Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

Moradabad Native Sabih Khan, Now Apple’s COO

Moradabad, UTTAR PRADESH / U.S.A :

Indian origin Sabih Khan, a native of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh brought laurels to India in general and his hometown in particular on being appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Apple. He replaces Jeff Williams. Currently, Khan serves as Senior Vice President of Operations. Indeed, an honour to Sabih Khan, known for his extraordinary skill and a brilliant strategist besides an architect of Apple’s supply chain.

Bringing glory to his native Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, Sabih Khan (58) has been honoured with the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Apple, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing leadership transition. Notably, Khan has been with Apple for three decades and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations and will take over from Jeff Williams later this month, the iPhone maker announced in a statement.

Before joining Apple’s procurement group in 1995, he worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. A quick look into his biodata revealed that he was born in 1966 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh and later moved to Singapore during his school years before settling down in the US. Interestingly, he is armed with dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University, and a master’s in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

Sabih Khan’s father Saeed Ullah Khan was a resident of Rampur who had settled down in Singapore decades ago. Sabih received his primary education there, after which he moved to America and received higher education from there. Apple CEO Tim Cook described him as “a brilliant strategist and one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain.”

“Sabih leads with heart and values, and I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer,” Cook added. “He helped ensure that Apple can be nimble in response to global challenges.”

Moreover, Khan has been playing a vital role in shaping the global supply chain that powers Apple’s operations around the world. In 2019, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, reporting directly to Jeff Williams. In this role, he led key initiatives in advanced manufacturing, expanding Apple’s global footprint, and navigating complex supply chain challenges, especially during turbulent global events.

According to sources, Khan has also been a major force behind Apple’s environmental efforts. Under his leadership, the company has reportedly reduced its carbon footprint by over 60 per cent, thanks to stronger supplier partnerships and green manufacturing practices.

Further, he also oversees Apple’s supplier responsibility programmes, which aim to improve labour conditions, and provide education and training for workers at production facilities globally. In his new role, Khan will be playing a vital role in shaping the global supply chain that powers Apple’s operations around the world. He has also been a major force behind Apple’s environmental efforts. Under his leadership, the company has reportedly reduced its carbon footprint by over 60 per cent, thanks to stronger supplier partnerships and green manufacturing practices.

Jeff Williams, who has been with Apple for 27 years, will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee Apple’s design team and health initiatives until his planned retirement later this year. His transition also signals a shift in the structure of Apple’s leadership, with the design team set to report directly to Tim Cook after Williams steps down. Sabhih Khan has made not only his native Moradabad but also his home country India proud.

[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation / by M Rafi Ahmed / July 10th, 2025

Ather Siddiqi: Journey as a Zoologist, Scholar, and Urdu Literary Maestro

Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research has been nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Professor Ather H. Siddiqi was born on December 29, 1931, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He attained his early education at the Govt. High School, Saharanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Sc. (1950) and M.Sc. (1953) from A.M.U. Topping the university in Science and Zoology, he received two gold medals. He did his PhD in 1956 under the supervision of Professor Babar Mirza from Aligarh Muslim University.

Ather Siddiqi joined the Department of Zoology as a lecturer in 1953. After three years, he joined Purdue University, USA and completed another doctorate in 1958. He became a reader in 1961 and was appointed as a professor in 1977. Prof. Siddiqi also taught at universities in Nigeria and Libya and returned to India in 1980. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Zoology (1985-88) and as the President of the Indian Society for Parasitology. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Life Science in 1988-89, finally retiring from his services in 1994.

His scientific work on helminth taxonomy was published by the New York Academy of Sciences in the form of an exhaustive monograph. Despite that, he received his basic training in classical zoology in the early sixties. Later on, he switched to experimental work in parasitology. Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research is nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Siddiqi’s Immersion in Urdu Writing

Apart from research articles, his popular writing in Urdu started in the 1980s. His first article in Urdu appeared on the life and scientific contribution of his mentor Professor Babar Mirza in the Quarterly “Fikr-o-Nazar” (January 1987). He published two articles in the early years of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”, Aligarh: ‘Ilm-ul-Hayatiat ke Isatiza se Khitab’ (December 1987), ‘Mohammad Babar Mirza-Apnay Chaman ka Aik Deedawar’ (August 1989).

After his retirement in 1994, he devoted himself completely to Urdu writing. His lengthy article, ‘Mashriq say bezar na Maghrib say Hazar Kar’ narrateing the scientific and cultural activities of European countries was serialised in January 2005-June 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”.

Similarly, his Urdu travelogue ‘Saat Haftay Inglistan Main’ (Seven Weeks in England) was published in the June and July 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”. It carried interesting information regarding the scientific and cultural development of England.

His article based on his visit to Spain ‘Undlus Ka Shandaar Mazi’ (The Bright Past of Spain) discussed the scientific and cultural development of medieval Spain.

Ather Siddiqi along with Syed Zillur Rahman, contributed a chapter, ‘Aligarh Muslim University: Development and Progress of Science Teaching and Research, 1877-1947’ in Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation published in 1999.

A Glimpse into his Published Works

He is regularly contributing a literary column ‘Hairat Sarai Ke Kahania’ to “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq” which consists of the translation of interesting short stories taken from the internet.

Recently, his popular science articles ‘Parasitism: Aik Dilchasp Tareeq Zindagi’ (Parasitism is an Interesting Way of Life) and ‘Yek khuliya Tufailiati Beenariyan’ (Unicell parasitic diseases) appeared in the February 2022 and February 2023 issue, respectively, of the Urdu monthly ‘Aajkal’, Delhi.

After retirement, Ather Siddiqi devoted himself to Urdu writing and authored, translated and edited dozens of books. The names of some of his books are: ‘Kiya aur meri Hayat Kiya’, ‘Lizzat Aabla Pai’, ‘Nishat Aabla Pai’, ‘Hairat Sarai ke Kahaniyan’ (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4). In 2022, he published “Rah wa Rasam Aashnai”, his last book. He also rendered Retd IAS officer Musa Raza’s book, “Land of Regrets: Kashmir”, in Urdu as “Kashmir Sarzamin Pashemani”.

Ather Siddiqi was one of the best teachers, an internationally acclaimed Zoologist, and a passionate Urdu writer. And above all, he was a wonderful human being. He passed away on 8th November, 2023, in Delhi at the age of 92 years due to old age illness.

References:

 Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq, Aligarh (various issues)
 Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation, New Delhi, 1999.

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Dr Asad Faisal Farooqui

Book: Ansaris of Yusufpur

Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH :

Synopsis

A fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago in the peninsula of Arabia, then called Araba.

As Islam grew and took in its fold various other lands and nations, Ansars, being valiant warriors, became part of just about every major battle that took place from Badr to Constantinople, Qandahar, Herat, and finally to India.

Ansaris were not mere bystanders as history unfolded; they played significant roles and made valuable contributions in the fields of religion, medicine, literature, law, politics and media, no matter which part of the world they chose to settle in.


Since this book is about a branch of Ansaris who arrived in India, i.e. the Ansaris of Yusufpur, they will be covered in depth.

However, as the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

It is, after all, a common lineage and history that all Ansaris share from the pre-Islamic era and this book provides a ready reference to the origin and history of their ancestors.


This book is a fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago.

As the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

source: http://www.kobo.com / Rakuten Kobo / Home> Biography & Memoir / by Mahmud Ansari

Zohra Ansari, the Freedom Fighter Who Taught Urdu to Mahatma Gandhi and Sold Her House to Fund Congress

Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI / London, U. K :

Begum Zohra Ansari sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition.

Begum Zohra Ansari, an activist of the Indian National Movement whom Mahatma Gandhi addressed as “Vasthad Bi, was born in Delhi. She was the adopted daughter of freedom fighters, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari and Begum Shamsunnisa Ansari.

Besides playing an important role in the National Movement, her parents provided hospitality to leaders and a cadre of the Indian National Movement and scholars and people of repute in different walks of life in their residence ‘Dar-us-Salam’.  It was very spacious like a royal palace.

While Begum Shamshunnisa Ansari was busy in these responsibilities, Zohra helped her. Thus she had an opportunity to see from close-quarters leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Motilal Nehru, and the Ali Brothers and to serve them. Right from childhood she evinced interest in literature, history, and social sciences. She also gained proficiency in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Hindi.

Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi

Zohra Ansari rendered her services in Wardha Ashram for a long time. Mahatma Gandhi came to know about her command over Urdu and started learning the language from her. He used to address her in his letters as ‘Vastad Bi’ and ‘Beti.

Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi used to have regular correspondence on various issues. In his letter dated 22 December 1932 to Dr Ansari, Gandhiji remarked that he used to look forward to Zohra’s letter every week. When Zohra expressed her desire to go to jail as a part of the National Movement, like her parents, Gandhiji asked her to wait and promised to allow her to go to jail.

Begum Zohra Ansari married Dr Shaukatulla Shah Ansari (1908-1972) who was her relative and leader of the Indian National Movement. Begum Zohra Ansari lost her father in 1936 and mother in 1938. She took an active part in the Freedom Struggle along with her husband. Both wife and husband opposed the partition of India.

She sold away ‘Dar-us-Salam’ to raise party funds and worked for the victory of the candidates of the Indian National Congress and for the defeat of the candidates of the Muslim League, who wanted partition. Post Independence, Begum Zohra Ansari led a simple life and passed away on 28 July 1988 in England.

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Syed Naseer Ahamed / December 12th, 2023

Founder of PA College of Engineering, prominent businessman PA Ibrahim Haji passes away at 78

Pallikkere (Kasargod District) / Kozhikode, KERALA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Kozhikode: 

PA Ibrahim Haji, one of the most prominent businessmen, educational entrepreneurs, and philanthropists of India and the Middle East, passed away on Tuesday in Kozhikode aged 78.

According to the reports, Ibrahim Haji was first hospitalized on December 11 in Dubai Healthcare City on December 11 after he suffered a major cardiac arrest. He was later shifted to MIMS Hospital in Kozhikode on December 20. He breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon at the hospital.

Ibrahim Haji was the founder vice-chairman of Malabar Gold and Diamonds. He also served as the director of Chandrika newspaper, vice-chairman of Indus Motors, and founder chairman of PACE Group of Institutions.

Born in Pallikkara in Kasaragod district on September 6, 1943, Ibrahim Haji migrated to the Gulf in 1966 where he set up the successful textile, garment, and jewelry businesses. He ventured into the education sector with the launch of Pace Group of Institutions in 1999. At present,  20,000 students from 25 countries pursue many courses in various PACE institutions in India, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. In Kerala, the group owns RIMS International School in Kannur, PACE Residential School, and Blossom Public School, both in Manjeri. The group also owns the PA College of Engineering, PA College of Pharmacy, PA Institute of Physiotherapy, PA Polytechnic, and PA First Grade College in Mangaluru in Karnataka.

His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his house in Kuttikkattoor in Kozhikode till 3 pm.

Burial will take place at Vettekkad Juma Masjid in Manjeri after 4pm.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / December 12th, 2021

Poland university honours Thumbay founder

Mangalore, KARNATAKA / Ajman, Dubai, U.A.E :

Dr Thumbay Moideen was honoured for transforming the Thumbay Group into a global model of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare, education & Research.

In a moment of immense pride and global recognition, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of Thumbay Group, has been conferred his Fifth Honorary Doctorate, this time by the prestigious University of Lublin, Poland.

This accolade reaffirms his unmatched contributions to global healthcare, medical education, and Research for the community development.

The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Dr. Moideen’s extraordinary leadership in establishing the First Private Academic Health Sytem and the region’s largest private medical university — and for transforming Thumbay Group into a global model of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare, education & Research.

Under his visionary leadership, Thumbay Group has impacted millions across more than 175 nationalities, offering compassionate care, research excellence, and world-class medical training.

The University of Lublin acknowledged Dr. Moideen’s pioneering efforts in integrating innovation with empathy, notably through the Thumbay International Research Grant (TIRG) — an initiative investing AED 3 million annually in areas like cancer immunology, AI in healthcare,precision medicine and many more Area’s of Research.

From a young entrepreneur in Karnataka to being celebrated as the most respected Indian Muslim and leading Beary in the world, Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when faith meets action. Recognized as the leading NRI from Karnataka in the Gulf region, he is admired not just for his accomplishments, but for the values that drive them.

Once someone who measured success through projects and milestones, he has evolved into a changemaker who defines impact by how many lives his work touches.

With this latest recognition, Dr. Moideen joins an elite group of globally honoured visionaries who have reshaped industries while staying rooted in service, humility, and impact.

This doctorate reflects not only his entrepreneurial brilliance but also his enduring belief that health and education are fundamental rights, not privileges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Moideen said: “If our work has empowered others to dream, to heal, to grow, then I consider it a success. It’s no longer about how far I’ve gone, but how many I’ve taken along. I want Thumbay Group to be remembered as a force that empowered the underprivileged, raised the standards of education, healthcare & Research.”

The vision of Thumbay Group is to deliver excellence by building a seamless ecosystem of education, healthcare, and innovation. From its flagship Gulf Medical University to hospitals, labs, rehabilitation centers, and AI-driven research programs, the Group continues its mission of shaping the future of healthcare —the Group plans to Double its Healthcare capacity and expand its all business to grow 5 fold and have a global presence.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> News / by Gulf Today, Staff Reporter / June 18th, 2025

Sustainability is a way of life, says Dr Samiullah Khan

Chennai, TAMIL NADU / Dubai, U.A.E :

Dr. Samiullah Khan

Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a way of life. This is an exciting field to explore. With AI, blockchain, IOT and other advanced technologies, we have the tools to build a truly sustainable future, stated by Dr. Samiullah Khan, one of the most influential voices in the UAE’s sustainability movement and Chief Sustainability Officer at Fakhruddin Holdings Dubai. Talking to Gulf Today, he said, “As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword – it’s a global imperative.”

Dr Khan also known as Dr Sam is a key figure in sustainability summits and discussions, often the first to evaluate innovative sustainability solutions that promise a greener future. For many, sustainability is a practice. For him, it’s second nature – ingrained since childhood in Chennai, India. “Wasting even a grain of rice was unacceptable in our home. Extra food was either shared with those in need or fed to cows, whose dung was used as manure in our garden,” he recalled.

These early lessons shaped his understanding of sustainability and the circular economy. His passion for technology and the environment led him to prestigious institutions such as Anna University, Cambridge University, MIT, Delft and Harvard.

His career began with Tata Motors, where he became among the youngest engineer to lead international operations into Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and growing Tata’s market share to an impressive 96 per cent in the school bus sector.

After an illustrious 17 years with Tata and five years at SRM University, Sam found his true calling in 2015 as CEO of World Islands, He introduced air-to-water technology, harnessing humidity in the deserts of Dubai to generate clean drinking water, using Solar power – an innovation that gained significant traction in the desert landscape.

Recognised among the 100 Iconic Indians by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, Dr Sam soon became a leading advocate for sustainability, collaborating with individuals, private sector and government, notably with Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal and playing a pivotal role in the “Dubai Can” initiative under the vision of Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in initiatives to eliminate plastic bottles in Dubai.

As a Championing Green Innovation post COVID, Dr Khan focused on air quality, energy conservation, water purity, food security, waste management and circular economy.

Under his leadership, Smart Air Handling Units (S.A.H.U.) are being introduced to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional HVAC systems.

The other initiatives included a centralised, organic mineral-enriched hydrogenated, Ionised, Alkaline drinking water system is being developed for healthier hydration as well as a radiant-cooled greenhouse café with hydroponics is being explored to boost UAE’s food security and comprehensive waste management and recycling systems, including composting, are being implemented.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> News / by Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter / June 17th, 2025

Tamil scholar Nainar Mohamed passes away

Tiruchirapalli, TAMIL NADU / Texas, U.S.A :

Thavathiru Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adigalar having a word with C. Nainar Mohamed (right). File Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

Renowned Tamil scholar, writer and former Principal of Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchi, C. Nainar Mohamed passed away at his daughter’s residence at Texas in USA on Wednesday night. He was 85.

Popularly known as ‘Perum Pulavar’, a title conferred on him by late Kundrakudi Adigalar, Nainar Mohamed served as the Head of the Department of Tamil of Jamal Mohamed College for a record 32 years, and its Principal for four years in the 1980s. After retiring from the college service, he served as professor at Tamil University, Thanjavur for five years.

 He launched the Tamizhaga Pulavar Kuzhu along with late K.A.P. Viswanatham and served as its secretary for 28 years. He also set up the Islamia Ilakkiya Kazhagam. A leading figure in Tiruchi Tamil Sangam, he continued to remain as its deputy Minister till now.

The Madurai Kamaraj University honoured him with ‘Tamil Chemmal’ award and the Ulaga Tirukkural Peravai with ‘Tirukkural Neri Thondral’ and ‘Kural Gnayiru’ awards. Through the Islamia Ilakkiya Kazhagam, he organized five International Tamil Literary conferences, which brought to light the richness of the Islamic Tamil literary works to the world. 

A regular in world Tamil conferences, he has authored many books.

He is survived by wife Hasina Nainar, four sons and a daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / July 24th, 2025

UAE-based Indian doctor Shamsheer Vayalil announces Rs 6 crore aid for Air India crash victims

KERALA / Abu Dhabi, U.A.E :

PC: mathrubhumi

Dubai :  

UAE-based Indian doctor and philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has announced Rs 6 crore in financial aid for the families of medical students and doctors affected by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.

The ill-fated aircraft struck the BJ Medical College’s Atulyam hostel complex during lunch hour, reducing student residences and the dining hall to rubble.

All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8(AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed when the London-bound aircraft crashed, moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Announcing the relief from the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, Dr Shamsheer, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings and managing director of VPS Health, said he was deeply shaken when he saw the aftermath of the crash.

As someone who had lived in similar hostels during his medical education at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore and Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai, the images struck a chord, he said.

“I saw the footage from the mess and the hostel, and it truly shook me. It reminded me of the places I once called home, the corridors, the beds, the laughter, the pressure of exams, and the anticipation of a call from family,” he said.

“No one expects a commercial aircraft to come crashing into that world,” he added.

“Those students started the day thinking about lectures, assignments, and patients. Their lives ended in a way none of us could ever imagine. It hit close. Too close,” he said.

Dr Shamsheer’s relief package includes Rs 1 crore for each of the four deceased students’ families, Rs 20 lakh each for five seriously injured students, and Rs 20 lakh each for the families of doctors who lost loved ones.

The financial assistance will be delivered in coordination with the Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College, ensuring that those in need receive support swiftly.

This is not the first time Dr Shamsheer has responded to such a crisis. In 2010, following the Mangalore air crash, he provided financial assistance and employment opportunities to affected families at Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / June 17th, 2025

KKMA Karnataka branch hands over two new homes to needy families

KERALA / KARNATAKA / KUWAIT :

Mangaluru :

 As part of its efforts to support poor families, the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), Karnataka Branch handed over two newly built houses on June 20 under its flagship project, ‘Home for Homeless’.

The houses were given to deserving families in the villages of Nelyadi and Kukkaje of Dakshina Kannada, who were in need of permanent shelter. With this, KKMA has now completed 17 homes under the project, marking an important achievement in its mission to help the underprivileged.

The key handover event was attended by senior leaders from KKMA Central, Kerala, and Karnataka units. Their presence showed the unity and strong commitment of the organization toward community service.

The ‘Home for Homeless’ project is led by the KKMA Karnataka Branch and its State Committee. The goal is to build strong, good-quality homes that improve the lives of poor families in rural areas. The project is a clear example of KKMA’s long-term dedication to social welfare.

This work is made possible by the generous support of Malayali and Kannadiga expatriates, as well as kind-hearted donors and well-wishers who believe in helping others and giving back to society.

Important guests at the event included KKMA Patron P. K. Akbar Siddique, KKMA Kerala State Secretary Abdul Razak Melady, KKMA CFO Rafiq Mulky, KKMA Karnataka State President S. M. Farooq, senior member Rafiq Manchi, and community members Shaz Yusuf, Salam, Adam Aahil, among others.

KKMA celebrates more than 20 years of service, and continues to be recognised for its helpful projects and strong commitment to social responsibility.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 21st, 2025