Category Archives: Business & Economy

‘TruthIn͏͏ is India’s First Consumer Product Intelligence App’: Dr Aman Basheer Sheikh, Co Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Natfirst

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Leaders, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

In an exclusive conversation with CXO News and APAC News Network, Dr Aman Basheer Sheikh, Co founder and Chief Medical Officer, Natfirst outlines how they are leveraging AI and data science to disrupt the health tech industry  

How͏͏ does͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ leverage͏͏ AI͏͏ and͏͏ data͏͏ science͏͏ to͏͏ provide͏͏ personalized͏͏ nutrition͏͏ guidance,͏͏ and͏͏ how͏͏ do͏͏ you͏͏ ensure͏͏ the͏͏ recommendations͏͏ are͏͏ both͏͏ accurate͏͏ and͏͏ actionable͏͏ for͏͏ users?

NatFirst is the parent company of the TruthIn͏͏ app, India’s first consumer product intelligence app, which is the go-to source for understanding packaged food labels. It employs advanced AI,͏͏ including vision models and optical character recognition,͏͏ to͏͏ decode͏͏ product͏͏ labels͏͏ and͏͏ provides consumers with insights͏͏. It analyses the nutritional͏͏ content,͏͏ additives,͏͏ processing level and͏͏ ingredient͏͏ quality by decoding the information disclosed on food labels. A simple barcode scan allows users to access this information. At͏͏ the͏͏ heart͏͏ of͏͏ this͏͏ is͏͏ the͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ Rating͏͏ System,͏͏ which͏͏ translates͏͏ the data͏͏ from labels into͏͏ clear,͏͏ science-backed͏͏ health͏͏ scores.͏͏ These͏͏ insights͏͏ help͏͏ users͏͏ navigate͏͏ a͏͏ market͏͏ flooded͏͏ with͏͏ ultra-processed͏͏ foods͏͏ (UPFs)͏͏, ensuring͏͏ that they͏͏ can͏͏ confidently͏͏ distinguish͏͏ between͏͏ genuinely͏͏ healthy͏͏ options͏͏ and͏͏ deceptive marketing claims.

Natfirst comprises of a multi-disciplinary team of experienced doctors, nutritionists, and tech engineers. This team of experts has developed the TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) by studying best practices of global systems such as Nutri-Score, a nutrition labelling adopted by a few EU countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. Other international systems studied include the Health Star Rating system used in Australia and NZ, and Nutri-Grade utilised in Singapore. It has also empanelled an advisory board of eminent multi-disciplinary experts who include, K. Sunitha Premalatha, MSC, RD, PHD, (Cancer Nutrition) and Padmashree awardee Dr Manjula Anagani MBBS, MD (Pathology), MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology), FICOG to ensure the TruthIn Rating methodology is as scientifically accurate as possible. Features in the TruthIn app such as the Match Meter help consumers access personalised guidance by aligning portion sizes with individual health goals, making choosing healthier products much easier.

As͏͏ a͏͏ startup͏͏ aiming͏͏ to͏͏ disrupt͏͏ the͏͏ health͏͏ tech͏͏ industry,͏͏ what͏͏ specific͏͏ challenges͏͏ have͏͏ you͏͏ encountered͏͏ in͏͏ differentiating͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ from͏͏ other͏͏ companies͏͏ in͏͏ the͏͏ market?͏͏ How͏͏ do͏͏ you͏͏ overcome͏͏ these͏͏ obstacles?

The innovations͏͏ being developed at Natfirst coincide with the evolving needs of consumers and the demand for healthier, cleaner food products.͏͏ Unlike͏͏ the͏͏ USA or͏͏ EU,͏͏ India͏͏ lacks͏͏ a͏͏ centralized͏͏ database͏͏ of͏͏ packaged͏͏ food͏͏ products. This forced NatFirst͏͏ to build its product dataset͏͏s manually from͏͏ scratch which was a significant challenge but also differentiates Natfirst as one of the few startups in India with such an extensive database.͏͏ With millions of products circulating in the Indian market, the user base of TruthIn has also played an extremely vital͏͏ role in grassroots data͏͏ collection to͏͏ form͏͏ a͏͏ dynamic͏͏ database͏͏ of over͏͏ 16,000͏͏ products which is now set to grow exponentially.͏͏ In that sense, Natfirst is a pioneer in the Indian market with many industry firsts.

Natfirst has also differentiated itself by building a loyal community of users based on trust and consistently promotes its scientifically validated scoring system. Today its flagship product TruthIn, has more than 5 lakh downloads. The brand ambassador of TruthIn is Revant Himatsingka (Food Pharmer), a staunch promoter of scientifically validated information, who has embarked on a mission to educate the average Indian consumer on label literacy. The TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) was specifically designed to help consumers with the most accurate and validated information available to make healthier food choices.

Lastly, to accelerate the process of ensuring that consumers have access to transparent information about all the products, a feature innovation which is very technically challenging is currently being beta-tested. It will enable consumers to analyse products in real-time and TruthIn will become the first app globally to launch such a feature once it goes live.

With͏͏ the͏͏ vast͏͏ amount͏͏ of͏͏ conflicting͏͏ nutritional͏͏ advice͏͏ available͏͏ online,͏͏ how͏͏ does͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ ensure͏͏ that͏͏ its͏͏ platform͏͏ offers͏͏ clear,͏͏ reliable,͏͏ and͏͏ easy-to-understand͏͏ guidance͏͏ for͏͏ individuals?

The 2024 Healthy Snacking report showed that consumers In India are increasingly scrutinising labels. However,  the findings of an ICMR NIN report highlighted͏͏ that͏͏ while͏͏ many͏͏ Indians͏͏ read͏͏ food labels,͏͏ they͏͏ rarely͏͏ look͏͏ beyond͏͏ manufacturing͏͏ and͏͏ expiry͏͏ dates—leaving͏͏ them͏͏ vulnerable͏͏ to͏͏ misinformation, unwanted additives͏͏ and͏͏ inaccurate claims.͏͏ This underscores the importance of tech-driven consumer-focused solutions like TruthIn to navigate hundreds of complex food labels that consumers encounter daily.

By analysing product labels͏͏ factoring in things like fats,͏͏ sugars,͏͏ salt,͏͏ chemical additives,͏͏ artificial flavourings, the͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ Rating͏͏ System͏͏ helps users understand their food better. The product rating system developed by TruthIn analyses a lot of complex information and distils it into a 0-5 score that is easily understandable and helps consumers save countless hours deciphering͏͏ complicated͏͏ labels.

An example of this is the flavoured͏͏ yoghurt category; which is very often͏͏ marketed͏͏ as͏͏ a healthy͏͏ snack. However, it may contain synthetic͏͏ colours such as e102, or͏͏ an excess of added sugar.͏͏ TruthIn͏͏ clearly lists all such information,͏͏ connects͏͏ it to͏͏ reputable͏͏ research,͏͏ and͏͏ offers͏͏ healthier alternatives.͏͏ By emphasising transparency, accuracy,͏͏ creation of simplified visuals and decoding complex jargon, TruthIn͏͏ empowers͏͏ consumers to cut͏͏ through any confusion while choosing products.

In͏͏ the͏͏ realm͏͏ of͏͏ health͏͏ and͏͏ nutrition,͏͏ personal͏͏ data͏͏ security͏͏ is͏͏ crucial.͏͏ What͏͏ measures͏͏ does͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ take͏͏ to͏͏ ensure͏͏ user͏͏ data͏͏ is͏͏ protected͏͏ and͏͏ handled͏͏ responsibly?

NatFirst͏͏ places͏͏ data͏͏ privacy͏͏ at͏͏ the͏͏ forefront,͏͏ employing͏͏ robust͏͏ encryption͏͏ and͏͏ AWS-backed͏͏ secure͏͏ processing͏͏ to͏͏ safeguard͏͏ user͏͏ information.͏͏ Complying͏͏ with͏͏ both͏͏ Indian͏͏ and͏͏ international͏͏ data͏͏ protection͏͏ standards,͏͏ the͏͏ platform͏͏ collects͏͏ only͏͏ what͏͏ it͏͏ needs—dietary͏͏ preferences͏͏ and͏͏ health͏͏ objectives—to͏͏ deliver͏͏ personalized͏͏ guidance. By͏͏ maintaining͏͏ transparency͏͏ in͏͏ how͏͏ data͏͏ is͏͏ used͏͏ and͏͏ stored,͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ aims to build user͏͏ trust.͏͏ Consumers͏͏ can͏͏ feel͏͏ confident͏͏ that͏͏ their͏͏ personal͏͏ information͏͏ is͏͏ protected͏͏ as͏͏ they͏͏ benefit͏͏ from͏͏ tailored͏͏ recommendations,͏͏ fostering͏͏ a͏͏ secure͏͏ and͏͏ supportive͏͏ environment͏͏ for͏͏ informed͏͏ health͏͏ choices.

How͏͏ does͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ integrate͏͏ human͏͏ expertise͏͏ with͏͏ technology͏͏ to͏͏ create͏͏ a͏͏ balanced͏͏ approach͏͏ to͏͏ nutrition͏͏ and͏͏ health͏͏ guidance?

The importance of tech-driven tools such as TruthIn is becoming evident where over 11% of the population suffers from diabetes and 25% are classified as obese as per the ICMR. NatFirst͏͏ marries͏͏ cutting-edge͏͏ AI͏͏ with͏͏ the͏͏ insights͏͏ of͏͏ doctors,͏͏ nutritionists,͏͏ and͏͏ engineers͏͏ to͏͏ ensure͏͏ that͏͏ health͏͏ recommendations͏͏ are͏͏ both͏͏ scientifically͏͏ solid͏͏ and͏͏ easy͏͏ to͏͏ understand.͏͏ While͏͏ AI-driven͏͏ vision͏͏ models͏͏ decode͏͏ labels͏͏ in͏͏ real-time—exposing͏͏ harmful͏͏ additives͏͏ like͏͏ INS͏͏ 102,͏͏ a͏͏ coal-derived͏͏ dye͏͏ linked͏͏ to͏͏ hyperactivity—human͏͏ experts͏͏ validate͏͏ the͏͏ nutritional͏͏ frameworks͏͏ that͏͏ power͏͏ these͏͏ evaluations. The synergistic approach ensures the recommendations are accurate, easily understandable, and actionable. The nutritional framework under which the TruthIn Rating System (TIRS) has been developed by an expert team of nutritionists and doctors and output including the score is further validated by empanelled experts on an ongoing basis. This is the unique way in which TruthIn blend͏͏s human͏͏ expertise͏͏ and͏͏ AI͏͏ innovation͏͏ to help users͏͏ make͏͏ truly͏͏ informed͏͏ choices͏͏ tailored͏͏ to͏͏ their͏͏ unique͏͏ dietary requirements.

Looking͏͏ ahead,͏͏ what͏͏ are͏͏ the͏͏ key͏͏ innovations͏͏ or͏͏ trends͏͏ in͏͏ AI͏͏ and͏͏ health͏͏ tech͏͏ that͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ is͏͏ excited͏͏ to͏͏ explore?

NatFirst͏͏ is͏͏ pushing͏͏ boundaries͏͏ by͏͏ developing͏͏ real-time͏͏ product͏͏ analysis͏͏ and͏͏ looking ahead integrating͏͏ it with Generative͏͏ AI͏͏ (GenAI)͏͏ for͏͏ conversational͏͏ interfaces is something we’re all looking forward to exploring.͏͏ GenAI will enhance the user experience by automating responses, providing instant feedback, and improving decision-making capabilities. This͏͏ will allow users to interact with it seamlessly for real-time guidance. This will solve for efficiency at scale  enables͏͏ instant͏͏ insights͏͏ into͏͏ nutritional͏͏ content,͏͏ ingredient͏͏ implications,͏͏ and͏͏ personalized͏͏ dietary͏͏ recommendation. The tech architecture at Natfirst has been developed for quick category expansion to support the rapid addition of new product categories, ensuring timely updates to meet evolving user needs. Expanding͏͏ on the features of the MatchMeter͏͏ and͏͏ adding͏͏ more͏͏ nuanced͏͏ dietary͏͏ filters͏͏ will͏͏ help͏͏ users͏͏ navigate͏͏ the͏͏ explosive͏͏ growth͏͏ of͏͏ UPFs͏͏ and͏ aid consumers to make much more informed decisions.͏͏

By͏͏ staying͏͏ at͏͏ the͏͏ forefront͏͏ of͏͏ AI-driven͏͏ transparency,͏͏ NatFirst͏͏ aspires͏͏ to͏͏ set͏͏ new͏͏ industry͏͏ standards͏͏ and͏͏ guide͏͏ Indian͏͏ consumers͏͏ toward͏͏ healthier,͏͏ more͏͏ informed͏͏ choices. By focusing on these priorities, NatFirst will ensure it stays ahead of trends while remaining aligned with its vision of enabling healthier, more informed choices.

source: http://www.apacnewsnetwork.com / APAC Media / Home> Healthcare & Wellbeing> Interview / by Bhavya Bagga, APAC News Network / December 21st, 2024

Khwaja Tamboli’s Inspiring Journey from Village Cricket Lover to Bat-Making Entrepreneur

Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wadala Village (Solapur), MAHARASHTRA :

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

Bookshop owner who is more interested in collecting books than selling them: Unique Urdu bookshop in Lucknow

Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rohtas, BIHAR / Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

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

Renowned cancer surgeon Dr Majid Ahmed Talikoti made Honorary Health Commissioner by India-GCC Trade Council

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , ,

Shakhapur Village, KARNATAKA / NEW DELHI / Bokharo, JHARKHAND:

Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti

The India GCC (Gulf Corporation Council) Trade Council has announced renowned oncologist surgeon Dr Majid Ahmed as its Honorary Health commissioner.

Dr. Talikoti was recently recognised as one of the 100 most influential Indian Muslim figures by Muslim Mirror. He is a chairman of a ‘Medicant Hospital’ in Jharkhand’s Bokaro. The hospital is known and praised for treating patients at very affordable fees.

In an event in Delhi, Dr. Talikoti was presented with the appointment letter of honorary health commissioner. The India-GCC Trade Council presented the offer recognising his contributions in the field of oncology and his health initiatives between India and Gulf countries.

Accepting the letter, doctor talikoti said the role offered to me is a significant step and I am eager to contribute to health initiatives that bridge India and Gulf countries together. Let’s work to build strong diplomatic ties and healthy Nations across borders.

Earlier, Dr Talikoti had gained recognition in Dubai and was awarded with Healthcare “Excellence Asian Arab Award 2025.”

AIUTC J&K Pharmacy Wing Formed, Hakeem Mohammad Ashraf Lone Named Provincial President

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology, , , , , ,

Baramulla, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Hakeem Mohammad Ashraf Lone

New Delhi:

The National President of All India Unani Tibbi Congress (AIUTC), Professor Mushtaq Ahmad, has appointed renowned Unani practitioner from Baramulla, Kashmir, Hakeem Mohammad Ashraf Lone as the Provincial President of All India Unani Tibbi Congress Pharmacy Wing.

Additionally, Hakeem Imtiaz Ahmad has been named as the Vice President, and Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Dintho has been designated as the General Secretary.

The General Secretary of All India Unani Tibbi Congress, Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, in a statement, stated that the Pharmacy Wing has been established to ensure the availability of Unani medicines. He emphasised that increasing the number of Unani dispensaries is essential to ensure the public can access Unani medicines easily.

Along with assigning the responsibility of Provincial President to Hakeem Ashraf Lone, he has been requested to complete the selection process for all office-bearers in J&K within a month as per the prescribed regulations.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 28th, 2025

APCR Legal Clinic Launches Free Legal Advice Centre for the Poor and Oppressed in Nagpur

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues

Nagpur, MAHARASHTRA :

Nagpur:

The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), Nagpur Chapter, has launched a Free Legal Advice Centre aimed at providing legal guidance and support to underprivileged and oppressed individuals. The initiative seeks to assist those struggling with legal issues by offering free counsel on various legal matters.

The legal clinic will operate every Friday and Saturday at 7 PM at Rifah Building, Behind Sandesh Dawa Bazar, Nagpur – 440018. It will feature legal experts, including Justice M. N. Gilani, retired judge of the Bombay High Court, Nagpur, and Adv. Shoeb Inamdar, Secretary of APCR Maharashtra.

The initiative is designed to educate people about their legal rights, provide guidance on seeking justice, and simplify legal procedures for those in need. APCR encourages individuals facing legal difficulties to avail themselves of this free service.

For more information, individuals can visit the APCR Legal Clinic at the mentioned address during the designated hours.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Uncategorized / by Radiance News Bureau / March 27th, 2025

Amazing: Kolhapur car mechanic repairs helicopter in 30 minutes

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy,

Kolhapur, MAHARASHTRA :

Indians keep on doing extraordinary things, surprising not only the world but also themselves sometimes.

Feroz Momin (L). In the background is the helicopter he repaired. (Image source: Twitter)

Indians keep on doing extraordinary things, surprising not only the world but also themselves sometimes. One such example has been reported from Kolhapur in Maharashtra where a car mechanic repaired a helicopter recently, making it fly-ready in just 30 seconds.

India Today reports that the incident happened at the late Congress leader DY Patil’s residence in Kolhapur. Some guests had arrived at the bungalow in a helicopter but when they were ready to leave, the chopper couldn’t fly.

When they contacted the helicopter company, they were informed that an engineer would take at least two hours to reach the spot. Then someone remembered a local mechanic Imtiaz Momin, who had in 2006 made a car that could move in water along with his brother Feroze Momin. The brothers had then also given a demo of their car by driving it in a pond. They had won accolades from several quarters for their effort.

When someone went to call Imtiaz to repair the helicopter, only Feroz was present at their garage. Feroze had never even touched a helicopter. However, after some persuasion, he agreed to take a look. The report says that Feroz repaired the helicopter in just 30 minutes after taking some inputs from the pilot. The pilot first took a test flight and then left the city with the guests.

Kolhapur is home to several brilliant car mechanics. At one point of time, the city was famous for having the maximum number of luxury Mercedes cars.

source: http://www.financialexpress.com / Financial Express / Home> Business News> India News / by FE Online / November 01st, 2016

50 Islamic Scholars Trained to Serve as Lawyers in Kerala HC

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues

KERALA :

The initiative underscores the importance of nurturing a diverse pool of legal talent equipped to address the complex societal issues facing diverse communities.

pix: X.com /@AleemIlahi

Kochi :

Responding to the pressing need for diverse representation in the state’s legal sphere, particularly to counter communalism, a Muslim organisation in Kerala has taken proactive measures.

It identified a crucial gap in the representation of Muslims in the judicial apparatus of the state and recently qualified and enrolled 50 Islamic scholars as advocates in Kerala High Court.

The southern state has a significant Muslim population and a commendable literacy rate in the community.

The organisation embarked on a training initiative for law graduates after recognising the need for informed legal practitioners well-versed in Shariah-related matters.

This initiative aimed to bridge the gap in Muslim representation in the judiciary, ensuring adequate expertise in addressing legal issues pertaining to the Muslim community.

The successful integration of modern education with religious teachings has been a hallmark of Kerala’s educational landscape. Leveraging this trend, the organisation trained the lawyers who are expected to play a pivotal role in advocating the rights and interests of the Muslim community, particularly in matters concerning Islamic Shariah.

The initiative’s significance extends beyond the confines of Kerala, serving as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. It underscores the importance of nurturing a diverse pool of legal talent equipped to address the complex societal issues facing diverse communities.

The absence of qualified legal representation among Muslims has often resulted in judgements which do not fully consider Shariah principles. By empowering Muslim scholars with legal expertise, this initiative aims to rectify this imbalance and ensure fair and informed judicial outcomes.

As the need for competent legal practitioners among Muslim communities continues to grow, initiatives like these stand as crucial steps towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslim / by Clarion India (pix edited source by X / @AleemIlahi / February 19th, 2024

DC Wokha to receive ECI award

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , ,

JAMMU & KASHMIR / Wokha District, NAGALAND :

Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon. (File Photo)

The Deputy Commissioner of Wokha district, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon will be among the awardees, who will receive the Election Commission of India’s National Awards 2018 for outstanding election-related activities during the elections held in 2018. 

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Samoon for the achievement. “Congratulations Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, IAS @DcWokha #Nagaland who will be conferred with National Awards 2018 for smooth conduct of elections, by the #ElectionCommissionOfIndia, on National Voters’ Day, at Delhi, by the Honourable President of India…” tweeted Rio on his Twitter handle. 

An IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre, Samoon will receive his award in the ‘general category’ on the occasion of National Voters’ Day on January 25. The President of India will confer the awards at a ceremony to be hosted at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi. 

source: http://www.morungexpress.com / The Morung Express / Home / by Morung Express News, Dimapur / January 24th, 2019

In Kerala, a dhow boat is sewn together to be showcased at the FIFA World Cup, Qatar

Business & Economy, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Kozhikode, KERALA :

India and Qatar celebrate their age-old maritime ties by showcasing a handcrafted dhow at the FIFA World Cup, as part of the Gulf Arab nation’s traditional boat festival.

P.O. Hashim, MD, M/S Haji PI Ahmed Koya, Kozhikode, handing over the dhow made by their company to Ahmed al-Hitmi, director, Katara beach department, in Doha, Qatar. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India is reiterating its age-old maritime ties with Qatar, at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, through a handcrafted dhow made by M/S Haji PI Ahmed Koya, a family-run shipbuilding company in Kozhikode.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, and organised by The Cultural Village Foundation Katara, the 12th edition of the Katara International Dhow Festival in Doha is one among the many off-field events scheduled by the FIFA World Cup. The festival, held between November 20 and December 18, features dhows — boats with a long and thin hull, and one or two masts for sails, commonly used in southern Asia and eastern Arabia — from nine countries, including India, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Greece, Zanzibar and Turkey.

The Indian pavilion is exhibiting two 20-foot long boats, in addition to displaying boat materials and models, which are for sale.

“My grandfather started this company in 1885, and we have been making boats to order for clients in the Gulf countries for over 130 years. It is a special year for us, because we have built a baghlah dhow for the Qatari government using vintage technology. It showcases our boat-building heritage on an international stage,” says PO Hashim, managing director of the firm, who is in Doha for the handover.

The company also maintains a Dhow Museum of equipment and memorabilia related to the wooden vessels in Kuttichira, Kozhikode.

The dhow built by M/S Haji PI Ahmed Koya, Kozhikode, seen in the boatyard before despatch. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

How to stitch a boat

The baghlah (Arabic for mule), measuring 27 feet, is an example of a sewn boat, where craftsmen thread wooden planks together using special coconut-fibre ropes. The technique predates the era of metal fastenings, and samples of sewn boats can be seen in many ancient civilizations, each using a different methodology.

Good quality timber and skilled shipwrights made Beypore in Kerala a magnet for Arab countries, attracting craftsmen from Yemen’s Hadrami tribe and the Omanis from the 15th century. Known as uru in Malayalam, the Beypore dhow was the main form of transport along the spice routes of Malabar and Arabia.

“We were inspired to make this dhow after seeing a similar model made in Oman decades ago,” says Hashim. The Qatar-commissioned boat being displayed at the festival was manufactured at the company’s Pattermadu dhow-making unit at Chaliyam village in Kozhikode.

Over six to seven months, from November 2021, craftsman Gokul Edathumpadikkal and a team of shipwrights were busy assembling the six-foot deep and seven-foot wide vessel, using teak sourced from Nilambur. Most of the carpentry and detailed carving on the outer planks have been done manually.

A dhow is typically built from the outside hull inwards. Shaped planks of wood are connected at the edges in a clinker style, and the overlapping sections are sewn together with coir to form a flexible structure. Internal framing is provided for additional rigidity.

Hashim says that their dhow is made with 2,300 hand stitches of fibre ropes through 5,000 holes to secure the planks. It was shipped by container and handed over to Ahmed al-Hitmi, director, Katara beach department, in Doha, last week.

“Qatar has been actively promoting the dhow as a symbol of the country’s culture and economy before the oil boom. We have been participating in Qatar’s annual dhow festival for 10 years,” he says.

Sailing away

The work of the special dhow using coir rope in progress at Chaliyam. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

At one time, there were some 80 types of dhows in the Arabian Gulf and Oman but only about six are still in use today, albeit with engines rather than sails. “There were many types of sailing dhows, ranging from big ocean-going vessels to small inshore fishing boats. They were used for trading from the Arabian Gulf to countries as far away as China, where pearls were exchanged for silk and other luxury items. Each year, fleets of dhows set out for the pearl-fishing grounds in September, returning three months later. The last of the sailing dhows were replaced by engine-powered boats in the 1950s,” says writer Fran Gillespie, who has authored several books on Qatar’s history, culture and archaeology.

Traditionally built dhows, powered with engines, are still in use in the Arabian Gulf for fishing and tourist excursions.

Katara, a sprawling beach promenade in Doha, will be the venue for marine shows, competitions, workshops for children and craftsmen in addition to special performances and operettas by folk troupes through the month as part of the festival.

For the World Cup, flags of the nations of the 32 qualified teams will be put on dhow masts to sail past the Doha Corniche and Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) reaching there by sunset on all days.

“The dhow festival, based on Qatar’s pearl-diving, fishing and maritime history is deeply intertwined with emotion and pride in the hearts of several generations,” says Salem al-Marri, Director of public relations and communications, Katara.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society / by Nahla Nainar / November 28th, 2022