Juweriya Patwegar is handling the interiors of a major site in Dubai

Business & Economy, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Kolhapur, MAHARASHTRA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Juweriya Patwegar, Interior designer

Juweriya Patwegar from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is now designing interiors for a major project in Dubai, UAE. Her journey is a testament to how hard work, perseverance and self-belief can help a woman overcome social stereotypes and financial hardships to realise her dreams.

She shared her inspiring story with Awaz-The Voice.

Juweriya’s father, Sajid, is a driver, while her mother, Tasmiya, is a homemaker. A meritorious student throughout her school years, Juweriya grew up in a family with limited financial resources but parents who placed great emphasis on education. She was enrolled in an English-medium school.

Life took an unexpected turn after she completed her schooling.

Juweriya Patwegar as a bride

“My maternal uncle advised me to pursue interior designing. Back then, I used to think that designing meant drawing, and I didn’t know how to draw at all. But on my uncle’s advice, I took admission at Cyber Girls College, and from right there, my life found its true direction.”

After enrolling in the interior designing course, Juweriya often wondered why she was pursuing it when, according to her family’s tradition, she would soon be married off. She would frequently discuss these doubts with her teachers.

Two of her teachers, Priya Madam and Shambhavi Madam, offered her invaluable guidance. “Priya Madam always used to explain the importance of education to me. She would say, ‘You might leave your studies and get married, but tomorrow if your husband feels you should build a career, you will have nothing in your hands.’ These words of Madam changed my mindset, and I started taking my education and designing seriously.”

Juweriya Patwegar with her son 

In her third year, Juweriya began working at an office after college hours. During this period, her family shifted from Kolhapur to Sangli, but she chose to remain in Kolhapur to continue her studies and work. Her determination paid off when she graduated as a university rank holder.

Soon after, she got married. However, marriage did not put an end to her ambitions. She remained determined to build the life and career she had dreamed of.

Speaking about women’s financial independence, Juweriya says, “Whether she is a homemaker or a working professional, every woman is equal. However, our society gives more value to an earning woman. And I never wanted to make any kind of compromise in my life, which is why I decided to stand on my own feet.”

Initially, she took up small interior design assignments, sometimes working on individual walls. On occasion, she even offered her services for free to gain experience and establish herself. During her pregnancy, she began learning design software through classes from home. Within three months of giving birth to a baby boy, she resumed work.

Juweriya Patwegar receiving award

The arrival of her son proved to be a turning point in her professional journey. One project led to another, and her growing body of work transformed her career. Eventually, she established her own independent office.

Of all the projects she has undertaken, Juweriya considers designing her own house the biggest challenge. Having worked hard to earn her money, she was particularly conscious of how she spent it.

But an international assignment would test her confidence and professional abilities even further. When a major project in Dubai came her way, she initially wondered whether she would be able to handle it. However, she decided to trust her abilities and take the plunge.

Sharing her experience, Juweriya says, “For the Dubai project, I used to conduct online meetings from here. I found the carpenters and painters there by searching on Google and executed the project with complete success. Until a person explores, ‘the sky is the limit’ feels just like a saying.”

Her achievements have also brought recognition. In September, she was honoured with the ‘Maharashtra Udyog Gaurav Award’ in the ‘Best Emerging Interior Design Brand’ category. The recognition is expected to help her expand her work and take on bigger projects in the future.

Juweriya also spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding the freedom and opportunities available to Muslim women. She emphasised that Islam does not teach women to remain confined to their homes; rather, it accords them dignity and respect.

Juweriya Patwegar

Explaining her views, Juweriya says, “People have a misconception that Muslim women are not allowed to step out of the house. But Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, was the biggest businesswoman in Mecca. During wars, women provided medical services and financial aid. The practice of purdah is for the safety and respect of women, not to hold them back.”

She also has a message for young people, particularly aspiring designers: “Do not do anything for others; do it for yourself. Never forget the parents who made sacrifices to bring you to this position. A person who understands the value of parents never falls.”

Looking ahead, Juweriya dreams of learning about modern technologies from different countries and bringing that knowledge to India to contribute to the country’s progress.

From a young student in Kolhapur who once doubted her ability to pursue interior designing to a professional handling luxury home projects in Dubai, Juweriya Patwegar’s journey is an inspiring example of ambition, resilience and self-belief. Her story offers encouragement to young women who aspire to carve out independent identities and build careers on their own terms.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Bhakti Chalak / November 11th, 2026

Indian American Nabeela Syed flips Republican-held Illinois Senate seat

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Illinois, U.S.A :

Photo: Instagram

Indian American politician Nabeela Syed has scored a major victory in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, defeating Republican Darby Hills to flip a Republican-held seat in the Illinois state Senate.

Syed won Illinois Senate District 26, which covers the state’s northwest suburbs of Chicago, with 57% of the vote against Hills’ 43%, according to election results reported by local media. Her victory gives Democrats a seat previously held by Republicans and marks another milestone in Syed’s political career.

The win builds on the history she made in 2022, when she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives at the age of 23. An Indian American Muslim, Syed became one of the youngest lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly and one of the first Muslim women to serve in the state legislature.

During her time in the House, Syed focused on issues including consumer protection, health care and voting access. Her Senate campaign brought another set of concerns to the forefront, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence data centers on local communities.

In the final weeks of the campaign, Syed used an advertisement featuring her riding an electric scooter to address concerns over data centers, electricity costs and taxes. She argued that technology companies should bear the cost of the enormous amounts of power their facilities consume rather than passing the burden on to residents through higher electricity bills.

The issue became a central point of her contest with Hills, as residents raised concerns about the environmental impact, noise and energy demands of new data center projects. Syed supported Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a fellow Democrat, when he signed legislation described by his administration as a major step toward strengthening accountability in artificial intelligence. She also backed his decision to pause tax incentives for new data centers amid growing public concern.

Hills also pledged to make data center developers more accountable during the closing weeks of the race, highlighting how concerns about the rapid expansion of these facilities have reached voters across party lines.

Syed’s victory came on an election night when Democrats made gains in several contests across the country, in a broader setback for President Donald Trump and his party.

Announcing her win on Instagram, Syed thanked the voters who supported her campaign. “I am so grateful to every single voter in the 26th Senate District who made this victory possible,” she wrote.


Her move from the Illinois House to the state Senate marks a significant step forward for the young Indian American lawmaker as she prepares to represent her district on a wider stage.

source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home / by Shubhangi Chowdhury / November 04th, 2026

National Platform for Social Justice, Equity, Equality and Human Rights Launched in Bhopal

Community Involvement / Social Issues

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

L-The dignitaries seated on the dais seeking the blessings at the launching of ‘National Social Justice Alliance’ in Bhopal. (R) A view of the audience on the occasion.

Bhopal :

With the objective of establishing social justice, promoting equity and equality, strengthening the spirit of fraternity, and protecting & advancing human rights across the country, the ‘National Social Justice Alliance’ was launched—bringing together various social organizations, institutions and social activists onto a common platform—at the historic Faiz Bahadur Masjid in Kamala Park here on Sunday.

The primary objective of this initiative is to develop an organized national effort aimed at ensuring that every individual in society has access to justice, respect, equal opportunity, and the right to a life of dignity. Through this Alliance, the goal is to bring together—on a single platform—various institutions and organizations from across the country that are working in areas such as human rights, social justice, education, health, women’s empowerment, child rights, the rights of minorities and marginalized groups and the promotion of social harmony.

On this occasion, Tabish Khan shared his thoughts, stating that the National Social Justice Alliance is not merely an organization or a formal coalition but a broad national initiative dedicated to social change, human dignity and the creation of a just society.

He stated that there are still many individuals and communities in the country who remain deprived of their fundamental rights, justice, education, healthcare and equal opportunities. Often, the efforts of individual social organizations fail to yield the desired results due to a lack of resources, coordination and broad-based cooperation. Under such circumstances it is essential that organizations working in the fields of human rights and social justice rise above their mutual differences and limitations to come together with a shared purpose.

He clarified that the National Social Justice Alliance will work with complete dedication, commitment and responsibility to protect human rights and establish social justice across the country. It will strive to ensure that no individual faces discrimination based on caste, religion, language, gender, economic status, or social background, and that every citizen is able to enjoy the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Key Objectives of the Alliance

  1. Protection of Human Rights: To raise awareness about human rights across the country and strive to provide appropriate support and guidance in cases of rights violations,
  2. Establishment of Social Justice: To work towards ensuring justice and equal opportunities for the vulnerable, marginalized, exploited and needy sections of society.
  3. Promotion of Equity and Equality: To foster awareness and undertake positive initiatives against discrimination based on caste, religion, language, gender or socio-economic status.
  4. Brotherhood and Social Harmony: Strengthening mutual respect, fraternity, unity and communal harmony within society.
  5. Bringing Organizations onto a Common Platform: Connecting organizations, NGOs, social activists, intellectuals and experts across the country who are active in the fields of human rights and social welfare.
  6. Legal Awareness and Assistance: Providing citizens with information about their constitutional and legal rights, and connecting those in need with appropriate legal guidance; 7. Research, Dialogue & Policy Initiatives: Conducting studies and research on social issues and organizing national dialogues, conferences and public awareness programs.
  7. Rights of Women and Children: Working to protect the rights and dignity of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Plan for Extensive Expansion at the National Level

The National Social Justice Alliance aims to develop an influential national network by bringing together responsible organizations and individuals working in the fields of human rights and social justice across various states, districts, and cities in the country.

To this end, the Alliance will promote national and state-level dialogues, training programs, human rights conferences, social awareness campaigns, legal aid initiatives and research and studies on various social issues.

The Alliance aims to ensure that whenever any instance of injustice, exploitation, discrimination or a situation contrary to human dignity arises in society, the matter is brought to the appropriate forum, and collective efforts are made toward finding a resolution.

A Commitment to a Better and Just Society

The launch of this initiative from the Faiz Bahadur Masjid symbolizes a broad social commitment—one that places humanity, justice, equality and brotherhood as its highest priorities.

The National Social Justice Alliance believes that genuine societal change cannot be achieved through the efforts of any single individual, institution or organization. Rather, it is made possible through collective participation, mutual cooperation and a shared commitment. Our objective goes beyond merely discussing rights; we strive to foster awareness of these rights, ensure access to justice, and uphold human dignity in everyday life.

The Alliance has appealed to social organizations, human rights groups, academics, advocates, intellectuals, youth and social activists across the country to join this national initiative and strengthen the campaign for social justice.

Meanwhile, the program was compeered by Nabeel Bari, the Coordinator of this initiative, with aplomb.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Human Rights /by Pervez Bari / November 10th, 2026

Saba Haider wins Illinois House seat with 71.2% of vote

Amazing Feats, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aurangabad (Bulandshahr District) UTTAR PRADESH / Illinois, U.S.A. :

Photo: https://x.com/findkitty7

Indian American Democrat Saba Haider has won election to the Illinois House of Representatives, defeating Republican Brian Scopa in the November 3 midterm elections. Her victory in the 84th House District marks another milestone in the growing political representation of Indian Americans in Illinois.

Haider defeated Republican candidate Brian Scopa in the race for Illinois’ 84th House District, receiving 21,995 votes against Scopa’s 8,902, according to Ballotpedia’s reported results. Scopa received 28.8 percent of the vote, compared with Saba Haider’s 71.2 percent, giving her a margin of 13,093 votes.

The constituency includes parts of Will, DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties, covering communities such as Aurora, Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery and Boulder Hill. Her election takes her from county-level government to the Illinois state legislature, where she will represent residents of the 84th District.

Haider joins a growing group of Indian American lawmakers in Illinois, including Democratic state Rep. Nabeela Syed, who became the first South Asian woman elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2022.

Syed, who currently represents Illinois House District 51, won Illinois Senate District 26 last week.

The Illinois General Assembly comprises the state House of Representatives and the state Senate, and is responsible for passing state laws and approving the state budget.

From Uttar Pradesh to American politics

Haider’s family traces its roots to Aurangabad in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district. She grew up in Ghaziabad, where her father, Syed Ali Haider, worked as an engineer before retiring. Her mother, Chandni, has recalled that Haider participated in school debates and public-speaking competitions from an early age.

She attended Holy Child School in Ghaziabad before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Ram Chameli Chadha Vishvas Girls’ College, where she reportedly topped her class. She subsequently pursued a Master of Science in Wildlife Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), earning a gold medal.

During her time at AMU, Haider also participated in wildlife census work, developing an academic background in environmental and wildlife studies before moving into community engagement and public service.

In 2006, she married Ali Kazmi, a computer science engineer whose family is from Bulandshahr. The couple moved to the United States in 2007 and settled in the Naperville area of Illinois. They have two children. After moving to the US, Haider became a certified yoga instructor, teaching students and professionals from different backgrounds. Her involvement in community activities, parent-teacher initiatives, interfaith engagement and local Democratic Party outreach gradually brought her into American public life.

Political journey : From an electoral setback to the state legislature

Saba Haider’s entry into electoral politics was not immediately successful. She first contested a DuPage County Board seat in 2022 but lost. She continued her involvement in local affairs and returned to the electoral contest in 2024. In November 2024, she defeated Republican incumbent Patricia “Patty” Gustin to win a seat on the DuPage County Board’s District 5. The official county canvass recorded 40,330 votes for Haider against 31,395 for Gustin, giving Haider 56.23 percent of the vote against Gustin’s 43.77 percent.

Her election to the county board made her the first Indian-origin woman elected to that local governing body, according to Clarion India. She subsequently chaired the board’s Strategic Planning and Environmental committees and served on the DuPage County Health Department’s Public Health Board.

In 2026, Haider took her political career to the state level. She won the Democratic primary for the 84th House District on Mar. 17, defeating Jared Ploger with 63.5 percent of the vote. She then defeated Scopa in the November general election.

Her campaign focused on affordable healthcare, education, economic growth, environmental sustainability and issues affecting working families and immigrant communities. Her transition from community-based work and county government to the Illinois legislature represents nearly two decades of life and public engagement in the United States.

What her Victory means

Saba Haider’s election adds another Indian American name to the growing list of South Asian-origin politicians holding elected office in the United States. Her political career has developed through local community involvement, county governance and now state-level representation.

Her background in wildlife sciences, experience in local government and family connections to Uttar Pradesh have also drawn attention in India, particularly in Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Bulandshahr, where her family has roots. Her election is significant not only for her family and the Indian American community but also for South Asian representation in Illinois state politics.

source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home / by Jayujyoti Mullick / November 08th, 2026

AMU Announces Winners of All India Essay Writing Competition 2026

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

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH / INDIA :

Aligarh :

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has announced the winners of its All-India Essay Writing Competition 2026, organised in English, Hindi and Urdu for university and college students across the country.

In the English category, Maliha Iqbal of Aligarh Muslim University secured first prize, followed by Apurva Dutta of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, who won second prize, and Rajshree Mishra of the University of Allahabad, who secured third prize.

In the Urdu category, Mohammad Faizur Raza of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, won first prize. Munawwar Ali, a PhD scholar in Urdu at AMU, secured second prize, while Sabi Ji, a PhD scholar in Urdu residing at Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall, AMU, won third prize.

In the Hindi category, Salwa Fatma of Women’s College, AMU, secured first prize. Musharraf Parwez of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, won second prize, while Subhana Rihan of the Diploma in Information Technology programme at Women’s Polytechnic, AMU, secured third prize.

The competition invited essays on the theme “Technology and Ethics in 21st Century: Sir Syed’s Perspective” in English, with corresponding themes in Hindi and Urdu. It aimed to encourage students to reflect on the relationship between technological progress, ethical values and the educational vision of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

The first, second and third prize winners in each language category are entitled to cash awards of Rs. 25,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000, respectively.

source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> Educational News> University News / by iednewsdesk / October 14th, 2026

Inayath Ali extends Rs 25 lac assistance to 100 poor families for daughters’ weddings

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru : 

In a gesture of compassion and social commitment, KPCC general secretary Inayath Ali extended financial assistance of Rs 25 lac to 100 economically disadvantaged families to support the marriage expenses of their daughters.

The assistance was distributed as part of the ‘Deepavali Jyothi Parva’ celebrations organised by the Inayath Ali Abhimani Balaga at Ambedkar Maidan, Kavoor, on Saturday.

Under the initiative, each of the 100 selected families received Rs 25,000, amounting to total financial assistance of Rs 25 lac. The initiative aimed to ease the financial burden on families struggling to meet the expenses of their daughters’ weddings.

Amid the festive celebrations, the initiative emerged as one of the most meaningful moments of the event, bringing joy and relief to 100 families.

The gesture reflected Inayath Ali’s commitment to extending support to underprivileged sections of society and spreading the message of compassion, humanity and social responsibility during the festival of lights.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network ,(Mangaluru) NJC / November 08th, 2026

Qayoom Sahib: A life of integrity

Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Budgam, District, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Obituary

Haji Abdul Qayoom Naseeb, a distinguished son of Charar-i-Sharief, was remembered as an honest politician, an accomplished scholar and a gentleman of rare humility. His life reflected a fine blend of intellectual depth, public service and personal integrity.

Born to Haji Abdul Aziz and Saja Apa, a deeply pious woman, Qayoom Sahib completed his M.A. and LL.B. from Aligarh Muslim University in 1952. He initially joined the Education Department as a lecturer but soon resigned to enter public life, where he went on to serve as a Minister on three occasions.


As Education Minister, he played an important role in shaping the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He was known for listening patiently to people’s grievances and making sincere efforts to address their problems, including helping many secure employment. He also served as Revenue Minister and earned respect across political circles for his honesty, sincerity and administrative experience.

Beyond politics, Qayoom Sahib was a voracious reader with a deep interest in literature, philosophy and intellectual thought. He studied Iqbaliyat, Ghalib, Maulana Rumi and Western thinkers extensively. During his student days at Aligarh, he presented a critical paper on renowned poet Ghulam Nabi Aarez at a literary symposium. Eminent critic Professor Rasheed Siddiqi appreciated his literary ability and observed that he had the potential to emerge as a great critic at the national level.


His speeches were marked by eloquence, clarity and intellectual substance. A man of few words, he possessed a dignified manner of expression and commanded respect across political differences. Former Chief Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad acknowledged learning much from him. He also shared a close friendship with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, while Dr Farooq Abdullah included him in his Cabinet.


Qayoom Sahib’s contribution to his native Charar-i-Sharief remains part of his enduring legacy. The Sports Stadium in his hometown stands as a lasting reminder of his association with the people and his commitment to public welfare.

He is fondly remembered as a noble human being, an able administrator and a politician whose integrity set a high standard. His humility, scholarship and service left an indelible mark on the political and social life of Budgam.

May Allah Almighty shower His infinite mercy upon the departed soul and grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. Ameen.

source: http://www.brighterkashmir.com / Brighter Kashmir / Home / by Inayat Gul / November 05th, 2026

Councillor Shagufta Chaudhary Zubair to Receive Allama Iqbal Award on World Urdu Day

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DELHI :

Urdu Is Our Shared Cultural Heritage, Say Organisers

New Delhi:

Chauhan Bangar ward Councillor Shagufta Chaudhary Zubair will be honoured with the Allama Iqbal Award on November 9, World Urdu Day, for her contribution to promoting and serving the Urdu language. The award is being presented by the Urdu Development Organisation and the All India Unani Tibbi Congress.

World Urdu Day is observed each year on November 9, the birth anniversary of the poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, known as Shair-e-Mashriq (the Poet of the East). The organisers say preparations for this year’s observance are almost complete.

The organisers described Urdu as more than a language: in their words, it is part of the country’s culture, identity and pride, and a language that has carried messages of love, brotherhood and national unity across religions, cultures and social groups. They said Urdu has played an important role in the freedom movement, literature, journalism, poetry and social reform, and has promoted love, tolerance and human values.

They said Urdu should not be limited to ceremonies and mushairas, and should be kept alive in daily life, in educational institutions, in homes and among the younger generation. Reading, writing and speaking Urdu, they said, is a cultural responsibility, and if the language is not protected, future generations may be deprived of a valuable heritage.

The organisers also said Allama Iqbal gave Urdu a new global identity through his thought and poetry, and that his message continues to guide young people. The purpose of marking World Urdu Day, they said, is to highlight the importance of Urdu and to strengthen collective efforts for its promotion.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 07th, 2026

Awaz-e-Khwateen launches NIKHAAR initiative for women’s development

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

NEW DELHI :

Shariqa Malik (Left) with others at the function

Bareilly (UP) :

Awaz e Khwateen, a New Delhi-based NGO working towards women’s empowerment, organised its Women’s Personality Development and Skill Enhancement Initiative NIKHAAR (Nurture, Inspire, Know, Hone, Aspire, Achieve, Rise) at the Islamia Girls Inter College here on Wednesday.

The NIKHAAR initiative workshop explained the importance of young women becoming confident, discovering themselves, the courage to question established beliefs and the willingness to keep learning.

Led by Uzma Qamar, Director of Eduvision, the NIKHAAR session explored the importance of personality development, self-awareness and the skills that help women navigate an ever-changing world. Principal Chaman Jahan supported the initiative.

Conceived as a platform for personal growth and skill enhancement, NIKHAAR aims to help women build confidence, strengthen communication, develop leadership qualities and recognise their potential. At its heart is a simple belief that growth is not just about acquiring new skills. It is also about letting go of the fears, assumptions and limitations that often prevent people from moving forward.

Speaking on the occasion, Shariqa Malik, Convenor of Awaz-e-Khwateen, said, “Change is the only constant, but embracing change is not always easy. Sometimes, the first step towards becoming who we aspire to be is unlearning who we have been taught to be. We must be willing to question old beliefs, let go of what holds us back and make room for new learnings. Growth begins when we allow ourselves to see the world differently and, in doing so, discover new possibilities within ourselves. Through NIKHAAR, we hope to create that space for women, a space where they can learn, question, express themselves and grow with confidence.”

The initiative reflects Awaz e Khwateen’s approach to empowerment as a continuous process that extends beyond access to opportunities. It recognises the importance of creating environments where women can develop their abilities, find their voices and feel equipped to make informed choices about their lives.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Mizan / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / October 22nd, 2026

Nashra Naim becomes first woman vice-president of AMU Students’ Union

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

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Nashra Naim

Women candidates created history in the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union elections by winning six of the 13 posts, including the vice-president’s position, as results were announced on Friday.

Nashra Naim became the first woman to be elected vice-president in the institution’s 105-year history. She secured 7,091 votes against her nearest rival’s 5,818. “I believe that achieving this in such a short time, with limited resources and a small team, was possible because of the dedication, courage, and sincerity of the people who joined us,” she said. “I feel that leadership needs to be redefined.”

Women also claimed a record five of the 10 cabinet member posts, marking a sharp rise in their representation.

Mohammad Noman Ashraf won the president’s post by a margin of more than 4,100 votes, while Mohammad Hamdan was elected secretary. Ashraf described the victory as the result of a long struggle after an eight-year gap in elections. “After a long struggle of eight years, we have finally achieved this opportunity, and it is a moment of great happiness,” he said. Hamdan added, “A victory this big comes with an even bigger responsibility, and I will do my best to fulfil it.”

Results were declared by Prof Javaid Talib, Chief Election Officer for the AMUSU and AMU Court elections, and Prof Nazia Hasan for the Women’s College Students’ Union. The polls were held after persistent student protests over three years. A senior faculty member noted that Gen Z protests had influenced the campaign, shifting focus beyond campus issues to broader national concerns, including those affecting Muslims.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon praised the peaceful conduct of the elections as “a triumph of the highest democratic traditions” and welcomed the increased participation of women. No violence was reported during the campaign.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / November 06th, 2026