Category Archives: Leaders

How a royal wedding erupted into an epic battle of wits between Ghalib and the court poet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , ,

DELHI :

Zauq and Ghalib took digs at each other through a sehra penned for a prince’s wedding and the Red Fort reverberated with this clash of titans.

The sehra, or prothalamion, (song to celebrate a wedding) is now a vanishing genre. I remember while I was growing up that almost all nikahs would have a sehra read by a relative with poetic aspirations, after the ceremony.

Though sehras are supposed to be in praise of the groom and a prayer for his wedded life, these would be witty and laudatory at the same time, usually a humorous dig at all relatives. A copy of this would then be distributed to the wedding guests.

Sehras fall into the category of nazms and have to be in meter.

The most famous sehra, of course, is the one penned by Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) for a royal wedding, in which he took a dig at the emperor’s Ustad, Sheikh Ibrahim Zauq (1788/9-1854).

Zauq and Ghalib were contemporaries in Delhi, and their rivalry was legendary. Zauq had been given the title of Khaqani e Hind and drew a nominal salary of Rs 4 per month. The respect and position that he gained as a result was immense. It also gave him free access to the Qila e Moalla (Red Fort).

This was a constant thorn in the side of Mirza Ghalib, who felt he was better and deserved a royal position too. Thus, he never let go of any chance to score poetic points over his rival.

One such chance came at the last grand Mughal wedding, on April 2, 1852 – that of Jawan Bakht, Badshah Bahadur Shah Zafar’s son by his favourite and youngest wife Zeenat Mahal, to Nawab Shah Zamani Begum.

Begum Zeenat Mahal asked Ghalib to write a ‘sehra’ for her son’s wedding. The honour should have gone to Sheikh Ibrahim Zauq, but he was reportedly unwell.

William Dalrymple in his book The Last Mughal writes: “The marriage procession of Prince Jawan Bakht left the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort at 2 am on the hot summer night of 2 April, 1852.”

Dalrymple goes on to write that what was remembered longest and discussed most about the wedding was not so much the festivities or the feasting or the fireworks, but “the marriage odes recited by the Poet Laureate Zauq, and his rival Mirza Nausha, now more widely known by his pen-name Ghalib.”

Ghalib wrote a ‘sehra’ whose maqta (the last couplet in an Urdu ghazal which contains the poet’s pen name) was:

  • ‘hum suKhan_fahm haiN, Ghalib ke tarafdaar nahiN
  • dekheN keh de koi is sehre se baRh kar sehra’

We are connoisseurs of poetry, not partial to Ghalib

Let’s see if there’s anyone who can write a better ‘sehra’

The emperor, realising that this was a dig at his mentor Zauq, is said to have been displeased with the maqta. A slight to his mentor was seen as a slight to the emperor himself. Zafar asked Zauq to write a ‘sehra’ too. Not one to let go of an opportunity, Zauq included these line.

  • jin ko daawa ho suKhan ka yeh sunaa do unko
  • dekh is taraH se kehte haiN suKhanwar sehra

Tell those who claim to be eloquent

This is how poets write a sehra

The fort reverberated with this clash of titans and it is recorded that the Crown Prince Mirza Fakhruddin (also a disciple of Mirza Zauq) exclaimed, “Ustaad ne maidan maar liya“.Dalrymple writes: “The squabble at the wedding was over a single verse in Ghalib’s sehra (or wedding oration) where he appeared – characteristically – to suggest that no one in the gathering could write a couplet as well as he…. Zafar [the king] also encouraged Zauq to reply to Ghalib’s unprovoked sally. The fine sehra that the Poet Laureate came up with ended with a couplet tossing the challenge back to Ghalib:

The person who claims poetic skills,Recite this to him and say,”Look-this is how a poet”

This round went to Zauq as the singers in attendance picked up the verse and spread it all over Shahjahanabad. By next day it was in the newspapers.”

Ghalib then wrote his celebrated qat’a-e-ma’azerat’ (letter of apology), in response to the emperor’s reaction. However, the egoistic poet left no ‘verse’ unturned in adding insult to injury, using poetry as a medium to prove his supremacy and take a dig at Zauq’s humble origins and the Emperor’s negligence of him.

The maqta of this ghazal became even more famous.

      • manzoor hai guzaarish-e-ahvaal-e-waaqa’aii
      • apna bayaan-e-Husn-e-tabii’yat nahiN mujhe
      • I accept the request to state the facts, To praise oneself is not a habit of mine
      • sau pusht se, hai pesha-e-aaba sipahgarikuchh shayari,
      • zari’ye-e-izzat nahiN mujhe
      • My forefathers have been warriors for hundred generations
      • By writing poetry, fame I seek not
      • aazaadah rau huN, aur mira maslak hai sul
      • H-e-kulhargiz kabhi kisi se adaawat nahiN mujhe
      • I am a free spirit and my conduct is always peaceful,I bear malice against no one
      • kya kam hai yeh sharaf ke Zafar ka Ghulaam huN
      • maana ke jaah-o-mansab-o-sarwat nahiN mujhe
      • Is the privilege not enough that I serve Zafar,
      • Agreed rank, position and affluence I have not
      • ustaad-e-shah se ho mujhe par Khaash ka Khayaal
      • yeh taab, yeh majaal, yeh taaqat nahiN mujhe
      • The thought of a row with the king’s mentor
      • This arrogance, this audacity, this strength I have not
      • jaam-e-jahaaN_numa hai shahenshaah ka zameer
      • saugand aur gawaah ki Haajat nahiN mujhe
      • The king’s conscience is all encompassing,
      • The need for an oath and witness I have not
      • sehraa likhaa gaya ze_rah-e-imtiSaal-e-amr
      • dekhaa ke chaarah Ghair ita’at nahiN mujhe
      • The sehra was written in obedience of orders,
      • Non compliance with that order I dare not
      • maqt’e meiN aa paRi hai suKhan gustaraana baat
      • maqsood is se qat’a-e-moHabbat nahiN mujhe
      • I wrote something in the maqta’ which became popular,
      • A reason to ending friendship I want not.
      • ruu-e-suKhan kisi taraf ho, tau ruu_siyaah
      • sauda nahiN, junooN nahiN, veHshat nahiN mujhe
      • If I aimed it at someone in particular then may my face beblackened,
      • I am neither mad, nor crazed nor so deprived of sense.
      • qismat buri sahii, pa tabii’yat buri nahi
      • Nhai shukr ki jagah, ke shikaayat nahiN mujhe
      • Although my luck is bad, but my habits aren’t bad,
      • I’m in a place of thankfulness and complain I do not.
      • saadiq huN apne qaul meiN Ghalib Khuda_gawaah
      • kehta huN sach ke jhooT ki a’adat nahiN mujhe
      • Always true to his word is Ghalib, as God is my witness,
      • I tell you the truth as lie I do not.

This is the original sehra written by Ghalib for Mirza Jawan Bakht:

      • Khush ho ai baKht ke hai aaj tere sar sehraabaa
      • Ndh shahazada Javaa.N baKht ke sar par seharaa
      • [baKht = luck; pun on Groom’s name]
      • kyaa hii is chaaNd se mukhaDe pe bhalaa lagataa hai
      • hai tere husn-e-dil_afroz kaa zevar sehraa
      • [husn-e-dil_afroz = beauty that lights up the heart]
      • sar pe chaDhnaa tujhe phabataa hai par ai tarf-e-kulaah
      • mujhko Dar hai ke na chhiine tera lambar sehraa
      • [phabataa = suits]
      • nav bhar kar hii piroye gaye honge motii
      • varnaa kyun laaye hain kishtii mein lagaakar sehraa
      • saat dariyaa ke faraaham kiye honge motii
      • tab banaa hogaa is andaaz kaa gaz bhar sehraa
      • ruKh pe dulhaa ke jo garmii se pasiinaa Tapakaa
      • hai rag-e-abr-e-guharabaar saraasar sehraa
      • ye bhii ik be’adabii thii ke qabaa se baDh jaaye
      • rah gayaa aan ke daaman ke baraabar sehraa
      • jii me.n itaraaye.N na motii ke hamii.n hai.n ik chiiz
      • chaahiye phuulon ko bhii ek mukarrar sehraa
      • jab ke apane mein samaave’n na Khushii mein maare
      • guu.Ndhe phuulon kaa bhalaa phir koii kyuu.Nkar sehraa
      • ruKh-e-raushan kii damak gauhar-e-Galtaa kii chamak
      • kyuN na dikhalaaye faroG-e-maah-o-aKhtar sehraa
      • taar resham kaa nahii.n hai ye rag-e-abr-e-bahaar
      • laayegaa taab-e-giraa.Nbaari-e-gauhar sehraa
      • ham suKhan_faham hain “Ghalib” ke tarafadaar nahii.n
      • dekhe.n is sehare se kah de koii ba.Dhakar sehraa
      • [suKhan_faham = patron of poetry]
      • Zauq’s sehra
      • Ai Javaan Bakht mubarak tujhe sar par sehra
      • Aaj hai Yaman wa Sada’t ka tere sar sehra
      • Aaj woh din hai ke laaye durr e anjum se falak
      • Kashti e zar mah e nau ke lagakar sehra
      • Tabish husn se manind shua e khursheed
      • Rukh e pur noor pe hai tere munawwar sehra
      • Woh kahe Salle Alay eh kahe SubhanAllah
      • Dekhe mukhade pe jot ere mah o akhtar sehra
      • Taa banni aur banne mein rahe ikhlas baham
      • Goondhiye sura e ikhlas padhkar sehra
      • Dhoom hai gulshan e afaaq mein is sehre ki
      • Gaaye’n marghaan e nava sanj na kyunkar sehra
      • Ru e farkh pe jo hain tere baraste anwar
      • Taar e barish se bana ek sarasar sehra
      • Ek ko ek pe tazai’n hai dam e araaish
      • Sir pe dastar hai, dastar ke oopar sehra
      • Ek gauhar bhi nahin sadgaan e gauhar mein choda
      • Tera banwaaya hai le leke jo gauhar sehra
      • Phirti khushboo se hai itraayi huyi baad e bahaar
      • Allah Allah re phoolo’n se moatta’r sehraa
      • Sar pe turra hai muzaiyyan to gale mein baddhi
      • Kangana haath mein zeba hai to munh par sehra
      • Runumayi mein tujhe de mah o khurshid o falak
      • Khol de munh ko jot u munh se uthakar sehra
      • Kasrat e taar e nazar se hai tamaashiyo’n ke
      • Dam e nazara tere ru e niko par sehra
      • Durr e khush aab e mazameen se banakar laaya
      • Waaste tere tera Zauq sanagar sehra
      • Jis ko daawa hai suKhan ka yeh sunaa de usko
      • Dekh is taraH se kehte haiN suKhanwar sehra

 

(This article first appeared on the author’s blog.)

source: http://www.dailyo.in / Daily O / Home> Arts & Culture / by Rana Safvi  @iamrana / December 27th, 2017

Biographies of Kamil and Talat Hasan

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , ,

Lucknow , UTTAR PRADESH / Saratoga, California , USA :

Kamil and Talat Hasan have two daughters and live in Saratoga, California. They have recently purchased land in Santa Cruz county and intend to establish a home there as well. They are actively involved in charity and educational activities through the Hasan Family Foundation.

Kamil Hasan

Kamil Hasan is a general partner in the San Jose-based venture company, Hitek Venture Partners. He received his B.S. in engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, India, in 1967, an M.S. degree in engineering from M.I.T, in 1969, and a Ph.D. degree in engineering from UC, Berkeley in 1973. After receiving his Ph.D., he taught at the Indian Institute of Technology, Dehli, as an assistant professor of engineering and later at Stanford University as an associate professor of engineering.

For more than 25 years, Hasan has worked in the software industry. He founded Hitek Venture Partners in 1995, to invest in early-stage companies in the internet, e-commerce, telecommunications, and enterprise software areas. He has a portfolio of 35 companies and serves on the board of five of these companies.

Kamil’s articles have appeared in more than 50 technical and trade journals, and he is a recipient of a John F. Lincoln Foundation award for outstanding achievement in engineering design.

Talat Hasan

Talat Hasan is chairman and CEO of Sensys Instruments, a company she founded in 1996 to market products for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. She holds an M.A. in physics from Oxford University and a B.Sc. in physics from Aligarh Muslim University, India.

Prior to founding Sensys, she was vice president of corporate business development at Tencor Instruments (now KLA/Tencor), and, in 1983, was cofounder of Prometrix Corporation, serving as a board member and senior vice president of strategic planning when the company merged with Tencor.

Previously, she worked as a scientist, conducting research in semiconductor characterization and process control and working for almost five years at Signetics Corporation/Philips Research Labs in Sunnyvale.

She currently serves on the board of directors of Microbar and the board of trustees of Castilleja School (a private school for girls) and of IBPW (Indian Business and Professional Women), and is a charter member of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs). She is also active, with her husband, as an Angel Investor for start-up companies and a mentor to several budding entrepreneurs. Also with her husband, she is in the process of establishing the Nurul Hasan Educational Foundation (named after her late father, Professor Nurul Hasan, who was Minister of Education in the cabinet of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was a governor of the State of West Bengal, India).

source: http://www.1.ucsc.edu / UC Santa Cruz Current Online / by Barbara McKenna / October 16th, 2000

Meet Noorul Hasan, the youngest IPS Officer

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , ,

Peeliheeet District, UTTAR PRADESH :

NoorulHasanMPOs27dec2017

Hyderabad:

The youngest IPS Officer, Noorul Hasan took charge as the ACP of Dharamabad Division of Nanded District in Maharashtra State.

The 22-year-old Noorul Hasan hails from Peelibheet District of UP. He studied in a Govt. school up to 8th standard. After passing 10th class, he went to Raibareili along with his father and studied Intermediate through Hindi Medium. Later, he joined Aligarh Muslim University in 2009 for B.Tech. He improved his proficiency in English language during his studies at AMU. He established a forum along with his 10 friends who used to exchange views on national and international affairs. They also used to conduct mock interviews.

He served at Siemens Company for 14 months and one year at Atomic Energy Commission.

In 2013, he started preparations for UPSC Civil Service Exam (CSE). He secured 625th rank in UPSC CSE-2014.

Being a student of Hindi medium, he improved his English later and cracked CSE. He is the role model for the youngsters.

His message to Youth and Civil Service Aspirants-

  1. Dream as big as possible but always prepare yourself for Plan B. Even after plan B, Plan C must be there. 
  2. Decide your destination as early as possible and start working towards it.
  3. In my opinion Success=Summation of each day work carried out for years.
  4. Introspect your weakness. Divide your target in the years, months, weeks and days and move ahead a little everyday. Achieve something every day.
  5. You need to have passion to achieve your goal.
  6. There is no discrimination.
  7. Get best possible guidance from your seniors. It is always better to learn from the experience of others.
  8. Never get demoralize from failures.
  9. Civil service exam is the test for patience and self confidence. So fail but fail better every time. In the end you’ll get success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVLwZ5-jmaA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x181EXcuRKE

-Siasat News

source: http://www. siasat.com /  The Siasat Daily / Home> India> Top Stories / December 25th, 2017

Glorious arch over Telugu meet regales ballad & king Qutub Shah

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA  :

ArchMPOs27dec2017

Hyderabad :

Malkibharamuni. The name may not ring a bell for many Hyderabadis. But much of the rich and varied cultural and linguistic heritage of Telugu owes to this former ruler of Telangana. For the first time, Ibrahim Qutub Shah IV, revered as Malkibharamuni in Telugu ballads and legends, gets recognition in the World Telugu Conference.

Ibrahim Qutub Shah, who patronized Telugu and issued royal decrees in the language, had endeared the people of his times by popularizing the local language through mega literacy drives. He and his successor Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah V, who founded Hyderabad and built Charminar, had a number of Telugu poets in the royal Qutub Shahi court. Ibrahim Qutub Shah was fluent in Telugu and his generosity towards Telugu language and culture was so high that he continues to live as a legendary Malkibharamuni in the world of Telugu literature and folks songs.

Malkibharamuni figures in the list of 83 personalities, who had contributed to the development of Telugu language. One of the arches to be erected in the city to welcome the delegates of the World Telugu Conference will be dedicated to him. Historian Abdul Majeed Siddiqui in his “History of Golcunda” published about eight decades ago extols the Qutub Shahi ruler saying that Ibrahim’s “lasting service in the domain of politics and culture had lent fascination to the name of the remarkable king and had made him alegendary figure in the Telugu literature. He is Malkibharam (Malkibharamuni) of legend and ballads.”

According to Siddiqi, Telugu, received encouragement and Telugu was patronized as liberally as Arabic and Persian languages. “Telugu poets and prose-writers were munificently encouraged and rewarded,” he said. Mohammad Quli is believed to have composed poems in Telugu too.

The Qutub Shah’s poetry “depicts his impressions about the life and culture of the Telugu society. It shows his sympathy with the local life and traditions,” Siddiqi adds.

In fact, the Qutub Shahis were the first non-Telugu kings, who spoke and wrote in Telugu. The language was at its golden peak during the period of Ibrahim and Mohammad Quli.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City News> Hyderabad News / by Syed Akbar / TNN / December 11th, 2017

AMU’s Prof Samdani receives ‘Legal Expert Award’

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

SamdaniMPOs26dec2017

Aligarh :

Professor Shakeel Samdani (Department of Law, Aligarh Muslim University—AMU) has been conferred with the ‘Legal Expert Award’ by a leading Urdu daily in a special function held at the Kala Mandir Auditorium in Kolkata, Bengal. He received a Shawl, a memento and a citation during the function.

Prof Samdani was honoured for his work in human rights, academics and conducting awareness programmes on the Indian Constitution.

Mr Ali Ashraf Fatimi (Former state HRD Minister) and Mr Javed Ahmad Khan (Minister, Government of Bengal) presented the award to Prof Samdani.

Prof Samdani has over 27 years of teaching experience. He has authored ‘Uniform Civil Code: Problems And Prospects’ and ‘Maintenance of the Muslim Divorcee’. He teaches Islamic Jurisprudence, Muslim Law Relating to Status, Islamic Legal System, Public International Law, Human Rights Law, Sociology of Law and Law and Poverty.

(PR from AMU)

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> Community News / by The Milli Gazette Online / November 22nd, 2017

Law Society for 2017-18 Inaugurated at AMU Malappuram, Moot Court Competition Held

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mallapuram, KERALA :

LawSociety01MPOs26dec2017

Malappuram :

The Law Society for 2017-18 Session was inaugurated by Prof. Abur Rasheed K.M, the Director, Aligarh Muslim University Malappuram Centre. He also launched the Intra Departmental Moot Court Competition. Appreciating the performance of the students of the department, he promised to provide all support to department.

Mr.Shahnawaz Ahmed Malik, the teacher in charge of Law Society welcomed the guests and the audience. He threw light on the history and establishment of Law Society at AMU Centre Malappuram. Dr. Faisal.K.P, the Co-ordinator, Dept. of Law while delivering presidential address appreciated the efforts of Law Society in improving the overall standard of Law Dept. at AMUMC.

Mr. Mohd. Shadab  (BA.LL.B (Hons (IX sem)  and Miss Mariyam Khan (Hons (VII sem)  were selected as Vice President and Secretary of  Law Society respectively after interviews.  While Syed Nishat Fatima and Shahbaz Ali were selected as Joint secretaries respectively. Ranna KT and Ali Muzaffar were appointed as Media and Publication  secretaries respectively. Devesh Kumar chauvia was selected as Organizing secretary. Various forums for Moot Court, Debate, Quiz, Judgment writing, Paper/ Article writing and for personality development were also formed under Law Society. Qirat was recited by Mohd. Koya Amjad while Miss Mariyam Khan conducted the programme.

LawSociety02MPOs26dec2017

Dr. Raghul Raghwan and Dr.Mohd Azmat Ali (Assistant Professors) Teachers In-charge of Law Society coordinated Inaugural and Moot Court Competition.

Meantime, the Intra Departmental Moot Court featured 22 teams concluded last week. The final rounds of the competition were judged by Adv.T.P Abu, Former Assistant Public Prosecutor at District Court, Manjeri and Adv.Mohd. Hassan, Perinthalmanna Court. The judges appreciated the performance of the students.

The team consisting of Mr. Abu Baker and Aseer Jamal both from third year B.A.LL.B and Swecha Rana of fourth year won the trophy as well as best memorial award. While Ali Muzaffar of fourth year B.A.LL.B, Khalid Faizan and Shah Momin from second year bagged second position.

Ali Muzaffar won the best Student Advocate award while Shah Momin won the Best Researcher Award. Vote of thanks for valedictory programme was given by Sayed Nishat Fatima.  The Programme was cooperated and attended by faculty members of Dept. of Law Mr. Ghalib Nashter, Mr. Abu Shahid, Dr. Abdul Azeez N.P, Dr. Najmudheen, Mr. Mohd Shakeel Ahmad, Miss Neelam Faizan and by  Shahnawaz Ahmad.  (Press release)

source:  http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette /  Home> Education and Careers  / The Milli Gazette Online / October 12th, 2017

Armenian X’mas link

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion,

Agra, UTTAR PRADESH :

ArmenianChurchMPOs26dec2017

This Christmas, let’s rewind to the times when the cross and the crescent met in the Capital

Christmas is much the same everywhere but the medieval Armenian one was different. Even the Cross (that proclaims Christ’s crucifixion) had its own peculiar shape, hardly seen in Catholic and Protestant churches, except in old cemeteries, like the one in Agra which was once a Mughal orchard gifted to an Armenian lady by Akbar in the 17th Century. In Armenian celebrations, cakes were there, of course, but the emphasis was on animal sacrifices. The cakes and sweet breads were embellished with raisins (kishmish). No wonder non-Christians started calling Christmas “Kishmish”.

The visit of the former Armenian President, Levon Der Petrossian during Indira Gandhi’s time was a reminder of the age-old ties between India and Armenia, two countries where the Aryan influence predominated. The visit of Vice-President Hamid Ansari earlier this year was a follow-up to the one by Mrs Gandhi’s to Yeravan.

Armenia is an ancient country which has been regarded as “the doorway between East and West.” Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark rested after the Deluge, was in the present Turkish part of Armenia and it was there that those who were saved from the great flood along with the patriarch settled down to create a new world. It was, therefore, natural for Christianity to take root there in its initial days. It is worth mentioning, however, that the old beliefs of the Armenians were incorporated into the Church for quite a long time. Animals were sacrificed in the church porch before the celebration of the Eucharest, especially at X’mas and Easter. The Armenians had started coming to the Mughal Empire some years before the invasion of their country by Turkey. They found the hospitality that they needed and built churches in Delhi, which, however, do not exist now.

At Agra also they built a chapel and the son of a nobleman, Mirza Zulquarnain, was brought up by Akbar. He was later to become the head of the salt works at Sambar. The Mirza is known as the Father of Christianity in North India because it was during his time that the cross and the crescent met in the Mughal Capital.

Mirza Zulquarnain’s palace occupied the land where the British later built the Agra Central Prison, which in recent times has made way for the ambitious shopping project known as Sanjay Place. It was on this piece of land that a cathedral was erected by the Capuchins 200 years later. The Armenians planted olive trees, one of which still survives near Akbar’s church. The mystical cross was used as an emblem on even residential buildings. It is said that during Akbar’s time after Christmas Mass the sick members of the congregation drank of the water in which earlier a crucifix had been bathed. It was supposed to cure patients, or so the belief went. In the Martyrs’ Cemetry at Agra are the graves of many Armenians which look like Muslim graves with Persian inscriptions. One of the graves, that of the saintly Armenian merchant, Khwaja Mortiniphas is still venerated, along with that of Fr. Santus. Some say he was related to the Bishop of Tabriz and became a hermit in later life after giving all his wealth to the poor.

In Delhi, the most famous Armenian tomb is that of Sarmad Shaheed at the foot of the Jama Masjid. Kishanganj, between old Delhi and Sarai Rohila stations, also has some Armenian graves, besides those of Dutch nationals some connected to the Mughal Court like Bibi Juliana. Incidentally, the Chief Justice in Akbar’s reign was Abdul Hayee, an Armenian Christian.

Destroyed by Nadir Shah

There were two Armenian churches in Delhi, one near the slaughter house, beyond the old Sabzi Mandi, another in Sarai Rohilla; though accounts of their exact location differ. According to Sir Edward Maclagan, there were 120 catholics in Delhi during Shah Jahan’s reign in 1650. Their number went upto 300 by 1686, when Aurangzeb was on the throne. Two priests looked after them. A Catholic cemetery was also in existence from 1656. Father Desideri, who came to the city from Tibet, found the churches in ruins in 1732 (Mohd Shah’s reign). He stayed on for three years and built a new Armenian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and blessed on All Souls’ Day, Nov 2, 1723. In 1739, this church and another Armenian one were destroyed by the Persian invader, Nadir Shah during the massacre of Delhi. One of the churches was rebuilt in 1746, and blessed on Christmas Eve. Later another Armenian church came up, but both seem to have been razed in the early 19th century.

When the Armenians held X’mas celebrations, boys and girls dressed as angels greeted Akbar and later Jahangir at their church in Agra which still exists. After that the two emperors watched the Christmas play and later sent the ladies of the harem to see the crib depicting Christ’s truth in a manger. Armenian X’mas is now a nostalgic memory but when the church bells peal for midnight Mass at Christmas in the Cathedral near Akbar’s church, the Armenian spirit is revived as the local Padritolians pull the ropes of the five huge bells imported from Belgium by the Italian Capuchin fathers. This tradition dates back to Armenian times, when one of the bells broke and could be lifted with great difficulty by two elephants, who deposited it in the Mughal Kotwali till Jahangir had it repaired and restored to the old church.

Probably the most famous Armenian in Indian history was Shah Nazar Khan who cast the Zamzamah gun for the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) on the orders of Ahmed Shah Abdali and about which Kipling wrote: “Who hold Zam-Zamah, that fire-breathing dragon, hold the Punjab”. The giant on wheels, gun is now parked in front of the Lahore Museum, while Nazar Khan rests in Agra where father discovered the nearly-obliterated Persian inscription on his tomb in December 1935, almost two years before one was born. Merry Christmas!

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Miscellaenous> Othes / by R.V.  Smith / December 26th, 2017

Baba e Taleem conferred on Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan
Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan

Bangalore:

Title of Baba e Taleem (Father of Education) was conferred upon Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, founder of the Al-Ameen Educational Society at a function organized by the Society to synchronise with the 47th Founders Day of the Al-Ameen on September 6.

The title recognizes Dr. Mumtaz’s contribution in establishing 150 various educational and professional institutions in the state of Karnataka during the last 47 years.

Dr. P. A. Fazal Ghafoor of Muslim Educational Society, Kerala also participated in the celebration. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan Awards were presented to litterateur Mahir Mansoor; social worker Prof. Salaam Musheer; Islamic scholar Noor Alam Baqvi; student Seema Sultana from Kolar; Shabana Taj, Manager of the Al-Ameen PU college, Bangalore; Sabirunnissa, Headmistress, Al-Ameen School, Kolar; social worker Faiz Akram Pasha; Harish Kumar, attender, Al-Ameen College; Mohammad Noorul Islam, general secretary Al-Ameen Mission, Kolkata; Syed Yahya, Manager, Al-Ameen College, and Khamarunnisa, sweeper with Al-Ameen institutions.
Mr. Farook Mahmood, a prominent realtor of the City, who was the Hony. Secretary for the last five years, no longer figures among the office-bearers. A widely-travelled and highly experienced person, Farook lent immense grace and weight to the previous body.

source:  http://www.islamicvoice.com / Islamic Voice / Home> Community Round Up / by Admin / October 17th, 2013

Hyderabadi educationist gets award at Global Education Research Conference

Education, Leaders, , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

First Global Education Research Conference was organised in Lucknow. Principal Al-Siddique High School, Bahadurpura, Mrs. Tazeen Jamal Siddiqui, was presented Best Innovator Award in Education 2016. The conference was organised by City Monitory School, Lucknow.

Besides Bharati Gandhi, Founder Director School, a large number of academicians were present on the occasion.

Tazeen Jamal Siddiqui has been selected for the award for inventing ALM model.

Siasat News

source: http://www.archive.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Education & Careers> Hyderabad> News / October 04th, 2016

Colonel MA Kaleem Attempts a 35000 km World Record Ride at 68 Years

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Leaders, Transport, Travel & Tourism, , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

ColKaleem01MPOs24dec2017

Col. MA Kaleem, a veteran motorcyclist, young at 68 years, begins a solo ride around India, riding a total distance of 35,000 km. He is attempting to break the existing world record for longest distance traveled within a country without retracting on same route. He’ll be travelling to all the states in the country touching their capital cities. Some of the cities he will be visiting are Chennai, Trivandrum, Kochi, Mangalore, Panaji, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Agra, Gwalior, Siliguri, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Guwahati. He intends to travel this Distance in a time of 90 days.

ColKaleem02MPOs24dec2017

He has done innumerable solo rides in India and is affectionately called Moonchwala in Biker circles. He was part of the Hyderabad – Kashmir – Hyderabad ride done last year. He was flagged off in Hyderabad By the Joint Transport Commisioner and Secretary, RTA, HYDERABAD Mr T. Raghunath.

ColKaleem03MPOs24dec2017

Mr. Kaleem Planted a tree at the RTA Khairatabad in Hyderabad to commemorate the occasion. Speaking on the occasion he thanked his Sponsors HP for the Petrol, CEAT Tires for 2 Sets of Brand new tires, ViaTerra for the Claw and GT customized luggage systems, HV Kumar & Forum for Live Online Support, Xbhp members for support and MapMyIndia for the GPS Device. He also mentioned that he is dedicated to protect environment and plants trees whenever he sets out for a ride. He wanted everyone in the society to pledge for their own as well as others safety while on the road.

ColKaleem04MPOs24dec2017

Mr.T. Raghunath explained all the innovative ways they are using to make life of citizens on the roads in Hyderabad better. The safety measures and implementations of different policies were explained to the gathering.

Members from the online community will also be greeting and supporting him at every major town. We wish the young-at-heart colonel all the best in his record attempt.

source: http://www.motoroids.com / Motoroids.com / Home> Features / 2014