Mohammad Afzal, senior Congress leader, distinguished journalist, former Rajya Sabha MP and presently vice chairman of Delhi’s Urdu Academy has been appointed India’s ambassador to Angola by the President of India APJ Abdul Kalam. He will take up his new assignment soon.
Angola is one of the 30 odd countries of the African continent and is situated in northwest part of the Atlantic coast. Area-wise it is a fairly large country, almost double the size of Pakistan but populationwise a small country, with a total population of 12 or 13 million only. After Nigeria, it is the second largest petroleum producing country of Africa. Petroleum was discovered recently in this country and after that its progress has been rapid. The country is also famous for its diamond and copper mines and almost 10 percent of the world’s diamond is found in Angola.
Born in Delhi in January 1952, Afzal received his education at Delhi’s Anglo-Arabic Higher Secondary School, thereafter at Delhi College (now Zakir Husain College), Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University. He is a fearless and principled journalist and as chief editor of widely circulated Urdu weekly Akhbar-e Nau he gave a new direction to Urdu journalism. He was elected president of All India Urdu Editors Conference, member of All India Newspapers Editors Conference, Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers Federation and Legislatures of India. He was also appointed member of National Integration Council. He has written nearly five thousand articles and write-ups, interviewed a large number of political leaders and important personalities which is a record in Urdu journalism. As a journalist he visited more than 25 countries of the world including Japan, Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Hong Kong, Namibia, Tanzania and Thailand in addition to USA, Russia and almost all countries of Europe and wrote a number of travelogues.
He started his journalistic career from the Urdu weekly Nai Duniya and thereafter started his own weekly Akhbar-e Nau which soon became popular.
Elected to Rajya Sabha in 1990, he worked as an active member and raised his voice for the promotion of Urdu language and Urdu journalism. Whether it was enactment of TADA or innocent people arrested under TADA, repression in Kashmir, disappearance of voters’ name from voters lists, he strongly raised all these matters in Parliament.
He also served as member of many standing committees of Parliament, advisory committee of ministry of Information and Broadcasting for Urdu programmes and as a member of delegations of prime ministers and Presidents to foreign countries.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette Online / Home / Jyly 11-15, 2005
They say success is not just about what one achieves, but about the hurdles one overcomes along the way. This thought resonates powerfully with the life story of Ghulam Nabi Tantray — an educationist, sports enthusiast, and social worker.
Tantray’s upbringing was rooted in simplicity, honesty, and service. After completing his primary education in Ayathmulla and higher secondary schooling in Bandipora, he went on to earn a degree in humanities from Sopore.
Later, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Kashmir, paving the way for his professional journey.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray ((extreme right) receiving an award
At the age of 26, Tantray started working as a government contractor, a profession he continued until 2003. But as he often recalls, something inside him was always drawn towards education and youth development.
Answering that inner calling, he set up a B.Ed. College in Bandipora — a turning point in his life and the lives of many young students in the region.
The college didn’t just offer degrees; it provided direction to hundreds of students from North Kashmir and beyond, helping them acquire skills and confidence to become self-reliant.
Nabi was born in a modest family and he rose from the remote village of Ajar in Bandipora to become a respected name in the educational and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Believing in holistic development, Tantray also invested his energy in sports. In 2014, he was part of the Indian martial arts team that represented the country in an international event in Iran.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray in his office
His passion saw him take up leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of the Kickboxing Federation of India and State Vice President of the Rugby Association of J&K.
He organized several national-level sports events in Bandipora and even arranged accommodations for outstation players. It was under his mentorship that young Tajamul Islam, now a global name in kickboxing, began her journey.
In 2015, Tantray leaped forward by establishing Doon International School in Chowadhi, Jammu. What started as a dream to provide modern education rooted in Indian ethos has today grown into one of the top educational institutions in the region.
As Chairman, Tantray ensures that the school offers more than just academics. From inclusive classrooms and a focus on mental well-being to a pollution-free environment and innovative learning spaces, Doon International School reflects his vision of shaping compassionate and capable citizens.
“We wanted to build not just a school, but a place where excellence and values go hand in hand,” Tantray told Awaz-The Voice.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray receiving an award
Over the years, Tantray’s work has received widespread appreciation. He has been honoured with Rashtriya Gaurav Award, International Education and Leadership Award, and Cyber MediaGlobal Achievers Award, presented by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE.
He also received recognition from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his contribution to education in J&K.
In 2023, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the University of South America — a rare recognition that acknowledges his work in the fields of education and social service.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tantray came forward to support the district administration in Bandipora, providing essential aid to the underprivileged. He also played a vital role in relief work during the devastating floods in Kashmir.
Despite the accolades, Tantray remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to support families in need in his native village Ajar, mentor youth from remote areas, and innovate within the education sector through DIS Jammu.
His life is more than just a personal success story. It’s a reflection of how belief, purpose, and action — when combined — can bring about meaningful change in society.
As Jammu and Kashmir strive to build a better future through education and opportunity, the journey of Ghulam Nabi Tantray stands as a shining example of how one individual can become a force of transformation.
In every student who dares to dream, in every teacher who stands firm, and in every child who walks into Doon International School with hope — there echoes the spirit of Ghulam Nabi Tantray.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Danish Ali, Jammu / June 29th, 2025
Senior journalist M.I. Zahir receiving the SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 at Pink City Press Club. Jaipur.
Jaipur :
In a grand ceremony held at the Press Club Auditorium in Jaipur, 20 leading journalists from across India were honored with the “SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025” for their fearless, unbiased, and committed contributions to journalism. Among the awardees was M.I. Zahir, a distinguished journalist from Rajasthan known for his excellence in investigative and creative journalism at the national level.
Zahir is Deputy News Editor of Rajasthan Patrika, Jodhpur edition. Known for his multilingual expertise in journalism, poetry, and authorship, Zahir has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards in recent years. He was recently honoured with the Global Tanveer Phool Award and Saadat Saeed Award for his literary contributions.
In journalism, Zahir has been recognized with the Rajasthan Association of North America Award (Calgary, Canada), the Jhabarmal Sharma National Journalism Award jointly presented by Rajasthan Patrika and Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism (Bhopal), the Jam-e-Jahan Numa Award from West Bengal Urdu Academy, the Manik Alankaran Honor, and the Minister Durgadas Award from the Marwari state.
His work has also been profiled in essays and interviews by renowned literary and media personalities, including author Salma Sanam from Karnataka, writer Shamim Anbar from Kolkata, and poet Syed Naveed Jafri from Hyderabad.
Veteran journalist Kalyan Singh Kothari was conferred with the “Pooran Rao Smriti Lifetime Achievement Award 2025” in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Indian journalism.
Other recipients of the Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 included:
Dinesh Joshi from Jodhpur
From Jaipur: Mini Mala Sharma, Monika Sharma, Arpita Mathur, Vivekanand Sharma, and Mukesh Mishra
From Chhattisgarh: Mukesh Chandrakar (posthumously), Ashok Rajpurohit
Bilal M. Jafri from Bengaluru
Kiran Kaur from Delhi
From Noida: Vikas Poorwal, Deepti Mishra
From Patna: Dr. Dharab Kumar, Naveen Rastogi, Badri Prasad Yadav
Aariz Hasnain from Bihar
Ejaz Ahmad Dar from Jammu & Kashmir
The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including senior RSS leader Ram Prasad Bhai Saheb, General Manager of Kiran Company Ayodhya Prasad Gaur, social worker Satish Samraiwala, former IFS Gauri Shankar Gupta, former IPS Ashok Gupta, former Rajasthan Minister Ram Singh, and Ram Pratap Bhat (alias Prakash Nath), President of All India Bhat Foundation.
Speaking at the event, senior journalist Nirmala Rao said, “Every year, we honour 20 courageous journalists who stand firm for truth and principles.” The event concluded with her vote of thanks. Nirbhaya Rao served as the host for the evening.
Also present were several eminent writers and journalists, including Sunny Sebastian, Mohammad Fahad, and author Dr. Satya Narayan.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News / by admin india tomorrow / June 24th, 2025
Glowing tributes were paid at the passing away of Syed Kalim Akhtar, who was recognized as a historian and researcher engaged in documenting and studying Bhopal’s history and military past, by a number of social, educational and cultural organisations of the town.
The various organisations including Jamiat-e-Ulama, Madhya Pradesh Unit, Iqbal Library’s executive board and et al held separate condolence meetings to mourn the loss of the departed soul wherein his head and heart qualities were recalled and lauded.
Kalim Akhtar left for his heavenly abode last week after battling cancer and other diseases.He was in his late seventies and is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son and hordes of admirers to mourn his loss.
He expressed interest in how the Bhopal army during the Nawab rule before India’s Independence collaborated with the British during major global conflicts, emphasizing the historical significance of these collaborations through his research of Persian and Urdu records. He was an active member of the Bhopal History Forum.
Promoted cultural heritage
His work in education and his historical insights suggests that Kalim Akhtar played a significant role in promoting educational excellence and cultural heritage in Bhopal, contributing positively to his community.
He was vice-chairman of the Bhopal-based Iqbal Library’s executive board which was established in 1939 in the city. He was also associated with AMP (Association of Muslim Professionals) as theZonal Head – Central India for AMP NGO Connect.
Kalim Akhtar reflected his lifelong mission to ensure that Muslim children not only received education but excelled in it, becoming torch-bearer of a bright and inclusive culture. He was actively involved in various initiatives to establish and support educational institutions, particularly those that could uplift under-represented sections of society.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rehan, Assistant Librarian in the Bhopal-based Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghrahlaya, in his obituary note paid rich accolades to Kalim Akhtar said his talent wasrecognized in the literary world as a refined essayist and eloquent speaker. His writings glistened with deep research, unwavering honesty and an elegant simplicity that made complex truths accessible. He did not merely write for appreciation; he wrote to awaken, he added.
Education was his heartbeat
Beyond his literary pursuits, education was his heartbeat. He was deeply concerned with the progress of Muslim youth and the need for structured, ethical, and empowering education within the community. He believed that true empowerment lies in knowledge and moral grounding, Rehan opined.
Despite his immense knowledge, Kalim Akhtar remained deeply humble, accessible, and warm-hearted. He had an unmistakable affection for children and youth — always encouraging, always guiding. He was a silent architect of hope, working quietly behind the scenes to strengthen the moral and intellectual spine of the next generation. The passing away of this gentleman is a loss to Bhopal’s cultural and intellectual ecosystem, to its educational landscape, and to all those who believe in the power of thought and service, he stated.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin india tomorrow / by Pervez Bari / June 24th, 2025
Two students of the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have successfully qualified the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2024, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
Prof Mohd Hasan, Director of the Academy informed that the selected candidates are Shahid Ali Mansuri, who secured Rank 178, and Vishal Bhushan, who secured Rank 229 in the coveted examination.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon and Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof M. Mohsin Khan congratulated the successful candidates and expressed hope for continued improvement in RCA’s results in the coming years. The Registrar, Mohammad Imran (IPS), also congratulated them on this achievement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 25th, 2025
Daniyal Ali, a Class X student of Aligarh Muslim University ABK High School, has brought laurels to the institution by successfully completing the prestigious AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme, a fully-funded, six-week experiential learning initiative organised by AFS India in collaboration with British Petroleum (BP).
AMU ABK High School Student Excels in National AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme
Chosen from among the top 50 students nationwide in a highly competitive selection process, Daniyal completed five weeks of virtual sessions covering global themes such as STEM, sustainability, leadership, gender equality, and intercultural understanding. The programme culminated in a week-long residential workshop held from June 17 to 24 at FLAME University, Pune, and Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur.
Representing AMU ABK High School, Daniyal showcased local traditions during the Cultural Night, leaving a strong impression on peers from across the country.
A highlight of the experience was the Group Capstone Project on “Sustainable Urban Innovation,” which won the second prize among all participating teams. The project has been approved by BP India for future development, and Daniyal’s team was invited to present their solution at BP’s corporate headquarters in Mumbai, offering them valuable exposure to professional innovation platforms.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniyal expressed gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he received, emphasising the programme’s role in broadening his academic perspective and strengthening his resolve to contribute to positive societal change.
Dr. Samina, Principal of AMU ABK High School, congratulated Daniyal on his achievement and said, “We are extremely proud of Daniyal and the dedication shown by his parents and our staff. We are especially grateful to Ibn Sina Academy and all the mentors who guided him on this path. The school remains committed to creating such empowering opportunities that promote global citizenship, excellence, and lifelong learning.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025
Anisha Ansar Ansari being felicitated at Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce
Pune:
Anisha Ansar Ansari, a student of Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Pune-1 campus), has achieved remarkable success by securing a scholarship worth approximately ₹17 lakh for pursuing a B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.
Anisha completed her 11th and 12th grades at Pune College. At a time when most students are caught up in the race for NEET and JEE, Anisha made a bold decision to pursue pure sciences. The scholarship includes 100% tuition fee waiver (approximately ₹13.9 lakh), 100% residential facility coverage (approximately ₹3.2 lakh). This make total scholarship value: ₹17.1 lakh.
Coming from a middle-class family, with her father working as a helper in a company, this achievement marks not only an academic milestone but also a promising economic future for Anisha.
Principal Dr. Iqbal N. Shaikh, Vice Principal Prof. Imtiyaz Agha, and faculty members Prof. Khalid Patel, Prof. Saleem Muniyar, Prof. Syed Javed, and Prof. Mohammad Sami congratulated Anisha wholeheartedly and stated that she has become a shining example for other students.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025
In what is being called a historic day for the regional and national political landscape, Maulana Ahmed Wali Faisal Rahmani, Chief of Imarat-e-Shariah, led a powerful and united voice from Gandhi Maidan in Patna against the controversial Waqf Amendment Act under the banner of the “Waqf Bachao Dastoor Bachao” campaign.
Speaking to TwoCircles.net, Dr. Asma Zehra, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said, Maulana Rahmani has emerged as a bold and relevant figure in Indian Muslim leadership. His persistent campaign to protect Waqf properties—especially by mobilizing over 5 crore emails and launching district-level awareness efforts—brought unprecedented national attention to the issue. His approach, characterized by planning and ground-level execution, quickly gained respect across the country.
However, his rise was met with resistance. After facing internal pressures and being sidelined from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), he intensified his fight for the community. When he boycotted the official Iftar hosted by the Bihar government during Ramadan, it triggered political tremors. The response was swift and harsh—on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, Imarat-e-Shariah faced an orchestrated attack allegedly instigated by clerics backed by Nitish Kumar’s allies. The result was not just a physical assault but also a brutal attempt at character assassination, with questions raised about his position as Ameer-e-Shariat.
This division within the community gave political actors a chance to push the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill forward. With Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu’s support crucial to the BJP-led central government, the bill moved closer to becoming law. The betrayal left Muslims across India shocked and disillusioned. Yet, a ray of hope emerged: over 230 MPs, including members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), stood firm in opposing the bill.
Despite being relatively new to high-profile political leadership, Maulana Rahmani demonstrated remarkable vision. He organized training workshops, built networks across districts, included youth voices, and effectively utilized media through the platform Fikr-o-Nazr, under the stewardship of Fazlur Rahim. His campaign became a grassroots movement aimed at protecting masajid, kabristan, and the constitutional rights of Indian Muslims.
When another attempt was made to seize control of Imarat-e-Shariah before Eid al-Adha, Maulana Rahmani countered with the bold decision to organize a mass gathering in Patna. Inviting Muslims from across the nation, the conference became a thunderous response to efforts aimed at weakening the Waqf and dividing the community.
While some believed this move was politically risky—especially with ongoing legal cases and criticism from within the AIMPLB—his resolve remained firm. With the support of his brother Fahad Rahmani (noted for Rahmani 30), community elders, political leaders, and religious groups, Maulana Rahmani mobilized thousands to raise a unified voice.
The contrast between his proactive approach and the passive stance of others was stark. Even as AIMPLB continued its meetings, its decision to not make Waqf a poll issue was seen by many as a concession to Nitish Kumar. In contrast, Maulana Rahmani’s stand was clear: Waqf and constitutional rights must be election issues to awaken political accountability.
The grand success of the Gandhi Maidan rally—graced by leaders from Congress, RJD, AIMIM, and Samajwadi Party—marked a new chapter. Maulana Rahmani himself spoke little, allowing the unity of voices to speak louder than words. His behind-the-scenes work and tireless engagement had already laid the foundation.
The rally was more than just a political gathering—it was a spiritual and symbolic moment of unity, resistance, and hope. It signaled the birth of a new phase in Muslim leadership in India, one rooted in vision, grassroots activism, and fearless advocacy.
May Allah protect Imarat-e-Shariah, strengthen the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and unite the Ummah to resist all forms of division and oppression.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 30th, 2025
Urdu periodicals, with their dwindling readership, often showcase uninspiring articles, predictable poetry, and pedestrian fiction.
Amidst mediocrity all around, there exists a pressing need for thoroughly researched and academically rigorous articles that challenge erroneous, yet widely accepted notions about the world around us.
Some literary journals, including Bunyad (Lahore), Urdu Adab (Delhi), Isbaat (Mumbai), and Istefsaar (Jaipur), go beyond what common sense dictates. The latest issue of Urdu Adab, a quarterly publication of Anjuman Tarraqi Hind, bears testimony to this, as its content stimulates the intellect of its readers with a sense of exuberance.
The astutely edited journal by Ather Farooqui features three equally incisive and thoroughly researched articles on the much-maligned role of North Indian Muslims during the Partition, Madrassa students and understanding literature, and Namwar Singh’s tirade against Urdu. Unlike other run-of-the-mill literary journals in Urdu, the journal focuses on the dynamics and politics of language, which refers to the social and political implications of language use and the power dynamics inherent in cultural discourse. Also, it explores consequential questions related to culture and social consciousness. The influence of language on identity and the power dynamics inherent in cultural discourse also come under scrutiny in enriching academic discourse.
The overwhelming support of Muslims in the United Province for the Muslim League in the 1946 assembly elections, which was a sort of referendum on the partition issue, is often regarded as a truism; however, it does not sit well with veteran journalist and author Anil Maheshwari. Urdu Adab presents an article by him, “Support of Muslims for the Formation of Pakistan: A Distorted History: in light of the results of the decisive assembly elections in UP in 1946. Anil’s article, based on archival research, challenges the commonly held belief that the 1946 elections were a clear mandate for the Muslim League. He marshals many pieces of credible evidence that deflates the myth and suggests a more valid interpretation of the results.
Joining Ayesha Jallal (1994) and Christopher Jafferlot (2015), as well as a plethora of celebrated historians, Anil points out that Muslims in the United Province Assembly elections of 1946 did not vote overwhelmingly for the Muslim League. Voters comprising only 5% of the Muslim population cast their votes for the Muslim League, according to the official report of the 1946 elections. Placing the 1946 elections in the context of the universal adult franchise, he points out that only 3% of Indians could vote for the central assembly, while in the provincial assemblies, only 13% were allowed to vote. The article appeared in a reputed periodical, Economic and Political Weekly, laced with incisive interpretation, cogently concludes, “Had the partition of 1947 not occurred, Muslims would have constituted approximately one third of the population of an undivided Indian subcontinent. This demographic would have secured a majority in three to four states, providing them with a substantial and equitable stake in the political framework.”
A promising historian, Muhammad Sajjad, in his perceptive book on Muslim politics in Bihar, also connotes the same conclusion.
With an occasional rhetorical flourish, Anil inveighs against left historians for perpetuating this sort of falsehood.
Irfan Habib, Mazharul Hasan, and Bipan Chandra, too, did not place the onus entirely on Muslims, and HM Serwai’s book, Partition of India: Legend and Reality, provides an alternative understanding.
The article is supplemented with a stimulating critique by Sadaf Fatima, who holds the view that our reputed historians have glossed over the facts, thereby fostering anti-Muslim discourse. One tends to agree with the opinion that Indian Muslims got closely associated with Pakistan. The author seems too harsh when she accuses left historians of holding Jinnah mainly responsible for the partition, as they took Nehru’s side for personal interests.
It is a rare occurrence in Urdu periodicals for an article to spark such a polemical debate as Sadaf Fatima’s piece on madrassa graduates and the teaching of Urdu at universities. There is no denying the fact that most of the Urdu faculty at various universities are the product of oriental syllabi, who lack even rudimentary literary and aesthetic indoctrination. Curiously, the Madrassa’s students get admitted to a postgraduate course in Urdu literature. Sadaf Fatima makes this point pertinently and asserts, “It is incontestable that students are well short of foundational awareness about literature who join university as a postgraduate student of Urdu or opt for Urdu as an optional subject at the graduate level after graduating from a madrasa. Urdu literature does not appear in the syllabi of the madrassas. Urdu literature draws its sustenance from a literary culture that is composed of several local cultures and linguistic practices, reflecting centuries of shared heritage.
A student joining a madrassa at the age of 7 or so has no inkling of the cultural ethos of Urdu, which exists in his milieu.” Her cognate observation sparked controversy, and a smear campaign was launched against her and the editor, Ather Farooqui. Some well-meaning authors and journalists, including Ashar Najmi, Shakeel Rasheed, and Masoom Moradabadi, saw reason in her arguments. It is perplexing to see many vituperative postings on social media.
The author, while expressing deep concern for madrassa-educated students occupying positions in Urdu departments, made it clear that the solution does not lie in prohibiting their direct admission to courses in Urdu literature. There is an urgent need to equip students with literary and aesthetic sensibilities when they join the courses.
An exclusive section is devoted to the politics of the Urdu language, featuring two articles: “Three Language Formula” by Ahter Farooqui and a translation of “Basi Bhaat mein Kuda ka Sanjaha” by the prominent Hindi critic Namwar Singh. An avant-garde Hindi journal, Hans, published Namwar’s highly unreasoned and zealous article in 1987, and Athar Farooqui produced its Hindi text with the translation. In the introductory note, the editor points out that it unfailingly lays bare deep-seated venom against Urdu. Despite being committed to a shared linguistic and cultural legacy, Namwar Singh was bent upon declaring modern Hindi a separate language and restricting Urdu to Muslims only. It is the first instance when a cardholder Marxist critic launched a tirade against Urdu. The editor picked up many holes in the article; this aside, it has the traces of Namwar Singh’s speculative intelligence.
Ather Farooqui spelt out the contours of the three-language formula without taking recourse to official jargon and statutory regulations. An accomplished translator, Arjumand Ara produced an excellent translation of Ralph Russel’s insightful and detailed article on the Problems of Urdu and Urdu Organisations after the partition. Feedback on Russell’s article is also included.
Ather Farroqui deserves accolades for bringing out such an intellectually stimulating function.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Opinion / by Shafey Kidwai / June 21st, 2025
Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”
Madikeri :
Journalist K.M. Ismail Kandakere has been conferred the Coovercolly Pushpalatha Chandrashekar Media Award by the Kodagu Press Club for his compelling human-interest report titled “The roof of Meena’s house is leaking.”
The report narrates the harrowing story of Meena (16), an SSLC student from Mutlu village in Somwarpet taluk, who was brutally murdered by her fiancé Monnanda Prakash on May 10, 2024. Although the couple was engaged in April, Meena had opposed an early marriage to continue her education. Enraged by her resistance, Prakash allegedly attacked and killed her with a sickle at her home.
Ismail’s story went beyond the crime to highlight Meena’s dire living conditions. Her house, dilapidated and leaking during the rains, symbolized the poverty the family endured. The report resonated across Karnataka, prompting public outrage and swift political response.
Moved by the family’s plight, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda visited the bereaved parents in May 2024 and pledged to build a new home for them at an estimated cost of ₹8.5 lakh. True to his word, the house was completed and handed over to Meena’s parents on May 9, a day before her first death anniversary.
The award was instituted by senior journalist Coovercolly Indresh, along with his siblings Savitha, Sundresh, and Chandresh, in memory of their parents B.V. Chandrashekar and Pushpalatha. A corpus fund of ₹1 lakh was deposited with the Kodagu Press Club to support the annual award. The recognition includes a cash prize of ₹5,000 and a memento.
Ravishankar Nanaiah, Special Officer of Kodagu University, presented the award during a ceremony held at Patrika Bhavan in Madikeri on Sunday.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / June 09th, 2025
