Monthly Archives: September 2023

A student at the age of 92, Salima Khan is new Internet sensation

Bulandshahr, UTTAR PRADESH: 

A student at the age of 92, Salima Khan is new Internet sensation
Salima Khan is seen with Dr Pratibha Sharma and her great-grand daughter-in-law

Salima Khan is a new Internet sensation who enrolled herself in Chawli Primary School in Bulandshahr at the age of 92, becoming an inspiration to many. 

Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh): 

Remember Swara Bhaskar’s much acclaimed film “Nil Battey Sannata” released in 2016 where the ace actress goes back to school, attending class right with her daughter much to her dismay?

The plot is “recreated” in real life in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh though for a different reason where a Muslim woman in a video is seen sitting in a classroom with her great-grand daughter-in-law.

Salima Khan is a new Internet sensation who enrolled herself in Chawli Primary School in Bulandshahr at the age of 92, becoming an inspiration to many.

The immediate reason behind Salima Khan’s inspiring endeavour at this age is to receive pension given to elderly citizens under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).

The government under this scheme gives a monthly pension of Rs. 200 to elderly citizens of 60 to 79 years and Rs. 500 thereafter.

“Amma used to come to me with a request to help her in getting pension. I promised her help provided she come to school every day for at least half an hour and learn something”, the Headmistress told media.

Despite facing a number of age-related issues, including hearing loss and weak eyesight, Salima Khan started coming to school and attend classes.

“Salima is a regular student and is never absent. She is attending the school since the last ten months. In this period, she has learnt a lot of things”, Dr Sharma said.

“Even at this age the interest and dedication with which Salima Khan learns is motivatinf for other students”, she added.

Salima who was unable to recognise letters is now able to write her name with fare fluency and can also confidently count up to 100.

Acha lagta hai padhna. School aana bahut badhiya lagta hai. (I like to study and attend school)”, 92-year-old Salima Khan said in the video now going viral.

Inspired by Salima Khan, as many as 25 other women of the village, including her daughter-in-laws, have decided to go to school.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / September 29th, 2023

Kashmir’s 10th topper Farhana wants to become a doctor to carry forward legacy

Srinagar /Bijbehara (Anantnag District), JAMMU & KASHMIR:

Farhana Imtiyaz with her mother and sister
Farhana Imtiyaz with her mother and sister

In a heartening development, two Kashmiri girls – Sadaf Mushtaq and Farhana Imtiyaz Makroo – have topped the 10th class examination conducted by the J&K Board of Secondary Education (BOSE) by scoring 498 out of 500 marks.

While their achievements are similar their stories run on two different tracks.

While Sadaf comes from Srinagar’s well-off family, Farhana who is from south Kashmir’s small town of Bijbehara, (Anantnag district) has faced many challenges in life.

Farhana Imtiyaz told Awaz-the Voice on the phone from her home in Bijbehara that she had lost her father when she was in eighth standard. “My mother never let me and my siblings feel the pinch of economic deprivation this tragedy brought us,” she said.

Her mother Lateefa Akhtar has been supporting the family with her meagre income of Rs 5,000. She works with Anganwari (Integrated Child Development Services, ICDS) in her town.

No wonder Farhana hero-worships her mother. “She never lost hope and courage nor did she allow us, the children, to feel depressed. We continued to focus on our education.” Her elder brother is preparing for his medical entrance examination and has joined a coaching centre in Srinagar while her younger sister is in school.

 Farhana has excelled in academics throughout her schooling.

Farhana said she believes in “the power of consistency and determination; these two have been the guiding principles in my studies. Nothing is impossible as long as one is persistent and focused.”

Inspired by her late father, who was an Ayurvedic doctor and had a clinic in the town Farhana says she wants to become a doctor and “carry forward his legacy.”

She says her father was a generous practitioner and would give medicines and offer treatment to the poor free of cost.

She wants to qualify for both the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) examinations for the MBBS course so that she can join the best Medical College.

Farhana says she believes that one’s financial circumstances should never hinder one’s pursuit of education and dreams.

Farhana with her younger sister

Farhana says her Mamu (maternal uncle) Mushtaq Ahmed Wani has been another source of her strength. “Her uncle had given the family’s apple orchard to her family for using the proceeds of harvest for their needs.

She said her uncle’s support saw the family through difficult times. Farhana expressed her gratitude to her Mamu, and his contribution to making her dreams come true is immense.

In her pursuit of excellence, Farhana advises aspiring students to display consistency in their studies. She firmly believes that unnecessary breaks and interruptions can impede one’s path to achieving excellent results.

Farhana emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady focus and dedicating oneself to continuous learning and improvement. She encourages students to set clear goals, develop effective study habits, and remain committed to their educational journey.

His generosity and belief in her potential have alleviated the financial burdens that could have hindered her progress. Farhana expresses her heartfelt gratitude to her maternal uncle, recognizing his invaluable contribution to making her dreams a reality.

Her advice to those seeking to emulate her is: consistency and regular study are important; one must do proper time management and make daily study a compulsive habit.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Mehak Banday, New Delhi / July 01st, 2023

NRI entrepreneur Nasir Syed honored at NKN Media’s UAE Business Leaders award ceremony

Moodbidri (Dakshina Kannada) KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E:

Dubai :

In a ceremony held at Taj Exotica, The Palm, Dubai, NRI entrepreneur Nasir Syed was honored with Business Icon award by NKN Media, celebrating the success stories of Indian business leaders in the UAE.

The event, boasting 16 icons from diverse industries, was graced by the presence of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, former Minister of State for External Affairs and acclaimed author, who handed over the award to Nasir Syed.

Nasir Syed, a prominent figure hailing from Moodbidri and the son of Syed Mohidin from Dakshina Kannada, has established himself as a renowned entrepreneur and international superbike rider in the UAE. He is the founder and CMD of Creative House Scaffolding.

The prestigious event was organized in collaboration with India Today Group, one of India’s leading media houses. The ceremony was broadcasted on India’s prominent news channels, Aaj Tak and India Today TV. The award aimed to celebrate visionary leaders and recognize their significant impact on the UAE’s business landscape and community.

Renowned actors and influencers, including Vivek Oberoi and Salman Yusuff Khan, shared exclusive video messages with their dedicated fan base, expressing their anticipation for the event.

In addition to these messages, India’s leading news anchor, Rajdeep Sardesai, graced the occasion with his presence.

The ceremony served as a platform to showcase the inspiring journeys and remarkable accomplishments of these business icons. Engaging 30-minute episodes highlighting their stories will be broadcasted, allowing viewers to gain insights into the experiences and achievements of these influential personalities.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Business / by Vartha Bharati / September 30th, 2023

CM inaugurates ‘Beary Souharda Bhavan,’ promises to increase minority allocation to Rs 10,000 Crore

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

CM, DyCM and other prominent leaders grace the inaugral ceremony of the ‘Bearys Souharda Bhavan’.

Bengaluru:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that the state government has earmarked Rs 3,150 crores for the development of minority communities, with Rs 10,000 crores to be gradually reserved for this purpose in upcoming budgets. He made this announcement during his address at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Beary Souharda Bhavan’ here at HBR Layout.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other prominent leaders, inaugurated the Souharda Bhavan and the B.A. Mohideen Memorial Auditorium.

In his speech, Siddaramaiah emphasized the equal distribution of the state’s wealth among all its citizens, stating that “equal justice will be served, and no one can be treated unfairly.” He expressed pride in laying the foundation stone for Beary Souharda Bhavan and inaugurating it, highlighting its inclusivity by being open to people of all backgrounds.

Highlighting the important role played by harmony to achieve peace and progress in a country, he asserted that attaining peace and progress in a country or society is not possible without having harmony and equality among diverse cultures.

Stressing on creating harmony in the society, he stated, “Those who sow mistrust and hatred towards each other will be the primary reason for the downfall of this country. BA Mohideen was an exemplary personality with true secular values, who believed in friendship.”

He further assured strict action against those who disturb the peace in the society, emphasizing that individuals from all castes and religions are entitled to exercise their constitutional rights.

Beary community’s contribution to peace and development immense: D.K Shivakumar

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister D.K Shivakumar commended the Beary Community as having contributed a lot to the development of peace, harmony and educational institutions in the state. He also thanked the Beary community for its support to the Congress party in the recent Vidhana Sabha Polls.

Acknowledging the community’s positive impact on Kannada language, he added that, “the Beary speaking community has made memorable contributions to Kannada literature, culture and language is immense. While girls wear jewelry to look beautiful, the beary speaking community has made Kannada beautiful” he said.

Meanwhile, he also recalled the contribution made by the community towards the temples of the Dakshina Kannada district, and also acknowledged that it was Bappa Beary who constructed the Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple in Mulki.

Shivakumar also stressed on generating employment in hometown and asserted that instead of heading to foreign countries or the gulf one should stress on creating jobs in the hometown, the exit of talent will prove harmful for the development of the state.

Encouraging people of Mangaluru, he cited the coastal city as the investors’ paradise and that the people should generate employment locally and remove the stigma of the city being called as the laboratory of communal riots.

Speaking about the requests made by the beary community for the grants, Shivakumar assured of all possible assistance within the framework of the law.

“Increase Muslim representation in the state cabinet”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Syed Muhammad Beary, President of the Bearys Group and Beary Souharda Bhavan Building committee, urged an increase in Muslim representation in the state cabinet. Simultaneously, he also suggested giving ministerial positions to three people of the community including speaker U.T Khader.

In response to Syed Beary’s remarks, D.K Shivakumar noted during his address that, “You requested that UT Khader, who holds the position of a speaker, be considered for a ministerial role. He currently occupies a higher position above ours. SM Krishna and Jagdish Shettar were also speakers.”

Syed Beary also mentioned that the state government initially allocated a 30,000 sq ft plot of land. However, for some reasons, only 12,000 sq ft of land was allotted, and they have fully utilized it for the construction of this building.

Beary expressed hope that the government would allocate the remaining 18,000 sq ft of land for the construction of another building on the same model and hostel facilities for men.

B.A. Mohideen’s dream inspired the construction of this building, which has been named ‘Beary Souharda Bhavan’ in accordance with his suggestion. Syed Beary expressed, “This Bhavan will serve the community well, in line with the aspirations of B.A. Mohideen, who sparked an educational revolution amongst the Beary Muslims.”

The ceremony was attended by Speaker U.T. Khader, Energy Minister K.J. George, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, Legislative Council Ruling Party Chief Whip Salim Ahmed, Umar Teekay, G.A. Bawa along with many other distinguished guests.

President of Bearys Welfare Association, Bengaluru and Member of Legislative Council B.M. Farooq presided over the event.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / September 30th, 2023

All India Ideal Teachers Association to Honor Dr. Abdul Qadeer with Afzal Hussain Shikshan Ratna Award

Bidar, KARNATAKA:

Gulbarga :

The All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has announced a highly anticipated State-level program set to take place on October 1st, 2023, at Gulbarga, Karnataka.

In a recent press conference, Muhammad Raza Manvi, the President of AIITA’s Karnataka Chapter, unveiled the event’s details, highlighting the prestigious State Level Education Award, the Afzal Hussain Shikshan Ratna Award, which will be bestowed upon Dr. Abdul Qadeer the founder of Shaheen group of Institutions, a distinguished figure in the field of education.

Dr. Abdul Qadeer has been selected to receive this distinguished accolade in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field of education, setting an inspiring example for educators across the state. The award ceremony is expected to draw attention not only to Dr. Qadeer’s accomplishments but also to the importance of education and its transformative power.

The highlight of the event will be the presence of Dr. Fouziya Tarannum, the District Commissioner of Gulbarga, who has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as the chief guest.

The event is anticipated to be a gathering of educational luminaries, as teachers and educators from across Karnataka are expected to participate. This assembly will not only celebrate Dr. Abdul Qadeer’s exceptional achievements but also provide a unique opportunity for educators to come together, exchange experiences, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education in India.

The AIITA State-level program on October 1st, 2023, promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating excellence in education and the dedication of individuals like Dr. Abdul Qadeer, who continue to shape the future of our nation through their unwavering commitment to learning and teaching. The event is expected to inspire and motivate educators, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of educational excellence across Karnataka.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Education / by The Hindustan Gazette / September 30th, 2023

Metalco Group’s Abdul Razak Kote conferred with ‘Best Entrepreneur of Bahrain’ award

Udupi District, KARNATAKA / BAHRAIN:

 Haji Abdul Razak Kote Hejmady, owner of Metalco Group of Companies was conferred with ‘Best Entrepreneur of Bahrain’ award.

Former President of India Ramnath Kovind presented the award to Haji Abdul Razak.

Abdul Razak, who is the president of Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association in involved in social and religious works since many years.

Abdul Razak has been residing in Bahrain from the past 47 years. He hails from the Kote family of Hejmady in Udupi district.

He has been the voice of Muslim Community of this Island for three decades and with his vision he established Dakshina Kannada Muslim Welfare Association, which continuously works for the betterment of the community.

Abdul Razak has been a tireless advocate for the Tulu and Kannada communities. His contribution towards various programmes to promote Tulu and Kannada languages and culture has been phenomenal.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain (MS) / September 23rd, 2023

Jamia alumnus and Okhla resident Umar shines at ‘BS2023 Competition’, Tongji University, Shanghai

Okhla, DELHI:

Jamia alumnus and Okhla resident Umar shines at Shanghai event

Jamia Millia Islamia alumnus and Okhla resident, Mohd Umar, shines at the BS2023 competition at Shanghai.

Son of Professor Asif Zameer and Gauhar Asif, he is a resident of Nazir Apartment in Okhla.

Four students from India – Arjita Gupta, Debanjana Das, Mohammed Umar, and Mohi Saxena – participated in the event.

Of the 19 entries received from the USA, Australia, China, Africa, and other European countries, the CEPT team from Ahmedabad, conducted an in-depth performance analysis of the Students’ Activity Centre (SAC) at Tongji University, Shanghai, China and brought home the trophy.

This year’s competition programme aims to design and optimise a nearly net zero carbon emission building by computer simulation, it said.

source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> JMI/EDU / by the okhla times (headline edited)/ September 15th, 2023

From Doraemon to activism: 12-year-old Hyderabad girl raises voice against addiction

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

12-year-old Tania Begum is working as an ambassador of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World – India.

Tania Begum
Tania Begum

Hyderabad : 

“Who among you smokes?” Standing amidst the bustling Amberpet market, a little girl confronted a group of five to six people with this simple question. As the crowd pointed to one of them, she fearlessly launched into an impassioned speech about the adverse effects of cigarettes. 

When not all kids of her age know much about addictions, 12-year-old Tania Begum is working as an ambassador of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World – India. Tania’s mind was sparked by the advertisements on television, prompting her to pose probing questions about drugs to her father. In response, her father, an activist himself, nurtured her curiosity and provided candid, age-appropriate answers to satiate her thirst for knowledge.

Gradually, Tania, the elder sibling in her household, began accompanying her father to various programmes in the city and marathons on Sunday mornings, related to addiction awareness. Witnessing the grim realities of addiction in the lives of many, Tania felt compelled to contribute. She found her voice and purpose in delivering heartfelt speeches during these events.

Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, Tania’s father, Sallaudin Saikh, admitted, “As an activist, I never wanted my daughter to be part of any campaign. I even tried to dissuade her.” However, Tania’s passion only intensified as she delved deeper into her studies, devouring news articles, books, and YouTube videos on the subjects of addiction and drugs.

“I  loved watching Doraemon, a cartoon with cool gadgets that help people. I always wished I had similar tools to fight addiction and drugs in real life,” Tania said. Her wish came true when a foundation gave her posters and booklets to help with her mission. It was like having a real-life Doraemon by her side.

When her video, showcasing her dedication to the cause, was shared on the social media platform, Drug-Free World – India, an international organisation approached her. They were so impressed that they appointed her as their youngest brand ambassador at the astonishing age of just seven. Armed with posters and booklets from the organisation, the young campaigner began spreading awareness in schools, colleges, markets, events, and wherever her tiny voice could make a big difference. With unwavering support from her parents and a dedicated team of two more individuals, Tania embarked on a mission to educate her community.

In her eyes, alcohol stood out as the most prevalent addiction in Telangana, followed closely by painkillers. She could rattle off a litany of drug names and toxic substances that many adults were unaware of.

Tania held a strong conviction that celebrities promoting such substances were setting a harmful example. “I couldn’t fathom how many young people, much like herself, might fall into the trap of addiction influenced by these stars,” she said. She took to Twitter to voice her concerns and request these celebrities to reconsider their participation in such advertisements. Instead of support, her account was banned, and she had to create a new one to continue her advocacy.

Tania’s dedication to combating addiction continues to evolve as she sets her sights on addressing the growing issue of student addiction, particularly concerning the rising prevalence of e-cigarettes among children her age. Having read about this concerning trend, she has taken it upon herself to gather information and raise awareness about the dangers posed by e-cigarettes.

Closing liquor shop near school
Tania’s dedication knew no bounds. During her time at her previous school, Unison International, where she studied up to the 5th grade, she noticed a liquor shop in close proximity. Disturbed by the sight of her fellow students falling prey to addiction, she took it upon herself to approach the shop owner and advocate for its closure. With the support of her friends, she embarked on a daily mission to educate customers about the dire consequences of addiction. Their relentless efforts ultimately led to the shop’s closure, a testament to Tania’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to creating a drug-free world.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Renuka Kalpana, Express News Service / September 17th, 2023

Jamia student’s startup secures Rs 4cr seed funding to propel growth

NEW DELHI:

The promising startup VTEC, operating under the wings of Jamia Millia Islamia, has reached a significant milestone by securing ₹4 Crore in seed funding from an angel investor. 

Jamia student's startup secures Rs 4cr seed funding to propel growth

New Delhi: 

In a momentous achievement for Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) one of its talented MBA students and an ambitious entrepreneur, Mohammad Uwais, has successfully secured 4 crore in seed funding for his Startup VTEC.

This remarkable accomplishment has garnered attention and admiration not only within the university but also in the wider entrepreneurial community. The startup, initially bootstrapped, has now taken a significant step forward with this infusion of capital.

The promising startup VTEC, operating under the wings of Jamia Millia Islamia, has reached a significant milestone by securing ₹4 Crore in seed funding from an angel investor. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in the journey of the innovative venture, setting the stage for its rapid expansion and continued success.

The startup, VTEC, has thus far been a self-funded endeavour, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance of its entrepreneurial team. However, the recent infusion of ₹4 Crore in seed capital represents a major turning point. In exchange for this funding, the investor will acquire a 10% equity stake in VTEC, valuing the company at ₹40 Crores. This investment, which represents the pre-seed round for the company, will fuel VTEC’s ambitious growth plans.

VTEC is a multifaceted consulting firm that operates across various sub-domains, including political consulting, business consulting, finance consulting, and healthcare consulting. With a dedicated and dynamic team at its helm, VTEC has gained recognition for its expertise, innovative solutions, and commitment to delivering value to its clients.

This substantial injection of capital will allow VTEC to accelerate its expansion efforts, enhance its service offerings, and bolster its market presence. The funding will be utilized to develop cutting-edge solutions, expand the company’s client base, and invest in talent acquisition and development.

JMI takes immense pride in its association with VTEC and acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by its students. The university’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting its students’ entrepreneurial endeavours is evident through this collaboration.

The successful seed funding round reflects the confidence that investors have in VTEC’s potential to make a meaningful impact in the consulting industry. The company’s dedication to excellence, coupled with its commitment to serving diverse sectors, positions it as a valuable player in the consulting landscape.

As VTEC embarks on this exciting new phase of growth, the university extends its best wishes and unwavering support to the young entrepreneurs behind this venture. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial ecosystem at JMI and underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by ummid.com news network / September 19th, 2023

Third edition of Nawayath Cricket League begins in Mangaluru

Bhatkal (Mangaluru) , KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru: 

The third edition of the Nawayath Cricket League (NCL) commenced in Mangaluru on Monday, September 18, held at the ‘Perfect Pass’ sports arena in Falnir.

This three-day cricket tournament is exclusively organized for students and young professionals hailing from Bhatkal and its surrounding areas who are currently residing in Mangaluru.

The event is being overseen by students residing in the Bhatkal Jamatul-Muslimeen (BJM) hostel. Seven teams have entered the competition, which will come to a conclusion with a closing ceremony on September 20, following the final game.

The tournament format comprises a group stage where each of the seven teams competes against the others.

The top four teams from this stage will progress to the next round, which mirrors the format of the Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring Qualifier-1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Finale.

The tournament boasts ‘Spider Group’ as its title sponsor, with prominent Bhatkal businessmen Arshad Mohtisham, of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt. Ltd., Imtiyaz Damda of ILFA Realtors and Aziz Akrami of Spider Group also being notable sponsors.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 19th, 2023