Tag Archives: Positive Stories of Muslims of India

Meet 18-year-old Samaira Hullur from Karnataka, among the youngest in India to get commercial pilot licence

Vijayapura, KARNATAKA :

Samaira cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years..

An inspiration: Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura who has obtained commercial pilot licence at the age of 18. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura has obtained a commercial pilot licence at the age of 18.

Her father Ameen Hullur, an interior designer, has said that she is the youngest in India to clear all tests and get the licence.

Ms. Hullur was trained at the Vinod Yadav Aviation Academy (VYAA) in New Delhi and later, she joined the Carver Aviation Academy in Baramati of Maharashtra.

She cleared six examinations and gathered over 200 hours of flying experience in around one-and-a-half years.

She credits Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav for training and mentoring support. Her initial training was with VYAA after which she faced several examinations and cleared them. She went to Baramati after obtaining her licence. She has about 200 hours flying experience.

Ms. Hullur said that she was inspired by Captain Kumar who got his licence when he was 25. “I always dreamt of being a pilot. My parents supported me in my pursuit,” she said.

Her father Ameen Hullur recalls that it was a joy ride in a helicopter that made her decide on a career in the skies.

A few years ago, the Vijayapura district administration arranged helicopter rides over the city during the Bijapur Utsav.

“We bought tickets and were seated next to the pilot. Samaira was attracted by the pilot’s attire and style and began asking him several questions. He patiently answered them. That was the day she decided she wanted to be a pilot. We supported her by saving money and looking for good quality aviation academies,” Mr. Hullur said.

A bright student all through, she completed her SSLC at 15 and 12th standard at 17. She has been a student of Sainik schools, Shishu Niketan and Shanti Niketan. She has joined the Kendriya Vidyalaya for her 12th standard science course.

“She cleared five of the six examinations conducted by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation before she turned 18. She was not allowed to appear for the radio transmission technology paper as eligibility was 18 years. She cleared it later. The examinations are apparently tough but she passed all in her first attempt,” Mr. Hullur said.

She obtained over 200 hours of flying experience in night flying and various airplanes, including multi engine aircraft, in around eight months of flying in Baramati, he said.

Mr. Hullur and his wife, a fashion designer and teacher, were pleasantly surprised when her academy declared that she is the youngest in the country to get the licence.

“She is an inspiration for several other girls from backward North Karnataka, where the education levels of girl students is less than the State average,” Omkar Kakade, who is a professor and head of the Department of Journalism in Karnataka Akka Mahadevi Women’s University, said.

“Samaira Hullur’s success will definitely inspire more girls to make courageous and non-traditional career choices. We are proud of her and thankful to her parents for supporting her decision,” Dr. Kakade said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / December 03rd, 2024

Assam: Farewell Ceremony for 17 Teachers of Chengelibari Cluster held in Sivasagar

ASSAM ;

A solemn farewell ceremony was held at Banhgarh Model Primary School, located 12 kilometres from Sivasagar town, to honour 17 teachers from the Chengelibari Cluster who are retiring from service

Sivasagar :

A solemn farewell ceremony was held at Banhgarh Model Primary School, located 12 kilometres from Sivasagar town, to honour 17 teachers from the Chengelibari Cluster who are retiring from service on Sunday. The event was presided over by headmaster Rohini Arandhara, with Bipin Chandra Maut, a teacher at Moupiya Primary School, leading the proceedings.

The retiring teachers including Rohini Arandhara, Satyen Borgohain, Chandraprabha Changmai, Rajat Dutta, Abdul Jabbar, Basanta Chutia, Bina Saikia, Rupa Hazarika, Dadhi Konwar, Kanak Changmai, Muhibur Rahman, Bharat Borpatra Gohain, Rupali Bokotial, Shobhan Borgohain, Bogadhar Duwori, Khiroda Konwar, and Toseswar Dulakakhoria, were honoured with traditional Assamese attire, seleng chador, gamosa, and a certificate of appreciation by the officials of the Chengelibari Cluster.

During the ceremony, the retiring teachers reflected on their past experiences and became emotional while accepting the honour. The event was attended by many students, guardians, and notable community members.

source: http://www.sentinelassam.com / The Sentinel / Home> Assam News / by Sentinel Digital Desk / October 07th, 2024

Delivering Justice to the Weak and Helpless is Our Responsibility: Saadat Ali

Jaipur, RAJASTHAN :

Jaipur:

The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) organised a gathering titled “Consultation with Lawyers” at Hotel Arco Palace here Saturday. Around 50 advocates from across the state attended.

Syed Saadat Ali, APCR State President, urged the audience to prioritise helping the vulnerable, stating, “Until you assist those in need, you are not fully honouring your profession.”

He emphasised APCR’s ongoing commitment to supporting the weak.

APCR Vice President, Advocate Kaleem Ahmed, highlighted the challenge that victims’ families often face in conveying accurate information to authorities.

“It is our responsibility to assist these families by presenting the facts accurately to the administration and government, ensuring justice is served,” he said.

Advocate Munazir Islam, APCR Joint Secretary, addressed the concerning rise of “bulldozer culture” in Rajasthan, following trends seen in UP and MP. He called on advocates to remain informed and find solutions to counter this trend, noting APCR’s intervention in bulldozer cases in Udaipur, Jahazpur, and Bhilwara. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling on an APCR (Rashid Khan) petition, which stated that no home, whether owned by a criminal or not, should be subject to demolition without due process.

APCR General Secretary Muzammil Islam Rizvi, who moderated the event, introduced APCR’s initiatives in Rajasthan, highlighting its efforts to organise legal programmes, volunteer initiatives, seminars, and campaigns to promote legal awareness among the public. The meeting provided a platform for advocates to discuss their role in advancing justice and protecting civil rights, particularly concerning the increasing use of demolition machinery to enforce property laws.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Raheem Khan, Radiance News Bureau / October 28th, 2024

Grand cricket tournament AUZ to kick off in Dubai from October 26; Player auction scheduled for October 6

Bhatkal, KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Dubai: 

In an effort to unite Bhatkallis residing in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates, the “AUZ Blast Edition 2” cricket tournament is set to commence in Dubai on October 26, 2024. The tournament is being organized by the Dubai-based Bhatkal companies, AUZ real estate and Nuha General Trading.

Providing details to the media, Ismail Mohtisham, the media coordinator of the organizing committee, explained that the purpose of the tournament is to bring together young cricket enthusiasts and players who are working in different parts of Dubai and the UAE, and to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and take their skills to new heights.

The spectacular cricket event will not only serve as a source of entertainment for the cricket fans of Coastal Karnataka living in the UAE but will also offer young players from Bhatkal and surrounding areas an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on a prominent stage.

The auction for the players will be held on October 6, with the first match scheduled for October 26.

Mohtisham further shared that eight teams will participate in the tournament, with a total of 220 players registering their interest. Each team will consist of 16 players, including three guest players.

The winning team will be awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of AED 10,999, while the runner-up team will receive a trophy and AED 6,999. Individual performances will also be recognized, with a Man of the Match award for each game and the prestigious Man of the Tournament award for the best overall performance.

“The tournament format will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with each team playing three league matches,” Mohtisham added. “The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, promising plenty of excitement and competition.”

In addition to the thrilling cricket matches, fans can look forward to an exciting atmosphere with snacks and gift hampers on offer, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone attending the AUZ Blast Edition 2.

All matches will be held at Al Batayah Stadium in Sharjah.

It is important to note that Sundays are official holidays in Dubai and the UAE, while most companies have half-day holidays on Saturdays.

According to the schedule, the tournament will kick off on the evening of Saturday, October 26, with the opening ceremony, followed by the first match at 9:30 PM. On Sunday, October 27, the first match will be played at 10:00 AM, the second at 2:00 PM, and the third at 5:30 PM. For the next two weeks, on November 3 and November 10, four matches will be held on Sundays. On Saturday, November 16, two matches will take place, and on Sunday, November 17, the second semi-final and the final match will be played.

source: http://www.sahilonline.com / Sahil Online / Home> Gulf News / by IG Bhatkal / S O News Service / October 04th, 2024

Woman Power – Dr. Afreen Mubeen Sheikh

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai, UAE :

Mangaluru :

Dr. Afreen Mubeen Sheikh, a native of Mangaluru has made her hometown proud when she recently won the SHE Award in Dubai for her dedicated service to her profession and for contributing to the cause of women empowerment in UAE.

Dr Afreen is an alumnus of K S Hegde Medical Academy where she pursued her MBBS. She later did her Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Dr Afreen is a mentor and coach for foreign medical graduates seeking medical licensure in the UAE. She is a women’s health consultant in Mamahood, Dubai. Her expertise and guidance have empowered countless mothers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. She has also successfully founded a women’s modest fashion brand by name ’Hayaa by Afreen’ in Dubai and also has a popular blog page by name ’The Whitecoat Mama’ on Instagram.

She uses the platform to raise awareness about women’s health and Gulf medical exams. She’s not only a respected medical professional and social media influencer but also a brand ambassador for several renowned brands in the UAE. Dr Afreen’s inspiring journey and her achievements were featured in a popular Dubai magazine ’Xpatzhub’ in October.

Dr Afreen is married to Dr Mohammad Mubeen who is a Paediatric Intensivist.

SDM-IMD alumnus receives IMC Young Alumni Award

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

SDM-IMD alumnus Feroze Azeez seen with Dr. S. N. Prasad, Director, SDM-IMD, Dr. S. Saibaba,  Faculty-Marketing and Gururaj, Manager – Admissions.

Feroze Azeez, Deputy CEO of Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., and an alumnus of  SDM-IMD, Mysuru, has received the IMC Young Alumni Award for his professional achievements at the India Management Conclave by MBAUniverse held at XLRI, Jamshedpur last month.

The previous awardees include top achievers from the IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR etc.

Feroze Azeez is  the son of A.K. Azeez and Rukhsana Azeez of  Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / October 23rd, 2024

Dr. Farooq Pasha and Dr. Fazilath Uzma, Bag Acharya Shri Award 2024

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

Under the auspices of Media Study Centre and with the cooperation of Vistara TV and Basaveshwara Parishad, Dr. Mohammed Farooq Pasha, Asst. Prof. Department of Commerce and Management Kengeri and Dr. Fazilath Uzma from Microbiology and Food Technology Department of Bangalore University were awarded with Acharya Shri 2024 in recognition of their services in their respective fields.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Bengaluru South Shiv Prakash Devraju, renowned cardiologist Mahantesh R Chantimath, President of Basava Parishad Uma Devi, former MP Prof. I.G. Sanadi and others were present on the occasion.

Dr. Farooq has authored more 50 books for pre-university and degree courses in Commerce. Dr. Fazilath is a senior research fellow at Bangalore University and has written 11 books on the subject.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, (headline edited) , Radiance News Bureau / October 28th, 2024

Islamic Welfare Society Bhatkal: A Light House on Arabian Seashore

Bhatkal, (Uttara Kannada District), KARNATAKA :

The Islamic Welfare Society in the coastal town of Bhatkal, on the shores of the Arabian Sea, has anchored the lives of lakhs of people within 40 years of its establishment. Registered under the Karnataka Societies Act, IWS provides interest-free Loans to people irrespective of religion, caste and creed. Around 15% of the beneficiaries are non-Muslims.

Loans worth around thirteen crore rupees were disbursed to more than 4800 marginalised persons last year for business, agriculture, education, house repair, medical treatment, marriage, etc. In the initial two months of the current financial year around 2200 people were provided with loans to the tune of 3 crore 42 lakhs.

During the tsunami of demonetization, the IWS rescued around 33 thousand people by offering loans amounting to 35 crores (2017-2019). Another disastrous wave of Covid-19 and the Lockdown gave a heavy blow to weaker sections. The IWS helped around 18 thousand badly-hit people, providing loans amounting to 31 crores (2019-2021).

Custodian, mentor

The Bhatkal Society acts as a custodian too. Various Masjids and NGOs keep their deposit for safety purposes with the Society.

The Society educates petty businessmen and small-time artisans to manage their funds. Pigmy deposit is an effective mode to promote saving habits. Society’s pigmy collectors procure around 1 lakh rupees daily to the needy at their door steps. With a pre and free consent of the depositors these funds are channelized as Interest Free Loans to needy persons. This brings spiritual solace to the depositors.

Systematic distribution of Zakat

The Society has got arrangements for collection and distribution of Zakath fund in an organized manner. Around 550 families of Bhatkal are benefitted through this Scheme. Deserving people in and around Bhatkal are provided with monthly pension of rupees 500, 300 and 200 per month out of the total sanctioned amount for the whole year. It is deposited in their accounts with the Society. The persons concerned withdraw the amount from their accounts as and when needed.

Monthly provision

Some philanthropists wish to help the poor with monthly provision, through the Society. Thirty poor families are provided with ration kits, costing rupees 1500, 1000 and 800. Some people deposit their Zakat amount along with a list of beneficiaries, concealing their identity with beneficiaries, and that amount is distributed accordingly.

Whereas many people deposit their Zakat amount in the Zakat Fund of the Society only and its distribution is left to the discretion of the Society. 

Some others contribute particularly to medical needs of the poor. At an average five persons are benefited under this head every month. Even accident victims and people facing health emergencies are helped after confirmation from reliable sources.

Another utilization of our Zakat Fund is education. Poor students of Govt. schools in and around Bhatkal are provided with their essential needs. About 700 deserving students take advantage of this scheme annually. The Society is undertaking distribution of Zakat silently.

Public health is a very vast field in social work. The Society has recently started its work on public health front too, running a hospital under the name of Welfare Hospital. Frequent traveling of people to the nearby Mangalore city for minor health problems has come down to a good extent.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Mohammed Atherulla Shariff, Radiance News Bureau / July 13th, 2024

Thumbay Healthcare Celebrates Milestone of Over 90,000 Deliveries

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / U.A.E :

In honor of its achievement of over 90,000 deliveries, Thumbay University Hospital, UAE’s largest private academic hospital owned and managed by Thumbay Group, hosted a special event.

The festive occasion took place at the Thumbay Medicity (Al Jurf, Ajman), offering an evening filled with joy, laughter, and memorable experiences for the attendees present.

Since the first delivery in January 2003, Thumbay Healthcare has successfully conducted over 90,000 deliveries, significantly contributing to its growth and establishing itself as the UAE’s most sought-after family hospital for maternity care. The Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) department serves approximately 35,000 patients annually and is equipped with 10 state-of-theart labor and delivery rooms, a dedicated OBG emergency unit, and specialized operating theatres. Additionally, there is a postnatal ward with private rooms for new mothers, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment during their recovery.

The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, along with Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare.

The celebration featured various activities designed to engage both children and adults. Highlights included balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, and a best-dressed babies’ contest, with three winners announced. The event culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony that signified the growth and joy shared by infants and their families over the years.

Attendees also had the chance to participate in a raffle draw, with five winners receiving surprise gifts aimed at enhancing their parenting experience. A dedicated photo booth was available for families to create personalized keepsakes. Additionally, parents received vouchers for a health check-up valued at AED 3,499, available for AED 399, as well as a free dental consultation.

“As we commemorate the remarkable achievement of 90,000 deliveries within our hospital family, we recognize the profound honor of being part of these significant milestones in the lives of so many. It is a privilege to support the early development of each child, who represents the hope for a healthier and brighter future. Together with their families, we take pride in witnessing the growth, milestones, and vast potential that these new lives will contribute to our community. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional care and nurturing the next generation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare.

The hospital also offers an affordable maternity package, further enhancing its commitment to accessible and quality care for families. Maternity package at Thumbay University Hospital includes consultations with specialist gynecologists, free delivery booking, and antenatal classes. Priced at AED 5,499 for normal deliveries and AED 8,999 for C-section deliveries, the package is designed to diagnose, monitor, and prevent health issues, promoting healthier lifestyles for expectant mothers.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / October 16th, 2024

Hijabi Trekker Haaequa Awati began by exploring forts built by Shivaji Maharaj

Junnar (Pune), MAHARASHTRA :

Haaequa Awati alias Hijabi trekker climbing Kalsubhi peak, the highest one in Maharashtra

Haaequa Awati of Junnar in Pune, Maharashtra, known as Hijabi Trekker for her passion for trekking in a hijab, is on an exploration of all the forts built by the Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It’s interesting to note that both were born in Junnar, a historic city of Maharashtra.

Haaequa Awati’s bio on her Instagram account @hijabitrekker includes a quote, “Nature’s path is where the mind finds clarity, the body finds strength, and the heart finds freedom” Haika emerging as ‘Hijabi Trekker’ is creating a different identity through trekking.

Haaequa has been fascinated by forts since childhood. She feels drawn to the stories of Maharaj Chhatrapati Shivaji’s bravery. She developed an interest in outdoor sports right in school. Inspired by Shivaji’s stories, she picked up adventure sports. 

Haaequa’s wanderlust started because of her passion for sports. She had been practicing taekwondo from the age of nine years. She is the first Muslim woman from Junnar taluk to earn a black belt.

“Being born in Shiv Janmabhoomi, I have had an adventurous spirit since childhood. I don’t have a brother, so I felt responsible for the protection of my sisters… In that sense, I learned taekwondo for self-defense out of my love for sports… From that love, I developed the hobby of trekking.” 

Haaequa Awati practising martial arts

Haaequa spent her childhood in a village. Her father has a small tailoring business and her mother is a school teacher. Haaequa is the eldest of three sisters.

Haaequa came to Pune to pursue higher education. Sports and trekking are popular in her community, but higher education among women is not common. She completed her education while maintaining her passion for sports.  

Haaequa got inspired to play sports, she says, “Being born in Shiv Janmabhoomi, I have had an adventurous spirit since childhood. As I didn’t have a brother, I felt responsible for protecting myself and my sisters… In that sense, I learned taekwondo for self-defense out of my love for sports… From that love, I developed the hobby of trekking.”  

She came to Pune and completed her MBA from a reputed college and soon got a job. Soon she started coaching schoolchildren in sports and would use her weekends for trekking.

Haaequa Awati posing for a picture during one of her treks

She started trekking from the Shivjanmasthan Fort Shivneri, a fort build by Shivaji Maharaj. So far, she has collected that information by wandering in many places like Torna, Harishchandragad, Korigad, Kokandiva, Rajmachi, Bhuikot, Sea forts, and Mountain forts. Her travel vlogs have also become popular on YouTube and Instagram.   

She says, “My mother, being a teacher, is always innovative. She knows a lot about social media and technology. So she gave me the idea to start the channel. After that, I started my channel on social media called ‘Hizbi Trekker’.” 

Along with showing the beauty of Sahyadri through her social media, Haaequa tries to convey the culture of Maharashtra and the history preserved through the forts. She chooses a high-altitude fort or a mountain and climbs it wearing casual clothes that blend in with the forest. Haaequa decided to trek wearing a hijab. The idea behind it was to break the stereotype of a Hijab-wearing Muslim woman.

Haaequa has shown how modernity can be embraced while still maintaining religiosity and modest dressing. On being asked about her Hijab while trekking Haaequa said, “When I performed Umrah and Hajj in 2019, I gained more respect for the hijab. That’s when I realized that religion or culture never comes in the way of your ambition. We can fulfill our dreams even by wearing hijab. Because hijab is not compulsory but a matter of choice.”

Haaequa adds, “Many people think that being religious means you can’t live life as per your choice. I wanted to break this misconception. So I decided to wear my religious identity on my sleeves while pursuing my passion for trekking. That is how the concept of ‘Hijabi Trekker’ was born.” 

On her logo on her social media pages, she says, “There is a lot of respect for our tricolor. It is also a place of inspiration. Inspired by the three colors of the tricolor, I created my Hizbi Trekker logo.”

Haaequa Awati in front of a monument up in the hills

Speaking about her journey from a passion for sports to trekking, Hayka says, “I’m trying to prove myself through this. I want to show that Muslim women are also leading the way in sports. Today, my social media followers refer to me as Hizbi Trekker. Hijabi Haaequa has become my identity.”

When asked about the difficulties she faced in her early days of trekking as a woman, she says, “While trekking, you have to wear loose but skimpy clothes. But I feel comfortable in full body coverings. So that one thing bothered me, but luckily some companies in Kerala have marketed full-body clothing used during trekking. It solved the problems of many girls like me.”

She further says, “I have met a lot of girls who want to do trekking. However, when it comes to trekking by women, many people wonder about where they would stay. Sometimes, the trekkers may also carry their children. I mostly get such reactions, especially from Muslim families. While searching for answers to such questions, I thought that we should curate trekking groups for women.”

Haaequa  feels education is an important component of development and empowerment. Unfortunately, the level of education of Muslims in India especially in higher education is not very satisfactory. Although this society has been somewhat backward due to the lack of education, today it seems to be undergoing many positive changes. 

Women face many problems due to lack of education. Therefore, Haaequa has expressed her strong opinion on the importance of education. “I got married in 2017,” Haaequa adds, adding that women should be educated and empowered. Opinion I had to separate from my husband within a year of marriage. After that, I had to face the questions of relatives and society. The couple also started a huge court battle for divorce and that battle is still going on. I realized that this battle could not be fought effectively without knowing the law.”

She adds, “There are many laws for women in our country. But I did not know how to use those laws. So I decided to study law to fight my own battle effectively.” 

Haaequa is completing her LLB from a reputed college in Pune. After becoming financially strong, she wants to cobble a trekking group of women and start a fitness training center for the elderly women. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Bhakti Chalaka, Pune / October 24th, 2024