Kazi Jalil Abbasi was a leader, freedom fighter and politician who witnessed key events of twentieth century–not just as an observer but as someone who took active part in public life, participated in movements and after independence went on to fight elections and become a legislator, minister and Parliamentarian.
When a large number of Muslims from Uttar Pradesh including elite and the community leaders, were leaving the country, he remained committed to his political ideology, kept opposing communalism and led from the front–fighting and raising his voice democratically in independent India.
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland and the most populous state in the country, had been the battleground for Congress and Muslim League before 1947. It had seen competitive communalism, inter-religious tensions and riots. On the ground, situation in UP was complex and different from other states.
Kazi Jalil Abbasi’s autobiography is insightful and reveals a lot about the period and the struggles. Abbasi was born in Bayara in Basti district in1912. He studied in different schools in Gonda, Unnao and Basti before he joined the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from where he was expelled.
All these circumstances, his idealism, role in freedom struggle are part of the book. He was against the political stand of Muslim League. The books also provides information about Congress’ organisation and the politics in UP, its leaders. There are interesting anecdotes about top leaders, ranging from Rafi Ahmad Kidwai to Indira Gandhi.
The autobiography titled ‘Kya Din The!’ was originally published in Urdu.
Arif Ansari has now translated it in English. Ansari is settled in Washington DC. The book that runs into nearly 350 pages is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the era, important events and the post-partition situation in Uttar Pradesh.
Remarkable achievements highlight talent and determination in Bihar’s intermediate results.
New Delhi :
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) on Tuesday revealed the 2025 Class 12 exam results, and this year, two Muslim students from modest backgrounds have made headlines by securing the first and second positions. Shakib Shah from Buxar district and Rukaiya Fatima from Begusarai have not only made their families proud but also demonstrated the power of hard work and ambition in overcoming challenges.
Shakib Shah, a student at Plus Two High School Koransarai in Buxar, achieved an impressive 473 out of 500 marks, securing the top position in the Arts stream. His 94.6% score has ignited celebrations in his village, with locals and teachers praising him as a source of inspiration. “I studied hard every day, and my teachers supported me throughout. My dream is to crack the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam and serve as an administrative officer,” Shakib told Zee Media, his determination evident in his words.
Following the announcement of his results, Shakib received a flood of congratulations at his home in Koransarai. Teachers from his school, along with the District Education Officer, visited the school to honour their star student. “Shakib has always been a focused student. His success is a testament to his hard work and the guidance he received here,” said one of his teachers, beaming with pride.
Meanwhile, Rukaiya Fatima, a student at BN High School Teyai in Begusarai’s Teghra subdivision, earned the second position with 471 marks, achieving 94.2% marks. The daughter of Mohammad Abu Salem, a bidi trader from Kolkata, Rukaiya comes from a family of seven sisters, where she is the third child. Despite her father’s modest income and the challenges of supporting a large family, Rukaiya’s resolve to excel never wavered. “I want to become an IAS officer and work for the poor. Education is my way to change my family’s future,” she shared with local reporters.
Rukaiya’s success has brought joy to her community in Begusarai. Her school principal described her as a diligent and bright student who balanced her studies with household responsibilities. “She would often stay back after classes to clear her doubts. Her success shows what girls can achieve with determination,” the principal remarked.
The Bihar Board 12th exams, held between 1 and 15 February 2025, saw over 12.92 lakh students appear across 1,677 centres in the state. This year’s results reflect an overall pass percentage of 86.50%, with the Arts stream recording 82.75%. Shakib and Rukaiya’s stellar performances stand out, not only for their academic brilliance but also for their powerful message of resilience and hope.
For Shakib, topping the state is just the beginning. Growing up in a simple family in Koransarai, he credits his family’s encouragement and his own disciplined routine. “My parents never let me feel any pressure. They just told me to do my best,” he said. His ambition to join the administrative services stems from a desire to uplift his community and tackle local issues like education and employment.
Rukaiya’s journey is equally inspiring. Despite growing up in a family with limited resources, she often studied by candlelight during power cuts. Her father, Mohammad Abu Salem, expressed his pride over the phone from Kolkata: “I always knew Rukaiya was special. She has made us all proud, and I hope she achieves her dream of becoming an IAS officer.” Rukaiya’s six sisters also look up to her, with the youngest saying, “I want to study hard like Rukaiya Apa.”
The success of these two students has also highlighted the untapped potential within Bihar’s Muslim community, which often faces socio-economic challenges. Local leaders and educators have hailed their achievements as a beacon of hope. “Shakib and Rukaiya have shown that talent knows no boundaries. Their success will inspire countless others,” said a senior official from the BSEB during the result announcement press conference in Patna.
However, their triumphs stand in contrast to the broader narrative in Bihar, where tensions between communities have occasionally erupted. Critics have often pointed to the state’s history of communal friction, exacerbated by divisive politics and economic disparities. Some have accused Hindu groups of marginalising minority achievements in educational settings. Yet, Shakib and Rukaiya’s success challenges these narratives, proving that merit and perseverance can overcome prejudice.
To celebrate their achievements, the BSEB has announced cash prizes and scholarships for the toppers, with Shakib set to receive £2 lakh and Rukaiya £1.5 lakh, along with laptops to support their future academic pursuits. These rewards, doubled from last year, reflect the state’s commitment to nurturing talent. “We are proud of all our students, and these two have set an exceptional standard,” said BSEB Chairman Anand Kishore.
As Bihar celebrates its top achievers, the stories of Shakib Shah and Rukaiya Fatima resonate beyond their exam results. Their journeys embody the dreams of millions in a state where opportunities are scarce, and their success serves as a shining example of the transformative power of education. For now, the spotlight remains on these remarkable individuals, whose stories are only beginning to unfold.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslim / by Mohammad Bin Ismail, Clarion India / March 26th, 2025
Solapur man turns passion into business, crafting custom Cricket Bats for players across India.
Wadala Village (Solapur) :
Khwaja Tamboli’s story is one of grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in hard work. Hailing from a modest family in Wadala village, North Solapur, the 28-year-old entrepreneur has turned his childhood love for cricket into a thriving business—’KT Bats’—producing high-quality tennis ball cricket bats tailored to players’ needs across India.
Khwaja’s journey was far from easy. His father, Ajmuddin Tamboli, had to stop working 14 years ago due to mental illness, leaving his mother, Rashad, as the sole breadwinner. “I’ve seen many difficulties,” Khwaja recalls. “My mother sold household items and managed weekly markets just to keep us afloat. Poverty doesn’t stop dreams, but hard work is needed to fulfil them.”
After completing a B.Sc in Chemistry, Khwaja developed an allergy to chemicals, closing doors to traditional employment. But his passion for cricket opened another. “I was always fascinated by bats,” he says. “When I couldn’t find a job, I decided to start small—selling sports goods from a shop given by the Gram Panchayat.”
Initial struggles tested his resolve. Big companies refused to supply goods without bulk orders, and his first attempt at rebranding cheap bats with his own stickers failed. “Customers didn’t like them, and I faced losses,” he admits. Undeterred, Khwaja travelled to Kashmir to study wood types and bat-making techniques.
Returning with newfound knowledge, he invested in a machine and began crafting bats himself. “I realised if market bats weren’t good, I’d make better ones,” he says. The gamble paid off—his business took off, with players appreciating the customised quality.
Khwaja doesn’t just sell bats; he engineers them. Studying player preferences, he adjusts weight and balance based on playing style. “A 970-gram bat suits aggressive players hitting all around the ground,” he explains. “For those who play ‘V’ shots, a heavier bat (1030-1050g) with weight at the bottom works best.”
His bats now cater to players in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand. But success hasn’t made him forget his struggles. “I’ve seen poverty, so if a player can’t afford a bat, I give it at a lower price,” he says, recalling how he recently gifted a ‘Player Edition’ bat to a needy cricketer from Gujarat.
Rashad Tamboli, Khwaja’s mother, beams with pride. “He loved cricket since childhood. I invested my savings in his dream, and he proved himself,” she says.
Today, ‘KT Bats’ sells 100-200 bats monthly, priced from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. But Khwaja dreams bigger. “I want ‘KT Bats’ stores across India,” he says. “My brand should be recognised in every state.”
From a struggling student to a role model for young entrepreneurs, Khwaja Tamboli’s journey proves that with perseverance, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / April 04th, 2025
Every city in India has many iconic bookshops and Lucknow too has a few. However, in recent years, a bookshop has drawn attention of book lovers because of the variety and collection of books, particularly, in Urdu.
This bookshop has drawn readers from other states and cities too and people buy from him online as well. But the most unique aspect about this bookshop is that the passion of the owner who has been running it purely for the love of books.
Imagine, you go and find a good book and want to buy it. The bookshop owner appears sad that you chose the particular book. “I have just one copy of this book and I want to keep it”, says the man, who owns this shop. Or going to the extent of telling the visitor that they can take a look and buy from any shop elsewhere or telling the location or suggesting how to get a particular book.
But first about the uniqueness of the bookshop. Unlike other Urdu bookshops, the owner Shahood Ul Hasan Khan keeps a very wide range of books. It’s not limited to a few publishers but he keeps books of all publications and also ensures that books ranging from all the topics are available in Urdu, ensuring a collection.
From literature to language, and law politics to philosophy, history to Islam, Hindusim and other religions, fiction, non fiction, other than books in English and Hindi too, everything is available under one roof. He tries to put on display maximum books of all variety in his shop.
“I wanted to be among books, own them and have them around me”, he says. That’s the reason he started the bookshop even though people are always suggesting that he should switch to some other business. “It’s true that I put lot of money, because it’s my hobby and passion. However, it is not a very lucrative business.
He gets lot of unwanted advices and people have finally reconciled that he would not switch to anything else, except, keeping himself amid books. People and relatives keep advising that I should give this big space to someone and the rent would be more than my current earnings, but this is my passion”, says Khan, 42, who started Parekh Book Depot, and has totally dedicated himself in this work.
“I do it for the sake of books, not for profit. I always wanted to do this and hence I am happy doing what I do”, he further adds. In a city that has iconic Danish Mahal in Aminabad and many other bookshops, the emergence of Parekh Book Depot and it’s growing popularity, has drawn attention of people.
Urdu readers who come to Lucknow, try to take time out of their schedule and visit the place, as they know they might get a surprise, a rare book that was not available for long, translation of a famous English or French book or latest ones that have just been out of printing press.
As I select the books and am about to pay, he tells me that I can get these books online or from another particular place too. When I asked him why was he not keen on selling it and giving me the suggestion, he said that, ‘this set of books is not an ordinary one and we don’t know when it again gets printed and comes to market, hence, I am having a hitch and can feel that I am losing something.
At least, the set of books was with me till now”, Shahood Ul Hasan says. It was subsequently that I spoke to him and he told me about his life and his passion that has earlier been described in the report. Hailing from Rohtas in Bihar, he had come to Lucknow as an infant. He studied in the famous Nadwatul Ulema and his bookshop is also close to the gate of the seminary in Lucknow.
Many bookshops are selling just religious texts or literature. Also, there are different models. But he has shown a way, how a bookshop can thrive in an era when people keep ruing about lack of readership. “I am happy that I make enough to run my household. What else do I wish for?”.
One thing is sure, he has put in efforts and money but his passion has resulted in this bookshop emerging as an institution. It is remarkable that he opened the bookshop in 2016, and within a couple of years, it was too well known and in direct contact with readers who get details on their Whatsapp accounts about news books’ arrival and then order them through post as well.
source: http://www.newsbits.in / NewsBits.in / Home> Special / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / July 11th, 2023
The Famous personality of Hyderabad Nawab Wajid Ali Khan Retd. Superintendent of Police Ex AP, son Engr. Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan, grandsons Mohammed Shahzaib Ali Khan, Financial Analyst and Engr. Mohammed Shahwaar Ali Khan, wedding and reception ceremonies were held in accordance with the Hyderabadi culture and traditions at the Shalimar Banquets and Ambiance Banquets both were held in the Chicago America.
On this occasion, many guests attended functions by many friends and dignitaries from different states of India, America, Canada and KSA. Engineer Ameer Mohammed Khan is a well-known Civil Engineer of Indian origin and President of the All-Saints’ High School old students association.
The marriage ceremony of his younger son Mohammed Shahzeab Ali Khan was performed at the Masjid Al Jumma Bolingbrook IL with Zaina Salim, the daughter of prominent American businessman Asif Salim.
Maulana Mufti Qari Arif Kamal read the marriage sermons and prayed for the couples and ummah. While many distinguished guests participated in the wedding reception of eldest son Engr Mohammed Shahwaar Ali Khan, son of Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan. In both the ceremonies, the guests were entertained and served authentic traditional and tasty Hyderabadi foods.
The highlight of Mohammad Shahzeab Ali Khan’s wedding was that there was an opportunity to see an extraordinary glimpse of Hyderabadis civilization in the baraat procession. All the guests were dressed in sherwanis & Turbans in the procession.
The groom was riding a decorated horse and the procession gave an impression of a prince’s marriage procession. In both the ceremonies, special attention was paid to the traditional Hyderabadi culture and together with the participation of the two daughters in laws of Mrs. & Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan, Syeda Urooj Khan the daughter of, Nawab Mir Qutbuddin Ali Khan Saheb and Mr. Asif Saleem Saheb Zaina Saleem.
For the information of It should be noted that Syeda and Urooj Khan is the great granddaughter of His Highness, the HEH the Nizam 7th of Hyderabad Deccan, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Saheb Bahadur.
The Wedding ceremony and the Wedding reception ceremony were attended by the family members of late Muhammad Bin Saeed Bahaman (Super A Class Contractor, Hyderabad), late Nawab Wajid Ali Khan Sahib (former Superintendent of Police, Ex AP) from Hyderabad Deccan.
Among the invitees who attended in these ceremonies were from the different parts of United States of America and Canada were State Senator Ms. Nabila Syed (Illinois), Martin McManamon (Commissioner, Highways Illinois) Haime Fallad (Dy Chief Engineer Metra Rail) Mr. Khokhar (Mayor, Glendale Heights, Illinois), Politicians, CEO’s and the Presidents of several Engineering companies, famous and well-known Doctors, Attorneys, Judges, Businessmen, Industrialists, Chartered Accountants, many of the professional experts from various walks of life participated and expressed good wishes to the two new couples and blessed them with their prayers.
Among those who showered their love and faithfulness on both the Bridegrooms and the Brides. The close relatives who have welcome the guests were Dr. Sultan Sikandar Ali Khan (New York), Advocate Malik Liaquat Ali Khan (California)
Engr. Fazal Mustafa Ali Khan (KSA), Dr. Fazal Sarvari (Chicago) Dr. Muhammad Saifuddin (Chicago) Mr. Muhammad Athar (Chicago), The family members of Nawab Mir Qutbuddin Ali Khan (Chicago), Mr. Asif Salim, (Chicago), Abubakar Bin Mohammad and Umar Bin Mohammad (Builders and Developers Deccan Hi-Tech Constructions, Hyderabad), Dr. Shaheera Khan, Attorney Shahina Khan, Engr Shariq Shaikh, Engr Zubair Ali,(all Chicago). Engr Zaheer Khan (California), Engr Ghouse Khan (Boston), Engr Shujaat Khan (New Jersey), Dr. Fahad Sarvari (Chicago), Engr Shafath Khan (Dallas), Syed Irfan Ahmed (California) and others.
Mrs. & Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan has thanked the guests.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> NRI’s Corner / by News Desk X / June 17th, 2023
Manzar Bhopali felicitated by Greg Fischer, the mayor of Louisville, US
In a rare honour, eminent poet Manzar Bhopali was felicitated in Louisville in US and was handed over keys of the city. Louisville is also known as the birthplace of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The mayor of Louisville, Greg Fischer, handed over the keys to the Bhopal-based Urdu poet. This is probably the first time an Indian poet has been handed over the keys to an American city.
He was also proclaimed honorary citizen of the city. The poet has been honoured for his contribution towards promoting peace through his poetry.
The honour has been given as the town appreciates the power of a poet to touch people’s hearts and minds, reads the citation. Manzar Bhopali had gone to US recently to participate in ‘mushairas’. “It’s a big honour and I feel humbled,” said Manzar Bhopali.
In an email conversation with Hindustan Times, Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said art connects all people and it is an honour to recognise this global citizen for peace and justice.
“We honour all leaders in arts. They bridge our common humanity and remind us that we are all connected in making our communities and the world a better place,” he further said.
“Compassion is a top value of my administration. Compassion means we respect all of our citizens and work together so that human potential flourishes. We bring compassion to life in many ways including service to others, curriculum in our schools, and being a signatory to, and living the values of, the charter for compassion.”
Manzar Bhopali is a renowned Urdu poet who has more than half-a-dozen collections of poetry to his name. He is a regular at mushairas in Gulf, America, Australia, UK and other foreign countries.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi, Bhopal / October 10th, 2014
More than seven decades after India achieved independence, the role of innumerable martyrs and freedom fighters who gave their blood and offered lives for the motherland, needs to be remembered.
Many of them got harsh punishments, didn’t get proper last rites, remain forgotten and even those whose sacrifices are known, don’t have monuments or memorials built in their memory.
The martyrdom of Nawab Kadar Ali, and his companions, who planned attack on residency and to take on the East India Company forces in Nagpur, also needs to be recalled. They were hanged here for their role in 1857–the first war of independence.
Though there is no monument named after them and no big memorial, they remain heroes in public memory. The fort that had been a base of 118 Infantry Battalion for years, is opened on three days including August 15 and January 26. Thousands of people arrive on these days, and also pay visit to the grave and offer their respects.
The flame for independence was already lit. History books mention that soon after Meerut, the anger was palpable among soldiers and citizens in this region too. On June 13 1857, a large gathering took place near Mission High School. The soldiers too were anxious and ready.
Scared, some of the East India Compnay officials ran towards Kamptee Cantonment, while others went inside the Sitabuldi Fort. It was due to treachery that the attack plans had been leaked and the news reached British officers. More EIC forces were called from other places to control and overpower the rebels.
Rani Baka Bai, wife of late Raghoji II, was supporting the British and issued a warning that anyone abetting or aiding the revolutionaries would be arrested and handed to the East India Company. It’s a long story and how the soldiers and citizens suffered, refused to name the leaders of the movement.
Historical texts say that the signal of a fire balloon was decided. But after the traitors gave information to East India Company officers, Plowden, the commissioner, ordered a regiment to move into the city. The irregular calvary at Tali was dismayed. Major Arrow tried to get information from ring leaders but no one gave names.
Baka Bai summoned all her relations, and dissuaded them with threats. This chilled the spirit of public. However, later when Company officials’ strengthened their hold, the rebels were identified. Arms were collected and after inquiry, Dildar Khan, Inayatullah Khan, Vilayat Khan and Nawab Kadar Ali were tried and executed.
KILLED, HANGED, BURIED IN A COMMON PIT
The Gazetteer briefly mentions that ‘tucked away between the easter walls of the inner fort and the barracks is a large grave known as Nav Gazah Baba…the grave of Nawab Kadar Ali…and his eight associates..who were killed and hanged by the ramparts of the fort due to their role in the war of independence”.
“They were all buried in a common pit, nine yards long. The fort recalls to our mind the memory of the brave soldiers who fought in an attempt to preserve the independence of the mother land”. It was treachery that was responsible for the arrests and the punishment. Those who helped the British, got ‘jagirs’ as rewards.
Ghulam Rasool ‘Ghamgeen’, the poet, wrote these lines in Farsi :
Choo.n Qadar Ali Khan Ameer Kabeer Shud-az-tohmat, ahl-e-balwa aseer
Duaa’e shahaadat ba-raahe Khuda shab w roz mi kard aa.n mahtada … … Khirad guft ee.n misra-e-silk-e-noor Za-daar-e-jafaa shud ba-daar-e-suroor
The last couplet of this long Persian verse, brings out the ‘tarikh’, the year of execution. The complete verse is mentioned in Dr Mohammad Sharfuddin Sahil’s book ‘Tarikh-e-Nagpur’. It shows the impact of the hangings on the people in the region. Nagpur is geographillcally considered to be a part of Central India and is the biggest city in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
The fort for a long period remained the base of 118 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army. Every year, on August 15 and January 26, fort is opened for public so that it can pay respect to the freedom fighters. It’s also opened on May 1 i.e. Maharashtra Day. [Illustration is representive]
source: http://www.newsbits.in / NEWS Bits / Home> Top News / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / August 15th, 2021
Once it was a princely state, today it’s a dot on the map of Madhya Pradesh. Haidargarh-Basoda, a principality, remained in existence for nearly two centuries in the centre of India.
It was also known as Nawab Basoda and is known for its unique history. However, after independence when the state merged and lost its identity, not even made a district and relegated to the status of a town, the place lost focus and its heritage and traditions could not be properly documented.
However, it’s well known in history that Nawab Diler Khan was the founder of the State that later got divided into Haidargarh Basoda, Kurwai and Muhammadgarh. The original princely state* had come into being in the year 1713 AD, [and was later carved into three separate states]. Mughal power was weakening after nearly 190 years.
It was during the reign of Emperor Farrukhsiyar, the great grandson of Aurangzeb, that Nawab Diler Khan managed to establish his principality in this region. The death of Nawab Diler Khan is recorded in the year 1732. After him, it was his son Nawab Izzat Khan who succeeded.
However, Nawab Izzat Khan and his younger brother Ahsan Ullah Khan had the territory divided. The latter, Nawab Ahsan Ulla Khan also divided his state into two parts, one of which was known as Haidagarh Basoda or Nawab Basoda. The Basoda state came into being in early 1750s.
After Nawab Ahsan Ulla Khan’s death in 1790, his son Nawab Wakaullah Khan remained the chieftain but he died five years later. His wife was regent and the minor son Nawab Asud Ali Khan became the ruler when he attained the rightful age. It was during this period that the first war of independence or mutiny [as British termed it] took place.
Nawab Asud Ali Khan passed away in 1864. He was succeeded by his son Nawab Omar Ali Khan who was an author and a traveller. He went across the world and wrote about his visits. He passed away in 1895. He was succeeded by his son Nawab Mohammad Haidar Ali Khan.
It was during this period that the state became known as Haidargarh. Then, Nawab Masood Ali Khan became Nawab and after a three year stint, state got merged when India became independent. The title remained. After 1971, privy purses were abolished. He passed away in 1976.
“After our grandfather Nawab Masood Ali Khan, his son Nawab Kiswhar Ali Khan succeeded him”, says Siddiq Ali Khan, a descendant of the family. ‘My father Anwar Ali Khan is the younger brother of Kishwar Ali Khan”, he further says. How the family coped with the state was merged?
“Most of the members of our clan took care of the lands. Apart from this, some of us are in different professions”, says Khan, who lives in Bhopal. “We had agrarian land and hence the family got engaged in it, though some took jobs and became doctors, engineers. One of our uncles, Bakhtiyar Ali Khan, studied in Cambridge school in Bhopal. My father has also been in politics”, Siddiq Ali Khan, further adds.
The Haidargarh Basoda state [now Haidergarh] was spread over an area of over 103 sq km i.e. 40 sq miles. Now, it is located near Gyaraspur town in Vidisha district adjoining Bhopal. Haidargarh, now spelt Haidergarh Basoda, is a civic body. The fort and the family’s ancestral palace still stand as testimony to the fact that this small panchayat was once was a principality with a rich history.
[*Originally Nawab Diler Khan established a state in 1713 AD that was later carved into three separate states and Basoda came into being in 1753]
source: http://www.newsbits.in / NEWS Bits / Home> Heritage / by Shams Ur Rehman Alavi / February 15th, 2023
Eva Fathima Basheer, a Grade 3 student of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, has been recognised by the India Book of Records for her exceptional feat of reading English storybooks for the longest uninterrupted duration by a child.
At just nine years old, Eva read aloud from six English storybooks for 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 38 seconds without a break. She received the India Book of Records Achievers Award for this accomplishment at a ceremony held on 29 March 2025 at the organisation’s centre in Faridabad, Haryana.
Apart from this record, Eva has excelled in academics, securing gold medals in various national and international Olympiads conducted by reputed institutions. She is also actively involved in extra-curricular and social activities, including cleanliness drives, environmental awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and promoting safety practices.
Eva’s interests extend to writing stories, poems, and articles, as well as drawing and singing.
She hails from Aramboor in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, and currently lives in Sharjah with her parents.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / March 29th, 2025
A 17th century mosque in Punjab declared declared as a symbol of religious tolerance by the UNESCO and UNDP has no Muslim worshippers. Called Guru ki maseet (Mosque of the Guru) it is being looked after by the Sikhs.
Its story dates to the early 17th century. When the sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Singh, took over the throne, Emperor Akbar’s efforts to bring all religions together had already failed. In the reign of Jahangir, animosities based on religious difference had begun to surface across India.
Soon, Hargobind Singh realized that in the midst of growing tension and threats, only spirituality would not work.
With this idea, Guru Hargobind Singh started wearing two swords on his body. He called them the swords of Piri and Miri. Piri referred to spirituality and Miri to power. He also raised an army to fight wars.
In one of his armed campaigns, his army camped on the banks of the Beas River. Soon a big settlement came up here and it was called Hargobindpur. Today one can reach this place while travelling on Hoshiarpur-Batala Road in Punjab.
The township had people of all religions. Soon a temple and a Gurudwara were built there. There were only a few Muslims there and they had no place of worship. As their numbers were low, building a mosque was not feasible at the community level.
They went to Guruji and told him their problem.
Guru Hargobind Singh instructed his authorities to build a mosque for the Muslims to worship. In no time the mosque was built on a small hillock on the banks of the Beas River. The sound of Azan from the mosque reverberated in the air for the next several hundred years.
Guru ki Maseet at Hargobindpura, Punjab
However, after the partition of India and many Muslims leaving for Pakistan in 1947, this mosque was deserted. All the Muslim families of Hargobindpura had left for Pakistan.
As the mosque was related to Guru Hargobind Singh, the Nihang Sikhs built a Gurudwara there. Today, the sounds of Gurbani resonate there the place every morning and evening.
In the last decade of the twentieth century, Muhammad Rizwanul Haq of the Punjab Waqf Board visited the town and met many Sikh leaders. He requested the Sikhs that since this mosque was built on the orders of Sikh Guru it should be allowed to remain a mosque.
The Sikh leaders consulted historians; they too concurred with the idea of the place being retained as a mosque.
Soon a consensus was reached. Once again the kar seva started and the mosque was renovated. Some people from the Punjab Waqf Board also came there but most of the kar seva was done by Sikhs.
Nihang Sikhs who look after the mosque sitting outside Guru ki Maseet
The mosque was restored to its original shape in 2002.
For its inauguration, the locals invited Imam Maulana Hamid Hussain Qasmi of Amritsar’s Jama Masjid to lead the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the mosque.
Even today there is no Muslim living in Hargobindpur and yet the mosque stands tall. Today, Guru ki Maseet is cared for by Nihang sevadars.
In 2003, this historic mosque gained international recognition when UNESCO and the UNDP’s Culture for Peace project highlighted its importance as a symbol of religious tolerance.
(The author is a senior journalist)
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Harjinder / April 01st, 2025
