Prof. Orus Ilyas of the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and research scholar Umrah Viqar presented their research at the 36th European Mustelid Colloquium, held alongside the Białowieża Ecology Conference in Białowieża, Poland.
Prof. Ilyas presented a paper titled “The Underappreciated Apex: Reviewing the Ecological Role and Conservation Status of the Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula) Across the Himalayan and East Asian Bioregions”, examining the species’ ecological significance and conservation status across the Himalayan and East Asian regions.
Umrah Viqar presented her research on “Ecological Insight into the Yellow-throated Martens, Martes flavigula: Habitat Use and Dietary Pattern in the Reserved Forest of Ranikhet Kumaon, Himalayas”, focusing on the species’ habitat use and dietary patterns in the Himalayan region.
The presentations highlighted the ecological importance of the yellow-throated marten and the need for a better understanding of its ecology, distribution and conservation challenges.
Prof. Ilyas received financial assistance from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) to participate in the conference, while Umrah Viqar received support from the organisers.
source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> Educational News> University News / by iednewsdesk /October 16th, 2026
Saba recalled her father’s lessons in composure, fairness and thoughtful speech.
Saif Ali Khan and Saba share a bond rooted in family and memories. IANS
Dubai:
Saba Pataudi, sister of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has opened up about her responsibility for managing the Pataudi family’s legacy, revealing that her late father, former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, entrusted her with the role.
Saba, the daughter of actor Sharmila Tagore and the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, oversees responsibilities connected to the family’s Bhopal estate and the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust. The family’s legacy has been estimated at more than Rs 10 billion.
In an interview, Saba explained that her father played a defining role in preparing her for the responsibility.
“Abba left that to me,” she said, reflecting on the trust her father placed in her and the lessons she continues to draw from him.
Lessons from her father
Saba recalled how her father taught her to remain composed, treat people fairly and choose her words carefully. She said those principles continue to guide her approach to managing the family’s affairs.
She also described her father as someone she continues to turn to spiritually, even after his death. His guidance, she said, helped her understand the responsibilities associated with the family’s heritage.
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, was one of India’s prominent cricketers and captained the national team. His marriage to Sharmila Tagore brought together two well-known families from Indian sport and cinema.
What does the family legacy involve?
Saba’s responsibilities extend beyond the management of a family estate. As the mutawalli of the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust, she oversees the trust’s properties and charitable responsibilities.
These include mosques and other properties linked to the family’s historical ties to Bhopal, as well as facilities for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Medina.
The reported valuation of more than Rs 10 billion relates to the wider family legacy and should not be interpreted as Saba’s personal wealth. Her role involves stewardship and management of the trust’s assets and responsibilities.
Saba has also discussed plans for initiatives benefiting women and girls, including a girls’ school and a hospital for women, subject to the resolution of pending legal matters involving family property.
A responsibility entrusted by her father
Saba’s reflections offer a glimpse into a side of the Pataudi family that extends beyond celebrity and cricket. While Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan are widely recognised for their careers in the entertainment industry, Saba has taken on responsibilities associated with preserving the family’s historical and charitable legacy.
For her, the role is closely tied to her father’s confidence in her abilities and the values he instilled in her. She continues to regard those lessons as central to carrying forward the responsibilities he entrusted to her.
source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Devadasan K P, Chief Visual Editor / October 14th, 2026
In a workspace near the Budhi Jagulai temple in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, 26 women divide tasks with quiet efficiency. One stitches the body of a shopping bag, another attaches the handles and a third applies the finishing touches. Bringing them all together is Israt Jahan, a 50-year-old woman whose path into earning a livelihood began with loss.
After the death of her husband Zakir Hussain Khan, a well-known local sportsman and journalist, Israt stepped outside her home to support her family. She drew on sewing skills that dated back to 1985, took up wool craft, embroidery and stitching, and eventually built something larger than she had imagined.
In 2019, she formed the Swadhin Producer Group. The COVID-19 pandemic halted work for two years, but when the women decided to resume, they pooled their personal savings and collected Rs 18,000 to restart without any initial government assistance. They shifted to jute work in 2022, drawn to the material’s biodegradable nature and the growing demand for plastic-free alternatives in a district already known for jute cultivation.
“We chose jute because it is environment-friendly,” said group secretary Rajida Khanam.
The group’s product range now includes handbags, shopping bags, bottle carriers, office and laptop bags, lunch bags, files, folders, sitting mats and letter holders. Fabric is sourced from Cuttack and, when demand rises, from Kolkata. Priced from Rs 150 per bag, each piece takes a skilled member around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Members earn between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 a month. The group’s annual income stands at Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. A one-time government startup grant of Rs 2.04 lakh helped them purchase eight machines, including an embroidery machine and electronic sewing units. No further financial grant has followed.
The group also receives bulk orders for files and folders used in agriculture, horticulture and block-level training programmes, sometimes running into thousands of pieces. Most retail sales take place at fairs.
For member Subhasini Swain, the venture offers something beyond income. “Besides learning and earning happening together, the Hindu-Muslim companionship here is the best part,” she said.
Kendrapara Collector Raghuram R. Iyer said the administration would ask Mission Shakti’s district programme manager to examine the group’s marketing needs and arrange additional credit support if required.
Israt’s own hope is straightforward. “The women want to contribute to their children’s education and support their families. If our message reaches the government, we would like some additional help,” she said.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Social Service> Personality / by Radiance News Bureau / October 06th, 2026
It will gradually be screened across 20 schools in Bengaluru, including government schools, under Project SAFE (Student Advocacy for Emotional Well-being).
Imaan Zara Khan during the screening of her film Unspoken in Bengaluru.(Photo | EPS)
Bengaluru :
Young people are often encouraged to speak up when they are struggling, but what happens when they cannot find the words to express what they feel? And when they do speak, will the people around them listen without dismissing their concerns?
These questions form the premise of Unspoken, a youth-led film written and directed by 16-year-old filmmaker and researcher Imaan Zara Khan. The film follows four teenagers from different backgrounds who face emotional struggles they find difficult to articulate, highlighting the need for safer spaces where young people can acknowledge their distress and seek support.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the film was screened in Bengaluru on Friday as part of an initiative to take conversations on student mental health beyond awareness campaigns. It will gradually be screened across 20 schools in Bengaluru, including government schools, under Project SAFE (Student Advocacy for Emotional Well-being).
The initiative also includes the development of a mental health first-aid programme intended to help teachers and students recognise signs of distress and respond appropriately.
“I think everyone tells young people to speak up, but they do not realise that sometimes there are no words to express what they are going through. Even if they find the courage to speak, are the people around them willing to listen, or will they dismiss them?” Imaan said.
The film follows four teenagers whose circumstances could hardly be more different. One is a popular social media influencer struggling with body image and self-confidence.
Imaan with the cast and crew of the film(Photo | EPS)
No hero moments: Film tackles ‘Unspoken’ mental health struggles of youth
Another is a boy from a middle-class family in Lucknow who wants to pursue art but faces expectations of conventional masculinity. A young aspiring runner from Assam grapples with the economic realities that make pursuing his ambitions difficult, while a girl at a boarding school struggles with loneliness and parental expectations. Their experiences differ, but their inability to express what they are going through connects them.
Imaan said she wanted the characters to resemble authentic students rather than portrayals of clinical diagnoses. The film does not offer dramatic turning points or easy resolutions to their problems. Instead, it seeks to create a moment of recognition for viewers who may see their own experiences reflected in the characters.
“I do not want there to be a big, dramatic hero moment. I want there to be a small moment of recognition. We need to create an environment where people can speak up and understand what they are going through without having to figure everything out by themselves,” she said.
The idea for the film emerged from observations of her peers and cousins. As she researched the subject further, Imaan said she became increasingly concerned about the stigma surrounding mental health and the social consequences young people often associate with seeking help.
Her work involved both primary and secondary research, including conversations with her parents and a survey of around 750 students on their mental health experiences. Imaan chose filmmaking as a medium because she believes personal stories can make emotional struggles easier to recognise than statistics alone. “Data does not really change behaviour. Stories do. The impact stories can have in driving change is different from a statistic that someone reads once or twice and then forgets,” she said.
Through the school screenings, Imaan hopes to study the impact of storytelling as an intervention within school mental health systems and use the findings to develop a framework for student well-being. Project SAFE brings together the film, discussions and the proposed mental health first-aid programme.
The latter is aimed at helping students and teachers identify signs of distress, understand how to respond and support peers who may be struggling.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Gayathri M Kurup / October 11th, 2026
In a Muslim-majority neighbourhood of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a women-only gym run by trainer and weightlifter Shabana is drawing women from across the area. The facility offers them a rare space to exercise, learn about nutrition and focus on their health.
Shabana said the idea for the gym came from her own struggle with obesity and the absence of fitness centres exclusively for women. “I weighed more than 140 kilograms. We looked for a gym in our area but could not find one exclusively for women. So I found a gym for myself and later became a trainer there,” she said.
Her path was far from simple. She studied only up to Class VII and faced serious health complications at 19, undergoing six or seven operations, including the removal of her gallbladder. “I became isolated from everyone. I stayed at home. My husband supported me throughout,” she recalled.
Although the gym welcomes women from all backgrounds, it has grown especially popular among Muslim women owing to the area’s large Muslim population. The facility operates throughout the day and is staffed exclusively by women.
Members say the gym goes well beyond physical fitness. “When I come here, it is not only about fitness. It is also a way for me to relieve stress. This place feels like a second home,” said one homemaker.
Women also receive guidance on nutrition. “We take care of our husbands and families but rarely take care of our own health. After coming here, we realised there was so much to learn about nutrition,” said another member.
One member lost 13 kilograms after three Caesarean sections, training under careful supervision. She initially kept her gym visits secret from her family, telling them she was going for a walk. After winning first prize in a skipping competition held at the gym, she revealed the truth. “They were all very happy,” she said.
The women exercise wearing hijabs and, in some cases, burqas. Members said the clothing does not prevent them from working out effectively.
Unlike many commercial fitness centres, the gym relies largely on floor-based workouts rather than expensive machines. “Everyone thinks you need machines to lose weight. That is not true. Most exercises can be done through floor workouts,” Shabana said.
Shabana also competes in weightlifting and has participated in the sport for five years. She faced strong opposition when she launched the facility. “People asked me how I could stand here alone from morning until night. But I ignored what they said. We had to move forward and prove ourselves,” she said.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Personality> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 26th, 2026
Sarah Mehmood began as a reader. Today she writes fiction rooted in the lives of young Indian Muslims.
She found an online platform where young writers worldwide published novels chapter by chapter. She noticed a gap. Muslim fiction set in India, especially about young Muslim women, was hard to find.
“I stumbled upon writing by chance,” she recalls.
Curiosity became a wish to write the missing stories. She wanted authentic, positive representation and relatable characters for young women.
Her characters dress modestly, stay devoted to their Creator and hold ambitions for their futures. They follow their faith without being defined by it alone. They also face a universal tension between who society expects them to be and who they want to become.
This tension drives her book ‘Bowled Over by the Broken’. Sarah wrote it after readers dismissed events in novels as things found only in stories. She wanted to prove otherwise.
She drew on experiences familiar to many young South Asian women. Some hear taunts about a brown complexion. Others face pressure to marry soon after finishing their education. Some hear the assumption compatibility will grow after the wedding.
Sarah refuses to treat the wedding as the finish line. “Most stories end at the wedding,” she says. “In this book, the most eventful part begins after it.”
Her three self-published books share one idea. Faith and dreams belong together. “You do not have to abandon your religion while seeking to accomplish your dreams,” she says.
Sarah works as an Assistant Professor with a background in Food Science and Nutrition. Her training teaches her to question, analyse and look beyond the obvious.
She balances teaching, research and writing. Writing helps her cope with the load. “On days when I think I’m too busy for anything apart from work,” she says, “those happen to be the same days when I find myself scrambling to pen down my thoughts as a means of destressing.” She sums it up in one line: “Painters paint, bakers bake, and writers write.”
Her path from online reader to self-published author and academic followed no fixed plan. It began when she noticed a gap and decided to fill it. Her stories ask young Muslim women to keep their identity whole. They leave room for dreams alongside devotion and ambition alongside values.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has announced that squash players Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riaz will each receive an incentive of ₹30 lakh for winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
The 2026 Asian Games began on September 19 in the Aichi-Nagoya region of Japan and are currently underway.
The Indian women`s squash team won the bronze medal at the Asian Games. In the competition, Tanvi Khanna won 3-1, while Anahat Singh and Shameena Riaz lost 2-3, and Joshna Chinappa lost 0-3 against the Chinese players.
Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riaz, both from Tamil Nadu, were part of the team that won India`s 61st medal at the Asian Games.
Congratulating the Indian team and the Tamil Nadu players, Chief Minister Vijay said that the Indian team had won the bronze medal in the women`s squash team event at the 20th Asian Games being held in Japan.
He also congratulated Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riaz and announced that the Tamil Nadu government would provide an incentive of ₹30 lakh each in recognition of their achievement.
The Chief Minister said that their success, achieved through their talent, confidence and perseverance, had further strengthened Tamil Nadu`s sporting achievements. He also said that their victory would inspire young people and women who aspire to achieve success.
He extended his wishes to both players for achieving many more victories in the future and bringing greater recognition to Tamil Nadu and India on the world stage.
source: http://www.livechennai.com / Live Chennai / Home / October 01st, 2026
The two-day conference concludes with a renewed emphasis on education, character building, responsible teaching, women’s empowerment and collective community responsibility
Bhopal :
Women teachers and educationists from different parts of India deliberated on education, character building, emotional well-being, women’s empowerment and the challenges facing the next generation at a conference in Mumbai recently.
According to a Press release issued by All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA), the two-day conference (September 26-27) concluded with a renewed emphasis on education, character building, responsible teaching, women’s empowerment and collective community responsibility.
The gathering brought together participants from different backgrounds and regions and provided a platform for meaningful discussion on strengthening education, supporting teachers, empowering women and preparing the younger generation for the future.
The conference was organised around the broader message that teachers are influencers of a brighter future, with education, character building and value-based upbringing at the centre of the discussions.
The need for a Milli Educational Policy and an All India Muslim Education Board was also highlighted as part of efforts to address educational challenges.
The conference ended with a call for sustained educational efforts and greater collective responsibility towards building stronger communities and brighter generations.
The first day was dedicated exclusively to teachers and witnessed the participation of more than 600 teachers and educationists from different parts of the country. Delegates attended from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Kolkata, Midnapore, Nellore, Pune, Bhopal and several other parts of the country. The conference focused on the changing educational environment and the expanding responsibilities of teachers in shaping children, families and society.
The conference began with Mrs Waheeda Sayyid, Convener, and Adv Farhana Shah, who welcomed the participants and explained the objectives of the conference.
Mrs Waheeda Sayyid told the delegates that every person present was an asset to the community and that their participation was a sign that they had been chosen for an important service to the community.
She emphasised that teaching is not merely a job or profession, but can be an act of worship, as teachers impact lives and influence children in shaping a brighter future. She encouraged the participants to recognise the responsibility that comes with the teaching profession and to contribute meaningfully to the community.
Character Before Curriculum
The conference then moved to an educative session by Mrs Sobia Lule, a prominent educationist from Pune, who spoke about the role and responsibility of teachers.
Mrs Lule highlighted the importance of continuously improving and updating professional knowledge. She discussed the changing role of teachers and the challenges faced by teachers, students and parents. She covered workload and management, emotional and mental stress among educators and the importance of maintaining loyalty towards educational institutions.
The need to protect children from exploitation and harassment was also emphasised, along with the importance of learning from past mistakes and continuously improving educational practices.
Presidential Address
The conference was presided over by Dr Asma Zehra, President of the AIMWA, who stressed that education has the power to change the future of generations.
In her address, Dr Zehra said that the responsibility of teachers extends far beyond the classroom. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the character, confidence, values and future outlook of children.
She observed that the Muslim community is presently at a crossroads, with a significant percentage of youth facing illiteracy and the community confronting challenges related to the availability of primary and higher schools, shortage of qualified and trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure and changing government policies.
She emphasised that a huge responsibility rests on the educational class and intellectuals. Teachers, principals, management and educators must work in coordination and cooperation with parents and society to bring children into schools and ensure quality and standard education. She highlighted several concerns facing the educational sector, she stated.
Dr Zehra also laid emphasis on “Education for All”, along with various schemes and initiatives intended to increase enrolment and reduce dropout rates. She also highlighted concerns over increasing educational backwardness, illiteracy, poverty, economic difficulties and marginalisation within the Muslim community.
Working Muslim Women’s Challenges
The discussions also touched upon challenges faced by Muslim women at workplaces, particularly in relation to observing hijab and cultural identity.
Participants discussed the difficulties created by cultural and social pressures and emphasised the need to unite and seek practical solutions to these challenges.
The speakers observed that education has, in many areas, moved from being viewed primarily as a service sector towards a more commercial and business-oriented field, creating additional challenges for poor and marginalised sections seeking access to education.
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion brought together more than 25 educationists, teachers and principals to deliberate on the role of teachers and the challenges facing the education sector.
The panel discussed the importance of professional development and continuously updating teachers’ knowledge and skills. It also examined challenges faced by children, students and parents, including workload, management-related pressures and emotional and mental stress.
Connecting with the New Generation
Mrs Mamdooha Majid, Vice President, AIMWA, spoke about the importance of connecting with the new generation. She emphasised that age is not a barrier and that passion and commitment to meaningful community service matter the most.
She encouraged teachers to take responsibility for their respective localities and to serve their communities. She also highlighted the role of teachers in impacting lives and influencing children to build a brighter future.
The second day of the conference was divided into dedicated sessions for girls and women. The morning session was exclusively for girls, with more than 500 girls participating. The discussions focused on issues relevant to young women, including: Education, identity and purpose, character development, emotional well-being, responsible use of social media, confidence-building, and preparation for future roles in society
The session encouraged girls to develop confidence, character and a sense of responsibility while preparing themselves for meaningful roles in their families and society.
A panel discussion on “Challenges Our Youth Face Today” further provided an opportunity for young participants to reflect on contemporary challenges and discuss possible responses.
The discussions addressed parenting, social media etiquette, mental health solutions in Islam, family responsibilities, and the role of women in education and social reform.
The session also highlighted AIMWA’s programmes and its efforts towards women’s empowerment and community development.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick>India / by Parvez Bari / October 07th, 2026
Shameena pockets team gold on Wednesday a day after finishing with a bronze medal in the individual event at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games.
Shameena with her father N Mohammed Riaz.
Chennai :
Shameena was around ten-years-old when she accompanied her father N Mohammed Riaz, former India hockey captain, to Madras Cricket Club. The trip changed her life forever. Hailing from a sporting family, Shameena was into skating before holding the squash racquet on that fateful day. Eight years later, she is still wielding the racquet hunting down medals for Tamil Nadu with the latest of them coming at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games in front of a home crowd.
After finishing with bronze in the individual event on Tuesday, the 18-year-old teamed up with Pooja Arthi R and Deepika to beat Anika Dubey, Nirupama Dubey and Reiva Nimbalkar of Maharashtra to clinch gold in the team event on Wednesday. “One day I went to Madras Cricket Club in Chepauk with my father. When we reached there I just had a chance to play squash. Dad always wanted me to play any sport which I liked, The next day I got my squash kit and joined Indian Squash Academy,” Shameena told this daily.
She had represented the country in the World Junior Championship twice and won team gold at the 2023 National Games held in Goa. Before that, she bagged the silver in the team event at the 2022 National Games in Gujarat. The beginning, however, was not as smooth as she would have thought. A losing streak for more than a couple of years meant Shameena used to get demotivated. It’s then her parents and coaches played a key role to keep her motivated. “When I started playing squash, I competed a lot but kept losing, I used to cry and worry about losing but my parents never let me down. My coaches were always supportive. With his vast experience in international hockey, my dad used to keep me motivated,” she added. Shameena’s mother, Mehnaz, also played hockey and represented Tamil Nadu at national competitions.
Riaz, a renowned midfielder of his time who represented India in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics apart from playing two World Cups and winning a silver and a gold medal in the Asian Games, strongly believes Shameena can win laurels for the country in the coming years if she gets requisite support. “The Tamil Nadu government has helped her a lot but it’s not easy to bear all expenses as squash is an expensive sport.
I have requested the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for financial assistance. If she gets it, she will improve by leaps and bounds. We spend more than `6 lakh annually for her. It includes expenses on her equipment, training, diet, nutrition and tournaments. A bit of support from the government can do wonders for her,” said Riaz.
And it’s not about squash only as Shameena is pursuing engineering in information technology. Always good at academics, she never compromised with her studies. In fact, it has always been a priority for her. “I have done well in my academics as well, I always learnt how to balance both. I learnt time management to ensure both of them get equal attention. Obviously, there is pressure as you have to win on both sides but my mom is always there behind me pushing and encouraging me to do good in both. She makes sure that I finish my studies and also come on time for training and do all my stuff here,” she said.
Riaz, a Hockey India selector for the senior men’s team and chairman of the Tamil Nadu hockey selection committee, is hopeful that the medals at the KIYG will not only motivate his daughter to do better but also fetch the desired financial assistance for which they have been longing for a long time. The ace hockey player is also playing his part at the competition as an expert coach for the state team.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sports News / by Firoz Mirza / January 25th, 2024
Melkar Women’s PU College, Sajipa Munnur in Bantwal taluk has bagged 100 percent pass results in the Commerce stream in II PUC for the third consecutive year.
According to a press release, the college had bagged an overall pass percentage of 98 percent in II PUC examination.
Shalima K P topped the college with a total of 556 out of 600 marks in Arts stream, followed by Himayattunnisa with a total of 543 marks in Commerce stream.
Naseeba (533), Aaminamma (533), Ramlath (527), Hafeeza (526), Fathimath Zohara (523), Haleema Sadiya (519), Ramzeeya (516), Thazeema Banu (511), Shafeeka (511), Katheejathul Kubura (510), Rabiyathul Nishyan(510) are other toppers in the college.
“A total of 133 students had appeared for the II PUC examination for the academic year 2014-15. Out of which 13 students passed with distinction while 87 students have passed with first class and 29 students have passed with second class,” said chairman of the institution S M Rasheed Haji in the press release.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / August 26th, 2016
