Category Archives: Leaders

India celebrates Independence Day: Here’s a list of important Muslim freedom fighters

INDIA:

In the freedom struggle, Muslim freedom fighters played a predominant role.

In the Indian freedom struggle, though, Muslim freedom fighters played a predominant role, right-wing organisations are trying to erase their history. In view of it, it is essential to know the important Muslim freedom fighters who fought for Indian Independence.

 Indian freedom fighter and former aide of Subhash Chandra Bose Abid Hasan Safrani. (Photo: Siasat)

Abid Hasan Safrani

Abid Hasan Safrani, an Indian National Army (INA) soldier from Hyderabad is one of the unsung heroes of Hyderabad. He not only played role in India’s independence but also coined the slogan ‘Jai Hind’ which was later declared the salutation of the Indian Army and government employees.

Safrani was constantly with the INA fighting from Burma to Imphal in India.

After India attained freedom, then Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru inducted him into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He was posted to several countries including Egypt, China, Switzerland, Iraq, Syria, Senegal and Denmark.

After retirement, Safrani settled at a farm in Shaikpet, Tolichowki. He passed away in 1984.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Maulana Azad, a distinguished Islamic scholar, author, academician and a prominent freedom fighter, was elected as the youngest President of Indian National Congress aged 35, and later led the historic Khilafat Movement.

After Independence, Maulana Azad served as India’s first Education Minister for over 10 years, during which he laid the foundations for the country’s massive academic network. Acknowledging his contributions, his birthday – November 11 – is celebrated as National Education Day.

Siraj-Siraj-ud-Doulah

Siraj-Siraj-ud-Doulah, the Nawab of Bengal was the first Indian king to foresee the threat posed to the future of the country by the English East India Company which entered India in the name of trade but transgressed its limits. He took bold initiatives to thwart the company’s evil designs.

Mir Khasim Ali Khan

Mir Khasim Ali Khan was a warrior Nawab who fought against the East India Company till his end with the conviction that he could ensure safety for his kingdom and liberty and prosperity for his people only by driving the British out of India.

Hyder Ali

Hyder Ali, who is famously known as ‘the Napoleon of South India’ for his relentless fighting against the conspiracies of the East India Company and its henchmen and for checkmating the British ambitions of expansion in South India

Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan, the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, was a great visionary who exposed the expansionist designs of the British imperial forces and gave a clarion call to his fellow countrymen and native rulers to unite and fight against the East India Company.

Syed Mir Nisar Ali

The Wahabi movement enjoyed a special status in the history of revolt against British rule in India, and Titu Mir, whose real name was Syed Mir Nisar Ali, added militancy to it. It became the source of inspiration for several movements in the Struggle for Independence of India.

Haji Shariatullah

Haji Shariatullah, who militantly led the Farazi Movement that stood as a source of inspiration for several revolutionaries in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Ghulam Rasool Khan

Ghulam Rasool Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, created terror among the officials of the East India Company.

Moulana Peer Ali Khan

Moulana Peer Ali Khan fought against the British military force declaring that sacrificing oneself in the cause of liberation of one’s motherland is a proof of one’s love for his country.

Moulvi Ahmadullah Shah Fyzabadi

Moulvi Ahmadullah Shah Fyzabadi created panic among the British camps. In the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, he fought against the forces of East India Company and registered several victories over them.

Sheikh Bikhari Saheb

Sheikh Bikhari Saheb raged against General Dalhousee’s ‘Doctrine of Lapse’ whose sole objective was to expand the British empire. He stood in support of the freedom loving native rulers and fought against the foreign rulers.

Azimullah Khan

Azimullah Khan was renowned as a strategist in the First War of Independence, 1857.

He retreated to the forests of Nepal along with Nana Saheb, Hazarat Mahal and others, when the First War of Independence had faced the situation of near defeat. Azimullah Khan passed away in October 1859, while making efforts to secure financial and military support to fight back against the British.

Mohammad Bakht Khan

Mohammad Bakht Khan provided leadership to the heroes and heroines of The First War of Independence of India of 1857 against the forces of the East India Company, by taking up the responsibility of Commander-in-Chief.

He streamlined the troops after his appointment as the Commander-in-Chief by the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Khan Bahadur Khan

Khan Bahadur Khan, the ruler of Rohilkhand, fought against the British to liberate the motherland.

Declining a very high official post offered by the East India Company, Khan Bahadur Khan revolted against the British at the age of 70. He declared Independence at Bareilly, the capital of Rohilkhand on 31 May, 1857.

Bahadur Shah Zafar

Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Moghul Emperor, led the First War of Independence, which was recognized in history as the symbol of anger among the people of India against the British.

He breathed his last in jail on 7 November 1862.

Mohammad Sher Ali

Mohammad Sher Ali, an embodiment of anti-British spirit , was born in 1842 at Peshawar, presently in Pakistan. He was inspired by the Wahabi movement that arose against the British in his younger age. His family migrated to Ambala from Peshawar in 1863. He was sentenced to death on 2 April, 1868.

Begum Hazrat Mahal

Begum Hazrat Mahal was a prominent woman of the 1857 rebellion. There was a fierce battle between the Company troops and the Begum troops. When defeat became inevitable, Begum Hazrat Mahal retreated to the Nepal forests along with the co-revolutionary leaders like Nana Sahib Peshwa and others.

Begum Hazarath Mahal struggled for the independence of her state till her last breath. She passed away at Kathmandu of Nepal on 7 April 1879.

Moulvi Syed Allavuddin

Moulvi Syed Allavuddin was a spiritual leader. He used to exhort people of Nizam State, one of the strongest princely states of South India, to rebel against the British hegemony. He stood in the forefront of the direct fight against the British Government.

He was a native of Hyderabad, the capital of erstwhile Nizam princely state. Allavuddin intensified his rebellious activities soon after the First war of Independence of India was started in 1857.

British forces arrested and sent Moulvi Allavuddin to the cellular jail in Andaman on 28 June 1859. After leading a miserable life of 25 years as a prisoner, Moulvi Syed Allavuddin passed away in 1884.

On the occasion of Independence Day, all Indians need to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who took part in the Indian freedom struggle.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Sameer Khan / August 15th, 2023

The Indian revolutionaries on foreign lands

INDIA:

Indian revolutionaries in Kabul where they announced a government in exile
Indian revolutionaries in Kabul where they announced a government in exile

On 24 April 1918, Ram Chandra was shot dead by Ram Singh in a courtroom in San Francisco, USA. A few moments later, a policeman shot Ram Singh. Who were these Indians? Ram Chandra and Ram Singh were the leaders of a revolutionary Ghadar Party in the USA. They were planning to wage a war against the British Empire with the help of the German government. Ram Singh suspected Chandra of being a traitor and thus he killed him on the last day of the trial.

Though Muslims and Sikhs were also accused of being part of the conspiracy, for some reason the case was famously called the Hindu German Conspiracy case. The German High Commissioner had allegedly provided the revolutionaries with money and arms.

Rabindranath Tagore was also featured in the charge sheet. It was accused that he took money from the revolutionaries in the USA and handed it over to the Japanese government to arrange for arms. It was the costliest court case ever argued in the USA till that time.

Indian revolutionaries had always used foreign territories to wage war against the British Empire. In 1845, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki of Saharanpur went on the Haj with a plan to stay there. He wanted to teach at Makkah. Another Indian and his senior Maulana Ishaq met him in Makkah and asked him to return to India and wage a war against the English East India Company rule. Ishaq was one of the many Indian ulemas, who lived in Makkah and Medina to preach anti-colonialism among the pilgrims.

Imdadullah returned to India, planned a revolt in coordination with several leaders, and joined the War of Independence in 1857. He liberated Shamli for a few weeks before the English recaptured it. Thousands of his followers were killed in the battle and he moved to Makkah.

Imdadullah lived for 30 more years and used Makkah as a base to preach nationalism among Haj pilgrims from India and create links among different colonized nationalities.

Shyamji Krishna Varma, an Arya Samaj leader, established India House in London to train educated revolutionaries for the freedom struggle. V.D. Savarkar, Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Haider Raza, Ali Khan, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Acharya were a few prominent Indian revolutionaries trained at this hostel. They were given fellowships to study in England. Asaf Ali, who later argued the case of Bhagat Singh in court, was also associated with the India House. Savarkar’s book describing events of 1857 S inspired a generation of revolutionaries.

Madan Lal Dhingra was one of the most prominent revolutionaries from this house. He assassinated an English official after which the house had to be closed down. Savarkar was arrested and sent to Andamans. After that, these revolutionaries shifted bases to Berlin, Paris, etc.

Indians, especially Punjabis, living in the USA formed the Ghadar Party in 1913. Ghadar is a term used for the War of Independence of 1857. The party aimed to re-enact the scenario by making the Indian sepoys of the English army rebel.

The revolutionaries contacted Germany and Turkey for money and arms. A date doe revolt was fixed in India for the revolt. Hundreds of the revolutionaries came back to India in 1915, Rash Behari Bose, Jatin Bagha, and M N Roy were also working for the success of the plan. A traitor told the British about the plan. Hundreds of revolutionaries were caught and hanged in what came to be known as First Lahore Conspiracy. Kartar Singh Sarabha was one of the more famous among those hanged. Jatin Bagha was killed. Ras Behari Bose and M N Roy had to leave the country.

The Ghadar Party succeeded in causing a mutiny in Singapore. In February 1915, Indian soldiers killed English officers and captured the island country. It took two days and the help of the Russian and Japanese armies to recapture Singapore from the British. More than four dozen Indians were killed by a firing squad in a public execution. At least 40 of the killed soldiers were Muslims from Haryana.

Raja Mahendra Pratap was an Arya Samaj activist from Hathras. As the war started he travelled to Turkey and Germany where the Sultan and Kaiser respectively gave him letters of authority to form a provisional government of India at Kabul. He reached Afghanistan with a Ghadarite, Barkatullah, where Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, a Deobandi scholar, was waiting for them. A provisional government with Pratap as the President, Barkatullah as the PM, and Ubaidullah as the Home Minister was formed in Kabul.

A plan to raise an army was also chalked out. Maulana Mahmood Hasan, a Deobandi scholar, and Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani were coordinating the efforts from Makkah. Letters written on silk cloth were used to communicate which were uncovered by British intelligence. Maulana Mahmood and Madani were arrested from Makkah and sent to Malta as prisoners of war. Hundreds of others were also arrested in what came to be known as the Silk Letter Conspiracy.

The war had ended. M. N Roy, Andul Rab, and MPT Acharya established a military school in Tashkent in the USSR. It trained mostly Muslims who migrated to Afghanistan after a fatwa asked them to in 1915. The people trained here took part in major revolutionary activities in India later on. Mian Akbar Shah is well known for his role in the famous escape of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Peshawar. He is supposed to be the most important person to have planned and executed the escape in 1941.

Ubaidullah went to the USSR and traveled to several countries before settling at Makkah in the 1930s. He used it as a ground to preach like Maulana Ishaq and Imdadullah before him. In 1938 he returned to India and met Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He planned future armed action with Netaji and gave him several contacts with Japan and Germany. Japan already had his old comrades in Raja Mahendra Pratap and Rash Behari Bose.

Around the same time Sardar Ajit Singh, an uncle of Bhagat Singh, and Iqbal Shaidai organized an army in Italy. They had been active in foreign lands since the last World War.

The story of Netaji forming an army in Germany and later leading Azad Hind Fauj formed by Ras Behari Bose in Japan is well-known and needs no retelling.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / August 11th, 2023

SDPI bags president’s post in Talapady Panchayat with BJP’s support

Talapady (Ullal Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District), KARNATAKA:

Ullal: 

In a notable development, SDPI backed T. Ismail spearheaded the Talapady Gram Panchayat elections held on Thursday and assumed the president post with the support of BJP, while the BJP’s Pushpavathi Shetty was elected to the post of Vice-President unopposed.

In the meantime, Satyaraj, who also contested for the post of President, was defeated after the BJP supporters supported the SDPI backed member Ismail.

In the Panchayat, out of a total of 24 members, 13 of them were backed by the BJP, while one was backed by the Congress and 10 of them were backed by the SDPI. However, on the poll day, Congress backed Vaibhav Shetty and SDPI backed Habeeba D.B. were absent. Resulting in a tough tussle between T. Ismail and Satyaraj both competing for the post of President.

Meanwhile, both Ismail and Satyaraj were in a tie, with equal number of votes. However, later as per the election officer’s directions, the winner T. Ismail was decided based on the process of drawing lots. Even though the number of BJP supporters was higher, two of them voted for the SDPI backed leader, resulting in a tie.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 10th, 2023

Zaheeruddin Ali Khan: A journalist and philanthropist in boundless relationship

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

 Zaheeruddin Ali Khan

Hyderabad: 

A journalist. A Telangana protagonist. A regular figure at protest meetings. A pensive figure at conferences. A concerned citizen whose heart beats for the poor. A secularist to the core. A force to reckon with. Sure.

That gives a word picture of Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, former Managing Editor, The Siasat. In his 62 years, he was more than just a friendly, smiling face. He epitomised the essence of selflessness and compassion. He touched many lives, particularly of Muslim boys and girls, struggling for quality education. In his later years he took on the mighty Wakf mafia and showed by example what protection and conservation really means. Quiet, firm, and unrelenting. His passing away has brought the curtains down on a multifaceted career.

As I sit down to pen a few words about my friend of 30 years, I am at a loss for words. Zaheer Bhai, as he was affectionately called, was so talented and versatile that it is impossible to describe all his traits. But suffice it is to concentrate on just one aspect: his love and care for the well-being of the community. More than a journalist he was a social worker – a true humanitarian. He espoused causes that are not essentially part of a newspaper job. He went the extra mile to help people, especially during times of strife. Zaheer sab was there to lend a hand, be it the Gujarat massacre, the Mumbai riots, or the Bihar floods. He raised money through the Siasat Millat Fund and mobilised resources to help the affected. He was always at the forefront, ready to ease pain and suffering. This compassionate trait earned him a special place in the hearts of people. His innate sense of empathy touched countless lives and brought a ray of hope to despairing souls.

Zaheer Sab’s philanthropy was not limited to just emergency situations. He was always ready to support the needy and destitute. People made a beeline to his office for all sorts of things. Some would come to him seeking a job, some for educational support, and few others for help in corrections to Aadhaar cards and things like that. He lent an ear to everyone patiently and did the best he could.

For him, education was the master key to success. He believed it to be the best investment one could make. And all through his life, he tried to open the doors of opportunities through education to the poor and underprivileged. Women empowerment was a cause dear to his heart. Realising the difficulty the community faced in marrying girls in view of rising dowry demand, Zaheer bhai came up with the idea of ‘Do-ba-do’ (face-to-face) programme. This unique programme helped many families find a suitable match for their daughters without having to run around.

Though I knew Zaheer bhai for a long time, I drew close to him after my retirement from The Hindu newspaper. He wanted me to write for Siasat.com, a news portal set up by him. After initial hesitation, I agreed. He interacted with me on a day-to-day basis discussing story ideas. Like many others, I was touched by his boundless energy and infectious smile. I met him at a book release programme at the P.S. Telugu University on Saturday evening. We chatted together. But I never knew that it would be our last meeting.

The love and respect commanded by Zaheer bhai was evident from the huge turnout of people at his funeral prayers at the Shahi Masjid on Tuesday morning. Rest in peace Zaheer bhai. Your efforts to transform lives will continue to have a ripple effect.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by JS Ifthekhar / August 08th, 2023

Dr S M Syed Khalilurrhman from Bhatkal listed among 100 smartest people in UAE

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai, UAE:

Bhatkal:

United Arab Emirates, located in the desert, is one among the few places in the world which can be termed as heavenly, with skyscrapers, thrilling roads, beautiful locations and facilities. NRI entrepreneur and educationist from the town, Dr S M Syed Khalilurrhman, has made India proud by succeeding in getting identified as one among the 100 smartest people in UAE.

The weekly, ‘Arabian Business’ being published from Dubai in English and Arabic, has brought out a special issue titled ‘The 100 smartest people in the UAE’. By including Dr Syed Khalilurrahman in the list, the magazine has brought global fame to this town.

pix: bhatkallys.com

Dr Khalilurrhman, who is fondly and commonly identified by the general public here with the name, ‘C A Khaleel’, belongs to Nawayat community from here. The fact that he has risen to being distinctively endowed with the honour of being one of the most smart persons in the UAE has brought laurels not only for the Nawayat community here, but for Kannadigas and Indians. Khaleel evinces lot of interest and concern in international trade, social service, and education of poor children. He rightfully deserves the honour that has come seeking him.

Being in UAE, Khaleel is involved with business field that has been attuned to serve demands of the modern era. On account of his intelligence and close observational powers, he has grown tremendously in stature, and therefore, has been counted among the 100 most intelligent, clever, and wise persons of UAE. Incidentally, this list has 12 persons of Indian origin, and Khaleel has an outstanding personality because of his diverse interests.

Khaleel Saheb, who went to the Gulf in 1978, on account of his unshaken faith and affection on Galadari family, took Galadari Company to dizzy heights with his meritorious service for 30 years. Currently he has been active in his profession as the founder chairman of K&K Enterprises General Trading Company, Sharjah. He has also been serving as president of a number of educational and social service organizations in Karnataka and elsewhere.

Even when being in foreign soil, he always throbs to the needs of India, particularly his hometown, Bhatkal. He has organized a number of programmes in the town to strengthen harmony between Hindus and Muslims. He always keeps thinking about ways and means to relieve the youngsters from worries about unemployment problem, and towards this end, has been planning an industrial revolution in his native place. In his addresses, he has been expressing about the need of medical education here, and the need to establish a good hospital. This worthy son of Nawayat community has won several awards and honours and they come seeking him. He is the recipient of prestgious ‘Rajyostava Awad’ of Karnataka government, honorary doctorate of Aldersgate College, Ireland, and countless felicitations and honours, all of which go to showcase his imposing achievements and exemplary personality.

pix: daijiworld.com

Syed Khaleel is credited for being one of the first few chartered accountants from the town. Besides being known for his expertise as an expert in finances, he also is a popular leader in social service, religious, and educational circles. He has served as president of well-known organizations from here like Anjuman educational institutions, Rabita Society etc. Khaleel has won over unbridled love and respect of people from all the communities. He encourages total support for the education of girls and has built mammoth educational institutions. A number of influential political leaders, social and religious heads are in the circles that are close to Syed Khaleel.

In the past too Khaleelurrahman has been conferred with a number of honours and rewards.

Other Indians who have found themselves in the said list include Thumbay Mohidin of Thumbay Group, Rizwan Sajan, chairman and founder of Denube group, Yousuf Ali of Lulu Group, Sunil John, chief executive officer of Asda Barsen-Marstella, Dr B R Shetty, founder of NMC Healthcare, chief executive officer and founder of Plan B Group, Harmeek Singh, chief executive officer of Cocoon Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dr Sanjay Parashan, Lasic surgeon, Dr Pramod Was Hekar, managing director of VPS Healthcare, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, and Sunny Warki, chairman of Gems Education.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Yahya Hallare / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (SP) / September 22nd, 2017

Hasan Yusuf awarded late SM Basheer Lifetime Achievement Award by KKMA

Karavali (Mangaluru), KARNATAKA:

KKMA Student Awards, ‘Family Benefit Scheme Distribution’ held in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: 

Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (Karnataka Chapter) held a ceremony on Sunday, July 30, at the Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) Auditorium in Falnir.

The event aimed to provide assistance and recognition to its members and their families through various welfare schemes and awards.

During the ceremony, the Family Benefit Scheme was distributed to the families of deceased members as a compassionate gesture from the association.

Additionally, the deserving patients were recipients of the Free Dialysis Scheme, providing vital medical support to those in need.

The occasion also saw the distribution of the Late SM Basheer Memorial Student Scholarships, which offer educational support to deserving students.

Moreover, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon CAO of Shepherd International Academy, Hasan Yusuf, a respected figure recognized for his substantial contributions to social services over the years.

NA Muneer, the former chairman and trustee of KKMA, delivered the inaugural speech, highlighting the association’s commitment to taking care of its members even after their passing. He emphasized how the association, which began in 2002 and now boasts over 16,000 members, has been able to extend financial assistance totaling more than Rs. 15 crore to 255 families who have lost their loved ones. Muneer applauded the selfless contributions of KKMA members, who, despite being small-time earners, generously contribute from their hard-earned money to support bereaved families. He urged the families of the deceased members to pray for the well-being of KKMA members, who tirelessly work for this noble cause.

Yusuf Rasheed, the KKMA Karnataka president, delivered the presidential address, underscoring the association’s dedication to the well-being of its members and the underprivileged within society. This dedication is evident through the distribution of facilities such as free dialysis and educational scholarships, aimed at uplifting and empowering the community.

The ceremony also witnessed an address by Architect Mohammed Nissar, Chairman of Indian Design School Mangaluru. Nissar encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunity and urged the association to provide guidance to these students so they can pursue professions that benefit both themselves and the wider community.

SM Farooq, KKMA Karnataka State President, paid tribute to his late brother, the esteemed SM Basheer, and recounted how he tirelessly worked for the welfare of KKMA Karnataka Chapter. He also highlighted how the Family Benefit Scheme offered essential support to the families of deceased members during crucial times.

In recognition of his exceptional service to KKMA Karnataka Chapter, SM Farooq was felicitated at the ceremony.

Several students were awarded with the KKMA students award for their academic excellence in various exams while several other deserving students were awarded educational scholarships during the event.

The event concluded with Abdul Latif extending the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and supporters. Uzaif compered the event.

Prominent personalities like SM Basha and Munir Kodi were among the dignitaries present during the event.

source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 3oth, 2023

Mangaluru: Adil Parvez elected as new president of HIF India

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru: 

In a recent development, Adil Parvez has been elected as the new President of the Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) India. The election took place on Monday at the HIF India’s auditorium here in the city.

The newly elected president is poised to lead the organization for the next three years, steering its path with fresh vision and ideas.

The electoral process was conducted under the supervision of Katchi Masjid’s Khateeb, Moulana Shoeb Hussain Nadwi, who served as the election officer.

The program commenced with a qirath recital by HIF member Mohammed Haneef PS, adding a touch of spiritual significance to the proceedings.

Bilal Raif, another member of HIF, took on the role of hosting the event as the Master of Ceremony, ensuring a smooth and engaging affair.

Ex-president Nazim Ak expressed his gratitude and extended well-wishes to the newly elected President, Adil Parvez, as he takes on the responsibility of leading HIF India to new heights.

source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 31st, 2023

Wreath laying ceremony to commemorate death anniversary of Brigadier M. Usman, MVC (P), July 03rd

INDIA:

A Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Brigadier Mohammad Usman, MVC (P) was organised at his Memorial in Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Cemetery on 03rd July 2023.

 Wreath laying ceremony of late Brig Mohd Usman held


Several Retired and Serving officers including Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, SM** Col of the PARA Regiment and DG OL & SM, Brig. Rajneesh Mohan Cdr 50 (I) PARA Bde, Lt. Gen Gurbir Pal Singh, AVSM, VSM, DG NCC Delhi, Lt. Gen Velayudhan Sreehari, AVSM, SC, SM, AG’s BR DG (MP&PS), Lt Gen Subriti S Dahiya, SM VSM, Comdt NDC and Maj Gen Prashant Srivastava, AVSM, SM, Addl MS (B) attended the function and paid their
tributes by laying a wreath at the Memorial of Brig. M. Usman, MVC (P).


A wreath was also placed at the Memorial of Brig. M. Usman PVC (P) on behalf of JMI Vice Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar (Padma Shri), as her tribute to the memory of the gallant officer. NCC cadets and officers were also present to witness the solemn occasion and pay their respects.

Jamia Millia Islamia (NAAC A++ Grade Central Univ) on Twitter: "A wreath  laying ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of Late Brigadier M.  Usman, MVC was organised today by a contingent from


Under Brig. Mohammad Usman, MVC (P) Para Brigade successfully defended the city of Naushera against Pakistani Tribal forces, and then valiantly recaptured the city of Jhangar.

Late Brigadier Mohammad Usman, also known as the savior of Naushera, was responsible for the recapture of Jhangar & Naushera (Jammu & Kashmir) during 1947- 48 war with Pakistan.

The gallant officer attained martyrdom on 03rd July 1948 when an
enemy artillery shell landed close to him in Naushera.

source: http://www.jmi.ac.in / Jamia Millia Islamia – JMI / Home / by Public Relations Office / July 03rd, 2023

Dawoodi Bohras launch global program to conserve rainfall water

INDIA:

The rainfall water conservation project
The rainfall water conservation project

New Delhi :

The Dawoodi Bohra community has launched a global program to conserve water and recharge groundwater through effective rainwater harvesting techniques.

Recognising the global water scarcity issues, the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, in his recent address to community members in Mombasa, Kenya, stressed the importance of preserving and conserving water.

“Following the instructions of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, a team of over 200 community officials were mobilised to visit more than 250 villages, towns and cities in India to study the strain on existing water supplies and provide support for building a more resilient and sustainable water management system”, said Shabbir Najmuddin, Associate Executive Trustee of Burhani Foundation, the community’s 30-year-old environmental body which is leading this initiative in collaboration with other organisations.

The process of water conservation 

“As part of the first phase of the water conservation program, we targeted water-challenged areas in India by guiding them to harvest rainwater in their backyards, wells, ponds and other local catchment areas,” Najmuddin added, awareness programs were also held at educational institutions and community centres to showcase various methods of rainwater harvesting and their benefits in revitalising depleted groundwater levels.

“Various stakeholders in the water management field and municipalities were also consulted and involved in the survey to gauge the local conditions and take their opinions in adopting methods that best suit the region’s topography,” he added.

For the long-term rollout of the program, Burhani Foundation is identifying project coordinators from each area who will be tagged to experts to troubleshoot issues and facilitate the installation of rainwater harvesting systems in their regions. In the coming days, the Foundation is also going to reach out to community representatives from across the globe to harness the power of rainfall in their regions and share best practices for other areas to adopt. Besides that, the Trust is also rejuvenating defunct wells in the identified areas.

During the survey of rainwater harvesting in households 43-year-old Ismail Raja from Shahada, a town in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, shared, “We installed a rainwater harvesting system in our backyard two years ago to recharge our borewell. Since then we have never faced water shortage as our borewell provides water not just to our families but also at times to our neighbours.”

Another community member, Jaffer Shabbir (36) from Savda village next to Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, is using a simple yet effective solution to recharge the nearby well which had run dry in 2017. He says, “By collecting rainwater from the roof of our hall and parking area which we give on rent for weddings and other functions, we’re harnessing the power of rain to replenish the groundwater in the neighbourhood.”

The members checking the progress

Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation reflects in his broader vision of leading a harmonious and sustainable life. In his sermons, he continues to counsel the community to protect and preserve nature while inspiring individuals from all walks of life to actively participate in conserving natural resources and embracing practices that promote environmental sustainability.

According to NITI Aayog, nearly 600 million people, which is almost 50% of India’s population, are facing water shortage issues. The country is vulnerable to droughts as well as floods even as climate change is increasing unpredictability in weather patterns and leading to more extreme weather events. Rainwater harvesting, water reservoirs and other methods can help mitigate these extreme events by storing & recharging groundwater and releasing it when needed.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Shaista Fatima / July 02nd, 2023

Grandson of the Nizam Shahamat Jah passes away; he was a lonely poet

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

He was born to Prince Moazzam Jah whose complete name was Mir Shujaat Ali Khan.

 Prince Shahamat Jah (Source: khaleequrrahman.blogspot.com/)

Hyderabad:

Prince Shahamat Jah, the grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad State Mir Osman Ali Khan, passed away at a hospital on Sunday (July 30).

He was about 70 years old.

He was born to Prince Moazzam Jah whose complete name was Mir Shujaat Ali Khan. He also went by his penname Shaji and wrote poetry in Urdu. Nizam had named Moazzam Jahi Market after his name.

Prince Moazzam Jah was the second son born to Mir Osman Ali Khan. His elder brother was Azam Jah also known as Mir Himayat Ali Khan.

His first wife was Princess Niloufer, niece of the last Turkish Sultan and Caliph Prince Abdul Majeed. Niloufer who built a hospital for children in the Red Hills area left her husband and settled down in France. She had no children.

Prince Moazzam Jahs married Razia Begum after separation from Princess Niloufer. His third wife was Anwari Begum who bore the only child to him—Shahamat Jah.

Shahamat Jah’s two marriages were unsuccessful. He remained alone and aloof and died childless.

After selling off his house at Red Hills, he moved to his sister’s home in Banjara Hills. He had a limited circle of friends. Most of the people who gathered around him took advantage of ‘innocence’ and deserted him.

In the evening of Sunday his body was being readied for burial at Masjid-e-Joodi, King Kothi, where his grandfather Osman Ali Khan has his mazaar.

Prince Muffakham Jah, Prince Azmet Jah, the titular head of the Nizam family, and his mother Princess Esra sent their deep condolences to the relatives and friends of Shahamat Jah. Himayat Ali Mirza, his nephew, who was taking care of the deceased took him to a hospital in Banjara Hills where he breathed his last.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / July 30th, 2023