Kaprin Village (Shopian District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Shafi Shauq (Kashmiri poet and academic)
Srinagar :
Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq has been named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and literature. The award places Shauq at the forefront of this year’s honourees from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a major national acknowledgement of his lifelong work in preserving and enriching the Kashmiri language and its literary heritage.
Born in 1950 in Kaprin village of Shopian district, Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies. Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir, he authored, edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English. His seminal works—including Keeshur Lugaat (Kashmiri Dictionary), Keeshryuk Grammar, and Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature), are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars, students and researchers.
The Padma Shri citation recognises not only Shauq’s scholarly output but also his role as a cultural custodian who ensured that Kashmir’s rich Sufi, poetic and intellectual traditions reached both national and international audiences. His celebrated series The Best of Kashmiri Literature, featuring iconic mystic-poets such as Lal Ded and Nund Reshi, played a crucial role in preserving and popularising Kashmir’s spiritual and literary canon beyond linguistic boundaries.
Alongside Prof Shafi Shauq, the Government of India has also announced Brij Lal Bhat (Social Work, Jammu and Kashmir) and Dr Padma Gurmeet (Medicine, Ladakh) as Padma Shri awardees for 2026, recognising exemplary service in their respective fields. However, Shauq’s inclusion has drawn particular attention in literary and academic circles, being seen as a long-overdue national honour for a scholar who devoted his life to safeguarding the linguistic soul of Kashmir.
Social worker Brij Lal Bhat has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for his sustained and wide-ranging contributions to social service. Known for his grassroots engagement, Bhat has worked extensively to strengthen spiritual and community institutions through yoga shiksha shivirs, spiritual retreats and Bhandara Seva. He has actively promoted social cohesion and communal harmony by organising inclusive festivals and community programmes, while also contributing to rural development by reclaiming barren land for apple and walnut orchards. His work is widely recognised for combining social service with spiritual outreach and environmental stewardship.
In addition to Shauq and Bhat, Dr Padma Gurmeet of Ladakh has been named a Padma Shri awardee in the field of medicine, underscoring the diverse range of contributions from the region honoured in 2026.
source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Kashmir Latest News / by KL News Network / January 25th, 2026
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage across Gujarat, a local BJP corporator has filed an objection to the voter registration of legendary folk artist and Padma Shri awardee, Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, popularly known as “Haji Ramkadu.”
The controversy erupted just 48 hours after the Central Government announced the prestigious Padma Shri for the artist’s lifelong contribution to the arts. During the ongoing Voter Revision Program (SIR), BJP Corporator Sanjay Jamnadas Manvar submitted a Form 7 application, seeking the removal of the name “Hajibhai Rathod” from the electoral roll in Ward No. 8.
A Question of Identity or “Incorrect Motives”?
The artist, who has played dholak in over 3,000 charity programs for cattle welfare and 1,000 stage shows, expressed deep hurt over the move.
“They tried to remove my name from voter list, I have received award. I am very upset with this. I have lived in Ward No. 8 for over 60 years. Both the State and Central governments have honoured my work. What is lacking in my identity that an objection has been raised against my name?” Haji Ramkadu asked, calling for the government to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Defending his actions, Corporator Sanjay Manvar clarified that his objection was not a personal attack on the legend. “Hajibhai is the pride of the nation. My objection was regarding the surname ‘Rathod’ listed in the rolls, whereas his official name is Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai. To avoid confusion and potential misuse of dual identity cards, I requested a correction,” Manvar stated, adding that the artist is “like family.”
Political Firestorm
The opposition has been quick to seize the moment. A Congress spokesperson slammed the BJP-led administration and the Election Commission, labelling the incident “the height of malpractice.”
“On one hand, the government honours a man with the Padma Shri, and on the other, their own corporator tries to strike his name from the voter list,” the spokesperson said. “If a national icon like Haji Ramkadu is being played with, what must be the plight of the common citizen?”
The Legacy of Haji Ramkadu
Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai is a household name in the world of Bhajan, Santvani, Ghazal, and Qawwali. Known for his unique style of playing the Dholak, he has dedicated his life to spiritual and social causes. The announcement of his Padma Shri on the eve of Republic Day was celebrated as a victory for traditional Gujarati folk art-a celebration now clouded by this local electoral dispute.
As the Election Commission reviews the application, the citizens of Junagadh wait to see if this “clerical correction” will be settled amicably or continue to fuel political tensions.
source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> News> India News / by Saurabh Vaktania (headline edited) / January 28th, 2025
My joy is like that of a labourer who goes to work in the morning and receives his wages the same evening,” said Ghafruddin Jogi Mewati, a traditional singer, who has been selected for this year’s Padam Shri award by the government of India.
Ghaffaruddin, 68, has showcased his art for more than half a century, from the rugged lanes of Mewat to the seven seas. As soon as the announcement of the coveted award poured in, Ghafruddin, a resident of Alwar, was overwhelmed with emotion.
Memories of him wandering barefoot through the villages of Mewat, playing the bhapang (A traditional string instrument) and begging for flour, flashed in his mind. Today, he feels that he has received the wages for all that hard work he did to keep a traditional art form alive.
He feels the Padam Shri is not just an honour for an individual, but for the centuries-old Mewati culture, the legacy of the Jogi community, and the rhythm of the bhapang, which is on the verge of extinction.
The Mewat region, which straddles the borders of Haryana and Rajasthan, possesses a unique identity as a syncretic culture.
Here, the Jogi community, who are Muslims, has, for generations, sung episodes from the Mahabharata and other folk tales.
#WATCH | Folk artist Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, awarded the Padma Shri in the field of art, said the honour marks the culmination of a lifelong struggle.
He recalled learning and preserving the art by travelling with his father, passing it on to others, and continuing the… pic.twitter.com/xiYDWTOqSQ— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 26, 2026
Ghafruddin is one of the strongest exponents of this tradition. He says, “Stay connected to your language, culture, and folk art; that is our true identity.” For him, this honour is a debt he owes to the soil of Mewat, which nurtured him during his days of struggle.
Born in Kaithwara village in the Deeg district of Rajasthan, Ghafruddin’s childhood was no less dramatic than a film script. His father, the late Budh Singh Jogi, was an accomplished artist. At the tender age of four, when children usually play with toys, his father placed a ‘bhapang’ in Ghaffaruddin’s hands.
The Bhapang, which resembles a small drum but has a single string, is considered an evolved form of Lord Shiva’s damru (a small hourglass-shaped drum). Playing it requires an extraordinary coordination of abdominal muscles, fingers, and vocal rhythm.
As a child, he learned by travelling from village to village with his father, sitting in village squares, and listening to folk tales.
They had to beg for grain and flour in villages to support the family. Those were difficult days, but the rhythm of the Bhapang never let him lose hope.
The most significant aspect of Gafruddin Jogi’s art is his rendition of the Mahabharata. Remarkably, a Muslim artist sings the epic of Lord Krishna and the Pandavas with such devotion and purity that the listener is completely captivated. Alwar and the surrounding areas are historically linked to ‘Viratnagar,’ where the Pandavas spent their period of exile.
When Gaffaruddin narrates these folk tales in the Mewati dialect, history comes alive. His art has proven that music and culture know no religious boundaries.
The year1992 marked a major turning point in his life. He travelled abroad and performed for the first time. There has been no looking back since then.
He carried the sound of Bhapang to over 60 countries, including England, Australia, Canada, France, and Dubai. When he played Mewati folk tunes at an event celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s birthday in London, even the foreign audience was captivated by the magical rhythm.
When the call on his mobile came, he initially thought someone was playing a prank on him, but when the news was confirmed, he was emotional. He dedicated the award to the Mewat region and the Jogi community.
#WATCH | Alwar, Rajasthan: On being conferred with the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of art, folk artist Gafruddin Mewati Jogi says, “I am very happy that the struggle of my life has finally yielded results, and I have received this recognition… For seven years, I went from… pic.twitter.com/66UQBRb4W5
Today, the eighth generation of his family is carrying on this art form. His son, Dr Shahrukh Khan Mewati Jogi, has not only learned music but also earned a PhD on the culture of Mewat. While many traditional art forms are fading away, Ghaffaruddin’s family is keeping this flame alive.
Ghafruddin Jogi Mewati wants to open a school for folk arts. He wants the government to provide him with land where he can teach the new generation the art of playing the Bhapang, Mewati folk singing, and their traditional stories.
He says that if the younger generation does not stay connected to its roots, we will lose our identity. He says receiving the Padma Shri is not the destination for him, but the beginning of a journey that he wants to continue until his last breath.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Younus Ali, Alwar / January 28th, 2026
Behind the lively performance lies a powerful story of courage, hussain operates from a wheelchair, yet runs his business with independence, confidence and sharp skill.
Hussain
Hyderabad’s food culture has always been rich, vibrant and full of character. From royal biryanis steeped in history to late-night street snacks bursting with flavour, the city’s culinary identity is celebrated across India. Now, Hyderabad has another reason to feel proud as Hussain, famously known as “Fire Paan Wala” represented the city on the national stage through MasterChef India Season 9.
Hussain, the founder of the viral Hussain Paan Parlour, made a fiery impression during the auditions of MasterChef India 9, which premiered on January 5, 2026.
Hussain stunned judges Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur with his unique preparation of a paan which he crafted using lit cloves and a specialised filling technique refined over years of practice.
When he served the flaming paan to chef Ranveer Brar himself, the studio watched in awe. As the flame flickered and aromas filled the air, Ranveer tasted the paan with a smile, praising its flavour, creativity and bold presentation. The judges applauded Hussain’s confidence and art.
Hussain is a world record holder for creating over 1,000 varieties of paan. His pan parlours are located in Tolichowki and Banjara Hills. People come not only to eat paan, but to watch a show unfold. He is frequently hired for weddings and special events, where his unique paan experience adds a touch of excitement.
Hussain’s signature fire paan, briefly set aflame before serving, turned a simple mouth freshener into a thrilling experience. What began as a small street-side business soon became a Hyderabad sensation, attracting locals, tourists and food vloggers alike.
Hussain is instantly recognisable, not just for his paan, but for his unique style. He dresses in shiny, eye-catching outfits, wears a chunky gold necklace and a large gold bracelet on one hand, and moves with the flair of a performer. As he prepares paan, he adds rhythm, small dance steps and dramatic hand gestures, transforming food service into street theatre. Long before television fame, he was already a star on Hyderabad’s roads.
Behind the lively performance lies a powerful story of courage. Hussain operates from a wheelchair, yet runs his business with independence, confidence and sharp skill. His physical limitation never became a reason to slow down. Instead, it became part of his strength.
Stepping from a busy paan counter into the intense MasterChef kitchen was a bold leap one that has earned him admiration across the country.
This season also features other inspiring differently-abled contestants, including Manisha Sharma, who uses cooking as therapy while living with secondary Parkinson’s disease, and Ratna Tamang, a Nepali chef who cooks despite losing both hands. Their journeys have turned MasterChef into a tribute to the human spirit.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Siasat.com> Entertainment / by Shefali Shivasharan / January 18th, 2026
Multi-hyphenate talent Khwaja Ahmed Abbas worked in Urdu, Hindi and English and across writing mediums. Abbas, who died in 1987 at the age of 71, wrote social realist screenplays for Raj Kapoor and V Shantaram, directed films, published short stories and plays,and contributed a long-running weekly newspaper column. Among the best-known films he directed are Neecha Nagar, Sheharaur Sapna and Saat Hindustani. Set in Goa and tracing the efforts of seven revolutionaries to free the state from Portuguese rule, Saat Hindustani marks the debut of Amitabh Bachchan. An essay from the anthology Bread Beauty Revolution, edited by Iffat Fatima and Syeda Hameed, relates Abbas’s encounters with the “tall young man” and future screen icon. Bread Beauty Revolution includes writings from Abbas’s memoir I Am Not An Island: An Experiment in Autobiography as well as essays, stories,poems, photographs and columns.
The story of Saat Hindustani came out of the Goa struggle reminiscences of my assistant, Madhukar, who would often regale us with the adventures he had while trekking up with the non-violent commandos to hoist the tricolour on every police station they came across…
I was so excited when I finished the screenplay that I telephoned all my friends and informed all my assistants, including Madhukar, to come and hear it in my fourth floor office on the very next day. That was a ritual which they never missed and I would get their suggestions for casting the film.
I wanted to prove by my casting that there was no particular Hindu or Muslim, Tamilian, Maharashtrian or Bengali ethnic type. To begin with, I would transform the smart and sophisticated and versatile Jalal Agha into the Maharashtrian powada singer. Even Jalal was shocked to hear this. But I reassured him that, with the proper make-up and get-up, nobody would recognize him except as a rural Maharashtrian folk singer. Madhukar, who hails from Meerut, would be a Tamilian; Sharma (Brahmin by caste) would also undergo a similar transformation; and Utpal Dutt, the cigar-chewing admiral,would be the tractor-driving Punjabi farmer. So far the casting was clear in mymind. On one of my visits to Kerala I had met Madhu, the handsome hero of the Malayalam screen, and he had approached me and expressed his desire to work in a Hindi film with me. I would make him the sensitive Bengali; I wouldn’t have to work much on his Bengali accent for he had lived with a Bengali family. Now only the Hindi and Urdu fanatics were left. Jalal one day brought with him his friend Anwar Ali (brother of the comedian Mehmood), in whose eyes I saw the Jana Sanghi fanaticism. So I decided to make him the Swayam Sevak who hates Urdu and speaks jaw-breaking Hindi. That left one Indian, the Muslim Urdufanatic. Since I wanted these boys to be of different ages and different heights, the one vacancy left was for a tall and handsome man. He had to be thin, also corresponding to the thin image of my friend, the late Asrarul Haque “Majaz”.
One day someone brought a snapshot of a tall young man and I thought that the boy was in Bombay. I said, “Let me see him in person.” “He will be here day after tomorrow evening.” Again, presuming he was in Bombay, I thought he must be working somewhere and wouldn’t be free till the evening. On the third day, punctually at 6 pm, a tall young man arrived who looked taller because of the churidar pajama and Jawahar jacket that he was wearing. This young man would one day be known as Amitabh Bachchan, the heart-throb of millions. But I did not know his name. Roughly, the following dialogue took place between us:
“Sit down, please. Your name.”
“Amitabh.” (Not Bachchan.)
It was an unusual name — so I asked, “What does it mean?”
“The sun. It’s also one of the synonyms for the Gautama Buddha.”
“Education?”
“B.A. from Delhi University.”
“Have you worked in films before?”
“No one has taken me so far.”
“Who were they?”
He mentioned very prominent names.
“What did they find wrong with you?” The boy spoke with frankness. “They all said I was too tall for their heroines.”
“Well, we have no such trouble. In a way we have no heroine in our film. Even if we had, that wouldn’t prevent me from taking you.”
“Taking me? Are you really going to take me? Without even a test?”
“That depends. First I must tell you the story. Then I must tell you your role and see if you will be enthusiastic about playing it. Then I shall tell you what we can afford to pay you. Only then, if you agree, shall we sign the contract.”
I read him out the complete story and saw his face become alive with interest. I asked him which role he would like to play. He told me the two which particularly impressed him. The role of the Punjabi, and the role of the Muslim. I told him he was perhaps a Punjabi, and that made him unfit to play that role. He asked me why. I gave him the reason, the reason for having a scrambled cast. The idea appealed to him greatly. He said, “I think, I know what you mean. Then I would like to play the Muslim role, specially because he is under a cloud of suspicion. And only at the end the suspicions are removed and he is proved a patriot.” Then I told him we could pay him no more than five thousand rupees,which was the standard figure for all the roles.
He seemed a little hesitant, and I asked him, “Are you earning more than that?”
“I was,” he said.
I asked him what he meant.
He said that he was getting about sixteen hundred a month in a firm in Calcutta.
“I resigned the job and came over.”
I was astonished. “You mean to say that you resigned a job of sixteen hundred rupees a month, just on the chance of getting this role! Suppose we can’t give the role to you?”
He said, “One has to take such chances” with such conviction that I said, “The role is yours.”
Then I called my secretary, Abdul Rehman, to dictate the contract. I asked the tall young man for his name and address.
“Amitabh—” after some hesitation, “Amitabh Bachchan, son of Dr H.R. Bachchan.”
“Stop,” I said. “This contract cannot be signed until I telegraph and get your father’s consent. He is a colleague of mine on the Sovietland Nehru Award Committee. I wouldn’t like to have a misunderstanding with him. I am afraid you will have to wait for two days more.”
“You can ask my Dad, but frankly, do I look like a runaway?”
I told him that runaways don’t have any particular look. So I dictated, instead of the agreement, a telegram to Dr Bachchan in New Delhi and asked him if he was willing to let his son become an actor. Two days later a telegram came reading “No objection where you are concerned.” This is the whole story about how Amitabh Bachchan came into films.
Excerpted with permission from Bread Beauty Revolution, edited by Iffat Fatima and Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, Khwaja Ahmed Abbas Memorial Trust and Tulika Books.
source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Book Excerpt / by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas / November 14th, 2015
Anupama, the state’s only women’s monthly Kannada magazine run entirely by Muslim women, has completed 25 years. To mark this milestone, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah released a special silver jubilee issue, reflecting on its 25-year journey of success, in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister congratulated the team, saying, “There are only a handful of Muslim women in journalism. In such a scenario, it is highly commendable that the Anupama Women’s Monthly, run by women from the Muslim community and has successfully completed 25 years.”
Shahnaz M., the editor of Anupama, also spoke at the occasion. “The implementation of the ‘Guarantee’ schemes for women in the state has brought about significant changes in their lives. On behalf of the Anupama team and all women, I extend my gratitude to the government led by CM Siddaramaiah for their commitment to women’s development,” she stated.
The event was attended by Naseer Ahmed (Political Secretary to the CM), MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, BMTC Vice-Chairman Niket Raj Maurya, and Anupama’s sub-editors Samina Uppinangady, Sajida Momin, and Kulsum Abubakkar. Other notable attendees included S.M. Muthalib, Faisal Ismail, and Saleem Bolangadi.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report/ by Radiance News Bureau / January 10th, 2026
Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gyan Bharatam, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aimed at strengthening national efforts for preservation, conservation, digitization, translation, and research on India’s manuscript heritage.
With the signing of this MoU, Jamia Hamdard has been officially designated as a Cluster Centre, entrusted with leading manuscript-related activities for its own collections as well as coordinating and supervising up to twenty (20) Cluster Partner Centres across the country.
The MoU was signed by Shri Inderjeet Singh, Director, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Dr. Sarfaraz Ahsan, Registrar (Officiating), Jamia Hamdard, in the presence of Dr. Akhtar Parvez, University Librarian, Jamia Hamdard; Professor Anirban Dash, Project Director; and Mr. Bharat Kumar, Under Secretary, Gyan Bharatam, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
On the occasion, Dr. Akhtar Parvez, Dr. Sarfaraz Ahsan, Professor M.A. Sikandar, Director, Centre for Distance & Online Education, Jamia Hamdard and Prof. Riaz Umar, Member, Executive Council of Jamia Hamdard formally presented the duly signed MoU to Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard.
During an interaction with the senior officials of the university, Professor (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, stated that “this collaboration with the Ministry of Culture is a moment of great pride for Jamia Hamdard. Our selection as a Cluster Centre reflects the trust reposed in our institutional capabilities. We remain fully committed to preserving, digitizing and promoting India’s manuscript heritage, while creating world-class scholarly resources that meaningfully connect our civilizational past with contemporary research needs.” Prof. Alam conveyed his profound appreciation to Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his gracious support and for the prompt action taken in designating Jamia Hamdard as a Cluster Centre for manuscript heritage.
Dr. Akhtar Parvez underlined that, as a Cluster Centre under Gyan Bharatam, Jamia Hamdard will undertake the systematic survey and cataloguing of manuscripts; preventive and curative conservation; capacity-building workshops; digitization of manuscripts and their integration with the National Digital Repository; transliteration, translation, and preparation of critical editions; as well as research, publications, exhibitions, and extensive outreach activities.
This partnership marks a transformative step for Jamia Hamdard, positioning the University at the forefront of manuscript studies, digital humanities, and cultural preservation. The establishment of the Cluster Centre will not only expand research and training opportunities for scholars and students but will also contribute to national and international access to rare and invaluable knowledge traditions. Jamia Hamdard looks forward to working closely with Gyan Bharatam to advance the shared vision of safeguarding India’s manuscript heritage for future generations.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by India Tomorrow / December 16th, 2025
Book Distribution and Certificate Distribution Ceremony Enthusiastically Held at Nishat Urdu Library
Islampur:
“To make human life prosperous, profound, and radiant, as well as to give the right direction to life, it is essential to imbibe the thoughts of great personalities, and these thoughts are acquired only through the reading of books,” asserted Senior Journalist and Executive Editor of Weekly Shodhan, Shahjahan Magdum. He was speaking as the keynote speaker at the book distribution ceremony and the certificate distribution programme for the free basic computer course organised at Nishat Urdu Library here.
The programme, held on December 11, was presided over by social activist Jameer Nadaf, while Prof. Nazim Shaikh was present as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony began in a very auspicious atmosphere with a melodious recitation of the Holy Qur’an by students of the Madrasa.
Following this, the anchor, Mr. Altaf Momin, introduced the guests to the audience in his fluent style and presented a brief overview of the educational and social journey of the Nishat Library.
In his keynote address, Shahjahan Magdum underscored the importance of reading culture. He stated that everyone gathered there was inspired by the noble teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. With the noble intention that the Prophet’s message of humanity and his teachings should reach all communities in the Marathi language, he donated Islamic books and copies of the Marathi translation of the Holy Qur’an to the library.
He guided the audience by referencing inspiring articles and thoughts based on the lives of great personalities. Mentioning that his relationship with Nishat Library is not just formal but old and emotional, he assured all possible help for the library’s future progress and needs. He praised the institution’s office bearers, stating that Nishat Library is performing the sacred duty of preserving and growing the reading culture in the city and surrounding areas. He thanked trustees Abid Momin, Anis Momin, and other office bearers for the invitation.
While delivering the introductory remarks, Anis Momin, the Secretary of Nishat Library, presented an account of the institution’s 40-year penance. Narrating the inspiring history since the library’s inception, he mentioned that keeping the reading culture alive in Urdu, Marathi, and English languages and running a library in a city like Islampur for the last four decades was a major challenge. He detailed how difficult this task was and how the institution reached this stage by overcoming obstacles. He gratefully noted that many prestigious citizens, donors, and especially Urdu medium students consistently contributed to this journey. He explained that the library not only makes books available for reading but also fulfills its social responsibility by conducting free computer classes and various socially useful activities.
In his presidential address, Jameer Nadaf explained the significance of reading. Stating that reading changes a person’s vision and makes them complete, he proposed a significant concept for the better utilisation of the library. He suggested that a grand ‘Kavi Sammelan’ (Poets’ Meet) bringing together Urdu and Marathi literature should be organised in Islampur city. He also appealed that, not limiting the scope to just reading, other educational and social programmes should be organised with the cooperation of all communities. He assured that he would personally take the initiative and provide appropriate cooperation for such activities.
Chief Guest Prof. Nazim Shaikh provided valuable guidance to the students. He said that they have been blessed with a home of knowledge in the form of Nishat Library, and students should make the best use of it. He urged students from all sections of society, especially the needy, to take advantage of the ongoing free computer classes as well as coaching classes for Marathi, English, and Mathematics to build their careers. Prof. Shaikh is always striving for the development of Nishat Library and to fulfill the educational needs of Urdu medium students.
Delivering a message of social harmony, Sambhaji Brigade Sangli District President Umesh Shewale highlighted the progressive thoughts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Citing history, he clarified that Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj worked for the upliftment of not just the Bahujan society but people of all castes and religions. Significantly, Shahu Maharaj had performed a historic and important task of religious harmony by providing funds for the Marathi translation of the Qur’an in those times. On behalf of Sambhaji Brigade, he reminisced about the work of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.
Sambhaji Brigade Islampur City President Ajit Havaldar emphasised his and his family’s harmonious and affectionate relations with the Muslim community. He mentioned that since it was a Nishat Library programme, he attended specifically as a book lover. He testified that his and his organisation’s cooperation would remain for any constructive work of the society in the future. On this occasion, Umesh Suryagandh also provided enlightening guidance to the audience and profusely praised the social work of Nishat Library.
Taking the opportunity of this ceremony, valuable books were donated to the library. Through the efforts of Shahjahan Magdum, 10 copies of the Marathi translated Holy Qur’an and 250 books on various subjects were handed over from the Islamic Marathi Publication Trust (Mumbai). Similarly, on behalf of Sambhaji Brigade Islampur, 8 volumes of selected literature of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe were donated, and Shakirbhai Tamboli donated 100 copies of his self-authored book “OBC Reservation Sub-Quota: Ibadat Bhi, Zimmedari Bhi” to the library.
On this occasion, member students of the library were honoured with certificates at the hands of dignitaries for successfully completing the Free Basic Computer Training Course. In this programme, Chief Guests Shahjahan Magdum, Jameer Nadaf, and Prof. Nazim Shaikh were felicitated with bouquets, mementos, shawls, and books.
Haji Saif Mulla proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was attended in large numbers by reader members as well as Institution President Javed Momin, Nadeem Patwekar, Barkatulla Momin, Zahur Patwekar, Akil Momin, Shahnawaz Mulla, Nasimulgani Patwekar, Zafar Diwan, Nazir Bijapure, Maulana Ajmal Raza, Yashwant Dhumale, Deepak Todkar, and other dignitaries. Anis Momin, Abid Momin, Librarian Arman Patel, and Clerk Khushi Shanediwan took special efforts to make the programme a success.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / December 13th, 2025
In 1936 he joined Indore Fine Art College where he trained under Devlalikar Sahab. Later he switched to Mumbai where he took admission in the JJ School of Art. The rest is history.
Husain made portrait of his family members and clicked a photograph. | The Zafar Ansari museum of achieves
Indore (Madhya Pradesh):
Maqbool Fida Husain is too well known to need an introduction, and most people are also aware of his connection with Indore. However, not very commonly known is the fact that his penchant for drawing horses started when he was a young lad in Indore.
While talking to Free Press, historian Zafar Ansari said, “Husain lived in Indore at a very young age in Chhawni area near Chhawni Bohra Mosque. When Husain was a teenager his Nana (maternal grandfather), who worked as a timekeeper in the Malwa Mill, wanted to make him a draftsman, but Husain was not interested. At one point he went to a Madrasa for becoming Alim but not much came of it.
His grandfather also bought him a camera and he got trained under the renowned photographer Ramchandra Rao and Pratap Rao but Husain did not show much interest in that art form. He started his painting career in Kagzipura area where he used to make Bada ghoda and Chhota ghoda.
His love for painting horses started here and it remained throughout his life as a professional painter.”
In 1936 he joined Indore Fine Art College where he trained under Devlalikar Sahab. Later he switched to Mumbai where he took admission in the JJ School of Art. The rest is history.
source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Indore / by Staff Reporter / June 09th, 2023
The second day of Bahar-e-Urdu, celebrating fifty years of the Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Academy, lit up the Dome SVP Stadium, Worli, with a grand tribute to Urdu’s eloquence, intellect, and emotion. The day began with an Open Mic Mushaira, where young poets Kayam Shah, Ahad Saeed, Payal Pandey, Zain Lakhimpuri, Riyaz Aasi, Shaukat Ali, Adnan Shaikh, Mayank Verma, Imran Ataai and Maqsood Aafaque filled the hall with youthful passion and heartfelt verse.
Two scholarly sessions followed. In “Maharashtra Mein Urdu Adab,” moderated by Dr. Tabassum Khan, papers were presented by Dr. Shaikh Ahrar Ahmad (Thane) and Dr. Quazi Naveed Siddiqui (Aurangabad), with insights from Dr. Abdullah Imteyaz Ahmad (Mumbai) and Prof. Shahid Naukhez (Hyderabad). The next, “Modern Technology and Urdu,” moderated by Mohammad Irfan Raza, featured Dr. Mohd. Tabish Khan (Bhiwandi), Dr. Liaqat Ali (Delhi), Dr. Parvez Ahmad, and Dr. Mahmood Mirza, highlighting Urdu’s growing digital presence.
The evening’s Tamseeli Mushaira brought poetic icons to life, with Zahid Ali Sayyed, Manzoor Islam, Sajid A. Hameed, Raziya Baig, Noman Khan, Nuzhat Parveen Akil Kagzi, Talha Bi Saver Hashmi, Mohsin Husnuddin Shaikh, and Khan Shadab Mohammed portraying legendary poets including Mirza Ghalib, Tahir Faraz, Anjum Rehbar and Obaid Azam Azmi.
A mesmerizing Dastangoi by Fouzia Dastango and a soulful Sufi performance by Jhelum Singh — featuring “Nitt Khair Manga,” “Mere Dholna,” and “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar” — enchanted the audience.
The evening celebrated those who continue to serve Urdu through literature, education, and creativity. Awards were presented in the following categories: Award for Emerging Writers, Layout Designing Award, Award for Urdu Journalism, Special Award, Educational Service Award, University and Degree College Level Award, School Level Award and Best Book Award.
Each award was a reminder of the many different ways Urdu is being nurtured—on the page, in the classroom, and in the community.
The evening also honoured poets, writers, journalists, educators, and designers for their contributions to Urdu, culminating in a spellbinding Qawwali by the Sabri Brothers.
Bahar-e-Urdu’s second day was not merely an event; it was a living celebration of heritage, intellect, and artistry — a reminder that Urdu does not just belong to history books, but to every voice that dares to sing, speak, and dream in its melody. As the festival prepares for its final day, one truth resounds through every ghazal, every word, and every applause — Urdu lives on, radiant as ever, in the hearts of those who love it.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR
This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
source: http://www.m.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> PTI PR NEWS / by PTI / October 08th, 2025
