Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of Kolkata

Home chef Farah Kadir gets the cut and the cook right with Beyond Biryani

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Shahjahanpur, UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

My Kolkata shelves its biryani cravings for a day as Farah whips up a storm of Yakhni Pulao, Shami Kebab and Nargisi Kofta.

Video and images by Ritagnik Bhattacharya

When Farah whipped up Butter Chicken for 30 family members as notun bou in the Kadir household, she didn’t dream that in about two decades she would be supplying houses around the city with neatly packed boxes of biriyani, korma, pulao and kebabs. “My mother and grandmother were great cooks, so I always enjoyed cooking. It was never something I dreamed of doing professionally,” says Farah, who grew up in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She hails from a family of Pathans, originally from Afghanistan.

“Her legend just kept growing!” says her husband, Rubayat, her greatest fan and critic. “You know how we got married? Her brother-in-law lives in Kolkata and decided she absolutely has to marry a Kolkata foodie. Enter, Rubayat!” he says with a flourish.

They waited until their younger daughter had graduated school to resume full-fledged operation. The pandemic only expedited an eventuality which was long-simmering in the Kadir kitchen. Their friends were habituated to wrangling dinner invitations to Farah and Rubayat’s Ballygunge home for the fare which most regular Mughlai restaurants will find difficult to replicate. When social distancing became the norm, friends demanded that the food be sent to them. And so Beyond Biryani was born.

Farah (centre) with her younger daughter Ifrah and her husband, Rubayat

“Calcutta is crazy about biryani but we also want people to explore dishes beyond biryani,” explains Rubayat. He’s always at hand to taste her recipes and to guide patrons on their menu choices. He’s likely to bristle if you ask for an egg in the biryani and grimace if you want to pair the korma with biryani instead of roomali roti. “A boiled egg adds nothing to the biryani! It can be boiled separately and placed inside the rice. Besides, it takes up space in the container and which would you rather have anyway, more rice and aloo or a plain boiled egg?” he demands to know.

Not being a fan of boiled egg in my biryani anyway, I acquiesce. Farah’s biryani, having gained popularity and fame, tends to pop up at dining tables across the city, catching guests by delighted surprise. Following the trail to its source, I’m here today to dig into offerings that go beyond the Kolkata dum.

Yakhni Pulao

The flavour of the Yakhni Pulao is enhanced by the fact that the rice is cooked in mutton stock. It’s lighter than the biryani, which just means you’ll get to eat a lot more and fall into a bhaat-ghoom that much quicker. This one’s definitely a winner for summer.

Mutton Afghani Kebab

The Mutton Afghani kebab was one of Farah’s mother’s specialities, so it’s straight from the family legacies. Reminiscent of a galouti kebab, this one achieves just the right amount of tender with the help of papaya and not a slab of fat. “I don’t use extra fat or dalda. I cook like I would cook for my family,” explains Farah.

Mutton Akbari

Mutton Akbari, like every great meat dish, is served on the bone, albeit almost falling off it. It cooks in its own juices, and though you might be tempted to moisten your biryani rice with it, like every good Bengali who likes his jhol, Rubayat insists you have it with paratha. Don’t worry, you’ll love that too.

Nargisi Kofta

This one, another maternal hand-me-down, is one of the stars of the menu. The Nawabi cousin of the Bengali dimer-devil, Farah’s Nargisi Kofta is fried to a perfect brown and then placed in a surprisingly light gravy. All you need is a plate of fluffy white rice to soak it up with.

Shami Kebab

The Shami Kebabs are Farah’s primary claim to fame. “They’re our fastest moving item. These kebabs go all over the world – Canada, America, Bangkok. My elder daughter used to take it back with her when studying in the US. It’s the one dish I cook every day, as mutton, chicken or even soya which is also very popular. In fact, the soya is actually very tasty,” says Farah.

Which brings us to the crucial point that there are a great many vegetarian items on the menu as well. “We have very many vegetarian clients who are regulars too,” says Farah.

Farah’s full of surprises. She is able to make a mean prawn dish without tasting it because she prefers to not eat seafood. “There’s a de-shelled crab in butter garlic which I tasted in Trishna, Mumbai, that I’m trying to get her to recreate. She’s never eaten it, so I have to describe it really well,” says Rubayat, with all the purpose of a man setting out on a mission.

The other element of surprise lies in the size of Farah’s kitchen. It’s a small space attached to an apartment, just as fuss-free and efficient as the cook. It’s clean, compact and no-nonsense, spilling out a feast for a gourmand. In this kitchen, Farah insists on doing everything herself. She sets out every morning to buy meat from a regular Park Circus shop and then methodically goes about the cleaning, chopping and marinating. “The secret lies in knowing which cut of meat to use for which dish. The meat required for biryani, shami kebab and korma are all very different,” explains Farah.

“It’s the cut and the cook which determines the success of a dish,” sums up Rubayat, succinctly. “She has no recipes. It’s all on andaz, which is amazingly never wrong.”

Farah is of the opinion that her dishes are infused with the flavours of Delhi because her grandparents lived in the capital city. Of course, she learnt just how Kolkata likes to have its biryani and proceeded to get it just right. It’s not the only biryani she knows how to make though, in case you’re enthused to go, not just beyond biryani, but beyond the Kolkata Biryani.

Shahi Tukda

Yes, Farah makes dessert too! Because in Kolkata we need our mishti mukh, even if we can look beyond the biryani.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata / by Ramona Sen / June 14th, 2022

Inspiring tales of a bus driver’s daughter, panwala’s son and gatekeeper’s grandson becoming doctors

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Urooj, a Kolkata-based NGO has taken up the task of coaching underprivileged and average students to excel in NEET exam.

Kolkata’s renowned doctors with Urooj students who secured a seat through NEET

Kolkata:

Gosiya Azad stays in a small house on College Street. During the lockdowns, she found it difficult to study at her home, so she used to walk almost two kilometres to study in a library. Azad, daughter of a bus driver, has managed to secure a medical seat (BDS) at the Dr. R Ahmed Dental College.

Gosiya missed MBBS by one mark. If she would have OBC certificate then she would have got MBBS seat. She is an OBC candidate, but couldn’t get all the documentation done because her family is not literate.

“I had secured 62 per cent in senior secondary. And I was not very good at studies,” she recalls.

Like Gosiya, Shayaan Fahim, also says that he was an average student. And once believed he will never be able to crack the national level exam — National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). But, he too secured an MBBS seat at the Barasat Medical College.

Danyal Rizwan Ansari passed his secondary from a government school in Bihar. He is all set to become the first doctor from his village. Danyal has also secured an MBBS seat in Barasat Medical College.

Along with them, there are other students whose father runs a pan stall or whose mother is a teacher in a trust school earning a meagre salary and have beaten all odds to crack the NEET and secure a medical seat.

The Urooj students who secured a medical seat

These students have one thing in common, Urooj, a Kolkata-based Non-Government Organization (NGO) which helps underprivileged and average students to crack NEET at a nominal or almost no fees.

Some 151 students (classroom+test) enrolled last year but due to open enrollment system only 79 gave tests, out of which 22 got seats in different government medical colleges and hospitals through NEET 2022. Among them, 14 are girls who realized their dreams of becoming doctors.

On Sunday evening, all of them, along with 15 more students of Urooj’s 2021 batch were felicitated in Topsia.

And to felicitate them, 30 doctors, from renowned medical colleges and hospitals attended the event.

Aulad Hussain High School, center of Urooj’s classroom coaching had a jam-packed session, despite the unexpected delay caused by a phenomenal turnout of guests to attend the event.

Dr Salim Parvez, Dr Nahid Parvez and Dr Aadil Bashir felicitate an Urooj student Md. Shoaib Akhtar

It was an emotional moment not only for the students who realized their dreams but also for the parents who wanted to see their sons and daughters don the ‘white coat’.

Anwar Hussain, who secured an MBBS seat in Deben Mahata Medical College, when get felicitated, later called upon his father Md Mobarak Hussain and the son donned the father with white coat.

“We do not do the felicitations for donations or publicity. But by such functions, we want to encourage the students for higher studies. We believe that MBBS is just a beginning and they have to do MD and MS or other higher studies in future,” informed Umar Daraz Danish, a teacher, by profession and the center-in-charge of Urooj.

Urooj is the brainchild of Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram, Cardio-Thoracic and vascular Surgeon at NRS Medical College and his cousin Dr. Jaweria Mehreen (MBBS intern). Urooj also gets support from Helping Hand Trust.

Dr. Ahsan Kamal, Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram and Dr. Jaweria Mehreen felicitating another student of Urooj Sumaiya AK Sayeed

Umar added, “Last year, a student whose grandfather was a gatekeeper in Aulad Hussain School cleared NEET and secured a seat in a government college. But we did not publicize it. Urooj also has students who are from economically well-off backgrounds, like a parent who is a teacher in Pratt Memorial.”

Urooj conducts a one-year course for students who are in plus two or have passed senior secondary. Unlike other medical coaching centers, Urooj does not teach or guide 11th-standard students in order to prepare for NEET. It charges only Rs 20000 for a year, that too in installments. If some parents can’t afford that also then they can pay as little as Rs 8000. The Urooj students, who crack NEET, next year help guide ongoing aspirants.

“We do not compromise on the quality of teachers. All are paid as per industry-standard. But we also ensure that students do not start considering teachers as cult figures and rather believe in Urooj and the idea behind it,” said Dr. Khurram, the Academic Supervisor of Urooj.

All the budding doctors praise Dr. Khurram for his selfless mentoring and guidance, which helped them crack NEET.

Some of the doctors also addressed future doctors like gynaecologist Nahid Parvez and Plastic Surgeon Faria Shahab.

“The students should believe that they are not in the profession to earn money but to serve humanity. I also request support from those who are unable to clear this year,” said Dr. Nahid.

While Dr. Faria highlighted, “There is a need for female doctors in every area of specialization and there is nothing like male specialist area, so girls can opt for any specialization they want.”

The list of thirty doctors with their specializations and where they are practicing.

1- Dr. Sayeed Uddin(MBBS, Veteran General Practitioner)

2- Dr. Marya Tazeen (BDS, Dentist, Central Kolkata)

3– Dr. Arshad Ahmed (MS, Orthopedics, Asst. Prof CNMC)

4- Dr. Sufiyan Ahmed (MD, Anesthesia and intensive care specialist, in-charge of GDDI ICU)

5– Dr. Ayesha Farheen (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

6– Dr. Arsalan Raza (MBBS, DCH, Pediatrician) 

7– Dr. Salim Parvez (MD, Radiologist, Director of Radiology, Fortis)

8– Dr. Nahid Parvez (MS, Renowned Gynaecologist)

9– Dr. Aadil Bashir (DM, Cardiologist, NRS MCH)

10– Dr. Asif Ansari (MD, Internal Medicine, Asst. Prof CNMC)

11– Dr. Fatima Zinna (MD, Dermatologist)

12– Dr. Wasif Akhtar (Homeopathy practitioner)

13– Dr. Md. Sarim Ashfaque. (MS, Orthopaedics, Apollo)

14– Dr. Ishrat Parveen (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

15– Dr. Zoya Ayesha (MBBS, Social Activist)

16– Dr. Ismail Shahidullah (DNB, Neuro Anesthesia- INK)

17– Dr. Jaweria Mehreen (MBBS intern- founder member of Urooj)

18– Dr. Mubashshir Shamim (MRCP, Pediatrician)

19– Dr. Arif Faizan (MD, Senior Interventional Radiologist, NH, Medica and Kothari)

20- Dr. Haseeb Hassan (DM- Neurologist, Amri, Kolkata)

21– Dr. Abdul Majid (DMS, Veteran Homeopathic Practitioner)

22– Dr. Amber Obaid (MD, Senior Radiologist, Medica)

23– Dr. Ahsan Kamal (MS, General Surgery)

24– Dr. Talha Shahid (BDS, Dentist)

25– Dr. Subhan Reyaz (DNB Radiation Oncology, Chitranjan Cancer Hospital)

26– Dr. Saima Shahid (BHMS, Homeopathic Practitioner)

27– Dr. Minhajuddin Khurram (MCh, CTVS, resident at NRS)

28– Dr. Faria Shahab (MCh, Plastic Surgeon, Asst. Prof RG. Kar)

29- Dr. Nehal (DMS, Veteran Homeopathic Practitioner, Social Activist)

30– Dr. Samira Aslam (BDS, Dentist)

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Let There Be Light / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / January 10th, 2023

Sangeet sabha pays homage to Ustad Munawar Ali Khan

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Tragically, Munawar Ali Khan Sahib died at the peak of his career, at the age of 59 in Kolkata in 1989.

Artistes perform at Tagore Theatre in Sector 18, Chandigarh, on Saturday. Express

Triveni Sangeet Sabha paid a homage to late Ustad Munawar Ali Khan of Kasur Patiala Gharana on Sunday evening at Tagore Theatre. An audio-visual presentation on Ustad Munawar Ali by Niharika Popli was projected. This was followed by vocal recitals by Ustad sahib’s son Raza Ali Khan and his two nephews Ustad Mazar AlI and Awaad Ali Khan. Chandigarh-based Primila Puri, his disciple, also sang.

Ustad Munawar Ali Khan was born in 1930 in Lahore. He was the son of the legendry maestro Padmabhushan Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and trained under his father and his uncle Ustad Barkat Ali Khan. Munawar Ali Khan had a full-throated, powerful voice with open aakar, which adapted itself to different styles of bandishes like khayal, thumri, dadra and after his father’s death in 1968, he became a worthy representative and the ‘Khalifa’ of the Kasur Patiala Gharana. He created many khyals, thumris, geets and ghazals and sang brilliantly difficult ragas of his gharana and also created a new raga named Malini Basant.

Tragically, Munawar Ali Khan Sahib died at the peak of his career, at the age of 59 in Kolkata in 1989. The Kasur Patiala legacy is now carried on by his son Raza Ali Khan and his nephews Jawaad Ali Khan, Mazhar Ali Khan and Naqi Ali Khan.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Chandigarh / by Express News Service / March 18th, 2018

Book Launch Sparks Debate on Muslim Representation, Education, and Healthcare

Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

At the launch of the book Indian Muslims’ Tryst with Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities at ICCR Library, Kolkata, academics and public figures underlined that meaningful improvements in government schools and hospitals could significantly uplift India’s Muslim community, especially its poorest segments.

Professor Abdul Matin of Jadavpur University stressed that socio-economic realities leave many Muslims dependent on failing public services. “We keep saying Muslims lag in education — but how do we fix it? When families earn only ₹8,000–₹10,000 a month, they cannot afford private schools. They rely on government schools, which have deteriorated so much that students rarely move up in life,” he said.

Matin pointed out that this crisis is not limited to rural Bengal but also affects Muslim-majority urban areas such as Metiabruz, Khidirpur, Topsia, Park Circus, and Raja Bazar. Once-active Kolkata Municipal Corporation schools, he noted, have shut down, worsening access. The state’s public education system, weakened by years of political interference, has hit all low-income communities hard — with Muslims among the worst affected.

He also painted a bleak picture of healthcare: “In rural Bengal, people travel overnight and queue from midnight for a doctor’s appointment. We must revive mohalla-level schools and clinics.”

Jawhar Sircar, former Rajya Sabha MP and bureaucrat, urged the community to prioritise education over religious symbolism and to resist being reduced to a political vote bank. He encouraged Muslims to join democratic, secular movements fighting to restore India’s plural ethos. On the caste census, Sircar advised patience, saying its 2026 release could be a “game changer” for the community.

Political activist and CPM leader Saira Shah Halim spoke bluntly about systemic discrimination, citing examples from both Delhi and Kolkata. On housing bias, she noted: “People say Muslims are ghettoised — but do they have a choice?” She also criticised the absence of certain MPs, including secular leaders, during critical parliamentary debates on Muslim concerns such as the CAA and the abrogation of Article 370.

From a historical and political perspective, Prof Maidul Islam of the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, traced a steady decline in Muslim political representation — in the Lok Sabha since 1980 and in the Bengal Assembly since 2011. He alleged that parties deliberately withhold tickets from Muslim candidates, echoing warnings made decades ago by B.R. Ambedkar. The lack of progressive leadership, he argued, further limits the community’s advancement.

The book itself — Indian Muslims’ Tryst with Democracy — offers a detailed examination of these socio-political dynamics, combining historical insight with policy recommendations. Described by speakers as “a guide for collective action,” it lays out both the challenges and the concrete opportunities available for India’s Muslims to achieve equitable development.

 You can order a copy from Atlantic Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd 7/22, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi – 110002. Email-  aparna@atlanticbooks.com – Phone: 011-40775252 Website: www.atlanticbooks.com

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Quami Awaaz / August 13th, 2025

‘With technique, not muscle’: How kettlebell lifting helped a 28-year-old flip the script

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

From a modest Kolkata gym to the world podium, kettlebell champion Danish Naushad lifts dreams without the weight of support — just sheer will.

Danish Naushad is raising the tricolour at an international level, one lift at a time / All pictures by Soumyajit Dey

In 2017, Danish Naushad was training for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and following standard hypertrophy routines at a modest Kolkata gym. It was there that a chance encounter with a little-known piece of equipment — a kettlebell — set him on a path he had never imagined.

“A trainer named Saikat introduced me to it. It was kept in a dusty corner. We started with swings, and I found it refreshing, different,” said 28-year-old Danish.

Kettlebell: The unseen sport

Kettlebell lifting — or Girevoy Sport as it’s known in Russia — is an endurance-based strength sport. Unlike Olympic weightlifting that focuses on one-rep max lifts, kettlebell events run for 10 minutes or more, demanding relentless reps without setting the weight down.

Danish Naushad practicing at his home gym

“You need technique, lungs, and legs — not just muscle. That’s what people don’t understand,” Danish explained.

From NDA dream to a new calling

Danish was on track to join the NDA but couldn’t pursue it due to personal reasons. He fell into depression and briefly left home. But his family pulled him back — and his gym community, too. “My gym owner said, why not go ahead with fitness? That changed my life.”

He became a certified trainer under NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and began coaching clients worldwide. Danish is also a certified strength training specialist under ISSA (International Sport Sciences Association). He reinvested his earnings into his athletic journey — even selling his dream Kawasaki Z900 to build a home gym.

Early Failures and the Ego Check

Danish’s raw strength took him through his first competitions, but failure at a 2018 state meet — where he only received a participation certificate — deeply affected him. “That shook me. I was overconfident, relying only on my shoulders.”

Danish built his home gym by selling off his dream bike, a Kawasaki Z900

That humbling led him to coach Arnab Sarkar, a pioneer of the kettlebell sport in India. “From 2019, real training began. I learnt that patience and technique matter more than brute strength.”

National records and online competitions

Danish’s breakthrough came in 2020 with a national record of 155 jerks using double 16 kg bells. When Covid hit, he embraced the new normal — online competitions.

“We hosted the world’s first online kettlebell championship from India. Judged live over video calls. Over 100 athletes joined. It kept the sport alive.”

Setbacks and redemption

In 2022, a missed visa meant he couldn’t compete at the IGSF (International Gira Sport Foundation) World Championship in Greece. But luck turned when the IUKL(International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) hosted a world event in Delhi later that year. Danish won bronze — his first world medal.

From missing a tournament due to visa issues to securing gold at the next, Danish’s story is an inspiring one

He followed that up with an emotional win at the 2024 IKMF (International Kettlebell Marathon Federation) World Championship in Denmark, clinching gold in the double pentathlon — an event he hadn’t prioritised. “I was shocked. I was going to the washroom and heard my name being called.”

Spain 2025: Against the odds

Preparing for Spain’s 2025 IKMF Championship, Danish dropped nearly 8kg in weight and doubled down on training. He lifted 52 reps in the 40 kg event — a personal best, finishing fourth against heavier European lifters.

Danish posing with his most recent gold won at Spain’s IKMF Championship 2025

But once again, it was the pentathlon — the side event — where he struck gold. “The event I didn’t bet on gave me the biggest reward. It’s always like that.”

Kettlebell in India: No support, all heart

Despite multiple international medals, Danish receives no government support. “There’s no funding, no recognition. We pay for our own visas, travel, gear.”

He dreams of a future where kettlebell lifters are backed by the government like in Russia — where athletes are promoted in the army or railways for their achievements. “Here, we don’t even get a pat on the back. But we keep going.”

Training the next generation

Danish now coaches aspiring athletes, including those who can’t afford international travel. “I’ve taken athletes to nationals on my own dime. One under-60 kg lifter I train could be among India’s best.”

He sustains himself as a full-time online coach, training clients across the US, Mexico, and Canada via Zoom. “I do assessments, build personalised programs — some people just have a rope or dumbbell at home. I make it work.”

Faith, focus and Bernabeu dreams

Danish credits his spiritual journey — one that deepened post-Ramzan in 2024 — for helping him stay grounded. “I pray before every event. Not to win, but to not come back sad. That matters more.”

Danish has his gold winning jersey from Denmark framed. His idol is Cristiano Ronaldo and being able to see Real Madrid’s stadium was a dream come true for him

In Spain, he fulfilled a childhood dream — visiting Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. “The quote I remember is, ‘The jersey can be stained with blood, sweat, and mud — but never with shame.’ That’s how I see my Indian jersey too.”

The road ahead: Hungary and beyond

Next stop: Hungary, for the IKMF World Championship in November 2025. For now, he’s training without a coach — building his own programs and aiming to hit CMS (Candidate for Master of Sport) and then MSWC, the highest global kettlebell rank.

“We dream of beating a Russian in Russia one day,” he says with a smile. “That’s the moment we’ll know we’ve done something.”

A final word

Danish has made his aspirations clear and he hopes backing will come at some point in his career

Eight years into his journey, Danish Naushad still doesn’t consider himself accomplished. “When I win a world medal under the Indian flag — with government recognition — only then will I say I’ve made it.”

Until then, the man from Kolkata will keep lifting. Not just weights — but the hopes of a sport still struggling for a place under India’s sporting sun.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata> People / by Debrup Chaudhuri / June 25th, 2025

Kolkata young Muslim girl proves pen is mightier than sword, wins global honour

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL / New York (U.S.A) :

A 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata won the prestigious UK’s The Press Award for investigative reporting. Armed with BA English, she is pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. Her in-depth report on Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America (The American Multimedia Broadcasting Network) fetched her the highly commended “Young Journalist of The Year Award”.

Be bold, be curious, and be unyielding in your pursuit of the untold stories. Yes, this applies to 23-year-old Sarah Aziz from Kolkata in West Bengal, who had put up a brave face to report from the field about the inhuman treatment meted out to Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Voice of America, part of American Multimedia Broadcasting Network. This, in fact, fetched her the “Young Journalist of the Year” this year.

Armed with BA English from Loreto College in Kolkata, she is now pursuing her Master of Science in Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York in the US. Interestingly, she started filing stories as a freelancer even while doing her UG in Kolkata during 2023. To top it all, she has been a contributing reporter for The Guardian, The Telegraph (UK), South China Morning Post (SCMP) and The Christian Science Monitor besides others.

In November 2024, Aziz published an investigative report in The Telegraph (UK), exposing the truth behind the “mysterious” death of a Rohingya child who had been detained by the Indian government in New Delhi. The multimedia report not only delved into the medical negligence and abuse faced by the child in detention, but also revealed the wider pattern of the mass arbitrary detention and torture of Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge in India.

Earlier in the same year, Aziz had exposed the hidden scandal of rape and sexual abuse faced by incarcerated women in India, particularly in West Bengal. The investigative report, published in The Guardian, laid bare the tactics used by authorities to cover up crimes against some of the most vulnerable women in the country.

Aziz has extensively covered the persecution faced by Rohingya Muslims in India and Bangladesh for multiple international news outlets like The South China Morning Post, Voice of America and The Guardian. Her investigative breaking news reporting on the 2025 Bangladesh student protests was published in The Times (UK).

On cloud nine, Sarah Aziz is reported to have said, “My interests lie in investigative reporting on human rights issues of national and global importance. Some beats I have covered extensively are women’s health, the Rohingya refugee crisis, human trafficking and Indigenous affairs both in India and the U.S. It’s a great honour to receive the Highly Commended “Young Journalist of the Year” instituted by The Press Awards (2025) and the Thomson Foundation.

Sarah Aziz dedicated this award to her dad Sheik Azizur Rahman and her seventh grade English teacher who motivated her to be what she is now. She will be graduating from Columbia University with an MS in Journalism in August 2025.  Glad to learn that Sarah Aziz is a poet, translator, and artist based in Kolkata, India. In 2021, her translation of Bangladeshi activist and author Pinaki Bhattacharya’s “History of Bengal: from Ancient to British Rule” got published receiving rave reviews.

Established in 1962 by The People and World’s Press News, the first award ceremony for the then-named Hannen Swaffer Awards, named after journalist Hannen Swaffer, was held in 1963. This got transformed from British Press Awards to The Press Awards which is being given under the aegis of Haymarket Media Group on behalf of the News Media Association.

Some of the categories include Business and Finance Journalist of the Year, Campaign of the Year, Cartoonist of the Year, Columnist of the Year, Critic of the Year, Environment Journalist of the Year, Excellence in Diversity Award, Feature Writer of the Year, Foreign Reporter of the Year, Front Page of the Year, Health Journalist of the Year, Interviewer of the Year, Investigation of the Year, News Podcast of the Year, News Website of the Year, Newspaper of the Year, Photographer of the Year, Political Journalist of the Year, Science and Technology Journalist of the Year, Scoop of the Year, Specialist journalist of the Year, Supplement of the Year, The Hugh McIlvanney Award for Sports Journalist of the Year, Travel Journalist of the Year, and Young Journalist of the Year.

[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 31st, 2025

Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’: A 98-Year-Old Poet Who Met Gandhi, Donated Land and Advocates for Unity

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Marui Village (Nawada District), BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

A young Jamal who met Gandhi in 1947 later shaped Kolkata’s hospitality scene and contributed to renowned chains like Arsalan and Mezban.

A scholar of Sanskrit, he is a well-known figure in the city’s literary circles. However, despite his generous donation of 15 katthas of land for a government hospital, the Bihar government has yet to honor the donors, leaving his legacy unacknowledged.

  Primary Health Centre in Marui, Nawada and Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’

Kolkata:

In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant Prafulla Sarkar Street, Jamal Ahmed, the 98-year-old hotelier and poet, sits in the backroom of Aliah Hotel, his voice resonating with the same intensity as the lively street outside.

Jamal Ahmed, a nonagenarian, is known in the city as a poet and a concerned citizen. But the 98-year-old is also a philanthropist. He has donated 15 Katthas of land in his native village in Bihar for a government hospital, which last year became operational.

A Philanthropic Legacy: Land Donation for a Government Hospital in Bihar

“The land (in Marui village, Nawada district) was the costliest in the adjoining areas. But my father, who decided to donate it to the government to build a hospital there, did not hesitate,” informed Firdaus Jamal, son of Jamal Ahmed.

The market rate for land in Marui village is at least Rs 20 lakhs per kattha. In Bihar’s Nawada district, one kattha of land is equivalent to 3 decimals.

“I had told my mother that one day there will be a hospital in your name. So I had to do it,” Jamal Ahmed told eNewsroom. The family proposed the name of the hospital as QZJ Government Hospital, incorporating the names of Jamal and his parents. There is a board at the hospital where Jamal Ahmed Jamal’s name as the donor is mentioned. However, the Bihar government has yet to adopt the name suggested by the donors’ family.

The 20-bed primary hospital is now operational.

Poet Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’ | eNewsroom

When donating, I did not make any demands, such as asking for government jobs for my family members or insisting that a doctor from my family should practice here,” he said.

“I demand that either the Bihar Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) or the Health Minister inaugurate the hospital,” the donor added.

Jamal Ahmed, a multifaceted personality, knows five languages and completed his Master’s in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his Bachelor’s in Science (BSc) from Patna University. He frequently uses Sanskrit shlokas in his poetry. Much of his poetry focuses on communal harmony in the country.

A major event in his life was meeting the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on August 13, 1947 in Kolkata.

A Life of Literature and Peace: Jamal Ahmed’s Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi

“I was just 18 years old, but Gandhiji was desperately seeking peace for the country. When I heard that Gandhiji was in Kolkata and my uncle, Kareem Sahab, was going to meet him, I joined my uncle and reached Beleghata,” recalled the nonagenarian, quickly adding that he has no picture with Gandhiji.

“In my brief interaction, I requested Gandhiji for peace in the country and to stop the riots. Gandhiji replied that he came to Kolkata for this very purpose and would be traveling to other parts of the country for the same reason.”

The well-known hotelier has great command over recipes and dishes. “I have helped several hotel outlets in Kolkata and abroad set up their centers. Some of them are now big names, like Arsalan and Mezban.”

Jamal Ahmed’s sons run several hotels in Kolkata, including the famous Arafat Hotel on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which is managed by Firdaus Jamal.

Aliah Hotel on Prafulla Sarkar Street—where Jamal Ahmed feels he gains the wings to fly.

Preserving Harmony Through Poetry: The ‘Tatkal’ Poet’s Message for Unity

But in Kolkata’s literary circles, ‘Jamal’ is known for his ‘Tatkal’ poetry. A ‘Tatkal’ poet is one who can deliver a poem instantly, depending on the situation.

“I was very young when I met Gandhiji, and still, I recited a poem for him:

Andhi Tawaf Karti Hai, Gandhi Ki, Aye Jamal.
Ye To Bhanwar Se Laye Hain Kashti Nikal Ke

(The storm circles around Gandhi, O Jamal. He is the one who has brought the boat out of the whirlpool.)”

The poet ‘Jamal’, an Acharya in Sanskrit often uses the couplet to promote communal harmony.

Yem niza pro weti ganna laguchetshaam udarnaam chatrinantu, washudhew kutumbakam.

A rough translation of this Sanskrit couplet is:

“This is ours, that is yours—those who think this way have small hearts. But for the great ones, the entire world is one.”

He also mentioned that the shloka is written at the entrance of the old Parliament building’s gate. Eleven members of Parliament, including Maulana Azad, had agreed to imprint it there.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Art & Culture> Bengal / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 19th, 2025

The Book ‘SangTrash’: Shamim Ahmed’s account of the fight for human rights and Urdu

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BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

“The Book SangTrash: Shamim Ahmed’s account of the fight for human rights and Urduh” penned  by Nurullah Jawaid is an immersive and powerful exploration of the life and activism of Shamim Ahmed, one of India’s most distinguished human rights advocates. As a pioneer of the Urdu movement, Shamim Ahmed’s story is one of unwavering dedication to social justice, human rights, and the preservation of cultural identity in the face of systemic injustice and political turbulence. This book, rich in historical and cultural context, offers an in-depth look at the life of a man who was not only a visionary leader but also a symbol of courage and resilience in the fight for equality and dignity.

The book delves into Shamim Ahmed’s lifelong struggle to address some of the most pressing socio-political issues of his time. Set against the backdrop of India’s dynamic and ever-evolving socio-political landscape, “SangTrash” chronicles Shamim Ahmed’s tireless efforts to combat the deeply ingrained inequalities that plagued the country, particularly the discrimination faced by marginalized communities. These efforts were not limited to his work as a human rights advocate but extended to his role as a cultural leader, educator, and innovator. Through the lens of his activism, the book paints a vivid picture of the complexities of Indian society during times of immense political and social upheaval.

Shamim Ahmed was not merely a passive observer of the struggles faced by the oppressed and underprivileged. He was a relentless force working to bring about tangible change. From his early days as a young idealist, Shamim Ahmed was deeply moved by the plight of the marginalized—those whose voices were suppressed by both society and the political elite. His passion for human rights led him to establish the Human Rights Protection Association (HRPA), an organization dedicated to addressing human rights violations across India. Through this platform, Shamim Ahmed sought to mobilize citizens to stand up for justice, regardless of their background, religion, or ethnicity.

In addition to his advocacy for human rights, Shamim Ahmed is best known for his work with the Urdu Movement. At a time when the Urdu language was facing marginalization and disintegration due to political pressures, Shamim Ahmed took it upon himself to revitalize and protect the language as an integral part of India’s cultural and literary heritage. His campaigns to promote Urdu literacy and its inclusion in educational institutions were not just about language preservation; they were about the empowerment of communities who saw Urdu as an essential part of their identity. Through this movement, Shamim Ahmed demonstrated that language is not merely a means of communication but also a symbol of cultural resistance and resilience.

As the narrative unfolds, “SangTrash” brings into focus the challenges Shamim Ahmed faced along the way. His activism was not without its detractors. Political opposition, societal resistance, and personal sacrifices were all part of the price Shamim Ahmed paid for his unwavering commitment to justice. The book sheds light on the obstacles he encountered, from the government’s attempts to suppress his initiatives to the skepticism and hostility from those who feared change. Yet, despite these challenges, Shamim Ahmed’s resolve remained unshaken. His determination to bring about social change and protect the rights of the disenfranchised never faltered, even when his own safety was threatened.

Shamim Ahmed’s legacy is further immortalized through his initiatives such as the “Food for All” campaign, which aimed to address hunger and poverty in India’s rural and urban areas. The campaign sought to ensure that food was available to every citizen, regardless of their social status, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices that would reduce reliance on outside aid. Through his leadership, the campaign brought together communities, activists, and policymakers, resulting in significant strides towards alleviating food insecurity in many regions.

Nurullah Jawaid’s writing not only brings Shamim Ahmed’s efforts to life but also contextualizes them within the broader historical and cultural milieu of India. By delving into the political, social, and economic landscape of Shamim Ahmed’s era, the book offers readers a nuanced understanding of the obstacles that activists and marginalized groups faced during this turbulent period. 

“SangTrash” is a deeply informative and educational work that highlights the interconnectedness of human rights, cultural preservation, and social justice. It challenges readers to reflect on the ways in which systemic inequalities continue to shape society and the moral responsibility that each individual bears in addressing them.

The book also pays tribute to the human rights defenders who, like Shamim Ahmed, dedicate their lives to advocating for justice in an often hostile environment.

In telling Shamim Ahmed’s story, Nurullah Jawaid brings to the forefront the importance of collective action. The struggles faced by Shamim Ahmed were not his alone; they were shared by countless others who, inspired by his work, joined in the fight for a more equitable and just society. This collective action is central to the book’s message—individual activism can spark movements, but only through solidarity and collective efforts can lasting change be achieved.

“SangTrash” is not merely a biography of a prominent figure in Indian history. It is a call to action. By recounting Shamim Ahmed’s life and the impact of his work, the book challenges readers to engage with the pressing social issues of today, particularly those related to human rights, inequality, and cultural identity. The lessons of Shamim Ahmed’s life are timeless, and the values he fought for—equality, dignity, and mutual respect—remain as relevant as ever.

This book is also a reminder that activism is not always glamorous or celebrated in its time. Often, it is the courage of individuals like Shamim Ahmed, whose actions go against the grain of societal norms that change the world for the better. “SangTrash” is, therefore, more than just the story of one man; it is an inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of activism to bring about positive, meaningful change. It challenges readers to question the status quo and to take responsibility for shaping the future in a way that is more inclusive and just for all.

In conclusion, “SangTrash” is a tribute to Shamim Ahmed’s life and legacy. It is a book that encourages readers to consider the ways in which activism, grounded in human rights and social justice, can transform society. By examining the key moments in Shamim Ahmed’s life and the challenges he overcame, the book underscores the enduring importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Through this compelling narrative, “SangTrash” becomes not just a biography but a powerful call for activism in today’s world.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books> Positive Story / Reviewed by Kulsum Farooque / February 14th, 2025

‘Music without spirituality is meaningless’

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan on maintaining his gharana’s parampara and his views on music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

The illustrious Agra gharana of Hindustani classical music has had distinguished exponents and teachers who have imparted this school of music to countless disciples over the centuries. Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan is a prominent vocalist of this gharana.

Born in 1974, Waseem Khan is the grandson of Ustad Basheer Khan from his father’s side and of Ustad Ata Hussain Khan from his mother’s side. He has thus inherited the rich repertoire of both the khandans . He took his initial taleem (education) from Ata Hussain Khan at the age of six. Thereafter, he learnt from his father, Ustad Naseem Ahmed Khan.

Waseem’s debut performance was at the age of 10. In July 1999, he became a scholar of ITC Sangeet Research Academy ( ITC – SRA) under erstwhile guru Ustad Shafi Ahmed Khan. He left the academy in April 2003 as an A-grade scholar. Since then he has performed at various venues all over the world, sharing the stage with maestros. He taught for five years as a senior faculty member of Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust, an academy run by Ustad Rashid Khan and is currently assisting with ITC-SRA projects. He is also a regular performer for All India Radio.

Waseem, based in Kolkata, will give his first ever concert in Kerala at the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Hall, Thrissur, on September 21 at 5 pm. Prior to the concert, Waseem spoke to Friday Review on his gharana, Indian classical music and more. Excerpts from an e-mail interview.

What are the defining features of the Agra gharana?

The voice production is distinctive; the voice throw is open-throated. The other distinctive features are nom-tom alaap (the rhythmic section where the raga develops with a steady pulse employing syllables such as non-tom but without the binding of tala). The method of presenting a bandish (fixed, melodic composition) is also distinctive of this gharana. We break the bandish into many parts. For example, if there is an interesting line in the antara, we use this line for bol tan (rhythmic pattern of notes which uses the words of the bandish), bol bandh, bol vistar and so on. We are not supposed to create an artificial voice but rather polish the one gifted by God.

Is there an amalgamation of features of various gharanas in the Hindustani music we hear today?

Yes. It is healthy as long as one is able to express one’s identity clearly. Every gharana has its own beautiful features. Artistes of the past also adapted the features of other gharanas and enriched their music. They, however, retained a stamp of their gharana, which could be identified by the opening ‘sa’.

Being part of an ancient and reputed gharana, what are your responsibilities? Do you have another generation to take on the mantle?

It is a huge responsibility. But I feel proud too. I consider it is my duty to carry on this tradition and, if possible, enrich it. The most important aspect is to pass on this legacy to the next generation. My young daughter has started learning it and I’m also teaching students at the ITC-SRA Kolkata apart from my own students. The Agra gharana, today, has a lot of good artistes making their mark in the world of music.

Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan

What is your opinion about lighter forms of classical music such as thumri, dadra…?

It is beautiful to sing the light forms also. Old masters of our gharana like Ustad Faiyaz Khan Sahib, for instance, used to sing the thumri and the dadra. I sing these in almost all my concerts. It is nice to switch to a relaxed mood after a heavy khayal.

Is there a link between spirituality and Indian classical music?

Definitely! Music without spirituality is meaningless. Our bandishes address gods irrespective of religion, requesting their mercy for the well-being of this world.

How do you decide which raga to sing at a concert?

The time of the concert plays an important role. Each raga is associated with a specific time. We follow that strictly. But this can be modified depending on the weather and the mood of the concert. For example, Malhar is a night raga. But we may choose it intuitively during a concert held in the day if it is raining outside. We do it because we feel that it will suit the mood and the effect is usually amazing. During festivals like Durga Puja or Basant Panchami, we render ragas like Gouri, Durga or Basant accordingly. And if it is a concert series, we render it according to the raga rendered earlier.

How much does an audience affect your performance?

Like any musician, I love to sing before a huge audience. But there should at least be a handful of good listeners whose presence should motivate me to sing wholeheartedly. In the past, music was confined to a few, now it is accessible to millions across the globe. The gharanas are flourishing, Dhrupad and khayal are intact, there are gurus and shishyas, and there is innovation.

Do you think that the classical music scene is strong and prosperous?

I don’t think there is any threat to good music. Earlier, maharajas were the promoters of classical music. Now we have corporates and organisations in that place. I can say that ITC is a classic example. Then there are organisations like SPICMACAY and NCPA that have also done their bit to carry forward this great tradition.

How relevant is Indian classical music in the modern world?

It is relevant in the modern world. When I see young boys in half-pants touching my feet and learning classical music seriously, I feel it is because they feel it is pertinent. And in the West, the young generation has taken it up enthusiastically.

If you were asked to pick a memorable concert, which would you choose and why?

That’s a tough one. There are so many, like the one in New York recently where the listeners asked me to sing only khayals with elaborate nom tom alaap and not even thumri or dadra. I was surprised. I’m looking forward to the concert series here where I’m sure I will be in the company of avid listeners.

Is the guru-shishya parampara still existent? And what is the best way of doing riyaaz (practice)?

I teach my students the same way I learned from my gurus. But it was tough then, as the gurus were task masters. In the case of riyaaz, my advice would be to do ‘Kharaj Riyaaz’(practice of holding notes on the lower octave, where every single sur is used with full breath) in the morning. It is extremely important for improving one’s voice culture.

If not a professional musician, what career would you have chosen?

I would have been a cricket player, perhaps. I was passionate about the game and played it during my college days. I admire Sourav Ganguly, I’m a great fan of his.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Music / by K Pradeep / September 19th, 2019

Recognizing the Roots: Teachers Who Nurtured Kolkata’s Future Felicitated

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Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

Asma Memorial Trust felicitates 80 educators including retired ones and specially-abled who served without recognition.

(Clockwise) Noor alam with Afaf Jameel, Junaid Kamal, Sangita Gurang (red sari) and the felicitated ones

Kolkata:

When the name of Junaid Kamal was announced, a 32-year-old man, with the help of two crutches, tried to stand up from his seat and began moving towards the stage to be felicitated at Asma Memorial Trust’s function. Soon, the fine art teacher was assisted in walking to receive a memento, a plant, and a set of notebooks and pens.

It was the first time in his 13-year teaching career that the art teacher, who is associated with four different organizations in Kolkata and serves the community, was recognized as a specially-abled person (left leg and right paralysed).

“I am thankful for the felicitation. For someone like me, it is not only difficult to study, but getting a respectable job is another challenge. Even when you succeed, it is rare that people appreciate it in this fast-paced life,” the Academy of Fine Arts graduate told eNewsroom.

Junaid was not alone; at least 15 retired educators, from both government and private schools, were also felicitated at the event.

Dr Umar Khyyam (70) of Maulana Azad College, Mobark Ali Mobarak (65) from Bankura district Urdu School, Nurul Hoda (62) of Kankinara Himayatul Ghurba High School (underprivileged), and Ashraf Ahmad Jafri (65) of Karaya School, Kolkata, were among them.

There were also current teachers, such as Afaf Jameel of Frank Anthony Public School, Sangita Gurung of Assembly of God Church School, Michael A Panja of GD Goenka Public School, Dr Khalid Hossain of Monu Memorial Institution (Kolkata), Debashish from Well and Gold, Md. Shahnawaz of Noble Mission School, Mubashshreen Shakil of KS Consultancy & Academy, Shaguta Adnan, who teaches French, and Manwar Sultana of Sir Syed English Medium School, among the total 80 teachers who were felicitated.

The felicitated and the felicitetors together after Asma Memorial Trust’s event

Teachers from South Point, East West, Goenka, Albani Hall, Islamia, Mohammed Jan, Flair International, and Izma International schools were also honored.

Noor Alam, the founder of NEET Basket, who also established the Asma Trust in memory of his wife to promote value-based education and encourage those involved in it, told eNewsroom, “We used to celebrate Education Day on the birthday of India’s first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. But this year, we started the celebration earlier and began by felicitating educators who have served society but have not received any recognition for it.”

Alam, the Rashtriya Shiksha Ratan Award winner also pointed out that during the felicitation, a plant was given to each honoree to symbolize how educators nurture children. Just as trees benefit society in many ways, a well-nurtured child can positively impact the community.

The chief guest, Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Shamsher Ahmad, who took voluntary retirement and started Crescent School in one of Kolkata’s ghettos—Topsia—shared his journey as an educator. “When I started the school in Topsia (in 2002), I decorated the building very well. People asked me why I was doing so. I told them that to build confidence in the Topsia students, they must study in a place that is not inferior to other major schools in the city.”

“In later years, to boost their confidence to appear for the Union Public Service Examinations, I used my contacts and made my school a center for the UPSC exam, which produces IAS and IPS officers. As a result, today our school produces doctors and students who pursue higher education after graduating from Crescent,” Ahmad said to the gathering.

Sangita Gurung of Assembly of God said a one liner for the teachers, “Teach what your preach and preach what you teach, is the motto remained in my career and it should be with every teacher.”

Dr Sarfaraz Adil, founder of Izma International School , reminded attendees of the importance of education in Islam and how it has been emphasized. “Getting an education is one of the fundamentals of Islam. It not only includes religious education but also opens doors to physics, astronomy, and chemistry. Before Islam, there was no scientific temperament in religion. Only the rich could study, but Islam made education accessible to everyone. Prophet Muhammad announced that any slave who learned and became educated would be freed. Later, a slave named Hazrat Barira became educated and declared that she should be freed, according to the Prophet’s word. And she was freed. Although it was difficult because she was married to an uneducated slave, she wanted her freedom and to be separated from her husband, so she was granted it.”

Dr Adil also had a message for today’s teachers: “Information is easily shared among students. So, what is important for teachers is to teach students skills and show them

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / E Newsroom India / Home> Bengal> Education / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / September 16th, 2024