More than 500 students from the Al-Ameen Mission’s 70 branches in West Bengal passed the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2022 with flying colours.
M Noorul Islam, head of the Institution said, “I have had the biggest success this year, as the number of Al Ameen Mission students who have secured 600 and above points in the NEET is around 200.”
Last year, 510 Al Ameen coaching academy students passed the NEET and were accepted into various medical colleges.
According to Islam, the number is likely to be higher this year as his team finalises the list.
Islam said that that the majority of the students are from rural areas and come from remote villages throughout West Bengal.
Kishankur Bhumika, a non-resident student, is this year’s Al-Ameen topper. He received 686 out of 720 points in the NEET and was ranked 427 at the All India level.
Irfan Habib, son of farmer Abdul Subhan of Devcharai village in Tafanganj, Cooch Behar, has received the highest marks among the mission’s resident students. He received 685 points and is ranked 594th in the all-India list. Aside from that, many Al Amneen Mission students scored more than 650 points on the NEET.
Akhtari Parveen, a female student at Al-Ameen Mission, is among the achievers . She has been a student at Al Ameen Mission’s Khalatpur campus since Class VII. She got 653 marks in NEET with the help of Al Ameen Mission and her all-India rank is 3915.
Al-Ameen Mission, based in Howrah, has produced over 3500 doctors (MBBS & BDS) and 3000 engineers, in addition to scores of researchers, administrative officers, teachers, and professors.
Nurul Islam founded the organisation, which now operates 70 coaching institutes in 20 West Bengal districts.
The organisation educates 17,000 residential students and employs over 3000 teachers and non-teaching staff. The main campus of Al-Ameen Mission is in the West Bengal district of Howrah, at Khalatpur (Udaynarayanpur).
“We utilize Zakat and Sadaqah funds to achieve our goal and play our role in nation building. We urge the community members to support our efforts ” Islam told Muslim Mirror.
“Most of the students who have qualified NEET from Al Ameen Mission belong to very poor backgrounds and weaker sections of society. We nurture their talent, develop their intellect and provide them a good environment so that they could come out with their best,” he said.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com /Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / September 10th 2022
Nilufar Ahmed, a 2nd-semester student of the Bachelor of Computer Application (CT&IS) programme at Assam down town University, scripted history when she emerged victorious with the Gold medal in the 60-65 kg category at the 44th National Arm-Wrestling Championship held in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Championship was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Arm Wrestling Association. It was held between August 18 – 22 at Ganderbal, J&K.
She also secured the “Champion of the Champions” title in the All-Women’s category at the same event and is, therefore, attained the undisputed No. 1position among all women players of all categories.
The Assam Women’s team was adjudged the best team at this event.
Earlier this year, she participated in the district-level and state-level Arm Wrestling Championships held in Bihdia and Nagaon respectively, where she bagged the Gold in both these events. These victories paved the way for her entry into the National Championships this year.
Before Nilufar ventured into arm wrestling, she was a proficient taekwondo player but had to withdraw due to some injuries. Her entry into the arm wrestling sport has been quite a recent phenomenon and it has been just a few months since she first started practicing the sport on a whim.
Her coach Mr. Debajit Sharma, who is a popular figure in the sport of arm wrestling introduced her to the sport of arm wrestling and trained her. With sheer hard work and a Never Say Die attitude, she has been able to conquer her fears and emerge victorious.
She is the daughter of Mustaque Ahmed and Safia Begum of Guwahati, who are very supportive of her sporting aspirations.
Nilufar is now preparing to achieve greater heights by practicing for forthcoming arm wrestling championships in the international arena.
source: http://www.skilloutlook.com / Skill Outlook (text) / Home> Top News / by Skill Outlook (headline edited) / September 03rd, 2022 / pix: Twitter@NorthEastToday
The Delhi-based Institute of Objective Studies has chosen the veteran politician K. Rahman Khan, a former Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Ex-Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, to receive its 10th annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was created to honour people who have significantly contributed to society’s growth and development across a range of fields. Rahman Khan’s name has been officially approved by the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. Khan was instrumental to the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2013 and the comprehensive report on auqaf in India prepared by the Joint Parliamentary Committee under his chairmanship.
Rahman Khan was born on April 5th, 1939 in Mandya, then a part of the Mysore State, and established his credentials as an accountant before entering politics out of a desire to aid the general populace. He was the first Muslim from Karnataka to crack the tough Chartered Accountant examination. Khan holds a D. Lit., is a fellow chartered accountant, and a business degree.
He was first elected to the Karnataka Legislative Council in 1978, rising to become its chairman in 1982–84 and then the head of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission (at the Cabinet level) in 1993–94. As chairman of the Karnataka Minorities Commission, he made recommendations that resulted in a door-to-door evaluation of minorities’ socioeconomic status that led to 4% of State Government offices and educational institutions being reserved for minorities.
He was first chosen to serve in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of Parliament in April 1994 and was again chosen in May 2000. He held the position of Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Upper House from May 2000 until July 2004. He was chosen to serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from 22 July 2004 to 2 April 2006 after being appointed as the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Union Cabinet. He was chosen to serve a third term in the Rajya Sabha in April 2006. He was appointed minister of union minority affairs in the UPA government in April 2012.
Through his association with the Al-Ameen Education Society of Bangalore, which oversees a number of prominent technical and other educational institutions, he established new standards for higher education for minorities. In addition to founding a respectable institution, he also provided the community with a fresh outlook, inspiring them to build and support educational institutions of their own throughout the preceding 50 years.
His most recent book, The Roadmap for Indian Muslims, is regarded as a significant piece of academic literature. K Rahman Khan will receive the 10th Lifetime Achievement Award this year in recognition of his all-around contributions, according to the Institute of Objective Studies’ award committee. The award ceremony date will shortly be made public.
It should be mentioned that the following people have previously received this award based on remarkable services. Emirate Shariah Phulwari Sharif , Patna, former Chief Justice of India AM Ahmadi, Akhlaq Rahman Qidwai, Prof B. Sheikh Ali, Maulana(Dr.) Saeedur Rahman Azmi Nadvi, A G Noorani Prof Akhtar Al Wasey, Prof Mohsin Osmani Nadvi and Maulana Hakeem Abdullah Mughaisi.
The Institute of Objective Studies first presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the domains of law, journalism, science, technology, literature, and other relevant fields is the main goal of this award. In order to motivate the future generation and encourage more people to follow their passions and become authorities in their professions, it is important to support and value their services.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / September 06th, 2022
In a first of its kind, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is coming out of its academic cocoon and honouring a few of those whose contribution to the spread of Urdu across the linguistic communities in unmatched. Most of them are the unrecognized greats of the Urdu language, literature and culture.
The University has aptly selected Teachers Day that falls on September 5 (Monday) to honour the greats of the language. They have been named as Sitara-e-Urdu or the Stars of Urdu.
According to sources this will become a permanent feature of the MANUU calendar.
A press note from the PR Department of the university, Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood, Dean, School of Education and Training (SET), informed that his former veteran colleague Prof. Amina Kishore has agreed to speak on “Challenges of Being a Teacher in 21st Century” at CPDUMT auditorium at 11.00 am.
Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor will preside over the function.
The felicitation programme has been organized by Centre for Urdu Culture Studies to mark the occasion.
Prof. Shugufta Shaheen, Chairperson of the Felicitation Committee, said that Lakshmi Devi Raj, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi, Shahid Husain Zuberi, Oudesh Rani Bawa and Mazhar uz Zaman Khan will be honoured for their unique role in promoting Urdu in its various forms.
Five professors and lecturers of different universities and colleges in the undivided Anantapur district and three in the undivided Kurnool district have been selected for Best Teacher Award 2022.
Five professors and lecturers of different universities and colleges in the undivided Anantapur district and three in the undivided Kurnool district have been selected by the State government to receive the ‘Best Teacher Award 2022’ out of the 24 Statewide on Teachers’ Day on September 5.
Government Arts College Anantapur Botany lecturer E. Sreedevi, who has been selected by the State government for the Best Teacher Award 2022. | Photo Credit: R.V.S. Prasad
While Government Arts College, Anantapur Botany Department in-charge lecturer E. Sreedevi got selected, others include Sri Krishnadevaraya University Rural Development and Social Sciences professor M. Muninarayanappa, JNTU Anantapur Mechanical Engineering professor M.L.S. Devakumar and V. Venugopal Reddy from the same department and T.S. Syam Prasad, lecturer in Political Science, Government College for Men, Anantapur.
In the Kurnool district, those selected for the award are K.V.R. Government College for Women, Kurnool, Urdu Department lecturer Irfana Begum, Biochemistry lecturer B. Dhanashree from the same college, and A. Vimala Rhode of Silver Jubilee Government Degree College.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Andhra Pradesh / by Ramesh Surla / Anantapur-Kurnool / September 03rd, 2022
Sibga Yusuf Shaikh, a resident Valpoi town in Goa, has excelled at University by winning the Gold medal in her Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in (Elections & Telecommunication).
Sigba, a student of the Don Bosco college, Maragao, has scored 86.6% and received first rank at the Goa University to bag the Gold medal
She was felicitated on 26 August at the hands of Governor Shridharan Pillai in Goa University campus during the 33rd Annual convocation ceremony.
Speaking with Muslim Mirror Sibga said that it was her father’s dream to see her as a doctor or an engineer.
“I couldn’t get seat in MBBS so I chose to become an engineer and started giving my 100% to studies and Alhamdulillah got excellent results,” she said.
“I used to study 4 to 5 hours daily, going to Margao (about 45 km) to attend college daily was tiresome and time consuming but when we are committed to studies it becomes easier,” she added.
Sibga hails from Valpoi town of Sattari which is located in North Goa district. She is believed to be the first girl from entire Sattari Taluka who received a gold medal at the Goa University in engineering faculty.
Father of Sibga,Yusuf Shaikh, who is transporter felt very proud and said their dream has come true.
Head Master of Unity High school Mr.Ashraf Ali Khan said that he is proud and happy to learn that the ex student of the school has received gold medal for having stood first in B.E. at Goa University.
Ashraf said, “She was indeed a bright student during her school days and performed well in all fields.”
“Sibga was found well disciplined and sincere, established a good rapport with teachers and fellow students. I wish all the very best in her career,” he added.
Sibga was felicitated by SIO recently for her achivement. She is now planning to pursue masters degree abroad.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / September 03rd, 2022
Prof B Sheikh Ali, a veteran historian, academician and former Vice-chancellor of Goa and Mangaluru Univeristiy has passed away at a private hospital in the city on Thursday. He was 98.
He was a resident of third Cross, seventh main, Saraswatipuram in the city.
He is survived by his son, daughter and relatives and friends. The mortal remains will be taken to Muslim Hostel, Saraswatipuram, Mysuru for Deedar, followed by burial at main Khabrasthan behind Mysore Jail at Tipu Circle.
Sheikh Ali, B was an eminent historian and his contribution to the theory of history and its application to the ground realities of Karnataka is marvelous.
He was a student of University of Mysore and retired from the same institution as a professor of History.
A brief profile
Academic Distinctions
1. B.A. (Hons.) of Mysore University, I Rank, Gold Medalist, 1945. 2. MA. II Rank, Mysore University, 1946. 3. Ph.D., Aligarh Muslim University, 1954. 4. Ph.D., London University, 1960. 5. General President, Indian History Congress, 47th session, 1986. 6. President, Indian History Section, XXVIII International Congress of Orientalists, Canberra, Australia, 1971. 7. Founder President of Karnataka History Conference. 8. President, South India History Congress, 1985. 9. Delegate to the International Seminar at Ankara, Turkey, 1982. 10. Delegate to the International Seminar at Sofia, Bulgaria, 1986. 11. Delegate to the International Seminar, Moscow, Soviet Union, 1989. 12. Delegate to the International Seminar at Ras-al-Khairna, UAE, 1990. 13. Invited as Consultant to set up Indian Studies Departments and to teach at the University of Georgia, U.S.A. 1976-7. 14. Author of over 100 papers and 40 books.
Awards Conferred
1. Golden Jubilee Award of Mysore University for research in Humanities and Social Sciences. 2. Rajyotsava award of Karnataka State as Distinguished Educationist. 3. Mythic Society of India Award as Distinguished Historian. 4. Maulana Jauhar Award, 2003. 5. Sir Syed Award by American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) -2004. 6. Canara Bank Award. 7. D.Litt. (Han. Causu) Kannada University, Hampi, 1998. 8. D.Litt. (Hon. Cause) Karnataka State Open University, Mysore. 9. D.Litt. (Han. Causa) Tumkur University, Tumkur. 10. D.Litt. (Han. Causa) University of Mysore, Mysore. 11. Government of Karnataka Award for Social Service. 12. Al-Ameen All-India Community Leadership Award, 2008.
Membership of Prestigious Bodies
1. Member, South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council of Archives, New Delhi. 2. Member of the Review Commission of the Karnataka Universities, Bangalore (1992-1994). 3. Member, Indian Historical Records Commission, New Delhi. 4. Member, All India Educational Movement, New Delhi. 5. President of the Cell to draft a project for a new University for the Muslim, New Delhi. 6. Former Member, Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, New Delhi. (Prime Minister of India is its Chairman). 7. Member of the Value-Orientation of Education Committee, Planning Commission, New Delhi. 8. Founder Vice-Chancellor of two new Universities, Mangalore and Goa.
Abroad Tours
Great Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Soviet Union, United States of America, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
Social and Educational Activities
As the Founder President of Sultan Shaheed Educational Trust, Mysore he established the following institutions.
a) Deeniyat Madrasa : Ghousianagar, Mysore. b) Belagodu Abdul Sattar Nursery School: Ghousianagar, Mysore. c) Sultan Shaheed Lower Primary School: Urdu Medium, Ghousianagar, Mysore d) Sultan Shaheed Higher Primary School: English Medium, Ghousianagar, Mysore. e) Sultan Shaheed Women’s Tailoring Centre: Ghousianagar, Mysore. f) Sultan Shaheed Women’s Craft Centre: Ghousianagar, Mysore. g) Sultan Shaheed Clinic for Women and Children (Charitable): Ghousianagar, Mysore. h) Azad National Nursery School: Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. i) Azad National Lower Primary School: (Kannada Medium), Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. j) Maulana Azad Girls High School: (English Medium), Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. k) Maulana Azad B.Ed., College: Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. l) Maulana Azad D.Ed., College: Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. m) Maulana Azad AFMI PUC College: Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. n) Maulana Azad Hostel for Girls: Radhakrishna Nagar, Mysore. o) School for Challenged Children: Ghousianagar Mysore.
He was president of Mountain View chain of institutions in Chikmangalur, Karnataka, where in a sprawling campus of 35 acres of land classes run from Nursery to Degree level with 2500 children with facilities of Hostel both for boys and girls.
As the President of Muslim Education Society in Mysore, he established a dozen Nursery and Primary Schools which have now been upgraded to First grade College level.
He was also president of Central Muslim Welfare Council, Mysore, and instituted Micro-Finance Credit Scheme benefiting hundreds of poor Muslim women and their families, together with coaching classes both for High School and PUC classes.
He was Editor-in-Chief of Premier Urdu print media of Karnataka, Daily SALAR and Weekly SALAR.
As the President of the New Muslim Hostel Mysore, he completed the following projects:
a. Utility Block b. Dormitory Block c. Prayer Hall d. Commercial Complex, 1st Main, Saraswathipura, Mysore, facing western side. e. Another Commercial Complex on the same road facing eastern side.
Publications :
He authored following books:
1) A Leader Reassessed, Life and work of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: Mysore, 1999. 2) Abul Kalam Azad, Vision and Action: Hyderabad, 2008. 3) Tipu Sultan, a Study in Diplomacy and Confrontation: Rao and Raghavan, Mysore, 1982. 4) Tipu Sultan: National Book Trust of India, New Delhi, 1972. 5) Tipu Sultan, a Great Martyr: Bangalore University, 1993 (Edited). 6) British Relations with Hyder Ali: Rao and Raghavan, Mysore, 1963. 7) Dr. Zakir Hussain, Life & Times, a Comprehensive Biography: Vikas, New Delhi, 1991. 8) Education and National Development: Translation of Dr. Zakir Hussain’s Talimi-Quthbat: New Delhi, 1993. 9) A Great Teacher: Life & Work of Dr: Zakir Hussain: Prasaranga, Mysore, 1997. 10) Makers of Indian Literature series, Dr. Zakir Hussain: (Co-author with Khursheed Alam Khan), Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, 1991. 11) History: Its Theory and Method: Macmillan Company of India, 1978. 12) Islam, A study in Cultural Orientation: Macmillan Company of India, New Delhi, 1982. 13) Essence of Islam: Mysore, 2004. 14) Comprehensive History of Karnataka: Vol. IV & V Hampi, 1998. 15) Gangas of Talkad: Volume under History of Karnataka, Prasaranga, University of Mysore, Mysore, 1975. 16) The Hoysala Dynasty (Edited): Prasaranga, University of Mysore. 17) A Short History of World Civilization; Prasaranga, University of Mysore. 18) Essentials of Indian Culture Prasaranga University of Mysore. 19) History of Modern Asia: Mysore, 1976. 20) History of South India: Prasaranga, University of Mysore, 1977. 21) Approaches to Harmony, Mysore University, 1994 (Edited). 22) Goa Wins Freedom: Reflections and Reminiscences: Goa, Daman and Diu Silver Jubilee Celebration Volume, Edited, Goa University Publication Series, Goa University, Bambolim, Goa, 1986. 23) Javeed Nama of Allama Iqbal: (English Translation), Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2008. 24) Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2008. 25) Imam Ghazali: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2009. 26) Hafiz-e-Shiraz: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2009. 27) Shaikh Sa’di: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2009. 28) Umar Farooq: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2010. 29) Moulana Altaf Hussain Hali: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2010. 30) Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib: Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2011. 31) History of Bahmani and Bijapuri Rulers: Mysore Book House, 2011. 32) My life, (Autobiography): Knowledge Society Publications, Mysore, 2009.
Urdu Publications
1) Hind ki Maya Naz Hastiyan: Urdu, Development Bureau, New Delhi, 1992. 2) Roshan Nuqoosh : Tamilnadu Urdu Publications, Madras, 1995. 3) Irtikh-e-Kayinath aur Insan: Urdu Development Bureau, New Delhi, 1998. 4) Alam-e-Islam-ke-Jawahar-pare: Urdu Vols. Dar-ul-Umoor, Mysore, 2004. 5) ilm-e-Tarikh kay Mukhtalif Goshe : Dar-ul-Umoor, Mysore, 2008. 6) Armughan-e-Salar : Salar Publications, Bangalore – 2008. 7) Anwar-e-Iqbal: Salar Publications, Bangalore – 2011. 8 Noor-e-Baseerath: (26 Special Numbers) (1997-2008).
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home>Obituary / by Muslim Mirror Staff / September 01st, 2022
The SSLC students of Al-Kareem School, Rajivnagar, who secured more than 500 marks in board exams, were felicitated by former MLA Vasu and ex-Mayor Pushpalatha Jagannath recently.
Others seen are ex-Corporator Suhail Baig, social worker Tousif Chandan, Founder of Al-Kareem School Alhaj Hussaini Baig, School Chairman Kaleemulla Baig and Head Mistress Yasmeen Sultana.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> PhotoNews / August 30th, 2022
Rehna has set a world record for the maximum number of online certificates secured in a day, reports Cynthia Chandran.
Kottayam:
Rehna Shajahan was devastated when half a mark cost her an MCom seat at the Jamia Milia Islamia. However, she did not lose heart. The 25-year-old enrolled for two postgraduate courses online — a master’s in social work and a diploma in guidance and counselling
She went on to prepare for the common admission test in management studies. As she cracked the CAT exam, Rehna was the only Malayali in her batch to get admission to the Jamia Millia Islamia for an MBA programme. And now, her zeal for study has earned her the world record for the maximum number of online certificates secured in a day — a whopping 81.
A resident of Illickal in Kottayam district, Rehna says her sister Nehla, whom she fondly calls ‘itha’, inspired her. Nehla got a lucrative job after pursuing her master’s in operational research from the London School of Economics and was always the studious one. “But I was determined to overcome the tag of an average student,” Rehna says.
When her sister got admission in Lady Sriram College, New Delhi, Rehna too wanted to try her luck in getting into a central university. She missed by a whisker and the rest is history. While pursuing the two post-graduate degrees simultaneously, she worked with an NGO, ‘Women’s Manifesto’, based in New Delhi that worked for women’s empowerment.
“When I cracked the CAT exam, I realised I can excel in studies. We need to try rather than just dream. I was keen on enhancing my repertoire by pursuing certification courses,” she says.
The previous world record for maximum online certificates received in one day was 75. She had recently quit her cushy job as a management professional in Dubai to attend to her father PM Shajahan, who has had a transplant surgery. For Rehna, her family comprising father, mother CM Rafiath, husband Ebrahim Riyaz, who is an IT engineer, and her sister is her priority. For that is the support system that gives her the courage and the inspiration to reach for the stars.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Cynthia Chandran / Express News Service / August 28th, 2022
Kakkore Village (Malappuram District) KERALA / Doha, QATAR :
Abdul Kareem with his calligraphy art. | Picture by Lulu Ahsana
A graphic designer by profession, Abdul Kareem, who is popularly known as Kareemgrahy, left his job at an American company in Qatar last month to pursue his passion for calligraphy.
Kerala:
When tea-seller Abdurahman from Kerala bought a calligraphic painting from a Sufi saint to his home one day in the early 1980s, he hadn’t imagined that his six-year-old son Abdul Kareem will make calligraphy his profession. The painting had Arabic verses written in the shape of a person offering the Islamic prayer.
“That image was inscribed in my heart,” said Abdul Kareem, 44, a popular calligrapher from Kerala, popularly known as Kareemgraphy. Originally hailing from the Kakkove village in Malappuram district in Kerala, Kareem presently lives in Qatar with his wife and three children.
A graphic designer by profession, Kareem left his job at an American company in Qatar last month to pursue his passion for calligraphy.
Love for calligraphy art was imbibed in Kareem from his childhood. Recalling an incident during his Madrasa days, Kareem said when his teacher wrote some Arabic words on the board, he was moved and could see “the beauty in how the words were written and shaped.”
In 1996, Kareem had to drop out of his course at the School of Arts in Kerala due to financial constraints. He was 18. This, however, didn’t deter him from pursuing his passion. He started work as a painter of hoardings and a few years later, he moved to Saudi Arabia to earn a living, where eventually he became a graphic designer.
“The beautiful symmetrical patterns on the Roudha Shareef (where the Prophet (PBUH) is buried), and the calligraphy on the pillars and walls there influenced me a lot,” said Kareem about the city of Madina, one of the holiest cities of Islam.
Kareem said he wanted to devote all his focus to calligraphy and left his job to pursue it.
“Calligraphy has been my passion for more than 20 years, but I took to serious learning and experimentation only five years ago and left my job to pursue this dream,” he said.
Kareem credits his teachers for instilling a passion for knowledge in him and his success. “All those who give ilm (knowledge) in my journey are my ustaads (teachers),” he said.
Calligraphy art has different forms and styles. Kareem follows the contemporary style.
“Art and rule are combined in traditional calligraphy. But in contemporary art, it is freedom. I do calligraphy on things and ideas that people in my locality can relate to. As an artist, I am trying to blend different styles, without conforming to any specific script or style,” he said.
Abdul Kareem’s portrayal of a student during the Hijab row in Karnataka | Picture: Abdul Kareem Facebook
As his fame grew in the last five years, Kareem started conducting calligraphy workshops in India, UAE, Qatar, and Turkey. On August 10 this year, he attended the All India Calligraphy Akshar Mahotsav organised by the Calligraphy Foundation of India in New Delhi. He has also won a few awards for his work, including the Youth Icon Award-Doha (2017) and the Youth Signature Award (2021).
Last year, Kareem founded a centre for calligraphy in Kozhikode called the KagrArt. Its logo was launched online by famous French-Tunisian calligraffiti artist ElSeed. “I want to popularise this art. It is more important than being famous. There should be a physical space for artists to meet and interact,” he said.
KagrArt was founded by Abdul Kareem last year as a centre for calligraphy art. | Picture by Lulu Ahsana
In addition to his calligraphy works, KagrArt displays art pieces like lanterns, carpets, calligraphy and images from different countries.
In one of the programmes held at KagrArt last month, Kareem talked about his visit to Uzbekistan and his love for travelling.
“Instead of calling it a trip to Turkey or Uzbekistan, we can call it going to different people, and seeing things that they built and wrote in the past,” he said.
Kareem’s dream is to build a bridge through his art between different religions, peoples and countries, between traditional and contemporary calligraphies, between Arabic and Malayalam calligraphies, and between old and new generations.
“I want to work on a serious theme in future which would fill the minds of people with hope, and which would give the message that no one should run away from anywhere and that people can be where they are,” he added.
Kareem’s wife Fasija said that “calligraphy is more than just a passion for him.” She credits his “hard work and dedication for the success he has achieved.”
Najiya O is an independent journalist from Kerala. She tweets at @najiyao
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Najiya O, TwoCirlces.net / August 18th, 2022
