Presidency University Chancellor Nissar Ahmed and two other achievers were awarded honorary doctorates by Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot at the 2nd convocation ceremony of the Bengaluru City University on Monday.
During the program organized at the Jnanajyothi auditorium of the Bengaluru City University, Nissar Ahmed, who is a native of Mangaluru and also chairman of the Presidency Group of Institutions, was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) degree.
Writer Tarini Chidananda and social activist Dr. Wooday P Krishna were also awarded D.Lit degrees by the Bengaluru City University during the convocation ceremony on Monday.
Renowned cardiologist and director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Dr CN Manjunath and Vice-chancellor of the Bengaluru City University Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / July 10th, 2023
Dr Asima Banu has taken charge as the principal of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), becoming the first Muslim woman to hold this position at the institution. Dr Banu, with 23 years of service at BMCRI, assumed her new role on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the college’s history.
Dr Asima Banu’s journey at BMCRI began in the 1990s when she completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the institution. In 2000, she joined as a faculty member in the microbiology department and has since held various key positions, including quality in-charge, infection control officer, head of the microbiology department at Bowring Hospital, convenor of the medical education unit, and nodal officer of the simulation and skills centre at BMCRI.
Her contributions during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic have garnered widespread appreciation. In 2020, Dr Banu served as the nodal officer of the Covid ward at the Trauma Care Centre, Victoria Hospital. Her dedication to patient care and well-being was evident as she implemented innovative measures to ensure the comfort and recovery of COVID-19 patients.
Dr Banu’s efforts to make patients feel at home and ease their recuperation included providing essential facilities and amenities in the isolation wards. She personally ensured that patients had access to juice tetra packs, nail cutters, toiletries, kettles, and pedestal fans. In an interview, she emphasized her commitment to meeting the diverse needs of patients, even when language barriers made it challenging. Dr Banu’s compassion and determination to ensure patient satisfaction have been instrumental in creating a positive healing environment.
Despite the immense responsibilities as the overall in-charge of the facility, Dr Banu consistently prioritized the patients’ well-being. She went above and beyond by catering to their specific requirements. Whether it was arranging for clothes and essentials or fulfilling requests for games, cakes, and chocolates, Dr Banu spared no effort to bring happiness and comfort to the patients. She established a WhatsApp group where patients could message her directly, creating a channel for communication and ensuring their needs were met promptly.
As Dr Asima Banu assumes the position of principal at BMCRI, her appointment serves as an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals, particularly women from minority communities.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / July 06th, 2023
Human Welfare Foundation (HWF), in collaboration with RailTel Corporation of India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project aimed at promoting healthcare and women’s empowerment in selected villages of the Jalna District of Maharashtra.
The project will include two interconnected initiatives. The first will address menstrual hygiene in a few selected villages in Jalna District, while the second will run a mobile unit staffed by healthcare professionals to facilitate special online consultations and offline solutions for common people in selected villages.
RailTel Corporation of India Limited will provide funding support for the project, which will be implemented over a period of one year in six villages in the Jalna District, namely Chikali, Dalegaon, Kedarkheda, Loangaon, Chandai, and Rajur.
The project’s activities will include the formation of two self-help groups comprising 60 women who will be responsible for the distribution of sanitary napkins in the villages. The project will also create a source of livelihood for the women, sensitizing and raising awareness among young girls and women in these villages about the health benefits of the use of sanitary napkins, menstrual hygiene, and health-related issues.
The project’s goal is to empower people in the selected villages to address health and nutrition issues and set up income-generating plants for women. The project will focus on two areas of activity, namely self-help group formation for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and tele-health medicine.
The project aims to provide infrastructure, training, health, and medical facilities in Jalna District villages, promote hygienic menstrual practices among rural women and adolescent girls, eliminate stigmas and taboos related to menstruation, facilitate authentic information and guidance to reduce hospitalization, empower girls by addressing gender issues, provide comprehensive mobile health care services, and enhance the physical and psychological well-being of rural women. The project also offers free tele-consultations by an expert panel of doctors to all beneficiaries.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by admin India Tomorrow / March 08th, 2023
Sawleha Shaikh, a PAI Academy student playing the role of a news reporter
The PAI Academy of Spoken English, founded in 2007 by noted educationalist Dr. P.A. Inamdar, is making a profound impact on the lives of underprivileged students. Driven by a deep commitment to education, Dr. Inamdar recognized the need to address the educational disparities faced by students in Pune Municipal Corporation schools, where English and computer education opportunities were limited compared to their peers.
PAI Academy of Spoken English
The primary objective of the academy is to provide a life-changing opportunity for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By equipping them with essential English communication skills, the academy aims to empower these marginalized students and level the playing field for their growth and development.
Teacher’s Day function of PAI Academy of Spoken English.
Dr. Inamdar shared his vision for the project, stating, “Through this initiative, we aspire to instill hope and self-confidence in students belonging to the most deprived sections of society.” He emphasized the transformative power of computer education, not only boosting the students’ confidence but also inspiring their families and nurturing their dreams.
Since its establishment, the PAI Academy has successfully set up over 80 centers across Maharashtra and beyond. These centers cater to students studying in Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu mediums, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder their educational progress.
“While teaching these students, I experience immense pleasure and satisfaction. It fills me with joy to see these students, who may not have many resources, still eager to learn and succeed in life. I feel a strong sense of responsibility towards them, as I recognize that without our intervention, their circumstances may not improve. Above all, I am inspired by the hope and determination that shines on their faces. Teaching these students is truly a life-changing experience for me, ” said Sama Sayyed, the project’s leader.
Impressively, the Academy has provided training to more than 45,000 students through its Spoken English program, without any financial burden on the Pune Municipal Corporation schools administration. The academy takes pride in its selection and training of dedicated teachers who share the vision of empowering underprivileged students.
The tireless efforts of the PAI Academy in raising hope and transforming the lives of underprivileged students through education serve as a beacon of inspiration. By bridging educational gaps and offering equal opportunities, the academy is paving the way for a brighter future for these deserving students, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Special Correspondent / July 06th, 2023
Renowned Islamic Scholar and Senior Member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional contributions to the Islamic literary world. Known for his profound knowledge and expertise in translating and explaining the Holy Quran, Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan was a highly respected figure within the Islamic community.
Born in Karpi village in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1932, Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan pursued a Masters in Hindi Literature. Although he initially began his career as a teacher in Azamgarh, his passion for writing and disseminating Islamic knowledge soon took precedence.
Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan gained recognition with his Hindi translation of the Holy Quran, which marked a significant milestone in his career. His translation made the sacred text accessible to a wider audience, bridging the gap between Arabic and Hindi literature. The clarity and precision with which he conveyed the Quranic teachings garnered him immense respect and established him as a prominent figure in the field.
Expanding his literary endeavours, Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan authored a notable four-volume collection of Hadith commentary called Kalameh Nabuwat. This work, too, received widespread acclaim and further solidified his position as an authority on Islamic literature. His insightful explanations and interpretations of the hadiths provided valuable guidance to scholars and practitioners alike.
In addition to his translations and commentaries, Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan penned numerous books on various subjects, including da’wah (Islamic propagation), guidance, personality development, and comparative study of religions. These works not only enriched the Islamic literary landscape but also reached a broader audience through his Hindi translations. Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan’s dedication to promoting Islamic teachings and his efforts in making them accessible to people of diverse linguistic backgrounds were unparalleled.
The passing of Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan is an irreplaceable loss to the Islamic literary world. His extensive contributions and profound understanding of religious texts have left an indelible mark on the community. The impact of his work will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.
As the news of his demise spreads throughout the Islamic community, heartfelt tributes pour in, acknowledging the significant role Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan played in disseminating knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of Islam. Scholars, students, and devotees express their gratitude for his contributions and remember him as a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment.
Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan’s funeral prayers were held today, attended by a multitude of mourners who came to pay their respects. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who admired his scholarship, but his legacy will live on through his writings, translations, and the countless lives he touched.
The Islamic world mourns the loss of Maulana Muhammad Farooq Khan, and his memory will forever remain as a testament to his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to spreading Islamic knowledge.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / June 30th, 2023
All the office bearers except Vice President were elected unopposed. Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor and Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar were the guests of the oath taking ceremony.
Dr. Shabana Kesar first woman President of MANUUTA, Newly elected office bearers took oath
Hyderabad:
The newly elected members of Maulana Azad National Urdu University Teachers’ Association (MANUUTA) took oath in the investiture ceremony held at CPDUMT Auditorium Tuesday evening.
All the office bearers except Vice President were elected unopposed. Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor and Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar were the guests of the oath taking ceremony.
Prof. Badiuddin Ahmed, Chairperson Election Committee, administered the oath to Dr. Shabana Kesar as the President of MANUUTA along with other office bearers. Dr. Salahuddin Syed, Vice President; Dr. Jameel Ahamad, General Secretary; Dr. Majid Ali Choudhary, Joint Secretary (organizing); Mr. Ahmad Talha Siddiqui, Joint Secretary (Publicity) and Mr. Chavala Mutyala Rao, Treasurer also took charge.
Dr. Shabana Kesar from the Department of Women Education is the first women President of MANUUTA.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan congratulated the newly elected office bearers and emphasized upon work for the welfare of the teaching community of MANUU. He also distributed certificates among office bearers.
Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Guest of Honour welcomed the new members and assured his full support for the overall development of the University.
Election officers – Dr. Syed Khaja Safiuddin convened the program and Mr. Mohd Omar proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Faheemuddin Ahmed, Dr. Z. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Khaja Moinuddin and Dr. Muqeem Ahmed also served as Election officers.
source: http://www.munsifdaily.com / The Munsif Daily / Home> News> Regional> Hyderabad / June 22nd, 2023
JMI student bags President’s scholarship to pursue Ph.D. at CEPT University, Ahmedabad
Haaris Zafar Khan, a student of M. Arch (2021-23 batch), Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has received a scholarship of Rs. 40 thousand per month with a waiver of annual fees to pursue Ph.D. programme at CEPT Architecture University, Ahmadabad, country’s seventh top institution in the field of architecture education.
This merit-based scholarship, known as President’s scholarship, is awarded to doctoral students to promote and develop research practices in the areas of architecture and planning. The scholarship has been awarded to him based on his performance in the entrance exam and interview conducted by the university.
Haaris aims to create inspiring spaces that uplift and inspire the human spirit by integrating his interdisciplinary knowledge and embracing diverse perspectives. He is also interested in pedagogy as it expands understanding of different ways of thinking and learning. He strives to develop innovative solutions that promote positive change and enrich people’s lives.
It is worth mentioning that the Faculty of Architecture, JMI is one of the highest ranking institutions in the country in architecture, planning and ekistics education.
The Faculty improved its position from 9th to 6th top institution in Architecture & Planning category in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)- India Rankings 2023, recently released by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI/Edu / by The Okhla Times (headline edited) / July 02nd, 2023
These candidates, despite being from a poor financial background, worked hard to achieve their goals.
JEE Advanced, NEET toppers felicitated at Hyderabad Institute of Excellence
Hyderabad:
Hyderabad Institute of Excellence (HIE) recently organized a felicitation program for the toppers of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Notably, distinguished guests and esteemed personalities graced the occasion, including Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, the Managing Editor of Siasat Daily, who attended as the chief guest.
During the program, Md. Anas Khan who clear JEE Advanced and secured rank 1745, and Sayed Affan who secured 572/720 in NEET were felicitated. Apart from them, two more candidates, Md. Rayan Mohi Uddin and Md. Sadeem who secured 471 and 422 respectively in NEET were also felicitated.
These candidates, despite being from a poor financial background, worked hard to achieve their goals. HIE played a remarkable role in students’ achievement.
During the felicitation program, Javed Hood, the Dean of HIE, expressed his gratitude towards Zaheeruddin Ali Khan for his unwavering support in HIE journey
Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, while addressing the audience, expressed his belief in the transformative power of education. He shared a profound vision, stating that if every successful student from HIE commits to supporting a student from a financially challenged background, it would eradicate the cycle of poverty in the country.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Sameer Khan / June 27th, 2023
Learning Point, founded by Sarvath Adil Khan in 2018 with only six students, has since expanded to accommodate a student body of 300.
Education, in today’s world, is more than just conferring a certificate. It is granting a child an equal opportunity to compete and excel in a fast-progressing world that is only growing every day in ideas and possibilities. It is to equip children with the necessary skills, techniques and information that build in them the confidence to challenge, create, innovate and allow them to contribute towards the betterment of societies and the upliftment of their communities. It is this confidence that Sarvath Adil Khan, founder of Learning Point , talks about when she says, ‘I want to give them the gift of confidence, so that they can, at least believe that they too, like every other child, have a right to dream. And then over here, with the help of this project, I want to equip them with the necessary tools with which they can turn their many dreams into a reality.”
Learning Point, located in Bangalore’s Tannery Road is an NGO that works to offer youth, struck by fate, a second chance at pursuing their education in various fields, and to make a difference in their lives. The NGO works with school drop outs who had to discontinue their education early to become breadwinners for their families. Learning Point’s alumni, of the past four years boasts of children who were formerly working as maids, house helps, waiters, table cleaners, garage boys and are now either successfully placed in decent jobs or are pursuing their higher education as lawyers, paramedics and engineers. The course seeks to offer firstly a basic training in spoken English and then goes on to incorporate the students in an NIOS program. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is a government initiative that provides courses and programs up to pre-degree level through open and distance learning mode. The NGO also organises job placements, vocational counselling, teachers training and workshops on women empowerment, computer skills, interview skills, personality development along with scholarship programs.
Learning Point began in the year 2018 with only six students and has now grown to a 300-student strength, with a well-equipped, qualified staff, catering exclusively to youth, single mothers, widows, abandoned women, child laborers and drug addicts who wish to give themselves a second chance at breaking free from their circumstances for a better future. A unique initiative by the NGO is their AEMS (Academic Education for Madrasa Students) program that aims to empower huffaz, alims and students enrolled at madrasas with a formal English education along with personality development and computer courses, without hindering their Islamic education. The program even allows the students to write their exams, three subjects at a time, so as to not overburden their curricula.
‘We hope to make madrasas a haven of both Islamic and academic education’, their brochure optimistically says. The AEMS program is already being implemented in four madrasas in Bangalore and has yielded vibrant results. The NGO prides itself on a 96.7% pass rate for tenth standard and 98.1% for twelfth standard of which madrasa students too had between 98-100% pass rate.
Sponsored by a few organisations across Bangalore, the NGO was founded by Sarvath Adil Khan, who has nearly seven years of experience in social service. A former parent leader at Oasis International School, Sarvath did not let her early marriage deter her from seeking a higher education for herself. A certified Cambridge trainer with a Masters in Psychology, she has previously served as headmistress in Elegant International School, before establishing her own centre for schooling and service.
“Maybe it was my own circumstances that moved me towards my brainchild, the Learning Point,” she says when asked about her source of inspiration. “I was married too early, depriving me the chance at education, training and self-reliance. It is only when I pushed myself to study after the birth of my two children that I realised that every school dropout should also be given this second chance at bettering themselves.”
“Parents from poor economic backgrounds enrol their children in a madrasa for many reasons. But the foremost amongst them is that it offers some sort of a formal education, free of cost, that allows the child to have at least a meagre income in the future. But as a society we have stereotyped our alims and huffaz to a point that we don’t see them beyond their kurta pajamas as individuals who are deserving of respect and opportunities just like other members of the society. All they end up with is having to stand in BPL ration lines for food and less than sufficient incomes while they are only approached by the community on a ceremonial basis.”
While many aspects differentiate Islam from other religions, the pursuit of education stands out as a significant one. Islam considers the acquisition of knowledge as a fundamental duty for all believers, irrespective of gender, age, or profession, rather than a privilege for a chosen few. The AEMS program that works with madrasas empowers the students to balance both the worlds and face the society head-on without any feelings of deprivation and inferiority, as they enhance themselves with their Islamic education accompanied by a formal English education that enables them to have careers of their choosing.
After completing their pre-degree level courses with NIOS the students are integrated into colleges across the city where they can meet and learn from diverse cultures and thought processes to become individuals who understand the society better and can offer more than what they themselves received.
Sarvath emphasises on the need for teachers to be more aware of the skill-based opportunities that are now available, making it possible to create careers out of every little hobby. It is with this guidance and encouragement that many lives and futures and can be given a chance so that they too can become contributing members of the society instead of dependents on government schemes.
“My students give me the energy boost I need to carry on with my initiative whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by the lack of support in our community. I watch them talk about their dreams with a twinkle in their eyes and I know that I will continue to work for them.” Learning Point has already made a difference in 317 lives that have now been removed from the shackles of illiteracy and unemployment and are already on a path of determination, confidence and compassion.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate/ Home> Education / by Zainab Aliyah / June 15th, 2023
Workshop to develop entrepreneurship in Imams and Ulema.
In Kolkata, West Bengal, a workshop organized by the Maaeshat Foundation and Tarbiyah Cambridge International School provided imams and ulemas with an opportunity to acquire entrepreneurial skills.
The day-long workshop took place at the Indian Science Congress Auditorium, where Ahmad Hasan Imran, the chairman of the West Bengal Minorities’ Commission, engaged in interactive sessions with the religious leaders.
Ahmad Hasan Imran said that the primary objective of the workshop was to assist Imams and Ulema in initiating their own businesses and achieving financial independence.
“In the Muslim community, Imams play a significant role. In West Bengal, imams and Ulema are financially weak. We need to do something to make them financially strong. Their salary is very low. The objective of this workshop is to make the imams and ulemas learn business skills. This will help them to start their own business and earn their livelihood,” said Ahmad Hasan Imran.
Ahmad Hasan Imran highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasizing the significance of business.
Referring to the neighbouring country Bangladesh, Ahmad Hasan Imran said: “In Bangladesh, there are Islamic institutions which give different types of business training to imams. In India, Islamic organisations give different types of small business training to religious leaders. For example, Maaeshat Foundation is conducting an entrepreneurship workshop for imams and ulemas to learn the trade of tea, either, dates and items.”
At the workshop, experienced businessmen shared insights on the fundamentals of business with the participants. The clerics had the opportunity to engage with business experts and address their inquiries, thereby gaining clarity on various aspects of entrepreneurship.
During the workshop, Mr. Huzaifa Arshad, the proprietor of Natural Shine, a tea trading business, encouraged businessmen who were involved in trading tea or dates to step forward and participate in this noble cause. He emphasized the importance of leveraging their business expertise and resources for a greater purpose, possibly referring to initiatives that benefit the community or promote social welfare.
“It should be done keeping in mind the Akhirat. There are two types of human beings in the world. The first type of human being is the one who live for his children, wife and family. The other type is the one who thinks about the society and do good deeds for the society for the sake of Allah (God). They do for sadqah jaria. Businessmen should contact Maaeshat for this purpose,” Arshad said.
Mr. Md Arif of Dania Dates International addressed the concern of hesitation or apprehension among imams regarding potential business losses. He emphasized the importance of dispelling such worries, stating that it is not necessary for imams to exclusively purchase dates from his company. He stressed the need to raise awareness among imams about entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, encouraging them to earn their livelihood and reduce dependence on others.
Earlier, on March 12, 2023, the Maeeshat Foundation and Tarbiyah Cambridge International School joined forces to host a comprehensive day-long workshop on entrepreneurship for Ulemas and Imams. The event took place at the Tarbiyah Cambridge International School Auditorium in Badanagar, Danga, Jalalpur, Malda, West Bengal.
During the workshop, Reyaz highlighted the primary objective of the Maeeshat Foundation, which is to equip religious leaders with the necessary education and training to engage in business ventures across the country. The foundation aims to empower Ulemas and Imams by providing them with the skills and knowledge required to successfully navigate the world of business, thus enabling them to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities with confidence and competence.
“We want they (imams) not have to rely on the pay provided by the Masjid committees for their basic needs, but rather develop their own sustainable sources of income,” he said.
During the workshop, the Clerics and Ulema were presented with hampers called “Madina Basket”.
The “Madina Basket” is an assortment of goods intended for distribution among mosque clerics and imams. It includes various items such as non-alcoholic fragrances (attar), dates, honey, caps, handkerchiefs, and more. Each “Madina Basket” carries a retail value ranging between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000, encompassing a selection of products that hold significance in religious and cultural contexts. These baskets are designed to provide essential items and meaningful gifts to support and show appreciation for mosque clerics and imams.
In connection with the Tea business, Natural Shine’s proprietor Huzaifa said: “We want to promote Madina Basket because it’s a noble concept. It is my privilege to be part of it Madina Basket and this initiative (community change programme). We want to sell our product (Tea) at a reasonable price to imams and ulemas. They (imams and ulemas) can purchase our tea (suppose 5 – 10 kg) and then re-sale it. They will earn some money after reselling it.
Concluding the workshop, Reyaz said: “The goal of conducting training programmes and entrepreneurship workshops here (West Bengal) is that. It is the belt where such workshops are needed the most. We will find that there is a huge population of ulemas and imams in West Bengal. They go to other states and carry out imamat. Poverty here is more than in other states. The salary of imams is also very low in West Bengal. They are being utilised the politicians to influence the masses. We want that they should not get utilised, become financially strong and lead a life with dignity. Madina Basket or the Maeeshat’s programme is trying to solve this issue.”
He emphasized that Maeeshat Foundation has dedicated several years of effort to this endeavour, and their work has now achieved success in creating awareness among the public.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror Network / June 28th, 2023