Tag Archives: Muslim Padma Shri of India

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

KERALA:

Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country and the first woman to be elevated to the Supreme Court of an Asian country.

Late Supreme Court judge Justice Fathima M Beevi awarded Padma Bhushan

The first woman to be a judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice M Fathima Beevi, was on Thursday posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Justice Beevi received India’s third-highest civilian award in the field of Public Affairs.

The former Supreme Court judge passed away aged 96 in November last year. Justice Beevi was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to the higher judiciary in the country.

She was born in Kerala in 1927 and her father encouraged her to study law. In 1950, she topped the Bar Council exam becoming the first woman to receive a Bar Council gold medal.

She started her career as an advocate in Kerala and worked her way up to become a district and sessions judge in 1974. In 1980, she joined the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and was appointed as a High Court judge in 1983.

She made history in 1989 by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

As a Supreme Court judge, she became the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court judge in Asia.

After retiring in 1993, she had served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and then as Governor of Tamil Nadu.

She had resigned from the post of Governor of Tamil Nadu after rejecting the mercy petitions filed by four condemned prisoners in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Read more about the former judge here.

source: http://www.barandbench.com / Bar and Bench / Home> News / by Bar and Bench / January 27th, 2024

Padma Shri: The journey of Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad from village to Padma Shri, know the story of Lal of Bikaner

Tejrasar Village (Bikaner),RAJASTHAN / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

The land of Bikaner is very rich in art and culture and it has given uncountable diamonds of talent not only to the country but to the world. Bollywood musicians Ali and Ghani have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the country’s fourth highest honor.

Maand singers Bandhu Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammad from Rajasthan were awarded the Padma Shri.

Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad Padmshree: The Padma Awards for the year 2024 were announced on the eve of Republic Day. President Droupadi Murmu announced the Padma awards to 132 personalities, including five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awardees. The shortlist for this year’s Padma awards includes impersonator Jankilal and Dhrupad singer Laxman Bhatt Tailang from Rajasthan.

Maand singers Bandhu Ali Mohammad and Gani Mohammad from Rajasthan and road safety activist Maya Tandon have also been given the Padma Shri award.

Ali Mohammad and Ghani Mohammad brothers, who live in Bikaner, will jointly receive this award.

Ali-Ghani was completely dedicated to music

The land of Bikaner is very rich in art and culture and it has given uncountable diamonds of talent not only to the country but to the world. In every field, the personalities of Bikaner have proved their mettle. Be it music, art, literature, painting, Bikaner has been rich in every field. Bikaner has established its own place in music and Bollywood. Pakeezah composer Ghulam Muhammad, lyricists Bharat Vyas, Rafiq Sagar, Raja Hassan and Ali-Ghani have all dedicated their all to music.

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Inherited music

But here is the talk of Bollywood musicians Ali and Ghani, who have been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India, the fourth highest honor of the country. Born in Tejrasar village of Bikaner, brothers Ali and Ghani inherited music. His father Sirajuddin himself was a great knowledge of music, due to the death of Ali-Ghani’s wife in childhood, the responsibility of upbringing was on his father. While father Sirajuddin trained him to become a great person, he also inherited the legacy of music.

Struggle in Mumbai

As the mousiki became mastery, the desire to come out of a completely backward village Tejrasar and build a house in a big place also started shaking in the heart. At the age of youth, both brothers turned to Kolkata and from there traveled to the city of dreams, Mumbai. Ali and Ghani, who lived a difficult life in the village since childhood, did not find it strange to struggle in Mumbai and the struggle gradually brought success, the eyes of Bollywood musicians and directors fell on them.

During the struggle, the two brothers started singing together

Ali-Ghani had to starve several times during the conflict. In a metro city like Mumbai, many kilometers had to be traveled on foot. But he remembered the difficult life in the village. Therefore, the struggle of Mumbai seemed to him a game. During this time, the two brothers started singing together and made the basis of their singing Mand raga, which is considered to be the most popular raga of western Rajasthan. The most important raga in the Bikaner region is Mand and not only Rajasthani folk music has been sung on it, but the king of ghazal singing like Mehdi Hassan also made Mand the basis of his ghazals. Inspired by them, Ali and Ghani also decorated their Gulukari with the beauty of the mand.

Mastery in classical music

Ali-Ghani, who received his basic training in music from his father, the late Sirajuddin Khan, has a great influence in classical music. Both brothers received classical music education from Ustad Munawar Ali Khan and Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Both are known in the country and abroad as film composers and singers.

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Lata and Asha Bhosle get blessings

Associated with All India Radio since 1981, the brothers have directed music in many films, including Hindi, Rajasthani and Punjabi films. Apart from this, many albums of Naat, Bhajan and Rajasthani folk songs have also been released. Ali and Gani have also decorated the ghazals of big singers like Pankaj Udas, Sadhana Sargam, Chandan Das, Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal and Hans Raj Hans with their music. These big Gulukars have also sung under the direction of Ali-Ghani. Even the nightingale of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle have been blessing Ali-Ghani.

Said – talent got value

Ali and Ghani, who came out of Tejrasar and shined as stars in the glare of Mumbai, have been honored with many awards. Sixty-year-old Ali and sixty-two-year-old Ghani have not moved away politely even after receiving the Padma Shri. On receiving the Padma Shri award, he thanks Allah and says that there is still more to go.

He credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bikaner MP and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for this honor. It is said that the BJP government appreciated our talent and awarded the Padma Shri, also very humbly thanking NDTV, Ali and Ghani say that this channel first informed us and showed us all over the country.

source: http://www.rajasthan.ndtv.in / NDTV Hindi / Home> Sacrifice> Pride of Rajasthan / by Dr Nasir Zaidi / edited by Sachin Samar (and Translated in English) / January 26th, 2024

Ghulam Nabi Dar carves his legacy with Padma Shri brilliance

‘Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Ghulam Nabi Dar carves his legacy with Padma Shri brilliance
SRINAGAR, JAN 27 (UNI):- Ghulam Nabi Dar, a 72-year-old master craftsman from Srinagar nominated with the Padma Shri for his contribution to wood carving, in Srinagar on Saturday. (With URDU Story) UNI PHOTO-13U

Srinagar :

In Srinagar, where the echo of chisels against wood harmonizes with the whispers of history, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a venerable 72-year-old maestro, has carved his way into the distinguished realm of the Padma Shri.

His unwavering dedication to the delicate dance between chisel and wood spans over six decades, a testament to the enduring love affair with his craft.

Through the rhythmic strokes of his skilled hands, Ghulam Nabi Dar has woven a narrative in wood, earning him a constellation of accolades that now converge in the dazzling brilliance of the Padma Shri.

The announcement of this national honor on the eve of the country’s 75th Republic Day crowns a lifetime of commitment, marking not just a personal triumph but a harmonious resonance with the nation’s celebratory spirit.

On January 27, the air in Dana Mazar Safakadal resonated with the symphony of celebration as the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir orchestrated a commendation ceremony at the residence of the venerable Ghulam Nabi Dar.

 The purpose was to pay homage to his latest jewel in the crown – the Padma Shri, a resplendent recognition for his unparalleled contributions to the art of wood carving, with a particular mastery in working wonders on walnut.

Ghulam Nabi’s craftsmanship, a beacon of artistic brilliance, has been a steady force in the cultural landscape. The ceremony not only celebrated his recent honor but also showcased his illustrious journey, embellished with previous accolades such as the State Award in 1984 and the National Award in 1995. His artistic footprint extends far beyond the borders, painting a global canvas of appreciation in countries like Iraq, Germany, and Thailand, establishing him as a luminary on the international stage.

The coveted Padma Shri bestowed upon Ghulam Nabi Dar is hailed by many as more than a personal accolade; it’s a potential catalyst for the renaissance of a craft deeply rooted in the history of Kashmir.

 A testament to the resilience of traditions that have endured the test of time, Dar reflects on his arduous journey with a spirit undeterred by adversity.

Born into hardship, Dar’s initiation into wood carving came at a tender age, a refuge from financial turmoil. Despite facing initial rejection from craftsmen unwilling to impart their trade, Dar’s perseverance guided him to Nooruddin Tikoo, a mentor who, despite a paralyzed hand, imparted his knowledge through intricate designs on paper.

Recounting his struggles, Dar narrates being expelled from school at the age of 10 due to his father’s financial losses. His journey led him to a wood carving unit in Sarai Safakadal, sparking an enduring passion for the art form. Determined, he faced rejection from numerous craftspeople but pressed on, thankful for the divine intervention that eventually led him to Tikoo.

As Dar’s artistic journey unfolded, he transcended traditional designs, crafting his own unique pieces inspired by nature. Recognition followed, with a state award in 1984 and an opportunity to showcase his skills in Baghdad during the early 1990s. The pinnacle of his craftsmanship arrived with the National Award in 1995-96.

Amidst the applause, Dar’s happiness resonates through his family. Acknowledging the transformative power of awards, he stresses the importance of government encouragement for artisans, fearing the loss of interest without such support.

Expressing gratitude for the Padma Shri, Dar underscores the critical role of government support in preserving traditional arts. He calls for the establishment of a comprehensive institution or workshop to train and incentivize young artisans, safeguarding the future of wood carving.

With his son following in his footsteps, Dar looks to the horizon with hope, emphasizing the imperative of sustained interest and support from both the government and the public for the seamless continuity of his cherished craft.

source: http://www.morningkashmir.com / Morning Kashmir / Home> Kashmir Latest / by Syed Snober / January 28th, 2024

Padma Award 2024: Special contribution given in the field of handmade carpet, now Khalil Ahmed of Mirzapur received Padma Shri

Mirzapur, UTTAR PRADESH:

Two people in Mirzapur have received the Padma Shri award. The first prize went to folk singer Urmila Srivastava and the second prize went to Khalil Ahmed. He has made a special contribution in the field of handmade durries.

Padma Award 2024 Mirzapur Khalil Ahmed received Padma Shri for made special handmade carpets
Khaleel Ahmed / Photo: Amar Ujala

Thursday was a special day for Mirzapur district from the point of view of art, music and handicrafts. Along with Urmila Srivastava in folk singing, Khalil Ahmed was also selected for the Padma Shri award for his special contribution in the field of Handmade Durry, especially Panja Dari.

75-year-old Khalil, who hails from Imambara area, has not only been associated with the art form for three generations but has enriched it. Khalil was awarded the National Award in 2000 by the then President APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2007, he was awarded the most prestigious award of the Ministry of Textiles, Shilp Guru. His entire family is associated with the carpet business.

His three sons Rustam Sohrab, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jalil Ahmed are also associated with this art. Khaleel Ahmed expressed happiness on receiving the Padma Shri award. He said that this is the result of years of hard work and dedication. He said that this award will empower the new generation to join this genre. Explain that the carpet of Mirzapur has got a GI tag.

GI expert Dr. Rajinikanth said that Mirzapur’s handmade carpet is very special. Khaleel Ahmed has been associated with this task for years and gave it a new height. He wished him all the best for the award.

source: http://www.amarujala.com / Amar Ujala / Home> Hindi News> Uttar Pradesh> Mirzapur News / by Amar Ujala, News Desk (translated from the Hindi edition) / by Pragati Chand / January 26th, 2024

Lucknow’s Naseem Bano receives Padma award; You must have also worn their designed kurtas

Thakurganj , Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH:

Naseem Bano: Naseem Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985.She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for his work, he said.

pix: proiqra.com

Naseem Bano: Uttar Pradesh’s chikankari artisan Naseem Bano has been honored with the Padma Award by the government. “I got a call from Delhi last night informing me that I have been awarded the Padma Shri award. Me and my entire family are very happy with this achievement. We thank the government and our God for this award.”

Naseem Bano, a resident of Thakurganj area in the
state capital, started chikankari at a very young age. She is known for popularising fine chickan embroidery in the Awadh region of the state. Bano said that she learned the art of chikankari from her father Hajan Mirza.

What did Bano say?
“Whatever I am today is because of the support of my family and the education I gave to me through my father. She has tried to keep the tradition of fine chikankari alive and has also made it her goal to spread this tradition to young artisans. “I have trained more than 5,000 chikankari artisans in the art. I hope they will protect this tradition and carry it forward.”

Bano was awarded the state award in the year 1985.
She was also felicitated by the then President R Venkataraman in 1988 for her work, he said. Bano said she has been invited to showcase her art in different cities of the country and in nine countries including the US, Germany, Canada and Oman.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Zee Salaam / by Taushif Alam / pix edited – source: proiqra.com / June 26th, 2024

Aster’s Azad Moopen: ‘Charity work led me to UAE, now I’m a billionaire’

Kalpakancheri (Malappuram District), KERALA / Dubai, U.A.E:

Indian recalls journey from being a fundraiser to rebuild a mosque to emerging a tycoon.

A young Azad Moopen at the inauguration of one of his clinics / Image Credit: Supplied

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dr Azad Moopen came to the UAE in February 1987 to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri in Malappuram district, Kerala.
  • Dr Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai to start a clinic
  • In 2008, Dr Moopen invited a private equity firm to invest in the company and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $100 million.
  • In 2010 and 2011, Dr Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.
  • Aster DM is listed at NSE and BSE

Dubai:

Azad Moopen came to Dubai 34 years ago to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri, in the Malappuram district, Kerala. He needed Rs1 million then, or Dh250,000 as per the currency exchange rate in 1987. The plan was just to collect the funds and return home. He had no intention to settle in the UAE.

Destiny, however, had other plans for Moopen – a gold medallist in general medicine and a lecturer at the Calicut Medical College at the time. Looking back, Moopen said it was this noble intention that perhaps set the background for something big to happen in his life.

Fast forward to today, he is now a household name in the UAE. Just about everybody in the region knows him well as the multi-billion dollar businessman and developer of health-care facilities in the UAE and Asia-Pacific region. He is the chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, a conglomerate in the Middle East and India that Moopen founded in December 1987, just ten months after arriving in the UAE to raise funds for a mosque.

According to a report published in September 2018, he owned and managed 21 hospitals, 113 clinics and 216 pharmacies. The health-care company serves 50,000 patients a day in nine countries. In 2018, Aster treated 17 million patients across all its facilities. Of this these, 15 million patients were from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while two million were from India.

In 2017, Forbes ranked him sixth on the ‘Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE’ list and his total wealth was estimated at approximately $5.9 billion (Dh21.7 billion).

How it all started

“When I finished collecting money for the mosque reconstruction, my job was over in the UAE. It was time to return home, but when I went home, I was not happy. There was something pulling me back to this country as there was magic here,” said Moopen. “In June (1987), I came back on a visit to the UAE. I stayed with a friend in Ajman who was a doctor as well. There were plenty of opportunities for a doctor like me and I was raring to tap into some of them.”

Azad Moopen receives a Lifetime Achievement Award / Image Credit: Supplied

Moopen’s friend was setting up a clinic in Ajman and he invited him to join there as a physician. Back in the day, there were no post-graduate doctors practising in Ajman and Moopen, who was a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and a Doctor of Medicine, with a a Diploma in treating Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), was already highly qualified. In fact, his varied degrees made him quite a sought-after doctor in Ajman.

“But my friend bowled me a googlie, as we say in cricketing terms! He turned around one day and told me to start a clinic in Dubai. To be honest, I thought he did not like me and that’s why he was pushing me away to Dubai. But I took his advice and today, I believe he is my guardian angel. That moment, when I heeded his advise and came to Dubai, it was the turning point in my life. I know now he was a friend, he was a God-sent and he is ‘the person’ in my life.”

No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success.

– Azad Moopen

In December 1987, Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai close to the Port Rashid area. “Port Rashid was one of the main areas in Dubai where there were many ongoing activities. A lot of people worked here and I wanted to serve them.”

He said the consultation charges were between Dh10 and 15. Some people got reimbursement from their companies while others paid the bills from their pocket.

“The challenge, however, was collecting money from some blue collared workers who could not afford to pay even this amount. So every Tuesday we started offering free consultations for half a day. We also kept sample medicines which we gave to these workers.”

Within a year, the clinic started receiving 100 patients a day. There were just two doctors – Moopen and a gynaecologist.

Dr. Azad Moopen receiving an award from late Indian President APJ Kalam / Image Credit: Supplied

“I myself worked from 8 in the morning until mid-night. But it was becoming very congested and we needed to move to a bigger place,” he said. “I found a three-bedroom apartment in Al Rafa and we moved there. We hired two more doctors – both paediatricians. We were able to see more patients as a result.”

By that time in 1988, Moopen was getting a hang of running a health-care facility. “One of the things we discovered early on was that people came to us for consultation, but were picking up medicines from another pharmacy. So, we thought why not make this in-house? And that is how Al Rafa Pharmacy was born.”

Moopen said that in 2008, he had his real brush with success. “Until then, I was just doing my job of opening clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. I was not really counting or sitting down to see and evaluate the success of my business. In 2008, as part of our expansion plans, we invited a private equity firm to invest with us. They valued our company at $100 million and that reality hit me. We had grown and how! It was an emotional moment for me, reading the valuation report and made me think of how hard the company staff and me had worked to bring it that far,” he said.

Dr. Azad Moopen with his youngest daughter Zeba Moopen who is now a practicing doctor / Image Credit: Supplied

In 2012, a second private equity firm came on board and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $400 million. “This means we had grown four times in four years. It was massive.”

Today, Aster DM is listed at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the company’s total revenue in 2019 was fixed at a massive $1.4 billion.

Reason behind this phenomenal success

“Without batting an eyelid I will say that it is my staff, my people, my doctors who have made this company successful. I am blessed and lucky to have these people working for me for decades. Our doctor turnover at the consultant level is as low as five per cent. This means our doctors practically never leave us. And, because of this, our patients never leave us.

Azad Moopen with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during the latter’s book launch. / Image Credit: Supplied

“No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success. To give you an example, the other day, one of my CEOs brought me a staff member’s performance report. He wanted me to fire him as he was not performing well. When I saw the report I realised he was an old friend’s son. This friend, I remember, had loaned me Dh500 when I had come to the UAE for the first time.”

“As the memories flooded me, I simply refused to sign the sack letter. Instead, I called this young boy and his father and told them about the report. From my part, I have given this boy a second chance. I pray he will make use of the opportunity given to him.”

Challenges

Dr. Moopen during one of his philanthropic activities / Image Credit: Supplied

“There are always challenges in business. If you want your career graph to have a smooth ride, then you must not pick business as your profession. Success in business lies in finding your challenges and meeting them head-on,” said Moopen.

“For example, the UAE’s mandatory insurance has proved to be beneficial for the consumer, but for health-care providers like us, it is a challenge. People would come to us because of our credibility. Now, it has to do with the kind of insurance coverage they have.”

Philanthropy the way to life

Moopen has pledged to give 20 per cent of his wealth to charity. An off-shoot of this has been the ‘Aster Volunteers’ programme to help patients with free consultations, treatment and surgeries. More than 900,000 lives have been touched by the programme.

Dr. Moopen with his family in an earlier picture / Image Credit: Supplied

In 2010 and 2011, Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.

Dr. Azad Moopen awarded the coveted Padma Shri in 2011 / Image Credit: Supplied

“By God’s grace, I have everything in life. Name, fame, wealth, a great family. It is my duty and responsibility now to help others. When I started out, I was in the right place at the right time with the right people. I want others to be in my shoes. I am nearing retirement and my only dream now is to hand over my business to my team of professionals who, I believe, will do a better job than me.”

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> UAE Success Stories> exclusive / by Anjana Kumar, Senior Reporter / January 15th, 2019

Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain: scientist who changed the course of TB diagnosis in India

Gaya, BIHAR:

Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain

Prof Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain’s scientific research has changed the complicated regimen for the diagnosis of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and the Indian Basmati getting its patent and trademark in the UK in the fight against the Pakistani variant. This Bihar-born scientists’ findings have saved patients suffering from Drug-Resistant TB money and time and helped the Indian government and farmers earn through exports of the Basmati.

He told Awaz-the Voice in an interview that the government of India has taken at least two major policy decisions based on his research. “One decision was that previously the testing of tuberculosis (TB) was based upon antibody-antigen reaction. So, the antibody formed was based on the antigen of a bacterial protein, and the sequence (genetic) used was mostly European or American isolates. 

“When I did sequencing in India, I found out that the Indian variant is completely different. Therefore, the test could give false positives or negatives…. I published this finding and had a meeting with the DG of ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) and recommended that the tests based on foreign kits be banned and that made a big impact.” 

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Prof. Seyed E. Hasnain, renowned biologist, at an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 29, 2006.

Padma Shri recipient Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain said. E. Hasnain was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest Civilian decoration of Germany in 2014. Nature, a famous scientific journal, reported on his receiving the award, “With the Order of Merit, he joins the league of outstanding personalities from various fields including Nobel laureate biologist Paul Herman Muller, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and music conductor John Crosby.” 

In 2006, he received Padma Shri in recognition of his scientific work. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1995) and J. C. Bose Fellowship (2006), two of the most prestigious Indian Awards in the field of science have also come his way apart from numerous other decorations.

Hasnain was born in Gaya, Bihar in 1954. He was born seven years after India had attained independence. At that time Bihar was not the most developed of the Indian states. Hasnain’s father was a college lecturer and he nursed a dream of studying abroad. He studied at the Nazareth Academy, an expensive school in the town. It’s said that almost 20% of his father’s salary would go into children’s school fees. 

He did his M.Sc. from the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. However, though he was selected for his post-graduation studies by Harvard University, for some reason he could not join.

In 1981, Hasnain moved to Canada as a Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF). He worked in Canada and the USA for the next six years. At this stage, his father asked him to return home to serve his country and people. He was advised by many people that he must try to get his green card before moving back to India. 


Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain with Dr Venky Ramakrishna, Nobel Prize Winner and President of Royal Society, UK, in Cambridge

In 1987, he joined the National Institute of Immunology (NII) as a scientist. Hasnain says, “I thought that after getting a green card, I would have a fall-back and a plan B. I did not want a plan B. My plan was the only plan A. I will work in India and do something good in India.”

Hasnain broke the convention by not continuing the research he was doing abroad. He started afresh and soon made a name for himself in research of baculoviruses. He established a baculovirus insect cell expression system (BEVS) for the first time in India and used this to express foreign genes and also to ask fundamental questions concerning gene expression in BEVS. The idea was to make India a scientific power.

Hasnain says that when his career was at the peak with research on baculovirus one day, Dr. Sandeep Basu, the then director of NII, asked him, “Seyed, you are publishing in good journals, it is fine, but how does humanity benefit? What is India gaining out of it? How are the common men benefiting from your papers? Doing research is good but do something which will benefit the common man.” 

This was the turning point in Hasnain’s life and career. He says “I decided to do something where I can do direct application.” He started his research on tuberculosis. 

Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain at the Global Health Conference organized by the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, Halle, Germany

Hasnain initiated studies on molecular epidemiology and genetics of multi-drug resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis (M.tb). He says, “second important observation that was published, again the first time in the world. We used to test TB for drug resistance. The bacteria was tested against each drug. I showed with my study that if the bacteria are resistant to one drug then it will be resistant to almost all other drugs. I established the correlation and proposed that you don’t need to do multi-drug resistance testing for all the drugs. Just test one drug rifampicin and if it is confirmed then 95%-99% of drugs will be resisted by the bacteria. That has become a standard treatment all over the world. He is still working on developing cheaper methods of diagnosing TB.

In 1999 Hasnain was invited as the first director of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. It was based on his work on Indian Basmati Rice DNA fingerprinting that India won the Patent case against Pakistan enabling the export of the Indian Basmati to the UK. This prevented a major economic loss to India. Subsequently, the Ministry of Commerce established the CDFD-APEDA Basmati DNA Analysis Centre, where all Basmati exports are certified. 

Hasnain also served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (2005-11), and Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and is currently A National Science Chair of SERB, at the Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at IIT-Delhi. 

Hasnain Mantra is: “Nothing is a substitute for hard work.”  

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Saquib Salim / November 03rd, 2023

Padma Awards 2023: Renowned Craftsman Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri Conferred Padma Shri

KARNATAKA:

Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri is engaged in the field of Bidri Ware handicrafts and is known for introducing the Phooljhadi design.

Padma award
Image: Twitter/@rashtrapatibhvn

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday, presented the Padma Shri award to renowned craftsman Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri for Art.

The master craftsman is engaged in the field of Bidri Ware handicrafts and is known for introducing the Phooljhadi design.

Quadri has invented many Bidri Ware articles and has trained hundreds of artists in the field.

Quadri has repeatedly raised concerns regarding Indian art due to the lack of marketing. He has also requested the government to provide an appropriate market and platform to artists so that they can create and develop their art

Notably, Quadri is among the eight personalities from Karnataka to receive the prestigious Padma award this year.

Who is Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri? 

Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri started learning this ancient art when he was just 10 years old against the wish of his father Shah Mustafa Quadri who was also a Bidriware craftsman. The 68-year-old artist is a third-generation artisan from his family. Apart from introducing the Phooljhadi design, Rasheed Quadri has also reintroduced sheet-work, which was popular during Bahmani empire.   

Before winning the Padma award, Quadri has already won the State Award in 1984, National Award in 1988, District Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1996, and The Great Indian Achievers’ Award in the year 2004.

The artisan has also exhibited and demonstrated the ‘Bidri’ craft across many countries, including USA, Netherlands, Spain, Bahrain and Oman. 

All you need to know about the Padma Awards

Padma Awards are presented in three categories including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri to honour people for their notable work in different disciplines and fields like art, social work, literature and education, public affairs, etc.

The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civil honour in India. While the Padma Shri is bestowed on those with distinguishing contributions in any field, the Padma Bhushan is granted to those who have had distinguishing contributions of a high order. The Padma Vibhushan is the highest of all and is awarded to those with exceptionally distinguished services. 

Bharat Ratna is considered to be the highest civilian award of country. Notably, the award has not been bestowed to any single person since 2019. The last Bharat Ratna was awarded to Nanaji Deshmukh (Posthumous), Bhupen Hazarika (Posthumous) and former President of India Pranab Mukherjee. 

source: http://www.republicworld.com / Republic World / Home> English News> India News> General News / by Mahima Joshi / April 06th, 2023