Category Archives: Education – Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023)

Saman Zehra of AMU bags Young Scientist Award

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Dr Saman Zehra, a researcher at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious Young Scientist Award at ICC 2025.

Aligarh Muslim University: 

Dr Saman Zehra, a researcher at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been awarded the prestigious Young Scientist Award at ICC 2025.

Dr Saman Zehra won the award at the second edition of International Conference in Chemistry 2025 held at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) Hyderabad.

Dr Saman’s research was on “Smart Multi-Functional Coatings for Controlled Corrosion Protection,” contributing to sustainable materials.

Dr. Saman Zehra is a researcher under the Women Scientist Program (WOS-A) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Dr Saman, who completed her Ph.D. under Professor Mohammad Mobin at AMU, presented her research under the mentorship of Prof. Rais Ahmad.

AMU’s Department of Applied Sciences was established in 1958 in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, which was subsequently split into 3 sections namely, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. In 1988, the Chemistry section was upgraded to a full-fledged Department of Applied Chemistry.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Science & Technology / by ummid.com, science desk / February 26th, 2025

Majid Hussain tops Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains in MP with 99.99 percentile

Burhanpur, MADHYA PRADESH :

Majid Hussain of Burhanpur tops JEE Mains with 99.99 Percentile

Seventeen-year-old Majid Mujahid Hussain from Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, has brought immense pride to his community by emerging as the state’s top scorer in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2025. Securing an impressive 99.99 percentile, his remarkable achievement has sparked celebrations among his family, teachers, and well-wishers.

Majid’s journey to success began in Year 11 when he started preparing rigorously for the highly competitive exam. Enrolling in a coaching institute, he dedicated himself entirely to his studies, making significant sacrifices along the way.

Reflecting on his preparation, Majid shared, “For two years, I focused solely on my goal. I even refrained from attending weddings and festivals to make the best use of my time.” His unwavering dedication and discipline played a crucial role in his outstanding performance.

Expressing his gratitude, Majid acknowledged the support of his family, particularly his father, who provided him with invaluable guidance, and his teachers, whose unwavering encouragement helped him stay motivated. Speaking to news agency INS, he said, “My family has played a crucial role in my success.

He said, my father provided me with the best possible guidance, and my teachers offered their unwavering support. Now, my aim is to achieve a high rank in JEE Advanced and pursue engineering at a premier institute.”

Majid’s mother, Sakina Hussain, was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing about her son’s remarkable accomplishment. “I am extremely proud that my son has topped Madhya Pradesh with 99.99 percentile. His hard work has paid off, and this is just the beginning of his journey,” she said. Encouraging other students, she advised them to stay motivated and not lose hope despite challenges.

His success has been widely celebrated, not just by his family but also by his teachers and the local community. Many have lauded his commitment and perseverance, with his school principal calling him a “brilliant and dedicated student who always had his eyes set on his goals.”

The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently announced the JEE Mains 2025 results, and Majid’s achievement has set a new benchmark for students across Madhya Pradesh. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers, demonstrating that with perseverance, dedication, and a strong support system, success is within reach.

As Majid now sets his sights on JEE Advanced, his journey continues to motivate young minds striving to excel in engineering. His achievement is not just a personal triumph but a moment of collective pride for his family, teachers, and the entire Burhanpur community.

With Agencies Inputs

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / February 14th, 2025

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan is Now No More

Tonk, RAJASHTAN :

Tonk, Rajasthan :

Shaukat Ali Khan, who received the “International Hero in Literature Award” from Cambridge University and was awarded the President’s Award, is now no more. He breathed his last on Saturday night during treatment in Jaipur. He was 87.

Born on 11 July 1936 in the family of Sahabzada Idris Ali Khan of Tonk, Shaukat Ali Khan is a distinguished personality of the Amiriya family. He was the first Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute (APRI).

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan participated in the International Sufism Seminar organized by India in Afghanistan.

In view of this, the then President Giani Zail Singh himself considered him worthy of being honored with the National Award.

Shaukat Ali Khan also received an award in a seminar organized by UNESCO.

Apart from being a writer, historian, translator, and poet, he possessed many salient features rarely found in the world of literature.

Shaukat Ali Khan with APRI team

The APRI, which has its own identity in the country and the world, is also the result of the hard work and dedication of Shaukat Ali Khan.

Shaukat Ali Khan with President of India Giani Zail Singh at APRI, Tonk

In 1986, then President Giani Zail Singh visited the APRI. At that time, he wrote, “I am happy that such a director and such an organization exists in Rajasthan, due to which Rajasthan is known in the Arabic-Persian world. This happens very rarely. The idea is that someone should establish a path for the simultaneous progress and development of both the languages. I am extremely proud that a single person has created a platform for the progress of the Arabic and Persian languages and made it popular in the world. For this, its director Shaukat Saheb should definitely get the National Award, which he deserves.”

The life of Shaukat Ali had many forms and colors. With his efforts, he not only converted a nursery into an institute but also brought glory to Tonk. The APRI is proof of his pioneering efforts and wisdom. As long as the APRI continues to exist, the name of Shaukat Ali Khan will be there.

Shaukat Ali Khan was initially appointed Nigran of Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan’s library. He collected about 50,000 Makhtutats and wrote about 60 books in different languages – two books in Arabic, 10 in Persian and about 45 in English.

He had been carrying out research and writing work for about 40 years. He was a scholar of Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu languages. He has also served as a member of many national and international government organizations.

Shaukat Saheb, who presented papers at national and international conferences and seminars, also edited and translated 6000 manuscripts, and published about 300 articles in more than 100 journals in English and Urdu. There is a long list of honors received by him at the national and international levels as well as at the state level. After retirement, he was living his life as a Sufi saint.

People across the country, including Mujeeb Azad, Director of Tonk Arabic Persian Research Institute; Sahibzada Mohammad Ahmed Bhayyu Bhai, Chairman of Royal Family Tonk; Retired Research Officer Anwarunnisa Nadira, State General Secretary of Human Relief Society, Tehreek-e-Urdu Rajasthan Advocate Akhtar Khan Akela, Cricket Coach Imtiaz Ali Neelu, have expressed grief over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss for the Arabic-Persian Research Institute, Tonk residents, and the Tonk Royal Family.

Condolence Letter by Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk

Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk has also sent a condolence message.

Chaudhary Akbar Qasmi, national convenor of Sanjhi Virasat Manch, has written that Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan was a descendant of Tonk Nawab and was one of the great intellectuals of Rajasthan. No one can deny his important role in establishing a big library (Arabic Persian Research Institute) in Tonk City and in raising it from the ground to great heights. As long as he was able to walk, he stood before writers and research scholars as a bright lamp of hope.

He was indeed a man of knowledge and grace.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Obituary / by Raheem Khan / December 12th, 2023

Indian teenage boy speaks, writes and reads 400 languages

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Mahmood Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

Nineteen-year-old Indian Muslim boy, Mahmood Akram, has astonished the world with his linguistic abilities and achieved what many consider impossible.

With the ability to write, read and type in 400 languages and speak 46 fluently, the Chennai-based Muslim teenager’s journey into languages began at an early age, guided by his father, Shilbee Mozhippriyan, who himself speaks 16 languages, according to media reports.

The young Indian boy believes English isn’t enough for global communication & wants to inspire people of Tamil Nadiu to learn more languages.

Akram’s extraordinary talent became evident when he learned the English alphabet in just six days and Tamil’s 299-character script in three weeks—a feat that typically takes months.

Encouraged by his father, a linguistics expert, he continued to explore languages, surpassing even his mentor’s knowledge by the age of six.

At just eight years old, Akram set a world record as the youngest multilingual typist. By 12, he had impressed German linguists by demonstrating fluency in 400 languages, securing another world record.

“I had struggled because I did not know the language of a particular state or country when I had to move to places like Israel, Spain, due to my job,” shares Shilbee, who also owns a doctorate in cognitive psychology among other degrees.

Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

His passion for languages led him beyond conventional schooling. Unable to find suitable programmes in India, he pursued online studies through an Israeli institution, focusing on Arabic, Spanish, French, and Hebrew.

Inspired by his growing social media following, Akram began teaching languages at 14 through YouTube.

By 2024, he had conducted language workshops in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, sharing his expertise with students worldwide.

He is pursuing a BA in English Literature and a BSc in Animation at Chennai’s Alagappa University while also studying linguistics at the UK’s Open University.

Despite his academic commitments, he remains dedicated to refining his fluency across languages.

As Akram recalls, “My journey started at the age of four.” “My parents began teaching me Tamil and English alphabets, and I mastered the English alphabet in six days. They were astonished.” His aptitude didn’t stop there. He learnt the 299 alphabets of Tamil in just three weeks, a task that typically takes months.  

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Gulf Today Report / February 19th, 2025

Bengal’s Parvin Sultana Overcomes Hardships to Become ITI National Topper, Aspires for Civil Services

Taldi Village (South 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :

Photo Credit: enewsroom

Kolkata:

Parvin Sultana, a young woman from West Bengal, has secured the top position in the All India Industrial Training Institute (ITI) examination 2024 in the Mechanic Diesel Trade, scoring an impressive 599 out of 600 marks.

Despite financial struggles, she achieved this remarkable feat without private coaching. Recognizing her exceptional performance, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee felicitated her, and she also received official recognition from Delhi.

Hailing from Taldi village in South 24 Parganas district, Parvin ranked first among female candidates nationwide. However, her academic success contrasts with her family’s financial difficulties. Her father, Taziur Rahman Sardar, works as a daily wage laborer in a fish market, striving to support their seven-member household.

Parvin’s educational journey has been one of determination. She completed her schooling at Taldi Surabala Sikshayatan for Girls’ School, securing 42% in her Madhyamik exams in 2017 and 76% in her Higher Secondary exams in 2019. In 2023, she earned a Political Science degree with 66% marks.

Despite financial hardships, Parvin remained focused on her studies, preparing for the ITI exam with the guidance of her college teachers instead of opting for private tutoring. “I couldn’t afford a tutor, but my teachers supported me. I want to prove that girls can excel in every field,” she said.

Lokman Mollah, a social worker in Canning, praised her perseverance, stating, “Many talented students in the Sundarbans go unnoticed due to financial constraints. Parvin’s success is proof that determination can overcome any obstacle.”

Parvin was honored at a public reception in Canning, organized by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and led by MLA Paresh Ram Das. Canning Panchayat Samiti President Uttam Das also recognized her achievements, while her mother, Rijia Bibi, voiced concerns about financial constraints. “She wants to study further, but we lack the resources,” she said.

Assuring assistance, MLA Paresh Ram Das stated, “Just as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supports meritorious students, we, too, stand by them.”

While excelling in the ITI exam, Parvin’s ultimate goal is to serve society through the civil services. Inspired by her recent success, she has decided to prepare for competitive exams. “Initially, I wasn’t sure what to study for a secure job, but after my ITI results, many suggested civil services. Now, I am enrolling in a coaching center in Kolkata to prepare,” she said.

Parvin’s journey from a small village to national recognition serves as an inspiration, proving that resilience and hard work can overcome financial hardships.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 13th, 2025

Farhana I M: A Triumph of Perseverance and Passion

Kundapra (aka Kundapura), Udupi District, KARNATAKA :

Kundapur :

In a remarkable display of dedication, Farhana I M has secured second rank in M.Tech Computer Science and Engineering under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).

What makes her achievement extraordinary is not just academic excellence but the journey behind it. A mother of three, she balanced family responsibilities while pursuing higher education, proving that determination breaks barriers. Her story is a testament to the boundless nature of passion for learning.

Born to Ismail Kundapur and married to Imran Kundapur, Farhana shares a close bond with her brother-in-law, Mohammed Ashif Karnire, CEO of Expertise Contracting Company in Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on her journey, Farhana credits her love for education and the desire to set an example for her children as her driving forces. She hopes her success inspires other mothers and students to pursue their aspirations despite challenges.

Her accomplishment stands as a beacon of motivation, encouraging students and professionals alike to chase their dreams with dedication and perseverance.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 16th, 2025

Pulwama in the news again, for Simrah who scored 99.39 percentile in JEE

Pulwama (Kashmir), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Simrah Mir, a Kashmiri student, beat the odds to score 99.39 percentile in JEE Mains, inspiring countless students.

Simrah Mir, a JEE topper from Kashmir. | Photo by Special Arrangement

She comes from a region where resilience is a way of life. When Simrah spoke over the phone, her voice exuded conviction which only comes with a sense of achievement.

“At one point, I felt like giving up,” she began. Yet even her recall of desperation was in an unwavering tone.

Hailing from Kashmir’s Pulwama, a town often making the headlines for more negative than positive news, Simrah Mir has given a reason for the region to shine bright. Defying all odds stacked up against her, this young woman has brought immense joy and pride to the valley by scoring 99.39 percentile in the recently concluded JEE Mains this year.

Simrah’s is not just a personal victory but may well be an inspiration for countless students across Kashmir. Simrah, a student of a local government school, attended RISE coaching classes in Srinagar for JEE.

RISE is a coaching institute in Srinagar started by three former IITians: Salman Shahid and Imbesat Ahmad, both alumni of IIT Kharagpur, and Mubeen Masudi of IIT Bombay. Mubeen is a Kashmiri, says Mr. Shahid. “We started our institute in 2015 since we wanted to do something for Kashmir. When we started out, only a handful enrolled in our classes. Today, every year, some three to four students from our institute go to IIT and 70 to 80 students go to NIT. Twenty percent of these students are girls,” says Mr Shahid.

In an interview with The Hindu, Simrah spoke about her challenges, triumphs, and her fresh optimism for the road ahead.

She says: “At times, there were internet shutdowns, and many times it was a fearful environment at my hometown. My parents sheltered me from everything, even from what happening around our near vicinity. Then I moved to Srinagar. It was difficult to travel up and down daily from Pulwama every day for the coaching classes. It’s a long distance.”

Unlike many students who set their sights on JEE early on, Simrah’s decision to pursue engineering evolved over time. “It was a big step. Initially, I didn’t know much about JEE. I joined the RISE Institute, and there I got to know about the exam and started looking at engineering as a career. Later, I faced difficulties in my preparation. I felt like giving up, but my parents constantly supported and motivated me,” she continued.

What kept you motivated? What were the reactions of your parents, friends, and teachers to your preparations?

 Initially, when I was searching for an interest, my parents and relatives were pushing me towards medicine. I didn’t like Biology and I’m not interested in Medicine. From an early age, I was interested in Physics and Mathematics; I wanted to know about the subjects. I studied by myself. I used to read books other than my textbooks. Physics and Maths interested me.

Later on, I decided that it is a stream for me. I decided I had to take Mathematics and Physics as a career.

Any obstacles or resistance you came across while preparing for JEE? Did you ever think about what would happen if you didn’t get selected?

 There were definitely moments of doubt. And I used to have them often. As I said, I felt like giving up. JEE is a tough exam. I did think about what would happen if I didn’t get selected. But every time I felt low, my parents supported me. That helped me stay focused and push through the tough times.

I recently spoke to some people in Assam and learned that language, infrastructure, and cultural barriers can be obstacles in education. Did you face any challenges like that?

 Shifting to Srinagar was a big deal for me. I’m from Pulwama, and it was getting difficult. There were no coaching classes specifically for JEE preparations

I did think of going to Delhi or another State initially because there are good institutes there. But then I realised it might not be beneficial for me. I have never lived alone, and I felt like I should be close to my parents.

In Kashmir, students usually prefer medicine and becoming doctors, especially girls. It’s rare for a girl to take engineering as a career.

Did your school play any role in your success? Did they provide career counselling or extra classes for JEE aspirants?

 There was enough career counselling but no extra classes specifically for JEE aspirants. Most students in my school focused on board exams.

Nobody actually introduced the subject to me. I was inquisitive. There were some other students too who were genuinely interested to study and were inquisitive like me.

Which branch of engineering attracts you the most? And why? And have you thought about any specific college you would like to join?

 I have not thought about it. Of course, I want to go to the best college. I want to go to IIT.

Personally, I want to take Computer Science Engineering, but I don’t know exactly what will happen in the future. I haven’t researched much yet. It also depends on my rank and how I perform in the JEE Advanced exam.

What do you wish to become eventually?

 As of now, my goal is to pursue Computer Science Engineering. I would see where my passion takes me eventually.

What advice and tips you would want to give to JEE aspirants from your region?

 In Kashmir, many students, especially girls, hesitate to choose engineering because it’s not the common path. But if you genuinely enjoy Mathematics and Physics, you should give it a chance. It’s important to be practical.

JEE is tough, and there will be challenges. But if you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can do it.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Education / by Mantasha Ahmed / February 15th, 2025

Mangaluru: BIT Students excel at VTU Convocation

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Thasneem Khalid and Ayshuthul Sajeena

Mangaluru: 

Students of Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT) have made the institution proud with their achievements at the 24th Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Annual Convocation held today.

Thasnim Khalid, an M.Tech CSE graduate, secured the 8th rank with a CGPA of 9.43 and received her award during the ceremony.

Ayshuthul Sajeena, another M.Tech CSE graduate, achieved the 5th rank with a CGPA of 9.53. However, she could not attend the event due to the recent passing of her father.

The BIT management, faculty, and staff have congratulated both students on their accomplishments, appreciating their hard work and dedication.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 08th, 2025

Minto Circle Toppers Felicitated at 2nd Mintorians Meet in New Delhi

NEW DELHI :

Topper students of Minto Circle were honored for their academic excellence by senior students and teachers at the second Mintorians Meet held at Jamia Millia Islamia on Sunday.

Asad Reyaz Khan (Class 9) secured 99.3%, Tarun Kumar Sharma (Class 10) got 97.4%, Fazle Rahmani (Class 9) scored 99.2%, and Mohd Saad (Class 8) achieved 99.6%.

Teachers and alumni gathered to discuss ways to give back to their alma mater and support students facing educational challenges. The Mintorians Meet was created to connect and help students from marginalized communities.

Ex-Principal Manzar Jamal praised the initiative and mentioned a parallel Mintorians platform supporting over 600 students. He emphasized promoting sports so students can represent India internationally, contributing to nation-building. He also urged students to play meaningful roles in the country’s progress.

Mintorians excelling in various fields like judiciary, army, journalism, academics, and entrepreneurship were also awarded.

Senior alumni, including Prof. Saleem Kidwai, Jawed Ali Khan, and Haziq Ameen, shared nostalgic experiences and praised the organizers.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 10th, 2025

Vogue Theater Committed to Promoting Urdu Language, Theatre, and Creative Activities

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The sixth annual festival, “Discover,” celebrated young creative talents with enthusiasm, recognizing efforts to provide them a platform.

Organized by Vogue Theatre in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, the state-level Urdu drama competition and children’s festival successfully took place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The event showcased the richness of Urdu language and literature while offering young talents an opportunity to express their creativity. Schools from Mumbai, its suburbs, and other districts participated, making it a vibrant confluence of artistic expression.

Engr. Adnan Sarkhot, President of Vogue Theatre, who has been associated with Urdu theatre for over 30 years and actively works for children’s creative development, led the event to its grand success. Notable guests, including Padma Shri Dr. Zaheer Kazi, IPS Qaiser Khalid, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah, Zahid Khan, and Zakir Khan, lauded Team Vogue’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of such programs in preserving Urdu for future generations.

As in previous years, “Discover” featured various competitions, including drawing, mono-acting, Urdu and English story writing, quizzes, and drama. More than a contest, the festival served as a learning experience, building confidence and refining students’ artistic skills. The participants’ creative performances left a lasting impression on the audience.

Experts from Mumbai, Bhiwandi, and Solapur judged the competitions.

Awardees included Principal Saba Patel, who received the Innovative Principal Award, while Raja Baghban (Solapur) and Sajid Dolar (Malegaon) were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to education and literature. Additionally, for their outstanding performances in Urdu drama and academic excellence in SSC exams, Zara Feroz Shaikh (Mira Road) and Aashna Wahid Ansari (Mumbra) received the Rising Star Award.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture / by Radiance News Bureau / February 08th, 2025