Tag Archives: Positive News of Indian Muslim Women

AIMWA Meeting Brings Together Female Teachers, Educationists from Across India

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

The two-day conference concludes with a renewed emphasis on education, character building, responsible teaching, women’s empowerment and collective community responsibility

Bhopal :

Women teachers and educationists from different parts of India deliberated on education, character building, emotional well-being, women’s empowerment and the challenges facing the next generation at a conference in Mumbai recently.

According to a Press release issued by All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA), the two-day conference (September 26-27) concluded with a renewed emphasis on education, character building, responsible teaching, women’s empowerment and collective community responsibility.

The gathering brought together participants from different backgrounds and regions and provided a platform for meaningful discussion on strengthening education, supporting teachers, empowering women and preparing the younger generation for the future.

The conference was organised around the broader message that teachers are influencers of a brighter future, with education, character building and value-based upbringing at the centre of the discussions.

The need for a Milli Educational Policy and an All India Muslim Education Board was also highlighted as part of efforts to address educational challenges.

The conference ended with a call for sustained educational efforts and greater collective responsibility towards building stronger communities and brighter generations.

The first day was dedicated exclusively to teachers and witnessed the participation of more than 600 teachers and educationists from different parts of the country. Delegates attended from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Kolkata, Midnapore, Nellore, Pune, Bhopal and several other parts of the country. The conference focused on the changing educational environment and the expanding responsibilities of teachers in shaping children, families and society.

The conference began with Mrs Waheeda Sayyid, Convener, and Adv Farhana Shah, who welcomed the participants and explained the objectives of the conference.

Mrs Waheeda Sayyid told the delegates that every person present was an asset to the community and that their participation was a sign that they had been chosen for an important service to the community.

She emphasised that teaching is not merely a job or profession, but can be an act of worship, as teachers impact lives and influence children in shaping a brighter future. She encouraged the participants to recognise the responsibility that comes with the teaching profession and to contribute meaningfully to the community.

Character Before Curriculum

The conference then moved to an educative session by Mrs Sobia Lule, a prominent educationist from Pune, who spoke about the role and responsibility of teachers.

Mrs Lule highlighted the importance of continuously improving and updating professional knowledge. She discussed the changing role of teachers and the challenges faced by teachers, students and parents. She covered workload and management, emotional and mental stress among educators and the importance of maintaining loyalty towards educational institutions.

The need to protect children from exploitation and harassment was also emphasised, along with the importance of learning from past mistakes and continuously improving educational practices.

Presidential Address

The conference was presided over by Dr Asma Zehra, President of the AIMWA, who stressed that education has the power to change the future of generations.

In her address, Dr Zehra said that the responsibility of teachers extends far beyond the classroom. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the character, confidence, values and future outlook of children.

She observed that the Muslim community is presently at a crossroads, with a significant percentage of youth facing illiteracy and the community confronting challenges related to the availability of primary and higher schools, shortage of qualified and trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure and changing government policies.

She emphasised that a huge responsibility rests on the educational class and intellectuals. Teachers, principals, management and educators must work in coordination and cooperation with parents and society to bring children into schools and ensure quality and standard education. She highlighted several concerns facing the educational sector, she stated.

Dr Zehra also laid emphasis on “Education for All”, along with various schemes and initiatives intended to increase enrolment and reduce dropout rates. She also highlighted concerns over increasing educational backwardness, illiteracy, poverty, economic difficulties and marginalisation within the Muslim community.

Working Muslim Women’s Challenges

The discussions also touched upon challenges faced by Muslim women at workplaces, particularly in relation to observing hijab and cultural identity.

Participants discussed the difficulties created by cultural and social pressures and emphasised the need to unite and seek practical solutions to these challenges.

The speakers observed that education has, in many areas, moved from being viewed primarily as a service sector towards a more commercial and business-oriented field, creating additional challenges for poor and marginalised sections seeking access to education.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion brought together more than 25 educationists, teachers and principals to deliberate on the role of teachers and the challenges facing the education sector.

The panel discussed the importance of professional development and continuously updating teachers’ knowledge and skills. It also examined challenges faced by children, students and parents, including workload, management-related pressures and emotional and mental stress.

Connecting with the New Generation

Mrs Mamdooha Majid, Vice President, AIMWA, spoke about the importance of connecting with the new generation. She emphasised that age is not a barrier and that passion and commitment to meaningful community service matter the most.

She encouraged teachers to take responsibility for their respective localities and to serve their communities. She also highlighted the role of teachers in impacting lives and influencing children to build a brighter future.

The second day of the conference was divided into dedicated sessions for girls and women. The morning session was exclusively for girls, with more than 500 girls participating. The discussions focused on issues relevant to young women, including: Education, identity and purpose, character development, emotional well-being, responsible use of social media, confidence-building, and preparation for future roles in society

The session encouraged girls to develop confidence, character and a sense of responsibility while preparing themselves for meaningful roles in their families and society.

A panel discussion on “Challenges Our Youth Face Today” further provided an opportunity for young participants to reflect on contemporary challenges and discuss possible responses.

The discussions addressed parenting, social media etiquette, mental health solutions in Islam, family responsibilities, and the role of women in education and social reform.

The session also highlighted AIMWA’s programmes and its efforts towards women’s empowerment and community development.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick>India / by Parvez Bari / October 07th, 2026

Bushra Bano defies four surgeries, responsibility of two kids to become IPS

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Leadership : IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IFoS, IAAS (incl.) all UPSC Services (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sork Qaswa (Kannauj District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Bushra Bano defies four surgeries, responsibility of two kids to become IPS

Aligarh :

Its very rare in the history of Indian civil services that women candidates face interviews when they are more than eight months pregnant and have undergone multiple surgeries.

Dr Bushra Bano, a resident of Sork Qaswa in Kannauj district, uttar Pradesh, and Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Firozabad (Sadar tehsil), has faced this odd meritoriously. She has secured 234th rank in the latest UPSC list of successful candidates. She was allotted the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Bushra is mother of two children, both born through caesarean surgeries. Besides, she had to endure two more major surgeries. Yet her resolve to continue her education and later pursue competitive exams for various Indian services remained unaffected.

“I was a gifted child since childhood. At least this is what my parents feel proud of and all my acquaintances admit. I started my primary education at the age of four in Class 2. All through my academic life, I have been a topper. After completing my B. Sc in Mathematics (usually rare for girls in India), I decided to go for an MBA and I completed that before I turned 20.

“Just after that I joined PhD in Management at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The very next year, I qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) that gave me confidence to make my education self-reliant and a passion to earn on my own. I finished my PhD in a short time of two years and few months,” Bano told this correspondent in a candid chat from Firozabad.

She said that while she was still pursuing her research at AMU, she started teaching at Hindustan and Anand Institute in Agra.

“Then I got married to Asmer Hussain, an assistant professor in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Perhaps as a marital boon, I was also selected as an assistant professor at the same university and both of us taught together,” said Bano.

However, the Saudi sojourn was not suiting her heart.

“I was working there, but my heart always stayed in India. The only memorable thing for us was to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca. After four years, it became impossible for me to defy the pangs of homesickness. I consulted my husband and resigned. He stayed back,” said Bano, insisting that it was the most difficult decision of her life.

After arriving in India, Bano didn’t sit idle. She was now a mother of a son. She joined a post-doctoral programme in AMU and at the same time started preparing for various competitive exams.

“My first attempt at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was not successful. However, I managed to join a reputed Coal India company as assistant manager. My posting was in Sonbhadra. Next year, I got through the prelims of both the Public Service Commission (PCS) of UP state and UPSC.

“In June 2018, I cleared the Mains of both the exams. I was pregnant with my second child then and when interviews were conducted, I was in the last stage of my pregnancy. The UPSC first declared its list. I had secured 277th rank and was allotted the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). Later, when the PCS result was announced, my rank was 6th and that meant I was eligible to become Deputy Collector or Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Thus, I joined as SDM of Firozabad Sadar in 2020,” said Bano.

Bano also shared an interesting episode of her married life.

“In families with kids, it is usually women who sacrifice. But in my case, my husband sacrificed his Saudi job for me. Since it became clear that I would work in India and our children would also be with me, he decided to resign from his job and join us in India. Now, he works as a businessman,” said Bano.

She added that her husband, who was teaching without a PhD, is now also pursuing a PhD.

As an SDM, Bano has been famous for her stand on illegal mining in Firozabad. She has also been strict in ensuring law and order and devising ways to bring relief to weaker sections of society.

She wears a hijab and it raised some eyebrows in her office. “Some people thought I was a ‘kattar’ (hardliner) Muslim. But, when they began to understand me, their doubts melted and now I am their favourite madam,” said Bano.

One of the most joyous moments in her life came when her another attempt at UPSC brought her 234th rank and she was allotted IPS.

“But I have decided that I will join it only when I am offered my home cadre. Otherwise, I am happy as SDM in UP,” she said.

Bano’s advice to young Muslims, especially girls and their parents, is that youth should be given the choice to pursue their passion at whatever stage in their lives.

“I chose to quit my Saudi job, come to India and opt for these services and my family supported me. Such cooperation from your dear ones makes a lot of impact in your life,” said Bano. -IANS

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Women / by Muslim Mirror / January 04th, 2022

Mangaluru’s Dr Afla Rafeeq secures AIR 21st in NEET-PG 2026

Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Science & Technology, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bajpe (Dakshina Kannada District), KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru:

Dr Afla Rafeeq of KS Hegde Medical Academy has secured the 21st All India Rank in the NEET-PG 2026 examination, scoring 614 marks out of 720.

According to data released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), 2,73,096 candidates registered for the examination, while 2,65,980 candidates appeared for the test.

Dr Afla is currently pursuing her MBBS internship at KS Hegde Hospital. During her MBBS course, she secured 13 gold medals. She now aims to pursue postgraduate studies in Radiology.

Originally from Bajpe, Afla completed her schooling up to Class 8 at Ansar School in Bajpe. She later completed her SSLC at St. Mary’s High School, Mangaluru, securing 97% marks.

She subsequently studied at Sri Chaitanya PU College, Mangaluru, where she secured 96% marks and achieved a top rank.

Dr Afla Rafeeq is the daughter of Mohammed Rafeeq and Fathima Rafeeq.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 25th, 2026

10 Muslim women who shine while running institutions

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Leadership : IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IFoS, IAAS (incl.) all UPSC Services (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Representational Image

New Delhi :

Across India’s administrative corridors, diplomatic missions, universities, welfare departments, and heritage institutions, a generation of Muslim women is redefining leadership through intellect, perseverance, and public service. Their journeys are rooted in struggle, shaped by education, and driven by a deep commitment to society.

Under the Parvaz series, Awaz-the Voice brings you the stories of ten such Muslim women, whose lives and work should become an inspiration for all women in India.

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh

Adeeba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed Shaikh’s journey from a modest home in Yavatmal to becoming Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer is a story of determination overcoming adversity.

The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver, she rose above financial hardship, repeated failures, and social prejudice to secure All India Rank 142 in UPSC 2024. Her success stands as a beacon of hope for countless girls from rural and marginalised communities who dream of changing their destinies through education and hard work.

Dr Adeela Abdulla

Dr Adeela Abdulla

Dr Adeela Abdulla represents a compassionate and thoughtful face of governance in Kerala. One of the early Muslim women from Malabar to join the IAS, she has played a vital role in strengthening social welfare systems and urban governance.

Whether through her work in Kerala’s Solid Waste Management Project or as Special Secretary in the Social Justice Department, her leadership reflects empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment to human dignity, particularly for vulnerable sections of society.

Dr Chabina Hassan

Dr Chabina Hassan

In Assam, Dr Chabina Hassan has emerged as a powerful force in heritage conservation and archaeology. As Deputy Director at the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam, she played a key role in securing UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Charaideo Maidam and made groundbreaking discoveries in Dima Hasao.

Balancing motherhood, academics, and fieldwork, she has transformed archaeology into a bridge connecting communities with their cultural roots while inspiring younger generations to value history and preservation.

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar

Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar’s career reflects excellence, resilience, and transformative public service. A doctor by training, she topped the J&K Administrative Services examination in 2010 and later secured AIR 118 in UPSC.

From becoming Budgam’s first woman Deputy Commissioner to spearheading initiatives like the SAATH programme that empowered over five lakh rural women through Self Help Groups, her administrative journey has been marked by innovation and social impact.

Her recognition with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Civil Services further highlights her contributions to governance and public welfare.

Naghath Tabassum Abroo

Naghath Tabassum Abroo

Naghath Tabassum Abroo’s life story is deeply rooted in the strength of family values, education, and perseverance. After a decade-long break from academics due to marriage and motherhood, she returned to secure third rank in the KPSC examination and later rose to become one of Karnataka’s pioneering Muslim women IAS officers

Through initiatives in women’s welfare, sanitation, healthcare, and e-governance, including Bengaluru One and Khajane II, she demonstrated how compassionate leadership and administrative innovation can improve public systems and people’s lives.

Nagma Mohammad Mallick

Nagma Mohammad Mallick

Nagma Mohammad Mallick carved history as India’s first Muslim woman IFS officer and built a distinguished diplomatic career through quiet yet impactful service. Currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Japan and the Marshall Islands, she has represented India in several countries while strengthening international partnerships in diplomacy, technology, and economic cooperation.

Through her thoughtful articulation of democracy, dialogue, and non-violence, Mallick has projected India’s values on the global stage with dignity and restraint.

Nahida Zam Zam

Nahida Zam Zam

Nahida Zam Zam has become known as a fearless and people-centric administrator in Karnataka. Through her public speeches and grassroots engagement, she consistently advocates for women’s empowerment, education, and freedom of thought.Her dedicated fieldwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, even while pregnant, earned her admiration as a compassionate officer deeply connected with ordinary people.

Whether speaking to students, women, or marginalised communities, she challenges restrictive social norms and encourages self-reliance and awareness.

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed 

Syeda Saiyidain Hameed stands as one of the most influential voices for women’s rights, peace, and social justice in India. An acclaimed author, educationist, former member of the Planning Commission, and member of the National Commission for Women, she has devoted her life to defending human rights and promoting dialogue across communities.

As a founder of the Muslim Women’s Forum and Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia, she worked tirelessly for peace-building efforts between India and Pakistan, proving that courage and compassion can coexist in public life.

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar 

Professor Shabina Nishat Omar has emerged as a dynamic symbol of academic leadership and women’s empowerment in West Bengal. With over twenty-five years in education and administration, she has transformed institutions through her leadership while advocating inclusive education, digital literacy, and gender awareness.

As an educator, speaker, and administrator, she continues to inspire young people to view education not merely as a profession, but as a powerful tool for social transformation and self-reliance.

Zaynab Syed

Zaynab Syed

Zaynab Syed’s journey reflects perseverance, discipline, and dedication to public service. From overcoming repeated failures in the civil services examination to securing an All India Rank 107, she proved the power of resilience and self-belief. Today, through her role at TRIFED, she works to strengthen tribal livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for artisans and self-help groups across eastern India.

Her story demonstrates how determination and commitment can turn setbacks into opportunities to serve society meaningfully.

By breaking barriers and creating spaces for future generations, they are not only shaping institutions but also redefining what leadership looks like in contemporary India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Vidushi Gaur /May 30th, 2026

10 Muslims women academicians of India

Amazing Feats, Leadership, Academic : Vice Chancellor (VC) / Dean (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

10 Muslim women academicians of India

New Delhi :

In its series Parvaz, Awaz-the Voice brings you stories of remarkable Muslim woman academicians, whose work across India’s universities, research institutions, and centres of learning, has redefined scholarship.

Their journeys span literature, history, science, social reform, diplomacy, and educational leadership, yet they are united by a shared belief that knowledge must serve society. Through classrooms, research labs, policy platforms, and grassroots engagement, these women have not only broken barriers but have created pathways for future generations.

Here is an introduction to ten selected Muslim Women Academicians of India:

Arjumand Ara :

Arjumand Ara stands as a distinguished scholar of language, literature, and feminist thought. A professor at University of Delhi, she has translated more than twenty major literary works and earned the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2021.

Through her scholarship, she has built enduring bridges between Urdu and Hindi while preserving literary heritage and amplifying women’s voices.

Syed Tanveer Nasrin :

Syed Tanveer Nasrin has brought together scholarship, diplomacy, and social activism with rare distinction. Serving at University of Burdwan, she strengthened India’s cultural ties with the Maldives during her tenure in Malé while emerging as a respected voice on women’s rights, minority identity, and interfaith harmony.

Educated at Presidency College, Jadavpur University and JNU, she specializes in Gender Studies.

Abeda Inamdar :

Abeda Inamdar chose service over security when she left a prestigious government career to dedicate herself to education.

Through the Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society and the celebrated Azam Campus, she has transformed educational opportunities for thousands of girls and marginalized students, creating institutions that continue to uplift generations.

Benazir Tamboli :

Benazir Tamboli turned personal adversity into a lifelong mission of empowerment and justice.

Through her work with the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal and educational institutions, she has emerged as a fearless advocate for Muslim women, constitutional rights, and progressive social reform.

Naima Khatoon :

Naima Khatoon created history in 2024 by becoming the first woman Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

A renowned psychologist, author, and academic leader, she is steering institutional reforms, research excellence, and women’s empowerment while modernizing one of India’s most iconic universities.

Najma Akhtar :

Najma Akhtar broke another glass ceiling as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia. A recipient of the Padma Shri, she introduced transformative reforms, expanded professional education, and helped shape Jamia’s emergence as a globally respected academic institution.

She is also the first woman to hold the post in JMI. In 2022, she was awarded with Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Nilofer Khan :

Nilofer Khan became the first woman to lead the University of Kashmir, marking a historic moment for higher education in the region. With nearly four decades of academic service and over a hundred research publications, she continues to inspire women to aspire to leadership in academia.

Shahida Murtaza :

Shahida Murtaza has spent over three decades documenting the realities of marginalized women across southern India. A former Dean at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, she has turned ethnographic research into a powerful mission for gender justice, awareness, and grassroots empowerment.

Sofia Banu :

Sofia Banu represents the growing force of women in scientific innovation. As an Associate Professor at Gauhati University, her groundbreaking work in biotechnology, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability is creating real-world impact while inspiring young scientists across Northeast India.

Syed Mubin Zehra :

Syed Mubin Zehra has established herself as a leading scholar, author, and public intellectual. Serving at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College of the University of Delhi she continues to shape national conversations on gender equality, education, and social harmony through scholarship, advocacy, and global academic engagement.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Parvaz> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa / May 09th, 2026

Muslim Students Shine Nationwide in 2025–26 Exams, Scaling New Academic Heights

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leadership : IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IFoS, IAAS (incl.) all UPSC Services (wef. 18 June 2026), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

Photo Credit: The Hindu

A quiet but significant academic shift is unfolding across India, as Muslim students register notable successes in some of the country’s most competitive examinations. From civil services and national-level entrance tests to state and central board results, the 2025-26 academic year has emerged as a milestone, reflecting both individual perseverance and gradual systemic improvements in access to education.

One of the clearest indicators of this progress is visible in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025 results. A total of 53 Muslim candidates successfully cleared the exam, the highest number in nearly a decade. Out of 958 successful candidates, this represents approximately 5.5%, marking a steady increase compared to previous years. While still below the community’s population share of 14-15%, the rise signals a growing presence in India’s administrative framework.

Several candidates secured top ranks, underscoring the depth of talent emerging from the community. A.R. Rajah Mohaideen secured Rank 7, placing him among the top 10 achievers, while Ifra Shams Ansari (Rank 24), Nabiya Parvez (Rank 29), and Hassan Khan (Rank 95) featured within the top 100. These achievements highlight a shift in a field historically marked by underrepresentation, offering new role models for aspiring civil servants.

Parallel success stories have emerged in engineering entrance examinations. Majid Mujahid Hussain from Madhya Pradesh secured an exceptional All India Rank 3 in JEE Advanced 2025, one of the most challenging engineering entrance exams globally. His accomplishment stands out not only for its academic merit but also for challenging the perception that top ranks are reserved for students from elite urban coaching ecosystems. Majid’s journey, built on disciplined self-study and determination, reflects a broader democratisation of opportunity in competitive education.

In the medical field, Muslim students have also demonstrated competitive strength. Umaid Khan from Maharashtra secured All India Rank 21 in NEET-UG 2025, contributing to the state’s strong overall performance. While comprehensive nationwide data on religious representation in NEET remains limited, individual achievements such as these point to increasing participation in high-stakes medical admissions.

At the school level, Muslim students have consistently excelled in both central and state board examinations. The CBSE Class 10 and 12 results for 2025 recorded an overall pass percentage of 88.39%, within which minority students have shown increasing competitiveness. Across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal, Muslim students have frequently appeared among district and state toppers, particularly in science and commerce streams.

Regional trends further underline the importance of educational ecosystems. Southern states like Kerala and Telangana, known for their robust literacy rates and institutional support, continue to produce high-performing Muslim students. In several districts, pass percentages among Muslim students have reportedly exceeded 85-90%, particularly where access to coaching and academic resources is more developed.

Among the standout individual stories this year is that of 15-year-old Syed Zaid Sadiq from Nashik, who topped JEE Main 2026 with an impressive percentile of 99.927. A Hafiz who has memorised the Qur’an, Zaid successfully balanced madrasa education with mainstream academic studies, scoring above 99% in both sessions of the examination. His achievement challenges common stereotypes surrounding religious education and highlights the potential for integrated learning approaches. He now aims to clear JEE Advanced and secure admission to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

In Bihar, Sabreen Parveen emerged as a joint topper in the Class 10 board examinations, scoring 492 out of 500 (98.4%). A student from Vaishali district and the daughter of a tyre shop owner, Sabreen’s achievement exemplifies how determination and family support can overcome financial constraints. Aspiring to become a doctor, her success has inspired students in her community and beyond.

Equally inspiring is the story of Zainab Bilal from Srinagar, who scored 95% in her CBSE examinations despite being visually impaired. Relying on auditory learning, memory techniques, and assistive technology, she independently prepared for her exams. Her journey underscores the role of resilience and innovation in overcoming physical challenges, offering a powerful message about inclusivity in education.

From Jamia Millia Islamia schools, Md Fauzan topped JMI Class 10 2026 exams with 98.71%. Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Arham shared second place scoring 98.43%, from Syed Abid Hussain Senior Secondary School. Atiqua Zia and Ansari Zeenat Fatima secured third with 98.29%, representing Syed Abid Hussain Senior Secondary School and Jamia Girls Senior Secondary School.

Another noteworthy development is the increasing participation and success of Muslim women. In the UPSC 2025 results, 13 of the 53 successful Muslim candidates were women, indicating a positive shift toward gender inclusion. Notably, 38 students from Jamia Millia Islamia qualified UPSC this year thus setting example before all major universities. This trend also is mirrored in school-level examinations, where girls consistently outperform boys across communities. Initiatives encouraging girls’ education are also gaining momentum at the grassroots level.

In Rajasthan’s Sikar district, a unique initiative by philanthropist Adil Khan recognised the achievements of top-performing girls from government schools, irrespective of religion. Rewards included a car for one student and cash prizes of ₹1 lakh for others. The initiative not only celebrates academic excellence but also promotes awareness about the importance of girls’ education, particularly among underrepresented communities.

Experts attribute these encouraging trends to multiple factors. Increased awareness about the importance of education, greater parental support, and the expansion of coaching facilities into smaller towns have all contributed. Additionally, digital learning platforms and scholarship programs have made quality resources more accessible to students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Mentorship initiatives by non-governmental organisations and community groups have also played a critical role. By providing guidance for competitive exams such as UPSC, JEE, and NEET, these programmes have helped bridge long-standing gaps in access to information and preparation strategies.

However, challenges remain. Despite the visible progress, Muslim representation in elite institutions and services still lags behind proportional levels. Socio-economic barriers, disparities in school infrastructure, and limited awareness in certain regions continue to affect outcomes. Addressing these issues will require sustained policy efforts, community engagement, and investment in education at the grassroots level.

Educationists emphasise that the current momentum must be nurtured. “The improvement is real, but it needs continuity,” said one academic expert. “Access, affordability, and awareness are the three pillars that must be strengthened to ensure long-term change.”

The achievements of 2025-26 collectively tell a story of aspiration and gradual transformation. Whether it is a civil services aspirant securing a top rank, a student from a modest background topping a state board, or a visually impaired learner excelling against the odds, each success contributes to a larger narrative of empowerment.

As India continues to evolve as an educational hub, the rising performance of Muslim students reflects not only community progress but also the broader democratisation of opportunity. While the journey toward equitable representation is far from complete, the trajectory is unmistakably upward.

In classrooms, coaching centres, and homes across the country, a new generation of students is quietly rewriting expectations – one exam, one rank, and one success story at a time.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Focus / by Mohd Naushad Khan / May 08th, 2026

Only 18 Muslim women elected to Lok Sabha since 1947; five terms had none 

Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

A majority, 13 of the 18 came from political families, and no southern state, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, or Telangana, has ever elected a Muslim woman to the Lok Sabha.

Amid demands for reservation for Muslim and OBC women triggering sharp exchanges in the House, the stark underrepresentation of Muslim women is evident, with only 18 elected to the Lok Sabha since 1947 despite Muslims comprising about 7.1% of the population, and five Lok Sabhas having no Muslim woman MP at all. 

A majority, 13 of the 18 came from political families, and no southern state, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, or Telangana, has ever elected a Muslim woman to the Lok Sabha.

The issue is documented in the book “Missing from the House,  Muslim Women in the Lok Sabha” by Rasheed Kidwai and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, which profiles these 18 leaders. 

“It is a shockingly abysmal figure,” Kidwai notes, pointing out that in five of the 18 Lok Sabhas constituted till 2025, there was not a single Muslim woman member.

In the current Lok Sabha, there is only one Muslim woman MP,  Iqra Hasan Choudhury of the Samajwadi Party.

The list of Muslim women MPs includes Mofida Ahmed of the Congress (1957), Zohraben Akbarbhai Chavda of the Congress (1962–67), Maimoona Sultan of the Congress (1957–67), Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah of the National Conference (1977–79; 1984–89), Rashida Haque of the Congress (1977–79), Mohsina Kidwai of the Congress (1977–89), Abida Ahmed of the Congress (1981–89), Noor Bano of the Congress (1996; 1999–2004), Rubaab Sayda of the Samajwadi Party (2004–09), Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (2004–09; 2014–19), Tabassum Hasan of the Samajwadi Party, Lok Dal and Bahujan Samaj Party (2009–14), Mausam Noor of the Trinamool Congress (2009–19), Kaisar Jahan of the Bahujan Samaj Party (2009–14), Mamtaz Sanghamita of the Trinamool Congress (2014–19), Sajda Ahmed of the Trinamool Congress (2014–24), Ranee Narah of the Congress (1998–2004; 2009–14), Nusrat Jahan Ruhi of the Trinamool Congress (2019–24), and Iqra Hasan Choudhury of the Samajwadi Party (2024–present). 

On Thursday, a confrontation began in Lok Sabha when SP MP Dharmendra Yadav demanded that Muslim and OBC women be included within the reservation framework, saying the party would oppose the Bill otherwise and arguing that delinking delimitation from the Census was unconstitutional.

His remarks drew strong objections from the Treasury Benches, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserting that reservation on religious grounds is unconstitutional. Rijiju said quota cannot be granted on the basis of religion and urged members to “talk about women of the whole country.”

SP president Akhilesh Yadav countered by asking whether Muslim women were not part of the “aadhi aabadi” and questioned whether the government was avoiding a caste census.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India / by Maktoob / April 16th, 2026

Maximum words written in 5 minutes by a teen using Arabic calligraphy

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ernakulam, KERALA :

The record for writing the maximum number of words in 5 minutes using Arabic calligraphy was set by Nourin Noufal P.N. (born on August 31, 2004) of Ernakulam, Kerala.

She neatly wrote 15 words on different sheets of paper in 5 minutes with a marker pen, using Arabic calligraphy, at the age of 18 years, 10 months and 11 days, as confirmed on July 11, 2023.

source: http://www.indiabookofrecords.in / India Book of Records / Home> Human Story / by IBR Team / August 18th, 2023

The Story Of Fatima Ahmed Who Chose To Rebel And Found Her Own Path In The World Of Art

Arts & Crafts / CraftsPersons (wef. January 14th, 2025), Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Mumbai, Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Belonging to a conservative Muslim family, it was hard for Fatima Ahmed to break the shackles but she made sure to follow her dreams and do all that she ever wanted. From travelling the world to living like a “gypsy” and creating her very own niche in the world of art, Ahmed has lived her life on her terms. Read about this feisty and inspiring artist.

Legendary rebel artist and writer Fatima Ahmed, who is nearing 80, is a picture of contrasts. While she is fun-loving and full of life, her paintings are still and silent. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa- Bose\WFS)

‘If only silence could speak’ goes the adage. Well, here silence does speak – and how! Soft, hazy, elusive images of women gaze steadily from the confines of their canvas making the much-mesmerised onlooker feel as though they would simply vanish if s/he so much as blinked. The women in red, pink, beige oil paints look ethereal, delicate and yet they convey power, strength – much like the woman who has created them.

“Space and light are very important to any work of art, especially paintings,” explains legendary rebel artist and writer Fatima Ahmed, whose latest oil canvases were on display in Mumbai recently. She continues, “In life, there has to be some mystery. Everything shouldn’t be very obvious and spoken out loud. In my works I don’t like clutter, loud colours or screaming. I like my paintings to be as subtle as a whisper.”

“Let me start by saying I simply love to eat the crisp crust of a samosa,” she says, with twinkle in her eyes, before adding, “Now as far as the silence in my work is concerned, throughout my life I have been more of an observer. I was a recluse during my childhood as I didn’t have anyone to share my thoughts and feelings with. I was a rebel for everyone around me and way back in the middle of last century it wasn’t a good sign.”

Coming from a conservative Muslim family in Hyderabad, Ahmed never really fit in because she was a free spirit who believed in equality. Her father was a Collector under Nizam Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII, the last Nizam of Hyderabad.

In her joint family, daughters were married off in their early teens within the extended family. Moreover, as the Ahmed family was very highly placed within the Nizam’s palace, its members, too, were treated as royalty, which was never acceptable to her.

“I just couldn’t tolerate treating those employed in our household as slaves. Besides, women in that era didn’t have any say in any sphere of life and were forced to blindly follow all the dictates of men without questioning them. I certainly wasn’t going to do that,” she says emphatically, her voice betraying the anger she still feels towards the strict patriarchal rules they were made to adhere to in that period.

The women in red, pink, beige oil paints look ethereal, delicate and yet they convey power, strength. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa-Bose\WFS)

So Ahmed grew up with vivid visions of freeing everyone who was treated as a lesser human being. “Quite unknowingly, I was influenced by socialism,” she remarks. And at that age she had also made up her mind that she would rather die than marry one of her cousins. According to her, the one good thing her father did was to enrol her in the Government Mahaboobia Girls School, the foremost learning institution at that time. “Our teachers taught us out of syllabus and gave us the freedom to think. I didn’t like Hyderabad then but I loved my school,” says the artist, who is nearing 80.

It was there that she developed a deep love for drawing, painting and the classical Indian dance form Kathak, all of which she learnt without the approval of the family elders. The dance classes came to an end as soon as her father came to know.

“Unfortunately, my mother had a stroke at the time. And though I did have a large family of sisters, brothers, cousins and aunts, I could never really converse with any of them or share my true feelings,” she elaborates.

After school, as Ahmed refused marriage outright, she was grudgingly allowed to join college. But there again she met with another hurdle. She wasn’t interested in any of the usual subjects of science and wanted to join College of Fine Arts, which, of course, wasn’t permitted. So she found a way to get in. Mischievously she narrates, “I forged my father’s signature on the application form but the principal detected my lie and quizzed me. When he understood that I was really interested in the arts and saw a painting I had done of a litter of puppies, he relented.”

The demise of her parents made her leave home and Hyderabad for good. “I certainly didn’t want to stay back and be bossed around by my brothers and other family members,” she says about her escape to Bombay in early 1960s.

Admitting that the Hyderabad of today has changed considerably, the ageing artist nonetheless doesn’t think there is much difference still in the way girls from poor Muslim families are treated, “While girls from well-to-do homes get an education, are fashionable, go abroad, mingle with the rest of the world, this is not true of the low income Muslim families. They still live in a very male dominated society and this is not only restricted to Hyderabad or India but all over the world.”

Her arrival in Bombay and the “gypsy lifestyle” she led for the next two decades saw her engage closely with the world of art and writing. “I really didn’t exploit the kind of opportunities that came my way. I just took life one day at a time by living it on my own terms,” recalls Ahmed especially referring to her two-year stint in London where she painted, went through a financial crisis and then discovered spiritualism.

Fatima Ahmed, whose latest works were part of a recent exhibition, ‘If only silence could speak’, likes her paintings to be as subtle as a whisper. (Credit: Surekha Kadapa- Bose\WFS)

Despite those struggles, great success has come to her. She has held innumerable exhibitions in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal, London, Mauritius, Dubai, Hong Kong, Russia and South Africa, among many other places. Her works have been auctioned by Christies and are part of several private collections and state galleries, including the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi, Birla Art Akademi, Kolkata, the Stuttgart State Library and Masanori Fukuoka Museum in Japan.

What or who has influenced her art over the years? Initially, Ahmed says she was influenced by Gauguin, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Modigliani. But she consciously stayed away from those influences, as she felt “there was no fun in copying others”, and developed her own style.

Once she got back from London to Mumbai she caught up with many of her journalist friends. One of them was late Khushwant Singh, with whom she argued, fought and enjoyed interacting. It was he who encouraged her to get into writing. She started by translating works of Ismat Chugtai, Saadat Hassan Manto, Kaifi Azmi and other Urdu literary greats into English. This paved the way for to her write the semi-autobiographical, ‘In Haleema’s Words’. It was on one of her reporting assignments that she visited the Rajneesh Ashram in Pune, which has become her permanent home now.

Personally, Ahmed may be less of a rebel these days but her works more than make up – though still and silent they exude the quiet strength of women.

Written by Surekha Kadapa-Bose for Women’s Feature Service (WFS) and republished here in arrangement with WFS.

source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Art / by Surekha Kadapa-Bose / December 14th, 2014

10 inspirational stories of visionaries from Kerala

Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education : Sanskrit - Indian Muslims (wef. November 05th, 2024), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA :

Kannur

Among the change makers from Kerala are pioneers and achievers in various fields of life. They have either been trying to bring about changes in society or the fields of business. They have used music, literature, and sometimes love to bring humanity closer, to spread joy and peace.

The list includes social activists, singers, spiritual mentors, lawyers, teachers, and even IAS officers.

Ayisha Abdul Basith

Ayisha sings Naat or Islamic devotional songs, and at the age of 20, she has enthralled listeners in over 80 countries. Born in Kerala, Ayisha has migrated to Abu Dhabi, where she is pursuing spiritual music as a way to universal peace and joy, as she puts it.

Safna Nazruddin

She dreamt of becoming someone who could help the disadvantaged sections of society. Safna Nazruddin thought being an IAS officer would help her achieve that goal.

And she took her dream so seriously that at the age of 23, she became Kerala’s youngest Muslim IAS officer.

PC Musthafa

He wanted to pull his family out of their poverty. Growing up in rural Wayanad, watching his father toil in the fields as a farm labourer, he wanted to change his parents’ lives for the better.

When he completed his studies at IIM, he started small with his cousins in a 500 square feet room, selling 100 packets of idli batter to 30 shops in Bangalore.

Today, he is the king of idli batter supplying in more than 10 countries outside India and reigning over a 4000 crore business.

VP Suhara

VP Suhara has been fighting for changes in the Muslim personal law and is one of the petitioners appealing for equality of gender in the matter of succession rights.

She says she is not very optimistic, but she is not ready to give up her fight.

Kadeeja Mumtaz

Kadeeja is a novelist who won the Sahitya Academy award for her novel. But today she has taken to activism on a full-time basis, and her main preoccupation is with bringing different religious communities together to improve mutual understanding and communication.

Advocate Sukkur

Advocate Sukkur did the unthinkable when he remarried his legally wedded wife just to make a point to all his fellow Muslims.

He wanted to tell them that they can overcome the barriers to succession rights of their daughters by remarrying their spouses under the Special Marriages Act.

Noor Jaleela

Noor means light, and the luminous smile on Noor Jaleela’s face echoes her name. She was born without her four limbs. But her smile does not betray any such disability. She has been a model for courage and creativity in the worst circumstances.

She has been an influencer and also an artist, and a singer.

Padma Shri Mumtaz Ali

Mystic and spiritual mentor Padmashri Mumtaz Ali, or Sri M as his followers call him, hails from Thiruvananthapuram and heads a spiritual group called Satsang Foundation. His spiritual pursuits and his work among the people as a symbol of the oneness of humanity and the divine have made him transcend all man-made boundaries and divisions.

He has become an example of universal oneness and love as his life’s work and teachings appeal to people of different nationalities and religions. He asks them to continue following their religion while practising meditation and other spiritual pursuits to realise themselves.

 Hadiya Hakeem

Can a football mean anything other than a game? Well, Hadiya Hakeem has turned a football into a statement for the empowerment of women.

She is a freestyle football performer born in Kozhikode who has overcome all possible barriers of gender, nationality, and religion through her talents and her hard work in excelling in a unique kind of performance.

Onampally Faisy

Progressive scholar and Sanskrit enthusiast Onampally Faisy has tried to transcend boundaries by promoting interfaith education in his madrassa. A well-known scholar from Thrissur in Kerala, he has been working towards building bridges of understanding and communication between Muslims and other communities in Kerala.

Since he believes in becoming the change he wants, he started teaching holy texts of other religions in his madrassas in order to remove the veil of ignorance and bring communities closer.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Sreelatha Manon / August 17th, 2025