The 79th Independence Day was celebrated at Secab Engineering College here on 15th August 2025 with great enthusiasm. The chief guest of the function was Salauddin Ayub Punekar.
After the flag hoisting, Nazeer Ahmed Kazi, Retired Executive Engineer, addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted that India, with a population of 140 crore, is home to people of many religions, yet united as one nation. He said, “Unity in diversity is the true culture of our country. Nowhere else in the world do we find such an example. Let us be proud of it.”
He reminded everyone that Independence Day marks India’s freedom from British colonial rule on 15th August 1947. The day honours the courage and sacrifices of the freedom fighters and inspires citizens to uphold the values of liberty, unity, and responsibility. He recalled the contributions of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who declared in 1916: “Swaraj is my birth-right and I shall have it.”
Quoting Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, he stressed the need for India to be self-reliant and globally competitive. Addressing the students, he said that engineers have a dual responsibility – both as citizens and as professionals – in nation-building. Referring to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of engineers as the builders of the nation, he urged them to come to the forefront in technology development and achieve technological independence through innovative and globally competitive practices.
He also acknowledged India’s remarkable progress, standing today as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. However, he cautioned against persisting challenges like communalism, casteism, corruption, unemployment, and social injustice, calling for collective efforts to overcome them.
The Director of SECAB Association, Salauddin Punekar, in his address, emphasised that independence should not remain a symbolic celebration but must reflect in every walk of life.
Several students and staff members also spoke on the occasion.
The Founder of SECAB Association, Shamshuddin Punekar, was present on the dais along with Principal Abbas Ali. The programme concluded with the President’s address, who welcomed all and extended heartfelt Independence Day wishes.
It was a memorable and meaningful celebration.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 17th, 2025
A remarkable achievement by a student from Kumbra’s Markazul Huda Women’s College has drawn attention, as she meticulously handwritten the entire Quran using an ink pen.
The achiever, Fathima Sajla Ismail, a BCom student, hails from Baitadka in Kaniyur village of Kadaba taluk and is the daughter of Ismail and Zahra Jasmine. She dedicated nearly five years to this extraordinary work, beginning in January 2021 and completing it in August 2025.
For the handwritten manuscript, Sajla used white, light blue, and light green papers, along with a black ink pen. The Quran consists of 604 pages, bound with a red and gold-coloured protective cover, and weighs about 14 kg.
“Writing a single page would take me around four hours. On some days, I managed to write two pages in eight hours. In total, I completed the work in 302 days, spending 2,416 hours,” shared Sajla.
The unveiling of the handwritten copy and recognition of her achievement took place at Markazul Huda Women’s College in Kumbra.
The manuscript was officially released by Yaseen Sakhafi Al Azhari, a Mudarris from Markaz Knowledge City, Kerala.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by DaijiWorld Media Network – Kadaba (headline and name edited) / August 18th, 2025
THEN AND NOW: Dr M G Anwar Batcha started writing a Thirukkural couplet with its meaning everyday since 1977 on a black board kept at a cycle shop at Coimbatore Gandhi Park. Post retirement, he continues his mission of popularising and promoting Thirukkural among the public.
So goes the inspiring quote of Missile Man of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam – “Every small step taken with determination leads to great achievements.” Taking a cue from this, a former Tamil teacher Dr M G Anwar Batcha, known as Kural Yogi in the literary circle, celebrated 50 years of his literary journey penning books, writing a couplet with its meaning everyday on a board kept at a cycle shop at Gandhi Park in the heart of Coimbatore city since 1977.
It’s always fascinating to rewind the golden days of teaching, speaking at literary meetings and what not. As a faculty with 25-year service at Chokkampudur SBOA Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore city, Thirukkural Batcha, a resident of Kuniyamuthur, took a trip down the memory lane to share his experience about Thirukkural, which is close to his heart.
It may be noted that a special story was featured on him in 2010 in The New Indian Express when S Kamalakannan was a senior photographer and during a routine round across the city found him writing a couplet on a black board. Worth mentioning that he makes it a point to sensitise people through his books and speeches at a plethora of events both inland and abroad. Words cannot express the amount of happiness he has in doing this literary service for over 50 years or so.
In all smiles, he said, “Life is indeed a journey filled with ups and downs, and how we navigate these fluctuations defines our resilience and character.” And that’s what Saint Thiruvalluvar had said in his 1330 couplets. Elaborating on it further, he remarked, “This ancient Tamil text is a profound testament to the intellectual and cultural achievements of Tamil civilization. Beyond its philosophical depth, the Thirukkural holds immense historical significance as a cornerstone of Tamil literature and a universal guide for human conduct. Shedding more light on it, he said Thirukkural’s focus on equality is evident in its rejection of caste discrimination, a radical stance in an era when hierarchical structures were prevalent.
Crossing a 50-year milestone, Anwar Batcha no doubt is creating a silent revolution. All credit goes to his mentors Pulavar Rasiannan and Pulavar Arumugam, while studying at City Municipal High School at Variety Hall Road, who groomed him and brought the best out of him to be what he is now. In a step further, they motivated him to enhance his skills in Tamil.
To his credit, Anwar Batcha has awards including Tamil Nadu Government honour, Kural Neri Chelvar, Thirukkural Thoothar, Thirukkural Vendar and Thirukkural Thondar. And he penned a book on Thirukkural with English translation besides a book titled Valluvar Manimozhigal and Valluvaridam Kettathum Kidaithathum. Batcha is quite proficient in Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu.
Retired, but not tired to actively involve in literary organisations like Thirukkural Aaivu Kazhagam, Ulaga Kalai Tamil Mandram, Coimbatore World Thirukkural Centre and organiser of Kovai Islamiya Tamil Sangam, Anwar Batcha did his doctorate on ‘Samuga Nokkil Thirukkuralum, Thirukkuranum’. US-based writer of inspirational maxims William Arthur Ward rightly categorised teachers thus: The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. True to his words, Dr Anwar Batcha has inspired scores of his students who have made their ‘guru’ proud.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by M Rafi Ahmed / by Radiance News Bureau / August 16th, 2025
Mixed martial arts were never on the horizon for the 23-year-old from Anna Nagar in Chennai. Even sport wasn’t really part of the picture.
Afshan Fathima defied odds, reaching the final of IMMAF World Championships despite challenges and stereotypes. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Afshan Fathima walked away from her very first bout of the 2024 IMMAF World Championships in Uzbekistan last week not only with a win but also with a prodigious, rapidly darkening contusion under her eye. Although the injury was caused by an accidental headbutt rather than a punch from her opponent, many thought it meant the end of her campaign in the women’s strawweight division (52.2kg) at her debut World Championship.
“Everyone who saw me thought I wasn’t going to be declared medically fit to take part in the next bout. But I did make it. And then after I won that bout, everyone thought my injury was not going to let me compete in the next bout. After every bout I fought, the other fighters thought I wasn’t going to be able to make the next round because of how big the swelling had got. But I kept doing this. There was no way I was going to quit,” she says.
By the time Afshan’s campaign at the IMMAF World Championships ended, she had gone further than any other Indian – reaching the final –at the premier global amateur competition in mixed martial arts. Amongst her wins, was a guillotine choke submission of Ireland’s Lisa Murtagh who trains at the prestigious SB Gym– with the same team as former UFC champion Connor McGregor – and picked up a decision win over reigning World champion Matilda Bachurina of Kazakhstan in the semifinals.
Afshan however couldn’t return from the competition with the gold medal she had hoped for. She ended up losing the final by a narrow points decision to Isabel Calvo of Spain. “Unfortunately, the day of my final coincided with the start of my period. It was pretty bad. I was puking and had really bad cramps. I wasn’t anything close to 100 percent,” she says. Afshan says she returned from the tournament with mixed emotions. “It stings of course to go so far and fall short in the final but at the same time, I’m a little happy that I at least came this far,” she says.
Few might not have predicted Afshan would get anywhere near where she’s gotten. “Even I wouldn’t,” she says.
Mixed martial arts were never on the horizon for the 23-year-old from Anna Nagar in Chennai. Even sport wasn’t really part of the picture. “There’s no one in my family who has chosen sports as a career,” says Afshan, the eldest of three sisters. That was the case for her as well. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t interested in sport. Some of her earliest memories are of watching WWE pro wrestling matches with her father and uncle. At school, she says she was one of the few children to actually make the most of the games period.
“Most of the other kids would be chatting with each other or catching up on their studies. I was the only one who would pester the games teacher to start a basketball match or something. I was also someone who used to roughhouse with my friends. They’d all tell me I was really strong or that I hit really hard. But I didn’t know what I was going to do with that. While I really wanted to play something, my family only really wanted me to study. My grandmother was a teacher and my aunt was a lecturer. I was also fairly good in studies so I had no option but to focus on my books. Perhaps if I was a bit dull, they might have been more open to the idea of putting me in sports,” she says.
It was only after her school when she began studying for a degree in Electrical Engineering at Hindustan Institute of Technology that Afshan says she finally got the chance to pursue her passion.
“I always wanted to do some sort of fitness activity. So, in my third year of college I joined a crossfit gym. The gym where I trained also had a sign for mixed martial arts classes although they didn’t have any instructors. That was the first time I had heard about mixed martial arts. Although they didn’t have classes at the gym. I did a Google search and found out about Combat Kinetics Chennai and coach Ajit Sigamani,” she says.
At that time, Afshan says she told her parents she was just staying back to play basketball in her college since she knew the alternative would be something they would never agree with.
“I’m from an extremely orthodox Muslim family. Back when I was in school and in college I would wear the burkha. I couldn’t even think of leaving the house if I wasn’t wearing the burkha. While my parents were supportive of my education, they would have drawn the line at my getting into a sport like martial arts. So I used to wear the burkha when I left home. Then, when I went into the gym, I would change into my gear and back into the burkha when I was heading back home. It almost felt like I was living two lives. I tried to balance those two lives as much as possible. I knew I would have to tell my family eventually but I was hoping I could ease them into it,” she says.
It was at the Combat Kinetics Gym though where she felt she truly belonged. “Because I had been somewhat sporty in the past, I didn’t really struggle getting physically in shape. I enjoyed doing all the push ups and pull ups. I absolutely loved actual combat training. A lot of our training in MMA is mixed gender and I sometimes would think just how scandalised my family would be if they walked in on one of our grappling sessions. But, I genuinely didn’t think too much about it when I started. I just got on with it. It wasn’t as though I’d stopped becoming religious or stopped praying but I think it’s what’s inside your heart that counts a lot more than what you are wearing on the outside,” she says.
Afshan says she knew she was someone who was meant to be a fighter when she stepped into the fighting cage for her first sparring session. “In contrast to a lot of the other individuals who were starting out, I was also someone who wasn’t scared of sparring. A lot of beginners are scared of being hit. They close their eyes and turn their head. When they get hit on the face for the first time, they decide, this isn’t what they want to do with their life. But fighting just came naturally to me,” she says.
Over time, Afshan’s parents have come to terms with her choices. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Her biggest fight though would come outside the cage when her parents eventually found out that she was training in mixed martial arts. “My dad freaked out. There was a lot of screaming and shouting. They took away my phone and I wasn’t allowed to leave the house for a week. But I kept insisting that I would go and eventually my parents gave in,” she says.
Over time, Afshan’s parents have come to terms with her choices. “I don’t think my father and mother were personally against my taking up MMA. I think they were more concerned about what the society I came from would think about what I did. I think they first thought it was a weird sort of fad that I had picked up. Initially, as a compromise my father would drive me to the classes and bring me back right after. Later though, I learned how to drive a motorcycle and began to go myself. That gave him the confidence that I was really serious about what I was doing,” she says.
Within a few months of training, Afshan says she was sure combat sports was what she wanted to do with her life. “I can say I was a quick learner. As part of our training, we usually compete in boxing, judo and wrestling competitions. Within a few months of training, my coach entered my name in a district level competition in boxing. Although I was nervous since I hadn’t competed before, I ended up winning. Another few months later, I competed at my first national amateur championships in Lucknow that once again I ended up winning,” she says.
While the gold medal she won in Lucknow earned her some level of respect at home, Afshan knew it will always be hard for her parents to completely come to terms with her career. That was her key to becoming as independent as possible. “My parents have already gone far beyond their comfort zone to even accept that I can be an MMA fighter. Sometimes when they see me in shorts, they will grumble and say they gave me too much freedom. I like to live life on my own terms. I’ve never asked my parents for any money to fund my training or competition. My dad used to be in business but he had to shut that down after he made a lot of losses. I also have two younger sisters, who my parents are responsible for. At first, I used to beg my coach to charge me a nominal fee. I promised I’d pay him back when I started earning. After graduation, I worked in sales for Jaguar India but I realised I wasn’t getting the time to train like I wanted. I then started working as a coach in my MMA gym itself. MMA isn’t a sport where as an athlete you get easily sponsored by the government or private organisations. So, if I have to compete in competitions, I have to raise my own funds,” she says.
Afshan says she had to save up for a year in order to pay for her fight camp, nutrition, travel and competition fees for her first IMMAF World Championships this year.
It’s not been an easy journey and Afshan has to keep herself motivated even when it’s not the easiest to. Within her family, Afshan says she is a bit of a polarising figure. “Just because I’m a fighter doesn’t mean everyone’s opinion has changed. My family is still very conservative. A lot of people wonder why I’m still not married. Both my younger sisters wear the hijab and most of my cousins still wear the burkha. My relatives tell them not to hang around with me because I’m seen as a bit of a bad influence. My mother loves me but she will still come up to me and say that I should retire as a fighter and get married. But she doesn’t understand that I’ve only just started,” she says.
Afshan though doesn’t have any regrets. She’s already looking to her next target – turning professional. “The amateur system is mostly a way to get some sort of experience. I think I’m a fairly well-rounded fighter. The next level for a fighter is to turn professional. My coach and I are still weighing our options. We have some offers but I’m still to decide whether I want to compete for one more World Championship and win a gold or take the jump into professional fighting,” she says.
The professional ranks will be yet another giant step for Afshan to climb. She’s looking forward to it. “There’s this quote I always try to live by. It’s that the mountains you carry are the ones you have to climb. There’s no point taking pressure because of everything that I had to get through to get to where I am. When I look back, I think to myself ‘Wow, I’ve broken so many stereotypes not just for women but for Muslim women in particular. Every once in a while, some woman will come up to me and say she lives through me or that she wants her child to become like me. That gives me a lot of motivation. I’ve faced some hard obstacles. I can deal with next to anything,” she says.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> More Sports / by Jonathan Selvaraj / November 21st, 2024
Liyana is the holder of 15 Kerala state aquatic championship records and five CBSE national records.
Kochi :
Liyana Fathima Umer Nizar, 17, who made history winning gold in all the five events she competed at the Kerala Games Aquatic Championships, was felicitated by Global Public School chairman P Jacob on Wednesday.
The GPS International Thiruvaniyoor student, currently pursuing her A levels (Grade 12), was adjudged the fastest woman of aquatic championships held at Dr Ambedkar International Aquatic Complex, Thiruvananthapuram from May 6 to 8. She had contested in the 100-metre freestyle, 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre butterfly, 100-metre butterfly and 200-metre butterfly events.
Liyana is the holder of 15 Kerala state aquatic championship records and five CBSE national records.
In 2016, her gold medal in 50-m freestyle at the state meet in Bengaluru finally ended the medal drought for Kerala. The 17-year-old started swimming when she was in Grade 1. Ever since Liyana began training under the watchful eyes of her school coach Santhosh Kumar in 2012, she has been creating waves at the state and national-level.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kochi / by Express News Service / May 12th, 2022
Students of AMU with their delivery drone prototype
Aligarh :
Showcasing creativity and technological ingenuity, a team of final-year students from the University Polytechnic, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has developed a Delivery Drone Prototype, a promising step towards autonomous aerial delivery systems.
Guided by former Principal of University Polytechnic, Prof. Arshad Umar and Dr. Tanveer Hasan, Associate Professor at the Polytechnic, the student team comprising Saubaan Ahmad Siddiqui, Ehtesham Ahmad, Shabab Khan, Ankit Tomar, Anas Khan, Muzaffar Hussain, and Omaan Ahmad Ansari successfully carried out six autonomous delivery missions within the university campus over a span of two months.
Equipped with real-time video streaming, autonomous navigation, gesture-controlled backup, and a custom dashboard to track flight data and delivery paths, the drone highlights the university’s commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
This initiative is part of AMU’s larger vision to promote student-led innovation and applied research in emerging technologies. The project has received wide appreciation in academic circles for its relevance to real-world logistics, emergency response, and smart campus solutions.
Although this is a prototype for academic use, the team plans to enhance the system with AI-based object detection and an expanded operational range, reflecting the university’s emphasis on innovation-driven education and future-ready skills.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 28th, 2025
During the peak of the Hijab controversy in Karnataka, fears grew that Muslim girls might abandon their studies.
To protect their education, Al Mamoor Women’s Charitable Trust took a bold step and established Victory First Grade College as a safe and inclusive space for students.
At a felicitation ceremony for top achievers, Mysore Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (MESCO) president Abdul Qader Sait shared the college’s origin, saying the idea arose from the urgent need to ensure Muslim girls could study without disruption. “One could not stand by and watch talented young women lose their academic futures,” he said, recalling the Trust’s vision.
Al Mamoor Trust president Dr. Ulfat Fatima announced excellent exam results, stating that out of 15 BCA students, 13 secured distinction and 2 passed in first class, while in the B.Com stream, 7 achieved distinction and 2 passed in first class. She said the results proved the talent of students, the dedication of faculty, and the supportive environment. Mr. Sait honoured the late Prof. Muzaffar Asadi for guiding the college’s formation, noting that his advice and support were vital in turning the Trust’s vision into reality.
Al Mamoor Trust secretary and Sunpure Company owner Mrs. Salma Subhan urged parents to visit Victory College before admissions, stressing the importance of being satisfied with infrastructure, faculty, and standards. She also appealed to philanthropists to help expand opportunities for young women.
Victory College is now a model of empowerment, and its creation during the Hijab row shows the community’s proactive stand to protect young women’s education. With strong academic results and a growing reputation, the college aims to foster excellence, inclusivity, and empowerment. As applause filled the hall, the message was clear: Victory College’s mission is not only about marks but also about defending the right to education for those at risk of losing it.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Mohamed Atherulla Shariff / August 13th, 2025
Tucked between the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea and the lush green canopy of the Western Ghats lies a jewel of a town – Bhatkal.
A place where coconut palms sway in the ocean breeze, where the call to prayer echoes through the valleys, and where the scent of cardamom-laced biryani mingles with the salty sea air. But beyond its scenic charm and poetic quietude, Bhatkal tells an inspiring story – a story of legacy, faith, culture, and a deep-rooted commitment to education.
Once a humble trading post frequented by Arab merchants, Bhatkal today is a dynamic blend of history and modernity. Its people, mostly of Arab descent, still carry the flame of their forefathers – traders who braved the seas, settled in distant lands, and left behind more than just wealth. They bequeathed a way of life, a sense of community, and a passion for learning that continues to flourish in remarkable ways.
Imagine waking up to a view where mist-kissed mountains tumble into spice-scented fields, only to meet a coastline where waves pound golden sands under the watchful gaze of age-old palms. That’s Bhatkal – not just a town, but a canvas painted with the green of the hills, the blue of the sea, and the gold of tradition. And amid this natural splendour, an educational movement has quietly taken root – transforming lives and reaffirming the town’s historic role as a cradle of knowledge and cultural resilience.
A Legacy Carried on the Tides
The story begins not just in Bhatkal, but far beyond – across the seas in the Gulf. Over the last five decades, thousands of Bhatkalis migrated to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait – carrying with them their culture, values, and a remarkable sense of unity. Wherever they went, they established Jamaats (community organisations), which became lifelines of cultural preservation and mutual support.
But by the 1990s, community elders noticed a worrying trend. Amid the glitz of Gulf jobs and the comfort of petro-dollar salaries, education was beginning to take a back seat. Young boys were dropping out after high school, opting to join the workforce early. The allure of quick earnings began to eclipse the pursuit of knowledge.
It was then that the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council – an umbrella body of 11 Gulf-based Bhatkali Jamaats – decided to act.
The Birth of the Rabita Educational Award
The Council launched the Rabita Educational Award to rekindle academic ambition among Bhatkali youth. It wasn’t just about giving away medals or cash – it was about igniting pride, ambition, and a sense of purpose. The idea was simple: if we honour excellence, others will strive for it.
When the initiative began 30 years ago, the bar was modest. Students securing 65-70% were among the awardees. Yet even then, it was revolutionary. For the first time, young boys and girls felt seen and celebrated, and parents began to regard education as a shared community value.
Fast forward to today: Rabita Award winners score as high as 98% and above. This year, the difference between the topper and the runner-up was a mere 0.0375%. That’s not a gap – it’s a heartbeat.
This Year’s Celebration: A Festival of Learning
The 2025 Rabita Award Ceremony, held on 24th July at the sprawling grounds of Anjuman Islamiah Anglo-Urdu High School, was nothing short of majestic.
Even as rain poured steadily over the coastal town, the people of Bhatkal gathered in full strength. The makeshift auditorium overflowed with parents, teachers, and well-wishers – proving once again that no weather can dampen a community’s spirit when the cause is education. The stage, draped in the colours of Bhatkal’s spirit, welcomed an audience of thousands – parents, educators, students, and dignitaries.
Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi, a respected professor from Aligarh Muslim University and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, addressed the gathering. His words resonated deeply:
“The United Nations declared education a basic human right in 1947. But 1,450 years ago, Islam declared: ‘Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.’”
His speech wove together spiritual insight and modern urgency, urging families to view education not as a luxury, but as both a sacred duty and a social necessity.
Joining him was Karnataka State Minister Mankal Vaidya, who praised Bhatkal’s educational institutions and pledged full support for establishing a medical college – recognising that Anjuman already offers nearly every other academic faculty.
More Than Medals: The Power of Encouragement
This year, 35 students across SSLC, PUC, and degree levels were honoured with gold medals and thoughtful gifts. Among them, female students once again outshone their peers, capturing two-thirds of the recognitions – a heartening sign of changing mindsets and growing gender parity in education.
The Best School Award continues to be named after Janab Usman Hassan, the legendary headmaster of Islamia Anglo High School, who worked tirelessly to promote education in Bhatkal. A pioneer in his own right, he laid the foundation for a culture of academic excellence that still echoes through the town’s institutions.
In a meaningful addition this year, the Best Teacher Award was named after Janab Syed Khaleelur Rahman Sahib, the very same visionary celebrated in the tribute volume “Iftikhar-e-Qaum Janab SM Khaleelur Rahman”. From his Gulf office in Dubai, he dreamt of uplifting his people through knowledge – and worked quietly but tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
Though he now rests in the desert sands of Arabia, his legacy continues to bloom each year in the smiles and successes of the awardees he once imagined. Honouring him through the Best Teacher Award is both a tribute and a reminder that behind every great student is a teacher who believed in their potential.
This year’s recognitions reflected that enduring vision.
Ali Public School (Girls) received the Best School title, led by their standout student Hafsa Bint Hafeezullah, who scored an impressive 98.04%.
The Best Teacher honour went to Ms. Fatima Wida Siddiqui of Noonahal Central School, recognised for her outstanding dedication to education.
District toppers such as Shagufta Anjum (Urdu) and Bhoomika (English) were also felicitated, symbolising the inclusive spirit of academic celebration that the Rabita Awards embody.
Why This Model Deserves to Be Replicated
In an age when education is increasingly commodified, where coaching institutes manufacture toppers and commercial schools chase ranks, the Rabita model stands apart.
It is community-funded, value-driven, and inclusive. It celebrates the bright, uplifts the average, and motivates the struggling. It views education not merely as individual success, but as a shared legacy and a community responsibility.
The Rabita Award isn’t just a medal; it’s a signal fire – telling every child, “We see you. We believe in you. We’re with you.”
Imagine This in Every Town
What if every small town like Bhatkal decided to invest in its children this way?
What if the diaspora of Hyderabad, Azamgarh, Kutch, or Kolkata pooled their earnings not just for lavish marriages and luxury homes, but for educational dreams?
What if every community – regardless of faith, culture, or geography – told its youth: “We are proud of your academic journey. Keep going. We’re watching. We care.”
Communities that value knowledge rise. Those that don’t, perish slowly.
A Lesson from the Sea and the Ghats
Just like the waves of the Arabian Sea, education must be relentless – always pushing, always reshaping. And like the roots of the Western Ghats, it must be deep, nourishing generations, and anchoring identity against the floods of time.
Bhatkal is not just a place; it’s a model of what’s possible when community, culture, and commitment converge.
As the sun sets behind its palm-draped shores, one truth becomes clear:
Awards don’t just honour achievers. They create them.
Let This Be Your Takeaway
If you’re reading this in another town, another country, another community – know this: you too can start your Rabita. You too can plant the seeds of pride, perseverance, and purpose in your youth.
Start small. Honour the top three in your school. Involve your elders. Call the students to the stage. Clap for them. Gift them a medal. Take their picture. Tell the story. And do it again next year.
That’s how legacies begin.
And who knows? One day, someone may write about your town the way we write about Bhatkal – a place where the sea sings songs of learning, and the mountains stand tall in witness to dreams fulfilled.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa / July 26th, 2025
The Muslim girl from a modest middle-class family in the village’s Waja Mohalla tops Mumbai University with 87% in LLB
New Delhi :
In a proud moment for the Muslim community of Sopara, the ancient port and trade centre of Maharashtra, Benji Mehwish Abdul Rehman has etched her name in the annals of history as the first Muslim woman lawyer from the village. Her remarkable achievement includes topping Mumbai University with an outstanding 87% in the LLB examination is a testament to her relentless hard work and dedication.
Mehwish’s journey is not just about academic success but also about breaking social barriers. Coming from a modest middle-class family — her father, Abdul Rehman, works as an electrician — Mehwish’s path was filled with financial challenges. Yet, these hardships never dimmed her spirit or determination to succeed.
“I belong to the middle class. My father is an electrician, and I was aware of this from the beginning, so I always focused on studying hard. To make a unique identity in the society by working hard, that was my motto,” Mehwish told Clarion India over the phone. She recalled how financial struggles made her educational journey tough, but the unwavering support from her family helped her overcome every obstacle. During this time, many problems came up, but with the help of my family, I faced these problems with a smile. In this journey, my grandfather, grandmother and parents always stood by me like a rock. I secured the first position in every class.”
Her academic record speaks for itself: after passing her SSC in 2015 from Anjuman Khairul Islam Urdu High School, with 84%, she continued to shine with 80% in HSC from RB Harris Junior College and 84% in BCom from AE Kalsekar College in 2021. Clearing the bar examination from Viva College, Virar, with 87% (CGPA 9.2), she secured first position in both Mumbai University and Viva College.
Mehwish’s success carries extra significance as it comes from a community often overlooked and sidelined in mainstream narratives. Sopara, a village with deep historical roots, now celebrates this milestone that challenges the stereotypes around Muslim women and their place in education and professional fields.
Mehwish’s grandfather, Benji Rizwan Muhammad, a respected social activist in the region, played a vital role in guiding and encouraging her career choice. “The decision of which field to choose after graduation was difficult for me because all the courses were very expensive. In such a situation, by the grace of Allah Almighty, my grandfather guided me and encouraged me to become a lawyer,” she said.
She also credits the financial help from the Waja Mohalla Juma Masjid Trust and the Sidha Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation. “If these two trusts had not supported me financially by providing scholarships, this success would have been difficult,” she said gratefully.
Abdul Rehman, Mehwish’s father, expressed his pride: “My daughter is committed to discipline in her studies. We always encouraged her and provided her with whatever we could.” The support from the family, often the backbone for Muslim girls pursuing education, is a reminder that strong family encouragement can overcome societal pressures and economic difficulties.
Local social worker Zubair Ahmed Butke praised Mehwish’s achievement. “Mehwish has increased the glory of Sopara village and our Waja Mohalla by passing the bar exam. She is a role model for our community and shows that with hard work and determination, Muslim girls can reach great heights,” he said.
Mehwish now plans to practice law at Vasai Court and is preparing for her LLM. She also aspires to practice in the Bombay High Court, showing ambition that goes beyond personal success, reflecting a commitment to serve and uplift her community through the legal system.
Her story comes at a time when Indian Muslims, especially women, face various challenges related to education, economic opportunities, and social acceptance. Mehwish’s success is a beacon of hope, breaking through the barriers set by a society where many still hold biases and misunderstandings about Muslims, particularly Muslim women.
Her rise is a clear rebuttal to those who underestimate Indian Muslims or limit their potential by social or religious stereotypes. This achievement demands recognition and respect for the many silent struggles Muslim families endure in supporting their daughters’ education and professional dreams.
Community leaders and activists hope Mehwish’s story will inspire more families in Sopara and beyond to invest in girls’ education and help dismantle the barriers that have held back many Muslim girls. It also raises a call for greater institutional support to provide scholarships and opportunities to deserving students from minority communities.
Mehwish’s journey highlights a broader issue: while India prides itself on secularism and equal opportunity, the lived reality for many Muslims is often marked by discrimination and neglect. Success stories like hers push against this narrative and remind the nation of the rich talent and determination within Muslim communities waiting to be nurtured.
In contrast, some sections of the Hindu majority, especially in surrounding areas, have often failed to create an environment conducive to the educational and professional growth of Muslims. Many Muslim students face discrimination and a lack of resources, making achievements like Mehwish’s even more remarkable.
In conclusion, Mehwish’s story is not just her personal victory but a triumph for the entire Indian Muslim community. It sends a strong message that Muslim girls from modest backgrounds can break social barriers, excel academically, and contribute meaningfully to society when given support and opportunity.
Her rise deserves to be celebrated widely — as a beacon of hope and a clear example that when families and community come together to support girls’ education, the results can be extraordinary.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home>Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims> Women / by Mohammad bin Ismail / July 14th, 2025
Umar Sheikh’s determination and the school’s support have been vital to his academic achievements
New Delhi :
The Maharashtra State Examination Council’s recent 5th and 8th class scholarship exams witnessed remarkable achievements from students across the state. Among them, 954 students from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools secured places on the district merit list, with Muslim student Muhammad Umar Sheikh standing out as the top scorer in the 8th class scholarship exam with an impressive 72.79% marks.
This achievement is particularly significant given the exam’s difficulty and the fierce competition from students all over Maharashtra. The 8th class scholarship exam was held on February 9, drawing hundreds of participants. In the 5th class category, Ridhi Kamlesh Mishra from Vakola BMC Hindi Medium school topped with 79.19% marks.
Muhammad Umar Sheikh, a student of Deonar Colony MPS School No. 4 and currently in the ninth grade, secured 236 out of 300 marks, making him the highest scorer in all BMC schools for the 8th grade. This year, out of the 954 successful candidates, 536 were from the 5th grade and 418 from the 8th grade. This is a sharp increase compared to last year’s 405 students who cleared the exams.
Speaking to the media, Muhammad Umar’s father, Muhammad Saleem, shared the challenges their family has faced. “My son has been topping his class in mathematics and science since the beginning. He loves these subjects and has been very focused,” said Saleem. He added that Umar had also topped the 5th class scholarship exam.
Saleem narrated the difficulties faced by the family during the COVID pandemic. “Before COVID, my two children studied at DY Patil School in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. However, due to the loss of income during the pandemic, I could not pay their school fees, and the school stopped their studies. The school even refused to give their transfer certificates because of unpaid fees,” he explained.
With limited options, Saleem moved his family to Govindi in 2021 and struggled to find admission for his children. “It was not easy, but with persistence, I managed to get them admitted to a school here,” he said. Despite the hardships, Saleem is proud of his children’s resilience and achievements. “They are intelligent, and their performance at the new school has been excellent,” he remarked.
When asked about his son’s ambitions, Saleem said, “Umar wants to become a scientist. He has been saying this since the first grade, and with the way he is studying, I believe he will achieve it.”
The school’s principal and staff have expressed great pride in Muhammad Umar’s success. Principal Menal Chaudhary, along with teachers Uday, Ravi, Balu, Prateek, Nitin, and Smithia Madam, congratulated Umar and praised his dedication and hard work. “His success is a source of pride for the entire school,” they said.
This story highlights not only the academic excellence of Indian Muslim students in Mumbai’s government schools but also the obstacles faced by economically weaker families. It also reflects the support provided by committed teachers and principals who encourage students to reach their full potential.
Muhammad Umar Sheikh’s story serves as an inspiration for many young students facing financial hardships, demonstrating that determination and support can lead to success. His achievement, along with the rise in the number of successful students from BMC schools, reflects a positive change in the educational opportunities for Indian Muslim children, who often face social and economic challenges.
In a city known for its diversity, such stories emphasise the need to acknowledge and support the talents and ambitions of minority communities. This achievement sends a message to all that education is the key to overcoming barriers and achieving dreams, regardless of one’s background.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India / July 14th, 2025
