Sarah Sham, a fourth-generation Muslim entrepreneur from Mumbai and co-founder of Dubai-based luxury interior design firm Jea, has sparked widespread praise after sharing how she enforces strict work-life boundaries at her company, even at the cost of losing clients.
Sham, whose family business Essajees traces its roots back 130 years to her great-grandfather Abdul Kadir Essajee Sham, a trader of fine Iranian art tapestries, took to LinkedIn to outline the firm rules she applies across her design operations spanning 18 cities.
“We start at nine and close by six, five days a week. No weekend calls. No Sunday deadlines,” she wrote. “When a project runs behind, I hire another designer instead of asking my team to give up their weekend.”
Sham, a graduate of Art History from Duke and Oxford universities, admitted she once believed that good design required working through the night. Over time, she changed her approach after noticing that the best creative output came from well-rested designers, not exhausted ones.
“I started comparing creativity to a well instead of a tap,” she wrote. “Push too hard without rest, and it runs dry, no matter how skilled the person is.”
She acknowledged that the policy carried a real financial cost. Several clients left her firm in favour of teams willing to answer calls on weekends or work late nights. Sham chose to let them go rather than compromise her team’s working conditions.
“A tired designer does not run out of ideas all at once. The work slowly gets less interesting, and nobody notices until a client points it out,” she added.
Sham comes from a storied Muslim business family. Her ancestor Abdul Kadir Essajee Sham opened his Mumbai store in 1890, building a clientele that included Maharajas and royal families from India, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Today, Essajees serves a new generation of buyers including venture capitalists, consultants and young couples.
Her LinkedIn post drew strong responses from professionals across industries. Many praised her for holding firm on boundaries when revenue was on the line, calling her approach a model for sustainable creative work.
Sham co-founded Jea after serving as principal designer at Essajees Atelier for 12 years, carrying forward a family legacy built on craftsmanship, honesty and respect for the people behind the work.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features / by Radiance News Bureau / August 11th, 2026
A mass singing of Vande Mataram was organised on Friday at the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) at Border Security Force (BSF) Bengaluru as part of the nationwide commemoration of 150 years of the national song. The programme was organised under the directions of the union Ministry of Home Affairs and the BSF headquarters Photo | Express
Bengaluru :
The list includes 18 police personnel: one selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and 17 for Meritorious Service.
The government will honour 22 personnel from Karnataka Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards and Civil Defence departments with service medals on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
The list includes 18 police personnel, of whom one has been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 17 for the Medal for Meritorious Service (MMS).
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central Crime Branch) HN Dharmendra has been selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Two personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services – Regional Fire Officer Shivakumar Swamy H M and Assistant Fire Station Officer Basavaraju M – have been selected for the MSM.
Similarly, two Home Guards and Civil Defence personnel – Senior Platoon Commander Meerasab Maboob Sabmulla and Platoon Commander Raghavendram – have been selected for the MMS.
17 cops to get MMS
Sara Fathima, SP, Railways, Bengaluru
Thomas Mathew PM, Commandant, 9th Battalion, KSRP, Bengaluru,
T Mahadev, ACP, Southeast Traffic Sub-Division, Bengaluru City.
Pramanand P Ghodke, DySP , Raichur District
K Shanmuga Varma, Inspector, Police Training School, Mysuru
Bavuddin Rukmuddin Gaddekhar, Inspector, Malmaruti PS, Belagavi City
Guruprasad Gopal Nayak, Inspector, CID, Bengaluru
Nayeem M, Reserve Police Inspector, Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru
Srinivasa M, SI, KP Agrahara Police Station,
Mahadevaswamy, Head Constable, Vidhana Soudha Security
Mariya Joseph Dinesh Kumar, Head Constable, KSRP
Jnanadev Naval Tarase, Special ARSI, 3rd Battalion, KSRP, Bengaluru
Chandrashekar G Chikkanavar, SRHC, 4th Battalion, B’luru
Abdul Kamal Abdul Hameed,Head Constable, Tarikere Sub-Division, C’magaluru
Nagesh Manchayya, APC, CID, Bengaluru
SA Manohar, Police Constable, Hunsur Town Police Station, Mysuru District
Abdul Rabbani, Armed Police Constable, Chikkamagaluru
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 15th, 2026
Major (Retd) D.M. Nizamuddin, a respected former Indian Army officer, war veteran and long-time Treasurer of Bolar Juma Masjid, passed away on Monday. He was 86.
Born on October 6, 1939, Major Nizamuddin was the son of late D.M. Shamshuddin and a resident of Faiq House at Yemmekere Cross Road in Bolar, Mangaluru.
Major Nizamuddin had a distinguished career in the Indian Army and served the nation during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1972. He sustained injuries while fighting in the 1972 war.
After retiring from the Army, he remained actively involved in community service. He served as the Treasurer of Bolar Juma Masjid for many years and was known for his commitment and sincerity in carrying out his responsibilities.
The mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Faiq House, Yemmekere Cross Road, Bolar, for the public to pay their last respects until 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Janazah (funeral prayers) and burial (Tadfeen) will be held after Duhr prayers on Tuesday at Bolar Juma Masjid.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / August 03rd, 2026
It is a great privilege for me to accept this honour from the Shah Waliullah Institute. Honestly, I was reluctant at first and had declined this recognition multiple times.
New Delhi :
In a momentous event, renowned Islamic scholar, author, senior journalist, and former Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, was awarded the prestigious Sixth Imam Shah Waliullah Award here on Monday. The ceremony took place amidst a distinguished seminar on the theme of ‘Epistles of Shah Waliullah’ at the Ghalib Institute here.
Jointly organized by the Shah Waliullah Institute and the Ghalib Institute, the seminar sought to celebrate and highlight the scholarly and intellectual legacy of Imam Shah Waliullah. A special highlight of the event was the launch of the tenth volume of his acclaimed series of epistles, offering attendees an intimate glimpse into his teachings and enduring contributions to Islamic sciences.
A diverse assembly of eminent scholars, intellectuals, and thinkers from across the country participated in the event, engaging in profound discussions about the contemporary relevance of Shah Waliullah’s message, writings and teachings.
Senior journalist Suhail Anjum introduced the Shah Waliullah Institute and provided an overview of the newly launched the tenth volume of Shah Waliullah’s epistles, sharing insights into the publication process, ongoing scholarly discussions and past and future programmes of the Shah Waliullah Institute.
Anjum also felicitated Mufti Ataur Rahman Qasmi highlighting his unwavering dedication to research and publish the scholarly legacy of Shah Waliullah. He highlighted Mufti Saheb’s long-standing scholarly pursuits, first as a teacher for fourteen years at the Dargah Shah Waliullah madrasah near Shah Waliullah’s shrine in Delhi’s Mehdiyan area.
During this period, Mufti Saheb developed a deep spiritual and intellectual bond with the great scholar, gaining profound insights into his contributions to Quranic sciences and other fields. Inspired by this connection, Mufti Saheb established the institute to make Shah Waliullah’s invaluable legacy accessible to all. Some of these writings were published long ago or still lie as manuscripts in libraries. Under this initiative, Mufti saheb has already published ten volumes of Shah Waliullah’s writings. The tenth volume of this series was released during the event.
Expressing humility and honour, Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan said, “It is a great privilege for me to accept this honour from the Shah Waliullah Institute. Honestly, I was reluctant at first and had declined this recognition multiple times. However, I succumbed in the face of Mufti saheb’s insistence for a number of reasons. Paramount among these is my nearly forty-year-long association with Mufti Saheb, dating back to 1984 when I returned from abroad.
At that time I visited Mehdiyan and made a spiritual bond with Shah Waliullah and with Mufti saheb who at the time taught at the madrasah there. He said that another reason is that this award is associated with Shah Waliullah, the greatest Islamic scholar produced by India. In fact, he may be regarded as the greatest non-Arab Islamic scholar of all ages. He said that long ago he wrote a modest book in Arabic on Shah Waliullah trying to attract people’s attention to the ocean of knowledge which he was and remains till this day. He said that Shah Waliullah’s monumental work Hujjatullah al-Balighah stands out as an unparalleled masterpiece in the Islamic literature. It is printed, reprinted and studied in the Arab World till this day. Dr. Khan underscored the importance of Hujjatullah al-Balighah as a treasure trove that provides a deep, balanced and comprehensive understanding of Islamic sciences.
Dr Khan commended Mufti Saheb’s tireless efforts in unearthing and publishing many of Shah Waliullah’s manuscripts and texts that were hidden and forgotten. The current tenth volume stands as a testament to this scholarly dedication. He stated that his personal and scholarly bonds with Mufti Saheb and Shah Waliullah motivated him to accept this award. He added that there is a third reason for accepting the award and that is the fact that the award is given in recognition of the Glorious Quran, his translation of the Islamic holy text which tries to offer an authentic version of the Quran based on most authentic Arabic sources.
Dr Khan said there is a great responsibility on our shoulders: to try to understand and disseminate Shah Waliullah’s teachings and present them in modern language and style. Reflecting on Shah Waliullah’s revolutionary impact, Dr. Khan highlighted his translation of the Quran into Persian—a daring act at the time, which many scholars at the time considered a blasphemy. Even today, some argue that the Quran cannot be translated into any language. But if that was true, how would the 85% of Muslims outside the Arab world understand the divine message? Therefore, it is imperative that the Quran be translated into all languages—be it Assamese, Burmese, Chinese, or any other so that the common Muslim and non-Muslim could read and understand Allah’s last message to humanity. He pointed out that Western scholars, despite their scholarly rigour, often distorted the meanings of the Quran in their translations. Therefore, it is the duty of Islamic scholars to offer correct and accurate rendering of the divine text. Dr. Khan said he dedicated eleven years to accomplish his translation of the holy Islamic text. He said he fully devoted the three years during the COVID19 pandemic to complete this work. He regarded the award as a motivation to himself and all scholars to continue scholarly pursuits.
Mufti Ataur Rahman, chairman of the Shah Waliullah Institute, addressed the gathering sharing insights into how the idea of an institute dedicated to Shah Waliullah was conceived and narrated the journey since founding the institute. He took a moment to acknowledge the previous recipients of the Shah Waliullah Award: the first was given to Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh from Nagpur in 2007; the second and third to Maulana Akhlaq Hussain Qasmi and Maulana Faqihud-Din in 2010; the fourth to Maulana Muhammad Salim Qasmi in 2013; and the fifth to Maulana Qamaruz-Zaman Ilahabadi in 2014.
The event was enriched by the presence of distinguished speakers including Muhammad Adeeb, former Member of Parliament, Mr. Siraj Hussain, former vice chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, Justice Iqbal Ahmad Ansari, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Prof. Khalid Mahmood and Khwaja Muhammad Shahid among others.
The proceedings were presided over by the chairman of the Ghalib Institute Prof. Siddiqur Rahman Kidwai who lauded Mufti Ataur-Rahman’s exemplary work and extended warm felicitations to Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan for his well-earned recognition.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Community News / by Zillur-Rahman Haider / June 30th, 2026
EVERY year on August 15, India’s Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. It was at this same fort, in 1945, that Major General Shah Nawaz Khan stood trial for waging war against the British Empire. A Muslim officer in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army, he had led troops into battle against colonial forces across Southeast Asia, been captured, and was sentenced to death. His court-martial, alongside Colonel Prem Kumar Sehgal and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, provoked mass protests across the country and became one of the final catalysts for British withdrawal from India. The slogan that echoed through the streets of Delhi became a rallying cry of the independence movement: “Lal Qile se aayi awaaz, Sehgal, Dhillon aur Shah Nawaz.”
After his release, Shah Nawaz Khan chose the path of non-violence at Mahatma Gandhi’s urging, joined the Indian National Congress, and went on to serve as a Union Minister for over two decades. He represented Meerut in Parliament through four terms, held portfolios ranging from Agriculture to Petroleum, and chaired the commission that investigated the circumstances of Netaji Bose’s death. He was buried near the Red Fort with full state honours in 1983.
Beyond politics, Shah Nawaz Khan was connected to one of India’s most recognizable families. The Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s father, Mir Taj Mohammed Khan, was his cousin and migrated from Pakistan to India alongside him after Partition.
His story traces an arc from armed resistance to democratic nation-building, from a death sentence in a colonial courtroom to the highest levels of Indian government.
Early Life and Military Career
General Shah Nawaz Khan was born on 24 January 1914 in the village of Matur, in the Rawalpindi District of British India (now in Pakistan). His father, Lieutenant Sardar Tikka Khan, served for nearly three decades in the British Indian Army with the 58th Vaughan’s Rifles (Frontier Force), instilling in him an early exposure to military life.
After completing his early education, Shah Nawaz Khan went on to study at the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College in Dehradun, one of the premier institutions established to train future military leaders in colonial India.
From Prisoner of War to Leader of the Indian National Army
In 1940, Shah Nawaz Khan was commissioned as an officer in the British Indian Army. In December 1941, as part of the Second World War, Japanese forces launched a major offensive against Singapore, and the British deployed nearly 60,000 Indian soldiers, including Captain Shah Nawaz Khan.
The British forces were ultimately defeated, and Khan, along with thousands of other soldiers, was taken prisoner of war. During his captivity, he came into contact with Indian nationalists and revolutionaries aligned with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Deeply influenced by their vision of an independent India, he joined the Azad Hind Fauj, also known as the Indian National Army (INA), and rapidly rose to positions of leadership.
Role in the Freedom Struggle
Recognized for his leadership abilities, Shah Nawaz Khan was inducted into the cabinet of the Indian National Army’s (INA) Provisional Government of Free India. Between 1942 and 1945, the Azad Hind Fauj engaged British forces across Southeast Asia and, for a period, established control over large stretches of territory during its campaign against colonial rule.
In December 1944, he was appointed commander of the INA detachment stationed in Mandalay, Burma (now Myanmar). Owing to the close trust placed in him by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, he was later selected to lead the Subhas Brigade—a special unit formed from elite INA soldiers.
During military operations in Burma in 1945, General Shah Nawaz Khan and several of his comrades were arrested by British forces. The INA’s senior leadership at the time included Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, Colonel Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon. In 1946, all three were put on trial for mutiny at the Red Fort in Delhi.
These trials ignited widespread public protests across India and became a turning point in the independence movement, significantly intensifying popular resistance to British rule. Facing overwhelming public pressure, the British government was ultimately compelled to release Shah Nawaz Khan and his associates. During this period, he remained in contact with leading figures of the national movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, and was defended in court by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Gandhi’s Colonel of Non-Violence
General Shah Nawaz Khan was regarded as one of Mahatma Gandhi’s close associates, a relationship reflected in Gandhi’s letters and public speeches, in which he frequently referred to him by name. Their association symbolized the bridge between armed resistance and the philosophy of non-violence that shaped India’s independence movement.
On the occasion of the 50th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Shah Nawaz Khan declared, “While living outside India, we fought for our country’s freedom with arms; now we shall serve India through non-violence.” Mahatma Gandhi echoed this sentiment while addressing members of the Indian National Army in Madras on 22 January 1946 and later reiterated it during his prayer meeting in Mumbai on 18 February 1946.
Contemporary records further document their close interaction. According to a report in the Bombay Chronicle dated 13 March 1946, Shah Nawaz Khan met Gandhi at Birla Bhavan in Delhi on 12 March, where the two held discussions for nearly ninety minutes. On 22 March 1946, Gandhi visited a military camp in Aravalli Kanchan, Maharashtra, and once again mentioned Shah Nawaz Khan while addressing the soldiers. Their engagement continued through personal meetings as well as an exchange of letters, many of which survive as historical evidence of their dialogue.
At Gandhi’s urging, following the dissolution of the Indian National Army in 1946, Shah Nawaz Khan joined the Indian National Congress. Later that year, he worked in Bihar to assist victims of communal violence, alongside Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. He remained in the region during this period of unrest, and was present at the funeral of Professor Abdul Bari, who was assassinated in Bihar in March 1947.
Gandhi repeatedly acknowledged and praised Shah Nawaz Khan’s relief and peace-building efforts in Bihar during 1947. He spoke at length about Khan’s work during his prayer meetings on 29 April and 1 May 1947, and earlier, on 15 April 1947, the two were together at Gandhi’s camp in Patna. During one such conversation, Gandhi expressed his faith in him, saying: “I have great hopes for you. I wish to make you a complete soldier of non-violent weapons. You became a colonel under Netaji; in the same way, I want to make you a colonel of non-violence.”
Political Life After Independence
Even after India achieved independence in 1947, Shah Nawaz Khan continued to work in Masurhi, Bihar, focusing on relief and rehabilitation efforts. In a letter dated 7 October 1947, Mahatma Gandhi wrote to him: “Dear General Shah Nawaz, If the work you are doing there does not go to the dogs in your absence, you may leave it to go to the Punjab-Pakistan.” Despite this, Shah Nawaz Khan chose not to return to his ancestral home in what had become Pakistan; instead, his family migrated to India.
Shah Nawaz Khan entered electoral politics in independent India and was elected to the first Lok Sabha (India’s lower house of Parliament) in 1952 from Meerut, representing the Indian National Congress. He went on to win the same constituency in 1957, 1962, and 1971. Over the course of his political career, he served as a Union Minister for a total of 23 years.
Beginning in 1952, he served as Parliamentary Secretary and later as Deputy Minister for Railways. From 1957 to 1964, he held the portfolio of Food and Agriculture. He was again appointed Minister of Agriculture in 1965, followed by his tenure as Minister of Labour, Employment, and Rehabilitation in 1966. Between 1971 and 1975, he served as Minister for Petroleum and Chemicals, as well as Agriculture and Irrigation. From 1975 to 1977, he additionally served as Chairman of the Food Corporation of India while continuing as Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation.
In 1956, the Government of India constituted a commission to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Shah Nawaz Khan was appointed chairman of this commission, underscoring the trust placed in him by the national leadership. He also authored a memoir on the Indian National Army and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, regarded as an important firsthand account of the INA movement.
Representing the Meerut constituency for decades, Shah Nawaz Khan played a stabilizing role in public life, and the city remained free of major communal disturbances during his tenure. From 1977 to 1983, he served as the national in-charge of the Congress Seva Dal, the party’s volunteer organization. He remained associated with the Indian National Congress until the end of his life, continuing his commitment to public service and national unity.
General Shah Nawaz Khan passed away on 9 December 1983 while still serving the Indian National Congress. His life—spanning armed resistance, political leadership, and a steadfast commitment to unity and nation-building—remains a powerful testament to the ideals of freedom, sacrifice, and service. He is remembered not only as a soldier and statesman, but as a figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations in independent India and beyond.
— IAMC
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Opinion / by Afroz Alam Sahil / August 08th, 2026
Baare duniyā meñ raho ġham-zada yā shaad raho aisā kuchh kar ke chalo yaañ ki bahut yaad raho (It does not matter whether you are happy or sad, but do something so that you are remembered for long)
— Mir Taqi Mir
This isn’t an obituary. Nor an elegy. For how do you write an obituary for someone so grand in stature and yet so humble in living, that it defies the usual human qualities. These are just pourings of the heart — from a niece to her ‘bade abba’ (uncle) who ever lovingly called her beti (daughter).
Alam Badi Azmi, the oldest serving member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and a five-time Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from the Nizamabad constituency in Azamgarh district, died on July 22, 2026, at the age of 90. He was one of the longest-serving legislators from the region.
The ‘people’s leader’ breathed his last at his residence, bringing to an end a political career remembered as much for his simplicity as for his honesty and service to the people. Leaders from across parties, even the chief minister of the state, expressed profound grief over his death. Thousands of young and old supporters bid him farewell with tearful eyes, knowing well that a leader like him was a rarity.
Born on 16 March 1936, much before India’s independence, Alam Badi Azmi lived through every phase of the country’s political journey. He was a trained mechanical engineer and briefly worked in his profession before dedicating himself to public life.
He was fondly called ‘Chacha’ (uncle) by all. People across parties described him as a soft-spoken, compassionate, and honest leader whose values and personal integrity earned him widespread respect. He led a humble life, choosing modesty over political spectacle.
Stories abound of his high moral principles and values. He declined a ministerial position, when SP formed government in UP in 2012, saying he preferred to remain among his people and continue serving them directly. He never believed in political showmanship. During elections, he would refuse to put up posters or banners or indulge in spending money on publicity. He believed people would vote if one worked genuinely and hoenstly. His politics was never that of power and rhetoric, it was only about social service.
He was known for personally inspecting development work in his constituency, ensuring that public money was spent fairly. On his death, a leading national daily reported, “Unlike many public representatives, he lived without security or luxury. Visitors to his home were served black tea in small cups, while his son and grandson personally attended to guests as there were no domestic staff. He met visitors under a tin-shed outside his modest house and was known to travel on foot to interact with people. His clothes were simple – made from fabric costing Rs 30 a metre. He worked for social welfare, founded the Qaumi Ekta Manch in Azamgarh and authored a book focusing on communal harmony and national integration.
On the personal front, he was a committed family man. A loving and doting father to all, including his younger siblings. My memories of childhood and our much awaited summer vacations are majorly about how ‘Bade papa’ made our stay fun-filled ensuring we were served with the tastiest food and our favourite desserts every day.
Those were the times when vacations and outings were not about foreign trips and visits to exotic tourist locales. Vacations, for our generation, was the time to be spent at grandparents’ house, for which we waited year-long, bursting with excitement as the time drew near. Those stays were not just holidays. They were workshops of humanness, giving lessons along a spectrum of emotional vulnerabilities – to learn to live with extended families, cherish bonds, co-exist through highs and lows, lend helping hands, share experiences, and most importantly remain rooted to one’s traditions.
We lost our grandparents early, so the void was filled by bade abba, whose presence as the eldest in the family was that of a permanent guardian angel. When he came back home after his day-long work, he would never withdraw to his room to rest. Instead, he would spend his time talking and eating with all. Being the youngest in our family, I had the unique privilege of getting the best treats from bade abba, who would often silently hand over a candy or cookie pack exclusively meant for me. I distinctly remember the flavour of a peanut mix, which he often got for me, humorously called by him as ‘lighting of the tongue’ because of its very spicy taste.
Sleeping on roof-top with the family through summer nights, waking up unwillingly as the Sun shone on our faces and waiting to eat the most savoury of parathas which our badi ammi (his wife) made, are memories we can never forget. Bade abba’s earnings were meagre but his heart was one of gold. Lingering around him most of the time as his favourite child, I discreetly listened to many of his conversations with badi ammi about how personal finances were to be managed with a houseful of relatives. He never made anyone realise even if it was sometimes difficult catering to everyone. Our plates were always full, our hearts always brimming with joy. Bade abba knew his art. He knew how to keep things rolling and badi ammi supported him through her immaculate household management. He was the pillar which kept the family together – uncles, aunts, cousins everyone.
A noble soul who stood with the common people in their joys and sorrows, he remained steadfast in his values and continued serving people with unflinching dedication. His humility, kindness, and commitment to public concerns earned him respect throughout the region.
He remained an active worker till his last days. Truth and simplicity were the hallmark of his personality. His grassroot politics and connect with the local public made him an extremely popular leader.
With his passing, India has lost a sincere and hardworking people’s leader, the like of whom are so rate these days. He leaves behind a legacy of selfless public service. His life and ideals will continue to inspire generations. The fact that thousands of people of all communities gathered to pay their last respects on his death, speaks volumes about his character. His admirers believe the void left by him can never be filled. His death marks the end of an era.
For me, bade abba will always remain an example of warmth and love. I can still feel his hand on my head – his unique way of blessing his children.
Hazāroñ saal nargis apnī be-nūrī pe rotī hai Badī mushkil se hotā hai chaman meñ dīda-var paidā For thousands of years, the narcissus weeps over its lack of insight, it is with great difficulty that a true visionary is born
— The author is Professor at Faculty of Management Studies & Research, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. She is author of “Strategic Human Resource Management,” published by Cambridge University Press, UK.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Community News / by The Milli Gazette Online / by Feza Tabassum Azmi / August 08th, 2026
A book release programme was held at Iqra Arabic School for Girls, Melinamogeru, Mangaluru, on Saturday, August 8, marking the release of A Hole in the Boat, authored by Dr. Abdul Hameed Athar Nadwi and published by Iqra Academy of Research & Publication (IARP).
The programme was attended by Ulama, teachers, parents, students and well-wishers.
Addressing the gathering, the keynote speaker highlighted the importance of books in shaping individuals and society, observing that “a book is not only paper, not only ink, not only colour or design; it nourishes the soul.” The speaker emphasized that beneficial books play a vital role in nurturing minds, strengthening character and leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Speaking on the occasion, translator Zainab reflected on her fourteen-year educational journey at Iqra Arabic School, describing it as a period of learning, character formation and spiritual growth. She expressed gratitude to Allah and acknowledged the significant role of her parents and teachers in cultivating her interest in reading and pursuit of knowledge.
Recalling her early years, Zainab said that her father encouraged her to develop the habit of reading and introduced her to literature on Islamic morals, history, Seerah and character building. She emphasized that knowledge becomes truly beneficial when acquired under the guidance of righteous teachers and Ulama.
She also highlighted the importance of translating authentic Islamic literature into languages including English, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. She noted that language barriers often prevent readers from accessing valuable works and described translation as a means of carrying beneficial knowledge from one heart to another.
Encouraging the students, Zainab urged them to aspire to become translators, authors, researchers, publishers and ambassadors of Islamic knowledge. She also called upon young people to reduce unnecessary use of mobile phones and social media and to devote at least twenty minutes each day to beneficial reading.
The programme concluded with prayers for the success of A Hole in the Boat and for Iqra Academy of Research & Publication and Iqra Arabic School to continue their efforts towards promoting beneficial knowledge, strong character and Islamic values.
Iqra Principal Maulana Salim Nadwi, Vice Principal Maulana Dawood Nadwi, Head of the Arabic Department Maulana Abdur Rafi Nadwi, Mohammed Farhan Nadwi, and Abdul Hameed Khalifa were present.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharti / August 10th, 2026
Two residents of the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), received Session Best Awards at the 12th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) 2026, held in Bali, Indonesia. The residents participated in the conference virtually.
Dr. Syed Sohaib Hashmi, Senior Resident, received the award for his presentation, Immune Status and Its Clinico-Epidemiological Correlates Among Adults Living with HIV, conducted under the guidance of Prof. Mohammad Athar Ansari. The study examined immune status among adults living with HIV and factors influencing immune recovery.
Dr. Mohammad Bilal, Junior Resident-3, received the second Session Best Award for his presentation, Weight Gain and MUAC Recovery Following Nutrition Education of Primary Caregivers in Moderately Malnourished Children Aged 6–59 Months: A Community-Based Quasi-Experimental Study from North India, under the guidance of Dr. Ali Jafar Abedi. The study evaluated the impact of nutrition education of primary caregivers on weight gain and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) recovery among moderately malnourished children.
Prof. Uzma Eram, Chairperson, Department of Community Medicine, along with Prof. Saira Mehnaz and other senior faculty members, congratulated the residents and appreciated their contribution to public health research and academic excellence.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / August 12th, 2026
Prof Hani, who has taught economics at the college since 2000, plans technology-focused courses, ethical finance and new facilities for female students, alongside measures for their health and safety.
Mumbai :
Professor Dr Rakhshanda Hani has become the first woman to be appointed in-charge principal of Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mumbai. She took charge on August 1.
Hani, who heads the college’s Department of Economics, has been associated with the institution since 2000, when she joined as an assistant professor. She has remained with the economics department throughout her teaching career and was appointed its head in 2015.
Located on Jehangir Boman Behram Marg near Mumbai Central, Maharashtra College is affiliated with the University of Mumbai and managed by the Khairul Islam Higher Education Society. The college’s 2025-26 prospectus lists Hani as head of the Department of Economics.
Speaking about her priorities as in-charge principal, Hani said she would focus on helping students make better use of technology and introducing courses that could support their future careers.
“The present age is the age of technology. Every student has a smartphone, and through its positive use, students can improve their educational abilities. Therefore, we have to explain to them how such devices should be used properly,” she said.
“Along with this, students also need to be introduced to AI and other modern courses that are useful for career-building so that they can move forward with the times,” she added.
Hani began her teaching career at Maharashtra College in 2000, when Professor Ishaq Hawaldar was the principal. According to Hani, Hawaldar interviewed her for the post.
With encouragement and support from her family, she continued her higher studies while working at the college. She also appeared for several competitive examinations and eventually completed a PhD in economics.
Her academic experience and qualifications led to her appointment as head of the economics department in 2015. Over the years, she has also held several other positions at the college.
Focus on Female Students
After taking charge, Hani said she had decided to expand facilities for female students, including making the college gymkhana accessible to them. The facility had previously been used by boys.
“First of all, I decided that facilities should be provided in the college gymkhana for girls as well as boys so that they too can benefit from them,” she said.
She added that measures were also being taken with the health, safety and other needs of female students in mind.
The college prospectus states that the institution places particular emphasis on facilities for female students and aims to create opportunities for higher education, especially for girls from the Muslim community. Its facilities include a college gymkhana, scholarships, a students’ aid fund and campus interviews.
New Courses Planned
Hani said the college was also planning to introduce several new courses, including one in ethical finance. She said the college had entered into an agreement with a British educational institution for the course.
Established in 1968, Maharashtra College offers undergraduate programmes in arts, science and commerce. Hani’s appointment marks a new chapter in the institution’s history, making her its first woman in-charge principal.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Team Clarion / August 22nd, 2026
Data shows West Bengal has the second-highest number of registered properties, while Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana and Karnataka also recorded large numbers
New Delhi :
The UMEED portal had recorded details of 7.99 lakh Waqf properties across India by August 7, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the highest number at 1.52 lakh, according to data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
West Bengal ranked second with 1.31 lakh Waqf properties registered on the portal, followed by Kerala with 79,929 properties. Maharashtra had 71,947 properties, Telangana 63,982 and Karnataka 58,846.
The figures are part of the government’s effort to digitise Waqf property records and bring information relating to such properties onto a centralised platform.
According to documents from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the process of entering details of Waqf properties on the portal began last year. The UMEED portal-2025 is intended to bring information about Waqf properties onto a single platform and improve transparency in their management.
Delhi Waqf Board had completed the entry of details of 3,233 Waqf properties by August 7.
At the other end of the list, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu had recorded details of two Waqf properties by the same date.
The state-wise figures show wide differences in the number of Waqf properties recorded on the portal. Uttar Pradesh had the highest number, followed by West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana and Karnataka.
The government data also contains details of Waqf properties that were returned to the mutawalli or the person who had dedicated the property as Waqf.
Maharashtra recorded the highest number, with 9,292 properties returned to the Waqif, or the person who had dedicated the property as Waqf.
Kerala recorded 4,418 such properties, while 3,198 Waqf properties were returned in Gujarat, according to the ministry’s documents.
The data on returned properties is separate from the total number of properties whose details have been entered on the UMEED portal.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier explained the purpose of the UMEED portal in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
According to the information provided by the minister, the Central UMEED Portal-2025 was developed following changes made to the Waqf law and was launched on June 6, 2025.
The portal was designed to record details of Waqf properties, facilitate registration of new Waqfs and improve transparency in the management and monitoring of Waqf properties.
Under the new provisions, details of all existing Waqf properties registered before the provisions came into force are required to be entered on the portal.
The government documents also state that technical problems were found in the portal during the initial phase of registration.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by Team Clarion / August 16th, 2026
