Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslim Women of Kerala

IIT Bombay PhD Scholar, Henna K Seethi Refuses to Choose Between Research and Motherhood

Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Uncategorized, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

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

Empowering Change: The Journey of Zohra Banu

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

Calicut, KERALA / ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS :

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

How Safna Nazarudeen Became Kerala’s Youngest Muslim Woman IAS Officer

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

Valiyavila (Thiruvananthapuram) , KERALA :

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

In Death, Kerala Muslim Doctor Gives a New Lease of Life to Three Patients Through Organ Donation

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Science & Technology, Uniquely Indian - Inter Faith (wef. February 08th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH / Thiruvananthapuram, KERALA :

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, Indian Union Muslim League’s first woman MLA, defeats LDF convenor in Left baston

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

Peruvayal (Kozhikode), KERALA :

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

Blindness No Barrier: Jaseela Jannath P Secures 397th Rank in UPSC

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

Vadakara (Calicut, formerly Kozhikode) KERALA :

Calicut :

Some victories are seen with the eyes, but Jaseela’s is one that truly fills the heart. Defying all odds and turning her personal challenge into an inspiration for differently-abled UPSC aspirants, visually impaired 30-year-old Jaseela Jannath P from Vadakara, Calicut, has secured the 397th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

This marks Jaseela’s fourth attempt at the exam. Her optional subject, Sociology, reflects her deep passion for social issues, honed through her M.A. in Social Work with a Women-Centred Practice specialisation from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Prior to focusing on her UPSC preparation, Jaseela worked as a Project Associate at Prajaahita Foundation in Kozhikode from July 2021 to March 2022, contributing to community development initiatives.

Jaseela credits much of her success to the one-year UPSC preparation journey covering Prelims, Mains, and interview guidance at Xylem IAS, where she joined the civil services batch in March 2025. Speaking about her learning approach, Jaseela relied on audio-based learning methods, voice-to-text tools, and peer-led discussions to navigate and master the vast syllabus.

“Blindness tested me, but it never defined me. With the right support, including personalised mentorship, innovative tech-aided learning modules, and a supportive community, I was able to crack it,” she said. Looking ahead, Jaseela aspires to serve and empower people facing challenges similar to her own.

Apart from her academic pursuits, she has also established herself as an eloquent public speaker and secured A grades in Mimicry, Vanchippattu (boat song), Folk Song, and Malayalam Recitation at school youth festivals.

Jaseela is the daughter of the late Kunhabdulla P and homemaker Sainaba.

Including Jaseela, a total of 29 students from Xylem IAS have secured ranks in the examination.

source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com / Business News This Week / Home> Education / by Neel Achary / March 06th, 2026

Meet Fathima Shehza: CA Intermediate January 2026 Topper

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

Angadipuram Village (Perinthalmann Taluk, Malappuram District), KERALA :

Fathima Shehza K has topped the ICAI CA Intermediate January 2026 exam the result of which has been declared on Sunday March 08, 2026.

CA Inter Topper January 2026: 

Fathima Shehza K has topped the ICAI CA Intermediate January 2026 exam the result of which has been declared on Sunday March 08, 2026.

As per the results announced by Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Fathima Shehza K secured the All India Rank 2 (AIR 2) in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate examination held in January 2026.

Fathima Shehza scored a percentage of 84 per cent with a score of 504 out of the total 600 marks. Fathima Shehza missed the Top Rank by just 4 marks which went to Kanhiya Lal.

Kanhiya Lal bagged 508 out of the total 600 marks and secured the All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in CA Inter January 2026 exam.

Fathima Shehza is a resident of Perintalmann, Kerala whereas Kanhiya Lal hails from Ellenabad, Haryana.

Faridabad’s Vanya Bansal has secured the 3rd rank with 83 per cent and 498 marks.

Who is Fathima Shehza?

The CA Inter January 2026 Topper, Fathima Shehza is a resident of Angadipuram – a small village of Perintalmann Talka in the Muslim dominated Malappuram district of Kerala.

Fathima had earlier also topped the ICAI CA Foundation exam in January 2025. She had scored 356 marks in CA Foundation exam held for January 2025 session, and had emerged All Kerala Topper.

Talking to media after topping the CA Foundation Exam last year, Fathima had said her target was even higher. “Topping Kerala state is not my target. My dream is to secure the top rank at all India level”, she had said last year.

She is a student of Profinz College – also called Profinz Perinthalmanna, a prominent Commerce (CA, CMA, ACCA, CS) coaching institute in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district.

After clearing CA Foundation and Intermediate exams, Fathima is is now eligible to start her articleship (practical training) while preparing for CA Final.

ICAI CA Intermediate Result January 2026

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declared the CA Inter Jan 2026 result on Sunday March 8, 2026.

A total of 1,05,526 candidates had appeared in the CA Inter Jan 2026 Group 1 exams. Out of them, 14,733 candidates cleared the exam, registering a pass percentage of 13.96. CA Inter Group II exam saw a pass percentage of 15.54, with 10,798 candidates clearing the exam out of 69,477 who appeared.

ICAI conducts these exams twice a year, in January and July.

The CA Intermediate January 2026 examinations were conducted in multiple shifts across centres in India and abroad. As per the official schedule, Group I exams were held on January 6, 8 and 10, while Group II exams were conducted on January 15, 17 and 19, 2026.

Candidates who appeared for the exam can check their results on the official websites at icai.nic.in and icai.org.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / March 09th, 2026

Shama Mohammad: Battling patriarchy and breaking barriers

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

Cherukollayi (Kannur District), KERALA :

Shama Mohammad, AICC spokesperson

Shama Mohammad, AICC spokesperson and now over a decade in politics, knows all too well the obstacles women face in Indian politics. The numbers speak for themselves: despite the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, no Muslim woman from Congress was given a Lok Sabha ticket in 2024, and only two serve as MLAs nationally.

“The biggest obstacles for a woman to progress or survive in politics, especially in Kerala, are men,” she says bluntly. “When I started my journey in Kerala district politics, men in the party felt I can’t make it. And when I started making it, they didn’t like it.”

Shama lists three roadblocks on her way: “First, I am not a dynast, second, I am a woman, and third, I’m a Muslim.”

Unlike Congress, Muslim women like Sofia Firdous in Odisha or Kaneez Fatima in Karnataka, both backed by political families, Shama has no dynastic support. “You won’t find a single Muslim woman in politics who is fighting her way ahead on her own,” she says.

While a party like the Trinamul Congress has actively promoted women — with three out of its five MPs in West Bengal being women — Congress continues to lag,” she adds. (Trinamul Congress has the highest representation of women in Lok Sabha at 38 per cent compared to 13 per cent women by Congress and BJP.)

Her journey into politics didn’t happen overnight. A dentist and then a reporter with ZEE News, Shama grew up in Kuwait, watching debates on BBC, Al Jazeera and other channels with her father, who was passionate about world affairs. “The interest I have today is inherent, as politics is ingrained in my family,” she says.

Known today as a feisty and articulate spokesperson, she developed her political voice over years of actively taking an interest in national and international news, watching and then taking part in media debates, and later, hands-on work in Kerala district politics.

Her media career eventually brought her closer to politics. “I remember watching Manish Sharma, Abhishek Manu Singhvi — my colleagues in AICC now — fighting it out in a war of words on TV evening after evening,” she recalls.

While her job at ZEE News didn’t give her much chance to cover politics, her colleagues recognised her passion, and one of them sent her to meet Randeep Surjewala in the Congress media department. She was soon working for the party, travelling between Pune, where her husband and children were, and Delhi for television debates. “There was no Zoom or Skype then; one had to be physically present for the debates,” she says.

Amidst her work in the media department, she also decided to start working at the district level for the party in her home state of Kerala. But that came with its own challenges.  “All this took a huge toll on my children,” she admits. Her elder son was just 14, and her younger was 11 at the time. “But work meant leaving them even as my husband was away in Abu Dhabi again.” Balancing family and political ambitions was a struggle, yet she persisted.

Despite the hurdles, Shama’s commitment to change pushed her on. “I came to politics because I saw rapists, extortionists, and other anti-social elements in Parliament, and we only complain without doing anything about it. So, I wanted to be part of the change,” she says. As a Muslim, she has faced criticism for her faith and assumptions about her patriotism. But this has only made her more resilient: “Because I’m a Muslim, I have to go to Pakistan, I’m a jihadi, I’m anti-national… and I have to take all this,” she adds.

While her progress within the party remains limited due to patriarchy, Shama has turned her energy to grassroots work in Kannur, Kerala, through her Zoya Charitable Trust. “Why I came to politics was to help people, and my trust is in doing precisely that,” she says.

The trust, started in 2018, initially focused on renovating schools, especially following the floods of 2019. It has recently launched a sports school in the district, best known for athlete PT Usha, and another sports school is coming up with funding from the Panchsheel Group, a real estate group. Beyond sports, the trust works on healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment.

Asked what she would like to change about Congress, Shama doesn’t hold back: “Give more tickets to women. Give capable and hardworking women representation as the TMC does.” She knows change is slow, but remains undeterred. “Kerala has 51 per cent women, and if I’m sidelined, I take it as a challenge,” she says. For Shama, being a Muslim and a woman in politics is not just a struggle; it’s a motivation for her to keep pushing, both within her  party and through her work at the grassroots.

With Kerala heading once again into election mode, the left-led coalition and the Congress-led coalition will be pitted against each other. Whether her words and vision for women’s representation in politics will become reality remains to be seen, but Shama Mohammad continues her journey, determined to make a difference.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Sreelatha Menon / March 09th, 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

Kerala’s child climate warrior proposes recycled paper for passports

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Environment Initiatives / Green Heroes (wef. June 10th, 2025), Green Products, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kozhikode, KERALA :

Roohi Mohazzab at the UN Conference in Bangkok


New Delhi :

In 2023, India issued more than 13 million passports, using about 468 metric tons of paper. Globally, about 100 million passports are issued each year, requiring about 3,600 metric tons of paper—the equivalent of cutting down about 86,400 trees.

At this scale, using recycled paper passports could save thousands of trees each year and greatly reduce environmental damage. These statistics were compiled by six-year-old environmentalist Roohi Mohazzab of Kerala.

In a handwritten letter to world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the heads of 195 countries, Roohi has asked the leaders to replace traditional passport paper with recycled paper to save trees and protect Mother Earth.

Roohi Mohazzab also set a remarkable global milestone by delivering the keynote address during the Global Conference on Education for a Sustainable Future (GCE 2026) at the United Nations Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Bangkok.

Roohi Mohazzab has taken on a challenge that many adults might never even consider – to revolutionise the way passports are made. 

Their idea is not only profound but also practical—a step that could make India the first country in the world to issue passports made from recycled paper, setting an inspiring example for global sustainability.

Roohi Mohazzab, a first-standard student of Common Ground International Academy, Kozhikode, was formally invited as a keynote speaker and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Impact Award winner.

The event was organised by the UNESCO Youth Education Research Centre and the Sustainable Development Council, which has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC.The conference was held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, on 11-12 February 2026.

At the conference, the young environmental activist spoke about the devastating impacts of paper use on forests and climate change.

He stressed that a common item like a passport, which is issued in millions every year, can become a symbol of sustainability rather than being harmful to the environment.

In a symbolic moment on the UN platform, Roohi officially launched her global initiative, “The Children’s Movement for Climate Action.” The foundation aims to foster environmental responsibility and civic awareness among children so that young minds can become active participants in climate policy and sustainability solutions.

Roohi was recognised as one of the world’s youngest environmental voices and is known for her impactful local initiatives.

Other initiatives launched on the occasion:

The Country Tree Project  – Launched on World Environment Day 2025, aims to plant 10 million trees through one million school micro-nurseries.

Tree Bank Nursery Project  – Inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, which aims to create a green educational environment in 10,000 schools.

Recycled Paper Passports Campaign   – At the age of five, Roohi wrote a letter to Narendra Modi and 195 world leaders, recommending eco-friendly passports to save trees.

 The conference sent out a message that Children are not just the future – they are the present custodians of Mother Earth.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / February 18th, 2026