Category Archives: Education

Workshop on ‘ Agricultural Finance ‘

February 15, 2016Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, UncategorizedAIR Bengaluru, AIR Bengaluru Station Director, M.A. Ahmed, Station Directormpositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Dr. T.N. Prakash Kammaradi (second from right), Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru, is seen releasing a brochure during the inauguration of workshop in city this morning. Also seen are (from left) AIR Mysuru Programme Executive N. Keshavamurthy, AIR Bengaluru Station Director M.A. Ahmed and AIR Mysuru Programme Head M. Raghavendra.

Mysuru:

A one-day workshop on ‘Agricultural Finance Management’ organised by Prasar Bharati – India’s Public Service Broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR), Mysuru, on the eve of Radio Kisan Divas, began at Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) auditorium, Manasagangotri, this morning.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop, M.A. Ahmed, Station Director, AIR, Bengaluru, said that AIR Mysuru ‘Kisan Vani’ programme has been a hit among the farming community.

Giving a brief on the objective of observance of Radio Kisan Diwas, Ahmed said that the programme has enabled the farmers to get clarifications for their doubts and problems. He called upon the farming community to maintain a balance between expenses and income and to utilise available resources in a most judicious manner.

Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission Chairman Dr. T.N. Prakash Kammaradi, who delivered the keynote address, explained the meaning, scope and significance of agricultural finance. Pointing out that Agricultural finance deals with the financial aspects of farm business, including macro and micro financial aspects of an agricultural economy, he observed that such workshops, seminars, etc., will help the farming community to improve productivity, increase profitability and fulfil their long term goals.

Since Indian Agriculture is capital intensive, the farmers’ dependence on lending Institutions, such as banks, has considerably risen, Kammaradi said and called upon the lending institutions to come together with society in setting an overall framework in which the individual farmer can appropriately manage his finances.

Noting that natural disasters and other calamities have put the farmers at great risk with crop loss and un-remunerative prices, he expressed displeasure over media’s hyped reporting whenever prices of agricultural and horticultural commodities shoot up and at the same time remaining silent when prices of agricultural produces crash, resulting in great loss to farmers.

He called upon banks and other financial institutions to chalk out the best cash flow analysis that helps the farmers in determining period wise quantum of loans needed and a proper repayment channel that benefits the farming community.

Stating that agricultural production in the country stands at 250 million tonne per year, he called upon the farming community to judiciously use farm savings and not to spend on unproductive assets.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / February 15th, 2016

Yaqoob Koyyar – The Legend in Mathematics

February 5, 2016Community Involvement / Social Issues, EducationMaths Lab, Maths Science Teachers Forum, MSTF, Naveed Ahmed Parvez, s, Shabana Sultana, Teacher, Yaqoob Koyyarmpositiveone@gmail.com

Dakshina Kannada Distirict, KARNATAKA :

He is probably the only teacher to set up a mathematics lab.

by Shabana Sultana

Nada (Bethangada Taluk), Dakshina Kannada District :

Most of the students find mathematics the toughest subject. But if a hard working teacher puts his efforts wholeheartedly in this subject, students can begin to see a bright future and show a keen interest in those head-spinning numbers and graphs. They will no more find mathematics a scary subject.

If a teacher decides to do something for the students without worrying about the hurdles coming in the way, success is sure to come to their doorstep.

Yaqoob Koyyar hails from a small village called Nada in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. He belongs to that rare breed of teachers who are always ready to solve any math problem. But that’s not what makes him truly rare. He has inculcated qualities like sound thinking, hard work, interest, appreciation and broadmindedness in his students as well. It seems he was born only to spread knowledge.

Nowadays, teachers have an attitude which belies the noble work they render. They think just being teachers makes them great. But Mr. Koyyar isn’t one of them. He works extra hours in the class to teach students the nuances of mathematics and channelize their creativity.

I got to know about Mr. Koyyar through a WhatsApp group called MSTF (Maths Science Teachers’ Forum) run by Mr. Naveed Ahmed Parvez, a high school teacher from Shimoga. This group introduced me to many a local legend in mathematics and science.

Mr. Koyyar’s parents believed his birth brought light in their lives. He studied primary education at the Belthangady government school. There was no Urdu-medium school nearby, so he studied in Kannada medium. He did his secondary education at Manjunatha High School in Dharmasthala. He went on to study Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). He studied Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at the Mangalore College of Teachers’ Education.

He isn’t one who just eyes destiny and does nothing. He is one who can change the atmosphere.

Mathematics lab established by Yaqoob Koyyar in Nada, Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district

Mr. Koyyar was posted at a high school at his native village. He achieved a lot in his career as a teacher. His students still admire his dedication. He made all of them to think that mathematics is the easiest of all subjects.

He became a tree, giving the fruits and shadow of knowledge to all in this world of selfishness. He himself bore the scorching sun. He evaluated his students with different tests and exams. He would teach most of his students till midnight during exams. He demonstrated so many exercises to the students to make them fall in love with mathematics.

Later, he was transferred as assistant director of Akshara Dasoha (mid-day meal) scheme. There too, he his did duties sincerely. He is popular as the math and science resource person. He was honored by many organizations, too.

Mr. Koyyar used his knowledge and set up a wonderful mathematics lab for all the teaching community of Karnataka. I salute him for his dedication.

His children inherited the same qualities. His daughter scored 611 out of 625 marks in SSLC exams in 2015, with centum scores in Kannada and mathematics.

Computer is known as a multi-tasking and programming machine. I would like to compare Mr. Koyyar with a computer, because he is multi-faceted, hard working and dedicated to spread knowledge.

(The writer is a teacher in Bangalore. )

source: http://www.karnatakamuslims.com / Karnataka Muslims / Home> Districts> Dakshina Kannada / December 21st, 2015

Amitabh bags LU’s gold medal

January 29, 2016EducationBest Woman Student Luckow University, Best woman Student Parvish Fatima, Chancellor's Silver Medal, Lucknow University, Parvish Fatimampositiveone@gmail.com

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow:

Winner of Chakravarti medal and Chancellor’s Bronze medal in 2013 and 2014 respectively, Amitabh Srivastava is now the recipient of Lucknow University’s prestigious Chancellor’s gold medal for the year 2015, awarded for the best student in all the faculties. A law student, Amitabh scored 73.8% in LLb (hons). He is now pursuing LLM from National Law University, Bangalore.

It’s a perfect New Year gift I could have ever thought of. It’s a dream come true,” said Amitabh, who got to know about his medal from the media while he was in his hostel. I got to know it from the reporters, who started calling me,” said he. Amitabh will be given the medal on January 31 when LU will hold its convocation.

Hailing from Faizabad, Amitabh has participated in several moot court competitions. In a national moot court competition, Amitabh won the first runner-up award.

Son of Raj Kumar Srivastava, a court commissioner, Amitabh’s mother Anuradha Srivastava is a government teacher in Faizabad. From cleaning river Gomti to particpating in co-curricular activities like singing, quiz competition, Amitabh has actively participated in social and extra-currcicular activities. Also, he has to his credit a research paper, which is published in a journal of international repute. He has represented his university in various moot courts.

Apoorv Dev has bagged the Chancellor’s Silver Medal which is awarded to the best student among all students in all faculties in post-graduate classes.

Parvish Fatima has bagged the Chancellor’s Silver Medal for being the best woman student in the university.

Apoorv, a national volleyball player is currently in final year LLb. He has participated in rifle shooting competition.

Dr Chakravarti Gold medal has been awarded to Rajat Shukla. The Chakravarti medal is given to the student who is of good behaviour and is found to have been most helpful in the general social life of the university. Rajat, also from faculty of law has also participated in several national and international moot courts. Besides, he has organised legal aid camps, and has worked as volunteers in National Human Rights Commission.

The 10 Chancellor’s Bronze Medal awarded to the best student in different faculties are Shivani Singh and Manvi Tripathi in arts, Shalini Jaiswal and Vibhvantika in science, Arpita Saxena and Shubhagi Dubey in commerce, Pranav Tripathi and Shivangi Tiwari in law, Pramod Kumar and Arti Singh in fine arts.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / January 26th, 2016

Indian-origin imam conferred honorary doctorate by UK university

January 26, 2016Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, World OpinionHead Imam, Indian Origin Imam, Leicester Central Mosque, Muhammad Shahid Razampositiveone@gmail.com

London, UNITED KINGDOM / BIHAR :

A senior Indian-origin imam has been conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Leicester in recognition of his work for his local community.

Muhammad Shahid Raza, who serves as Head Imam at Leicester Central Mosque and is a leading Muslim cleric and teacher in the UK, was born in Bihar and studied in Moradabad, Agra and Meerut before moving to the UK.

“The city of Leicester has always been a place of significance in my life since I emigrated here from India in the late ’70s. One of my first responsibilities as Imam of Leicester Mosque and then Leicester Central Mosque was to oversee the moral and spiritual education of children,” he said in reference to the honour.

“I have always strived to instill in my students a desire to achieve academically and integrate themselves as valuable members and contributors to society. I am delighted to note that many of my former students have gone on to graduate from this university and of those many are now working in this city as civil servants, teachers and doctors or owners of small businesses.

“For this reason I reflect on this award fondly and I hope it will further inspire the young Muslims of Leicester,” Raza said.

He was awarded his honorary Doctorate of Laws by University Chancellor Lord Grocott at the university’s degree ceremony at De Montfort Hall today before an international audience of graduating students and their families.

Raza leads the Friday prayers at Leicester Central Mosque and is credited with designing and conducting the first in-service training course for imams in the UK.

As executive secretary and registrar of the Muslim Law (Sharia) Council UK, he is engaged in a number of initiatives directed towards the wider community in Britain, Europe and North America through his association with organisations such as the InterFaith Network UK and the InterFaith Youth Trust in London, the university said in a statement.

In the 2008 New Year’s Honours list, he was awarded an OBE for services to the Muslim community in Leicester.
Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Foster, Coordinating and Anglican Chaplain to the University of Leicester, said, “Muhammad Shahid Raza has been a hugely influential figure in our city and County as a leading Muslim cleric and teacher over a period approaching 40 years.”

“In terms of Interfaith dialogue over that period, again his influence has been profound. As we presently travel sensitive times and roads in interfaith issues, his wisdom and insight into same will continue to be so important both locally and far beyond. The University of Leicester I know honours him…rightly and gratefully so,” Foster said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> NRI> Other News / PTI / January 25th, 2016

Muslim girl tops Bengal commercial tax service

January 26, 2016Amazing Feats, Education, UncategorizedFirst Muslim Woman, First Muslim Woman to Top West Bengal Tax Service, Mohammed Azhar Khan, Mohammed Shabbar Khan, Suraiya Ghaffar, West Bengal Tax Service Toppersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kolkata , WEST BENGAL :

A girl from Kolkata has become the first Muslim woman ever to top the West Bengal Commercial Tax Service. What makes Suraiya Ghaffar’s achievement sweeter is the fact that she has cleared the “state’s toughest examination” as a general category candidate despite qualifying for backward class quota, reflecting a growing trend among meritorious Muslim students of giving OBC reservation a miss.

In the commercial tax category itself in which Suraiya has topped, three of the top five candidates are Muslims, who despite qualifying for reservation, cleared as general category candidates. Mohammed Shabbar Khan has stood second and Mohammed Azhar Khan fifth. A total of 40 candidates have made it to the commercial tax service.

Suraiya, 23, was confident that her sound academic background would see her through. “If I wanted I could have taken the reservation route but I decided to test my skill by appearing as a general category candidate. Since age is on my side, I am entitled to several attempts,” she said, sitting in her husband’s Shibpur residence. Maqsood Hasan is in the West Bengal Police Service.

A senior official of the minority affairs and madrasah education department confirmed that Suraiya is the first Muslim girl ever to top the commercial tax service.

Close to 50,000 aspirants sat for the WBCS examination in 2014 out of which 4,000 qualified for the second stage termed as “mains”. Only 400 made it to the interview stage for the services listed in Group A and Group B. Apart from commercial tax service, Group A includes executive, labour, excise and agriculture services. Group B consists of the state’s police service. The results were declared last week.

Suraiya is the eldest of five siblings in a home with limited financial resources. Her father Abdul Ghaffar Khan works in the electricity department of the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited.

Overcoming hurdles is nothing new for this girl from Metiabruz. After finishing her higher secondary from a local school, Suraiya enrolled into an Honours course in Chemistry in a college in central Kolkata for which she had to travel for almost two hours every day.

The girl, whose role model is her father, did not lose sight of her dreams, even after her marriage to Maqsood in 2014. Hard work, determination and resilience helped Suraiya sail through the written and interview rounds of WBCS in the first attempt.

When she is not glued to her books, Suraiya is inseparable from her smartphone. Beside her academic achievements, Suraiya has another accomplishment to boast of — her chemistry with her husband.

Even before marriage, Maqsood used to encourage Suraiya to sit for competitive exams. He helped her with the study material, tutorials and did all the research work for her so that she could concentrate on her studies completely.

“I would even serve food to her when the exams were approaching,” smiled Maqsood.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kolkata / by Zeeshan Javed, TNN / January 25th, 2016

Toppers bask in glory

January 25, 2016EducationAiman Jan, Bushra Amin, Tehneez Bashirmpositiveone@gmail.com

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar :

The toppers of this year’s class XII examination have attributed their success to hard work and support from parents and teachers. They also shared their desire to continue the winning streak in their professional lives.

Bushra Amin has secured first position in Science stream with 489 marks (97.8 percent). A resident of Khanaqah Bagh Pampore, she wants to be an ideal daughter and honest professional.

“This is a small success in life. I want to shine in every sphere of life-social as well as professional. My first priority would be to see my parents happy,” Bushra told Rising Kashmir.

A student of Muslim Educational Institute Pampore, Bushra said she relied more on self study rather than coaching classes, and credited her teachers for the success.

“Coaching classes only helped me to complete certain portions of my curriculum but real supporters were my school teachers as they would treat me with affection like their own sibling,” she said.

COMMERCE TOPPER

Tehneez Bashir of Green Valley Educational Institute, Illahi Bagh has topped the Commerce stream. She dreams to become honest and successful business woman.

“I am yet to decide whether to go for academic or professional course. However, I have a dream to become a successful businesswoman and to break all taboos and stereotypes,” she said.

Tehneez lost her father when she was in class 3. She said her father was always encouraging. “My elder sister who shouldered many responsibilities after my father’s death is my inspiration as she has shown me how to overcome tough times,” she told Rising Kashmir over phone.

ARTS TOPPER

Aiman Jan Habib, who topped Arts stream with 486 marks (97.2%), credited the teachers of her school, Jamiat ul Banaat for her success.

“Though I never compromised on hard work but the consistent support of teachers in the school has proved fruitful,” she said.

Resident of Tral in south Kashmir, Aiman said her parents supported her in the decision of not opting for private tuitions. “I want to become an administrator as I always dreamt of it,” she said.

source: http://www.risingkashmir.in / Rising Kashmir / Home / by Manzoor-ul-Hassan (muhassan@risingkashmir.com / Srinagar – January 21st, 2015

MIT professor covers 1,500 km on bicycle from Bengaluru to Koraput

January 22, 2016Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Sports, Travel & Tourismmpositiveone@gmail.com

S.S.S. Shameem, Assistant Professor in Computer Application, Manipal Institute of Technology, with his cycle at Semiliguda in Koraput district of Odisha on December 26, 2015.

Manipal (Udipi) , KARNATAKA :

He began his journey on December 18 and concluded it in nine days

S.S.S. Shameem, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Application, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), has just completed the first leg of solo cycle expedition, a passion he has been pursuing since two years, and calls it as “Bharat Bhraman: Ride-4-Pride.”

According to a press release issued by the Manipal University here on Thursday, Prof. Shameem had covered a distance of 1,500 km on a high-end bicycle from Bengaluru to Koraput in Odisha. Mr. Shameem, who is very lanky, proudly says, “I completed it in nine days.”

“Eastern Ghats was a bit tough, otherwise I enjoyed the first leg and plan many more such solo rides. My aim is to see and know the diversity of our country and do whatever I could. Going around the country on a bicycle gives me a great pleasure and satisfaction. Moreover, I will be, when I finish the journey, sit and look back with pride my achievements,” Prof. Shameem said.

“I began my journey from Bengaluru on December 18, 2015, and reached Koraput on December 26, 2015, via Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Vishakapatnam and Salur,” he said.

“I have been preparing for this trip for the last two years. The next cycling trip would be again taken up in December this year,” he said.

Prof. Shameem had to spend a few nights, sleeping at railway stations, police stations and religious places etc. Prof. Shameem, who is also a marathon runner, plans to alternate his cycling expeditions with running.

Therefore, he is planning to do running during summer and cycling in December. Being ambitious, Prof. Shameem is keen to get into Limca Book of Records with half marathon (21.1 km) runs.

Accordingly, he plans to do 111 half marathons in 70 days and is working on that. He calls it, “Bhaag-run Project.” He has sought details from Limca and is in touch with the athletic associations of Udupi and Mangaluru for assistance.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Ganesh Prabhu / Manipal – January 22nd, 2016

Sheik Ali gets first Kalburgi award

January 21, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Uncategorizedmpositiveone@gmail.com

KARNATAKA :

The Kannada Book Authority (KBA) has instituted the Dr. M.M. Kalburgi Award, which carries a cash prize of Rs. 75,000 and citation, for writers in humanities. This year’s award, in memory of the renowned scholar, has been conferred on historian B. Sheik Ali.

Announcing the awards, KBA chairperson Banjagere Jayaprakash said Prof. Sheik Ali served as Vice-Chancellor of the Mangalore and Goa universities and was responsible for the emergence of a number of History scholars.

Research work

A major share of his research work relates to the period of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Prof. Sheik Ali has around 40 major works to his credit, including eight in Urdu.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Muralidhara Khajane / Bengaluru – January 20th, 2016