DySP Humayun Muzamil Bhat, who lost his life in 2024 during a military operation against militants in Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar:
On the occasion of January 26, 27 Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel were honoured with prestigious awards, including 15 Gallantry Medals, two President’s Medals for Distinguished Service, and 10 Medals for Meritorious Service.
Among the recipients are Anand Jain, Additional Director General; Nitish Kumar, CID Chief and former IGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police; Rakesh Balwal, former SSP Srinagar; and the late Himayun Muzzammil, Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The Gallantry Medal awardees include Azhar Rashid (Deputy Superintendent of Police), Maajid Afzal Wani (Head Constable), Safeer Lone (Constable), Shahnawaz Ahmad Deedad (Constable), Suresh Kumar Bhat (Assistant Sub-Inspector), Aqib Qayoom Yatoo (SgCT), Manzoor Ahmad Bajard (SgCT), Vijay Kumar (IPS, IGP), Rakesh Balwal (IPS, SSP), Iftkhar Talib (Superintendent of Police), Faroz Ahmad Dar (Assistant Sub-Inspector), Sudish Singh (Head Constable), Pawan Kumar (Head Constable), and Irshad Ahmad Lohar (SgCT).
source: http://www.freepresskashmir.news / Free Press Kashmir / Home> Achievers / by News Desk / January 25th, 2025
Aamir Peerzada, a journalist from Bandipora, Kashmir, was part of the BBC team that has won the prestigious News and Documentary Emmy Awards 2025.
The award, in the category Outstanding Continuing News Coverage – Short Form, was conferred for the BBC’s six-and-a-half-minute documentary “Myanmar’s Civil War”. Peerzada served as a field producer for the film, which sheds light on the human rights abuses carried out by Myanmar’s military junta.
The awards were announced at a ceremony held at Palladium Times Square in New York City on June 26, organised by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Recognised globally as the gold standard for broadcast journalism, the Emmy honours outstanding contributions to news and documentary programming.
The team consisted of Executive Producer Kristina Block, Paul Danahar, Jacky Martens, Alan Quartly, Asia Pacific Bureau Chief Sara Halfpenny, Producer HC Vanlalruata, Isaac Zoramsanga, Coordinating Producer Stuart Holland, Field Producer Imogen Anderson, Thanyarat Doksone, Lulu Luo, Lindle Markwell, Aakriti Thapar, Chief Foreign Correspondent Jonathan Head, Yogita Limaye, Quentin Sommerville, Cameraperson Benjamin Bagley, Darren Conway, Sanjay Ganguly and Field Producer Aamir Peerzada.
Aamir Peerzada, who served as the field producer on the BBC’s six-and-a-half-minute documentary, undertook a ten-day mission to Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Chin State.
Operating in perilous zones controlled by ethnic resistance groups, he played a crucial role in facilitating access and enabling the team to document human rights abuses by the military junta, including forced child recruitment, disappearances, and systemic violence.
Hailing from Barzulla Panjigam in Bandipora, Peerzada completed his early education at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Shahkote Baramulla, a residential school.
He pursued a BSc from Degree College Sopore before completing a one-year diploma in Broadcast Journalism in Chandigarh in 2012.
His journalism career began with NDTV in 2013, and he later joined the BBC, where he has reported from conflict zones across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Syria, India, and now Myanmar.
This is not Peerzada’s first major honour. He is a two-time RedInk Award winner—first in 2016 in the sports category and again in 2017 for his documentary Lighting the Himalayas in the science and innovation category.
He also received the Ramnath Goenka Award for On-the-Spot Reporting in 2015 for his coverage of the devastating 7.8 magnitude Nepal earthquake, which he witnessed first-hand while shooting his documentary Operation Everest: Summiteers to Saviours.
source: http://www.freepresskashmir.news / Free Press Kashmir / Home> Achievers / by News Desk / June 28th, 2025
Two players from Kashmir, Shaista Wani of Srinagar and Farhana Rehman of Pulwama
Srinagar:
Two players from Kashmir, Shaista Wani of Srinagar and Farhana Rehman of Pulwama, have been selected to represent India in the Asian Women’s Softball Championship, to be held in Xi’an, China, from July 14 to 20.
Their selection to the Indian national team marks a proud moment for the Union Territory and reflects the growing presence of women athletes from J&K on national and international platforms. Both Shaista and Farhana cleared tough national trials and took part in intensive training camps in Indore and New Delhi.
The Asia Cup is a qualifying tournament for the Women’s Softball World Cup 2026. The top two teams from this championship will advance to the global stage.
Shaista and Farhana have been consistently performing at national events for years and began their sporting journey at a young age.
Their hard work and dedication have brought them to this milestone.
Congratulating the athletes, J&K’s Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma said their selection is a proud moment for the region. “This shows that girls from J&K are rising in sports and competing at the highest level,” he said.
Sarmad Hafeez (IAS), Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, said this achievement reflects strong training, discipline, and athlete development. “Our girls are proving their talent internationally,” he added.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, also praised the players, calling them role models for other young girls in the UT. “The Sports Council is committed to supporting female athletes with better training and facilities,” she said. (KNS)
source: http://www.freepresskashmir.news / Free Press Kashmir / Home> Achievers / by News Desk / July 10th, 2025
Dr Khalid Shah, a globally acclaimed cancer researcher from Kashmir, was honoured at SKIMS Soura during a CME & Research Orientation Programme organised by SKIMS-NAMS and the SKIMS Research Cell.
Dr Shah currently serves as Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Neurosurgery and Director of the Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and is also a Professor at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Delivering a lecture titled ‘Role of Cellular and Gene Therapy in Brain Tumor Therapeutics’, Dr. Shah shed light on the latest innovations in brain tumor treatment, including advances in immunotherapies, engineered cell therapies, and precision medicine. He stressed the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships in combating complex cancers like brain tumors.
“The battle against brain tumors demands a united, global approach—fusing cutting-edge research with clinical insights to develop life-saving therapies,” Dr Shah said, expressing his commitment to bringing global breakthroughs to benefit patients in Kashmir and beyond.
On the sidelines of the event, a key meeting was held between Dr Shah, SKIMS Director professor Ashraf Ghani, and senior faculty members to explore the creation of a collaborative research platform in cancer therapeutics. Discussions also focused on the long-term goal of establishing an ‘Integrated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre’ at SKIMS — a first-of-its-kind initiative in India aimed at revolutionizing cancer care.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where participants deliberated on challenges in cancer research, funding avenues, and the need for international academic collaboration. Dr. Shah’s visionary address and his dream of giving back to his homeland received an overwhelmingly positive response from the medical fraternity and young researchers alike.
source: http://www.freepresskashmir.news / Free Press Kashmir / Home> Health / by News Desk / April 31st, 2025
Dr Hafsa Banu Abid, a professional dentist at Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman, who runs a dental clinic, ‘White Smile Dental Specialty Clinic’, is the daughter of Sheikh Zainul Abid and Haseena Banu, who hails from Attavar, Mangaluru. She happens to be the wife of Dr Ejaz Salim Khan from Thiruvananthapuram, India and is a lot more than what her practice demands.
She has an artistic approach to everything in life, including the intricate tasks of her profession, and has conjured up something artistically special for Oman’s 49th National Day.
An ex-student of Indian School Muscat, Dr Hafsa did her degree in dentistry from Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte in Mangaluru. Dr Hafsa creates unique artworks with nails and strings and is the only artist of her kind in Oman as well as the GCC region.
pix
With scores of tiny nails mounted onto a wooden frame, Dr. Hafsa creates magical images with colored nylon threads by weaving them in varied patterns with dexterous movements of her fingers.
Last year, she presented a black and white portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to the Diwan of Royal Court, which acknowledged her effort with a reward. This year, too, she has created something special, which will be presented to the Diwan to mark the 49th National Day. She, however, wishes to keep the creation under wraps until it is presented.
Passionate about art since childhood, Dr. Hafsa says that she nurtured this talent all by herself, without any formal training, although ‘nail art’, as she calls it, has been practiced since many years across the world.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat (SP) / November 08th, 2019
Late. Janab Usman Hassan Mohtesham, translator of Tarjumah Quran Shareef in Nawaity of Moulana Syed Abul Aala Moududi was the recepient of Viqare Islamia an highest academic award of Islamia Anglo Urdu High School Bhatkal.
He had served in the Department of Health Dubai for 30 years and is the father of Dr.Imran Mohtesham, Mangalore.
source: http://www.facebook.com/syed.zakir (Syed Zakir S.M) / February 18th, 2025
Mangaluru-based author Harsha Shankar Bhat’s book ‘Navaithi of Bhatkal’ was launched on Sunday February 14 at Bhatkal’s historic site ‘Nawje Fatar’, Mushma Street, where the author shared her impressions quoting a language is like a window. When we peek and see what is inside, the people inside the window will open the door when they see us outside. The Nawayati people opened the door of the house for me, took me inside and informed me about their language.
Addressing the Nawayath community, she said that we should be proud of our language, the Nawayath community has its own culture, the people here are mostly educated and the way of life is different from others. Nawayath is a community that goes to any corner of the world, wherever they go to earn money, they come back to Bhatkal, spend their money here, build their house here, this is what makes a community strong. She said, “I became interested in learning about the Nawayati language when my father told me that the Muslims of Bhatkal have a different Konkani language.
“After researching how Bhatkal’s Nawayati is spoken, what are the rules of Nawayati language, I have penned a book and opened a window for people, which will help more people to come forward,” she added.
On the occasion, she recited the poem ‘Apauta Amka Gaon Ya’ in her melodic voice, which was written by the well-known Nawayati poet Shabbir Baida.
Addressing the welcome speech, Gurudat Bantawal, said, “After every 15 km there is a slight change in the language. He said that no matter how many languages ??are spoken in India, there is a similarity in all languages. According to him, the language spoken by the Nawayath people is called Nawayati. The language spoken by the people in Gujarat is Gujarati, the language of the people living in Punjab is Punjabi, the language of the Kashmir people is Kashmiri. The language of the people where they live is named after their respective area. Similarly, the language spoken in Konkan areas is called Konkani.
He gave a brief introduction of ‘Vishwa Konkani Kendra’, and said that through this center established in 2009, research is being done in different languages ??of Konkani and those who do research on Konkani language, Konkani people or Konkani society are given fellowships.
The book ‘Navaiti of Bhatkal’ was launched by the president of Nawayath Mehfil, Jan Abdul Rahman Mohtasham. Maulana Ilyas Jakti Nadvi, Pradeep Pai and Atiqur Rahman Muniri, who were present as guests expressed their views on the occasion.
The programme, organized jointly by Nawayath Mehfil, Sunshine Sports Center and Vishwa Konkani Kendra, began with the recitation of Holy Quran in Nawayati and Kannada translation, followed by Naat. Sunshine’s anthem was also sung on the occasion and well-known Nawayati poet Samiullah Barmawar recited a poem of his own. Vishwa Konkani Kendra’s president Waman Shenai presided over the function. Atiqur Rahman Shabandari compered the programme.
Qamar Sada, Maulana Abdul Aleem Qasmi, Sunshine Sports Center general secretary Qaisar Mohtasham, Siddique Ismail, Jafar Mohtasham, K V Kharvi, Vasant Kharvi, Pooja V Naik, Zubair Jukaku, and many others were present onstage.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / February 15th, 2021
The annual social gathering of Anjuman Boys’ High School (ABHS) was celebrated on the Anjumanbad campus, Bhatkal. During the event, the ‘Viqaur-e-Anjuman’ Gold Medal award was presented to the outstanding student for the year 2023-24.
The ‘Viquar-e-Anjuman’ award was conferred to Mohammed Mohtesham S/o Mohammed Sajid Mohtesham. Mohammed Tanoof S/o Mohammed Taha Channa, and Mohammed Afeef S/o Rayees Farooqi, were awarded the Silver Medal as the runners-up for ‘Viqaur-e-Anjuman.’
The Chief Guest of the function, Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Imam and Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of the world. He highlighted the significance of the current educational period in students’ lives and urged them to recognize its importance.
Maulana also encouraged students to strive for excellence and continuous improvement, stressing the need for them to nurture big dreams and envision a future where they can make a positive impact on society. He recommended that students delve into the biographies of great personalities who have achieved remarkable success in their lives.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Usman Ubaid Jubapau, a Chartered Accountant, emphasized the pivotal roles of communication and technology in today’s world. He expressed the opinion that social media should not be merely used for entertainment but should serve as a platform for “edutainment” or “informatainment,” promoting knowledge acquisition.
Mr. Jubapau advised parents not to impose their ambitions on their children but rather allow them to make choices for themselves. Addressing the management, he highlighted the rapid advancements in technology and emphasized the need for staying updated. Mr. Jubapau also recommended the implementation of career counseling and guidance programs and workshops for students to enhance their career prospects. He stressed the importance of regularly conducting such sessions for the betterment of students’ future careers.
In the morning session, Maulana Syed Salik Barmawar Nadvi, Teacher of Jamia Islamia, was present as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. Meanwhile, several students were awarded trophies, certificates, and cash prizes for their performance and achievements in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities during the academic year.
The program, presided over by the Vice-president of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, Mohammed Sadique Pillore, commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Abubaker Siddique Ruknuddin, followed by a Naat sung by Mohammed Jukaku. Maulana Abdul Hafeez Miftahi welcomed the guests, Ahmed Arif Akrami introduced the guests, and Headmaster Abdullah Umer Ruknuddin presented their school’s annual report. Jareer Hassan Shoupa delivered the vote of thanks.
On the dais, Chief Qazi Martkazi Khaleefa Jamaatul Muslimeen Bhatkal, Maulana Khaja Mohinuddin Akrami Madni, Additional Secretary Ishaque Shabandri, Secretary School Board Sadullah Ruknuddin, and many others were present.
source: http://www.sahilonline.org / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by SO News Service / December 31st, 2023
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
Tucked between the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea and the lush green canopy of the Western Ghats lies a jewel of a town – Bhatkal.
A place where coconut palms sway in the ocean breeze, where the call to prayer echoes through the valleys, and where the scent of cardamom-laced biryani mingles with the salty sea air. But beyond its scenic charm and poetic quietude, Bhatkal tells an inspiring story – a story of legacy, faith, culture, and a deep-rooted commitment to education.
Once a humble trading post frequented by Arab merchants, Bhatkal today is a dynamic blend of history and modernity. Its people, mostly of Arab descent, still carry the flame of their forefathers – traders who braved the seas, settled in distant lands, and left behind more than just wealth. They bequeathed a way of life, a sense of community, and a passion for learning that continues to flourish in remarkable ways.
Imagine waking up to a view where mist-kissed mountains tumble into spice-scented fields, only to meet a coastline where waves pound golden sands under the watchful gaze of age-old palms. That’s Bhatkal – not just a town, but a canvas painted with the green of the hills, the blue of the sea, and the gold of tradition. And amid this natural splendour, an educational movement has quietly taken root – transforming lives and reaffirming the town’s historic role as a cradle of knowledge and cultural resilience.
A Legacy Carried on the Tides
The story begins not just in Bhatkal, but far beyond – across the seas in the Gulf. Over the last five decades, thousands of Bhatkalis migrated to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait – carrying with them their culture, values, and a remarkable sense of unity. Wherever they went, they established Jamaats (community organisations), which became lifelines of cultural preservation and mutual support.
But by the 1990s, community elders noticed a worrying trend. Amid the glitz of Gulf jobs and the comfort of petro-dollar salaries, education was beginning to take a back seat. Young boys were dropping out after high school, opting to join the workforce early. The allure of quick earnings began to eclipse the pursuit of knowledge.
It was then that the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council – an umbrella body of 11 Gulf-based Bhatkali Jamaats – decided to act.
The Birth of the Rabita Educational Award
The Council launched the Rabita Educational Award to rekindle academic ambition among Bhatkali youth. It wasn’t just about giving away medals or cash – it was about igniting pride, ambition, and a sense of purpose. The idea was simple: if we honour excellence, others will strive for it.
When the initiative began 30 years ago, the bar was modest. Students securing 65-70% were among the awardees. Yet even then, it was revolutionary. For the first time, young boys and girls felt seen and celebrated, and parents began to regard education as a shared community value.
Fast forward to today: Rabita Award winners score as high as 98% and above. This year, the difference between the topper and the runner-up was a mere 0.0375%. That’s not a gap – it’s a heartbeat.
This Year’s Celebration: A Festival of Learning
The 2025 Rabita Award Ceremony, held on 24th July at the sprawling grounds of Anjuman Islamiah Anglo-Urdu High School, was nothing short of majestic.
Even as rain poured steadily over the coastal town, the people of Bhatkal gathered in full strength. The makeshift auditorium overflowed with parents, teachers, and well-wishers – proving once again that no weather can dampen a community’s spirit when the cause is education. The stage, draped in the colours of Bhatkal’s spirit, welcomed an audience of thousands – parents, educators, students, and dignitaries.
Dr. Saud Alam Qasmi, a respected professor from Aligarh Muslim University and member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, addressed the gathering. His words resonated deeply:
“The United Nations declared education a basic human right in 1947. But 1,450 years ago, Islam declared: ‘Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.’”
His speech wove together spiritual insight and modern urgency, urging families to view education not as a luxury, but as both a sacred duty and a social necessity.
Joining him was Karnataka State Minister Mankal Vaidya, who praised Bhatkal’s educational institutions and pledged full support for establishing a medical college – recognising that Anjuman already offers nearly every other academic faculty.
More Than Medals: The Power of Encouragement
This year, 35 students across SSLC, PUC, and degree levels were honoured with gold medals and thoughtful gifts. Among them, female students once again outshone their peers, capturing two-thirds of the recognitions – a heartening sign of changing mindsets and growing gender parity in education.
The Best School Award continues to be named after Janab Usman Hassan, the legendary headmaster of Islamia Anglo High School, who worked tirelessly to promote education in Bhatkal. A pioneer in his own right, he laid the foundation for a culture of academic excellence that still echoes through the town’s institutions.
In a meaningful addition this year, the Best Teacher Award was named after Janab Syed Khaleelur Rahman Sahib, the very same visionary celebrated in the tribute volume “Iftikhar-e-Qaum Janab SM Khaleelur Rahman”. From his Gulf office in Dubai, he dreamt of uplifting his people through knowledge – and worked quietly but tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
Though he now rests in the desert sands of Arabia, his legacy continues to bloom each year in the smiles and successes of the awardees he once imagined. Honouring him through the Best Teacher Award is both a tribute and a reminder that behind every great student is a teacher who believed in their potential.
This year’s recognitions reflected that enduring vision.
Ali Public School (Girls) received the Best School title, led by their standout student Hafsa Bint Hafeezullah, who scored an impressive 98.04%.
The Best Teacher honour went to Ms. Fatima Wida Siddiqui of Noonahal Central School, recognised for her outstanding dedication to education.
District toppers such as Shagufta Anjum (Urdu) and Bhoomika (English) were also felicitated, symbolising the inclusive spirit of academic celebration that the Rabita Awards embody.
Why This Model Deserves to Be Replicated
In an age when education is increasingly commodified, where coaching institutes manufacture toppers and commercial schools chase ranks, the Rabita model stands apart.
It is community-funded, value-driven, and inclusive. It celebrates the bright, uplifts the average, and motivates the struggling. It views education not merely as individual success, but as a shared legacy and a community responsibility.
The Rabita Award isn’t just a medal; it’s a signal fire – telling every child, “We see you. We believe in you. We’re with you.”
Imagine This in Every Town
What if every small town like Bhatkal decided to invest in its children this way?
What if the diaspora of Hyderabad, Azamgarh, Kutch, or Kolkata pooled their earnings not just for lavish marriages and luxury homes, but for educational dreams?
What if every community – regardless of faith, culture, or geography – told its youth: “We are proud of your academic journey. Keep going. We’re watching. We care.”
Communities that value knowledge rise. Those that don’t, perish slowly.
A Lesson from the Sea and the Ghats
Just like the waves of the Arabian Sea, education must be relentless – always pushing, always reshaping. And like the roots of the Western Ghats, it must be deep, nourishing generations, and anchoring identity against the floods of time.
Bhatkal is not just a place; it’s a model of what’s possible when community, culture, and commitment converge.
As the sun sets behind its palm-draped shores, one truth becomes clear:
Awards don’t just honour achievers. They create them.
Let This Be Your Takeaway
If you’re reading this in another town, another country, another community – know this: you too can start your Rabita. You too can plant the seeds of pride, perseverance, and purpose in your youth.
Start small. Honour the top three in your school. Involve your elders. Call the students to the stage. Clap for them. Gift them a medal. Take their picture. Tell the story. And do it again next year.
That’s how legacies begin.
And who knows? One day, someone may write about your town the way we write about Bhatkal – a place where the sea sings songs of learning, and the mountains stand tall in witness to dreams fulfilled.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa / July 26th, 2025
