Tag Archives: Muslims of Tamil Nadu

Focus on communal harmony

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Salem, TAMIL NADU :

The Margazhi Peruvizha Committee functioning in the city has set a worthy example for communal harmony for other associations to emulate by inviting scholars of other faiths to address the Margazhi and Navarathri festival programmes.

T.M. Abdul Khader, an eminent Tamil scholar and former Head of the Department of Tamil, Islamia College, Vaniyambadi, is a regular at the Margazhi and Navarathri festival programmes here for the past 15 years at a stretch, along with the scholars of other faiths.

The Margazhi Peruvizha Committee has been organising special discourses, lecture programmes and poets’ symposium etc for the past 33 years without any break during the Margazhi and Navarathri festivals.

The committee members have been ardent followers of Vallalar, a famous Tamil saint and one of the greatest poets, who endeavoured to eliminate caste and promote a society sans religious and caste considerations.

The committee has been organising programmes to create awareness on the religious practices which had negative impact on the entire society. It invited scholars of all religious faiths from across the country and also from Sri Lanka to address its members.

According to A.K. Palaniappan, president of the Margazhi Peruvizha Committee, the Navarathri festival is celebrated for 10 days and the Margazhi festival for about a month every year.

The committee has made it a point to invite like-minded scholars from all faiths to participate in their programmes. “Kavikko” Abdul Rahman and Periyar Dasan, who later converted to Islam, have addressed the Margazhi gatherings in the past.

Mr. Palaniappan said that Prof. Khader has been attending the Margazhi and Naravathri programmes for the past 15 years. His lectures always evoked good response and the jam-packed hall on Saturday when he spoke on the topic ‘Bothimarathu Kilaiyil Poonthamizh’ (Tamil on the branch of Bothi tree) was an ample proof of his popularity with the local audience, he said.

Prof. Khader also presided over the poets’ symposium on the topic ‘Kodugalal or Kolam’ on Sunday evening.

Mr. Palaniappan said Jegath Gaspar Raj, a Chennai-based Catholic priest and founder of the “Tamil Maiyam”, will be addressing the gathering on January 5.

Politicians including Vaiko and Nanjil Sampath have also addressed these festivals.

Another highlight of both the festivals organised by the committee is the equal importance given to women. Many women scholars are regular in delivering special addresses at these meetings.

Uma Devarajan of Salem, N. Vijayasundari of Tiruchi, Devi Gunasekaran of Salem, Desa Mangaiyarkarasi of Chennai, and M. Uma Maheswari of Coimbatore are among the list of speakers for this year’s meetings.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Today’s Paper / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / January 02nd, 2017

Standing tall with the new minaret

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Salem, TAMIL NADU :

The latest addition at the historic Jamia Masjid, Salem, is the nine-tier tower

The historic Jamia Masjid on the southern banks of River Tirumanithar in the heart of Salem city has got a 135 ft. tall ‘minaret.’ This is said to be one of the tallest minarets to be constructed in a mosque in South India in the recent past.

The minaret is a significant feature of mosques across the world, and is one of the earliest characteristics of Islamic architecture. The ‘muezzin,’ a person who announces the call of prayer, usually delivers the ‘azaan’ from the minarets.

Jamia Masjid in any town or city is considered as the chief mosque. They are known as congregational mosques, as Muslims gather in large numbers to offer prayers on Fridays and during Ramzan, Bakrid and other festivals.

Rich past

Jamia Masjid in Salem city, standing on about 1.5 acres of land, has a rich past. It is one of the oldest mosques in the state and was said to have been built by the Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan (1750 – 1799), popularly known as the Tiger of Mysore, more than two centuries ago. Tipu Sultan, who had visited the Salem region on various occasions, is said to have offered prayers in this mosque. He has also donated inams (properties) for this mosque. The British regime, which understood the importance of this Jamia Masjid, also extended assistance to this mosque and gave ‘inams’.

This Jamia Masjid is built on the lines of the North Indian mosques. The prayer hall of this grand mosque stands on an elevated ground and is decorated with tall, elaborate granite pillars. On Fridays, this masjid gets more worshippers from the town and neighbouring areas of Salem.

According to S.R. Anwar, the Muthawalli of the Jamia Masjid, the minaret has nine small tiers ranging between 10 ft. and 20 ft. The cornice (metal kalasam), atop the minaret was made in Kumbakonam. A silver cone and crescent decorate this metal structure.

Anwar says that this Jamia Masjid plays a stellar role in promoting communal harmony in the entire western belt and has been held in high esteem by everyone.

S. Veerappan, an expert architect from Kamanayakkanpatti, led a team which was in-charge for the construction of this minaret. His name is engraved on the inaugural stone. “It is a great honour that my name is on the tablet stone of the mosque,” says Veerappan. “This highlights the mutual respect and goodwill that the people from different communities have for each other,” he adds.

The new minaret was inaugurated recently by A. Anwar Raajha, MP and Chairman of Tamil Nadu Wakf Board, in the presence of MPs V. Panneer Selvam, P.R. Sundaram and K. Kamaraj.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Today’s Paper> Features> Friday Review / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / July 06th, 2018

Tamil scholar Nainar Mohamed passes away

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Tiruchirapalli, TAMIL NADU / Texas, U.S.A :

Thavathiru Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adigalar having a word with C. Nainar Mohamed (right). File Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

Renowned Tamil scholar, writer and former Principal of Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchi, C. Nainar Mohamed passed away at his daughter’s residence at Texas in USA on Wednesday night. He was 85.

Popularly known as ‘Perum Pulavar’, a title conferred on him by late Kundrakudi Adigalar, Nainar Mohamed served as the Head of the Department of Tamil of Jamal Mohamed College for a record 32 years, and its Principal for four years in the 1980s. After retiring from the college service, he served as professor at Tamil University, Thanjavur for five years.

 He launched the Tamizhaga Pulavar Kuzhu along with late K.A.P. Viswanatham and served as its secretary for 28 years. He also set up the Islamia Ilakkiya Kazhagam. A leading figure in Tiruchi Tamil Sangam, he continued to remain as its deputy Minister till now.

The Madurai Kamaraj University honoured him with ‘Tamil Chemmal’ award and the Ulaga Tirukkural Peravai with ‘Tirukkural Neri Thondral’ and ‘Kural Gnayiru’ awards. Through the Islamia Ilakkiya Kazhagam, he organized five International Tamil Literary conferences, which brought to light the richness of the Islamic Tamil literary works to the world. 

A regular in world Tamil conferences, he has authored many books.

He is survived by wife Hasina Nainar, four sons and a daughter.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Syed Muthahar Saqaf / July 24th, 2025

‘Yahya Ali’ streets in Chennai: From street name to gobbledygook

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

The correct name is Yahya Ali Streets – 1, 2 and 3, and they take their names from Justice Yahya Ali of the High Court of Madras.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The street sign says it all – Yahali 3rd Street. There are three of them, all connecting Anna Salai with G.N. Chetty Road, at Teynampet, very close to Semmozhi Poonga. Only Yahali is not the correct name. Google Maps has compounded matters further. You need to search under Yaya Hali Street if you need to find it. The correct name is Yahya Ali Streets – 1, 2, and 3, and they take their names from Justice Yahya Ali of the High Court of Madras.

The learned judge is not in public memory. When I spoke to a friend on this, he said that the Internet has no reference to such a judge, and I guess that would mean such a person did not exist. But he did. And when he died as a sitting judge in 1949, the High Court convened to condole his passing. The brilliant barrister and then Public Prosecutor V.L. Ethiraj led the mourners. He dwelt on the “keen intellect, great learning, profound human understanding and exquisite courtesy we found in that frail figure.” But to get full biographical details, we need to turn to the speech of an illustrious contemporary, V.C. Gopalaratnam, who spoke on behalf of the Madras Advocates Association.

Yahya Ali was born in August 1893 in Nellore, his father serving as Assistant Secretary in the Finance Department of the Nizams of Hyderabad. He graduated in History and Economics from the Presidency College in 1916 and then qualified in Law. He set up practice in Nellore and became Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council as well. In between, he became Chairman of Nellore Municipality, his election being testimony to the regard he enjoyed from all residents of the town. It was a place notorious for communal tension, and being a Hindu majority, it was considered impossible for a Muslim to win the ballot.

In 1926, Yahya Ali became District Judge, being posted in that capacity to various parts of Madras Presidency. His specialisation in matters concerning finance led to his being appointed by the then Imperial Government in 1942 as the Chairman of the Appellate Income Tax Tribunal where he equipped himself “with a thorough and exhaustive knowledge of Income Tax Law and Procedure.” In 1945 he became a judge of the High Court of Madras. It is interesting to note that he sat in judgment till the last day of his life, taking ill on April 21, 1949, and passing away the next day.

While these details are from Gopalaratnam’s speech during the condolence meet, we learn some more from what the then Chief Justice P.V. Rajamannar had to say. Yahya Ali, he noted, was a connoisseur of Telugu poetry and “he was a deeply cultured person – culture with the best ingredients of what I may call Moghul culture – urbanity, catholicity and instinctive love of all that was beautiful.”

What was his link to Teynampet? He was at the time of his death Mutawalli (trustee or guardian) of the Teynampet Mosque in which his family had taken a deep interest. It was also in the precincts of this mosque that Yahya Ali was buried. And eventually, a locality was named after him. And from there, the name has morphed phonetically as it were, to what it is now with street names changing accordingly.

I wish the Corporation would be more careful with street signs. We have suffered enough mutilation with truncation of many names to initials, morphing of others, and of course, name changes at the drop of a hat.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai>My Madras / by Sriram V / June 11th, 2025

Dr Ameer Althaf’s ‘Athaatchigal’ Book Release Next Sunday @ Podanur

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Coimbatore, TAMIL NADU :

From Accounts Manager to Accomplished Author

Former NTC official Ameer Althaf, who played with numbers as accounts manager at the central government organisation had a passion for penning books.


And his creativity came to the fore with his maiden book on 300 year long history of Coimbatore Muslims in 2014.


Taking the next step, Ameer took up intensive research on Holy Quran. His seven year effort bore fruits with his four part book ‘Athaatchigal Thirukkuran Kalai Kalanjiam’ which has lots of interesting info which he collected during his indepth study visiting universities in Mecca, Medina and Malaysia. No doubt, this creative work is his magnum opus. Moreover, this book is a must in the book shelf of every household.


Retired apex court judge F M Ibrahim Kalifullah and former Madras High Court judge K N Basha will release the book in the presence of leading luminaries of Coimbatore and experts in their chosen domain from across the globe.


The event sponsored by Dhaanish Ahmed Institute of Technology (DAIT) and Al Azhar Educational Trust is to be held at Podanur Thendral Mahal on Oct 20 evening.


Interestingly, Ameer’s research papers on Holy Quran were presented and published in global forum like Umma-al Qura University in Mecca, King Fahad University in Madina, University Malaya, Islamic Science University Malaysia besides universities in Istanbul, Jordan, Qatar, Mali.


His four decade central government service and three decade research on Holy Quran made him go places across the globe. Significantly, he became to be known as International Holy Quran researcher.


Others who are part of the event includes Moulavi Alhaj M A Abdur Rahim, president, Coimbatore-Nilgiris-Tirupur district Jamathul Ulema Sabai, Moulavi Alhaj M A Mohammed Imdhadi, president, Coimbatore city Jamathul Ulema Sabai, social activist Aloor Shanavas, Coimbatore district United Jamaath president Alhaj A R Basheer Ahamed, Tamil Nadu Haj organisors association president Alhaj A Mohamed Rafeek, Iqra Educational Trust president Alhaj H E Iqbal Sait, Project Manager in Kuwait Haji M A Azad will address the audience at the book release event.


Himayathul Muslimeen Sunnath Jamaath, Podanur secretary Haji KTS Riyas Kapoor will propose the vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries who will speak at the event include Holy Quran translator Prof Mohamed Khan baqavi, TN state Jamathul Ulema deputy general secretary Moulavi Alhaj K M Ilyas Riyaji, Chennai Anna Salai Makkah Masjid chief imam Moulana M Mohammed Mansoor Kasimi, Madras University HoD Arabic, Persian and Urdu Dr A Zakir Hussain Baqavi and senior network consultant, Abudhabi Dr Mohamed Ibrahim.

source: http://wwwkovaimetro.in / Kovai Metro / Home> Coimbatore / by Shefa Rafi / October 13th, 2019

Empowering women thru’ education, AIMMS path-breaking initiative

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Coimbatore / Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Muslim women-folk with a major chunk of them being home-makers showed keen interest to take up the Afzal-Ul-Ulama degree examinations conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. Interestingly, this year 93 students from Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) wrote their exams with zeal and confidence.

“All I want is education and I am not afraid of no one.” So said Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, UN Messenger of Peace and co-founder of the Malala Fund, who is credited to be the youngest education campaigner to address the UN Youth Assembly when she was just 16 years old. No doubt, this had a great impact among the Muslim women across the globe to continue their education breaking the taboo and gender bias.

Taking a cue from “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” which is a powerful Quranic Dua from Surah Taha Verse 114 which means “O My Lord! Increase my knowledge”, the Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) under the able guidance of noted Holy Quran researcher, writer, orator and publisher Haji Dr Ameer Althaf, about 93 Muslim women aged between 19 and 55 enthusiastically wrote Afzal-Ul-Ulama examinations with confidence.

With a sharp increase this year (last year 85 students), it only proves to show the awareness among the Muslim women to get educated. About 850 students drawn from different corners of the State (last year 827) took up the exams conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. All credit goes to AIMMS, the maiden Muslim women community college in Tamil Nadu established in 2005 with the sole objective of helping Muslim women mostly home-makers from lower echelons of the society to pursue their education with the support of their family.

From a humble beginning, AIMMS grew from strength to strength to become one of the much sought-after institutes by Muslim women. As to the revelation of the first word “Iqra” in the Holy Quran meaning ‘To Read’, AIMMS left no stone unturned to impart education to women using modern methods in tune with the emerging trend keeping in view of technological development.

Notably, the Institute is located in a good environment equipped with all latest facilities including powerpoint presentation, modernised Arabic computer lab besides scope for doing MA, MPhil and PhD in Arabic while exempting the women from poor family background from paying fees.

Yet another redeeming feature is guest lectures by experts and resource persons giving useful tips to the students in getting their varied skills honed. Thanks to the wholehearted support extended by the AIMMS trustees.

In today’s globalised world, knowing multiple languages can significantly boost one’s career prospects. And one language that stands out for its potential to expand job opportunities is Arabic since it offers a plethora of opportunities right from becoming an Arabic teacher, translator, software pro, Medical Tourism, Language adviser, Editor, E-publishing, Journalism, Multi Media, Advertisement and Data Collection.

It may be noted that the Arabic language is among the oldest and most spoken in the world, serving as a cornerstone of cultural and historical identity across many nations. It is spoken by more than 550 million people and is the official Arabic language in 25 odd countries, mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. To top it all, Arabic is one among the six languages – English, Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish to be recognised by the UN as the official language.

The zeal to excel through education among the Muslim women is definitely a welcome sign at a time when many success stories were pouring in from several quarters with the first Muslim female to become IAS officer in Maharashtra after clearing the civil services in AIR 142 this year while not to speak of S Ajeetha Begum from Coimbatore who made headlines after cracking civil services to become IPS (2008 batch). Age is never a barrier to those who have the will to learn at any stage. AIMMS women-folk have proved this through dedication and determination.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Features> Report / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 07th, 2025

From Forest Guard to DSP, Lalgudi Muslim Youth Shines

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Sathamangalam (Lalgudi Block, Tiruchirapalli ), TAMIL NADU :

Achieving his childhood dream of becoming a police officer became a reality as to the quote of American journalist and author William F Longgood – “Dreams and Dedication are a powerful combination.”

Meet 28-year-old S Mohamed Siddiq, serving as a Forest Guard in the Tamil Nadu Forest and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) based in Rockfort city, who cracked the TNPSC Group I services exam to get his dream job of DSP.

Thanks to Coimbatore based Nature Conservation Society (NCS) president N I Jalaluddin for sharing the info about the promising youngster from Sathamangalam village in Lalgudi, who made the Tamil Nadu Forest Department proud after he romped home to victory in getting a gazetted post in the Tamil Nadu Police Department. Truly speaking, he is all set to don the role of safeguarding the public while enforcing laws similar to his present job of preventing illegal wildlife trade and coordinating the law enforcement agencies besides significantly contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.

Sharing his happiness with this scribe, Siddiq said that he had his school education at Government Higher Secondary School in his native Lalgudi and added that he completed his BE Mechanical from Anna University Trichy campus (2017 batch). Without giving any second thought, he joined the Tamil Nadu Forest Department as Forest Guard and is serving for the past seven years. However, his mind revolved around getting into the police department.

Making his maiden attempt for Group I services through TNPSC in 2019, Siddiq said that he miserably failed and added that he made his second try only to get disappointed. Sadly, he missed in his third attempt too. Putting up a brave face, he tried his fourth attempt with confidence. Hard work with dedication fetched him fruitful results in clearing the TNPSC Group I services exam with Rank 91.

Asked about the interview, he said that the duration was for forty minutes with four members of the board asking him why he chose when he was already in a department service. To his preferred choice of DSP post, he was asked how he would handle a riot like situation for which he gave an impressive answer. Besides, questions related to new laws, Russia-Ukraine war, Saivam and Vainavam featured in the interview.

His parents – Shahul Hameed who is actively involved in farming in Sathamangalam village and mom Tajunnisa, a home-maker – while not to speak of his spouse Kowsar Firdous, a BSc computer science grad were on cloud nine after coming to know about his success in TNPSC Group I services. Likewise, his sister Shamim and Shabir expressed happiness for emerging victorious in getting his dream job of DSP.

While filing this story, this scribe got an info about a Forest Guard Himanshu Pant in Uttarakhand cracking the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) as English Language Teacher in the Government school. On the contrary, Pramod from Mandya District, who aspired to become a lecturer after completing his MA Political Science from University of Mysore in Karnataka landed in the post of Forest Guard as he failed to get his dream job. Great are those who, despite being armed with a degree, choose to get into the forest department as Forest Guards. And they kept trying even while serving with confidence to excel in their line of interest.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by M Rafi Ahmed / Radiance News Bureau / May 11th, 2025

Mushawarat ex-president Navaid Hamid honoured with Qaide Millat Award

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NEW DELHI :

Navaid Hamid

Former president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) and general secretary of the Movement for Empowerment of Indian Muslims (MOEMIM), Navaid Hamid, honoured with the Qaide Millat Award.

The award was presented by former Madras High Court judge, Justice KN Basha at an event held at a grand ceremony at the Music Academy on Saturday.

Renowned human rights activist John Dayal, and founder of the Sadbhavana Mission, distinguished scientist Professor Vipin Kumar Tripathi, were also honoured by the southern Indian institution, Qaide Millat Educational and Social Trust (Chennai).

The annual award is given for probity in political/public life and consists of a certificate of appreciation, a cash prize of five lakh rupees, and shawl.

Congratulating the awardees on the occasion, Justice Basha said he felt honoured and privileged to present the awards to individuals who serve as beacons of light amidst the darkness of the current environment while M G Dawood Miyakhan, general Secretary of the trust, said “the awardees are based on their unblemished track record of integrity in political and personal life in India”.

Retired CSI Bishop Dr V Devasagayam said while facilitating the awardees “we are here to recognise your services, support your initiatives and to wish that you continue your fight in spite of all the odds”.

The event was presided over by the president of the Qaide Millat Trust, Qazi Dr Salahuddin Muhammad Ayub, while announcement the awards and introduction of awardees were made by the Trust’s general secretary.

On this occasion, Dr S Sadiq, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras University, and retired CSI Bishop Dr V Devasagayam, were also honoured. General Secretary Dawood Miyan Khan, Treasurer S Mushtaq Ahmed, and Principal of Qaide Millat College, Dr MA Thawab, presented certificates of honour, prize, and shawls to the dignitaries.

The announcement of the 2024 Qaide Millat Award was made in February 2025. The award jury comprised Dr Vasanti Devi (former Vice-Chancellor), Dr V Devasagayam (former Bishop), Paneerselvam (Readers’ Editor, The Hindu), and Dawood Miyan Khan (general secretary, QEST).

Born on June 23, 1963, in the walled city of Delhi, Navaid Hamid has been associated with the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat since the late 1980s. He served as its President from 2016 to 2023. A graduate in English from Zakir Hussain College, University of Delhi, Navaid Hamid has been actively involved in political and social work since his student days at the university.

During the UPA Government (2004–2014), he was appointed as a member of the National Integration Council for two terms. He is the founding secretary of the South Asian Council for Minorities (SACM) and also serves as the national general secretary of the Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians (MOEMIN). He has worked actively to support and uplift marginalized communities.

In 2008, at the Global Minorities Meet held in New Delhi and attended by delegates from 18 countries, Navaid Hamid was elected General Secretary of the Global Minorities Forum for Justice and Peace.

Previously, the Trust has presented the Qaide Millat Award to eminent personalities, including Teesta Setalvad and Nilakanoo (2015), N. Shankariah and Syed Shahabuddin (2016), Manik Sarkar and Muhammad Ismail (2017), Vice President of India Dr. Hamid Ansari and Aruna Roy (2018), AG Noorani and Thiru V mavalavan (2019), Harsh Mander and Bilkis Bano (2020), Dr Irfan Habib and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (2021), Thiru Veeramani and The Wire news (2022), N Ram (The Hindu) and Dr Abu Saleh Sharif.

The Qaide Millat award is presented in memory of Qaide Millat Maulvi Muhammad Ismail, a selfless servant of the community, freedom fighter, and a distinguished national leader. His significant contributions to the development of the country and community after independence are widely acknowledged.

As a member of the Constituent Assembly, a Member of Parliament in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and as the founder-leader of the Indian Union Muslim League, his services are considered unforgettable. He was also among the founding members of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM).

The Qaide Millat Trust instituted this award on the 40th death anniversary of Maulvi Muhammad Ismail, and it is awarded annually to distinguished individuals active in public life.

source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> Local / by The Okhla Times / May 01st, 2025

Former President of MEASI, U. Mohammed Khalilulah is No More

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

U. Mohammed Khalilulah, former President of MEASI, Anjuman-E-Himayath-E-Islam, All India Muslim Education Society, and Agent of Prince of Arcot Endowment, breathed his last on Tuesday at 4.45pm.

U. Mohammed Khalilullah was the legendary doyen of the Muslim community in Chennai, a highly respected, recognized and well-appreciated member of the chartered accountant fraternity, and a remarkable and graceful human being with the core inbuilt values of utmost decency and universal brotherhood.

Mr. Elias Sait, Hon. Secretary of MEASI and President of NCAA, in his condolence message, said: “Allah has called him back to the heavenly abode, taking him away from us. A big unmeasurable loss to our community, to his family, and to his innumerable friends and well-wishers.

“One of the saddest days for MEASI, AHI and many other Muslim institutions, and for all of us in this MEASI EC GROUP.

“All the staff of all MEASI institutions will be grieving over the loss of their father like figure for nearly three decades.

“Our condolences to his large family of daughter, sons and grandchildren, more particularly to his eldest granddaughter who took care of him so meticulously in every aspect, during the last years of his life. Allah give them the fortitude and sabar to bear this huge loss.”

At the time of transition of the services of Agent of Prince of Arcot Endowment from U. Mohammed Khalilullah to Nawabzada Mohammed Naser Ali on 29 November 2024, the Prince of Arcot, His Highness Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali lauded Mr. Khalilullah for his decades of dedicated service to the Endowments. “His tenure of 31 years as the agent is marked by significant improvements and remarkable contributions to the development and overall progress of the institution,” he said.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Obituary / by Radiance News Bureau / February 27th, 2025

Indian teenage boy speaks, writes and reads 400 languages

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Mahmood Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

Nineteen-year-old Indian Muslim boy, Mahmood Akram, has astonished the world with his linguistic abilities and achieved what many consider impossible.

With the ability to write, read and type in 400 languages and speak 46 fluently, the Chennai-based Muslim teenager’s journey into languages began at an early age, guided by his father, Shilbee Mozhippriyan, who himself speaks 16 languages, according to media reports.

The young Indian boy believes English isn’t enough for global communication & wants to inspire people of Tamil Nadiu to learn more languages.

Akram’s extraordinary talent became evident when he learned the English alphabet in just six days and Tamil’s 299-character script in three weeks—a feat that typically takes months.

Encouraged by his father, a linguistics expert, he continued to explore languages, surpassing even his mentor’s knowledge by the age of six.

At just eight years old, Akram set a world record as the youngest multilingual typist. By 12, he had impressed German linguists by demonstrating fluency in 400 languages, securing another world record.

“I had struggled because I did not know the language of a particular state or country when I had to move to places like Israel, Spain, due to my job,” shares Shilbee, who also owns a doctorate in cognitive psychology among other degrees.

Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.

His passion for languages led him beyond conventional schooling. Unable to find suitable programmes in India, he pursued online studies through an Israeli institution, focusing on Arabic, Spanish, French, and Hebrew.

Inspired by his growing social media following, Akram began teaching languages at 14 through YouTube.

By 2024, he had conducted language workshops in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, sharing his expertise with students worldwide.

He is pursuing a BA in English Literature and a BSc in Animation at Chennai’s Alagappa University while also studying linguistics at the UK’s Open University.

Despite his academic commitments, he remains dedicated to refining his fluency across languages.

As Akram recalls, “My journey started at the age of four.” “My parents began teaching me Tamil and English alphabets, and I mastered the English alphabet in six days. They were astonished.” His aptitude didn’t stop there. He learnt the 299 alphabets of Tamil in just three weeks, a task that typically takes months.  

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Gulf Today Report / February 19th, 2025