Category Archives: Leaders

10 Muslim changemakers from the North-East

NORTH EAST , ASSAM :

Guwahati :

The Muslims of North eastern India are a spirited community and are contrinuting immensely to the nation building.

Here are ten Muslims whose stories inspire others and make us look at human spirit differently.

Abid Azad

After his work in the bank, this young professional roams around various places in Assam to feed the hungry. Since the days of COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown, Azad has been providing food to those on the streets, hospitals, and others in need. He distributed meal packets to patients and their attendants at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for Iftar, and also delicious foods for Hindus and people from other faiths.

Ahmed Ali

The presence of Ahmed Ali, an unlettered rickshaw puller from Assam who has built a chain of schools in and around his native village, at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26 this year caught the attention of everyone. The Government of India had invited him as a special guest for his extraordinary services to society. He has built a chain of educational institutions from his earnings to encourage children to go to school.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Ahmed Ali, a resident of a rural village in the Sribhumi district of southern Assam, in his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Ahmed Ali used his earnings from pulling the rickshaws to support his family and established nine schools in southern Assam. Due to poverty, Ahmed Ali remained unschooled, but he wanted to ensure nobody in his society had to remain illiterate.

Nazrul Haque

He has been recently honored with the prestigious Assam Gaurav Award by the State Government for his outstanding achievements in fish farming and employment generation. Haque, who began his entrepreneurial journey with just Rs 10,000, has successfully overcome numerous challenges and now owns multiple fisheries. His dedication to aquaculture has not only contributed to the fishery sector’s growth in Assam but also provided job opportunities to hundreds of unemployed youths.

Nabab Ali

If Dronacharya awardee the late Ramakant Achrekar, the celebrated coach of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, had the privilege of nurturing the cricket legend’s son Arjun too, so did Assam’s very own Achrekar, Nabab Ali, who has not only molded former Assam Ranji captain Parag Das but also his son Riyan Parag to be the first ever cricketer from Assam to be in Team India. Fondly called Nababda (Brother Nabab) by one and all in the cricket circles, Nabab Ali may not have hit too many centuries and half centuries during his brief cricketing career, but he has cracked more than a ton as far as the number of quality cricketers he has produced for Assam as well as India.

Dr. Mustafa A Barbhuyan

Hailing from a remote village in southern Assam’s Hailakandi district, Dr. Mustafa A. Barbhuiya has been selected among the top 100 most influential people in Pathology, specifically, as one of the Top 20 Heroes of Pathology in the US for this year.

Syedullah Nongrum

He is the voice of Khasi Muslims and a bridge between communities in Meghalaya. Nongrum spearheaded the construction of Madina Masjid, the only glass mosque in India. This magnificent structure situated in Shillong, not only serves as a place of worship but also houses an Islamic learning center, a school for underprivileged children, and a higher education college with modern facilities in science, arts, and technology.

The mosque is the only glass mosque in India, and reportedly the first glass mosque in Asia, making India the third country to have a mosque built of glass

Arshel Akhtar

Arshel Akhtar wants to make cycling a priority for Guwahati residents and is working on creating a narrative on it. From working across diverse areas like Information and Technology, software development, banking, and share investing, Arshel was appointed as the first ‘Bicycle Mayor’ of Guwahati in 2018. He continues to find solutions to urban mobility issues through his non-profit organizations, Pedal for a Change and The Green Lane Foundation. Akhtar has formed an active citizens group called the Bicycle Councillors of Guwahati, which will work together to make cycling a safe, accessible, and aspirational mode of transport among all sections of society.

Nahid Afrin

She first shot to fame when she became the second runner-up in the 2015 edition of Indian Idol Junior. In 2016, she made her debut as a playback singer in Bollywood with the film Akira starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role. In 2024, Nahid Afrin was appointed as UNICEF India’s Youth Advocate, marking a significant milestone in her career. Nahid, along with three other Youth Advocates, will work with Bollywood’s star actor Kareena Kapoor-Khan, who is named as the National Ambassador by UNICEF.

Maulana Nurulamn Qasimi:

At a time when there are many misconceptions about Islam in society, Maulana has tried to dispel those by clearly explaining the principles and ideals of Islam. Maulana Nurul Amin Qasimi is a cleric who preaches Islam in the right form with exceptional thoughts.

Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhry

Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, who retired as the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam, has acquired the nickname of “The Birdman of Assam.” He is the first in Assam to write books on the birds of North Eastern States. His studies have contributed to the conservation and awareness of various bird species. He has authored 28 books, 50 technical reports, and more than 900 articles and scientific papers.

Choudhury, 63, had played a pivotal role in protecting habitats and declaring the white-winged wood duck as the State bird in Assam in 2003.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories> The Changemakers / posted by Vidushi Gaur / June 08th, 2025

Muslim Women, Waqf, and the Power of Charitable Legacy: A Forgotten Force in the Shadows of Reform

June 9, 2025Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Anjuman E Khawateen e Deccan, Begum Abadi Bano, Begum Abadi bano - Bi Amma, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, Begum Rokeya - India's First Bengali Muslim Feminist, Begum Rokeya - Social Activist, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza, Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza - aka - Haya, Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza - Member - Royal Asiatic Society London, Dr Uzma Naheed, Durru Shehvar, Hamida Habibullah, Indan Muslim Women Achievers, Indian Muslim Women, Indian Muslim Women Achievers, Indian Muslims, Jahanara Begum, Khair Un Nissa Begum, Muslim Women Achievers of India, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Princess Durru Shehvar, Princess Duru Shehva, Princess Niloufer, Razia Sultan, Roshanara Begum, Sughra Humayun Mirza, Sultan Jahan Begum, Tayyaba Begum, Uzma Naheed, Waqf and Indian Muslim Womenmpositiveone@gmail.com

INDIA :

A New Law, A Timeless Legacy

The Waqf Amendment Act 2025, recently passed by the Government of India, has stirred a wave of public discourse. Promising to regulate and modernize the administration of waqfproperties across the country, the law is being introduced as a means to improve transparency and benefit marginalized communities, especially Muslim women.

However, in this swirl of policy language, governance reform, and bureaucratic oversight, we must not forget a foundational truth: Muslim women have always been central to the waqftradition—not as passive recipients, but as active architects of community transformation.

Waqf as a Tool of Empowerment—Before the State Claimed It

Before governments created waqf boards, before institutional frameworks shaped their regulation, and long before women were officially recognized in policy narratives, Muslim women in India were shaping societies through charitable endowments.

They:

• Founded schools and madrasas for girls and boys alike

• Donated lands and properties for the construction of mosques, shrines, and Sufi lodges

• Built hospitals, water fountains, and orphanages

• Funded scholarships, welfare kitchens, and even public rest-houses for travelers.

This was not mere charity—it was strategic social intervention, embedded in Islamic ethics and guided by a vision of communal upliftment.

👑 Queens of Waqf: A Glimpse into Heroines of Charity and Community Leadership

🏛️ Razia Sultana (1205–1240, Delhi)

India’s only woman Sultan, Razia established educational and civic institutions supported by state waqf. Her leadership emphasized justice, learning, and infrastructure.

🏛️ Jahanara Begum (1614–1681, Delhi)

Daughter of Shah Jahan, she created waqf endowments for Sufi shrines, caravanserais, and public gardens. Her waqf documents are among the earliest female-authored ones preserved in India.

🏛️ Roshanara Begum (1617–1671, Delhi)

Sister to Jahanara, she built Roshanara Garden and a Sufi lodge. She maintained religious institutions through royal waqf.

🏛️ Sultan Jahan Begum (1858–1930, Bhopal)

The last Begum of Bhopal, she modernized education, built hospitals, supported madrasas, and legally registered many waqf properties to support her reforms.

🏛️ Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879, Lucknow)

Regent of Awadh, she protected the city’s religious institutions and supported waqf-based welfare during the 1857 Rebellion.

🏛️ Khair-un-Nissa Begum (18th c., Hyderabad)

Established Khairtabad Mosque and other public works through her waqf. One of the early noblewomen to invest in education and water supply systems.

🏛️ Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932, Kolkata)

A visionary educationist, she established the Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School using her own resources and informal waqf practices. A true reformer of women’s rights.

🏛️ Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza (1884–1958, Hyderabad)

Urdu novelist and educationist who established the Safdariya Girls School through personal endowment. One of India’s earliest women school founders.

🏛️ Princess Durru Shehvar (1914–2006, Hyderabad)

Ottoman princess and daughter-in-law of the Nizam. Founded the Durru Shehvar Hospital, a major maternity and child-care waqf.

🏛️ Princess Niloufer (1916–1989, Hyderabad)

Ottoman royal by birth and philanthropist. Established Niloufer Hospital for women and children in response to maternal health tragedies.

🏛️ Dr. Uzma Naheed (Contemporary, Mumbai)

Thinker and leader who founded the IQRA International Women’s Alliance. Created vocational and educational centers for women through charitable trusts and waqf-like models.

🏛️ Begum Abadi Bano (Bi Amma) (1850–1924)

Mother of freedom fighters Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, she supported the Khilafat movement and women’s education through charity and informal waqf support.

🏛️ Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909–2001)

Only Muslim woman member of the Indian Constituent Assembly. Promoted educational waqfs and women’s legal rights in independent India.

🏛️ Hamida Habibullah (1916–2018, Lucknow)

Educator, politician, and philanthropist who helped establish Talimgah-e-Niswan, a leading girls’ school, partially supported by endowments and community waqf models.

🏛️ Tayyaba Begum (early 1900s, Hyderabad)

Co-founder of Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Deccan, she organized women’s welfare through educational trusts and neighborhood charities alongside Sughra Humayun Mirza.

These women are not anomalies in history. They are evidence of a forgotten mainstream—a rich legacy of Muslim women using waqf, education, and philanthropy to shape the public sphere.

What the Law Misses

The 2025 Amendment claims to create better access for women and transparency in waqfgovernance. Yet, many community members raise concerns about:

• Increased government control over waqf boards

• Reduced autonomy of local Muslim stakeholders

• Weak representation of women in decision-making roles

If reform is truly meant to benefit women, it must not just focus on current access. It must honor and preserve the legacy of those women who built the system through vision, sacrifice, and faith.

Reclaiming the Narrative

As students of history and as researchers in the contributions of Muslim women across disciplines—al-Muhaddithat, scholars, judges, educators, warriors, nurses, and philanthropists—we find it essential to reclaim and highlight this tradition in the current discourse.

This document delves into the intersections of gender, history, law, and social development, spotlighting women’s roles in charitable work and community building through waqf and related institutions.

Our goal is not just to preserve history, but to activate it: to inspire current and future generations to recognize the power of service, leadership, and waqf in reshaping communities. The struggle for recognition today stands on the shoulders of those who built with purpose and gave with dignity.

Conclusion: From Past to Future

Muslim women in India have been pioneers of welfare through the waqf system for centuries. Their work wasn’t performed for applause or public acclaim. It was done with quiet resolve, deep faith, and a vision for lasting impact.

As new policies reshape the landscape of waqf, let us not merely react—we must respond with wisdom, rooted in history and hope. Let the legacy of women like Razia, Jahanara, Durru Shehvar, Niloufer, Sughra, and Uzma guide us in reimagining waqf as a tool not only for preservation—but for progressive, inclusive development.

The author is a Social Worker, Student of History and Educator

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story> Waqf> Women / by M A Lateef Atear / June 04th, 2025

Purkazi leader Zaheer Farooqui shows the way to transforming India at grassroots

June 8, 2025Leaders, Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Indian Muslims, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Muzaffarnagar District - Uttar Pradesh, Muslims of Purkazi - Muzaffarnagar District, Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Muzaffarnagar District, Positive News of Muslims of Purkazi Town - Muzaffarnagar District, Positive News of Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Purkazi Panchayat, Saquib Salim, Shaheen Usmani, Shaheen Usmani - Gymnasium Trainer - Purkazi Panchayat Gymnasium, Zaheer Farooqui, Zaheer Farooqui - Advocate - Purkazi - Muzaffarnagar District - Uttar Pradesh, Zaheer Farooqui - Chairperson - Nagar Panchayat - Purkazi, Zaheer Farooqui - Purkazi - Muzaffarnagar District - U Pmpositiveone@gmail.com

Purkazi (Muzaffarnagar District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Purkazi, a small town in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, would soon have its first higher secondary School, and students would no longer have to travel to neighbouring towns to pursue studies after the 10th class.

This happened due to the generosity of Zaheer Farooqui, Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat, who donated his land valued at 1.5 crore for the project.

Farooqui, a peasant leader, and a lawyer, was dismayed to see the young girls and boys traveling in local buses and rickety three-wheelers to higher secondary schools in other towns and he chose to do something about it.

Following the adage Charity begins at home, he gave away his land which is otherwise a prized possession of any farmer or realtor.

Though he always championed the change to improve the lives of people living in this Muslim-dominated town, Farooqui was elected as Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat in 2017.

As an elected head of the local body, his priority was to improve educational facilities since this is the surest way to improve the lives of common people. He initiated the change in schools; and equipped primary classes in the local government schools with an adequate number of chairs and tables for students and internet-linked smart boards.

His efforts were recognized as the local government school was covered under the Prime Minister Shri School scheme of Narendra Modi under which chosen schools are turned into model schools.

Debunking the common image of a Muslim, he showed keen interest in the upkeep of gaushalas (cow shelters). Till his initiative, the government funds for the establishment of gaushalas often remained unused by most of the Panchayats.

Farooqui-led Panchayat set up what is purported to be the first double-storey government-owned gaushala in India.

The gaushala has separate spaces for calves, pregnant cows, injured, and elderly cows. Its fodder-chopping machine runs on solar power. A veterinary doctor conducts daily health checkups of the animals.

Additionally, the dung produced is converted into manure, and sold to generate income to make gaushala financially viable.

In 2018, Farooqui-led Purkazi Panchayat installed Internet Processing Closed Circuit Television (IP-CCTV) cameras at various locations in the town to combat crime and make locals, especially women, feel safe.

The cameras of the circuit have powerful lenses that can read vehicle license plates. This circuit helped the Muzaffarnagar Police apprehend a man from Uttarakhand, who was identified as rapist of a local six-year-old child.

Zaheer Farooqui (In Blue shirt) with locals at the Women’s Gymnasium at Purkazi

Each camera is equipped with loudspeakers which are used to announce fresh government initiatives, raise alarms in an emergency, and community-related messages.

The Purkazi Panchayat was the first one to open a women-exclusive gymnasium to raise health and fitness awareness among women.

The gymnasium was opened in 2019, and its popularity has proven critics and skeptics, who wondered if the burqa-wearing Muslim women would even venture out there of their homes, wrong.

The gymnasium trainer Shaheen Usmani arrives early morning for work. Once in the woman-only space, she removes her burqa. Usmani says, ‘I cannot explain why, but the gym has significantly enhanced the reproductive health of women in the town.’

Independence Day procession at Suliwala Bagh, Purkazi

The gymnasium has nearly one hundred member

The residents of Purkazi led by Farooqui have transformed Suliwala Bagh (garden of the gallows) into a pilgrimage site. This place was used by the British Army to hand Indian revolutionaries during the First War of Independence in 1857.

On the Independence Day and Republic day, thousands of people congregate in this iconic place and take out a rally in memory of freedom fighters. The locals have been carrying out a procession in which the youth carry the longest-ever tricolour as part of the national commemoration of freedom fighters of India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories> The Changemakers / by Saquib Salim / June 01st, 2025

Outstanding Students Honoured with Medals for Academic Excellence in Patna

June 8, 2025Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)Allied IAS, Anjum Mukhtar, Bihari Muslims, Dr Zubeish Firdous - Secretary - Womens Wing - Jamaat e Islami Hind Bihar, Dr Zubiesh Firdous, Girls Islamic Organisatio (GIO) - Sultan Ganj Unit - Patna, Markaz e Islami - Tekari Road - Patna, Mohammad Shehzad, Mohammad Shehzad - Allied IAS, Musheerah Fatima, Muslim Women of Bihar, Muslim Women of Patna, Muslims of Bihar, Muslims of Patna, Patna Muslims, Positive News of Muslim Women of Bihar, Positive News of Muslim Women of Patna, Positive News of Muslims of Bihar, Positive News of Muslims of Patna, Saima Parveen, Shagufta bano, Shazia Ahsan, Shazia Ahsan - Motivational Speaker, Umme Kulsoom, Umme Kulsoom - President - GIO Sultan Ganj Unit, Zubiesh Firdousmpositiveone@gmail.com

Patna, BIHAR :

Patna :

Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO), Sultan Ganj Unit, Patna, organised a felicitation ceremony on Sunday at Markaz-e-Islami, Tekari Road, to honour over 100 meritorious students who secured excellent marks in Class 10 and 12 examinations. The achievers were awarded medals and congratulatory cards in recognition of their academic accomplishments. The event also included guidance sessions to support their future educational journeys.

The chief guest, Mohammad Shehzad from Allied IAS, delivered a comprehensive guidance talk under the theme Care and Guidance, sharing professional and academic opportunities from an Islamic perspective along with practical insights.

Motivational speaker Shazia Ahsan emphasised the value of hard work, self-confidence, and positive thinking in her inspiring speech aimed at empowering the students.

Dr. Zubiesh Firdous, Secretary Women’s Wing Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bihar, delivered a thought-provoking address on the topic Balancing Deen and Dunya (religion and worldly life). She stressed the need for a harmonious blend of religious and secular education.

Umme Kulsoom, President of GIO Sultan Ganj Unit, introduced the organisation and highlighted its mission of empowering girls and women through education and awareness.

The event was attended by teachers, students, and parents who appreciated the efforts taken by the organisation.

The program began with a spiritual reminder from the Qur’an by Anjum Mukhtar. A soul-stirring na’at (poem in praise of the Prophet ﷺ) was beautifully rendered by Musheerah Fatima, filling the atmosphere with a spiritual essence. Saima Parveen presented an emotionally resonant poem, which was well received by the audience.

The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Shagufta Bano, City Secretary of Patna .

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 01st, 2025

Shaheen Group secures 500 MBBS seats for Indian students in Tajikistan

June 6, 2025Amazing Feats, Education, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, World OpinionDr Abdul Qadeer, FGME - Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, Indian Muslim Doctors, Indian Muslims, Medical Seats for Muslims of India, Medical Social Institute of Tajikistan, Muslim Women of India, Muslims of Bidar, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Karnataka, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of Bidar District, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Shaheen Group - MBBS, Shaheen Group in Tajikistan, Shaheen Group Medical Seats in Tajikistanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Bidar, KARNATAKA :

Hyderabad:

As hundreds of students fail to secure MBBS seats through merit or management quotas, Shaheen Group of Institutions has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Medical Social Institute of Tajikistan, under which 500 students will be able to pursue MBBS degrees at the institute.

As part of the collaboration, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to India, along with the Cultural Ambassador and other diplomatic representatives, visited the Shaheen Campus. Dr Zainab, the Tajikistan coordinator, assured that full security is provided to international students there.

Dr Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, explained that this agreement offers such students a chance to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors.

He further stated that students can complete the entire six-year MBBS course, including hostel accommodation and Indian food, for just Rs 32 lakh.

Dr Qadeer shared that the course fee can be paid in easy installments. The registration fee is Rs 49,500, and registrations will remain open until the end of June. The Rs 32 lakh package also includes insurance coverage.

In a significant move, Shaheen Group and its medical partners will provide FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) coaching from the first day of the MBBS course. This ensures that students are well-prepared to obtain a license for medical practice after graduation. For more information, visit: www.msitshaheen.com.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by The Hans India / June 02nd, 2025

Manzoor Wangnoo Honoured with Environmental Stewardship Award at Shaheen Group Convocation

June 6, 2025Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, LeadersAbdul Qadeer, Dr Abdul Qadeer, Indian Environmentalists, Indian Muslim Environmentalists, Indian Muslims, Manzoor Ahmad Wagnoo, Manzoor Ahmad Wagnoo - Chairman - Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation -NLCO, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo - Awarded - Environmental Stewardship Award, Mulims of Jammu & Kashmir, Munawar Zama, Muslim Environmentalists of India, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Kashmir, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation - NLCO, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Jammu & Kashmir, Positive News of Muslims of Kashmir, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Shaheen Group - Karnataka, Shaheen Group of Institutiions, Shaheen Group of Institutions-Bidarmpositiveone@gmail.com

Bidar, KARNATAKA / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Hyderabad :

In a special ceremony held at the iconic campus of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, environmentalist and conservationist Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), was conferred with the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award.

The award was presented during the Convocation and Personality Development Program, a flagship event hosted by the Shaheen Group, which houses over 6,000 boarding students and has earned nationwide acclaim for producing doctors, engineers, scientists, and civil servants.

Wangnoo was invited as the Chief Guest at the event by Munawar Zama Sahib, renowned for his exemplary work in motivation, value-based education, and moral leadership. The award was presented by Abdul Qadeer Sahib, CEO of the Shaheen Group of Institutions, alongside Dr.Zama.

The Environmental Stewardship Award was conferred upon only two individuals, selected from among a vast network of students and alumni spread across the globe, marking this recognition as a specail one.

In his address, Wangnoo expressed his sincere gratitude and dedicated the award to his beloved parents, well-wishers and supporters, and dedicated NLCO team,.

“This is not just an award—it is a call to continue. For Nature. For the Future,” said Wangnoo.

The event highlighted the synergy between education, moral vision, and environmental action, serving as a reminder of the vital role youth and institutions can play in healing our planet.(KNS)

source: http://www.knskashmir.com / Kashmir News Service / by KNS Desk Srinagar / June 02ns, 2025

Dr Irfan Ali of AMU’s Department of Statistics Ranked Among World’s Top 0.5% Scholars by ScholarGPS

June 6, 2025Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, World OpinionAligarh Muslims, Book - Optimization with LINGO 18: Problems and Applications, Dr Irfan Ali, Dr Irfan Ali - Aligarh Muslim University, Dr Irfan Ali - Associate Executive Council Member - Indian Society for Probability and Statistics - ISPS, Dr Irfan Ali - Department of Statistics & Operations Research - Aligarh Muslim University, Dr Irfan Ali - Member - Indian Mathematical Society, Dr Irfan Ali - Member - Indian Society for Porbability and Statistics, Dr Irfan Ali - Member - Operational Research Society of India, Dr Irfan Ali - Member - The Indian Science Congress Association, Indian Muslim Statisticians, Indian Muslims, Indian Statisticians, Irfan Ali PhD, Muslim Statisticians of India, Muslims of Aligarh, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslim Statisticians of India, Positive News of Muslims of Aligarh, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Uttar Pradesh, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of India, Statisticians of India, Statisticians of Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Muslimsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh :

Dr Irfan Ali, a faculty member in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been ranked among the world’s top 0.5% of scholars in the fields of Mathematical Optimization and Environmental Statistics by ScholarGPS, a globally recognized academic analytics platform.

A distinguished researcher in applied statistics, mathematical optimization, estimation theory, and artificial intelligence, Dr Ali has made significant contributions to his field. He has authored over 105 research papers indexed in the Scopus database and 71 in the Web of Science, and edited eight books published by renowned publishers such as Taylor & Francis and Springer Nature, all indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus database.

He has also His textbook, Optimization with LINGO 18: Problems and Applications, is widely regarded as a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, and students in the field of Operations Research.

His work has garnered more than 2,250 citations on Google Scholar, where he holds an h-index of 26 and an i10-index of 63.

In addition to his prolific research output, Dr Ali is a Lifetime Member of several prestigious professional societies including the Operational Research Society of India, Indian Society for Probability and Statistics, Indian Mathematical Society, and The Indian Science Congress Association. He is currently serving as an Associate Executive Council Member of the Indian Society for Probability and Statistics (ISPS) since 2021.

He is actively involved with over ten international journals in editorial capacities, including roles as associate editor and editorial board member.

source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.com / IndiaEducationDiary.com / Home> Academics> University News / June 02nd, 2025

Anjum Parwez appointed CM’s new ACS as L K Atheeq steps down

June 5, 2025Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), LeadersAnjum Parwez, Anjum Parwez - Additional Chief Secretary - to Chief Minister - Siddaramiah, Anjum Parwez - IAS Officer - Karnataka, Bengaluru Muslims, Indian Muslims, Karnataka Muslims, L K Atheeq, L K Atheeq - ACS - Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department - Karnataka, L K Atheeq - Additional Chief Secretary - ACS - to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, L K Atheeq - Chairperson - Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd, L K Atheeq - IAS Officer - Karnataka, LK Atheeq, Muslim IAS Officers, Muslim IAS Officers in Bengaluru, Muslim IAS Officers in Karnataka, Muslims of India, Muslims of India - Positive News, Muslims of Karnataka, Positive News of Indian Muslims, Positive News of Muslims of Bengaluru, Positive News of Muslims of India, Positive News of Muslims of Karnataka, Positive Stories of Indian Muslims, Positive Stories of Muslims of Indiampositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

L K Atheeq (left) and Anjum Parwez

Bengaluru :

L K Atheeq, a trusted aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah and a 1991-batch IAS officer, has resigned from his post as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the chief minister. He was serving on a contract basis after his superannuation on January 31.

Anjum Parwez, a 1994-batch IAS officer and currently the ACS in the rural development and panchayat raj department, has been appointed as his successor in the chief minister’s office.

Atheeq will continue as chairperson of Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for the Peripheral Ring Road project. Sources indicate he stepped down to spend time with family and pursue personal interests, including motorcycling and poetry.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 05th, 2025

TN Women’s Right Activist Kavingar Salma Becomes Rajya Sabha MP

June 1, 2025Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021)mpositiveone@gmail.com

TAMIL NADU :

Noted writer, poet, women and transgender rights activist Salma alias Rokkaiya Malik from Thuvarankurichi in Trichy district developed a passion for reading and writing in her teens to become an accomplished writer. As an active member of DMK, she served as chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board and presently DMK Media Wing joint secretary.

I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. So said women rights activist Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2014 for championing the cause of girls’ right to education. Not unusual to witness Muslim women-folk breaking the glass ceiling to reach dizzy heights in their chosen line of interest.

Meet 58-year-old Salma alias Rokkaiya Malik from Thuvarankurichi in Trichy district who has been nominated to Rajya Sabha as MP by the DMK party. A recognition for her active involvement as an accomplished poet, writer and women’s rights activist. Presently, she is a joint secretary in DMK media wing. Her life wasn’t all that rosy as she had to face the odds to become what she is now.

More often than not known by her pen name Salma, she received global acclaim for her writings in contemporary Tamil literature. In fact, she developed an interest for writing right from her teenage years, inspired by Russian literature more so the translated works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Ultimately, Nelson Mandela and Che Guevara became her icons.

Really heart-rending to read her story as she was betrothed to a cousin named Malik at the age of 13 and she got into wedlock after she turned 19 due to her mom’s pressure. Following marriage, Salma was granted the name of Rokkiah Begum and had two children. Her interest in literature continued in her married life and was seen as akin to insanity by her family.

At 22, Salma wrote her maiden poem, Oppandham, as an outlet for her frustration and anger with her situation. Forced to hide her passion from her family, she would write while sitting on the toilet, on pieces of paper ripped from calendars and notebooks. It is learnt that she was subjected to abuse by her husband because of her desire to write and he would often destroy her work. Her mother eventually helped her by smuggling out poems from her home and getting them published in a Tamil weekly.

Salma hogged the limelight in literary circles during the nineties. Later, she signed with the Kalachuvadu publishing house and was invited to a number of literary conventions around Tamil Nadu which she visited under the guise of medical visits. Since a woman travelling alone was frowned upon in her social setting, her mother accompanied her on her first event in Chennai city.

Brushing aside the criticisms, she contested the local body elections in 2001 and was elected president of Ponnampatti panchayat. Since the seat was reserved for women, she could easily win the polls and carved a niche for herself in discharging the responsibility bestowed upon her by the villagers. Seizing the opportunity, she created awareness among the Muslim women on the importance of education.

Going the extra mile in her chosen line of interest, Salma got her anthology of short stories titled Saabam published in 2009, which was translated by N Kalyan Raman into English as The Curse: Stories. In 2016, she published her second novel Manaamiyangal, which narrated the parallel lives of two women named Mehar and Parveen. In a review by the Hindustan Times, the novel was described as having captured Hélène Cixous’s “feminine practice of writing”. [It was translated from Tamil into English by Meena Kandasamy under the title of Women, Dreaming.

It is interesting to infer that her novel “Irandaam Jaamangalin Kadhai” in 2004 was described as a semi-autobiographical work which depicted the life and hardships faced by a young girl called Rabia born in an orthodox Muslim minority community. Noteworthy to mention that Salma’s life was documented by Kim Longinotto in her documentary Salma, which is described as a journey of an under-educated housewife who was subjected to an effective form of house arrest and became an acclaimed Tamil literary figure. Longinotto herself described Salma as an “extraordinary beacon of hope”. The documentary, which was screened in 2013, received several awards and was seen in eleven countries. The quote of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the American writer and activist who was a leader of the women’s rights movement in the US during the mid-to late-19th century – “The best protection any woman can have is courage” is relevant to Kavingar Salma.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Latest News / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 26th, 2025