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

For the love of teaching

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

A Full circle

Tasneem Fathima Khaleel

Tasneem Fathima Khaleel has had a successful career in academia. However, quite remarkably, she came back to where she started – teaching. M A Siraj reports.

Few people end their careers where they first began; Professor Tasneem Fathima Khaleel is among those few. “I am excited about the opportunity to finish my career in the classroom. And, with a little help, I will be teaching in a new state-of-the-art…facility,” says Tasneem, the first-ever woman to have obtained a doctorate in the State of Mysore in 1970. Prior to returning as a professor of Botany, she served as the dean of faculty at College of Arts & Sciences for a decade at the Montana State University at Billings (MUSB).

Paving a new path

Tasneem has been teaching Botany in the United States for over 40 years and has received many awards for her teaching and research. She has headed, or has been a member on as many as 23 different academic bodies or advisory councils in the US. For her contribution to research, with nearly 50 research publications on subjects ranging from cyto-embriology to plant reproduction, she was awarded the ‘Outstanding Research Award’ in 1995 by the Montana Research Academy and has also won the Faculty Excellence Award five times.

The year 2014 was a special year for Tasneem – she had the rare honour of an award being named after her, for mentoring at the MUSB. Reno Charette, director for American-Indian Education, was adjudged the winner of the first ‘Prof Tasneem Fathima Khaleel Award for Mentoring’.

Tasneem studied in Bengaluru, before heading to the US in 1975 after marriage. An alumna of Central College, Bengaluru, she has coveted every opportunity to visit her ‘City of Gardens’ – which she ruefully admits is more a part of nostalgia rather than reality.

A passionate researcher, she recalls that very few women could be seen in higher studies in those days. Only a couple of them were pursuing PhD while she was registered in Bangalore University as well as teaching biology as an assistant professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences at Hebbal between 1968 and 1975. Her study of ‘Flora at the GKVK Campus’ and ‘Weeds in Karnataka’ are still quoted as seminal works.

Writing her own destiny

Tasneem had finished her BSc and MSc by the time she was barely 19 years old. Wanting to be a teacher, she had put in her application, but was rejected, as the dean told her, “You look like a school girl, how would the students take you seriously?”

Instead, he directed her to register for a PhD programme, which had just been started in the Bangalore University. The Doctorate took longer than usual to complete because there was lack of guidance and direction, and the programme had several fits and starts.

Finally, at 26 when she got her her doctorate, she was being looked as ‘a confirmed spinster’ in her own cultural surroundings. Marriage was nowhere on her mental radar. It took her brother several sittings to convince her of getting married.

Tasneem travelled a long and twisted path – one shaped by her culture and her drive to excel, to become the distinguished professor that she is today. For most Americans who had only preliminary idea of Islam, a woman with covered head and such drive for excellence and perseverance was a combination of incongruities. “Women have rights in Islam. Muslim women didn’t even have to fight for those rights. The religion has given them those rights,” she says.

Dr Stn Waitr, her successor, says, “Dean Khaleel has raised the level of rigour, excellence and success in the College of Arts & Sciences to a standard that should serve as a model for the entire institution.” Interestingly, Tasneem even built a herbarium at the MUSB, which has around 17,000 specimens and is currently engaged in digitising it. She recalls with pride that she was the most productive member on the faculty of science at the MSU, which has nearly 22,000 students today in two campuses. Tasneem’s most significant discovery was the finding of mammalian steroids in plants, which she says, are responsible for sex expression in plants.

Author of four books, 10 external and 17 internal grants at the MSUB, Tasneem is excited about beginning her teaching career once again. “It had never ended. I had maintained a room in my department building, even while I headed the faculty,” she says.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Content / by M.A. Siraj / June 26th, 2015

MSUB readies to part with long-time Professor Dr. Khaleel

January 15, 2025Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)American Indian, Bangalore Muslims, Dr Tasneem Khaleel, Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Awarded - Inaugral Faculty Award for Exceptional Support of Students with Disabilities, Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Dean - College of Arts and Sciences - University of Montana - USA, Indian American, Indian Muslim Women in USA, Indian Muslims, Indian Muslims in USA, Indians in Montana, Indians in USA, Indians of Bengaluru in USA, Karnataka Muslims, Muslim Women of Bengaluru, Muslim Women of Bengaluru in Education, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of Bengaluru, Muslims of Bengaluru in Education, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Karnataka, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslim Women of Bengaluru, Positive News of Muslim Women of Bengaluru in Education, Positive News of Muslims of Bengaluru, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Prof Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Montana State University Billings - USA, Prof Tasneem Khaleel - Awarded - Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award 2017, Professor Tasneem Khaleel - Professor & Chair - Biological & Physical Sciences Department - Montana State University - USA, Professor Tasneem Khaleel Ph.D, Tasneem Khaleel, Tasneem Khaleel PhD - University of Bangalorempositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

After teaching for over 40 years, Dr. Tasneem Khaleel is retiring

MSUB readies to part with long-time Professor Dr. Khaleel

Retirement party in honor of Dr. Khaleel set for 2 p.m., April 26 in the Beartooth Room in the Student Union Building. Food and refreshments will be served.

Retirement party flyer here

Contacts:

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Hanging on the wall in Dr. Tasneem Khaleel’s office are the many awards and accolades marking the dedication and service she has given to Montana State University Billings over the past several decades.

Khaleel is retiring at the end of this semester and her presence and legacy will be with the science department and University for years to come.

Dr. Christine Shearer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said that without the dedication and perseverance of Khaleel, the College and its students would not be where it is today.

“Dr. Khaleel has devoted her professional career to Montana State University Billings in a variety of capacities. She has been a tireless researcher and developer of the internationally-renowned Herbarium, a deeply committed advocate for the sciences and science education, a leader of a complex and diverse unit, and has been a staunch supporter and mentor of female scientists and academic professionals in all disciplines,” Shearer said. “Her tenacity and resilience advanced the College of Arts and Sciences and its programs, including the establishment of the Women’s and Gender Studies Center, which serves the university and the community. Her involvement in Girls-n-Science impacted hundreds of young women planning STEM careers.”

Khaleel has been paving the way for women in STEM since the beginning of her career. She has the honor of being the first woman recipient of a Ph.D from Bangalore University, India, where she graduated with a degree in Botany in 1970.

In 1976, Khaleel would begin her tenure with MSUB, as would her signature project: the establishment, maintenance, and management of the internationally known MSUB Herbarium.

“The Herbarium is one of my professional accomplishments that I am most proud of,” Khaleel said.

Dr. Tasneem Khaleel, center, assists Heidi Carter, left, and an unknown student during a lab experiment. (Photo circa 1980)

Post-retirement, she will continue being involved in the herbarium, which includes some 16,000 vascular plant specimens, some of which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Herbarium serves as a tool for basic research in plant systematics, ecology, phytogeography, and evolution.

While Khaleel’s career is highlighted by the 11 years she served as dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, from 2004 to 2014, she has no regrets to returning to the classroom before retirement.

Throughout her time on campus, she moved up from an assistant professor to department chair and says coming full circle made her last two years with students, “the best.”

“I wanted to retire as a faculty member,” Khaleel said. “Having that time as Dean allowed me to hear so many perspectives that my focus shifted when I returned to the classroom. My focus shifted from teaching to learning, to becoming a mentor and being more supportive.

These last two years have been very rewarding.”

This year, Khaleel received the Walter and Charlotte Pippenger Excellence in Innovation Award.

For the last eight years the Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowment for Scholarships to Science has provided $1,000 awards to two students.

source: http://www.msubillings.edu/ucam/releases.2017/2017apr19Khaleel.htm / University Communications and Marketing / April 19th, 2017 / Montana State Univeristy Billings

Dr. Tasneem Khaleel – Professor, botany and biology, Billings, MT

January 15, 2025Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)American Indians, American Muslims of Indian Origin, Dr Tasneem Khaleel, Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Awarded - Inaugral Faculty Award for Exceptional Support of Students with Disabilities, Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Dean - College of Arts and Sciences - University of Montana - USA, Female Indian Muslims in Education, Indian American, Indian Americans, Indian Muslims, Indian Muslims in Education, Indian Muslims in USA, Indian Origin American Muslims, Muslim Women of Bengaluru, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of Bengaluru, Muslims of Bengaluru in Education, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Karnataka, Muslims Women of Bengaluru in Education, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslim Women of Karnataka, Positive News of Muslims of Bengaluru, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka in Education, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Prof Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Montana State University Billings - USA, Professor Tasneem Khaleel - Professor & Chair - Biological & Physical Sciences Department - Montana State University - USA, Professor Tasneem Khaleel Ph.D, Tasneem Khaleel, Tasneem Khaleel PhD - University of Bangalorempositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

Tell me about your education?

My Ph.D is from India, at Bangalore University and I was the first woman to get a Ph.D from that university. I started education at a very young age because I started school when I was about 3. In those days there was not an age limit to start school, when your parents felt you were ready they took you to school. From then on it was up to you. When I started off, there was no kindergarten or pre-school, it was first grade. I sat on the teacher’s lap most of the time because I was so little.

Why did you study botany?

When I was a student in India, botany was a man’s field. They did not really take women in graduate courses for botany because they look at botany as a field science. Since the graduate seats were so limited they didn’t take a whole lot of graduate students. They thought if they took in a girl student, the only option for her would be to teach botany, not go out to the field. They still looked at women in those days as better at home and in the classroom than in the field. That was a challenge for me. I just wanted to prove to them one could be in the field as well.

When did you know you wanted to become an educator?

Oh I loved teaching right from the beginning. One of the reasons you do your masters in any discipline in India was so that you can teach in college. When I graduated with my masters degree in botany, I was 19 years old at the time and so I went off to find a job. There was one person who was in charge of recruiting and allocating all of the lecturer positions. So I talked to him and said, I need a job but he took one look at me and said, you look like you just came out of high school. He didn’t think I would be impressive enough in front of a classroom and to be able to control a classroom, the kids wouldn’t take me seriously. So I sat there and cried, I wanted the job and he refused to give me something that I had a passion to teach. I didn’t want to keep all the knowledge to myself. So then he said how about if you went and did a Ph.D. and then came back a few years later and by then you will have grown up a bit. I took him up on that option but there was no Ph.D. program at the university so he said he would help start one, which he did. And then we got the university grant fellowship to support me and I did my Ph.D. By then I wasn’t interested in going to him anymore to teach because people were after me to come and teach being I was the first woman with a Ph.D. there.

Tell us about your passion, building the herbarium at MSUB?

The value of the herbarium is based on what plant collections you have in it. When I first came here there were just two wooden cabinets here, with maybe 500 specimens. And they said, this is your herbarium. It was shocking because where I came from there is a whole building dedicated to the herbarium. So I challenged myself to build a herbarium here. The very first grant I wrote was to buy herbarium cabinets. The next step I did was to call out to local agents here who had small collections to see if they were willing to consolidate to a central location. The US Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management and Rocky Mountain College were all very willing to give collections and we incorporated those in our herbarium. Over the years, the herbarium is a part of the national database with about 16,000 specimens.

Of the classes you teach, what is your favorite?

All of my classes are my favorite classes. I love teaching. I teach freshman biology, in fact that’s one of my most favorite classes to be honest. That’s when students are first starting out and I’m introducing them to biology for the first time and to get them excited about that. I really enjoy doing that and it gives me opportunities to mentor students because they’re just starting out. My second most favorite is plant systematics, they are both equally enjoyable classes for me. I just love teaching botany.

source: http://www.msubillings.edu/snapshots/2015-16/Khaleel.htm / msubillings.edu / by Cassie Winter, University Communications and Marketing / October 09th, 2015 / Montana State Univeristy Billings

The Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarship

January 15, 2025Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), Useful / SCHOLARSHIPS, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World OpinionDr Shafiq Khaleel, Dr Shafiq Khaleel - Veternarian, Dr Tasneem Khaleel, Dr Tasneem Khaleel - Dean - College of Arts and Sciences - University of Montana - USA, Indian Muslims, Indian Muslims in Montana USA, Indian Muslims in the USA, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of Bangalore, Muslims of Bengaluru, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Karnataka, Positive New of Indian Muslim Women, Positive New of Muslims of Bengaluru, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslim Women of Bengaluru, Positive News of Muslim Women of Karnataka, Positive News of Muslim Women of Karnataka in Education, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka in Education, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Professor Tasneem Khaleel - Professor & Chair - Biological & Physical Sciences Department - Montana State University - USA, The Tasneem and Shafiq Endowed Scholarship, The Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarshipmpositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Billings (Montana), USA :

Giving back to the community that has supported them for over 30 years was so important to Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel that they set up an endowed scholarship at MSU Billings in 2006. The Khaleels place a high value on education and where it can take you in life. From the moment Billings, Montana, became their home, they have reached out to the community to share their Indian culture and to offer help to those in need or educate those who would discriminate against them.

Since those early years at MSU Billings, Dr. Tasneem Khaleel has achieved full professor, was chair of the Biological and Physical Sciences department for many years, served as chair of Graduate Studies, and was Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Shafiq Khaleel has built a successful veterinary practice and a rose garden that is the envy of Billings. According to Tasneem, “We both came to this country with an education that has allowed us to be who we are today. If the scholarship allows even one student to achieve his/her goals, it will be one more educated citizen who will have the potential to make a difference.”

The Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarship was designed to help motivated students achieve their goals and ease some of their financial burden in completing their education. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2008-2009.

Impact

I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to receive the special scholarship from you both. Dr. Tasneem Khaleel, you have been a role model for me since I had you as my first science class professor at MSUB. I was honored to meet Dr. Shafiq and shake your hand that one afternoon when you picked Dr. Khaleel up from work. The scholarship you both have provided will give me the opportunity to help pay for my college another year at MSUB; it will forever be remembered. Impacting my life to support one more year of school is a stepping stone that will forever support my future endeavors. Again, thank you.” — Sarah G., Biology and Pre-Professional Medicine major

Scholarships

Tasneem and Shafiq Khaleel Endowed Scholarship

source: http://www.msubillings.academicworks.com / Montana State University University Billings Scholarships

Prof Farah Ghaus Bags Indian Golden Personalities Award

January 13, 2025Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Dr Farah Ghaus, Farah Ghaus, Female Muslims of Uttar Prades, Indian Muslims, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of Aligarh, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Uttar Padesh, Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positiive News of Indian Muslim Women, Positive New of Indian Muslim Women, Positive News of Aligarh Muslims, Positive News of Award Winning Muslims of India, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of Aligarh, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Prof Farah Ghaus, Prof Farah Ghaus - Awarded - Best Indian Golden Personalities Award 2025, Prof Farah Ghaus - Department of Anatomy - J N Medical College - Aligarh Muslim University, Prof Farah Ghous - Awarded - Indian Golden Personalitites Award 2025mpositiveone@gmail.com

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University with the Best Indian Golden Personalities Award, 2025

Aligarh:

Prof Farah Ghaus, Department of Anatomy, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University has been honoured with the Best Indian Golden Personalities Award, 2025 by the Friendship Forum of India, New Delhi.

Prof Ghaus has been chosen for the award for her commitment to advancing educational excellence in India and empowerment through education, and for her relentless pursuit of innovation, creativity and quality of work on the educational landscape.

The award recognises her pivotal role in shaping the future of thousands of students through her deep commitment to educational reforms, mentorship, and for fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / January 12th, 2025

Prof Nizamuddin Khan Bags Bhoogol Vachaspati Award

January 5, 2025Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023)Indian Muslims, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Nizamuddin Khan, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Prof Nizamuddin Khan - Awarded - Bhoogol Vachaspati Award, Prof Nizamuddin Khan - Department of Geography - Aligarh Muslim University - AMU, Professor Nizamuddin Khanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Prof. Nizamuddin Khan receives the prestigious Bhoogol Vachaspati Award at Osmania University Hyderabad

Agra :

Prof. Nizamuddin Khan, former Chairman, Department of Geography, Aligarh Muslim University has been honoured with the prestigious Bhoogol Vachaspati Award, conferred on him by the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI) at the inaugural function of Indian Geography Congress organised by the Department of Geography, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

The award recognises Prof Khan’s seminal contributions and services in promoting the cause of Geography in India.

Prof. Khan has had an illustrious teaching career spanning over thirty years with a special thrust on agricultural geography, livestock and rural marketing, livelihood generation, poverty reduction, sustainable development in rural regions and environmental studies.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / January 01st, 2025

Tonk’s Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and Student Shahjahan Shine in National Calligraphy Competition

January 5, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Calligraphers of India (wef. Jan 05th, 2025), Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023)Calligraphers of India, Calligraphers of Rajasthan, Calligraphers of Tonk, Indian Muslims, Iran Culture House - Mumbai, Iran Culture House - New Delhi, Markaz Talimul Khutut Institute, Maulana Azad College of Arts Science and Commerce - Aurangabad, Muslim Calligraphers of India, Muslim Calligraphers of Rajasthan, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Rajasthan, Muslims of Tonk, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Rajasthan, Positive News of Muslims of Tonk, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Second All India Quranic Calligraphy Competition, Shahjahan, Shahjahan - Calligrapher, Tonk, Tonk - Rajasthan, Ustad Khurshid Alam, Ustad Zafar Khan, Ustad Zafar Khan - Calligraphermpositiveone@gmail.com

Tonk, RAJASTHAN :

Tonk:

Tonk has been renowned for its calligraphy, a centuries-old art form that has earned the nawabi city an esteemed reputation on the international stage. This rich cultural heritage continues to thrive through the dedication of talented artists.

Recently, a national-level calligraphy competition was held in Aurangabad, attracting participants from across India, including Telangana, Maharashtra, Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and his student Shahjahan, both from Tonk’s Markaz-Talimul-Khutut institute, represented their city at the Second All-India Quranic Calligraphy Competition. The event was organised in collaboration with Maulana Azad College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Aurangabad) and the Iran Culture House, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Participants were initially shortlisted based on online submissions of their work. Those selected were invited to the competition held on December 27. Among the contenders, Tonk’s calligraphers distinguished themselves, securing the top two honours and bringing glory to their city.

Ustad Zafar Raza Khan received high praise for his exceptional skill in the Nasta’liq script. While judges unanimously considered his work the finest, he was awarded the second prize due to international competition rules. These rules stipulate that if only one individual meeting the standard for first place remains in the competition, the top prize is withheld, and the second prize is awarded instead.

Shahjahan, another participant from Tonk, triumphed in the Naskh Arabic (Osmani Naskh) script category, winning first prize. Their achievements underscore the exceptional training provided at Markaz-Talimul-Khutut, a new institute established in Tonk on January 1, 2024.

The institute has rapidly gained prominence, thanks to its internationally acclaimed instructors, Ustad Zafar Raza Khan and Ustad Khurshid Alam. Both are celebrated as among the finest calligraphy masters globally. Their dedication has elevated the institute and inspired a new generation of artists to master this ancient art form.

The institute’s officials attribute their success to the hard work of their students and faculty, pledging continued efforts to preserve and promote the art of calligraphy. This achievement is a source of pride not only for Tonk but for Rajasthan and the entire nation.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / January 01st, 2025

Haleema Mizna Clears CA in First Attempt

December 30, 2024Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Fathima Naseera, Haleema Mizna, Haleema Mizna - Chartered Accountant, Haleema Mizna - St Agnes College, Haleema Mizna - St Aloysius Evening College - Mangaluru, Haleema Mizna - The Yenepoya School, S M Saleem, SM Saleemmpositiveone@gmail.com

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

Haleema Mizna, a local resident, has achieved a remarkable milestone by clearing her Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams in her first attempt. The results were announced on Friday.

Haleema began her education at The Yenepoya School and later completed her Pre-University education at St. Agnes College. She pursued her CA studies at St. Aloysius Evening College in Mangaluru and completed her articleship under CA Narendra Pai.

Haleema is the daughter of SM Saleem and Fathima Naseera. Her achievement has brought pride to her family and community, marking an accomplishment in the competitive field of Chartered Accountancy.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / December 28th, 2024

Bihar: Meet Habiba Bukhari, Daughter Of An Imam And A Judicial Officer From Munger

December 27, 2024Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Habiba Bukharimpositiveone@gmail.com

Munger, BIHAR :

Habiba Bukhari

Patna:

Habiba Bukhari from Munger received on November 28, 2023, one of the most joyous pieces of news in her life: she had been selected for the Bihar Judicial Service. She secured 30th rank in the general category. This remarkable achievement of hers not only marks a significant personal victory but also reflects the strength of her determination and resilience in the face of numerous challenges.

Habiba comes from a modest background. Her father, Ahmad Bukhari, is an imam (prayer leader) at the Gulzar Pokhar mosque in Munger, which is located about 200 kilometers east of Bihar’s capital of Patna. Her mother is a homemaker. Despite the simplicity of their lives, the family’s support for Habiba has been unwavering.

Ahmad shared a heartfelt moment with TwoCircles.net. Recalling the night of November 28 when his daughter first called him with the good news, he said, “I got a video call from Habiba who was crying. I asked her to calm down and tell me why she was crying. After controlling her emotions, she informed me that she had been selected for the Bihar Judicial Service. Such was her joy!”

A bright student from an early age, Habiba completed her BA LLB and LLM degrees from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). She also completed her schooling from there, though she began her academic journey at a Hindi-medium government school in Munger. During her high school years, she studied Urdu, Arabic, Political Science and English. Today, she is pursuing a Ph.D. from AMU.

Habiba with her father during Haj

When asked about her future plans, Habiba said she hopes to complete her Ph.D. while serving as a judicial officer. “If I am allowed, I would love to continue my Ph.D. and work as a judicial officer,” she said.

A hafiza (who memories Qur’an) of five chapters of the holy book and a woman who wears a headscarf, Habiba’s choice of career in the judiciary was driven by a strong sense of personal values. “For me, a safe workplace is the most important thing. I believe the judiciary offers the safest environment to work in. It provides both financial security and stability,” she explains. While acknowledging the alternative of litigation, she notes the additional struggles it entails, especially for someone without a strong background.

Her journey into law was inspired by the influence of her batchmates at AMU who were preparing for their BA LLB after high school. Habiba focused largely on self-study to prepare for the judicial services exam and complemented her efforts with coaching sessions offered by the varsity.

Habiba has a word of advice for future aspirants: “This is an age of cut-throat competition. One needs to work very hard. The seats are limited, but do not lose heart and keep trying.” She is set to begin her training for the judicial service in late February 2024.

Apart from her professional ambitions, Habiba has a deep love for reading, particularly novels. She recalls an intriguing moment from her interview for the judicial service, where, along with law-related questions, she was asked about temples and mosques that do not allow women entry.

Throughout her academic journey, Habiba has been deeply grateful for the support of her family. “I received both financial and emotional support from my family throughout my studies and preparation. It made everything much easier for me,” she shared. Habiba’s younger sister, Arisha Bukhari, is pursuing a BA and her brothers are also in higher studies.

Habiba also reflected on the societal challenges her family faced due to her higher education. “In our society, girls are often married off early that affects their opportunities for higher education. But my family never stopped me from pursuing my studies,” she said. She quoted the word ‘Iqra’ from the Qur’an to emphasize the importance of education in Islam.

Habiba with her family

She added, “Our society should not discriminate between boys and girls, especially when it comes to education. Girls should also be educated while following Islam.”

Her father, Ahmad, strongly supports the cause of girls’ education. “Parents want their children to be successful, and if they work hard, they will succeed. It is wrong to marry off girls after giving them only basic education. If they want to study more, they must be allowed to do so.”

He fondly recalls Habiba’s childhood. “She was always curious. Even as a child, she would read from torn newspaper pieces. After she passed her twelfth grade, we were considering her marriage. But my sister in Patna persuaded us to let Habiba continue her studies. We could see her potential. Though an Imam’s salary isn’t much, we managed to support her education,” he said.

Habiba is one of only ten Muslim candidates who passed the Bihar Judicial Service exam this year, out of 153 total candidates. Among other successful candidates from her community are Farha Nishat, cousin of activist Sharjeel Imam, who was also selected for the same post. Other Muslim women who succeeded in this year’s exam include Tazeen Binte Waheed, who secured the 20th rank, and Saniya Akhtar, who secured 48th place in the general category. In the reserved categories, Sarah Imam secured 6th rank under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), while Zeba Manzoor topped the Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) category.

Habiba’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support and the transformative power of education. Her journey inspires all, especially young women, to pursue their dreams — no matter the obstacles.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Indian Muslim / by Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net / December 19th, 2024

AMU Researcher Dr Hifzur R. Siddique Included in the World’s First Expert Consensus Group on NUT Carcinoma

December 27, 2024Business & Economy, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, World OpinionDr Hifzur R Siddique, Dr Hifzur Rahman Siddique, Dr Hifzur Rahman Siddique - Department of Zoology - AMU, Dr Hifzur Rahman Siddique - Member - Worlds First Expert Consensus Group - NUT Carcinoma, Hifzur Rahman Siddique, Prevention of Liver Cancer - Research - Dr Hifzur Rahman Siddiquempositiveone@gmail.com

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Dr Hifzur R. Siddique, Department of Zoology, AMU, has been included as a part of the world expert consensus on the strategy to diagnose and treat NUT carcinoma

Aligarh:

Dr Hifzur R. Siddique, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, who has been doing research on cancer for the last several years, has been included as a part of the world expert consensus on the strategy to diagnose and treat NUT carcinoma.

Dr Siddique is the only Indian to become the part of 101 scientists from different countries, including USA, UK, China, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Austria, Singapore, Egypt, and Russia to work on the NUT Carcinoma, which was first reported in 1991. It is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis and a median survival of 6-9 months only.

Dr Siddique pointed out that ‘Nuclear protein of the testis’ (NUT) carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy characterised by the rearrangement of the NUT midline carcinoma family member 1 (NUTM1) gene and less than 200 cases are diagnosed in the US each year.

He said standardised strategies for its diagnosis and treatment remained unavailable, underscoring the need for an expert consensus. To address this gap, the scientific team prepared this consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of NUT carcinoma. The team comprised medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, nurses, molecular biologists, statisticians, and bioinformatics specialists.

The AMU researcher mentioned that the team developed the expert consensus on diagnosing and treating NUT carcinoma using a multidisciplinary approach and the guideline provides eight recommendations, addressing epidemiological characteristics, clinical and imaging manifestations, pathological findings, IHC features, molecular mechanisms and subtypes, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this cancer. Furthermore, an international platform has been established to disseminate NUT carcinoma knowledge and patient recruitment, providing patients and healthcare providers’ access to NUT carcinoma-related information and updates on clinical trial recruitment.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / December 26th, 2024