Monthly Archives: June 2025

‘With technique, not muscle’: How kettlebell lifting helped a 28-year-old flip the script

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

From a modest Kolkata gym to the world podium, kettlebell champion Danish Naushad lifts dreams without the weight of support — just sheer will.

Danish Naushad is raising the tricolour at an international level, one lift at a time / All pictures by Soumyajit Dey

In 2017, Danish Naushad was training for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and following standard hypertrophy routines at a modest Kolkata gym. It was there that a chance encounter with a little-known piece of equipment — a kettlebell — set him on a path he had never imagined.

“A trainer named Saikat introduced me to it. It was kept in a dusty corner. We started with swings, and I found it refreshing, different,” said 28-year-old Danish.

Kettlebell: The unseen sport

Kettlebell lifting — or Girevoy Sport as it’s known in Russia — is an endurance-based strength sport. Unlike Olympic weightlifting that focuses on one-rep max lifts, kettlebell events run for 10 minutes or more, demanding relentless reps without setting the weight down.

Danish Naushad practicing at his home gym

“You need technique, lungs, and legs — not just muscle. That’s what people don’t understand,” Danish explained.

From NDA dream to a new calling

Danish was on track to join the NDA but couldn’t pursue it due to personal reasons. He fell into depression and briefly left home. But his family pulled him back — and his gym community, too. “My gym owner said, why not go ahead with fitness? That changed my life.”

He became a certified trainer under NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and began coaching clients worldwide. Danish is also a certified strength training specialist under ISSA (International Sport Sciences Association). He reinvested his earnings into his athletic journey — even selling his dream Kawasaki Z900 to build a home gym.

Early Failures and the Ego Check

Danish’s raw strength took him through his first competitions, but failure at a 2018 state meet — where he only received a participation certificate — deeply affected him. “That shook me. I was overconfident, relying only on my shoulders.”

Danish built his home gym by selling off his dream bike, a Kawasaki Z900

That humbling led him to coach Arnab Sarkar, a pioneer of the kettlebell sport in India. “From 2019, real training began. I learnt that patience and technique matter more than brute strength.”

National records and online competitions

Danish’s breakthrough came in 2020 with a national record of 155 jerks using double 16 kg bells. When Covid hit, he embraced the new normal — online competitions.

“We hosted the world’s first online kettlebell championship from India. Judged live over video calls. Over 100 athletes joined. It kept the sport alive.”

Setbacks and redemption

In 2022, a missed visa meant he couldn’t compete at the IGSF (International Gira Sport Foundation) World Championship in Greece. But luck turned when the IUKL(International Union of Kettlebell Lifting) hosted a world event in Delhi later that year. Danish won bronze — his first world medal.

From missing a tournament due to visa issues to securing gold at the next, Danish’s story is an inspiring one

He followed that up with an emotional win at the 2024 IKMF (International Kettlebell Marathon Federation) World Championship in Denmark, clinching gold in the double pentathlon — an event he hadn’t prioritised. “I was shocked. I was going to the washroom and heard my name being called.”

Spain 2025: Against the odds

Preparing for Spain’s 2025 IKMF Championship, Danish dropped nearly 8kg in weight and doubled down on training. He lifted 52 reps in the 40 kg event — a personal best, finishing fourth against heavier European lifters.

Danish posing with his most recent gold won at Spain’s IKMF Championship 2025

But once again, it was the pentathlon — the side event — where he struck gold. “The event I didn’t bet on gave me the biggest reward. It’s always like that.”

Kettlebell in India: No support, all heart

Despite multiple international medals, Danish receives no government support. “There’s no funding, no recognition. We pay for our own visas, travel, gear.”

He dreams of a future where kettlebell lifters are backed by the government like in Russia — where athletes are promoted in the army or railways for their achievements. “Here, we don’t even get a pat on the back. But we keep going.”

Training the next generation

Danish now coaches aspiring athletes, including those who can’t afford international travel. “I’ve taken athletes to nationals on my own dime. One under-60 kg lifter I train could be among India’s best.”

He sustains himself as a full-time online coach, training clients across the US, Mexico, and Canada via Zoom. “I do assessments, build personalised programs — some people just have a rope or dumbbell at home. I make it work.”

Faith, focus and Bernabeu dreams

Danish credits his spiritual journey — one that deepened post-Ramzan in 2024 — for helping him stay grounded. “I pray before every event. Not to win, but to not come back sad. That matters more.”

Danish has his gold winning jersey from Denmark framed. His idol is Cristiano Ronaldo and being able to see Real Madrid’s stadium was a dream come true for him

In Spain, he fulfilled a childhood dream — visiting Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. “The quote I remember is, ‘The jersey can be stained with blood, sweat, and mud — but never with shame.’ That’s how I see my Indian jersey too.”

The road ahead: Hungary and beyond

Next stop: Hungary, for the IKMF World Championship in November 2025. For now, he’s training without a coach — building his own programs and aiming to hit CMS (Candidate for Master of Sport) and then MSWC, the highest global kettlebell rank.

“We dream of beating a Russian in Russia one day,” he says with a smile. “That’s the moment we’ll know we’ve done something.”

A final word

Danish has made his aspirations clear and he hopes backing will come at some point in his career

Eight years into his journey, Danish Naushad still doesn’t consider himself accomplished. “When I win a world medal under the Indian flag — with government recognition — only then will I say I’ve made it.”

Until then, the man from Kolkata will keep lifting. Not just weights — but the hopes of a sport still struggling for a place under India’s sporting sun.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> My Kolkata> People / by Debrup Chaudhuri / June 25th, 2025

Ghulam Nabi Tantray- a visionary educationist from Bandipora

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Ghulam Nabi Tantray

They say success is not just about what one achieves, but about the hurdles one overcomes along the way. This thought resonates powerfully with the life story of Ghulam Nabi Tantray — an educationist, sports enthusiast, and social worker.

Tantray’s upbringing was rooted in simplicity, honesty, and service. After completing his primary education in Ayathmulla and higher secondary schooling in Bandipora, he went on to earn a degree in humanities from Sopore.

Later, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Kashmir, paving the way for his professional journey.

Ghulam Nabi Tantray ((extreme right) receiving an award

At the age of 26, Tantray started working as a government contractor, a profession he continued until 2003. But as he often recalls, something inside him was always drawn towards education and youth development.

Answering that inner calling, he set up a B.Ed. College in Bandipora — a turning point in his life and the lives of many young students in the region.

The college didn’t just offer degrees; it provided direction to hundreds of students from North Kashmir and beyond, helping them acquire skills and confidence to become self-reliant.

Nabi was born in a modest family and he rose from the remote village of Ajar in Bandipora to become a respected name in the educational and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Believing in holistic development, Tantray also invested his energy in sports. In 2014, he was part of the Indian martial arts team that represented the country in an international event in Iran.

Ghulam Nabi Tantray in his office

His passion saw him take up leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of the Kickboxing Federation of India and State Vice President of the Rugby Association of J&K.

He organized several national-level sports events in Bandipora and even arranged accommodations for outstation players. It was under his mentorship that young Tajamul Islam, now a global name in kickboxing, began her journey.

In 2015, Tantray leaped forward by establishing Doon International School in Chowadhi, Jammu. What started as a dream to provide modern education rooted in Indian ethos has today grown into one of the top educational institutions in the region.

As Chairman, Tantray ensures that the school offers more than just academics. From inclusive classrooms and a focus on mental well-being to a pollution-free environment and innovative learning spaces, Doon International School reflects his vision of shaping compassionate and capable citizens.

“We wanted to build not just a school, but a place where excellence and values go hand in hand,” Tantray told Awaz-The Voice.

Ghulam Nabi Tantray receiving an award

Over the years, Tantray’s work has received widespread appreciation. He has been honoured with Rashtriya Gaurav Award, International Education and Leadership Award, and Cyber MediaGlobal Achievers Award, presented by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE.

He also received recognition from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his contribution to education in J&K.

In 2023, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the University of South America — a rare recognition that acknowledges his work in the fields of education and social service.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tantray came forward to support the district administration in Bandipora, providing essential aid to the underprivileged. He also played a vital role in relief work during the devastating floods in Kashmir.

Despite the accolades, Tantray remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to support families in need in his native village Ajar, mentor youth from remote areas, and innovate within the education sector through DIS Jammu.

His life is more than just a personal success story. It’s a reflection of how belief, purpose, and action — when combined — can bring about meaningful change in society.

As Jammu and Kashmir strive to build a better future through education and opportunity, the journey of Ghulam Nabi Tantray stands as a shining example of how one individual can become a force of transformation.

In every student who dares to dream, in every teacher who stands firm, and in every child who walks into Doon International School with hope — there echoes the spirit of Ghulam Nabi Tantray.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Danish Ali, Jammu / June 29th, 2025

MI Zahir Among 20 Journalists Honoured with ‘Indian Media Warrior Award 2025’ in Jaipur

Jaipur, RAJASTHAN :

Senior journalist M.I. Zahir receiving the SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 at Pink City Press Club. Jaipur.

Jaipur :

In a grand ceremony held at the Press Club Auditorium in Jaipur, 20 leading journalists from across India were honored with the “SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025” for their fearless, unbiased, and committed contributions to journalism. Among the awardees was M.I. Zahir, a distinguished journalist from Rajasthan known for his excellence in investigative and creative journalism at the national level.

Zahir is Deputy News Editor of Rajasthan Patrika, Jodhpur edition. Known for his multilingual expertise in journalism, poetry, and authorship, Zahir has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards in recent years. He was recently honoured with the Global Tanveer Phool Award and Saadat Saeed Award for his literary contributions.

In journalism, Zahir has been recognized with the Rajasthan Association of North America Award (Calgary, Canada), the Jhabarmal Sharma National Journalism Award jointly presented by Rajasthan Patrika and Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism (Bhopal), the Jam-e-Jahan Numa Award from West Bengal Urdu Academy, the Manik Alankaran Honor, and the Minister Durgadas Award from the Marwari state.

His work has also been profiled in essays and interviews by renowned literary and media personalities, including author Salma Sanam from Karnataka, writer Shamim Anbar from Kolkata, and poet Syed Naveed Jafri from Hyderabad.

Veteran journalist Kalyan Singh Kothari was conferred with the “Pooran Rao Smriti Lifetime Achievement Award 2025” in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Indian journalism.

Other recipients of the Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 included:

  • Dinesh Joshi from Jodhpur
  • From Jaipur: Mini Mala SharmaMonika SharmaArpita MathurVivekanand Sharma, and Mukesh Mishra
  • From Chhattisgarh: Mukesh Chandrakar (posthumously), Ashok Rajpurohit
  • Bilal M. Jafri from Bengaluru
  • Kiran Kaur from Delhi
  • From Noida: Vikas PoorwalDeepti Mishra
  • From Patna: Dr. Dharab KumarNaveen RastogiBadri Prasad Yadav
  • Aariz Hasnain from Bihar
  • Ejaz Ahmad Dar from Jammu & Kashmir

The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including senior RSS leader Ram Prasad Bhai Saheb, General Manager of Kiran Company Ayodhya Prasad Gaur, social worker Satish Samraiwala, former IFS Gauri Shankar Gupta, former IPS Ashok Gupta, former Rajasthan Minister Ram Singh, and Ram Pratap Bhat (alias Prakash Nath), President of All India Bhat Foundation.

Speaking at the event, senior journalist Nirmala Rao said, “Every year, we honour 20 courageous journalists who stand firm for truth and principles.” The event concluded with her vote of thanks. Nirbhaya Rao served as the host for the evening.

Also present were several eminent writers and journalists, including Sunny SebastianMohammad Fahad, and author Dr. Satya Narayan.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News / by admin india tomorrow / June 24th, 2025

Bhopal’s historian Kalim Akhtar passes away; his head & heart qualities recalled

Bhopal, MADHYA PRADESH :

Bhopal :

Glowing tributes were paid at the passing away of Syed Kalim Akhtar, who was recognized as a historian and researcher engaged in documenting and studying Bhopal’s history and military past, by a number of social, educational and cultural organisations of the town.

The various organisations including Jamiat-e-Ulama, Madhya Pradesh Unit, Iqbal Library’s executive board and et al held separate condolence meetings to mourn the loss of the departed soul wherein his head and heart qualities were recalled and lauded.

Kalim Akhtar left for his heavenly abode last week after battling cancer and other diseases.He was in his late seventies and is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son and hordes of admirers to mourn his loss.

He expressed interest in how the Bhopal army during the Nawab rule before India’s Independence collaborated with the British during major global conflicts, emphasizing the historical significance of these collaborations through his research of Persian and Urdu records. He was an active member of the Bhopal History Forum.

Promoted cultural heritage 

His work in education and his historical insights suggests that Kalim Akhtar played a significant role in promoting educational excellence and cultural heritage in Bhopal, contributing positively to his community.

He was vice-chairman of the Bhopal-based Iqbal Library’s executive board which was established in 1939 in the city. He was also associated with AMP (Association of Muslim Professionals) as theZonal Head – Central India for AMP NGO Connect.

Kalim Akhtar reflected his lifelong mission to ensure that Muslim children not only received education but excelled in it, becoming torch-bearer of a bright and inclusive culture. He was actively involved in various initiatives to establish and support educational institutions, particularly those that could uplift under-represented sections of society.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rehan, Assistant Librarian in the Bhopal-based Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghrahlaya, in his obituary note paid rich accolades to Kalim Akhtar said his talent wasrecognized in the literary world as a refined essayist and eloquent speaker. His writings glistened with deep research, unwavering honesty and an elegant simplicity that made complex truths accessible. He did not merely write for appreciation; he wrote to awaken, he added.

Education was his heartbeat

Beyond his literary pursuits, education was his heartbeat. He was deeply concerned with the progress of Muslim youth and the need for structured, ethical, and empowering education within the community. He believed that true empowerment lies in knowledge and moral grounding, Rehan opined.

Despite his immense knowledge, Kalim Akhtar remained deeply humble, accessible, and warm-hearted. He had an unmistakable affection for children and youth — always encouraging, always guiding. He was a silent architect of hope, working quietly behind the scenes to strengthen the moral and intellectual spine of the next generation. The passing away of this gentleman is a loss to Bhopal’s cultural and intellectual ecosystem, to its educational landscape, and to all those who believe in the power of thought and service, he stated.

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin india tomorrow / by Pervez Bari / June 24th, 2025

Two AMU RCA Students Qualify UPSC CAPF Examination 2024

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh:

Two students of the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have successfully qualified the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2024, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.

Prof Mohd Hasan, Director of the Academy informed that the selected candidates are Shahid Ali Mansuri, who secured Rank 178, and Vishal Bhushan, who secured Rank 229 in the coveted examination.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon and Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof M. Mohsin Khan congratulated the successful candidates and expressed hope for continued improvement in RCA’s results in the coming years. The Registrar, Mohammad Imran (IPS), also congratulated them on this achievement.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 25th, 2025

AMU ABK High School Student Excels in National AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Daniyal Ali being felicitated for his achievement

Aligarh:

Daniyal Ali, a Class X student of Aligarh Muslim University ABK High School, has brought laurels to the institution by successfully completing the prestigious AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme, a fully-funded, six-week experiential learning initiative organised by AFS India in collaboration with British Petroleum (BP).

AMU ABK High School Student Excels in National AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme

Chosen from among the top 50 students nationwide in a highly competitive selection process, Daniyal completed five weeks of virtual sessions covering global themes such as STEM, sustainability, leadership, gender equality, and intercultural understanding. The programme culminated in a week-long residential workshop held from June 17 to 24 at FLAME University, Pune, and Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur.

Representing AMU ABK High School, Daniyal showcased local traditions during the Cultural Night, leaving a strong impression on peers from across the country.

A highlight of the experience was the Group Capstone Project on “Sustainable Urban Innovation,” which won the second prize among all participating teams. The project has been approved by BP India for future development, and Daniyal’s team was invited to present their solution at BP’s corporate headquarters in Mumbai, offering them valuable exposure to professional innovation platforms.

Reflecting on his journey, Daniyal expressed gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he received, emphasising the programme’s role in broadening his academic perspective and strengthening his resolve to contribute to positive societal change.

Dr. Samina, Principal of AMU ABK High School, congratulated Daniyal on his achievement and said, “We are extremely proud of Daniyal and the dedication shown by his parents and our staff. We are especially grateful to Ibn Sina Academy and all the mentors who guided him on this path. The school remains committed to creating such empowering opportunities that promote global citizenship, excellence, and lifelong learning.”

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025

Pune College Student Anisha Ansar Awarded ₹17 Lakh Scholarship at Azim Premji University

Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Anisha Ansar Ansari being felicitated at Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce

Pune:

Anisha Ansar Ansari, a student of Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Pune-1 campus), has achieved remarkable success by securing a scholarship worth approximately ₹17 lakh for pursuing a B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

Anisha completed her 11th and 12th grades at Pune College. At a time when most students are caught up in the race for NEET and JEE, Anisha made a bold decision to pursue pure sciences. The scholarship includes 100% tuition fee waiver (approximately ₹13.9 lakh), 100% residential facility coverage (approximately ₹3.2 lakh). This make total scholarship value: ₹17.1 lakh.

Coming from a middle-class family, with her father working as a helper in a company, this achievement marks not only an academic milestone but also a promising economic future for Anisha.

Principal Dr. Iqbal N. Shaikh, Vice Principal Prof. Imtiyaz Agha, and faculty members Prof. Khalid Patel, Prof. Saleem Muniyar, Prof. Syed Javed, and Prof. Mohammad Sami congratulated Anisha wholeheartedly and stated that she has become a shining example for other students.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025

‘Waqf Bachao Dastoor Bachao’ Conference: A Turning Point in Muslim Political Awakening

Patna, BIHAR :

Patna:

In what is being called a historic day for the regional and national political landscape, Maulana Ahmed Wali Faisal Rahmani, Chief of Imarat-e-Shariah, led a powerful and united voice from Gandhi Maidan in Patna against the controversial Waqf Amendment Act under the banner of the “Waqf Bachao Dastoor Bachao” campaign.

Speaking to TwoCircles.net, Dr. Asma Zehra, a senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said, Maulana Rahmani has emerged as a bold and relevant figure in Indian Muslim leadership. His persistent campaign to protect Waqf properties—especially by mobilizing over 5 crore emails and launching district-level awareness efforts—brought unprecedented national attention to the issue. His approach, characterized by planning and ground-level execution, quickly gained respect across the country.

However, his rise was met with resistance. After facing internal pressures and being sidelined from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), he intensified his fight for the community. When he boycotted the official Iftar hosted by the Bihar government during Ramadan, it triggered political tremors. The response was swift and harsh—on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, Imarat-e-Shariah faced an orchestrated attack allegedly instigated by clerics backed by Nitish Kumar’s allies. The result was not just a physical assault but also a brutal attempt at character assassination, with questions raised about his position as Ameer-e-Shariat.

This division within the community gave political actors a chance to push the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill forward. With Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu’s support crucial to the BJP-led central government, the bill moved closer to becoming law. The betrayal left Muslims across India shocked and disillusioned. Yet, a ray of hope emerged: over 230 MPs, including members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), stood firm in opposing the bill.

Despite being relatively new to high-profile political leadership, Maulana Rahmani demonstrated remarkable vision. He organized training workshops, built networks across districts, included youth voices, and effectively utilized media through the platform Fikr-o-Nazr, under the stewardship of Fazlur Rahim. His campaign became a grassroots movement aimed at protecting masajid, kabristan, and the constitutional rights of Indian Muslims.

When another attempt was made to seize control of Imarat-e-Shariah before Eid al-Adha, Maulana Rahmani countered with the bold decision to organize a mass gathering in Patna. Inviting Muslims from across the nation, the conference became a thunderous response to efforts aimed at weakening the Waqf and dividing the community.

While some believed this move was politically risky—especially with ongoing legal cases and criticism from within the AIMPLB—his resolve remained firm. With the support of his brother Fahad Rahmani (noted for Rahmani 30), community elders, political leaders, and religious groups, Maulana Rahmani mobilized thousands to raise a unified voice.

The contrast between his proactive approach and the passive stance of others was stark. Even as AIMPLB continued its meetings, its decision to not make Waqf a poll issue was seen by many as a concession to Nitish Kumar. In contrast, Maulana Rahmani’s stand was clear: Waqf and constitutional rights must be election issues to awaken political accountability.

The grand success of the Gandhi Maidan rally—graced by leaders from Congress, RJD, AIMIM, and Samajwadi Party—marked a new chapter. Maulana Rahmani himself spoke little, allowing the unity of voices to speak louder than words. His behind-the-scenes work and tireless engagement had already laid the foundation.

The rally was more than just a political gathering—it was a spiritual and symbolic moment of unity, resistance, and hope. It signaled the birth of a new phase in Muslim leadership in India, one rooted in vision, grassroots activism, and fearless advocacy.

May Allah protect Imarat-e-Shariah, strengthen the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and unite the Ummah to resist all forms of division and oppression.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 30th, 2025

Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Sahebzadi Basheerunnisa Begum, the last surviving heiress of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away (Image: IANS)


Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away

Sahebzadi Basheerunnisa Begum, the last surviving heiress of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last ruler of erstwhile Hyderabad State, passed away on Tuesday. She was 93.

She breathed her last at her home in Purani Haveli on Tuesday morning. She is survived by her only daughter Rasheedunnisa Begum.

Nizam’s grandson and president of Nizam Family Welfare Association Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, told IANS “It’s a big loss to the family as Sahebzadi Basheerunnissa Begum Saheba was an epitome of Hyderabadi culture, tradition, and values,”.

She was buried at the Dargah Hazrat Yahiya Pasha in the old city of Hyderabad. Many members of the Nizam’s family participated in the funeral.

Basheerunnissa Begum was married to Nawab Kazim Yar Jung, better recognized as Ali Pasha, he passed away in 1998.

Mir Osman Ali Khan was featured on the cover of ‘TIME – The Weekly Magazine’ along with other princely state rulers, he was also declared the world’s richest man of his time, his net worth was equal to America’s economy at that time. He died in 1967.

The last Nizam had refused to accede to India after the country’s independence on August 15, 1947. He wanted to remain an independent state or join Pakistan.

The princely state ultimately merged with the Indian Union in September 1948 after an operation by the Indian Army. 

source: http://www.thestatsman.com / The Statesman / Home> India / by SNS, New Delhi / July 28th, 2020

Sir Fakhruddin (1868-1933): An Educational Visionary of Bihar

Dumri (Patna), BIHAR :

While working on my two books (soon to come: one on Muslim Politics in Bihar and another on Muzaffarpur Muslims, 1857-2011), while looking into primary and secondary sources I came across many personalities and institutions. One such person was Sir Fakhruddin whose contributions towards public life may interest many people. Hence I crave the readers’ indulgence.

[Sir] Syed Mohammad Fakhruddin [Khan Bahadur, 1868-1933] of Patna is credited to have the distinction of being the first Muslim Minister of Bihar and Orissa.

His father Md. Ali of the village Dumri, near Patna, took special care of his quality education. Having imparted elementary education in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu in the village Maktab, Fakhruddin was put under the tutelage of Md. Yahya, advocate, a big rais of Patna, with deep interest in music and literature. Yahya was the husband of Rasheedun Nesa (1855-1926, the author of the Urdu novel, Islahun Nesa, 1881/94, and a pioneer of modern education to women in Patna).

Fakhruddin did his BA from the Patna College in 1891, and B.L. in 1893, and started court practice under the guidance of Yahya in the district court of Patna. He was also associated with the Bihar Provincial Association.

Having earned good reputation as advocate he was elected member Bengal Council in 1910, which Fakhruddin quit after becoming the government pleader (1917-20) in the High Court of Patna, established in 1916-7. In 1921 he was elected member of the Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council, and he kept winning the elections till his death in 1933.

Thus, during 1921-33 he also served as minister of education besides few other significant departments. His contribution as minister in pushing the cause of education is distinctive. His efforts towards promoting primary and secondary education are noteworthy.

 The Deputy Directors of Public Instruction were made to undertake tours of Bihar and open schools. Fakhruddin worked hard towards enhancing the budgetary allocation for education. He also made efforts towards charkha operation in the government schools but remained largely unsuccessful in that. He mobilized funds for construction of college buildings and hostels. He was passionate about it.

Reconstruction of Patna’s BN College building and its three storeyed hostel, the imposing building of the Science College (Patna), two storyed hostel for the Science College, the Patna College Hostel (later became famous as Iqbal Hostel), two storeyed PostGraduate Hostel of Ranighat (Patna), Patna Training College are his creations.

Besides, he also allocated fund for the buildings and hostels of the Muzaffarpur’s GBB (LS) College, Cuttack’s Ravenshaw College, Bhagalpur’s TNB Colllege, two big buildings for the Madrasa Shams-ul-Hoda, which was taken over by the government, and eight professors’ quarters in Ranighat (Patna) are also his creations. For the cause of Urdu, he set up a Madrasa Board in 1922.

Madrasa Shams-ul-Hoda

Fakhruddin had also prepared an ambitious plan of converting the Patna University in a big residential university for which he also influenced the Nathan Committee to make favourable recommendations. This was to be established in the Phulwari Sharif. But it did not see the light of the day as a large number of the members of the Bihar and Orissa Legislative Council opposed it on the arguments that the campus will go far beyond the city; a member went on to allege that Fakhruddin was taking the University to the doors of his Pir. The Searchlight is said to have regretted this myopic opposition as the Bihar’s capital city was deprived of quality residential university.

He created and institutionalized Bihar Educational Service Class I, and went on talent hunt to recruit meritorious teachers for the Patna University.

With these efforts he brought in Dr Gyan Chand as professor of Economics, Prof. Taraporewala (History), Prof. Jamuna Prasad (Psychology), Prof. Hill (English), Prof. Shiv Parvati Prasad (Physics). They were posted on handsome salaries.

There used to be an insistence by the colonial regime to recruit only those candidates as Class I teachers who had obtained degrees from Europe.

Prof. Nayyar Laeeq Ahmad (who later became Principal, Andheri College, Bombay), and Prof. Jadunath Sarkar were also recruited. Sir Fakhruddin resisted this racism, without much success at the time, even though it was diluted subsequently in 1940s when Prof. K K Datta (History, 1944) was taken in.

Sir Fakhruddin brought a bright professor of Law from BHU to make him Principal, Law College, and Prof. Boman Sanjana of Bombay was brought in the Civil Engineering.

In order to overcome the dearth of talented teachers he also instituted State Scholarship programme on which promising students of BA and MA were sent oxford and Cambridge for higher degrees and they had to return back to teach in the colleges of Patna University.

Kishori Prasad Sinha, Fazlur Rahman, and Kalimuddin Ahmad for English literature; Ghanshyam Das for History, Balbhadra Prasad and Qamruddoja for Chemistry, Bhairavnath Rohtagi for Economics were few such luminaries. Sadly, with the death of Sir Fakhruddin this bright scheme also died.

The Bihar School of Engineering was upgraded to ‘College’ by him. He also established the Veterinary College of Patna and recruited many teachers from outside.

Besides education, he also held the portfolio of cooperative and he made it a movement of sorts, more particularly in Tirhut. He convened a conference of Cooperatives in Hajipur when Ahmad Husain (1886-1948), an Aligarh graduate of Muzaffarpur, was posted as SDO in Hajipur.

For all these unforgettable contributions, Dr Rajendra Prasad held him in very high esteem.

Sir Fakhruddin, a bearded, fair-skinned fellow was a devout practicing Muslim with punctualities of namaz. Sherwani, pajama, Turkish cap was his preferred dress. The masjid near the Patna Railway Junction was reconstructed by him by investing around Rs. 20-25 thousand, which is now the Jama Masjid of Patna; for long it was called ‘Sir Fakhruddin Masjid’.

As a minister, he never used government quarters; rather he preferred to work from his own house in Patna, nor did he accept police protection. He was a good orator in both English and Urdu.

His sons- Azizul Haq was a renowned advocate of Patna High Court, Anisul Haq was Deputy Collector, Habibul Haq was in judicial services.

(Mohammad Sajjad, Assistant Professor at Centre of Advanced Study in History, AMU, Aligarh)

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home / by Mohammad Sajjad / October 13th, 2025