Tag Archives: West Bengal Muslims

Mamatazul’s ISRO job symbolises big dreams of smalltown people

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Salar, (Murshidabad), WEST BENGAL :

Mohammad Mamatazul Hasan

There is something special about success stories emerging from small towns of India. The achievement of one person can give many others the courage to dream.

The story of Mohammad Mamatazul Hasan of Salar, Murshidabad, is one such story. His story of being selected as a space engineer in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the story of an ordinary family aspiring to see the next generation achieve something extraordinary.

It is a story of his parents’ quiet sacrifices, Mamatazul Hasan’s determination and, above all, the courage to dream big while growing up in a small town.

Mohammad Mamatazul Hasan with his father speaking to the media

According to a report published by The Indian Express on May 27, 2025, Mamatazul Hasan secured a job as a space engineer at ISRO. The report stated that he received his appointment letter on May 5. As the news spread, his family and the people of Salar celebrated his achievement.

An appointment letter may be just a few sheets of paper. But within those pages lay years of hard work, waiting and dreams.

Mamatazul’s father, Mohammad Azgar Ali, works as a copyist at the registry office in Salar. His mother is a para-teacher at a school. They do not come from a family of industrialists or senior government officials. It is a household with an ordinary income. Yet, parents always encouraged their son to dream big.

When Mamatazul’s family learned about his success, his father could not hold back his tears. He said that he became emotional after hearing the news. The family had done whatever it could within its means to support their son.

Mohammad Mamatazul Hasan

Those tears may also have carried memories of his son’s childhood, the hours spent at the study table, anxiety before examinations, worries about the future and, finally, the moment when the long-awaited success arrived.

For a father, what could be a greater reward than seeing his son hold an appointment letter from ISRO?

Mamatazul’s success did not come overnight. He initially worked for a private company while continuing to prepare for government recruitment examinations. He wrote several examinations, made repeated attempts and waited for opportunities. Eventually, the opportunity at ISRO arrived.

Mamatazul’s journey, too, had its share of this unseen struggle.

Speaking about his achievement, Mamatazul has said he had never imagined that he would reach this point. He found it difficult to put into words what he felt after receiving the appointment letter.

But he firmly believes in one thing: there is no substitute for hard work. If one remains focused on a goal and works consistently, success will eventually follow.

Matatazual knows that dreaming alone is not enough. A dream must be transformed into daily effort. And when that effort finally produces the desired result, tears of emotion are only natural. Mamatazul, too, has said that he could not hold back his tears at that moment.

The people of Salar now see Mamatazul as one of their own.

Mohammad Mamatazul Hasan receiving an honour

This story has the potential to change many lives. A school student may now study science with greater interest. A father may decide to continue his child’s education despite financial limitations. A mother may tell her daughter, “You can do it too.” And a young person may quietly think, If Mamatazul can reach ISRO from Salar, I can try too.

Mamatazul showed that if someone from Salar in Murshidabad can dream about space, compete in difficult examinations, try again after setbacks and eventually hold an ISRO appointment letter.

Of course, the journey is not easy. Students from remote areas can face limitations in access to opportunities and infrastructure. Therefore, Mamatazul’s achievement cannot be viewed only as a story of individual merit. It is also a story of family support, education, perseverance and the ability to make the most of an opportunity.

As India’s space programme continues to expand, the country needs a new generation of scientists and engineers. Scientists and engineers working together across ISRO’s missions have helped India advance its capabilities in space technology.

Mamatazul Hasan from Salar in Murshidabad now has the opportunity to become part of that vast endeavour.

Mamatazul Hasan’s story is therefore more than the story of a young man’s professional success. It represents the dreams of countless young people from the remote corners of Bengal who continue to believe that the sky may be far away, but the journey towards it begins on the ground.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Mizaz / by Debkishore Chakraborty / October 12th, 2026

Senior Police Officer from Bengal Namroz Ahmed Bags Ashoka Award

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WEST BENGAL :

New Delhi :

Namroz Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Police 2 Central Division Kolkata, has received Carles Walter Council for Innovation and Research instituted Ashoka Award for commitment to innovation and research in policing, values crucial for addressing contemporary challenges recently at India Habitat Centre here on December 17.

Namroz Ahmed, while speaking to Radiance shared his feeling, “It is indeed an honor and I feel humbled by this recognition. The award signifies a commitment to innovation and research in policing, values crucial for addressing contemporary challenges.”

He further said, “I joined Kolkata Police in 1986 as Sub Inspector of Police. Today, I lead as Deputy Commissioner of Police 2 Central Division after serving various branches of Kolkata Police organisation and is at the verge of my retirement. During my illustrious career, besides several other rewards I was awarded Prashansa Medal in 2011 by West Bengal Chief Minister, Indian Police Medal on occasion of Independence Day 2014 by President of India, and President Police Medal for Distinguished Service on occasion of Independence Day 2022. On behalf of United Nations of Women Empowerment Coalition, I was honoured with Captain Sir Tom Moore Memorial Medal for the Covid 19 Hero Award also.

On the challenges before police force, he said, “Regarding the challenges faced by the police force today, it’s imperative to navigate issues like cybercrime, terrorism, and public safety concerns. Strengthening community ties, embracing technological advancements, and ensuring accountability are pivotal in overcoming these challenges.”

On the ideal role of police force today, the police officer said, “In the current atmosphere, the police force must strike a delicate balance between maintaining law and order while respecting individual rights. Transparency, training, and community-oriented policing can contribute to building trust and promoting a safer society.”

“It was indeed a memorable evening receiving the honor by Gen JJ Singh, Former Chief of Indian Army Staffs; Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Saurabh Tiwari; Joint Secretary Cabinet Secretariat of India, Dr. Sandeep Marwah; Chancellor, AAFT University and other dignitaries. Amongst other recipients were Special Commissioner Delhi Police, Ex DG UP Police OP Singh, Sri Sunil Kumar Under Secretary and many others from various fields,” said Namroz Ahmed.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / December 31st, 2023

Ghazipur’s Saima Khan Creates History: Clears UPSC Twice, Secures Rank 135

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Usia Village – Kamsarbar (Ghazipur District), UTTAR PRADESH / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

The daughter of Kamsarbar village in Uttar Pradesh becomes the first woman civil servant from her area, inspiring Muslim girls across the country 

New Delhi :

In a moment of pride for Indian Muslims, especially young women from small towns, Saima Saraj Khan from Kamsarbar in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, has once again cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. This time, she achieved an impressive All India Rank of 135, improving on her earlier success where she secured Rank 165. With this double achievement, Saima joins the rare group of women in the country who have passed the tough exam twice.

Saima, the only daughter among three siblings, hails from Usia village in the Muslim-majority Kamsarbar area of Ghazipur. Her family later moved to Kolkata, where she grew up and studied. Her father, Saraj Ahmad Khan, is a successful businessman and builder, and he played a big role in encouraging her education from childhood. “My father always said education is the biggest power. Once you get it, paths in life open on their own,” Saima recalled.

Most of Saima’s schooling took place in Kolkata. She completed up to Class 8 at St. Paul’s Boarding and Day School in Kidderpore, then did her Class 12 from Ashok Hall Girls Higher Secondary School. She graduated with honours in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College. During her college days, working with an NGO brought her close to real problems faced by people on the ground. “When I met people and saw their struggles, I felt I wanted to help them, even if in a small way. That need for real authority to make change pushed me towards UPSC,” she said.

Saima prepared for the exam at Educate IAS Academy in Kolkata. After clearing prelims in earlier attempts, she also guided other aspirants for some time. Her journey was not easy. She failed three times before her first success in UPSC 2023, which made her the first woman from Kamsarbar to become a civil servant. Each failure tested her deeply. “Every day after those failures, the thought of giving up came. But I had no other plan. All my dreams were tied to UPSC, so I kept going,” she shared.

To focus fully, Saima cut herself off from social media and most social events for four to five years. She rarely visited relatives or attended weddings, limiting outings to occasional meetings with childhood friends once a month. “There was no fixed study time, but I gave as many hours as possible to studies,” she explained.

Her message to other aspirants is clear and practical. “First, be honest with yourself. If you study five hours, focus on quality, not just quantity. Consistency matters most. Don’t worry too much about results—just keep preparing fully.” She also spoke directly to Muslim girls and women: “Dreaming and working to fulfil those dreams is every girl’s right. Women can succeed in any field. Never give up on your dreams.”

Saima’s success brings huge joy to her family, village, and district. People in Ghazipur and beyond see her as a strong example of self-reliance and hard work for Muslim women, where many still face limits on education and careers. Her story shows that with family support and belief in oneself, no goal is too far.

She quoted a line that sums up her journey: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Saima often repeats that difficulties and failures are part of success. “Don’t let them take over you. Keep pushing.”

Her achievement also connects to Kolkata’s proud history—from Satyendranath Tagore, the first Indian ICS officer from united India, to now Saima becoming the first woman civil servant from Kamsarbar. “Education is the real power,” she stresses, echoing her father’s words from childhood.

As news of her Rank 135 spread, young Muslim girls in Uttar Pradesh and across India are finding fresh hope. Saima proves that with clear goals, steady effort, and strong resolve, women from humble backgrounds can reach the top. In the words of poet Dushyant Kumar that capture her spirit perfectly:

“Kaise aakaash mein suraakh nahin ho sakta

Ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhaalo yaaro”

(How can the sky not have a hole?

Just throw a stone with real courage, friends.)

Saima Khan has thrown that stone with full courage—and broken through barriers for many to follow. Her story is a shining light for education, perseverance, and the power of dreams in the Indian Muslim community.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims> Women / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / March 10th, 2026

Outcome of resilience and family support: Farmer’s daughter from Murshidabad cracks UPSC

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

Pakalpara Village (Murshidabad District), WEST BENGAL :

A resident of Pakalpara village, Sana secured an All-India Rank of 764 among 958 candidates recommended in the final list of the 2025 examination, making her eligible for the Indian Revenue Service and other Group-A central government services.

Sana Azmi, a 25-year-old Muslim woman from a modest farming family in Murshidabad’s Sagardighi, brought pride and joy to the region this month by qualifying in the prestigious Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

A resident of Pakalpara village, Sana secured an All-India Rank of 764 among 958 candidates recommended in the final list of the 2025 examination, making her eligible for the Indian Revenue Service and other Group-A central government services.

The results of the Civil Services Examination 2025 were declared on March 6.

Though the achievement has been widely celebrated in her village and across Murshidabad district, Sana is dissatisfied with her present rank and has already started preparations to attempt the exam again for a better rank that would enable her to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

The Civil Services Examination, conducted annually by the UPSC, is regarded as one of the toughest in the country with three stages — the preliminary, Main and the personality test/interview. Successful candidates are recommended for appointment to the country’s elite administrative services such as the Indian Foreign Service, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Revenue Service.

Born into a large family with limited means, Sana’s UPSC journey has been remarkable on many fronts. Youngest among 10 siblings, Sana grew up in a family focused on education.

That was largely because of her father, Maijuddin Sheikh. A poor farmer with a small patch of land, he had to discontinue his education after Class IX. But he struggled to ensure that all his children, including his seven daughters, received a proper education.

The results of that commitment are now visible.

Two of Sana’s sisters chose to study medicine — one of them, Beauty Khatun, is a doctor at the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, while another sister is studying MBBS at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri.

Sana’s success in the UPSC exam has added another feather to the family’s cap.

Sana began her schooling in her native village.

She studied up to Class VIII at Kabilpur High School in a neighbouring village. She later moved to a residential institution run by the Al-Amin Mission, where she completed her Class X and Class XII. She appeared for the Class XII board exams through a high madarsa in Howrah district and stood first in the district.

Then came the big leap.

Encouraged by her family and her own grades, she took admission to the Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, where she graduated in English Honours and completed her MA as well.

During her time in Delhi, she also joined the university’s residential coaching academy for civil services aspirants, where she began a systematic preparation for the UPSC exam.

Remarkably, she cleared the Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt in 2025.

“I had strived hard to crack UPSC, and I thank my family members for their support. I am happy to have done it on my first attempt, but I would not have achieved it without the support of my sister Beauty Khatun. She sent me to Delhi to fulfil my dream. I will take up the job, but ultimately will try to fulfil my dream to become an IAS officer,” said a reclusive Sana, who spoke to the media through her elder brother Md Imran.

Beauty recalled how the family collectively nurtured Sana’s ambition.

“I became a doctor, and another of our sisters is studying MBBS,” she said.

“But we always felt that one of us should become a top civil servant. Sana had that dream. We encouraged her and planned her academic path accordingly. Her admission to Jamia Millia University in Delhi was also part of that plan,” she added.

As congratulations poured in, her mother, homemaker Fulbanu Bibi, couldn’t stop beaming.

“It is a dream come true,” Fulbanu said. “But Sana is not satisfied with the rank she has obtained. Her goal is to become an IAS officer. So she has begun her studies again.”

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph / Home> West Bengal / by Alamgir Hossain / March 03rd, 2026

Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh Honoured With Sena Medal for Supreme Sacrific

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WEST BENGAL :

New Delhi:

The Indian Army has posthumously awarded the Sena Medal to Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the elite 6 Para Special Forces, recognising his exceptional courage and sacrifice during a counter terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The gallantry award was announced on the occasion of Republic Day 2026.

Havaldar Shaikh, a resident of West Bengal, laid down his life during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Udhampur district on April 24, 2025. He served with the 6 Para Special Forces, one of the Army’s most demanding combat units. During the operation, he faced heavy fire and suffered grave injuries. He continued the mission despite his condition and ensured pressure on the terrorists until his final moments.

Army officials said his conduct reflected discipline, courage, and devotion to duty. His actions helped protect fellow soldiers and upheld the operational objective. The Sena Medal recognises acts of bravery and exceptional service. His name features among 70 gallantry award recipients announced this year, highlighting the continued sacrifices of armed forces personnel.

The White Knight Corps paid tribute to Havaldar Shaikh and acknowledged his role in counter insurgency efforts in the region. Fellow soldiers described him as committed and fearless, with a strong sense of responsibility toward his unit and the nation.

Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh’s sacrifice holds deep meaning for the country. His story reflects service guided by faith, duty, and courage. His legacy stands as a reminder of the price paid by soldiers who protect national security and civilian lives, even at the cost of their own.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026

Young Botanist from Bengal beats poverty to bag young scientist award

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Joygram Village (North 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :

Kutubuddin Ali Molla in research lab

Kolkata:

A young researcher from West Bengal beat poverty to bag the Young Scientist Award 2013-14 of India. The Young Botanist Kutubuddin Ali Molla, who hails from a very poor family in North 24 Parganas district received the honour for his research on “Development of Transgenic Rice Plants for Sheath Blight Resistance”.

The young scientist was felicitated on February 7, 2014 at Jammu University by Vice President of India Hamid Ansari with a cheque of Rs 25000 and an Award Certificate in the field of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences.

Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Governor of Jammu Kashmir N N Vhora, Former CM of J&K Dr. Farooq Abdullah were also present in this award ceremony.

Kutubuddin is currently posted as a scientist trainee at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad.

Originally from a remote village of Joygram in North 24 Parganas, Kutubuddin Ali Molla, his father Illias Molla is a farmer and Grandfather Nasim Molla was a Maulana and social worker.

With only three Bighaa of agricultural land in a joint family, Illias Molla was not able to fulfill all the needs of the family; his eldest brother Yusuf Molla, however, financially supported his bright nephew in times of economic-crunch.

Kutubuddin Ali Molla taking award from VP Hamid Ansari at Jammu University.

As a young boy, he Kutubuddin also helped his father in the agricultural fields and learnt several things about paddy cultivation that developed his interest for becoming an agricultural scientist. Stricken by poverty, his father told him, he will not stop him from studying, but he is not in a condition to financially support him and hence he would need to manage the expenses from somewhere.

After completing his senior secondary from Joygram JN High School, Kutub took admission at City College in Kolkata in B.Sc (Honours) in Botany. As the college was about 60 KM from his village, he shifted to a hostel near the college on a nominal fees of Rs 50.

Kutub is very grateful to his Professor in college Dr Argha Hait, who helped in several ways. After graduating with first class, he took admission for post-graduation in Calcutta University, which he completed with first class and ranked third.

All these while, he gave private tuitions to support the expenses of his study and staying in Kolkata. Meanwhile, he also cleared the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), GATE, ICAR (NET) and ARS tests.

Kutubuddin Ali Molla

He took admission in Phd under the Dr Karabi Dutta in 2009 in Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology. He did his PhD research (PhD award still awaited) on transgenic rice and published a research article in a Research Journal of the British Society on `Molecular Plant Pathology’ in 2013 that attracted the attention of the agricultural scientists in the country.

He then participated in All India Young Scientist Award Competition and was selected for the Best Young Scientist Award of India in the field of agriculture for 2013-14.

Speaking to TCN over phone from Hyderabad, Kutubuddin thanked the Almighty Allah for the honour and hoped that his research in agricultural yields good result in paddy cultivation.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net / March 19th, 2014

‘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

NEET (UG) 2025: 472 Students of Al-Ameen Mission Qualify for Free Medical Seats in Government Medical Colleges Across West Bengal

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

Khalatpur Village (Howrah), WEST BENGAL :

M. Nurul Islam with some of the future doctors at Al Ameen Mission Khalatpur campus

M. Nurul Islam is a proud man as 472 students of Al Ameen Mission have qualified for free medical seats in government medical colleges across West Bengal through NEET (UG) 2025.

Muslims remain one of the most disadvantaged communities in India. In West Bengal—among the more underdeveloped states—their educational and socio-economic struggles are even more pronounced. Districts like Murshidabad and Malda, with significant Muslim populations, rank among the most backward in the country.

When the NEET results were announced, 154 students from Murshidabad and 77 from Malda scored above 500 marks, making them eligible for free medical education in the state’s government colleges.

What stands out is the socio-economic background of these students. Of the 472 successful candidates, 278 (59%) come from modest backgrounds: 194 (41%) belong to middle and upper-middle-income families, 152 (32%) to lower-middle-income groups, and 126 (27%) are from poor and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

The success of these students reflects not only academic excellence but also the transformative impact of Al Ameen Mission in empowering underprivileged communities through education.

“This year’s exam was comparatively tougher than in previous years, but by the grace of Allah, our students performed even better,” said M. Nurul Islam, founder general secretary of Al Ameen Mission, while speaking to Muslim Mirror.

Nurul Islam, the visionary general secretary of Al-Ameen Mission—often referred to as the Sir Syed of West Bengal—is widely recognized among the 100 most influential Indian Muslims. He pioneered an educational movement aimed at uplifting underprivileged Muslim students in West Bengal, significantly increasing their representation in medical colleges, even exceeding their population proportion in the state.

Born in 1959 in the small village of Khalatpur in Howrah district, Nurul Islam came from a humble background. His passion for education and community service became the foundation of a lifelong mission. In 1986, while he was a student, he started a hostel with just seven students inside the madrasa building. This initiative was sustained by a grassroots campaign—collecting a fistful of rice from every household in the village. In January 1987, this effort took shape as Al-Ameen Mission.

Today, the Mission has 77 branches across 23 districts of West Bengal, housing nearly 23,000 residential students. Over 49,000 students have passed from Al Ameen Mission, which follows the WBBSE, WBHSE, and CBSE curricula. In 2015, the West Bengal government honored M Nurul Islam with the Banga Bhushan Award for its contributions to education.

The Mission also engages in charitable work, offering financial aid and scholarships to unemployed Muslims. Under Nurul Islam’s leadership, it has become a beacon of holistic education, blending academic excellence with Islamic ethical values. The institution has produced hundreds of successful NEET and JEE candidates, changing the lives of many.

Nurul Islam’s resolute commitment to education and empowerment continues to inspire generations, reshaping the future of Muslim youth in Bengal and beyond.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirro / Home> Education> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Jasmine Nehar / June 25th, 2025

How a 71-year-old Muslim villager’s “hoarding” of everyday objects won a coveted spot at the V&A Museum in London

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Kelepara Village (near Hoogly), WEST BENGAL :

Ohida Khandekar’s Dream Your Museum, an installation and film about her uncle’s collection won the V&A’s Jameel Prize for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic traditions.

Selim Khandakar with his grand-niece and the trunks housing his collection. | Photo Credit: Anand Kumar Ekboty

Selim Khandakar, 71, has always dreamt of making a museum in his village for the 12,000-plus objects he has collected over 50 years. A small portion of that collection has now reached one of the best museums in the world — the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London — thanks to his artist niece, Ohida Khandakar. 

Ohida, 31, has turned her uncle’s lifelong obsession into an installation and film — Dream Your Museum — which won the V&A’s prestigious Jameel Prize for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic traditions. The work is not just a tribute to what seems to be her uncle’s calling; it also challenges colonial museum structures and asks whether ordinary, personal objects deserve a place in museums. Can museums be flexible and inclusive spaces, showcasing the narratives of minority communities and customs? Are private collections the exclusive privilege of the rich?

The installation and film, ‘Dream Your Museum’, at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London.

Selim worked as a doctor’s compounder in Kolkata and started collecting random objects from the year 1970. A stamp exhibition piqued his interest first, prompting him to start collecting them. He also came across an exhibition of vintage objects from Mallik Bari, one of Kolkata’s heritage homes. “It was a record of what objects were used in the ancient times and how lives were led,” Selim tells me over a Zoom call from his home in Kelepara, a village near Hooghly, West Bengal. “It inspired me to start collecting whatever felt like a record of the common person’s life and times. From bus tickets to stamps to refills of pens, I wouldn’t throw anything away.” 

An assortment of rare and mundane items makes up Selim’s collection. Old clocks, inscribed ceramics, vintage records and music players, letters dating back to Partition, perfume bottles, crystal rocks, hand fans, stamps, handbills, ink pots, cameras, train tickets, receipts, even matriculation answer sheets from the 70s!

Selim Khandakar surrounded by the objects he has collected over the years. | Photo Credit: Anand Kumar Ekboty

Gramophones to baby clothes

Much of Selim’s collection is housed in tin trunks and scattered across his home in Kelepara. It sometimes becomes a ‘travelling museum’ for people in the village to explore and interact with the objects as Selim takes them around. There is curiosity, awe, some ridicule, some laughter, and from those who understand history and record keeping, even encouragement.

Ohida’s film captures Selim walking through village fields with his trunk, stopping by the river to rinse some crystal stones, and holding them up to the sun. “Where did you find these, nanu?” asks Maria, his grand-niece, who appears in the film. “In the graveyard,” Selim replies.

Selim Khandakar walking through village fields with his trunk. | Photo Credit: Anand Kumar Ekboty

Ohida, who studied art at the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, says it is sometimes hard to understand what keeps her uncle going. Is it hoarding, as his exasperated family has often believed? She and Selim don’t think so. Instead, he thinks his collection, much like Dream Your Museum, is about storytelling. “Collecting is my way of showing people from my village a glimpse of things from around the world,” Selim notes. “Like rare coins dating back to the Mughal period or vintage perfume bottles from around the world. Often people here do not get a chance to go to cities to see such things. That’s what has always kept me going.”

Selim Khandakar’s house that was destroyed after a cyclone.. | Photo Credit: Anand Kumar Ekboty

Once displayed in his modest mud house, now destroyed after a cyclone, Selim’s possessions came close to being discarded by his family until Ohida decided to document it digitally. She reacquainted herself with both her uncle and his collection when stuck at home during the pandemic. To her artist’s eye, it is a compelling one, given its range — from gramophones to baby clothes from the 80s. “It even has a bunch of fingernails [Selim’s own] in a box. It reminds me of Marcel Duchamp’s Dadaist Fountain exhibit [1917], where he displayed an upside-down urinal. Such objects challenge conventional notions of what belongs in a museum. These items, including a broken plate passed down through generations, show the power of storytelling through objects.”

Selim laughs when asked about the fingernails. “I had once visited an exhibition where I saw art made with fingernails and thought I would do the same with mine. It made me curious, so I kept them.”

What makes a museum?

Curiosity has been the driving force behind Selim’s obsession and this is what Ohida celebrates in her work. Maria accompanies Selim throughout the film, asking him curious questions about the objects in his collection, an attempt to peek into his mind. Ohida started filming Dream Your Museum as an entry for the 2022 Berlin Biennale, where it was received well, eventually landing her the V&A award.

Filmmaker Ohida Khandakar

Growing up in Kelepara, Ohida hadn’t stepped inside a museum until she came to study art in Kolkata. “I had achieved my dream of studying art and moving beyond a village where many women still had no voice and were married off early. It made me wonder — was there a limit to our dreams? Was there a limit to the dreams of my uncle, a rural, aged Muslim man?”

With the funds from the award, Ohida is now hoping to create a museum for her uncle’s collection and a cultural space in the village. “We need accessible museums that work as alternative spaces for the narratives of rural minority communities; as safe spaces for women without opportunities; to engage those who might not typically visit traditional museums due to a lack of knowledge, distance or financial constraints.”

In Dream Your Museum, her camera gently films Selim among his collections in his crumbling ancestral home. He expresses frustration at having no permanent place even after 50 years to showcase his prized collection. “I’ll now make a museum on the moon,” he declares.

The writer is a freelance journalist and the co-author of ‘Rethink Ageing’ (2022).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Art / by Reshmi Chakraborty / April 20th, 2025

Eradicating books from our lives will never be possible: Abul Bashar

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Murshidabad, WEST BENGAL :

The award-winning Bengali author talks about his books, development of minority communities, Kolkata Book Fair, social media, and more.

Abul Bashar — the author of ‘Agnibalaka’ and several other popular titles — is one of the prominent voices documenting the lives of minority communities in Bengal / Wikimedia Commons

Born in Murshidabad at a time when the zilla’s literacy rate was 12.9 per cent, it was an uphill battle for Abul Bashar to not just educate himself but also to live his dream of becoming an author.

With 40 books to his name, including popular titles such as Agnibalaka, Marusvarga, Jol, Mati, Aguner Upakkhayan, and Dharmer Grahon, Bashar has documented the lives and issues of minority communities and socio-religious matters through his works. A recipient of top honours such as the Ananda Puraskar and Banga Bhushan, he was awarded the Guild Lifetime Literary Award in 2025 at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair.

My Kolkata met Bashar at the boi mela for a conversation, discussing India’s evolution, the status of the Bengali Muslims, his career as an author, and more. Edited excerpts follow.

My Kolkata: India celebrated its 76th Republic Day this year. You were born in 1951. As an author who has been documenting the growth of society in his works, how do you see India’s evolution?

Abul Bashar: One thing that has been catching my attention is that the culture that comprises both Hindus and Muslims is in a state of dialectics and adjustment with the ‘Indian culture’. We have imbibed the virtues of Indian society, but there are a few aspects of Bengali society that do not marry well with the Indian society. This concerns me, because this is not how it was earlier. The incidents around the Babri Masjid and the Ram Mandir have changed the political diaspora of India.

It is now a global situation and not just confined to India. It is prevalent in the subcontinent that religious minorities are under attack. Civilisation is under threat, but this is not how it is supposed to be. The Indian Constitution speaks about equality towards minority communities, their representation in the power structure of the society, and a homogeneity of culture. These were the ideals of Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi. The lack of homogeneity in the culture is worrying me. Of course, the extent varies from place to place, but there are a few incidents that happen that make me feel imperiled.

In this country, the constitutional rights and duties of people from all walks of life are directly and intrinsically involved with the idea of democracy. India is a pluralist country where diverse religious identities and cultures cohabit in an interesting milieu, but this fabric is facing a push back.

You have written extensively on Bengali Muslims. What do you think of their current socio-religious status?

More than the religious identity, the Muslim community continues to be backward in terms of financial independence, and I give more importance to financial independence. One of the primary tenets of India is the growth of any backward community — be it among Hindus, Muslims, or any other community. The Constitution aims towards that.

The financial backwardness of the Muslim community has affected the education of modernism. It is difficult for a financially backward community to become modern. The State, thus, has to fulfill its responsibility towards removing this roadblock so that a symbiosis between community and modernism takes place.

I have not only written about the Muslim community, but also about the Hindu community. My novel, Maruswarga, can be termed — ekjon Bangali lekhoker Ihudi upanyash (a Bengali writer’s Jewish novel). My work is extensively based on various mythologies and the folk culture of Bengal, focusing on the baul-fakirs. There is a unique amalgamation of Buddhism and Islam in the bauls, which was evident through the life of Lalon Shah. My thoughts revolve around these aspects, and I want comprehensive development of the Muslim society through cultural amalgamation.

Through my books, I have addressed the religious superstitions and other roadblocks that can cause hindrance to the development of society.

Abul Bashar was conferred the Guild Lifetime Achievement Award by chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on January 28 at the inauguration of the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair / My Kolkata

Do you think awards and accolades you have received have made it easier for your voice to reach society?

No, absolutely not. In my initial days as an author, I found that the readerbase of my genre of writing in West Bengal was very constricted because I belonged from a backward society. I have had a readerbase in Bangladesh since the inception of my career. Here [in West Bengal], it has taken time, but a community of people who read my kind of writings have developed. My thought process, and my novels that are based on mythology have found an academic discourse, and a doctoral candidate from Murshidabad, did his PhD on my work at Jadavpur University.

What surprised me was that a member of the society that created barriers for me and refused to accept my words did a doctoral thesis on the mythical treatment in my literature as an academic discourse. Society has evolved, and the environment of the present times is removing roadblocks, making way for an educated middle-income strata that is progressive and free thinking.

From Agnibalaka to Bhor Poati Tara — how do you see your evolution as an author?

It is a journey that I made, I would say. I have been influenced by several thoughts at different points in my life. I was an activist of Leftist politics that was different from today’s times. Leftist politics was known as the politics of sacrifice. Agnibalaka’s protagonists, if you notice, are characters who do not conform to societal norms. They are free thinkers and are characters who have imbibed Marxism in order to elevate their lives. They are the voices of dissent against stigmas and stereotypes of society.

Agnibalaka is a political novel in which dialectical materialism among various stratas of the society as well as the dialectics in interpersonal relationships between two political parties is shown. The conflict between the social strata during the 19-month long Emergency period in India, and how Marxism could be brought into praxis — Agnibalaka is an experimentation on that.

However, I do not share the same thoughts today, and by this I mean that it has been removed from my life in some ways. I have not removed it from my life, but the ideology is gradually vanishing on a global scale. It is possible that my experiments or observations are incorrect, but in today’s time, this is how I see it.

When the world starts facing a situation like today in reference to Marxism, existentialism takes its course, and becomes a replacement and anti thesis for Marxism. Everyone is in a state of endangerment, and the very thought that society that was created for its residents, is now in oblivion. Social norms were made for the development of people, but development is not entirely dependent on norms. An excessive emphasis on following social norms has given rise to conflict between man and society. This was the reason behind the two World Wars. This has also given birth to existentialist literature, as well as poets like Jibanananda Das and Michael Madhusudan Dutta.

Abul Bashar at the Kolkata Book Fair, 2025 / My Kolkata

The Kolkata International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world. In a day and age when social media has diminished attention spans, how do you see the importance of book fairs?

Social media is not a replacement for books. There is no conflict between gadgets that we use on a regular basis versus books. Gadgets like phones are essential to attain information and gain knowledge, but literature is not just information. When we speak of literature, we usually refer to the written. But what about oral literature, which is a significant part of Bengali literature? The works of Lalon Shah, for instance, are originally songs and are kabya sahitya (poetry). Another example is Rabindrasangeet — a youngster, who is engrossed in his or her phone, is also a listener of Rabindranath Tagore’s music.

There is a trough and crest when it comes to readership, but eradicating books from our lives will never be possible — just like classical music, songs like Kaa Karu Sajni, or verses of Kabir. We have to increase our habit of reading because that will increase our creativity and strengthen our culture as well as inter-personal relationships. There is evolution in the publishing industry with the digitisation of books, which has increased the readerbase. And because of book fairs, there is a boost in the number of bibliophiles.

What is your next work?

I intend to go back to my zilla (Murshidabad) to work on a piece that would complete an unfinished novel.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata / by Pooja Mitra / February 02nd, 2025