Tag Archives: Indian Muslims – Positive News

Professor Badiur Rahman – An Exemplary Personality

Hooghly / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL:

Professor Badiur Rahman, former Head of the Department of Arabic and Persian, University of Calcutta, a well-known educationist, celebrated writer, accomplished journalist, prominent Islamic scholar and a beloved teacher passed away in Kolkata on September 19, 2023.

He was scion of an illustrious and religious family of district Hooghly of West Bengal. His father Abdur Rahman was also an MBBS and associated with Tablighi Jamat.

He got his basic education at Darul Uloom Pandua, Hooghly, West Bengal. Thereafter, he did Alim in 1967 and Fazil in 1969 respectively from Madrasa Alia, Calcutta. He derived considerable benefits from a galaxy of eminent Islamic scholars over there. Especially, he achieved immense academic gains from noted Islamic scholars like Maulana Abu Mahfuz Karim Masumi and Maulana Rahatullah Azhari. After that, he did his B.A. (Hons) in 1974 and M.A. in 1976 respectively from University of Calcutta. He also did L.L.B and Ph.D therefrom.

Professor Badiur Rahman was an institution in himself. He was a familiar figure among the intellectual circles throughout India. Due to his extraordinary knowledge and being a paragon of morality, he carved a niche in the temple of fame. He had a say at the University of Calcutta. Despite being an Islamic scholar, he considerably impressed all faculty members, including VCs of University of Calcutta. Because of his profound knowledge of different languages, noble qualities and sublime norms everyone held him in high esteem.

Visiting Professor of Alia University, Kolkata, Dr. Rahman was also on the Senate and Syndicate of Calcutta University and Ph.D. Communities, Calcutta University and Alia University. He was also Ex-Chairman of PG Board of Studies in Arabic, Calcutta University, and U.G.B.O.S in Arabic, Kalyani University.

My acquaintance with Professor Badiur Rahman
I think it was during the summer of 2009 when I first met him. The meet was actually regarding my Ph.D admission at University of Calcutta. Dr. Masihur Rahman, now professor at Alia University, Kolkata introduced me to him. Since then till his last breath, I remained in touch with him. I am fortunate enough to have done my Ph.D. under his supervision and guidance. He always treated me like his brother. Whenever I met him, I gained immense inspiration from him. Despite being a celebrated scholar, he was devoid of arrogance.

As a Teacher
Professor Badiur Rahman started his teaching career as a lecturer at the University of Calcutta in 1983 and retired in 2016. Even after his retirement, he kept on teaching as a visiting faculty in the University of Calcutta and Alia University, Kolkata. He always proved himself as a selfless and dedicated teacher. He was an embodiment of all sublime qualities and virtues necessary for a good teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented. It was his sword which he wielded so effectively that very few persons could match him. During lectures he pointed out such subtle points as students could not help without being impressed with him. He left an indelible mark in the domain of the teaching profession.

Undoubtedly, he was a beloved teacher. He was fondly described as B.R. Sir by his students. Scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him. His talk was very touching. He met everyone cheerfully. His deep knowledge of comparative studies made him popular among his contemporaries. His learning was varied and profound. His personality was many-sided and balanced.

Right from the beginning, he was laborious and punctual. He was a man of transparent heart. No doubt, his extraordinary scholarship and erudition brought him wide reputation and fame. His main mission was to spread education. He left a galaxy of pupils behind him who impart education and work in various fields in and out of India. In fact, it is an everlasting tribute to him.

Dr. Badiur Rahman and Dr. Taha Husayn
Dr. Rahman was an ardent admirer of Dr. Taha Husayn. He had vast knowledge about Dr. Taha. He did not only study all his books but he digested them. He also wrote a book titled, “Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn” published by Mazhar Education and Welfare Society, Malda.

Maulana Alauddin Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow wrote in the Preface of the said book, “To a great extent Dr. Badiur Rahman tried to introduce Dr. Taha Husayn in the Introduction to his book. The author regards Dr. Taha as a born critic. He presented Taha’s thoughts in a lucid way. To clear his viewpoints, he propounded various references from Dr. Taha’s books. Besides, he holds Taha as a moderate critic to the core.”

He had also done several research works on the first Nobel Laurate in the Arabic language Dr. Naguib Mahfouz.

Dr. Badiur Rahman and Rabindra Nath Tagore

Like Dr. Taha, Dr. Rahman was also a fan of Rabindranath Tagore. He wrote various articles and short stories on Tagore’s life and works in Arabic. And thus he introduced him in the Arabic World.

It should be noted that Dr. Rahman participated in different national and international seminars and exhibited his scholarly caliber there.

Because of his outstanding and remarkable services to the Arabic language and literature, he was conferred the President Award in 2018.

As a Writer
Dr. Rahman was a prolific writer. He wrote several books on different subjects. Some of his major publications are:

  • History of Arabic Literature (Pre-Islamic Period)
  • Textbook for B.A. Arabic (Hons.) Calcutta University
  • Textbook for B.A. General, Calcutta University
  • Essays On Dr. Taha Husayn

Besides, he had 31 research articles in Arabic, English, Urdu and Bengali published in different literary journals. He had earned distinction in Belles Letters, short stories, poetry in English, Arabic and Bengali. He had long experience of research guidance in Arabic. He had examined about 26 theses and 15 M.Phil dissertations of various universitas of India and abroad.

Truly speaking, the comprehensive knowledge and intellectual brilliance of Dr. Rahman had been acknowledged by his contemporaries.

Describing his yeomen services, Professor Mohammad Noman Khan, former Head of the Department of Arabic Delhi University stated that the passing away of Dr. Badiur Rahman was a personal loss to him. He played a leading role in spreading the Arabic language in West Bengal. He gave new impetus to the students of W.B.

Professor Sanaullah Nadwi, Head of the Department of Arabic said, “Dr. Badiur Rahman was a highly qualified person and he was an emblem of morality. Everyone who observed him very closely would testify it. He also described his outstanding contribution in the field of education.

Similarly, Professor Ashfaq Ahmad Nadwi Head of the Department of Arabic Banaras Hindu University stated that Almighty Allah bestowed upon him different qualities. His personality was a marvellous amalgamation of teacher, writer and guide par excellence. Besides, he was a righteous, God-fearing and pious personality.

Dr. Rahman’s death caused a great vacuum. His myriad contributions to promotion and propagation of the Arabic language and literature will always be remembered. He is survived by his wife.

Thousands of his admirers thronged to attend the last rite of the departed soul. He was buried at Ghobra-1 Graveyard, of Park Circus Kolkata. May Allah adorn his grave with luminosity and refulgence and grant peace to his soul. Aameen!

[The writer is Faculty Member, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Dr. Obaidur Rahman Nadwi / Radiance News Bureau / September 24th, 2023

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhary receives Imam Gazzali Award

Kozhikode, KERALA :

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhary receiving the prestigious Imam Gazzali Award

New Delhi :

For his tireless endeavors to propel Islamic jurisprudence forward while spearheading transformative social initiatives, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhary, the Managing Director of Markaz Knowledge City, has been bestowed with the Hujjathul Islam Imam Gazzali Award for the year 2023.

This prestigious honor is presented by the Darul Maarif Islamic Center under the esteemed leadership of Kodambuzha Bava Musliar. Award committee lauds Dr. Azhari’s innovative ideas that have significantly contributed to the resurgence of Ahle-Sunnah principles and played a pivotal role in societal reforms.

Dr. Azhary distinguishes himself as a dynamic force committed to more than replicating established norms, actively identifying and addressing gaps in social reforms, particularly in rural areas across the expanse of India. His visionary leadership has not only garnered global attention but has been instrumental in implementing impactful initiatives to bridge these social divides strategically.

Drawing from his extensive global experiences, Dr. Azhari has tailored his developmental approach for economically challenged communities in pan India. His initiatives transcend geographical boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on diverse societal sectors, from the tribal regions of Wayanad in the south to Uthrakand in the north.

Under Dr. Azhary’s guidance, Markaz Garden, and its off-campuses scattered across India, alongside the monumental Markaz Knowledge City, have risen as bastions of knowledge and inclusivity. These institutions, underpinned by Islamic teachings, attract individuals from all walks of life, breaking down barriers of caste, sectarianism, and creed, truly embodying the essence of Islam.

Dr. Azhari’s organizational prowess, evident from a relatively young age, is underscored by his appointment as the General Secretary of the SYS. His leadership acumen shone particularly bright when faced with the challenge of Sheik Aboobaker Ahmed’s illness, where he seamlessly steered Markaz towards its mission, exemplifying unwavering commitment

In essence, the conferment of the Imam Hujjathul Islam Gazzali Award upon Dr. Abdul Hakeem Azhary is a testament to his steadfast dedication to the rejuvenation of Islamic religious sciences and his profound impact on societal development. His visionary approach and global perspective breathe new life into the traditional landscape, rendering him a truly deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / January 10th, 2024

Assam cop Moinul Islam pens poetry, essays on humanism

ASSAM:

DIG Moinul Islam Mandal on duty
DIG Moinul Islam Mandal on duty

For a cop toughened by years of dealing with criminals, writing soft stories may seem an oxymoron of sorts. But for Moinul Islam Mandal, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Dergaon Police Training College, there is no antithesis as his writings stem from the core belief that the “Truth will always prevail” and the perception that all religions are in harmony.

Having authored 18 essays that were compiled in a book, Aapun Jibonor Ortho Bisari (Finding the meaning of life). Mandal said that his essays are experiences and ideas that he garnered during his career as a policeman.

“These experiences molded my thought processes. The ideas germinated during my time as a policeman,” he said.

Moinul Islam Mandal during a book release function

Mandal said that most of his essays are based on the premise that the truth would always prevail –and he had attempted to offer both a scientific and philosophical reason behind this in his essays.

Citing an example he said that he had drawn a parallel of the human being with a computer. – “the organs are the hardware, what is imprinted in the brain is the software and our soul is the driver.”

His first essay was on the coronavirus, written during the lockdowns after the pandemic was declared in 2020 and there was plenty of time to write at the Dergaon PTC.

DIG Moinul Islam Mandal during a security operation

Mandal defines the Coronavirus in relation to nature and humans.

“It is about how the universe is run by natural law and that humans are also ruled by this same law. It also depicts how religion cannot be a separate entity from nature but is only an extended part of nature,” he said. This essay received a lot of feedback after it was published in the Asomiya Pratidin, an Assamese language newspaper.

“It encouraged me to write more and he wrote 17 more essays which were published in the newspaper,” Mandal said. And thus from a man who used to dabble in poetry, Mandal evolved into writing in-depth on soul-stirring topics.

Mandal said that he compiled the essays in a book after former IPS officer Pallab Bhattacharyya called him from Delhi to tell him how much he liked one of the essays, The Afghan Snow…   “I thought that over time, these essays would get lost, so I decided to preserve them in a book,” he said.

Explaining the title of the book, he said, “I had my perception of what life is. Likewise, everyone has his or her definition of life, and there are similarities of the thought process, a universality which everyone can relate to that I try to bring out in my writings, ” he said. Six of his essays in the book deal with the oneness of Hinduism and Islam.

Former deputy commissioner Ajit Kumar Bordoloi who released the book along with former Asam Sahitya Sabha president Dr Basanta Goswami said that these essays explore the relationship of religion with man, the Hindu Muslim divide, and the 19th essay in the book, Mussalman ne Muslim Manaxikota, needs the courage to write.

DIG Moinul Islam Mandal saluting the National Flag 

“People are now so involved in the religious rituals and this has polluted religion to such an extent that humanity which forms the basis of all religions has been suppressed to near extinction,” he said.

There is nothing different between Hindus and Muslims. With my knowledge of Islam and on the reading of the Gita I did not find anything that was against humanity. We are all humane and equal human beings. It is only after we divide ourselves into castes, religions, or languages that we become polluted,” he added.

Tracing his journey as a writer, he said that it all began during his college days in the Assam Agricultural University when he used to write poems and put them up on the wall of his hostel room. The other students encouraged me to write in the college magazine.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Smita Bhattacharyya, Jorhat / February 2022

Mountaineer, AI scientist, among 19 children awarded with PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024

INDIA:

source: pib.gov.in

New Delhi:

A nine-year-old mountaineer, a young AI scientist, a specially abled painter and a ‘Google boy’ were among the 19 children who were conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 on Monday.

President Droupadi Murmu presented the national awards to them for their exceptional achievements.

Among the winners is Aaditya Vijay Brahmane, 12, from Maharashtra, who was awarded posthumously for his extraordinary act of courage. He sacrificed his life to rescue his cousins Harsh and Shlok from drowning in a river while playing.

Aryan Singh, 17, from Rajasthan is another remarkable recipient of the award. Singh ingeniously developed an Agrobot, an artificial intelligence-powered robot aimed at simplifying the lives of farmers by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

In Chhattisgarh, Armaan Ubhrani, also known as the ‘Google boy’, has earned the award for his outstanding prowess in mathematics and science. At the tender age of six, Ubhrani has achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the youngest author of a book series and solving 100 multiplication sums, garnering recognition both nationally and internationally.

In the domain of art and culture, eight-year-old Anushka Pathak from Uttar Pradesh has established herself in ‘Katha Vachan’ (religious text narration). Following in her esteemed father’s footsteps, Pathak has captivated audiences across 22 states with her performances, becoming a recognised figure in the spiritual realm.

Arijeet Banerjee, 13, from West Bengal, a prodigy in playing the traditional Pakhawaj, has made an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Having performed at prestigious events like the International Dhrupad Festival, Banerjee has received accolades such as the Bharat Ratna M S Subbulakshmi Fellowship and the Asia Book of Records.

Despite facing severe cerebral palsy, 13-year-old Hetvi Kantibhai Khimsuriya from Gujarat has displayed extraordinary artistic abilities, creating 250 works of free-hand painting, receiving numerous awards, and selflessly donating her monthly disability pension to support differently abled children.

Ishfaq Hamid, 12, from Jammu and Kashmir has become a maestro of Rabab and Matka, receiving accolades during various festivals and being honoured with the Bhai Mardana National Award in 2020.

Md Hussain, 16, from Bihar has excelled in handcrafted arts, winning accolades in state and national-level competitions, and even presenting his indigenous toys to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ programme.

Pendyala Laxmi Priya, 14, from Telangana is a Kuchipudi dancer, winning the Kala Utsav National Award 2023 in the classical dance category and holding titles like ‘Laasyapriya’.

In the realm of innovation, 16-year-old Suhani Chauhan from Delhi has developed ‘SO-APT’, a solar-powered agriculture vehicle, offering an impressive solution for sustainable farming.

Despite obstacles associated with Down syndrome, nine-year-old Avnish Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh trekked Mount Everest base camp at the age of seven and received the Shresth Divyang Bal Puraskar in 2022 for his exceptional social service.

Nine-year-old Garima from Haryana, a visually impaired girl, is dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children through her initiative called ‘Sakshar Pathshala’.

AWARDEES OF PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA BAL PURASKAR-2024

Sr. No.NameStateCategory
1.Aaditya   Vijay             Bramhane (posthumous)MaharashtraBravery
2.Anushka PathakUttar PradeshArt & Culture
3.Arijeet BanerjeeWest BengalArt & Culture
4.Armaan UbhraniChattisgarhArt & Culture
5.Hetvi Kantibhai KhimsuriyaGujaratArt & Culture
6.Ishfaq HamidJammu & KashmirArt & Culture
7.Md HussainBiharArt & Culture
8.Pendyala Laxmi PriyaTelanganaArt & Culture
9.Suhani ChauhanDelhiInnovation
10.Aryan SinghRajasthanScience                    & Technology
11.Avnish TiwariMadhya PradeshSocial Service
12.GarimaHaryanaSocial Service
13.Jyotsna AktarTripuraSocial Service
14.Saiyam MazumderAssamSocial Service
15.Aaditya YadavUttar PradeshSports
16.Charvi AKarnatakaSports
17.Jesicca Neyi SaringArunachal PradeshSports
18.Linthoi ChanambamManipurSports
19.R Surya PrasadAndhra PradeshSports
source: youtube.com / pib.gov.in

source: http://www.millenniumpost.in / Millennium Post / Home> Nation / by Team MP (headline edited) / edited with inclusion of full chart of awardees and you tube video and photograph source – pib.gov.in / January 22nd, 2024

Adil Qadri’s ‘attar’ concept creates waves in ‘Shark Tank India 3’

Bilimora, GUJARAT:

Adil Qadri's 'Attar' Concept Makes Waves on 'Shark Tank India 3' | - Times  of India

Mumbai (IANS) :

The season three of the business reality show ‘Shark Tank India’ will see a self-made entrepreneur Adil Qadri, who has introduced the Sharks to a desi way of using attars.

Despite failing school in fourth grade due to asthma, Adil’s business has processed a whopping 10 lakh orders, averaging 3,000 per day.

From a software repairer to an SEO expert, he’s now the face of a brand that’s putting Bilimora on the map. Indeed, Adil proceeded to establish a business, defying the odds posed by his asthma.

His brand ‘ADILQADRI’ introduces a new way of using attars, emphasising long-lasting effects and premium packaging. However, Rs 6 crore debt sparks conflict among the Sharks.

Talking about his experience on ‘Shark Tank India’, Adil Qadri (Founder and CEO) said: “Appearing on Shark Tank India with our brand ADILQADRI was a whirlwind, a roller coaster of emotions and opportunities. The intense pitch sharpened my ability to face sharks’ questions and honed my strategic thinking.”

“Their feedback provided invaluable insights for refining my business model. The experience underscored the importance of composure in high-stakes situations, molding me into a resilient and articulate entrepreneur,” he added.

‘Shark Tank India 3’ will soon air on Sony LIV.

–IANS / sp/prw

source: http://www.bhaskarlive.in / Bhaskar Live / Home> Entertainment / by IANS / January 18th, 2024

Two lakh Muslim youth take to Kerala streets to mark 50 years of student group

Kannur, KERALA:

Over one and half lakh Muslim youth took the streets of Kerala’s Kannur on Saturday, marking the golden jubilee of the Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF).

The SSF was formed in Kerala on 29 April 1973 under the patronage of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad. It is affiliated to All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama.

Over two lakh students and youth attended the public conference at Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur.

“It is the largest student assemblage in the country, which marked the rise and proclamation of the energetic sustenance of a moral student commune capable of leading the nation with secular values and ethical principles,” said Muslim scholar and the student body’s patron Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad.

Ahmad while inaugurating the valedictory session of the six day conference urged the state and Union governments to act against the hatred and communal disharmony.

Ahmad also demanded the ban of ‘The Kerala Story,’ a Hindutva propaganda movie which falsely claims that the southern Indian state is a hub of ‘love jihad.’

The theme of the conference was “Nammal Indian Janata” which translates to “We, the people of India”.

The main entrance to the conference was designed to resemble the Bab-e-Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the main gate of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. The construction of the conference gate also served as a pointed response to the Hindu nationalist government’s decision to exclude the great Muslim figure’s contributions from school textbooks.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob / Home> India> Latest News> South India / by Maktoob Media Staff / April 29th, 2023