Category Archives: World Opinion

Moradabad Native Sabih Khan, Now Apple’s COO

Moradabad, UTTAR PRADESH / U.S.A :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Launch of ‘Naushera ka Sher’ Honouring Brigadier Mohammad Usman : Former Vice President Hamid Ansari Releases the Book

Azamgarh / Naushera, UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi:

A grand launch event was held in the capital today for the book “Naushera ka Sher — Brigadier Mohammad Usman”, celebrating the life of the 1947–48 war hero. Authored by senior journalist Kauser Usman from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, the book honours Brigadier Usman, famously known as the “Hero of Heroes.”

The book was officially released by former Vice President of India, Mr. Hamid Ansari, who is also a family member of Brigadier Usman. Speaking at the event, Mr. Ansari said,

“Brigadier Usman was more than a soldier — he symbolised patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. Kauser Usman’s book is a fitting tribute and an inspiration for future generations.”

Brigadier Mohammad Usman was one of the few Indian Army officers who laid down his life during the India-Pakistan war of 1947–48, without retreating. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry honour.

Author Kauser Usman said,

“This book is my humble tribute to a national hero. Brigadier Usman’s life, simplicity, and service to the nation continue to guide us.”

Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, former Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, also attended the event.

The book is published by Pharos Media Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Art & Culture / by Mohd Naushad Khan / July 11th, 2025

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

Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

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

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

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

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

Siddiqi’s Immersion in Urdu Writing

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

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

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

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

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

A Glimpse into his Published Works

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

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

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

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

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zohra Ansari and Mahatma Gandhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kozhikode: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2022: 10 must-read stories on Muslim women

INDIA :

Influential Muslim Women of 2022

As we gear up to bid goodbye to the year 2022, here’s an about-turn to look at the most influential Muslim women who with their girt and strength have embedded their names in history.

Meet Mehr Sheikh from being a news anchor working with a company in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, to setting up her office in front of the same company, she has come a long way. She is presented as one of India’s youngest mainstream female motivational speakers, founder-director of Papr Network, and Editor-in-Chief of Nikology, a YouTube channel with nearly 2 million subscribers.

From being routed in regular corporate life to breaking the barriers and taking running as a full-time profession Sufiya Sufi set many records. From being the fastest female to run the Indian Golden Quadrilateral Road in 6 days, 12 hours, and 6 minutes to taking up the challenges of running continuously 200 km in Qatar and later running across the globe she has come a long way.

With many beauty pageants coming back to India in 2022, Tabassum took the podium a notch up when she represented India as one of the jury members in a beauty event held in South Korea’s Seoul

In the field of sports, Nikhat brought laurels to India as apart from winning the gold at the world championship, she won gold at the National Championship, the CWG and the Stranjde Memorial championship.

Do not marry your sisters, daughters, and other relations to men as their second wives or to those who are inclined on marrying another woman for no reason.” Hundreds of Muslim women unanimously passed the above resolution moved by Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz at the 7th All India Muslim Ladies Conference in 1920.

The All India Muslim Ladies Conference was established in 1914 under the presidentship of Begum Sultan Jahan, the ruler of Bhopal, and the leadership of women like Begum Waheed, Abru Begum, and Begum Shafi to bring social, educational, and economic reforms among Muslim women. Within six years of its inception membership of the Conference increased from a few dozens to hundreds. These women raised money to open and maintain girls’ schools in different parts of India and formed a public opinion in support of education.

Apart from the white robe of a doctor and the operation theatre, Dr. Jahanara Begum, a prominent obstetrician of Assam, also dons colourful costumes and has a wide stage to perform. Away from the hospitals and clinics, Dr. Begum has made theatre a part of her life despite her hectic professional schedule. While she has healed thousands of people as a doctor, she has also impressed numerous playwrights and audiences as an actor. 

Syeda Salva Fatima – Amazed at her confidence, he decided to give wings to her dreams and she was enrolled in the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy in 2007. Despite failures, she remained undeterred and finally completed her training. She logged in 200 hours of flying in the Cessna 152 aircraft and 123 Hours of solo flight. She says,My best moment was when I flew for the first time. Also, every time I fly the big bird Airbus 320 in command, that’s the best feeling ever!

Farida Jalees, the founder of Lucknow Mahila Sewa Trust, who had boldly four startups during the Covid-19 lockdown to sustain the livelihoods of some 2.5 lakh women associated with her self-help group, said, “we have never felt these two (festivals) are different. We endeavor to make Jeevika Bakers viable and for this, I have been making use of every festival to sell baked foods under a canopy in marketplaces.”

Dr.Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadvi is a renowned Urdu author advocates Muslim women’s participation in mosques and namaz

Naseem Shafaie, the only Kashmiri woman to get the Sahitya Akademi award and the recipient of this year’s State Award for Literature rues that the Kashmiri language is being ignored by natives who prefer to speak with their children in Urdu (Hindustani) and not in their mother tongue. She laments that the language was not getting due treatment by its natural speakers. “Let all read it and be it our language,” she told Awaz-the Voice. She said there is a general trend among people in Kashmir to speak in the Urdu (Hindustani) language to their children at their homes.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Shaista Fatima, New Delhi / December 29th, 2022

Mohammed Afsal breaks national 800m record in Poland, becomes first Indian to go sub-1:45

Palappuram (Palakkad District) KERALA :

Mohammed Afsal (Image: X/AIRNewsHindi)

Poznan (Poland):

Indian middle-distance runner Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to run the men’s 800m in under 1 minute and 45 seconds. Competing at the Memoriał Czesława Cybulskiego athletics meet in Poznań, Poland, Afsal clocked a remarkable 1:44.93, breaking his own national record, reported the Ommcom News.

The 29-year-old athlete, who serves as a Junior Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, had previously set the national record at 1:45.61 during the UAE Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai earlier this year. Despite finishing sixth in Heat A/1 in Poznań, Afsal’s performance was a personal best and a significant milestone for Indian athletics.

The top three spots in the heat were claimed by Polish runners, with Maciel Wyderka taking the lead with a meet record and personal best of 1:44.23, followed closely by Filip Ostrowski (1:44.25) and Patryk Sieradzki (1:44.26).

The Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, is named after the renowned Polish coach Czesław Cybulski, a key figure in Poznań’s sports history.

Hailing from Palappuram in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Afsal trains in Bengaluru under the Reliance Foundation program. He has previously won a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and another at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu, Nepal. His journey to fame began in 2013 when he clinched gold at the inaugural Asian School Track and Field Championships in Malaysia.

With this record-breaking run, Mohammed Afsal continues to raise the bar for Indian athletics on the global stage.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / July 06th, 2025

Mohammed Siraj Makes History with Six-Wicket Haul at Edgbaston After 32 Years

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / INDIA :

Photo Credit: PTI

Mohammed Siraj scripted history with a stunning display of fast bowling at Edgbaston, claiming 6/70 to bowl out England for 408 in the second Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. His fiery spell handed India a strong 180-run first-innings lead.

With Jasprit Bumrah absent, doubts hovered over India’s bowling attack. But Siraj, supported by Akash Deep’s four wickets, kept India firmly in control. This came despite a massive 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith.

Siraj dismissed key English batters, including Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes. He then ran through the tail, removing Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir.

This six-wicket haul is the first by a visiting pacer at Edgbaston since 1993. It is also the third-best performance by an overseas fast bowler at the venue.

At 31, Siraj joins an elite group of Indian pacers with five-wicket hauls in England. The others are Amar Singh, Chetan Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ishant Sharma. This is his fourth five-for in Tests and his best performance in England.

Despite the long stand from Brook and Smith, India’s pace attack—led by Siraj—remained disciplined and aggressive. They kept the pressure on England and are now in a strong position to level the series.

India will aim to carry this momentum forward as the match enters a crucial phase.

Siraj’s brilliance echoes his historic Asia Cup 2023 performance—where he delivered one of the finest spells in a tournament final. His rise now mirrors the legacy of legends like Chaminda Vaas and Anil Kumble.

Siraj has firmly established himself as India’s new pace spearhead.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> > by Mohd. Naushad Khan / July 05th, 2025

Poland university honours Thumbay founder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KERALA / Abu Dhabi, U.A.E :

PC: mathrubhumi

Dubai :  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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