The historical accounts of Malappuram were written by outside people
Release of the book on Malappuram Photo / Express
Kozhikode :
Why does Malappuram continue to appear as a trouble spot and the hub of religious fundamentalism in popular imagination and in some political utterances? A book on the history of the geographical area, which is part of the multi-volume project on different aspects of the district, asserts that the notion that Malappuram is a ‘fanatic zone’ was the creation of colonialists, which continues to linger in popular discourses even after the country became independent.
“People of this area fought against the British invasion and boycotted their language as a token of protest. Naturally, the colonialists had an antagonism towards the people.
But the tragedy is that there are people who still nurture the colonial mindset,” said Minister for Industries and IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, while launching the 10-volume book ‘Malappuram: Geography, People, Culture’ in Malappuram on October 4.
“The areas under the present Malappuram came under British rule in 1792. Since then, there were resistances against the British and the colonialists brought a number of black laws like the Mappila Outrages Act to contain the agitations.
There were a number of British reports like that of T L Strange, which depicted Malappuram as an unmanageable spot,” said Moyin Hudavi Malayamma, one of the general editors of the volume.
“The historical accounts of Malappuram were written by outside people. The people of Malappuram seldom got a chance to express what they actually are. Our project, in a way, is people writing their own history,” he added.
“Colonial records were the only available materials for those who studied the history of Malappuram. Naturally, those who wrote about Malappuram later were heavily influenced by these records.
The Hindutva narrative on Malappuram was built on this notion. Curiously, the Left is also parroting the narrative,” said Ashraf Valoor, one of the editors of the volume.
“Ours is an academic response to stereotyping. This is an alternative to the colonial and Hindutva narratives on Malappuram,” Valoor said. “It is true that early writers like EMS Namboodirippad viewed the 1921 agitation from the correct perspective. But later we see that the Left also internalised the colonial notion and that is why anti-Malappuram remarks are coming from some CPM leaders at regular intervals,” he added.
Valoor believes that the fact that the IUML is on the other side of the political spectrum also compelled the CPM to take an antagonistic stand towards the people of Malappuram. “Political enmity of some CPM leaders sometimes crosses the border and descends to communal level,” he said.
The volume contains academic articles on the process of ‘otherisation’ of Malappuram, the hate campaign during the formation of the district, the stories on the ‘aggression’ by Tipu Sultan and the communal amity in Malappuram. The project was envisaged by the Malappuram district committee of the Muslim Youth League and financially supported by the Saudi unit of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), a feeder organisation of the IUML.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by MP Prashanth / October 17th, 2026
When her nanny cannot come, Henna K Seethi waits for the lab to empty before bringing her one-and-a-half-year-old son Omi inside. A bed, a bowl, and a blanket sit in the corner. She works. He plays. He sleeps. This is how a 29-year-old Muslim PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay navigates motherhood and academic research at the same time.
Henna is pursuing a doctorate in Health and Medical Psychology in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her academic journey spans Farook College in Calicut, where she earned a BSc in Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, where she completed an MA in Applied Psychology, and the Cancer Institute in Adyar, where she earned an MPhil in Psycho-Oncology. She cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering in 2023 and set her sights on research in psycho-oncology.
Her son Omi was born in January 2025. He was three months old when she cleared the IIT Bombay entrance examination and relocated to Mumbai. Her husband, Muhammed Nizam ul Haq, also a psychologist, works in Kerala. She lives in Bhandup, around five kilometres from campus, while waiting for married-student accommodation to become available.
The financial and logistical pressures are real. Rent, childcare costs, and Mumbai’s cost of living make her husband’s financial support necessary. During examinations, the arrangements grow harder. On one occasion, her husband travelled from Kerala to care for Omi. On another, two fellow students offered to babysit so she could complete her exam.
She takes her son to classes with her professors’ permission. During lectures, she keeps him in a stroller and steps outside if he cries. Her mentor allows him at meetings. When her nanny returned to Kerala for several months after a bereavement, the dean granted Henna a temporary hostel room during end-semester examinations.
The emotional weight, she admits, does not lift. She experienced postpartum blues for a month or two after Omi’s birth and attends psychotherapy through the campus Student’s Wellness Centre. The guilt of splitting attention between research and her child stays with her. “When I give time to my baby, I feel like I’m not doing proper justice to my research. When I’m doing my work, I feel guilty about being a mother.”
Her drive traces back to watching her mother give up her own ambitions. “I don’t want to see my baby as a hurdle in pursuing anything,” she said. She hopes that once Omi turns two and campus accommodation comes through, daily life will settle into a more manageable routine.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 14th, 2026
Kuttippuram (Tirur Taluk , Malappuram District), KERALA :
Author Sajida A Zubair with volunteers and members of the Ila Foundation during a discussion at its centre in Kerala.
“We human beings have started living in compartments. Muslims go to the masjid, Hindus go to the temple, Christians visit the church, and Sikhs go to the gurudwara. But where are the spaces for human beings, for all of us to visit simply as human beings?” –Ila Foundation’s Mohammed Najeeb.
Kuttipuram (Kerala) :
Travelling to Kuttipuram in Kerala was not merely a journey I had planned. It was a journey that carried with it a deep sense of emotion and transition. When I boarded the flight to Thiruvananthapuram earlier this month, I was setting out to leave my youngest daughter to follow her own choice of college and take the next step towards her higher education. As a parent, it was a moment filled with conflicting emotions: Pride in watching her move towards her dreams, and a quiet ache in letting her take those steps away from home.
After completing all the formalities and spending some cherished time with friends during the Onam holidays, I set out once again, this time by train. It was my first train journey in 22 years. A small journey in distance, perhaps, but one that felt significant in ways I had not anticipated. I finally reached Kuttipuram, carrying with me a sense of gratitude and anticipation, to meet Mohammed Najeeb Kuttipuram and thank him personally for the remarkable work he has been doing.
Though I went straight to their home from Tirur railway station, I met him only the following morning. I was told that Najeebka is a man who is deeply disciplined when it comes to time. There was no exception to that rule.
That morning, I was not simply meeting Najeebka. I was about to be introduced to a dream he had nurtured with conviction and purpose- the Ila Foundation.
The first question I asked him was perhaps the most natural one: “Why Ila?”
Najeebka, as he is fondly called by those around him, paused for a moment before answering.
“Life is a lesson,” he said. “We spend this journey going to school, finding a job, getting married, raising children, and then focusing on their education and building a house. We spend much of our lives fulfilling these responsibilities. But what’s next? What comes after all these responsibilities are fulfilled? That thought gave me the push to do something beyond these responsibilities.”
Here are excerpts from my conversations with the founder and volunteers of the Ila Foundation, recorded during my visit.
Sajida A Zubair (SAZ): What is Ila?
Najeebka: Ila which means leaf, comes from the fable of the ‘Ant & Leaf.’ Ila is a breathing space We human beings celebrate the first breath of life, and we mourn the last. In between those two moments, we breathe every single day, every single moment, yet we rarely pause to think about those breaths. We take them for granted. Ila is a space that allows us to pause- to breathe, to reflect and simply be. We human beings have started living in compartments. Muslims go to the masjid, Hindus go to the temple, Christians visit the church, and Sikhs go to the gurudwara. But where are the spaces for human beings, for all of us simply as human beings? Ila is that space. It belongs to everyone. That is why Ila has no doors. It is open to everyone. There are no compartments at Ila Foundation that differentiate among human beings.
SAZ: How is Ila’s palliative care initiative different from other such center?
Najeebka: I felt that there was very little change or evolution in the way palliative care was being provided in many centres. Many of them remained where they were when they first began. The focus was largely on medicines, injections, catheter changes and other forms of medical support. But Ila was conceived as something beyond medical care. We wanted to provide emotional support as well, to create a space where people could feel heard, cared for and valued.
SAZ: What makes Ila different from other organisations? What does it mean to be a volunteer at Ila?
Every volunteer who comes here is first made to understand one thing: before anything else, we are human beings. Learning how to be a human being is the first lesson we give to anyone who comes here to contribute. Our volunteers come from different religions, castes, races and creeds. But the understanding that we are human beings first is what brings us together and makes us a family. That is also why Ila does not have the usual hierarchy. We don’t have board members, a president or a secretary. We simply have volunteers. We come together because we believe in the same purpose.
We need to realise that the health we have is one of the greatest blessings we receive in life. The moment we truly understand that, we should feel the responsibility to reach out to those who are struggling with their health. At Ila, we try to see ourselves simply as human beings, and to see the people we care for in the same way.
Ila foundation is not just to care for those who are suffering, but to make all of us a little more human in the process.
SAZ: What is Ila doing to prepare the next generation with this same idea?
Najeebka: One of our important initiatives is the CEEP- Capital Exploration and Enhancement Programme, which begins with children from the eighth standard onwards.
We want to encourage these children to ask themselves some fundamental questions: Who am I? What am I capable of? What do I want to achieve in my life? We train them to discover their strengths, develop a sense of purpose and build a mission for their lives. More importantly, we help them understand how to face and overcome the challenges that life will inevitably bring.
We give special attention to the training of female students as well. So far, 24 training sessions have been conducted. These children will, in another ten years, become part of different sections of society- some may enter politics, some may become professionals, teachers or take up other roles. Wherever they go, Ila hopes they will carry with them the values they have learned here and contribute to a positive and compassionate transformation of society. Our dream is not simply to train children for successful careers. It is to nurture human beings who can make a meaningful difference wherever life takes them.
SAZ: How would you describe your association with the idea behind Ila?
Sulfikhar, Volunteer, Ila Foundation: Najeebka is my childhood friend and an elder brother for me. I have known him for many years. He is a traveller, and during his journeys across North India, particularly through villages, he spent a great deal of time doing social work and reaching out to people in need.
For more than 25 years, these travels became a part of his life. It was through these experiences, and the people he encountered along the way, that the idea of the Ila Foundation gradually took shape.
But Ila is much more than a charity or a place that simply provides assistance. It offers care and compassion to people dealing with health challenges, but its purpose extends beyond those who are unwell.
Ila is also a space for those who are healthy. It’s a place where they can look within themselves and work towards cleansing their inner selves. We all carry our own diseases of the soul- ego, jealousy, anger and many other negative emotions. Ila encourages people to recognise these within themselves and try to overcome them.
That, for me, is what makes Ila different. It is not only about caring for a person’s physical suffering; it is also about helping people become better human beings.
SAZ: What kind of care and support does Ila Foundation provide?
Fasina, who coordinates the palliative care volunteers: Ila provides support to people with a range of health needs. The Drug Bank provides medicines, particularly for psychiatric patients. Those requiring rehabilitation support are registered, and the medicines they need are provided to them. We also have a dialysis unit with 10 machines, operating in two shifts. At present, 34 patients are receiving dialysis care through Ila.
Our palliative care programme extends beyond the walls of the Foundation. We have four home-care units that visit patients at their homes every 15 days. The visits include checking their vital signs, wound dressing and attending to other medical needs.
But medical care is only one part of what we do. Just as important is the time we spend with them, sitting beside them, listening to them and offering emotional and moral support. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone is there for you can make a great difference to a person who is suffering.
During my visit to the Ila Foundation, I had the opportunity to accompany one of its home-care units. We set out at 9 in the morning, travelling from one home to another and meeting families who, despite the immense difficulties they face, continue to hold on to hope and remain remarkably positive about life.
What struck me most was the way many of them spoke about Ila, not merely as a source of medical care, but as an institution that had brought a sense of confidence, dignity and hope back into their lives.
One such story is that of Shabiri Girish, 45, who lives with his wife and two school-going children. A construction worker by profession, his life changed dramatically when he fell from the fourth floor of a building and suffered a serious head injury.
For nearly three years, his family explored every available avenue of treatment, hoping that he would one day regain the ability to walk. But despite their efforts, he eventually lost movement in his legs.
It was then that Shabiri Girish registered for palliative care with the Ila Foundation.
When Ila’s care began, it offered him something that went beyond medical assistance. The emotional and moral support he received gradually helped him regain confidence and look at life with renewed hope. In time, Ila provided him with an electric wheelchair and helped him set up a small shop beside his home.
Today, Shabiri Girish has regained a measure of independence that once seemed almost impossible. His journey is not simply a story of overcoming physical limitations; it is also a story of dignity, resilience and the power of being supported when life seems to have taken everything away.
He and his family now speak of Ila with deep gratitude. More than recipients of its care, they hope to remain connected with the Foundation and contribute as volunteers, sharing their own journey to inspire others who may be going through similar struggles.
I was also given the opportunity to spend some time with a group of specially abled beneficiaries of Ila. We sang, played games and shared moments of laughter. They welcomed me into their circle with such warmth and innocence that, for those few hours, there seemed to be no sense of difference-only the simple joy of being together.
One of the children smiled and told me, “We love coming here every week. We wait eagerly for Tuesdays for these sessions.”
The excitement in those words said more about what Ila means to them than any explanation could. For these children, Tuesday is not just another day of the week. It is a day they look forward to- a day of friendship, play, laughter and belonging.
And that’s when I knew Ila Foundation is indeed a space to breathe freely and perhaps that is the most powerful aspect of Ila’s work-the transformation of those who once needed support into people who themselves want to become a source of strength for others.
If you are in Kerala, Ila Foundation deserves to be on your itinerary.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home>Health / by Sajida A Zubair /edited in headlines / September 14th, 2026
In an exclusive interview, with Sajida A Zubair , an educator, counselor, script-writer, voice-over artist and Radiance Correspondent for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, we delve into the inspiring journey of Zohra Banu, who recently achieved the remarkable feat of securing the 469th All India Rank (AIR) in the UPSC examinations.
Hailing from the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Zohra’s story is one of determination, courage, and unwavering commitment to service. From her humble beginnings at Ummat Public School to her pursuit of Engineering in computer science at Andhra University, her educational background has molded her into the resilient and driven individual she is today. Transitioning from a successful corporate career to civil services, Zohra’s decision reflects her deep-seated desire to make a meaningful contribution to society. Let’s uncover the motivations, challenges, and aspirations of this inspiring young woman on her journey to serve the nation.
SZ: Could you share with us how your educational background and experiences have influenced your personality and career choices?
ZB: Certainly. My educational journey has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The patience and work ethic instilled by my teachers during my school years, coupled with the resilience learned during my university days, have been instrumental in my career choices. Additionally, my corporate experience highlighted the importance of values, ultimately leading me to pursue a career dedicated to serving society.
SZ: Moving from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to a more competitive environment must have been quite a challenge. How did this transition affect you and your approach to academics?
ZB: Indeed, it was a significant transition. Initially, I felt lost and experienced a dip in self-confidence. However, I embraced the challenge and realized that hard work was the key to success. This experience taught me the importance of consistent effort and resilience in the face of adversity.
SZ: What motivated you to pursue the UPSC exams, considering the shift from a successful corporate career?
ZB: Interestingly, UPSC was not a childhood dream for me. It was witnessing my roommate’s dedication to the exams that sparked my curiosity. My primary motivation has always been to contribute to society, and I saw the UPSC exams as an opportunity to do just that, aligning more closely with my values and aspirations.
SZ: It’s inspiring to hear about your dedication to service. As a Muslim woman from Calicut in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, did you face any challenges in pursuing your dreams, and how did your parents’ support help you overcome them?
ZB: While challenges certainly existed, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my parents. Despite societal pressures and stereotypes, my parents encouraged me to pursue my aspirations, emphasizing that the sky was the limit. Their support and belief in me were invaluable in overcoming any obstacles I encountered along the way.
SZ: Faith often plays a significant role in navigating challenges. How has your relationship with your faith helped you during your journey?
ZB: Faith has been a pillar of strength for me throughout my journey. Connecting with a Higher Power provided me with solace during challenging times, enabling me to face setbacks with hopefulness and perseverance. It has been a source of comfort and guidance, guiding me through both the highs and lows of my academic and UPSC journey.
SZ: Your commitment to serving society is truly commendable. How do you plan to advocate for the rights and interests of marginalized communities, especially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
ZB: I am deeply committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly children, women, and tribals. If given the opportunity, I would work tirelessly to address their grievances and ensure their voices are heard. Additionally, I aim to enhance the visibility of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global stage, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by its diverse communities.
SZ: Finally, what message would you like to convey to our readers?
ZB: I would like to express my gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their belief in me has been my driving force throughout my journey. To all the parents out there, I urge you to recognize and nurture the potential of your children, regardless of societal pressures or expectations. Believe in them, support them, and watch them soar.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Sajida A Zubair / May 03rd, 2024
Safna Nazarudeen, youngest Muslim woman from Kerala to crack UPSC with All India Rank 45, now serves as Labour Commissioner. Her journey from a Kendriya Vidyalaya student to an IAS officer reveals the power of early focus, disciplined routines and a desire to serve.
Growing up in Valiyavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Safna Nazarudeen was surrounded by the world of public service. Her father rose from the ranks of the Kerala Police, eventually retiring as an inspector. Her mother worked as a typist in the state employment exchange. From an early age, Safna watched the values of discipline, dedication, and community service take shape in her household.
It was around class 8 when she first entertained the idea of joining the civil services, not because she knew the mechanics of the exam, but because she sensed that an IAS officer could do a lot for society.
She attended Kendriya Vidyalaya, excelling academically and choosing the social sciences stream, against her father’s wish for science. Undeterred, she pursued a BA in Economics at Mar Ivanios College, topping the Kerala University in her batch.
CRACKING THE UPSC IN HER FIRST ATTEMPT
In 2020, at the age of 23, Safna cleared the Union Public Service Commission exam in her first attempt, securing All India Rank 45. She became the youngest Muslim woman from Kerala to enter the IAS.
Her preparation followed a rigorous pattern: she turned off social media, spent two hours daily on newspapers, attended coaching classes, and devoted 7-10 hours to self-study every day. She also kept a dedicated notebook to jot down what she studied for weekend revision.
Public speaking was a challenge at first, so she practised by speaking on selected topics daily in front of a mirror, a method suggested by her mentors.
FROM ASSISTANT COLLECTOR TO LABOUR COMMISSIONER
Once she entered the Kerala cadre of the IAS (Batch 2020), Safna was posted in Malappuram district as Deputy or Assistant Collector. Over time, she rose to become the Labour Commissioner, heading the Labour Commissionerate, Government of Kerala (Thozhil Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram).
Her role now involves dealing with migrant labour issues, irregular employment, unemployment and implementation of labour laws across multiple industries.
In a recent government order, she was also given an additional charge as Director of the Fisheries Department.
VALUES, APPROACH AND LEADERSHIP STYLE
While the public often assumes that bureaucrats are always under strong political pressure, Safna says the reality is more complex. Multiple stakeholders need to be consulted and aligned before solutions that benefit all can be implemented. She says that while busy days are inevitable, there are also comparatively lighter days and that the job offers a mix of responsibility and reasonable balance.
Her early life, seeing a working‐class household, understanding privilege and the importance of service, shaped her commitment. She has spoken of recognising during her school days that she was more privileged than many, and that propelled her to aspire to serve people who were less advantaged.
WHAT HER STORY OFFERS TO ASPIRANTS
Start early with your goal: Safna’s idea of joining IAS surfaced as a teenager, even without full clarity of the exam system.
Make your dream your own: It wasn’t family pressure; it was her personal choice, and she owned it.
Structure matters: A disciplined routine, self-study and regular revision helped build momentum.
Complement knowledge with skills: She recognised the importance of speaking and presentation early.
Service mindset: Her ambition was not just personal status but to bring change and fairness for others.
LOOKING FORWARD
At a still young age in her bureaucratic career, Safna’s journey is already remarkable. But there is room ahead for deeper policy initiatives, sectoral reforms in labour, and perhaps district- or state-wide programmes that shape livelihoods and rights. Her trajectory suggests that when the aspiration aligns with preparation and execution, leadership roles in public service open up, and they carry the potential to impact lives.
source: http://www.indianmasterminds.com / Indian Masterminds / Home> Features> UPSC Stories / by Bhakti Kothari / November 05th, 2025
Genrobotic Innovations, a company based in Pallippuram, Kerala has been conferred with the Medicall Made in India Innovation 2023 Golden Award for developing the advanced robotic gait trainer G-Gaiter that helps patients recover rapidly from paraplegic disabilities. Afsal Muttikkal, Regional Director, Genrobotics Medical and Mobility received the award from Shyam Vasudevarao, Founder and Director of Forus Health, Renalyx, and Rx DHP.
The company’s flagship medical product, the G-Gaiter is an advanced gait training robot which has earned this prestigious acknowledgement for its unwavering dedication to driving innovation within the health-tech sector. The G-Gaiter’s services are currently accessible in numerous hospitals across Kerala.
Instituted by Chennai-based Medicall Innovation, the award is given for promoting and recognising advanced technological innovations in the healthcare industry.
G-Gaiter assists patients with paraplegic conditions caused by stroke, traumatic spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy to increase their mobility, consistency, and quality of gait pattern.
G-Gaiter’s AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered natural human gait pattern and top-notch rehabilitation functions aim to increase mobility as well as the consistency and quality of gait patterns. It helps patients with paraplegic disorders achieve their goal of re-walking flawlessly.
Taking off as a startup, Genrobotics has displayed innovation in solving different social issues and emerged as one of the most impactful companies through various robotic solutions. It made a big socio-technological impact by developing the world’s first robotic manhole cleaner, ‘Bandicoot’, aimed at phasing out manual scavenging.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / August 24th, 2023
India has not qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but two footballers – Tahsin and Nishan, are making the country proud as the countdown for the football mega event begins
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid (L) and Nishan Velupillay
2026 FIFA World Cup:
India has not qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but two footballers – Tahsin and Nishan, are making the country proud as the countdown for the football mega event begins.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a grand inauguration on June 11, 2026. Weeks before the inauguration of the football world cup, two footballers – Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nishan Velupillay are adding to the football fever in India.
And the reason is their country of origin.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid and Nishan Velupillay both have their roots in India, and they will be playing the 2026 Football World Cup, though not for India but for the countries they are currently residing in.
Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid
19-year-old Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid is the first footballer of Indian-origin selected in Qatar’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tahsin’s parents, Jamshid and Shaima, migrated from Kannur, Kerala in 1996 and settled in Doha, Qatar where Tahsin was born on June 16, 2006.
The winger, who is described as quick, direct, and impactful on the wings, came through Qatar’s Aspire Academy and plays for Al Duhail Sports Club.
Tahsin, who earlier represented Qatar at senior, U23, U20, and lower youth levels and is regarded as one of the country’s promising young talents, made his senior debut for Qatar in the World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan.
Tashin’s father Jamshid currently working as Accountant, is also a footballer and had played for University of Calicut, Kerala.
Nishan Velupillay
Nishan Velupillay (25) has been confirmed in the 26-member Australian squad for the 2026 football world cup.
The Melbourne Victory winger was born on May 7, 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. His father, Sasinath Velupillay, is Malaysian with Sri Lankan Tamil roots, and his mother, Gillian, is Anglo-Indian.
Nishan made his debut for Australia in 2024 and scored on his first appearance in the World Cup qualifier against China. Since then, he has become a regular part of the Australian national football team.
With his selection for the World Cup, Velupillay is set to become the first footballer of Tamil heritage to play at the football world cup.
“A Historic Moment”
Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor who posted the brief profile of the two footballers said their inclusion in the Qatar and Australian national teams are proud moment for India too.
“A historic moment for Indian football fans! As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we will have two players of Indian heritage gracing the global stage”, Tharoor wrote on social media platform X.
“They follow in the footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo, the elegant and creative midfielder whose forefathers hailed from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh (migrating to Mauritius and later to France), who played for the French National Team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, winning a runners-up medal”, Tharoor further wrote.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries. The United States will have 11 of the 16 hosts cities at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also feature matches in Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be inaugurated on June 11, 2026 whereas the 2026 Football World Cup Final will be played on July 19, 2026.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> 2026 FIFA World Cup / by ummid.com news network / June 03rd, 2026
A 42-year-old Muslim Ayurvedic doctor from Kerala, Sajna S.A., who had been working in Bhopal for the past six months, passed away after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage (subarachnoid haemorrhage). She was admitted to a private hospital in Bhopal on May 15 after her condition became critical.
Despite intensive medical care, her condition worsened, and doctors later declared her brain-stem dead.
Family Agrees to Organ Donation After Counselling
Following the diagnosis, doctors and transplant coordinators counselled the family about the possibility of organ donation. After careful discussion, her family agreed to donate her organs, turning a moment of personal loss into an act of life-saving generosity.
Hospital authorities said the entire process followed the guidelines of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), which regulates organ donation and transplantation procedures in the country.
What is Brain-Stem Death
Doctors explained that brain-stem death is a medically and legally recognised form of death. It refers to the irreversible loss of all brain functions, including those that control breathing and consciousness. Even if a ventilator keeps the heart beating, recovery is not possible.
Medical experts said such cases allow organ donation under strict protocols, as the organs remain viable for transplantation for a limited time.
Organs Transplanted to Save Lives
According to hospital officials, Sajna’s liver and one kidney were transplanted into patients admitted at the same hospital in Bhopal. Her second kidney was sent to another private hospital, where it was used for a patient in urgent need.
Dr S.K. Trivedi, Director of Bansal Hospital, said the family showed remarkable compassion during a difficult time.
“When asked if they had any preference regarding the recipient’s religion or identity, her husband said, ‘Give it to whoever needs it,’” he stated.
Doctors confirmed that all three organs helped save the lives of two patients.
Emotional Farewell With Full Honour
After the organ retrieval procedure, Sajna S.A.’s body was given a respectful farewell. Police personnel and hospital staff paid their tributes as part of the state’s recognition of organ donors.
Her body was later transported to Thiruvananthapuram for final rites in her hometown.
Hospital staff, local administration officials, and representatives from various organisations honoured the family for their decision, describing it as an example of humanity and compassion.
Debate and Public Response
The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, where many users praised the family’s decision, calling it an example of “humanity beyond religion.”
Some users wrote that “humanity is the greatest religion,” while others highlighted the act as an example of interfaith harmony and selflessness.
Medical experts also said the case highlights the importance of organ donation awareness, especially in brain-stem death cases, where timely decisions can save multiple lives.
source: http://www.theobserverpost.com / The Observer Post / Home> India> Indian Muslims> Positive Story / by The Observer Post / May 29th, 2026
Fathima Thahiliya has faced cyberattacks and online abuse since her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, including sexually derogatory, and communal remarks.
Fathima Thahiliya, a 34-year-old advocate and postgraduate in law from the University of Calicut, won the high-profile Perambra Assembly constituency, defeating the senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), T. P. Ramakrishnan.
Thahiliya got 81429 votes, winning the strongly contested seat with 5087 margin.
Born in Peruvayal in Kozhikode, Thahiliya rose through student politics before entering electoral politics, serving as a leader in the Muslim Students Federation and later as a councillor in the Kozhikode Corporation.
She completed her B.A. LL.B from Government Law College, Kozhikode, and an LL.M from Government Law College, Thrissur, and currently practises as an advocate at the Calicut District Court.
She also serves as a State Secretary of the Muslim Youth League, marking her steady rise within the Indian Union Muslim League.
Representing the Indian Union Muslim League, Thahiliya is among the 2 women candidates fielded by the party, making her contest particularly significant in a constituency long considered a Left stronghold.
Her candidature drew widespread attention across Kerala, not only because of the high-stakes electoral battle but also due to the controversies that unfolded during the campaign.
Fathima Thahiliya faced significant cyberattacks and online abuse soon after her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, with her social media pages flooded with sexually coloured and derogatory comments, including vulgar remarks and personal attacks.
Much of the abuse targeted her identity as a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab, and questioned her capability to contest elections.
Thahiliya stated that such attacks were not new to her, noting that she had faced similar cyber harassment during earlier local body elections in Kozhikode.
Another controversy, the “Kauminte Kutti” row, erupted after allegations that campaign vehicles linked to the Left Democratic Front made announcements referring to Fathima Thahiliya as a “community candidate.”
The United Democratic Front alleged that attempts were made to communalise the election by portraying her through her religious identity, with campaign messages that sparked political backlash and complaints to the Election Commission.
Despite these challenges, Fathima Thahiliya emerged as a strong contender and went on to win the Perambra Assembly constituency, marking a significant shift in a traditionally LDF-dominated seat.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India>South India / by Maktoob / May 04th, 2026
At a time when the stage was closed to women from conservative Muslim households, Ayesha walked into the spotlight at 16, confronting hostility that ranged from social ostracism to outright violence.
Nilambur Ayesha, Kerala’s first Muslim woman theatre artist.(Photo | Special Arrangement)
Malappuram :
Nilambur Ayesha, the indomitable force who shattered barriers to become the state’s first Muslim woman theatre artist, steps into her ninth decade with a legacy forged in courage, resistance and uncompromising artistry. Her life is not merely a story of performance, but a defiant march against religious orthodoxy that sought to silence her.
At a time when the stage was closed to women from conservative Muslim households, Ayesha walked into the spotlight at just 16, confronting hostility that ranged from social ostracism to outright violence. For generations of Malayalis, the very mention of drama evokes her name, a testament to a contribution that redefined Malayalam theatre.
Born into a once-prosperous family in Nilambur, Ayesha’s early life was marked by upheaval. Her father’s sudden death pushed the family into crisis. At 13, she was forced into marriage with a man decades older. The relationship lasted only days, leaving her to raise an infant daughter alone. She survived by selling rice and grinding grain, battling poverty with relentless determination.
It was in these harsh circumstances that playwright E K Ayamu invited her to act in a play staged by the Nilambur Yuvajana Kala Samithi. Backed by her brother Manu Muhammed but opposed by her mother, Ayesha chose the stage over submission. “No one who cannot save us has the right to punish us,” she declared, stepping into a world that would test her endurance at every turn.
The backlash was swift and brutal. When she first performed at Farooq Lakshmi Talkies under the banner of the Communist movement, it sent shockwaves through society. A Muslim woman on stage was seen as an act of rebellion. Stones were hurled at her during a performance in Nadapuram, leaving her bleeding, yet she refused to abandon the stage. In Manjeri, gunfire erupted during a play, narrowly missing her. In another incident, she was assaulted inside a make-up room. Each attack was meant to break her spirit. None succeeded.
Ayesha recalls those years with unflinching clarity. “I can never forget that. My first play was ‘Ijjh Nalla Mansan Aakan Nokku’. There was fierce opposition. The shooting incident when I was 16 was part of that. But I was not ready to give up and go back,” she said. “The Communist movement was always with me.”
Her journey extended beyond theatre into cinema, where she carved a notable presence. She acted in films such as Kandam Becha Kottu, Kavyamela, Kuttikkuppayam, Olavum Theeravum and Paleri Manikyam. She also performed with leading drama troupes, including K T Mohammed’s Kalinga Theatre, and took on demanding roles, including four characters in Kurangu Rasayanam.
Hardship followed even at the peak of her artistic journey. Driven by financial distress, she worked as a domestic worker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for 19 years. Yet, she returned to the stage with renewed resolve, eventually performing in more than 29,000 shows.
Ayesha’s life has since entered academic discourse, studied by undergraduate students as part of their curriculum. Her journey, documented in Basheer Chungathara’s work, stands as a powerful narrative of resistance and artistic integrity.
Her achievements have been widely recognised. She received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Best Actress in 2002, the SL Puram Sadanandan Award for overall contribution, and the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress in 2011. The film Ayesha, starring Manju Warrier, draws inspiration from her life in the Gulf.
Reflecting on her journey, Ayesha says, “Whatever cinema has captured of my life has given me joy. It feels like my life has been accepted.”
Her legacy is now being celebrated in a three-day tribute organised by the Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy in Kondotty. The ‘Navathi Adharam’ celebrations opened with a film festival featuring works connected to her life and career. The final day included the screening of a documentary and a gathering of theatre workers, culminating in a felicitation where CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj honoured the veteran artist.
Ayesha did not merely perform on stage. She fought for her place on it, and in doing so, redrew the boundaries of art, courage and freedom.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Lakshmi Athira / May 04th,2026
