed Congress Kishanganj, Bihar
  3. Tariq Anwar Congress Kathiar Bihar
  4. Shafi Parambil Congress Vadakara, Kerala
  5. Imran Masood Cngr Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  6. Isha Khan Choudhury Maldaha Dakshin, West Bengal
  7. Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed Lakshadweep

Samajwadi Party (SP)

  1. Iqra Choudhary Kairna, Uttar Pradesh
  2. Mohibbullah Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
  3. Zia Ur Rehman Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh
  4. Afzal Ansari Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh

Trinamool Congress Party (TMC)

  1. Khalilur Rahaman Jangipur, West Bengal
  2. Yusuf Pathan Baharampu, West Bengal
  3. Abu Taher Khan Murshidabad, West Bengal
  4. Sk Nurul Islam Basirhat, West Bengal
  5. Sajda Ahmed Uluberia, West Bengal

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)

  1. E.T. Mohammed Basheer Malappuram, Kerala
  2. Dr. M.P Abdussamad Samadani, Ponnani, Kerala

Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC)

  1. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir
  2. Mian Altaf Ahmad Anantnag-Rajouri. Jammu Kashmir

All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)

  1. Asaduddin Owaisi Hyderabad, Telangana

Independent

  1. Abdul Rashid Sheikh Baramulla, Kashmir
  2. Mohmad Haneefa Ladakh

Prominent losers

  1. Kanwar Danish Ali Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
  2. Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, Dhubri, Assam
  3. Omar Abdullah, Jammu Kashmir
  4. Mehbooba Mufti, Jammu Kashmir
  5. Imtiaz Jaleel, Aurangabad Maharashtra
  6. Hena Shahab, Siwan, Bihar
  7. Mohd Salim CPI(M) West Bengal

None of the Muslim MPs are from the ruling BJP. The party had fielded Dr Abdul Salam from Malappuram Parliamentary seat in Kerala. He however lost the election to the IUML candidate.

Rakibul Hussain of the Congress won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by more than 10 lakh votes which is the highest victory margin in India.

The number of Muslim MPs in 2014 was 23. However, Muslims improved their tally in 2019 by 04 despite a huge Modi wave.

LS Election 2024 Final Result

The Election Commission of India announced the final result late in the night Tuesday. According to which, the BJP led NDA alliance has won a total of 292 seats which include a total of 240 seats won by the BJP.

According to the ECI final data, the Congress led INDIA alliance has won a total of 234 seats which include 99 seats won by the Congress, 37 won by SP, 29 won by TMC and 22 won by DMK Tamil Nadu.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Ummid.com News Network / June 05th, 2024

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui is on a mission to smarten Urdu school students

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

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui And his wife Zahida with students during a quiz programme

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui, founder and chairman of Quiz Time, Mumbai, has organized more than 275 general knowledge quiz shows to promote the Urdu language across the megacity of Mumbai.

Committed to the promotion of the Urdu language and education in Mumbai, Siddiqui has been holding general knowledge quiz competitions in modern style for more than three decades.

He is so popular among students who are learning Urdu that as soon as he reaches a school, children gheroa him. They run towards him chanting “Uncle Hamid Iqbal aa gaye…”

Iqbal Siddiqui received the title of “Superstar of Urdu Students” long ago. besides, The Times of India publication has also honoured him with the title of “City Angel.”

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui delivering a motivational lecture

Siddiqui told Awaz-the Voice that apart from their syllabi, today’s children must have a good knowledge of arts, science, sports, technology, politics, civilization and culture, film, medicine, history, mathematics, current affairs (current affairs), etc.

“It plays an important role in a child’s success in life. If we look at our education and job entry examinations, it cannot be denied that questions in general knowledge are asked in almost every examination and this percentage is quite high. If attention is paid to this aspect from the early stage of children, the preparation process for any competitive exam can be started from the primary school.”

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui said that it was during 1992-93 that he and some of his close friends decided to do something for the youth. “I was given the responsibility of teaching General Knowledge. I used to conduct Islamic quiz competitions in madrasas during my student days. I also used to make Islamic quiz programs on the streets by putting up a stage in a street, However, those programs were also quite popular among the students. Therefore, I did not face any particular difficulty in organizing the General Knowledge Quiz competitions.”

Siddiqui says that even before the advent of quiz shows on television, he had been conducting general knowledge quiz competitions with music, and full pomp and show. At the end of the program, children are awarded prizes, and Siddiqui also presented gifts to their parents and their teachers.

“We presented a gift to each participant in the general knowledge competition. We value his hard work more than winning and losing,” Siddiqui said.

Hamid Iqbal the presentation of prizes to all participants made him quite popular. He says once he distributes prizes worth rs one lakh.

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui with teachers of urdu school

Quizmaster Hamid Iqbal says that it has been wrongly projected that there are no employment opportunities for those studying the Urdu language.

“Those who follow the outdated way of thinking and feel inferior are the ones. They are harming Urdu. Even today, Urdu is the source of livelihood for millions of people in our country. Urdu culture is still very attractive.”

He said that when Urdu is connected with modern technology, higher education, fashion, and entertainment many new opportunities of jobs will flow.

Hamid Iqbal has been working on sustaining and improving the quality of Urdu schools for years. “When the era of e-learning came, he introduced it in Urdu schools. We are continuing with that project without charging the school fees,” he said.

While visiting a school, he always carried chocolates and small gifts for the students. He asks the students questions during his lecture and gives away chocolates and gifts to those who reply or even attempt to reply correctly.

He however regrets the fact that there is no significant change in their condition. “In these schools, no special attention is paid to general knowledge.”

He narrates an incident. During his visit, he asked students the name of the President of the country and the reply was Narendra Modi. They didn’t know who the chief minister of the State was. “I realized that despite conducting General Knowledge Quiz competitions for 26-27 years, there is still a lot of work to be done. That’s why I am paying special attention and giving lectures in Urdu schools to change the mindset and trigger their minds to seek information and knowledge.”

In 1999, Quiztime Mumbai organized the first Inter-School General Knowledge Quiz Competition. The success of this large-scale program encouraged them to continue the trend in 2024 with the 23rd Annual General Knowledge Quiz Competition ‘Dhamal’. 2024′ was successfully organized in February. Fifty schools participated in this competition. A team of three students from each school participated.

A special feature of Dhamal 2024 was that not four but six teams were selected for the competition and they were awarded with trophies and prizes.

Siddiqui’s wife Zahida is the backbone of his operation. Zahida is a teacher in a government school and she spends a part of her salary on Urdu General Knowledge Quiz competitions.

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui with award winners

“She is also my like-minded friend and a friend of Urdu. Ever since she joined us, the quality of our quiz competitions has improved even more. Acknowledging his wife’s talent,” Hamid Iqbal says that Zahida is the best organizer.

Born in 1958 in Mumbai, Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui is the grandson of Allama Seemab Akbarabadi. His family has been serving the Urdu language for more than a hundred years. He has been working as an assistant editor of the 93-year magazine Shayar published in Mumbai.

This literary magazine has been banned for some time now. However, he writes a column for the Urdu newspaper Daily Inquilab. Interestingly, Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui is a trained designer; he is also fond of poetry.

Siddiqui continues to participate in national and international Mushairas. Hamid Iqbal says there have been occasions when he had to choose between attending a Mushaira and children’s quiz competition, he settled in favour of children.

Siddiqui commands an interesting personality, has a charming voice, and speaks polished Urdu. When he picks the mike, the audience is smitten by his way of speaking. He does not let his words burden the environment. The children who participate in Hamid Iqbal’s programs remember him forever. He is very happy. “when I go out, many people coFlecme and greet me. Students who are under study meet me as well as those who are now holding high positions when they mention me.”

Siddiqui has no children and he keeps showering his love, compassion, and sincerity on children.

A few years ago, he wanted to expand his work. he decided to find scribes in the Urdu educational institutions.

Apart from this, he organizes the program ‘Urdu ki Mohabbat Mein‘ every year under the banner of Quiz Time Mumbai. he awards a person who has worked selflessly for the promotion of the language. The award is called ‘Mohab Urdu Honour‘ He has seven books on General Knowledge to his credit so far.

Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui says that Urdu is a complete, modern, and living language. Like all the living languages ​​of the world, science, history, geography, and other modern sciences should be taught in Urdu. However, he says, a lot of hard work, effort, and struggle is needed to improve the quality of the education at these schools.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Shah Taj Khan, Pune / May 31st, 2024

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh: The visionary behind India’s finest Mosques

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), SCHOLARSHIPS, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh and some of the mosques he designed.

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh, a visionary based in Pune, Maharashtra, exemplifies the transformative power of architecture. With a passion for blending modern design with cultural heritage, Imran has developed a diverse portfolio ranging from innovative urban projects to iconic cultural landmarks. Renowned for his distinctive approach, he has redefined architectural design, particularly in the creation of mosques. His designs for these sacred spaces often include facilities like hospitals, museums, libraries, and community kitchens, showcasing his dedication to empowering the community. Through his work, Imran Abbas Shaikh has set a new standard for integrating functionality with tradition, earning widespread acclaim for his contributions to architecture.

Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh.

The Early Years

Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, has traversed an extraordinary journey from his roots to emerge as one of the most prominent architects of our time.

His architectural firm, Cubix Architects, situated in his hometown, reflects his deep-rooted connection to the place that nurtured his talents. Growing up, Imran was distinguished by his unique approach and a penchant for creative thinking, qualities that would later define his illustrious career as a visionary architect. However, it was the unwavering support and belief of his father that truly ignited Imran’s passion. His father instilled in him the notion that architecture was not merely about envisioning structures, but about crafting an unwavering future that could bring about positive change. This paternal guidance became the driving force behind Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence.

Islamic School and Institutional Campus, Phaltan, Maharashtra.

Educational Background 

Imran Shaikh’s educational journey was marked by a pursuit of excellence from the outset. Beginning with his early schooling split between SSPM and Children’s Academy in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, he demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and innovation. His high school years at Poona College laid the groundwork for his academic prowess, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.

Imran’s passion for architecture led him to Bharati Vidyapeeth, where he honed his skills and emerged as a consistent topper throughout his degree. Even after completing his formal education, Imran’s dedication to his field remained unwavering. He continues to share his expertise and insights by delivering lectures and guiding Ph.D. aspirants, leaving an indelible mark as an inspirational figure for aspiring architects and youngsters alike. His contributions as a guest lecturer have not only enriched the minds of his students but have also sparked a newfound enthusiasm for architecture among many.

Islamic Spiritual Centre of Maulana Sajjad Nomani – Neral, Maharashtra

Inspiration Behind Choosing Architecture as Career 

Imran Shaikh always had a keen interest in travelling, exploring, and various forms of art. After high school, he decided to pursue architecture as a career, a field that had always intrigued him. Imran often spoke about how his father was his biggest motivator, playing a significant role in his journey to becoming a successful architect. During Imran’s college years, his father would proudly share his accomplishments with everyone. Imran’s fondness for art and his unique, abstract perspective on things have been evident throughout his career. Each of his projects bears a distinctive touch, showcasing his artistic vision and innovative approach.

“Modern technologies have made the youth increasingly dependent, resulting in a lack of motivation and original ideas. To foster change, it is essential to reduce dependency on readymade materials and encourage wholehearted engagement in learning, exploration, and hands-on activities. As long as a person is away from mental pollution, they can do wonders”

How Does Imran Shaikh See Architecture 

Imran Shaikh states that architecture is a profession that has existed since the dawn of mankind, tracing its origins back to Adam (AS). Since the beginning, people have sought shelter, making architecture an integral part of human existence. This concept is not limited to humans; some of the best architectural forms can be seen in birds and animals. According to him, architecture starts with a dot, which evolves into a line, then a triangle, and gradually forms complex shapes and designs. The journey beginning with a simple dot encapsulates the essence of architecture.

His favourite works

The ‘Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, is under construction and spans 4,500 square metres.

Dar e Arqam

This mosque will include various facilities such as a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research centre.

Remarkably, it will be the first mosque in India to feature five minarets, symbolising the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith (shahada), prayer (namaz), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (roza), and pilgrimage (hajj). The mosque will be pentagon-shaped, further reflecting the significance of the five pillars. Additionally, it will boast a water and light show and house the world’s largest Quran, measuring 21 feet in height and 36 feet in width.

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh

Some of architect Imran’s finest works include:

1-KAUSAR BAUGH MASJID – PUNE, MAHARASHTRA

2-ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL CENTRE OF MAULANA SAJJAD NOMANI – NERAL, MAHARASHTRA

3-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – PHALTAN, MAHARASHTRA

4-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – NEPAL

5-MASJID MUHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH INDO ISLAMIC CULTURAL – BABRI MASJID, UP AYODHYA

5-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – BANGLADESH

Building a Better Society

Apart from his architectural achievements, Imran Shaikh is actively involved in education through his nonprofit ‘Human Embrace Foundation’, based in Pune. This foundation is dedicated to educating children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities. Imran’s commitment to this cause has made a significant impact, inspiring many young people. His dedication and success serve as a powerful role model for youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in their communities. Through both his architectural work and his educational initiatives, Imran Shaikh exemplifies the values of innovation, compassion, and community empowerment.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Fiza Memon / May 25th, 2024