Category Archives: Education

Asma Hussain The Royal Legacy Behind India’s Fashion Icon

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Asma Hussain, an iconic name in the Indian fashion industry, is renowned for her remarkable designs and her deep-rooted connection to the royal family of Awadh. As a descendant of Shuja-ud-Daula, a ruler from the 18th century, Asma carries with her a rich legacy that has greatly influenced her work in fashion. Born into a family that has always been associated with culture and heritage, Asma Hussain’s foray into the world of fashion was a natural extension of her upbringing.

Since unveiling her first collection in 1994, Asma Hussain has become a household name in India and across the world, known not only for her royal heritage but also for her impeccable craftsmanship.

She is the founder of the Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology (AIFT), an institution dedicated to imparting high-quality fashion education to young aspiring designers….

Early Life and Inspirations: Shaping a Designer’s Vision

Asma Hussain’s lineage has greatly shaped her journey as a designer. The royal family of Awadh is known for its contributions to art, culture, and history, and Asma has absorbed these influences into her design philosophy. Raised in a family that placed immense value on tradition, culture, and the finer things in life, Asma’s designs reflect a deep understanding of Indian craftsmanship, royal grandeur, and modern aesthetics.

While Asma’s royal connection often takes center stage in media discussions, it is her extraordinary skill and passion for design that truly sets her apart. Asma’s collection is an intersection of history and modernity, reflecting both her ancestry and the needs of the contemporary fashion world. She drew upon royal Indian textiles, ornate embroideries, and rich fabrics such as silk, velvet, and brocade to create collections that exude royalty while maintaining a sense of modern sophistication.

Her collection’s distinctive blend of Eastern and Western elements has helped her carve a unique niche in the fashion industry. Over the years, she has showcased collections that feature traditional styles combined with avant-garde concepts, which have gained the attention of both Indian and international clientele.

From AIFT to Fashion House: A Pioneer in Fashion Education

In addition to her success as a designer, Asma Hussain has contributed to the fashion industry in another significant way. In 1999, she founded the Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology (AIFT) in Uttar Pradesh. The institute is recognized as one of the top fashion design schools in the country, offering comprehensive courses in fashion design, fashion technology, and merchandising.

AIFT was born out of Asma’s vision to provide young, aspiring designers with the skills, tools, and guidance they need to succeed in the competitive fashion world. Asma’s institute is unique because it goes beyond just offering technical knowledge—it teaches creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. The curriculum integrates both traditional and modern techniques of fashion design, which allows students to learn everything from embroidery and fabric manipulation to fashion history and business strategies.

Since its inception, AIFT has produced several successful fashion designers, many of whom have gone on to work for major fashion houses or start their own design labels. Asma’s role as an educator and mentor has become a cornerstone of her legacy, further cementing her influence on the Indian fashion scene.

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Asma Hussain’s Notable Clients and Collaborations

Asma Hussain’s clientele speaks volumes about her versatility and reach. Her designs have been worn by some of the most influential figures in India, including Bollywood legends, politicians, and celebrities. Asma’s ability to create outfits for a diverse group of people—from film stars to political leaders—demonstrates her exceptional skills and understanding of different tastes.

Some of Asma Hussain’s most notable clients include Bollywood actress Saira Banu, known for her timeless elegance, and Shabana Azmi, an award-winning actress and social activist. In addition to Bollywood icons, Asma’s fashion has also attracted attention from politicians, including the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. The fact that these high-profile figures have chosen Asma’s creations is a testament to her ability to craft outfits that blend traditional beauty with contemporary style.

In 1996, her fashion house was inaugurated by the legendary Bollywood actor Dev Anand, who was known for his style and charisma. Dev Anand’s association with Asma Hussain further solidified her reputation as a designer with a strong sense of elegance and sophistication. Since then, Asma’s creations have graced numerous high-profile events, cementing her position as one of India’s leading fashion designers.

Design Philosophy and Signature Style

Asma Hussain’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of India, especially those from her home state of Uttar Pradesh. Drawing from the royal aesthetics of Awadh, Asma’s clothing collections often feature ornate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and rich color palettes. She is known for her use of traditional Indian textiles, such as Banarasi silks, georgette, and velvet, to create elegant yet modern garments.

One of the key elements of Asma’s designs is the intricate work on fabrics, especially hand-embroidered motifs that reflect the grandeur of royal craftsmanship. From sarees to lehengas, and even contemporary Western-style outfits, Asma’s attention to detail and craftsmanship is unparalleled. She is particularly known for her bridal collections, which are often a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, making them perfect for the modern bride who wants to feel regal on her special day.

Her designs are not limited to one particular category or occasion. Whether it is a wedding, a red-carpet event, or a festive occasion, Asma’s clothes can be seen on people from all walks of life. Her ability to create both traditional and contemporary looks has made her a favorite among clients looking for timeless elegance with a modern twist.

The Royal Influence: Awadh’s Rich Cultural Heritage in Every Stitch

The legacy of the royal family of Awadh plays a significant role in Asma Hussain’s designs. As a descendant of Shuja-ud-Daula, a ruler known for his opulence and patronage of arts and culture, Asma’s upbringing was steeped in the cultural richness of the region. The intricate embroidery and regal fabrics used in her creations are reminiscent of the royal courts of Awadh, where intricate craftsmanship was highly valued.

The use of zari work, brocade, and gold thread embroidery in her creations adds an aura of luxury and tradition. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure that it embodies the royal aesthetic, while also incorporating contemporary elements that make it relevant in today’s fashion landscape.

The Future of Asma Hussain in the Fashion Industry

Asma Hussain has not only succeeded in her career as a designer but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of fashion in India. Through her institute and her dedication to educating young talent, she is creating a legacy that will continue for generations. Asma’s vision for the future of fashion is one that embraces both tradition and innovation, ensuring that Indian fashion continues to evolve while staying grounded in its cultural heritage.

Her influence on the fashion industry is undeniable, and she continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring designers. Asma Hussain is not just a fashion designer; she is a symbol of how tradition, culture, and modernity can come together to create something truly exceptional.

Asma Hussain’s Legacy in Indian Fashion

Asma Hussain is a name that has become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and cultural heritage. With her roots deeply entrenched in the royal family of Awadh, Asma has successfully blended her ancestral legacy with her modern fashion sensibility. Her designs reflect the rich cultural heritage of India while catering to the modern woman’s needs, making her one of India’s most respected and successful designers.

Her legacy extends beyond her own creations to the many students who have passed through the Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology, taking forward her vision and continuing to innovate in the world of fashion. Asma Hussain’s contribution to Indian fashion is undeniable, and her influence will be felt for years to come.

source: http://www.atlucknow.com / @Lucknow / Home> Lifestyle / by Mohd Badar / November 09th, 2024

Renowned Scholar and Educator Dr. V. Abdur Rahim Passes Away

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Vaniyambadi, TAMIL NADU / Madinah, SAUDI ARABIA :

He has written scores of books in Arabic, English and Urdu. One of his unique books is Attibyan which helps in teaching Qur’an to neo-Muslim brothers and sisters.

New Delhi :

Dr. V. Abdur Rahim, world renowned Islamic scholar, multilinguist, author, teacher and translator passed away in the holy city of Madinah on Thursday.

Author of several popular books on teaching Arabic language, Dr. Abdur Rahim was laid to rest in Jannat al Baqi cemetery near the Prophet’s Mosque after Friday noon prayers, reports reaching here said.

Dr. Abdur Rahim has written scores of books in Arabic, English and Urdu. One of his unique books is Attibyan which helps in teaching Qur’an to neo-Muslim brothers and sisters. The scholar was closely associated with Chennai-based Islamic Foundation Trust (IFT) and a majority of his books have been published by it. 

Dr. Abdur Rahim was born in the small town of Vaniyambadi in Tamil Nadu in 1933. After completing his secondary school studies, he joined Presidency College, University of Madras where he majored in English language and literature. He graduated in 1957. In 1964, he joined the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, from where he completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Arabic philology.

Dr. Abdur Rahim adopted innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches, which revolutionised the teaching of Arabic. He joined the Islamic University of Madinah in 1969, where he played a pivotal role in the program of teaching Arabic as a foreign language. He also imparted his knowledge at various institutions, including the Islaamic University Omdurman Sudan, Khartoum University Sudan, and Arabic Institutions in Germany, Washington D.C., and British Guyana.

His most significant contribution to Arabic education was the development of the renowned Madinah Arabic Course. This comprehensive series of textbooks and audiovisual materials simplified the complexities of the Arabic language, making it accessible to learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. His teaching not only facilitated learning but also promoted intercultural dialogue and understanding.

Beyond his teaching endeavors, Dr. Abdur Rahim served as the Director of the translations section at the King Fahad Qur’an Printing Press in Madinah, where he contributed to translating and interpreting the Qur’an into various languages, ensuring its accessibility to people worldwide.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to Arabic language education, Dr. V Abdur Rahim was honored with the prestigious President of India Award. This recognition celebrated his tireless efforts in promoting Arabic language learning and fostering cultural understanding through linguistic knowledge.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India / by Team Clarion / October 21st, 2023

Dr. Abdullah Zakaria’s success is a tribute to Tripura’s Madrasa education

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Sonapura Village (Sipahijala District), TRIPURA :

Mohammad Abdullah Zakaria among students in the Madrasa on the Independence Day

Mohammad Abdullah Zakaria, who received his education from Daudarani Siddikia High School, a small village in Sonamura of Sipahijala district of Tripura, has recently cleared the General Duty Medical Officer examination conducted by the Tripura Public Service Commission.

His success again defies the notion that Madrasa education is not relevant to modern times.

Abdullah Zakaria studied in a Madrasa when such institutions were associated only with religious education.

Zakaria, 37, scored 68.8 out of 100  in the TPSC examination and made it to the top 30 in the list of successful candidates.

Zakaria’s father, Nurul Islam, is an Arabic language teacher, and his mother always supported him and is an inspiration to him.

Abdullah received his primary and secondary education in a madrasa and later studied science in a common school. He cleared the tough entrance examination and joined the MBBS course at Tripura Medical College in 2018.

According to Zakaria, the quality of education in government madrassas of Tripura is no less than that of any government school. He received a good education in general subjects along with the Quran, Hadith, and Arabic.

He says Madrasa education not only imparts religious knowledge to students but also helps in character building and social etiquette.

He said, “Patriotism should not be limited to waving the national flag; it must be practiced with one serving the country and working for the welfare of the society.”

Abdullah Zakaria has three siblings. His elder sister is a junior engineer, and his younger sister is also pursuing MBBS from a medical college.

Zakaria is preparing to write another difficult examination to join the MD (Doctor of Medicine) program to become a paediatrician.

Mohammad Abdullah Zakaria’s success is a tribute to the government-affiliated Madrasa education system of Tripura.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Nurul Haque, Agartala / August 31st, 2025

Remembering Prof Rais Ahmed

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Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

We celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Prof Rais Ahmed, the former head of the Physics Department, Aligarh Muslim University and the person to whom I owe a great deal for starting me off on my career path in plasma physics research.

A one-day memorial cum seminar on Future directions in Physics was held at the University on 5th October 2023 Venue. Prof. Irfan Habib, Prof. of History, AMU, Prof. Siraj Hasan (Former Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Prof. Naresh Dadhich (Former Director, IUCAA), Prof. S. K. Singh (Former VC, HNBU), Prof. Wasi Haider and Prof. Shyam Sunder Agrawal (Director General, KIIT Group of Institutions) spoke on the occasion. I spoke about my association with him and the future of Plasma Physics and Thermonuclear Fusion Research in India.

It was a forenoon in July 1964 when I first met Prof Rais Ahmed, who had become the Head of the Department that very year. I had travelled from Kerala seeking an opportunity to do research. He asked me a few questions on Physics, and I suppose I answered them reasonably well. But then he wanted to know why I wanted to pursue research.

I had rather romantic ideas like research leading to new knowledge and our responsibility to seek pure knowledge etc. It was clear that he did not take me seriously as he went on to say that science is what drives social transformation by changing our perception of our relationship with nature. Another observation was about science leading to technology which improves the quality of life.

Our conversation covered many things. I suppose he was gauging my mind and trying to find what kind of person I was. If it was a test, I passed it as he said that I could join for research. He made sure that I had no preference for Nuclear Physics or Spectroscopy, the areas of ongoing work in the department. He talked to me about Plasma Physics as an emerging field and about the work which was going on in Harwell and Oxford on Thermonuclear Fusion Research.

I did not know about Plasma Physics even at an elementary level. However, I was willing to learn and was asked to talk to Prof. D C Sarkar about the thesis work in more detail. I went through an intense learning programme, primarily reading Physical Review and Review of Scientific Instruments. There was no previous laboratory I could walk into and start work and I had to start from scratch. Looking back, I was taking an enormous risk as I had to build an entire laboratory for me to start the thesis work.

I rigged up a Radiofrequency generator with Japanese power tubes scavenged from the Electrical Engineering Department. Prof Venkateswarlu’s lab was full of microwave equipment, which Rais Sab allowed me to borrow. With all this, I set up an experiment and after a struggle of five years, put together a thesis which got me a degree. Almost immediately he gave me a regular job as a lecturer in the department as some vacancies were due to be filled.

As the Head of the Department, he did much to expand research and teaching in Physics in new areas. As Director of Academic Programmes, he organized the Semester System designed to update courses and provide more rigorous instruction to students. He made an alliance with Uppsala University in Sweden for faculty members to do research there. He arranged for PhD scholars to start teaching postgraduate students.

I recalled my interaction with university life during my eight years there. At first, Aligarh gave me a culture shock. My inability to comprehend Urdu was the first barrier to appreciating the culture. The exalted forms of addressing, and the too formal and exaggerated ‘Tehzeeb’, the gestural ‘adaabs’ strewn around were all alien. The food, though delicious, was completely unfamiliar. But the campus was a dream with beautiful buildings, stately halls, verdant lawns, and lush gardens. The library gave me all the books I wanted to read. The accommodation I got at the Sulaiman Hall was quite adequate. The students from central Travancore preferred this. There was a South Indian mess catering our preferred food. Tea at the Paradise restaurant with friends was fun.

Rais Ahmed had interests ranging from his specialization in Electronics to varied areas of science and education. He published over 100 papers on Electronic Circuit Analysis. Analogue Computers. Speech Recognition and Production, and Creative Teaching of Physics. The work he started in the 1970s on speech perception would eventually become an important branch of artificial intelligence and machine recognition of speech.

I recall a symposium he had organized on higher education, where we were asked to be volunteers to help the organization. The attendees were all academics from Universities and IITs and I was fortunate to listen to many of them. The remarkable skill with which Rais Sab generated consensus on many issues which were debated was an eye-opener for me.

In a department seminar, when his student Moonis Ali spoke on the design of an analogue computer system, some of us, ridiculed the idea calling it a paper machine. Rais Sab defended the presentation vigorously, saying that new ideas were what drove science forward and that they had as much importance in science as building new instruments.

His remarkable organizational skills were brought to bear at the prestigious Annual Meeting on High Energy and Nuclear Physics, sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy. Prof Roy Daniel from TIFR was the coordinator of the meeting, and his being from Kerala, we used to chat about the preparations for the meeting. The participants included bigwigs like Vikram Sarabhai, Prof M G K Menon and Dr Raja Ramanna. The meeting was hailed as very successful thanks to the planning and preparations led by Rais Saheb.

All of us in the department rejoiced when he was made a member of the Science Advisory Committee to the PM, then Mrs Gandhi. After each meeting, he would call all of us to the lawn near the workshop to convey to us the flavour of the meeting. We had the vicarious pleasure of being informed about the thinking in the places of power.

He would call me occasionally to his office to find out how I was doing. In one of these meetings, he advised me to read journals other than those dedicated to pure physics. He cited the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists as an example.

Rais Sab had an abiding faith in Scientific Socialism and felt strongly about the increasing global dominance of the multinationals and about what he saw as a retreat by India from its independent position both in the Economic and Intellectual fields. He had a strong belief that human capital, in the form of expanding knowledge and scientific spirit, held the key to India’s salvation. For this ideal, he worked tirelessly both as an individual and in administrative capacities.

In the 1950’s he was an energetic organizer of the Association of Scientific Workers of India. Once when I asked him about the ethics of unionizing scientific workers, he defended it by saying that collective bargaining need not be about wages and working conditions only. Professional bodies of scientists had a role in influencing public policy.

After I left Aligarh in 1972 to join the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, I had occasional interactions with him. He made me a member of the UGC Committee to visit Marathwada University to make an academic assessment. He funded my proposal to have an orientation programme for university teachers in the emerging field of Plasma Physics.

I had an exciting and eventful life contributing to Plasma Physics in India, right from its inception at the Physical Research Laboratory, during the Plasma Physics Programme and its eventual transformation to the Institute for Plasma Research and when India became a proud partner in the ITER project of building the world’s first Thermonuclear fusion reactor in France. I owe a debt of gratitude to Rais Saheb for initiating me into the research path, which made all this possible.

source: http://www.john-pucadyil.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / by John Pucadyil / October 06th, 2023

From village to glory, Jamia daughter Zeerish Aslam soars high

Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , ,

Shopian District, JAMMU & KASHMIR / NEW DELHI :

Zeerish Aslam brings laurels to Jamia Girls Senior Secondary School (The OT/Jamia)

On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Zeerish Aslam from Jamia Girls Senior Secondary School, along with five other Prerana alumni, was bestowed with an extraordinary honour. They were invited to an At-Home Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan by Droupadi Murmu, President of India.

Hailing from the picturesque Shopian District of Jammu and Kashmir, Zeerish showcased her academic prowess by securing the top rank in a district-level competitive exam. This achievement paved the way for her selection into the prestigious Prerana programme, a visionary initiative empowering India’s youth through experiential learning.

At Prerana’s Vadnagar campus in Gujarat, Zeerish joined a diverse group of 20 exceptionally talented students from 10 different states of India, immersing herself in a transformative one-week experience designed to invoke fundamental ideas and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Zeerish vividly recalls the warm and enthusiastic welcome she and her fellow awardees received. As they entered the esteemed gathering, they were surrounded by dignitaries, ministers, and foreign ambassadors. What struck Zeerish was the sense of equality, respect, and spirit of inclusivity.

During the event, Zeerish had the privilege of meeting the President of India, who warmly greeted her and inquired about her studies and experiences at Prerana.  She also interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed her with a smile and asked about her future endeavours.

“My colleagues and I stood together during the national anthem and sang in union. As our voices echoed in chorus, filling the room with pride, I felt a deep sense of patriotism and unity,” Zeerish recalls. This extraordinary experience has become a source of deep inspiration for Zeerish and her fellow awardees, reaffirming Prerana’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The event has left an indelible mark on their lives, motivating them to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities.

The university and schools of Jamia Millia Islamia have extended a hearty congratulations to Zeerish on this rare distinction and recognition and hope that she will continue to bring laurels to her school and JMI.

In another development on the campus, As a part of the National Anti-Ragging Day and Anti-Ragging Week observances, the Proctorial Department of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organised a Special Lecture on Anti-Ragging on 13.08.2025 at 11:30 am in the FTK-CIT Conference Hall to raise awareness about the menace of ragging and to reaffirm the university’s commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Prof. Mohammad Asad Malik, Chief Proctor, JMI welcomed all the guests and participants and shed light on the legal aspects of ragging and outlined the proactive role of the Proctorial team in addressing student grievances and ensuring safety across the campus. He informed the participants that the Anti-Ragging Team and Proctor Office were always there to help any aggrieved students, so they should not feel any reservation in approaching the Proctor Office, and even a mild case of ragging should not go unreported. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor, JMI and Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI for sparing their valuable time to address the students on the sensitive issue of ragging.

The chief guest, Prof. Mazhar Asif, emphasized the moral and ethical responsibility of senior students to warmly welcome and support their juniors. He stressed that earning respect is a reciprocal process and that one cannot expect to be treated well without showing genuine care and respect for others. He also spoke eloquently on the socio-religious dimensions of student life and the traditional guru-shishya (teacher–student) relationship, assuring freshers of a fear-free and nurturing campus environment. Reflecting on the history and culture of Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Asif said, “At Jamia, we take pride in shaping our students into compassionate human beings while also ensuring excellence in their respective fields of study.” Highlighting the university’s robust mechanisms to curb ragging, he commended the Proctor Office’s untiring efforts to protect students from even the mildest forms of such misconduct at Jamia Millia Islamia.

The Guest of Honor, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, reassured the student community by apprising them of the robust anti-ragging mechanisms instituted by JMI. He urged students to actively engage in maintaining a friendly and respectful culture. He reiterated that the Jamia Millia Islamia stands firmly against ragging in all its forms and continues to ensure a welcoming, respectful, and secure environment for all its students. He told the students that there are stringent and concrete laws to combat ragging, making it a punishable offense under both institutional rules and the law of the land. He also apprised the students about the support that the university provides to its students through its Counseling and Guidance Centre, Mental Health Unit, Proctorial Team, and Anti-Ragging Committee.

Prof. Neelofer Afzal, Dean of Students’ Welfare, in her address as Special Guest, emphasised replacing fear with friendship, intimidation with inclusion, and cruelty with compassion. She also urged the students to speak up against the crime of ragging and help in saving a fellow student’s life.

Gaurav Singhal, Vice President of the Society Against Violence in Education (SAVE), Kolkata, delivered the keynote address on the occassion. He said that activities such as anti-ragging campaigns and awareness lectures reflect the strong commitment of JMI to upholding the values of respect, dignity, and empathy among students in all aspects of their academic and personal development. He cautioned students never to indulge in the evil practice of ragging and encouraged them to stand united against any form of violence or harassment. He also informed them about legal remedies and support systems available for victims.

All participants took a solemn pledge not to engage in or support any form of ragging, reaffirming their commitment to a safe and respectful university culture. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, instilling a sense of unity and national pride.

The event was attended by over 120 freshers and senior students, in addition to the Anti-Ragging Committee Members, Provosts of Boys’ and Girls’ Residences, Anti-Ragging Squads, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, Directors of Centres, the University Librarian, the Security Advisor, and many other officials and staff of the university. The programme was compered by Dr. Ambreen Jamali, Assistant Proctor, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Etee Bahadur, Assistant Proctor.

source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-Edu / by The Okhla Times / August 19th, 2025

Media innovator Farhat Khan joins global film powerhouse IIFSA as fellow and Astar award council member

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Gorakhpur, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Prof. Farhat Basir Khan (image outsourced)

India’s media innovator Farhat Khan joins global film powerhouse IIFSA as fellow and Astar award council member. Here is the report:

As the global film industry increasingly embraces innovation at the intersection of art, science, and education, an Indian academic has been named to one of its most distinguished international institutions.  Prof. Farhat Basir Khan has been elected a Fellow of the International Institute of Film Science and Art (IIFSA) and appointed to its Astar Award Council, becoming the first Indian to hold both positions.

The dual appointment represents a significant moment for India’s academic and cinematic communities. It signals the growing international recognition of India’s contributions to the evolving landscape of film theory, media education, and technological storytelling. As IIFSA prepares to host its inaugural Astar Awards in Bangkok on August 27, and expands its global academic alliances across Europe, North America, and Asia, Khan’s appointment places an Indian voice at the core of international decision-making on the future of screen culture.

The role is more than symbolic. The Astar Council will shape the vision and execution of one of the most anticipated new global awards in film and media innovation. The ceremony will convene leaders from across creative, academic, and technological fields, recognising those redefining what it means to tell stories in the digital age.

Based in New York City, IIFSA is a globally respected think tank advancing the integration of cinematic art with scientific and technological exploration. Its current roster of Fellows includes some of the most influential figures in the field: Demetri Terzopoulos, Oscar Technical Award winner and a pioneer in visual computing; Prof. Patricia Pisters, a leading theorist on neuro-cinema; and George Huang, the UCLA professor whose screenwriting work has shaped Hollywood’s narrative landscape. IIFSA’s initiatives range from academic research and policy reports to cross-continental educational reforms and interdisciplinary artistic collaborations.

Prof Farhat Khan’s journey to this global stage is built on decades of educational innovation. He was instrumental in developing the academic and technical foundation of the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia, now considered among the premier media schools in Asia. Farhat Khan portfolio includes the creation or restructuring of over 24 academic programmes, the establishment of 12 media production labs across Indian institutions, and the launch of the Department of Design and Innovation in 2021 , an interdisciplinary space focused on storytelling, technology, and civic engagement.

Currently heading the Centre for Media and Mass Communication Studies at Jamia Hamdard, Farhat Khan continues to influence media education with an emphasis on accessibility, innovation, and purpose-driven communication. His work extends far beyond the classroom: initiatives like Photos4Peace, ChitthiAayi Hai, and Votography have used visual storytelling as tools for public awareness, democratic participation, and social change.

Farhat Khan also led the Indian student team that won the country’s first Sony World Photography Award (Student Focus category) at Cannes in 2009, competing against teams from around the globe, a milestone still regarded as a turning point in India’s international visual arts recognition.

Farhat Khan election to IIFSA’s Fellowship and Council reflects the organisation’s emphasis on inclusive, global, and interdisciplinary leadership. As IIFSA seeks to shape the next era of cinematic practice and education, perspectives from emerging and underrepresented regions are being brought to the centre of the conversation ,and Khan’s presence plays a key role in that realignment.

Far from being a personal accolade alone, this appointment points to a broader shift: the recognition of India not only as a consumer or producer of cinema, but as a thought leader in how visual narratives will be conceived, taught, and experienced in the years to come.

source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI-Edu / by The Okhla Times / August 08th, 2025

JMI’s Chemistry Professor Tokeer Ahmad conferred with the Prestigious CRSIBronze Medal-2025

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NEW DELHI :

Prof. Tokeer Ahmad at the Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia has been
conferred with the prestigious Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Bronze Medal
for the year 2025 at the 35th CRSI-ACS National Symposium in Chemistry & ACS
Lectures held at IIT Gandhinagar from July 3-5, 2025. Prof. Ahmad has been awarded
CRSI Medal in recognition of his impactful research contributions in Chemistry on
Hydrogen Energy and Nanocatalysis.The CRSI Medal is the highest honor by CRSI and is
among the top awards in Chemical Science given in recognition of outstanding
contributions in Chemistry which have significant impact through leading research and
high quality publications.


Prof. Ahmad delivered the CRSI Bronze Medal Lecture titled “Designing of Functional
Heterostructures for Scalable H2 Production using Overall Catalysis” at the symposium.

Prof. Tokeer Ahmad, a Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), has graduated from
IIT Roorkee and holds a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi. His research interest includes the designing
of functional heterostructures for green hydrogen energy, CO2RR & NRR for
applications in climatic sustainable environment. Prof. Ahmad has supervised 16 PhD’s,
published 228 research papers and three books with research citation of ~10,000, hindex of 59 and i10-index of 186. Prof. Ahmad is also the recipient of MRSI Medal, SMC
Bronze Medal, ISCAS Medal, Inspired Teacher’s President of India Award, DST-DFG
award, IIT Delhi Alumni Faculty Award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Dr. S. S.
Deshpande National Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Excellence Award of Education,
Teacher’s Excellence Award and elected as Member of National Academy of Sciences
India. Prof. Ahmad has figured in World Top 2% Scientists for consecutive five years
since 2020 in both coveted lists including career long by Stanford University, USA.
Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar JMI, Prof. Md.
Mahtab Alam Rizvi congratulated Prof. Ahmad and expressed their happiness on his
outstanding achievement bringing laurels to the university. Prof Ahmad said that he was
honoured and elated at the recognition bestowed on him, especially, as it testifies to the
extraordinary research work undertaken by him on the production of Green Hydrogen
Energy. Prof. Ahmad thanked the team of hard working students, collaborators, mentors,
friends and family members for the Medal Award.

The Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) was established in 1999 as part of the
50th anniversary celebrations of the country’s independence. The main objectives of the
CRSI are to recognize, promote and foster talent in Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
and to improve the quality of Chemical Education as well as research in all branches of
Chemistry. CRSI recognizes outstanding achievements in chemical research through
awards, grants, and medals. The society has active collaboration with the Royal Society
of Chemistry, American Chemical Society, Asian, German, and French Chemical Societies.

source: http://www.jmi.ac.in / Jamia Millia Islamia / by Office of Chief Public Relations Officer, JMI / July 10th, 2025

‘I’m Proud to Be a Bengali’: Meet Nilufa Yasmin Who Topped UGC NET 2025 With 100%, Earned CM’s Praise

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Katwa Town (Purba Bardhaman District) , WEST BENGAL :

Nilufa Yasmin

Kolkata : 

Nilufa Yasmin has scored a perfect 100% in the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) held in June 2025. She has qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Bengali.

The UGC NET is a national-level exam that determines eligibility for the award of the JRF, a scholarship awarded to postgraduate students to pursue research that leads to a PhD.

Her result is being celebrated as an achievement. It came after two previous unsuccessful attempts. She appeared for the exam along with more than 7,52,000 candidates. Her score of 100% has placed her right at the top.

Belonging to the state of West Bengal, she feels proud of her language and identity.

“I am proud to be a Bengali. I take even greater pride in my subject, which is Bengali language, and I am determined to hold onto it as I move forward in life,” she told TwoCircles.net, with a sense of pride.

Nilufa, 26, comes from Katwa town in Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. Her academic performance from school through college has been excellent.

Lauding her success, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Congratulations to Nilufa Yasmin of Katwa in Purba Bardhaman for scoring 100 percentile and securing first position in India in UGC-NET June, 2025 in Bengali and to Rikta Chakraborty of Kolkata for securing second position in India in UGC-NET June, 2025 in Mass Communication and Journalism. Your achievements have made our State proud. Congratulations to your parents/ guardians and teachers too.”

Nilufa said this recognition from the chief minister is an honour and a reminder for her to strive even harder in the future.

She is currently pursuing her PhD on Sangeet O Sahityer Melbondhon from the Burdwan University. Her research explores the connection between music and literature.

She has an interest in music. She learnt Rabindra Sangeet during her school years and has taken part in many singing competitions. She has won prizes in various categories, including a gold medal in Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti and classical ‘bhaktigeeti’.

“I am inspired by legendary singers like Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar,” she says.

She is a singer herself and has hosted a musical show titled ‘Eto Sur Eto Gaan’ on Doordarshan. She shares her singing performances on her You Tube Channel.

Her ambition is to become a professor in Bengali literature.

An avid reader who is inspired by her favourite authors such as Sarathchandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, Procheta Gupta, among others, she aspires to be a professor of Bengali language and literature.

She has written 16 stories on themes such as women, social issues and romance. She hopes to publish them one day. She also wants to write a book.

Nilufa Yasmin with her parents

Nilufa says she owes her success to her sister and her parents who are in the field of education. She has a message for aspiring young girls and women: “Stand on your own feet first as financial freedom is the greatest form of freedom. Education brings dignity and teaches us to respect others. It is more important to be truly educated than just formally literate.”

She believes that food and language should not be used to create barriers.

Speaking about the alleged harassment and targeting of Bengali-speaking Muslims in different parts of the country, she says, “I am heartbroken by these incidents. One’s language, food and attire are personal choices and fundamental rights. Even though our country is independent, our mindset is yet to attain that freedom. Had we been free in thoughts, then no one would attack another for their language. This causes pain.”

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> India Politics> Indian Muslim> Lead Story> TCN Positive / by Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net / August 10th, 2025

AMU Physiology Students Win Second Prize at All India Physiology Quiz 2025

Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Winner of All India Physiology Quiz 2025 with Prof. Gul Ar Navi Khan at Dept. of Physiology, AMU

Aligarh:

Ms. Faiza Furqan and Mr. Mohd Aryaan Tariq, MBBS students of the Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), secured the Second Prize at the prestigious All India Physiology Quiz Competition 2025, organised by the Physiology Society, Department of Physiology, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, bringing laurels to the University.

The quiz witnessed participation from leading medical and dental colleges across India. The event tested participants’ knowledge and application of human physiology in a highly competitive environment.

Prof. Gul Ar Navi Khan, Chairman, Department of Physiology, JNMC, congratulated the winning team and presented them with an appreciation gift in recognition of their outstanding performance.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / August 21st, 2025

Jamia Mohammadia: Islamic and Modern Studies Rule Here With Equal Power

Education, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Malegaon, MAHARASHTRA :

Jamia Mohammadia Mansoora, as this complex is named by its founders, is not only an education hub but also a symbol depicting state-of-the art combination of Islamic and modern Indian culture.

Sultan Manzil (Photo: ummid.com)

Malegaon, despite an appalling history of negligence by successive governments at the centre and state, still has the tag of being a town of literate, erudite and cultured masses firmly intact.

True to this identity, the first thing that greets the people entering the town from the western side on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway and touching the banks of Girna River is the grand educational complex.

Mansoora, as this complex is named by its founders, is not only an education hub but also a symbol depicting state-of-the art combination of Islamic and modern Indian culture.

Lush green lawns, buildings of class architecture, classrooms with modern amenities, model computer rooms – one each for boys and girls, well-equipped laboratories, library with valuable collection of rare books, hostel with suitable lodging, playground – enough not only for cricket but also for games like basketball and football, giant mosque with separate arrangement for women having a capacity exceeding 5000 people and what not. The campus stretched on 56 acres of land has everything that parents would love to have for the education of their children.

Moreover, Mansoora is perhaps the only place in India having a dedicated mosque for girl-students where they not only offer prayers five times a day but also it is they who lead the prayers every day. Above all, they have a unique syllabus for study that not only masters them in Islamic as well as Modern subjects but also train them in meeting the emerging challenges.

The brainchild of Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi, who with the help of his friend Saith Mohammad Khaleel of Malegaon initially, and single-handedly later on, turned the Mansoora into a model not only for those working eagerly on Madrasa modernization but also for many schools and educational institutions in India where quality education and desired results have become scarce.

The Beginning

King Abdul Aziz University of Saudi Arabia had organised an International Conference in 1975. The theme of this conference was to deliberate on the possibilities to amend the existing Madrasa syllabus followed at the time by most of the Islamic institutions and bring them in line with the modern requirements. Besides Muslim scholars and Ulema from all across the world, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi and noted Muslim scholar Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Miya Nadvi were also invited to the conference. The deliberations on the all-important issue in the conference kept Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi impatient throughout the way back to India. He consulted on the matter with Maulana Ali Miya Nadvi and then tirelessly began searching for options to establish a Model Madrasa in India.

Masjid Aisha of Mansoora is the largest Mosque in Malegaon (Photo: ummid.com)

At this juncture, Maulana Mukhtar Nadvi met his friend Saith Mohammad Khaleel of Malegaon in Mumbai. The two men, though living miles away from each other, had many things in common. While Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi had the vision and plan to convert his dream into a reality, Saith Mohammad Khaleel had the required resources in plenty.

Simultaneously, Saith Mohammad Khaleel proved a powerful backer and a great motivator for Maulana Nadvi. The combination worked and what Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars dreamt at King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in 1975, became a reality in 1979 thousands of miles away in Malegaon.

Mansoora

A man with a vision, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi was also a master in doing things in novel ways. Hence for his dream Education Institute – running on a unique syllabus based on Islamic as well as Modern Education pattern and stretched on 56 acres of land touching the banks of Girna River along the Mumbai-Agra road in Malegaon – chose Mansoora as its name.

Mansoora, as Maulana Mukhtar Nadvi used to recall, in the 9th century was a historic locality in Baghdad. Iraq’s capital Baghdad during that time was the source of wisdom, knowledge and erudition, and a preferred destination for scholars and academicians. People from all across the globe seeking knowledge and wisdom used to converge at Baghdad. In the heart of the city and centre of all academic activities in Baghdad was Mansoora. A thousand years later, Mansoora took rebirth in Malegaon – a small town in North Maharashtra predominated by Muslim population.

A Model Curriculum

For the Curriculum and Syllabus to be followed at Jamia Mohammadia for boys and Kulliyah Aisha Siddiqua for girls – as he named the first two institutions founded by him in Malegaon – Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi worked on two levels.

Realising that the existing Dars-e-Nizami – normally followed by the Mada’ris (plural of Madrasa) in India – is not sufficient to meet the emerging challenges and requirements of even the Islamic studies, he after consulting renowned academicians and scholars of the time, introduced suitable and needful amendments in it.

Abdul Latif Ali Al Shaya Faculty of Engineering, Mansoora (Photo: ummid.com)

At the same time, he introduced the modern subjects like Science and Mathematics, and also the languages like English, Hindi and Marathi for students that included boys and girls both. Finally, the curriculum that came into being out of his efforts was a perfect combination of Islamic and Modern Education pattern.

Simultaneously, he meticulously worked for obtaining the all-important affiliation and recognition from the state education board, and also from the Indian and foreign universities. Thanks to the determination, commitment and speed with which he worked, both of his institutes were very soon recognised by the Mahrashtra State Secondary Board and also by Jamiah Islamia, Madinah Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Mansoora: A Force to Reckon With

Due to the hard-work it needed on the part of the students as well as the teachers, the curriculum was really tough when introduced in the beginning. However, once it was on the roll, results started pouring in consistently and with surprising rewards. The Jamia students – both boys and girls, soon found them not only scoring excellently in Islamic studies but also coming with flying colors in state board exams.

Kulliyah Aisha Siddiqua for girls

However, the brightest moment for Mansoora came in 2008-09 when one of its students Abdur Rehman along with sixteen others created history at Jamia Islamia Madinah Munawwara, Saudi Arabia. While Abdur Rehman topped his faculty and bagged student of the year award, sixteen others from Mansoora cleared the University exams with distinction. The results were so impressive that Jamiah Islamia sent its Head of the Education Department to Mansoora. He specially traveled from Saudi Arabia to Malegaon to have a personal and first-hand account of the way students are taught.

JMES Goes National

After he succeeded in his mission, Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadvi invited people from various places – specially those who were part of the deliberations with him at King Abdul Aziz University in 1975 – to have the first hand experience of what was dreamt in that conference. At the same time, while extending all supports, he urged them to replicate the model in their localities.

Independence Day Celebrations at Jamia Mohammadiya Mansoora, Malegaon

However, when he found some of them wary and some others hesitant, he took it upon himself to do the job. Soon JMES spread its wings to other parts of the country and established branches at Maunath Bhanjan, Aakot, Dhule, Bangalore, Mahesla and Mewaat – all running on the Mansoora pattern and affiliated to the respective state boards.

Future Ambitions

The Mission was partly accomplished. Maulana Mukhtar Ah Nadvi died September 9, 2007. Behind him he left, besides Mansoora in Malegaon and a chain of education institutes spread all across the country, an able and equally ambitious son Arshad Mukhtar. At the helm of the affairs now, Arshad is smartly following his father’s footsteps. His dream is to convert Mansoora into a big University – capable of offering every subject that exists on the earth.

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[The writer, Aleem Faizee, is Founder Editor of ummid.com. Aleem Faizee has also worked as a Researcher at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and with Action Aid for its research work published as “BROKEN PROMISES -A study on the socio-economic status of Indian Muslims: Seven years post Sachar”. His research work “Mollywood: The Rise and Fall of a Subaltern Cinema” is part of the book “Creative Industries in India” published by Routledge India of Taylor and Francis Group, London. A prolific writer, Aleem Faizee has also wrote for The Times of India as a Freelance Journalist for over 10 years. The above article was originally published on January 22, 2010.]

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source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Aleem Faizee, ummid.com news network / August 20th, 2025