Category Archives: Education

Dr Narjis Fatima’s Book, ‘Muntakhab Mazameen’ released

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH:

Aligarh:

Faculty members and scholars of Aligarh Muslim University underscored the salient features of the writings of Dr Syeda Narjis Fatima, especially stressing the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of her work, during the release ceremony of her book, “Muntakhab Mazameen” (Selected Essays) in the conference hall of the Faculty of Social Science, Aligarh Muslim University.

In his presidential remarks, the founder and director of Ibn Sina Academy, Aligarh, Prof Hakeem Syed Zillur Rehman, congratulated Dr Narjis Fatima on the publication of the book and said that most of the articles included in the book bring forth the aesthetic aspects of Urdu literature, which is an important genre of literary criticism in Urdu. He said that her canvas of writing is vast and her articles introduce the Urdu readers to a new way of thinking.

The chief guest, Prof. Qazi Jamal Hussain, while underscoring the aesthetic aspect of various topics included in the book, said that studying Urdu literature from an aesthetic point of view is a difficult task because people generally do not differentiate between aesthetics and impressionistic criticism, while both are different things. He said that aesthetics covers all the genres of fine arts and Dr. Narjis Fatima has employed the aesthetic elements in her essays with great objectivity and dexterity.

He said that Dr. Fatima’s articles emanate from her philosophical concerns and this is another important quality of her writings.

The Guest of Honour, Prof Syed Siraj Ajmali, Department of Urdu said that the release of a book in an educational institution is an important event as it reflects its academic activities. Dr Narjis Fatima’s book is an embodiment of philosophical and aesthetic ideas with reference to her essays. He said that Dr Fatima belongs to a family of scholars and carries forward the scholarly tradition. She submitted her PhD thesis on Aesthetic Criticism in 2009, which was later published in the form of a book.

Former associate professor of the Department of Philosophy, Dr. Tasadduq Hussain said that although Dr Fatima is a housewife, her academic activities continued over a long span of time as she has a genuine aptitude for reading and writing and pondering over scholarly topics. He added that the book contains enough material for the students of literature and they can benefit from it in many ways.

While conducting the program, Prof Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, Chairman, Department of English, said that Dr Fatima’s book stimulates the thought process as the articles included in this book cover important subjects like the aesthetic dimensions of Iqbal’s and Faiz’s poetry and the aesthetics of progressive writers’ movement.

He said that the book is very helpful for students of English literature, especially comparative literature, as the it includes special studies on “Shakuntala and Shakespearean Heroines”, “Antigone and Greek Drama” and Manto’s “Toba Tek Singh: A Critical Review”.

Prof. Ashiq Ali, Chairman, Department of Hindi extended a vote of thanks.

Prof Mehtab Haider Naqvi, Prof Shahid Rizvi, Prof Madihar Rehman Suhaib, Prof Samina Khan, Prof Prem Kumar, Prof Sami Rafiq, Prof Shambhunath Tiwari, Mr. Ajay Basaria and a large number of teachers and students congratulated Dr Narjis Fatima for the publication of the book.

source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University, AMU / Home> AMU News / by Public Relations Office, Aligarh / July 17th, 2023

Bantwal’s Muhammad Saif to represent India at International Scouts and Guides Jamboree in South Korea

Karuvelu (Bantwal Taluk), Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru:

Muhammad Saif, a student of St Aloysius College, has been selected as the International Service Team (IST) representative of India for the upcoming 25th International Scouts and Guides Jamboree, scheduled to be held in Saemangeum, South Korea.

The prestigious event is set to take place from August 1 to August 12.

Hailing from Karuvelu in Bantwal taluk, Saif is the son of Abdul Khader Haji and Sameena. His selection as the IST representative of India is a significant achievement and honor for him and his family.

The International Scouts and Guides Jamboree is a global gathering that brings together scouts and guides from various countries to promote international friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among young people.

Saif’s participation as the IST representative will not only showcase India’s presence at the Jamboree but also provide him with a unique opportunity to interact with scouts and guides from different parts of the world.

source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 26th, 2023

Frank F. Islam: A visionary leader empowering communities through business, philanthropy, and education

UTTAR PRADESH / U.S.A:

Frank Islam

In the realm of Indian Muslims and the Indian Muslim diaspora, the name of Frank F. Islam commands instant recognition and reverence. An illustrious entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a prominent civic and intellectual figure, he has become an indomitable force for the advancement of Indian Muslims through his unwavering commitment to education. His influence extends far and wide, gracing numerous boards and councils at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, American University, and George Mason University.

His philanthropic endeavors have left a mark of grandeur on his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, where he has erected the splendid Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex. Not stopping there, his native village, Kaunra Gahni, bears witness to his magnanimity with the establishment of the Frank and Debbie Islam Health Clinic, a project dedicated to the betterment of its people.

As the visionary leader of FI Invest Group, a venture he founded after selling his information technology firm, QSS Group, in 2007, Mr. Frank Islam exudes a profound understanding of global economic affairs. His keen eyes closely monitor the economic activities of two colossal nations, the United States and India, while he remains deeply immersed in the intricacies of American politics and economy. His connections with former President Barack Obama and the current President Joe Biden stand testament to his prominence in political circles. An accomplished writer, he has penned two books, solidifying his intellectual prowess.

Undoubtedly, the economic condition of a country charts its future trajectory, and in this domain, Mr. Frank F. Islam emerges as a seasoned expert. In this exclusive interview with Alize Najaf, he graces us with invaluable insights into the economic dynamics of India and beyond.

AN: Your dedication to uplifting Indian Muslims through education and philanthropy is truly commendable. Could you share with us some of the impactful projects you’ve undertaken in this regard?

Mr. Islam: Certainly. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the development of my alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, by constructing the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex. Additionally, in my native village Kaunra Gahni, we’ve established the Frank and Debbie Islam Health Clinic, which aims to provide essential healthcare services to the community.

AN: Your journey as an entrepreneur is remarkable. How did you establish the FI Invest Group, and what advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?

Mr. Islam: Building a strong and talented team has been pivotal to my success in business. Aspiring entrepreneurs should surround themselves with like-minded individuals who share their vision and values. It’s essential to believe in oneself and the team while daring to dream big. Woody Allen once said, “90% of life is just showing up.” I believe in focusing on the remaining 10% and maximizing efforts to achieve one’s goals.

AN: Turning our focus to economics, the relationship between the United States and India is growing stronger. Is the strategy to counterbalance China a driving force behind this development?

Mr. Islam: While China’s influence is a factor in strengthening U.S.-India relations, it’s not the sole driving force. The convergence of India and the United States is based on shared interests and values as the world’s largest democracies. From artificial intelligence to climate change, there are numerous common areas of focus.

AN: Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of developing countries. How important is agricultural production for a country’s economic development?

Mr. Islam: Agricultural self-sufficiency is vital for any nation to sustain its population without relying heavily on imports. The Covid-19 pandemic taught us the value of self-reliance during supply chain disruptions. While developed economies rely less on agriculture for employment, developing nations often have a larger population dependent on the sector.

AN: The economic reforms introduced by Dr. Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Narasimha Rao are often credited with changing India’s economic trajectory. What is your view on their impact?

Mr. Islam: The economic reforms of the 1990s were transformative for India. They set the country on a path to becoming the fifth-largest economy and beyond. Prime Minister Rao and Dr. Singh’s vision played a pivotal role in this positive transformation.

AN: What are your predictions for India’s economic growth in the next five years?

Mr. Islam: All indications point to substantial economic growth for India in the coming years. According to the IMF, India is expected to contribute 15% to global growth this year. The organization further estimates a 6% growth rate for India in the current year, setting the stage for further progress.

AN: India’s economic growth still lags behind China’s. What factors do you think are responsible for this difference?

Mr. Islam: China had a head start in initiating economic reforms, while India opened its economy later. China’s unwavering focus on manufacturing and global investments played a significant role in its economic growth. However, India possesses the potential to surpass China with appropriate policies and continued reforms.

AN: It’s evident that your expertise in economics is vast. Do you have any plans to contribute to India’s economic progress?

Mr. Islam: After selling my company, my wife and I founded our family foundation to dedicate ourselves to philanthropy. We believe in giving back to society, primarily focusing on education and healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, my home state. By supporting institutions like Aligarh Muslim University, we aim to contribute to India’s progress from the grassroots level.

AN: Thank you, Mr. Frank F. Islam, for sharing your insights and expertise with us. It has been an enlightening conversation.

Mr. Islam: Thank you for having me, Alize. It was a pleasure discussing these critical economic matters.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Interviews / by Alize Najaf / July 30th, 2023

The DropOut: The man who built uncountable schools for poor children in Howrah

Howrah, WEST BENGAL:

Moumita Chaudhuri meets Mamoon Akhtar, the good samaritan of Howrah’s Tikiapara and gets to know a lot about his social moves and motives.

Mamoon Akhtar / Photos, courtesy Akhtar

Tikiapara is a downtown area in Bengal’s Howrah district, off NH22. Narrow lanes full of pedestrians and vans dangling dangerous iron rods and bars trundling through them, cars and bikes honking incessantly, piles of garbage and small iron manufacturing units. Amidst all of this stands Rebecca Belilious English Institution.

The English medium school is for the poor children of Tikiapara, Pilkhana and the neighbouring Bankra town.

Mamoon Akhtar is the principal and founder of the school. That day he is not in his office. He is attending to an elderly woman who is seeking a fee waiver for her ward. “The school fees are highly subsidised — Rs 100-150. Mamoon Sir believes that education should not be free. But if someone cannot pay, he will never turn a student down,” says Tapan Mandal, a member of the school staff.

The principal’s room has a single bed, a small sofa, a table and a chair. “Sir, spends his days and nights here,” says Mandal. “I have often spotted him sweeping the school premises at daybreak,” he adds.

Akhtar himself is a school dropout. After Class VII his father could not afford to pay the fees. However, he did not give up studying. “I started teaching primary students in my area and with that money completed my Class XII,” he tells The Telegraph.

Tikiapara in the 1990s and early 2000s was apparently a den of criminal activities.

Akhtar started his school with six children in 1999. “A room in my house a few hundred metres away from here, that was it,” he says. The story goes thus. One day, Akhtar was passing a slum when he saw a man was beating up a woman; she was refusing to sell drugs and he was egging her on. A little boy stood watching. When the brawl ended, Akhtar went up to the boy and told him he shouldn’t idle away his time and the boy said he would have liked to go to school except that nobody seemed keen to send him to one.

Akhtar asked the little chap to come to his house and he became his first pupil. Akhtar says, “The next day he came back with his friend. The third day, two more; on the sixth day, there were six children who wanted to study. I felt God was saying something to me. I cleaned up the front room of my mud house and started a school.”

There were no funds. Akhtar asked his students to bring old newspapers, broken items and discarded things from their homes or their neighbours’. He says, “I would sell the rags to the kabadiwala and with the money buy books, notebooks and stationery. I also requested the educated youth in the area come and teach. I paid them a small salary — Rs 100 per month.” The first funding for the school came from Lee Alison Sibley, the wife of the then US Consul General George Sibley. “I had seen her photograph in the newspaper and wrote to her asking for help for the school. Initially, she refused but she sent me a note appreciating my efforts. I wrote to her again and asked if she could help with some notebooks and pencils.” A few days after that, Lee visited the school with a journalist. She gifted a cheque of Rs 10,000 with which the school got its first toilet for the girl students.

Akhtar continues, “The journalist reported my story and one day I got a call from a Mumbai-based man called Ramesh Kacholia. He sent Rs 12,000 for cement flooring and windows. On completion, Akhtar found that he had spent Rs 8,000. He returned the rest to Kacholia.

The school was formally registered in 2007 as Samaritan Mission School High. By then, many organisations had come forward with grants. The Kacholia family stood by and connected Akhtar to Vidya Shah of Edelweiss Capital, an international investment company. These two associations have stood by the school and Akhtar through all these years. Once the school was in place, Akhtar turned to improving the living conditions of the people of Tikiapara. The students were from the nearby slums, children of labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Their parents were auto drivers, domestic help, property dealers and so on. Most of the children were first-generation learners.

LIGHT HOUSE: The first school started by Mamoon Akhtar

Once the school was in place, Akhtar turned to improving the living conditions of the people of Tikiapara. The students were from the nearby slums, children of labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Their parents were auto drivers, domestic help, property dealers and so on. Most of the children were first-generation learners.

Akhtar started a vocational training programme for women. The Howrah police and the administration too supported his endeavours.

In 2014, the wheels turned for Akhtar. The Rebecca Belilious English Trust of Howrah handed over their school building and clinic to him. “It belonged to a Jewish family by the name of Rebecca Belilious,” he says.

The building was renovated with funds from corporates. Akhtar named the five floors of the school building after Savitribai Phule, C.V. Raman, Swami Vivekananda, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, B.R. Ambedkar and Baba Amte. The clinic at the Rebecca Institute has now been turned into a small hospital that caters to the people of Tikiapara. Soon there will be a hostel for girls; Akhtar feels the slums in the neighbouring area are not safe for girls. A galpo ghor or storytelling room will start for the children of the primary school as they still do not have a library.

Akhtar’s first school has also gotten better — smart classrooms, science and computer labs, sports such as archery, basketball, football are encouraged. Children can also opt for NCC training. In 2015, Akhtar opened a third school named Samaritan Public School in the slums of Bankra in Howrah.

Students from his first school cracked the 2022 NEET examinations and one student qualified in the WBJEE exams last year. From six students, the number of children attending these three schools is now 6,300.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Culture / by Moumita Chaudhuri / July 23rd, 2023

AMU’s Prof Faizan Mustafa appointed CNLU vice chancellor

UTTAR PRADESH:

Prof Faizan Mustafa was vice chancellor of NALSAR at Hyderabad before returning last year to Aligarh Muslim University’s law faculty.

Prof Faizan Mustafa was appointed on the recommendation of the search committee headed by former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra
Prof Faizan Mustafa was appointed on the recommendation of the search committee headed by former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra

Patna:

Prof Faizan Mustafa of the law faculty at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was on Tuesday appointed vice chancellor of the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of the search committee headed by former Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, said Prof SP Singh, social sciences dean and facilitator of the search committee.

Prof Mustafa returned to AMU last year after spending a decade at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) as its vice-chancellor. He was previously the founder vice chancellor of National Law University, Odisha.

He also served as dean and registrar at the AMU.

Mustafa is the recipient of both Commonwealth Scholarship as well as Fulbright Fellowship. He was conferred the SAARC’s ‘Best Law Teacher Award’ in 2014 and has delivered lectures in almost 32 countries of the world like USA, UK, Australia, Germany, China, Germany, Israel etc. He also runs a YouTube channel, Legal Awareness WebSeries, which has over 700,000 subscribers.

CNLU vice chancellor Justice (retd) Mridula Mishra congratulated Prof Mustafa for his appointment as vice chancellor of the university set up in 2006.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Education> Admissions / by Arun Kumar / July 18th, 2023

Dr. Syed Nooruzzuha Barmaver becomes first Bhatkally Ph.D. recipient in Neurogenetics

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA:

He completed his Ph.D from Tsinghua University, Taiwan

Bhatkal: 

In a momentous achievement, Dr. Syed Nooruzzuha Barmaver, son of Syed Nurulhuda Barmaver and son-in-law of Fazal Jukaku, has been awarded a doctoral degree in Neurogenetics from Tsinghua University Taiwan. This remarkable milestone not only marks Dr. Barmaver’s personal success but also brings pride and recognition to the entire Bhatkal community.

As the first Ph.D. recipient in Bhatkal in the field of Novel Molecular Mechanisms, Dr. Barmaver has embarked on a groundbreaking journey in advancing the understanding of complex neurological diseases. His research has uncovered novel molecular mechanisms that underlie these conditions, significantly contributing to the scientific community’s knowledge in this area. Dr. Barmaver’s work has gained global recognition, with his first study gracing the cover of the esteemed MBoC journal published by the American Society of Cell Biology.

The impact of Dr. Barmaver’s research does not stop there. His second discovery research has been selected as the cover feature of the prestigious Traffic journal from Denmark, further solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the field of neurogenetics. Additionally, his third study has been successfully published by the renowned Nature Publishing Group, emphasizing the significance and quality of his contributions.

To add to his remarkable achievements, Dr. Barmaver has received eight prestigious awards, highlighting his outstanding academic excellence and research accomplishments. Among the accolades bestowed upon him are the Phi Tau Phi award, the Muming Poo award in neuroscience, and the Shen culture award. These honors serve as a testament to Dr. Barmaver’s dedication, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to making impactful contributions to the field of neurogenetics.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 18th, 2023

KAS Officer Mohammad Naeem Momin takes charge as new Registrar of Mangalore University

KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru: 

On Tuesday morning, Mohammad Naeem Momin, a senior rank KAS officer, assumed office as the 17th Registrar (Administration) of Mangalore University. Hailing from Bagalkote district, he has previously served as Assistant Commissioner in Bidar and Hassan districts. Additionally, he has worked as Under Secretary to the State Government at Vidhana Soudha.

The outgoing Registrar, Dr. Kishore Kumar, who held the position from April 2021, formally handed over the charge to the new Registrar, welcoming him to the university.

Congratulatory messages poured in for Mohammad Naeem Momin from various university officials, including Chancellor Prof. Jayaraj Amin, Vice-Chancellor (Examination) Dr. Raju Krishna Chalannavar, and Finance Officer Sangappa Y. The heads of different departments and deans of various institutions also extended their felicitations to the newly appointed Registrar.

In a press statement, the university announced that Dr. Kishore Kumar will continue to serve as the Director of the Department of Physical Education.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 25th, 2023

Telangana educationist complies study material for competitive exams in Urdu

TELANGANA:

Owing to a lack of study material in Urdu, only 38 candidate out of the 25,000 who opted for Urdu medium, qualified for the Group-I preliminary exam in October 2022.

 Educationist from Telangana, Mohd Khaja

Hyderabad: 

In an effort to make study material for Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) available in Urdu language, a renowned educationist has covered the entire syllabus in ten volumes.

Mohammed Khaja, founder and director of BC Study Circle, has not just compiled the material, but also converted the same in ‘speaking mode’ using AI tools. Hailing from Adilabad, Khaja envisions an exclusive IAS Study Circle for those coming from Urdu-medium backgrounds.

Owing to a lack of study material in Urdu, only 38 candidate out of the 25,000 who opted for Urdu medium, qualified for the Group-I preliminary exam in October 2022.

Ever since, the state government declared Urdu to be the second state language, Khaja took up the initiative of compiling study material in Urdu, for those who struggle to follow the vast syllabus in English or Telugu language.

Besides the TSPSC syllabus, Khaja has also compiled a ‘bit bank’ for Telangana History and Telangana Movement in the Urdu languages.

Books in Urdu, for competitive exams, compiled by Khaja

“Many students from Urdu-medium background face difficulties while preparing for various competitive exams,” said Khaja. “It is difficult to find the updated syllabus in Urdu.”

“While they prepare for the exams, it takes a lot of time for them to collect the material or study in other languages. Hence, they fail to qualify,” added Khaja.

For the students to overcome this barrier, Khaja has been preparing the study material since 2021.

While Telugu academy books are priced at Rs 400, Khaja’s material can be availed for almost half the price. Khaja further said that the idea of a AI-powered ‘speaking’ module for both English and Urdu medium syllabi would make the preparation easier.

On July 23, 500 copies of ‘5,000 bit bank’ (Urdu) were distributed among Urdu-medium students at The Siasat Daily‘s office in Abids.

The ‘bit bank’ covers topics like Indian History, Indian Constitution, Indian Geography and Economics, Telangana geography, Biological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and current affairs updated till June 2023 were distributed for free.

Nearly 1,000 people participated in the launch of ‘bit bank’ and many reviewed the book, stating that the consolidated data was simple to understand and would consume less preparation time.

For more information and related queries, contact Mohd Khaja on 9948835280.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Telangana / by Masrath Fatima / July 24th, 2023

Prof. Sheik Ali Had Contributed A Lot For Urdu Language Growth

Mysuru, KARNATAKA:

Mysore/Mysuru:

Maintaining that former Vice-Chancellor of Goa and Mangalore Universities Prof. B. Sheik Ali was a highly talented scholar and a renowned historian, Rajyotsava awardee Dr. Maher Mansur said that Prof.Ali severely opposed the partition of the country during the freedom struggle.

He was speaking after inaugurating the one-day seminar on “Prof. B. Sheik Ali Hayath Aur Khidmaath – His life and views” organised at Kaveri auditorium in KSOU premises on Hunsur road here recently.

Maintaining that Prof.Sheik Ali strongly opposed the partition of the country at the end of British rule, Dr. Mansur said that Prof.Ali was well-versed in languages such as Urdu, Kannada, Hindi and English and has 55 works to his credit.

Highlighting the contributions of the former VC to the growth and promotion of Urdu language, he said that his (Ali) work ‘British rule in Mysore Kingdom’ has documented many important happenings then. Noting that the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas had lauded the knowledge of Prof.Ali, he said that the late VC, after his return from England, scripted 12 books in Urdu.

KSOU Finance Officer Khader Pasha, in his address, said that Prof.Ali had great concerns for education of poor Muslims and established educational institutions at Ghousianagar and other parts of the city. Prof.Ali had contributed a lot for the language when he served in the Department of Urdu, University of Mysore, he added.

KSOU Dean Prof. N. Lakshmi too spoke. KSOU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sharanappa V. Halse, Registrar Prof. K.N. Murthy, Urdu Department Dean Prof. Ramanath Naidu, Registrar (Evaluation) Prof. K.B. Praveen, Dr. M.D. Nasrulla Khan, Dr. Syed Ishrath Fatima and others were present at the seminar.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2023

MANUU awards PhD to Moosi Raza

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Hyderabad: 

Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) has declared Moosi Raza qualified in Doctor of Philosophy in Urdu from Lucknow Campus.

He worked on the topic Abid Suhail Ke Ghair Afsanvi Adab Ka Tanqeedi Mutalia (A critical study of non-Fictional Literary Work of Abid Suhail) under the supervision of Dr. Ishrat Naheed, Assistant Professor, MANUU Lucknow Campus. The viva-voce was held on June 6.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by News Desk / July 13th, 2023