Muqita, Fatima and Shakila are a few of the over hundred persons who get monthly pension from the Soghra Waqf Estate of Bihar Sharif in Bihar. They are quite thankful for the Waqf Estate but they are not aware about the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act.
This is just one of the hundreds of Waqf Estates which is providing help to the needy in one or the other way. Apart from the monthly pension, it also provides financial help for medical treatment to the needy.
BBC Hindi recently made a video report about the financial help being provided by the Soghra Waqf Estate.
According to this report Muqita Khatoon is about to turn eighty. Sadly, mother of four sons Muqita lives alone. Twenty-five years back her husband Bashir passed away. Muqita has nothing but the memory of her husband and a few utensils in her rented house. She pays the rent of this single room from the pension of Rs. 600 she gets from Soghra Waqf Estate. She says that many a time she is forced to sleep without any food.
Sogra Waqf Estate was established in the year 1896. Bibi Sogra, an enlightened lady, donated land for Waqf in sixteen districts, including Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Nawadah. It is reported that Soghra Waqf Estate consists of around twenty-one thousand acres of land. It is said that Bibi Soghra set priority for women as beneficiary of the Waqf.
Fatima, 66, of village Sabbait in Nalanda district is dependent on the pension she gets from Soghra Waqf Estate. She was deserted by her husband only after three years of marriage. Fatima lived with her father but after he died, she was left helpless. Then she got a pension of Rs. 500.00 per month from the Soghra Waqf Estate. She is happy that someone from her neighbourhood also filled the form for the social welfare scheme of Bihar government from which she gets Rs. 400.00 per month. She is happy to get Rs. 900.00 per month and terms it as ‘bahut rahat’ (big relief).
Soghra Waqf Estate is providing monthly pension for 113 needy persons of Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Nawadah and Gaya districts.
Mokhtarul Haque, Mutawalli of Soghra Waqf Estate, says that there are talks of no representation of women and Pasmanda but it must be said that Bibi Soghra herself was the Mutawalli of this Waqf from 1896 to 17 March 1909. “Thus the leadership was in the hands of a woman.”
Shakila Khatoon lost her husband and son. She is forced to cover her face with a dupatta because of cancer. She is getting financial help from this Waqf Estate for her treatment. She used to make Bidis and smoke it also. She quite emotional says that she gets financial help from the ‘Estate’. “I used to get Rs. 1000-2000 for my treatment. Though it was not a big amount but when you get nothing from other sources, it becomes more important,” said Shakila.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Md. Sami Ahmad / Radiance News Bureau / May 11th, 2025
Dr Wasim ur Rehman UPSC Indian Civil Services, AIR 281 ranking
Dr. Wasim ur Rehman cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, without coaching and preparing for this difficult examination for Indian Civil Services while serving as a doctor in a hospital. He scored 281st All-India Rank.
“I used to study for 6 to 7 hours daily. It was not easy. I studied after performing 7-8 hours of duty in the hospital. But I think this experience improved my time management. I mostly studied from online content,” Dr Wasim told Awaz-the Voice.
Dr. Wasim was successful in his fourth attempt. He said in his previous appearances, though he sat in the examination, that he was clear that his performance was below the mark, and he hadn’t done enough to make it. “However, I didn’t give up. Each failure made me stronger. My family has always been my strength. Whenever I would get tired, the encouragement of my parents and siblings would push me forward.”
Dr. Waseem ur Rehman is a resident of Katra block of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. He was born into an educated and middle-class family. His father Haji Saud Azam Rahmani retired as Block Agriculture Officer in the government and mother Jahan Ara Khatoon, retired as headmistress of a government school.
The family environment was conducive to education and excellence. Waseem was inspired to work hard and was goal-oriented from the beginning.
Wasim did her early schooling at Muzaffarpur. Later, he joined a school affiliated with the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) till the 12th class.
He studied MBBS from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr. Wasim’s success lay in the fact that he prepared for UPSC without joining a traditional coaching institute. Although he chose Anthropology as an optional subject and joined an online coaching course, he largely remained focused on self-study and digital resources.
Dr. Wasim achieved this success in his fourth attempt.
According to Dr. Wasim, during the UPSC interview, he was asked questions about the famous litchi of his home district, Muzaffarpur. He impressed the interview board with his medical and administrative knowledge and understanding of the local socio-economic context.
Wasim sees his success as a path to serving society and the nation.
For the youth of India, Dr Wasim has a message, “Work hard and honestly; take advice from your elders; move forward in the right direction with dedication and patience. Every goal is difficult, but not impossible. If you keep trying, one day success will happen”.
Dr Wasim has two brothers: a businessman in Muzaffarpur, and the other is studying in a law college in Patna. One of his sisters is a government school teacher, and the other a homemaker.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mohammad Akram, New Delhi / May 16th, 2025
Imtiaz’s last rites were performed in the presence of a large crowd who shouted slogans in solidarity. Tearful, his son Imran Raza says his father sacrificed his life for the country and that he is proud of him.
Imran Raza pays tribute to his father, BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz, in Patna on May 12, 2025. Imtiaz lost his life in the line of duty in J&K’s Jammu district. | Photo Credit: PTI
Mortal remains of Border Security Force (BSF) Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz from Chhapra, who was martyred in Operation Sindoor in the R S Pura section of Jammu border, reached Patna on Monday (May 12, 2025).
He was given a guard of honour by the security personnel, and a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Patna airport. Mr. Imtiaz’s son Imran Raza was also present at the airport to receive his body.
Several politicians, including Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav and Shravan Kumar, a Minister in the Cabinet of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, were present to pay tributes to the martyred Sub-Inspector.
Speaking to the media at the airport, with tears in his eyes, Mr. Raza said, “I am really proud of my father who did not give up till his last breath and sacrificed his life for the country. Last time papa called me at 5:30 a.m. (May 10) saying that terrorists had attacked and his right leg was damaged. I told my father not to lose hope as I was coming to meet him.”
He said, “I boarded the flight for Delhi but when I reached there, I was informed that there was no flight for Jammu. Then I travelled by train. Till 3 p.m., the situation was under control and he was out of danger. I received a call from one assistant commandant at 6 p.m. who informed me that my father was no more. I could not get the chance to even speak to my father in his final moments.”
Mr. Raza broke down while speaking to the media and said that his father last visited the village to celebrate Eid with his family and resumed duty 18 days ago.
‘Army’s befitting reply’1
Mr. Yadav, in his address to the Press, said that the country and Bihar took pride in Mr. Imtiaz’s sacrifice and martyrdom.
“It is because of such brave martyrs that we are all safe today. The nation will always remember their sacrifice. We all should be proud of the Indian army and soldiers the way they gave the befitting reply to Pakistan. This is not for the first time the Indian army has boldly replied to Pakistan, It has happened before as well,” Mr. Yadav said.
Accompanied by RJD Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the Sub-Inspector’s sacrifice also proved that there is unity in diversity in the country.
“Martyr Imtiazji was from Chhapra and we all are proud of him. He has made a big sacrifice as well as given a message that there is unity in diversity in our country. There are different languages, states, religion and caste, but when it comes to the matter of our country, everyone gets united against the enemy, be it Pakistan or terrorists, to win the battle,” Mr. Yadav said.
Minister Shravan said that through Operation Sindoor, the Indian government had ended terrorism and the army had played an important role.
“Mohammad Imtiaz has sacrificed his life while saving the entire nation. Along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the people of the entire country are with his family in this hour of grief,” Mr. Shravan said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Dilip Jaiswal was also present to pay the floral tributes to the Sub-Inspector.
Later, his body was taken to his native village Narayanpur in Chhapra, where last rites were performed in the presence of a large crowd. People shouted slogans in support while holding the national flag.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by Amit Bhelarii, Patna / May 12th, 2025
Prof. Abdul Qavi Desnavi (November 1, 1930 – July 7, 2011)
Bhopal:
A two-day National seminar is being organised on “Prof. Abdul Qavi Desnavi Hyat Aur Adabi Khidmat” here on April 1 and 2 at Mulla Ramuzi Sanskriti Bhavan, the headquarters of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, (MPUA).
The seminar is being organised by Ilma Education Society, Bhopal under the joint aegis of National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language, (NCPUL) and MPUA.
Mr. Kailash Sarang, former Rajya Sabha member, will inaugurate the seminar on April 1 at 10 am which will be presided over by Urdu litterateur Prof. Afaq Ahmad.
AThe guests of honour on the occasion include: Mr. Aziz Qureshi, ex-member of Lok Sabha, Mr. Iqbal Majeed, Prof. Shakoor Khan, Prof. Muzaffar Hanafi and Prof. Ateequllah.
Prof. Afaq Husain Siddiqui will deliver the keynote address in the inaugural function while Kausar Siddiqui, director of the organising committee shall welcome the guests. Mr. Ali Mutaqqui Desnavi, the eldest son of late Prof. Abdul Qavi Desnavi will propose vote of thanks.
After the inaugural function there would be two sessions on April 1 and three on the next day. Two-and-a-half dozen scholars and writers from all over India will present their papers in different sessions of the seminar.
They include: Prof. Muzaffar Hanafi (Delhi), Mr. Ayub Waqif (Mumbai), Master Akhtar, Mr. Arif Aziz & Dr. Arjumand Bano Afshan (all three from Bhopal), Prof. Ateequllah (Delhi), Prof. Khalid Mahmood (Delhi), Maulana Syed Sharafat Ali Nadwi (Bhopal), Dr. Yaqoob Yawar (Banaras), Mr. Iqbal Masood, Mr. Rasheed Anjum & Dr. (Mrs.) Razia Hamid (all three from Bhopal), Dr. Saifi Sironji (Sironj), Prof. Manzar Husain (Ranchi), Prof. Afaq Ahmad (Bhopal), Dr. Maula Baqsh (Delhi), Mr. Naseem Ansari (Bhopal), Mr. Zia Farooqui, Mr. Ashfaq Mashhadi, Mr. Khalid Abidi, Dr. Mahtab Alam & Mr. Javed Yazdani (all six from Bhopal), Dr. Mohammad Nauman & Dr. Khalid Mubashshir (both from Delhi), Dr. Abdul Waheed Khan (Jabalpur), Mr. Naeem Kausar, Mr. Khursheed Akhtar (both from Bhopal), Dr. Shan Fakhri (Sironj), Mr. Habib Ahmad & Mr. Inamullah Lodhi (both from Bhopal).
Meanwhile, it may be stated here that Prof. Abdul Qavi Desnavi (November 1, 1930 – July 7, 2011) was an Indian eminent Writer, Critic, Bibliographist, Linguist and Scholar of Urdu language. He has authored more than 50 books on Urdu literature. His books were also translated in other languages. His important work was about Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mirza Ghalib, Allama Muhammad Iqbal and litterateurs of Bhopal.
He was recipient of several awards. He received Senior Fellowship from the Union Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. His great treatise was a voluminous book on one of India’s frontline freedom fighter and first Union Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad over 900 pages titled “Hayat-e-Abul Kalam Azad” which he penned in the year 2000. It was acclaimed nationally and internationally.
Desnavi was born in Nalanda Prof. Desnavi was born on November 1, 1930 in village Desna of block Asthawan in Nalanda district Bihar. He belonged to the family of Great Muslim scholar Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, who was one of the eminent historian and biographers of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during his times. He was the second son of late Prof. S. M. Saeed Raza, who was Professor of Urdu, Arabic and Persian languages in St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. His elder brother was Prof. Syed Mohi Raza and younger brother was Syed Abdul Wali Desnavi.
Education Prof. Desnavi had his primary education in Arrah town of Bihar state. After completing his graduation & post-graduation in First Division from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, he joined Department of Urdu in Saifia Post Graduate College, Bhopal in February 1961. He went on to become Professor and Head of the Urdu Department of Saifia Post Graduate College. He was well-known literary figure in India and in the Urdu world.
His shining disciples Many scholars, poets and teachers of today such as lyricist Javed Akhtar, Poet Mushtaq Singh, Prof. Muzaffar Hanafi, Selani Silwatte, Prof. Khalid Mehmood, Prof. Mohammed Naumaan Khan, Prof. Afaq Husain Siddiqui, poet Iqbal Masood, Dr. Iqbal Masood Nadvi, Ahsanuddin Farooqui, Khurshid Akhtar, Mohammed Naseem, Dr. Qamar Ali Shah, Prof. Yaqoob Yawar, Maulana Syed Sharafat Ali Nadvi, Prof. Arjumand Bano Afshan etc. were under his tutelage during their student days in Bhopal and are now sparkling in the Urdu world. Under his guidance many students attained Ph.D. degrees.
He retired in 1990. He was also holding many Honorary positions such as: • Additional Principal of Saifia Post Graduate College, Bhopal.(1983–1985); • Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, Bhopal (1991–92); • Elected Member Majlis-e-Aam Anjuman Taraqqui Urdu (Hind), New Delhi (1979–1984); • Member of All India Anjuman Taraqui Urdu Board, New Delhi, (1977–1978); • Member of Program Advisory Committee, All India Radio, Bhopal (1978–1979); • Member Executive Council, Barkatullah University Bhopal, (1980–1982); • Chairman of Board of Studies, Urdu, Persian & Arabic, Barkatullah University Bhopal, (1977–1980) and (1984–1985); • Dean Faculty of Arts, Barkatullah University Bhopal, (1980–1982) & • Member Working Committee, Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal (1997-2007)
Awards Prof. Desnavi received many awards in his lifetime such as Shibli Award, Mumbai, 1957; Senior Fellowship, Ministry of Education & Culture, Government Of India for 4 Years, 1979-1983; Sanad “Imteyaz Meer” All India Meer Academy, Lucknow 1981; Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan Provincial Award, Bhopal 1986; Bihar Urdu Academy Award, for recognition of Urdu services (1988–89) & (1989–90); All India “Parvez Shahidi Award” West Bengal Urdu Academy, Calcutta 1998.
His books The books Prof. Desnavi authored to enrich the Urdu literary world included: Ek Aur Mashriqi Kutub Khana (1954); Hasrat Ki Siyasi Zindagi (1956); Aur Hindustan Jag Utha (1963); Allama Iqbal Bhopal Mein (1967); Mazameen Lisan-un-Sidque (1967); Bhopal Aur Ghalib (1969); Ghalibyaat (1969); Nuskha-e-Bhopal Aur Nuskha-e-Bhopal Sani (1970); Qadir Nama-e—Ghalib (1971); Anis Numa (1973); Ek Shahar Panch Mushahir (1973); Nazr—e-Sajjad (1974); Mota’ala—e—Khotoot—e—Ghalib 1975, (Edition 2nd 1979); Saat TahrireiN (1975); Hindustan MeiN Iqbaliat (1976); Talash-o—Taasur (1977); Mehdi Hassan Efadi (1977); Iqbal Uneesween Sadi MeiN(1977); Mirza Salaamat Ali Dabeer (1977); Bachon Ka Iqbal (1978); Iqbal Aur Dilli (1978); Abdul Haque Banam Mahvi (1980); Nazr-e-Takhallus (1981); Mota’ala-e-Ghobar-e—Khatir (1981); Dhanpat Rai Nawab Rai Premchand (1981); Iqbal Aur Darul Iqbal Bhopal (1983); Iqbaliat Ki Talash (1984); Yadgar—e—Sulaiman (1984); Iqbaliat Ki Talash Publisher, Globe Publishers, Urdu Bazar Lahore, Pakistan (1985); Armoghane-Saifia (Co—Editor) (1986); Abul Kalam Azad (1987); Maulana Abul Kalam Mohiuddin Ahmad Azad Dehlavi (1988); Mahanama Lisan-un-Sidque (1988); Yadgar—e—Azad (1989); Mataihiyat (1989); Talash—e—Azad; Talash-e-Azad, Shaqsiyat, Khidmat, Chand JhalkiaN (1990); Jawaharlal—o—Azad (Co—Editor) (1990); Ajnabi Shahar (1992); Fakhernama (Co—Editor) (1997); Urdu Shairi Ki Gayarah AwazaiN; Masreen wa Mutaliqat Azad; Hayat Abul Kalam Azad (2000); Bombai Se Bhopal Tak (2004); Dur Dais Se (2005); MaiN Urdu Hoon (2006).
His books translated in other languages are: Abul Kalam Azad in Hindi language Translated by Janki Prashad Sharma, Publisher Sahitya Akademi (1987); Abul Kalam Azad in Punjabi language Translated Inder Singh Raz Publisher Sahitya Akademi (1988); Abul Kalam Azad in English language translated by Syeda Syedain Hamid Publisher Sahitya Akademi(1991); Abul Kalam Azad in Maithili language translated by Fazlur Rehman Hashmi, Publisher Sahitya Akademi (1994)
The awards Prof. Desnavi received on his books are: Saat TahrireiN – Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy Lucknow, 1975; Uneesween Sadi Mein Iqbal – Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1977; Mota’ala-e-Khotoot Ghalib – Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1979; Mota’ala-e-Ghobar-e-Khatir – Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1981; Iqbaliat Ki Talash – Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1984, Abul Kalam Azad Academy, Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1987; Yadgar—e—Sulaiman – Maghribi Bengal Urdu Academy Calcutta, 1984; Talash—e—Azad – Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy Lucknow, 1991; Talash—e—Azad – Bihar Urdu Academy Patna, 1991; Talash—e—Azad – West Bengal Urdu Academy Calcutta, 1993; Urdu Shairi Ki Gayarah AwazaiN – Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, Lucknow, 1993; & Urdu Shairi Ki Gayarah AwazaiN – Bihar Urdu Academy, Patna, 1993.
Under his guidance the Ph.D. degrees were awarded by Barkatullah University to • Dr. Muzaffar Hanafi – “Shad Arfi Shaksiat Aur Fun” 1974 Published – 1977; • Dr. Hadiqa Begum – “Abdul Rehman Bijnori Hayat Aur Khidmat” 1981 Published – 1984; • Dr. Naseem Shanvi- “Urdu Tanquid Ka Marxi Dabistan” 1981; • Dr. Mohammed Ayub Khan – “Iqbal Aur Gazal Goi” 1982; • Dr. Safia Wadood – “Takhalus Bhopali Hayat Aur Khidmat” 1984 Published – 1993; • Dr. Arjumand Bano – “Riasat Bhopal Aur Mushahir Urdu” 1989; • Dr. Shan Ahmed Fakhri – “Sironj Ki Khidmat” 1990 Published – 1999; • Dr. Yaqoob Ali Khan – “Taraqqui Pasand Shairi Aik Jaiza” 1990 Published – 1997 and • Dr. Mohammed Naumaan Khan – “Bhopal MeiN Urdu Inzamam Ke Baid”1990.
Poems The poems composed on Prof. Desnavi include: • Pasban-e-Urdu by Rahbar Jaunpuri; • Nazre Abdul Qavi Desnavi by Arshad Siddiqui; • Anjuman Ilm-O-Kamal by Zafar Sahbai; • Herf-e-Khuloos by Kausar Siddiqui; • Shan-e-Imtiaz by Zafar Naseemi; • Qandil-e-Hikmat, Abdul Qavi Desnavi by Wafa Siddiqui;
• Kharaj-e-Tehsin by Arman Akberabadi; • Pahchaan Hai Saifia by Kamil Baihzadi; • Prof. Abdul Qavi Desnavi by Mateen Qurashi Shaheed and • Aik Nazem by Iqbal Masood.
Last breath Prof. Desnavi died at about 5 am on 7 July 2011 in a private hospital where he was admitted following complaints of old age related diseases. He is survived by his wife, three sons and four daughters and a large number of relatives and literary friends to mourn his loss.
(pervezbari@eth.net)
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim> Literature / by Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net / March 30th, 2012
Abdullah, known by only his single name, topped the list of successful candidates from Bihar who appeared for the JEE (Main) 2025, Session 2. The result was announced late at night on Friday. He scored 99.9945499 percentile, but he is not in a celebratory mood. He wishes to top the JEE (Advanced), which ensures admission in the best IIT.
Abdullah hails from Aunsi in Bisfi under Madhubani district. His father, Mohammad Sabir Hussain, is an assistant teacher, while his mother, Tarannum, is a homemaker. Abdullah is the eldest among five siblings.
Abdullah is preparing for the next stage of JEE – JEE (Advanced) at Kota, Rajasthan. He is very keen to study Computer Science. He wants to do better in the upcoming test, while his father says that Abdullah also aims to qualify UPSC.
Abdullah, after getting the result, said that he felt very good for it but it was just beginning and he has miles to go. He said that his routine continues to be the same and he was focusing on completing his daily assignments.
Abdullah completed his matriculation from Madhubani and then moved to Kota for his preparation. He secured 90 percent marks in his I.Sc. examination. Abdullah keeps from smartphone as he considers it a distraction.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education / by Radiance News Bureau / April 20th, 2025
Senior IPS officer Nurul Hoda has resigned from the Indian Police Service in protest against the controversial Waqf law. On Wednesday, he joined the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by former minister Mukesh Sahni.
Formerly serving as an Inspector General (IG) in the Railways, Hoda is now set to enter the political battlefield with a mission to represent and lead the Muslim community in Bihar.
Hoda, a 1995 batch officer from Sitamarhi, Bihar, is known for his sharp and dynamic approach.
With 28 years of service in sensitive areas like Dhanbad, Asansol, and Delhi, he has earned awards for his work in railway security, Naxal control, and crime prevention.
He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal twice and Director General Chakra.
Hoda’s resignation comes at a time when political tensions in Bihar are escalating as the state approaches its Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025, with the Waqf (Amendment) emerging as a central point of contention.
The ruling JD(U) has faced a wave of resignations from its Muslim leaders in April 2025, in a protest against the party’s support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> East India / by Maktoob Staff (headline edited) / April 19th, 2025
Remarkable achievements highlight talent and determination in Bihar’s intermediate results.
New Delhi :
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) on Tuesday revealed the 2025 Class 12 exam results, and this year, two Muslim students from modest backgrounds have made headlines by securing the first and second positions. Shakib Shah from Buxar district and Rukaiya Fatima from Begusarai have not only made their families proud but also demonstrated the power of hard work and ambition in overcoming challenges.
Shakib Shah, a student at Plus Two High School Koransarai in Buxar, achieved an impressive 473 out of 500 marks, securing the top position in the Arts stream. His 94.6% score has ignited celebrations in his village, with locals and teachers praising him as a source of inspiration. “I studied hard every day, and my teachers supported me throughout. My dream is to crack the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam and serve as an administrative officer,” Shakib told Zee Media, his determination evident in his words.
Following the announcement of his results, Shakib received a flood of congratulations at his home in Koransarai. Teachers from his school, along with the District Education Officer, visited the school to honour their star student. “Shakib has always been a focused student. His success is a testament to his hard work and the guidance he received here,” said one of his teachers, beaming with pride.
Meanwhile, Rukaiya Fatima, a student at BN High School Teyai in Begusarai’s Teghra subdivision, earned the second position with 471 marks, achieving 94.2% marks. The daughter of Mohammad Abu Salem, a bidi trader from Kolkata, Rukaiya comes from a family of seven sisters, where she is the third child. Despite her father’s modest income and the challenges of supporting a large family, Rukaiya’s resolve to excel never wavered. “I want to become an IAS officer and work for the poor. Education is my way to change my family’s future,” she shared with local reporters.
Rukaiya’s success has brought joy to her community in Begusarai. Her school principal described her as a diligent and bright student who balanced her studies with household responsibilities. “She would often stay back after classes to clear her doubts. Her success shows what girls can achieve with determination,” the principal remarked.
The Bihar Board 12th exams, held between 1 and 15 February 2025, saw over 12.92 lakh students appear across 1,677 centres in the state. This year’s results reflect an overall pass percentage of 86.50%, with the Arts stream recording 82.75%. Shakib and Rukaiya’s stellar performances stand out, not only for their academic brilliance but also for their powerful message of resilience and hope.
For Shakib, topping the state is just the beginning. Growing up in a simple family in Koransarai, he credits his family’s encouragement and his own disciplined routine. “My parents never let me feel any pressure. They just told me to do my best,” he said. His ambition to join the administrative services stems from a desire to uplift his community and tackle local issues like education and employment.
Rukaiya’s journey is equally inspiring. Despite growing up in a family with limited resources, she often studied by candlelight during power cuts. Her father, Mohammad Abu Salem, expressed his pride over the phone from Kolkata: “I always knew Rukaiya was special. She has made us all proud, and I hope she achieves her dream of becoming an IAS officer.” Rukaiya’s six sisters also look up to her, with the youngest saying, “I want to study hard like Rukaiya Apa.”
The success of these two students has also highlighted the untapped potential within Bihar’s Muslim community, which often faces socio-economic challenges. Local leaders and educators have hailed their achievements as a beacon of hope. “Shakib and Rukaiya have shown that talent knows no boundaries. Their success will inspire countless others,” said a senior official from the BSEB during the result announcement press conference in Patna.
However, their triumphs stand in contrast to the broader narrative in Bihar, where tensions between communities have occasionally erupted. Critics have often pointed to the state’s history of communal friction, exacerbated by divisive politics and economic disparities. Some have accused Hindu groups of marginalising minority achievements in educational settings. Yet, Shakib and Rukaiya’s success challenges these narratives, proving that merit and perseverance can overcome prejudice.
To celebrate their achievements, the BSEB has announced cash prizes and scholarships for the toppers, with Shakib set to receive £2 lakh and Rukaiya £1.5 lakh, along with laptops to support their future academic pursuits. These rewards, doubled from last year, reflect the state’s commitment to nurturing talent. “We are proud of all our students, and these two have set an exceptional standard,” said BSEB Chairman Anand Kishore.
As Bihar celebrates its top achievers, the stories of Shakib Shah and Rukaiya Fatima resonate beyond their exam results. Their journeys embody the dreams of millions in a state where opportunities are scarce, and their success serves as a shining example of the transformative power of education. For now, the spotlight remains on these remarkable individuals, whose stories are only beginning to unfold.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Bin Ismail, Clarion India / March 26th, 2025
Every city in India has many iconic bookshops and Lucknow too has a few. However, in recent years, a bookshop has drawn attention of book lovers because of the variety and collection of books, particularly, in Urdu.
This bookshop has drawn readers from other states and cities too and people buy from him online as well. But the most unique aspect about this bookshop is that the passion of the owner who has been running it purely for the love of books.
Imagine, you go and find a good book and want to buy it. The bookshop owner appears sad that you chose the particular book. “I have just one copy of this book and I want to keep it”, says the man, who owns this shop. Or going to the extent of telling the visitor that they can take a look and buy from any shop elsewhere or telling the location or suggesting how to get a particular book.
But first about the uniqueness of the bookshop. Unlike other Urdu bookshops, the owner Shahood Ul Hasan Khan keeps a very wide range of books. It’s not limited to a few publishers but he keeps books of all publications and also ensures that books ranging from all the topics are available in Urdu, ensuring a collection.
From literature to language, and law politics to philosophy, history to Islam, Hindusim and other religions, fiction, non fiction, other than books in English and Hindi too, everything is available under one roof. He tries to put on display maximum books of all variety in his shop.
“I wanted to be among books, own them and have them around me”, he says. That’s the reason he started the bookshop even though people are always suggesting that he should switch to some other business. “It’s true that I put lot of money, because it’s my hobby and passion. However, it is not a very lucrative business.
He gets lot of unwanted advices and people have finally reconciled that he would not switch to anything else, except, keeping himself amid books. People and relatives keep advising that I should give this big space to someone and the rent would be more than my current earnings, but this is my passion”, says Khan, 42, who started Parekh Book Depot, and has totally dedicated himself in this work.
“I do it for the sake of books, not for profit. I always wanted to do this and hence I am happy doing what I do”, he further adds. In a city that has iconic Danish Mahal in Aminabad and many other bookshops, the emergence of Parekh Book Depot and it’s growing popularity, has drawn attention of people.
Urdu readers who come to Lucknow, try to take time out of their schedule and visit the place, as they know they might get a surprise, a rare book that was not available for long, translation of a famous English or French book or latest ones that have just been out of printing press.
As I select the books and am about to pay, he tells me that I can get these books online or from another particular place too. When I asked him why was he not keen on selling it and giving me the suggestion, he said that, ‘this set of books is not an ordinary one and we don’t know when it again gets printed and comes to market, hence, I am having a hitch and can feel that I am losing something.
At least, the set of books was with me till now”, Shahood Ul Hasan says. It was subsequently that I spoke to him and he told me about his life and his passion that has earlier been described in the report. Hailing from Rohtas in Bihar, he had come to Lucknow as an infant. He studied in the famous Nadwatul Ulema and his bookshop is also close to the gate of the seminary in Lucknow.
Many bookshops are selling just religious texts or literature. Also, there are different models. But he has shown a way, how a bookshop can thrive in an era when people keep ruing about lack of readership. “I am happy that I make enough to run my household. What else do I wish for?”.
One thing is sure, he has put in efforts and money but his passion has resulted in this bookshop emerging as an institution. It is remarkable that he opened the bookshop in 2016, and within a couple of years, it was too well known and in direct contact with readers who get details on their Whatsapp accounts about news books’ arrival and then order them through post as well.
source: http://www.newsbits.in / NewsBits.in / Home> Special / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / July 11th, 2023
Chandanpatti Village (Darbhanga District) BIHAR / Hyderabad, TELANGANA :
Hyderabad:
Here is an amazing story of a single mother and her only child who brought tears of joy to her eyes by securing the first rank in the UGC-NET JRF examination.
Anam Zafar, 25, secured the 100 percentile in the examination. Her mother, Rehana Khatoon, lives in Chandanpatti village, Darbhanga district in Bihar. When Rehana Khatoon heard about the feat achieved by her daughter she could not stop tears flowing down her cheeks.
Anam Zafar is in the last leg of her M Ed fourth semester at Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
The Department of Education and Training felicitated Anam Zafar at a special event organised on Wednesday, two days after the news broke out. Faculty members, students, and university officials gathered to celebrate her exceptional accomplishment.
During the ceremony, the faculty members praised Anam Zafar’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her achievement was highlighted as a role model for aspiring researchers.
Prof Shaheen A Shaik, Head of the Department, commended her hard work and stated, “Anam Zafar’s achievement is a testament to the high academic standards and research culture at MANUU. Her success will inspire many students to aim for excellence.”
Alongside Zafar, the department also felicitated other students who successfully qualified for UGC-NET and JRF. Their accomplishments were celebrated as a collective success of the university’s academic environment and the faculty’s dedicated mentorship.
Anam’s mother was divorced by her husband when the girl was only eight years old. Working as a teacher at a private school for Rs 800 a month, Rehana Khatoon enrolled her child in a school that worked under the Central Board of Education.
According to sources at MANUU, except for Anam’s uncle (her father’s brother), no one checked on her condition during her difficult years. Treading a difficult social and economic path her mother enrolled her in B Ed at the Centre for Teachers’ Education of MANUU in Darbhanga. Her obvious next step was joining M Ed of the University at Hyderabad.
In the meantime, she was married to Johar Ali, a technocrat working with a private firm in Hyderabad. The couple lives in the Lingampally area, close to the MANUU campus.
Anam says she could not have trodden the difficult road so far if her mother had not encouraged her at every step. “Now my husband has joined my mother and wishes me to complete PhD,” she said.
Anam, as a research fellow is expected to get about Rs 45,000 per month.
She expressed gratitude to her mother, mentors, faculty members, and family for their continuous support and encouragement and credited the university’s academic environment and guidance from her professors as key factors behind her success.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Mir Ayoob Ali Khan / February 26th, 2025
Marui Village (Nawada District), BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :
A young Jamal who met Gandhi in 1947 later shaped Kolkata’s hospitality scene and contributed to renowned chains like Arsalan and Mezban.
A scholar of Sanskrit, he is a well-known figure in the city’s literary circles. However, despite his generous donation of 15 katthas of land for a government hospital, the Bihar government has yet to honor the donors, leaving his legacy unacknowledged.
Primary Health Centre in Marui, Nawada and Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’
Kolkata:
In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant Prafulla Sarkar Street, Jamal Ahmed, the 98-year-old hotelier and poet, sits in the backroom of Aliah Hotel, his voice resonating with the same intensity as the lively street outside.
Jamal Ahmed, a nonagenarian, is known in the city as a poet and a concerned citizen. But the 98-year-old is also a philanthropist. He has donated 15 Katthas of land in his native village in Bihar for a government hospital, which last year became operational.
A Philanthropic Legacy: Land Donation for a Government Hospital in Bihar
“The land (in Marui village, Nawada district) was the costliest in the adjoining areas. But my father, who decided to donate it to the government to build a hospital there, did not hesitate,” informed Firdaus Jamal, son of Jamal Ahmed.
The market rate for land in Marui village is at least Rs 20 lakhs per kattha. In Bihar’s Nawada district, one kattha of land is equivalent to 3 decimals.
“I had told my mother that one day there will be a hospital in your name. So I had to do it,” Jamal Ahmed told eNewsroom. The family proposed the name of the hospital as QZJ Government Hospital, incorporating the names of Jamal and his parents. There is a board at the hospital where Jamal Ahmed Jamal’s name as the donor is mentioned. However, the Bihar government has yet to adopt the name suggested by the donors’ family.
The 20-bed primary hospital is now operational.
Poet Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’ | eNewsroom
When donating, I did not make any demands, such as asking for government jobs for my family members or insisting that a doctor from my family should practice here,” he said.
“I demand that either the Bihar Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) or the Health Minister inaugurate the hospital,” the donor added.
Jamal Ahmed, a multifaceted personality, knows five languages and completed his Master’s in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his Bachelor’s in Science (BSc) from Patna University. He frequently uses Sanskrit shlokas in his poetry. Much of his poetry focuses on communal harmony in the country.
A major event in his life was meeting the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on August 13, 1947 in Kolkata.
A Life of Literature and Peace: Jamal Ahmed’s Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi
“I was just 18 years old, but Gandhiji was desperately seeking peace for the country. When I heard that Gandhiji was in Kolkata and my uncle, Kareem Sahab, was going to meet him, I joined my uncle and reached Beleghata,” recalled the nonagenarian, quickly adding that he has no picture with Gandhiji.
“In my brief interaction, I requested Gandhiji for peace in the country and to stop the riots. Gandhiji replied that he came to Kolkata for this very purpose and would be traveling to other parts of the country for the same reason.”
The well-known hotelier has great command over recipes and dishes. “I have helped several hotel outlets in Kolkata and abroad set up their centers. Some of them are now big names, like Arsalan and Mezban.”
Jamal Ahmed’s sons run several hotels in Kolkata, including the famous Arafat Hotel on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which is managed by Firdaus Jamal.
Aliah Hotel on Prafulla Sarkar Street—where Jamal Ahmed feels he gains the wings to fly.
Preserving Harmony Through Poetry: The ‘Tatkal’ Poet’s Message for Unity
But in Kolkata’s literary circles, ‘Jamal’ is known for his ‘Tatkal’ poetry. A ‘Tatkal’ poet is one who can deliver a poem instantly, depending on the situation.
“I was very young when I met Gandhiji, and still, I recited a poem for him:
Andhi Tawaf Karti Hai, Gandhi Ki, Aye Jamal. Ye To Bhanwar Se Laye Hain Kashti Nikal Ke
(The storm circles around Gandhi, O Jamal. He is the one who has brought the boat out of the whirlpool.)”
The poet ‘Jamal’, an Acharya in Sanskrit often uses the couplet to promote communal harmony.
Yem niza pro weti ganna laguchetshaam udarnaam chatrinantu, washudhew kutumbakam.
A rough translation of this Sanskrit couplet is:
“This is ours, that is yours—those who think this way have small hearts. But for the great ones, the entire world is one.”
He also mentioned that the shloka is written at the entrance of the old Parliament building’s gate. Eleven members of Parliament, including Maulana Azad, had agreed to imprint it there.
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Art & Culture> Bengal / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 19th, 2025
