Meerut, UTTAR PRADESH:

Ayesha, 31, a native of Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut town was born with a passion for drawing and painting and displayed it from the time she was in school. However, she initially did not regard her God-given gift as exceptional and concentrated on her education.

One day, while browsing the internet, she came across a video on resin art and was instantly fascinated by it. She began to watch additional videos from experts from the United States and the United Kingdom. As she was thinking of trying this craft, her younger sister Alisha Qureshi sent her a video clip of a Rehal, an X-shaped, foldable book rest for the Qur’an made of resin that she wished to purchase.  

How it began

Ayesha decided to create the rehal and give it to her sister, asking her to put her order on hold. She ordered the supplies and tried to make the rehal. ” Resin art is not only expensive but also requires a lot of meticulous work like keeping a constant vigil on the finished work to keep it dust and insect-free while it is drying, ensuring no bubbles are formed, no wrinkles are formed. It takes a lot of patience,” remarked Ayesha, recounting her journey from homemaker to highly sought-after resin and calligraphy artist/businesswoman. 

Ayesha completed the Rehal by following the step-by-step instructions and surprised her sister. Encouraged by her family, Ayesha attempted to make additional items. Calligraphy was easy for her because of her natural talent for imitating any art form, and she was a self-taught calligraphy artist. With her new pastime, she began creating resin frames with calligraphy of Quranic ayats, bookmarks, key chains, 99 names of Allah, trays, and other souvenirs. 

Ayesha considers a wall clock and a key chain to be her best works since she put sand from Badar (the site of the first Islamic battle) in the wall clock for a customer in Bangalore and traces of Kiswah (the cloth covering the Kaaba) in the key chain.

As she continued to create new goods, her expenses increased, and after investing thousands of rupees, she needed to find a way to market her merchandise.  

Initial hurdles

Fortunately for Ayesha, her connections in the Dawah group (an evangelical group) were invaluable. And, using the Dawah platform, she shared photographs of her final craft with almost 3600 people from all around the world. People appreciated her art, and she began to receive inquiries, followed by orders. Ayesha began purchasing resin in bulk.

But it wasn’t simple because she was inexperienced, and one manufacturer gave her substandard resin. Ayesha couldn’t notice the difference and set about crafting her work, only to discover that it wouldn’t set and she couldn’t form it into the desired shape. “Those days when all of my work turned out to be defective, I was upset and wanted to give up. But my husband gave me strength. He not only encouraged me but also invested again in ordering the raw ingredients – resin, pigmentation, mould, and so on,” Ayesha explained. 

Success at last

90% of her clients are from the Dawah group, and Ayesha feels privileged that the platform she joined to undertake deen (religious) work has now become her source of income. And it is because of their patronage that she can now call herself a businesswoman. Ayesha has a website and an Instagram page where she markets her products.

Her home is her workshop. She leads online classes for girls and women, encouraging them to start their own businesses. She also takes free calligraphy classes twice a week via her WhatsApp group. And girls from all over the world have taken her calligraphy course, where she teaches them how to write the names of Allah. 

Ayesha’s support system

Ayesha attributed her success to her husband, who became her pillar of strength. 

Her husband, Mohammad Rashid Qureshi, says, “Ayesha is incredibly skilled and strikes the perfect balance between her home and her artwork. I am fortunate to have her in my life. I hope she has more success”.

She also appreciates the ongoing support of Samiuddin Salman, a brother she met in the dawah group who works as an engineer in Saudi Arabia. He not only purchased her most elaborate and expensive work, which cost $1,000, but also advised her on how to promote her items and make other business decisions.

Her parents and siblings also encourage her, give feedback, and inspire her to persevere even when things are difficult.

Future plans

Ayesha hopes to set up a big outlet for resin hand-made artwork so that she may employ more women, particularly her students, and help them make money through this company. She is currently managing everything on her own, including art creation, product manufacturing, client inquiries, packaging, pricing, and so on.

Her advice to those women who aspire to set up businesses is to have strong faith in Allah. “Every woman must engage herself in doing something that makes her happy, boosts her creativity, and keeps her busy. This is also something that will ward off loneliness and depression,” she says.

Ayesha also provides online therapy sessions to women who struggle with mental health concerns.

Connect with Ayesha

One can buy her work ShawqCalligraphy  on the etsy store online: https://shawqcalligraphy.etsy.com. She can also be contacted on her Instagram and Facebook handles @shawqcalligraphy.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Lead Story> TCN Positive> Women / by Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net / February 28th, 2024

Jhunjhunu, RAJASTHAN:

Jhunjhunu :

Grenadier Salim Khan of Nuah village has been awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry for killing two notorious Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in Baramulla, Kashmir and showing bravery.

Zakir Jhunjhunuwala, President of Janhit Ekta Samiti, said Grenadier Salim Khan was awarded the Sena Medal by Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Commander of the Northern Command, in Prayagraj on Thursday.

Salim’s father, Ejaz Nabi, who was present at the award ceremony, said he is proud of his son’s bravery. Mother Najma Bano’s eyes were filled with tears of joy. The mother said the son is fulfilling his responsibilities very well. Wife Sofia said she is proud of her husband’s bravery.

Zakir said that after being awarded the Sena Medal, Salim Khan first came to the village on Saturday at 5:00 pm when he was welcomed with a bravery procession. After that, a felicitation ceremony was organized on behalf of all the communities in the main market.

He said Nuah village is a mine of soldiers. Many brave men have joined the service of the country here before as well.

Salim Khan was felicitated by garlanding, memento and shawl by Zakir Jhunjhunuwala, along with slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Salim Khan said he felt very proud when he wore the uniform of Indian Army and did not let the terrorists succeed while guarding the borders. “My only dream is that even if my head is cut off, I will not let the country’s head bow down. We soldiers do not care about our family. We consider the protection of India as our religion. I am proud to have killed two terrorists.”

Zakir said, “Kaimkhani youth have only one dream from the mother’s womb to the grave, that if the head is cut off, it should be cut off, but the head will not be bowed, we are Indian Muslims, we will save India even by becoming martyrs. That is why so far about 300 Kaimkhanis have been martyred in the security of the country. Those who have so far received hundreds of gallantry awards like Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal and other gallantry awards and even today Kaimkhani youth work day and night to become Agniveer soldiers.”

BJP District President Banwarilal Saini, who was the chief guest, said Kaimkhani is a martial race. The youth of this Muslim community have been identified that whenever there was a crisis in the country, they sacrificed their lives for India without worrying about their family and became martyrs.

Special guest Thakur Angat Banna said, “We Kaimkhani-Rajputs have patriotism in our blood. Whether it is a matter of sacrificing our heritage for India or have to be martyred for the security of the borders, we will never back down.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Raheem Khan / by Radiance News Bureau / March 27th, 2024

KERALA / U.A.E. :

On Monday, March 4, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, launched the Mother’s Endowment campaign, enabling donations in their mothers’ names.

Abu Dhabi:

In a significant act of philanthropy, United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Indian entrepreneurs Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath and Renuka Jagtiani announced a donation to Dirham one billion (Rs 22,57,69,45,430) charity campaign to honour mothers this Ramzan.

On Monday, March 4, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, launched the Mother’s Endowment campaign, enabling donations in their mothers’ names.

The initiative aims to provide education to underprivileged individuals and uphold values of respecting parents, kindness, compassion, and solidarity while highlighting the UAE’s significant humanitarian role.

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil

On Saturday, March 30, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, announced his contribution of Dirham one million (Rs 2,27,06,030) to the campaign.

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil said, “The Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, extends the UAE’s message of benevolence and generosity, which has impacted countries around the world by alleviating suffering and preserving human dignity.”

“Our contribution to the campaign is a reflection of commitment to social responsibility and to supporting projects by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, as well as the UAE’s efforts of helping those in need,” he added.

Renuka Jagtiani

Renuka Jagtiani, chairwoman of omnichannel retailer Landmark Group, announced the contribution of Dirham 5 million (Rs 11,35,30,150) to the campaign.

Renuka Jagtiani, said, “At Landmark Group, we are proud to align ourselves with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision, contributing to a future where sustainable change is not just a possibility but a reality.”

“Our contribution to the campaign is about honouring all mothers and investing in education to lay the groundwork for a more equitable and empowered society,” she added.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Sakina Fatima / March 30th, 2024

TELANGANA:

The INSAF alliance, comprised of the Fraternity Movement, Muslim Students Federation, Telangana Students’ Forum, National Students’ Union of India and PRISM EFLU secured victory in all central panel seats of the Students’ Union at Hyderabad English & Foreign Languages University (EFLU).

INSAF’s Rathod Raghuvardhan (Telangana Students’ Forum) clinched the presidency while the alliance’s Rana Basheer (Fraternity Movement) achieved a landslide victory in the general secretary position.

In the race for vice president, Nitha Fathima (Muslim Students’ Federation) of the INSAF emerged victorious while Sweata Saha, the alliance’s candidate for joint secretary, secured victory.

Nishant Kumar, from NSUI, has been elected as the sports secretary, while Uthara Kiran has secured the cultural secretary position. Both candidates are part of the INSAF alliance.

The Students Federation of India, a member of the Left Front, managed to secure only one school councillor post. Meanwhile, MSF, Fraternity, and NSUI each won three school councillor posts.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media.com / Home> India / by Maktoob Staff / March 25th, 2024

JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Qaiser Nizami has not only won the hearts and minds of music lovers across Kashmir but also is the only artist from Jammu and Kashmir to get international attention with his nomination for the prestigious Grammy award from the US in 2019.

He won the nomination for his song “Nazninay…” (O beauty), as a singer, musician, composer, and director. he is thus the only one from J&K to be nominated in the history of Grammys by the Recording Academy of the United States.

There is a long list of Grammy winners from India since its inception in 1959, including Ravi Shankar, Zubin Mehta, Zakir Hussain, A R Rahman, and; Shankar Mahadevan, who received the award for 2024 earlier this month.

Nizami’s nomination for the “Award for Voice” in 2019, led him to visit and perform in New York amid thin movement of people due to the Covid restrictions in 2020 to perform in the category of Kashmiri music and poetry for the “dying melody of Kashmir”.

Qaiser Nizami also had the opportunity to perform with Iranian and other groups, much to the appreciation from the organisers. “The shooting for our performances took place amid the deserted streets of New York that otherwise remain brisk with movement of people round the clock,” he recalls.

He performed in collaboration with Ehsan Matoori, Iranian Santoor player. and Alireza Ghorbani, Iranian Vocalist in “The Voices and Bridges” during his New York visit. “It was a rich experience to perform with the Iranian artists, as most of the musical instruments have come to Kashmir from Iran centuries ago”, he told Awaz-The Voice.

For the last four decades, Qaiser Nizami has been mesmerising the audience with his silky voice from AIR, Srinagar, and different kendras of Doordarshan like Srinagar, Delhi, and Bombay.

Not only as a singer of classical compositions, ghazals, Bhajans, and Sufi poetry in Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi, Nizami has also mastered Persian singing. He, however, laments that there are no listeners to some of these songs.

Qaiser has contributed as musical director to various productions of DD, Srinagar, which include “Shanti”, “Pehchan” and “Geath”.

He began his innings with Radio Kashmir, Srinagar (now AIR, Srinagar), as a child artist in 1985-86. Qaiser first participated in weekly Children’s and later musical programmes, singing Kashmiri poetry for the “Yuva Vani”, youth services Section by 1987. At the Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, he was fully on the screen performing in the New Year programme of 1988.

Despite threats from terrorist organisations that sought to ban all kinds of entertainment including cinema and music, he was approved as an A grade artist by a national jury in 1993 and Top grade artist in 2019.

However, despite winning awards and accolades at the national and international levels, Qaiser Nizami is yet to be honoured by the J&K Government, though he has received appreciation and awards from the Chief Ministers and some institutions.

“Initially I was not inclined to music, but to cricket”, Qaiser Nizami told Awaz-The Voice. His father’s association with Radio Kashmir, Srinagar brought him closer to music. He was often found murmuring famous Urdu Ghazals.

His father, Mohammad Amin Nizami, popularly known as “Amin Bhai”, was co-presenting “Aap Ki Farmayish”, a weekly programme of Hindi film songs, when Radio was the only means of entertainment. “Amin Bhai”, having been in the company of musicians, singers, and other artists at the Radio Station also loved music and had a few musical instruments like Harmonium and Nai at home.

“I would try playing these instruments without proper guidance”. His father spotted his talent.

At the beginning of his career as a singer, Qaiser had the opportunity to get blessings and approval from the Santoor Maestro Padma Shri Bhajan Sopori, then associated with Radio Kashmir, Srinagar.

He was also lucky to get guidance from Asrar Hussain, Shahi Qawwaal of Dargah at Ajmer, who organised two weeks of “Mehfils” at the residence of Amin Bhai in Srinagar. Qaiser had also the blessings of Ustad Mohammad Ayub Khan Barelvi of Agra Gharana, who had also visited Srinagar in Qaiser’s early childhood.

Qaiser Nizami says the association with the maestros influenced his career.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / March 01st, 2024

NEW DELHI :

NEW DELHI—Zakat Centre India (ZCI) secretary Abdul Jabbar Siddiqui has highlighted the need to use Zakat collections for skill development and livelihood generation programmes for Muslims who are at the bottom of the labour force participation rate (LFPR) and worker population ratio (WPR) among various social and religious groups in India.

An analysis of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data for the period July 2022 to June 2023 says that WPR for Muslims for the survey period was 31.7 percent against national average of 42 percent. According to the PLFS data, WPR for Muslims fell from 35.5 in 2020-21 to 31.7 per cent in 2022-23. LFPR and WPR measures employment status among social and religious groups.

Based on these data, Mr Siddiqui says that only a little over 30 percent of Muslims in the age group above 15 per cent are employed getting regular salary and the whopping 70 percent of the Muslim population have no work at all. According to Mr. Siddiqui, this is one of the basic reasons for mass poverty among Muslims in India.

Mr. Siddiqui is not wrong. His observations are supported by Santosh Mehrotra, a professor of Economics in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He says that among major religious groups, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) and WPR of only Muslims have declined. (LFPR is the share of population which is looking for work, and WPR is the share of the working age population that has work).

But Mehrotra has made a mistake in his analysis. Based on declining WPR, Mehrotra has concluded that “Muslims are not looking for work” which is not true. Nobody wants to live in poverty. Everybody has an innate desire to increase his/her income.

But there are certain obstacles that come in the way of Muslims getting absorbed in the job market.

In a video he circulated on the social media to create awareness among the educated members of the community, Mr Siddiqui, who is also associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), one of the prominent Muslim organisations in India, says that it is not that Muslims are not willing to work or not looking for work.

According to him, Muslims are willing to work but they don’t possess requisite skills and capital and also the knowledge required to get absorbed in the job market.

But even if one has knowledge and skill, one requires working capital for starting one’s own business and trade. According to Mr. Siddiqui, it is here that Zakat can play a vital role in providing capital to poor Muslims to set up their own businesses and become financially independent.

According to Mr. Siddiqui, Zakat money can be utilized in development of skill and generating livelihood activities for the poor Muslims. He said that if Zakat money is utilized properly, for example, to provide work to at least 80 percent of the Muslim population having no regular sources of income, the community can play a positive role in boosting national economy and bring happiness to the community, besides contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

Zakat Center India, according to Mr. Siddiqui, has been set up to make poverty-free Muslim community.

ZCI that began operations throughout the country in 2022 has so far impacted the lives of 6,000 people. Of the total money it spent since then, it spent 69.4 per cent on livelihood projects, making 1,058 persons financially self-reliant. The rest of the money was spent on developing skills and providing education, and ration to poor people.

Donations to ZCI can be made in its bank account: Zakat Center India, HDFC Bank, Account Number: 50200067009755, IFSC Code: HDFC0000365, Account Type: Current Account, Branch: Mehdipatnam Hyderabad.

You can also pay your Zakat online easily by using  UPI / Credit / Debit card / Net-Banking by clicking at https://zakatcenterindia.org/bank-details/ and also through https://zakatcenterindia.org/pay/

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy> National Interview / Syed Khalique Ahmed / by admin indiatomorrow / March 28th, 2024

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru: 

In a remarkable feat of medical expertise, a team of doctors, spearheaded by Dr. Sameena Haroon, Chief Physician of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at KMC Hospital in Mangalore, successfully performed a challenging delivery procedure, ultimately saving the lives of both mother and child.

The delivery, which employed the innovative “Intrauterine Transfusion” system, proved critical in addressing complications arising from blood group-related issues.

The patient, a 35-year-old woman from Pune, was admitted to KMC Hospital for her third delivery due to complications stemming from blood group incompatibility. With the timely intervention and meticulous care provided by the medical team, she was safely discharged from the hospital, marking a triumph over adversity.

Blood group incompatibility between parents, particularly when one is Rh-positive and the other is Rh-negative, often leads to complications in subsequent pregnancies. These complications arise from the development of antibodies in the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy, posing risks to both mother and fetus. Dr. Sameena Haroon emphasized the impact of such blood group disparities on maternal and fetal health.

The patient’s medical history revealed a prior normal delivery four years ago, followed by complications during her second delivery, which tragically resulted in the demise of the infant within a year due to intracranial hemorrhage. Subsequent pregnancies posed heightened risks, necessitating vigilant monitoring and specialized care.

During the current pregnancy, complications emerged at the five-month mark, prompting intensive monitoring. At 30 weeks gestation, an Indirect Coombs Test (ICT) returned positive, indicating depleted iron levels in the blood—a critical concern necessitating immediate intervention to safeguard the fetus. Premature delivery posed risks, including jaundice and intracranial bleeding, underscoring the importance of delaying delivery until the optimal timeframe.

In response to the precarious situation, the medical team executed a challenging intrauterine transfusion procedure to replenish the fetus’s hemoglobin levels, thereby mitigating the risk of preterm birth. After two subsequent weeks, delivery at 35 weeks gestation alleviated concerns surrounding low hemoglobin levels in the infant, ensuring a safe outcome for both mother and child.

Dr. Sameena added that the baby was kept under observation and monitoring in NICU for over a week post-delivery where the child received further transfusions before being discharged subsequently.

Dr. Sameena Haroon expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of her colleagues, including Dr. Shami Shastri, Dr. Pundalik Baliga, and Dr Mario J Bukelo, whose expertise and teamwork were instrumental in achieving a successful delivery. Despite the complexities posed by the patient’s history of fetal loss, the utilization of modern medical advancements and the dedication of the medical team culminated in a positive outcome, with both mother and child discharged from the hospital in good health.

What is intrauterine blood transfusion?

Intrauterine blood transfusion is a complex medical procedure performed during pregnancy to address severe fetal anemia. Through the procedure, the baby in mother’s womb is transfused blood.

Before the procedure, the mother undergoes thorough assessments, including ultrasound scans and blood tests. Continuous ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to visualize the fetus, placenta, and the specific blood vessels involved. A thin, specialized needle is carefully inserted through the mother’s abdomen and into the amniotic sac, guided by real-time ultrasound imaging. The goal is to reach the umbilical vein of the fetus.

Once the needle is correctly positioned, compatible blood is slowly transfused into the fetus through the umbilical vein. The amount of blood transfused is carefully controlled to avoid overloading the fetal circulation.

This successful delivery at KMC Hospital in Mangalore also marks a significant milestone in medical advancement within the region. The utilization of the “Intrauterine Transfusion” system, under the adept supervision of Dr. Sameena Haroon, signifies one of the pioneering instances of this rare procedure in Mangalore. Dr. Sameena’s leadership and expertise, coupled with the collaborative efforts of her medical team, have not only facilitated a positive outcome for the patient and her child but have also expanded the scope of obstetric care in the region.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 28th, 2024

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES :

Mumbai-born Firoz Merchant is well known for his jewelry business and above all human service in the UAE. Each year before Ramazan, he gets prisoners who are languishing in jails after serving their terms but unable to pay the fines imposed by the Courts on them freed from the UAE’s jails.

For this mission, he set up an organization called ‘The Forgotten Society’ in 2008. As per the society’s policy, a week ago Firoz Merchant handed over Rs 2.5 crore to the UAE government as the cumulative fine amount for the release of 900 prisoners.

Merchant had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties and he moved to UAE where he worked and gradually established his business.

Firoz Merchant says he does this to ensure that the prisoners can return to their homes before Ramazan. ‘The Forgotten Society’ arranges tickets for the air travel of prisoners. Firoz Merchant, 66, is the owner ‘Pure Gold Jewellers which he set up in Dubai in 1989. He claims to live up to the name of his business and sell only quality jewelry to his customers.

Firoz Merchant says after becoming a brand and enjoying a monopoly on the jewelry market of Dubai and later Abu Dhabi, he wants to expand globally with his new design jewelry. 

All the exquisite gold-diamond designer jewelry of ‘Pure Gold Jewellers’ is available for sale online. 

While selling designer jewelry, one day Firoz Merchant thought of ​​freeing the prisoners lodged in various jails who don’t have a relative and resources to pay the fine imposed on them by the court as part of the punishment.

His organization also helps prisoners through various means.

Due to their efforts, 700 prisoners were released in 2019. This year, 900 prisoners were released a week ago. His initiative has helped more than 20,000 prisoners in the last few years. This year, he donated 1 million dirhams, or about Rs 2.5 crore, to the UAE government to get 900 prisoners released.

He says his target is to get 3,000 prisoners released in 2024. According to Firoz Merchant’s office, this is a message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness ahead of Ramazan. The Forgotten Society is busy organizing facilities and passage to home for the just-released prisoners.

Due to the efforts of Firoz Merchant, so far 495 prisoners have been released from Ajman jail, 170 from Fujairah, 121 from Dubai, 69 from Umm Al Quwain, and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah jail. He even paid off the debts of a few individuals.

Merchant, in collaboration with the Director Generals of Police of the central prisons of the UAE, has helped more than 20,000 prisoners over the years. His work is also getting praise from government officials.

Merchant said, “I am grateful for the cooperation of the (UAE) government. Forgotten Society believes that humanity has no limits. We do not discriminate in providing help to prisoners.”

Colonel Mohammed Youssef Al-Matrooshi of the UAE praised Merchant’s dedication to prisoner rehabilitation. According to the Colonel “Merchant’s quiet generosity provides real hope to those struggling to pay their fines.”

Firoz Merchant had paid 272,242 dollars to the UAE for the release of 700 prisoners in 2019. He said his “move is in line with the tolerance of the UAE.”

Merchants helped free prisoners from Afghanistan, Iraq, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Thailand. 

Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, said that the release of the prisoners is a symbol of the solidarity of Pure Gold.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Malick Asghar Hashmi, New Delhi / March 27th, 2024

BIHAR:

Bihar Diwas or Bihar Foundation Day celebrated on 22^nd of March every year was organised earlier owing to the upcoming month of Ramadan, by the team of Heritage times a website dedicated to exploring the forgotten and lesser-known aspects of Indian history.

The event was organised in Government Tibbi College, Patna on 9 March 2024 by inviting political leaders and historians.

‘Making of Bihar’ a six-minute documentary, scripted by Md Umar Ashraf and edited by Shahrukh Dawar Khan, highlighting the history of Bihar was screened for the audience followed by talks by the historians.

Historian Professor Imtiaz Ahmed, while throwing light on the history of Bihar, said that Bihar is a land where great people like Emperors Ashoka, Sher Shah Suri and Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh have been born. He also clarified that Bakhtiyar Khilji is not responsible for the fall of the Nalanda University as is being falsely believed.

Dr. Anant Ashutosh Dwivedi, known for documenting the glorious heritage scattered in the villages of Bihar and India said, “there are more than two thousand heritage villages in Bihar alone, whose history is thousands of years old and needs to be told.” Speaking about Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves, he said that these caves are at par with Jehanabad and were inspired by Nagarjuna caves.

The founder of Heritage Times, Md Umar Ashraf, while talking about the establishment of modern Bihar, said that apart from Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha, many people made important contributions in establishing Bihar. These include people like Ali Imam, Mazhar Ul Haq, Nawab Sarfaraz Khan, Ganesh Dutt, Muhammad Fakhruddin, Mahesh Narayan, Nand Kishore Lal, Tej Narayan and many others. And the endeavour of Heritage Times has always been to bring to the forefront these contributions lest they be lost forever in the annals of history.

The chief guest of the event, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Former Union Minister and leader of Indian National Congress appreciated the work of Heritage Times and praised founder Omar Ashraf and his team for their efforts to restore history. He further said that the glory of the Bihar state will be restored just like its ancient glorious past during the reign of the Magadha Empire, if the ideas of the great men who laid the foundation of Bihar will be followed.

The event was presided over by Hakim Tanveer Alam, former principal of Tibbi College and moderated by Muhammad Zakaria and Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Islam Farooqui.

Many prominent personalities from different walks of fields such as scholars, academicians, sports-persons attended the event. Some of them were Intekhab Alam, Naqeeb Ekta, Mashkoor Ahmed, Rajiv Kumar, Umesh Kumar, Muhammad Sahil, Yusuf Jamil, National Karate Champion Zabir Ansari, Khurram Mallik and others.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Art-Culture / by Syed Amjad Hussain / TCN News / March 10th, 2024