Tiruchi, TAMIL NADU / Algharetta (Georgia) U.S.A :
VDart founder Sidd Ahmed on attending the first Lunar New Year gathering at the White House.
Sidd Ahmed, founder of VDart Group, seen at the first ever Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Bidens at the White House in Washington DC on January 26, 2023. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The first ever Lunar New Year reception hosted by the US White House in Washington DC was a memorable occasion for Tiruchi-born Asian-American tech entrepreneur Sidd Ahmed, who was one of the 100 invitees to the formal event held on January 26.
“I’m still a little overwhelmed, because getting an invitation from the President of the United States is a big thing for an ordinary citizen,” says Ahmed over a phone interview. “The programme was meant to celebrate the New Year traditions of people from the Asian-American Pacific-Islander (AAPI) communities. This was one of the ethnic festive celebrations hosted by the White House in recent years, to emphasise the nation’s multiculturalism,” he says.
Ahmed, who founded the VDart Group, a global digital talent management and consultancy based in the US city of Alpharetta, Georgia in 2007, was a rare Indian face among the elite gathering dominated by guests from Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Filipino lineage.
“A majority of the invitees were non-profits [non-governmental organisations]. I represented the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a non-profit that connects minorities [people of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian Pacific, or Asian Indian ethnicity] with US corporations,” says Ahmed.
Dream come true
Along with NMSDC CEO and president Ying McGuire, Ahmed was invited as the head of VDart, one of the best-performing companies of the council’s 13,000 member firms. The company has had a significant corporate presence in Tiruchi since 2010.
“Visiting the White House and simply being in the proximity of President Joe Biden is a huge thing. It was a like a dream come true, listening to President Biden speak and interact with the guests. Imagine an ordinary man coming from Tiruchi like me going to the White House. There may have been many more companies and far more well-read people than me there, but it was such a huge honour,” says Ahmed.
Though a mass shooting incident during a Lunar New Year celebration in California a few days before the White House reception had cast a pall on the nation, the US administration decided to go ahead with the event as planned. “President Joe Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden wanted to show the country’s resilience,” says Ahmed.
He later attended a deferred Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris at her official residence on January 31.
The guests were free to click innumerable pictures in the grand reception rooms of the White House’s ground floor, once they had completed the mandatory security checks. “The Secret Service and US Marines manning the areas were really polite and hospitable that day, and made the evening more enjoyable,” says Ahmed.
While the excitement has still to die down at home, especially among his relatives in Tiruchi, Ahmed says his mother asked the most pertinent questions. “My family was super excited about the whole thing. But only Mom asked, ’What did the President say?’ and ‘Does he look the same in real life as on TV?’” he laughs.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Nahla Nainar / February 22nd, 2023
Kilakarai (Ramanathapuram District) , TAMIL NADU :
Legends abound in Tamil folklore about the ‘merchant prince’ Shaikh Abdul Qadir, popularly known as Seethakathi. He was one of the earliest regional traders to do business with the Dutch and the British in the 17th Century. A generous patron of the arts, he supported poets Umaru Pulavar, Padikasu Thambiran, Kandasamy Pulavar, and others.
Cultural confluence: The prayer hall of the Grand Jumma Masjid, which is central to the landscape of Kilakarai. It was built in the 17th Century in the Dravidian style of architecture. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In Tamil, Seethakathi is a byword for philanthropy. The adage ‘Seththum kodai kodutthan Seethakathi’ (Even in death, Seethakathi donated generously) is often used to refer to a person’s exemplary munificence. But who was Seethakathi, or rather, Shaikh Abdul Qadir, who also sported the title, Vijaya Raghunatha Periyathambi Marakkayar, endowed by Kilavan Sethupathi?
Legends abound in Tamil folkloric narratives about this ‘merchant prince’ of the coastal town of Kilakarai, in the present day Ramanathapuram district, whose name is variously spelled as ‘Seydakadi’ or ‘Sidakkali’. Actual evidence of his enterprise and influence, however, has survived only in a handful of records and inscriptions of the late 17th Century.
In memoriam
Kilakarai continues to commemorate its famous son. The main thoroughfare here is called ‘Vallal Seethakathi Salai’, and a grand memorial arch in his name on the outskirts welcomes visitors. An annual ‘Seethakathi Vizha’ is organised with panegyric poems and speeches in his honour.
Central to Kilakarai’s landscape, though, is the Grand Jumma Masjid, built in the Dravidian style of architecture, where Seethakathi is interred.
The mosque, said to have been commissioned by Seethakathi or built during his lifetime in the 17th Century over two decades, also houses the graves of his elder brother ‘Pattathu Maraikkar’ Mohamed Abdul Qadir, and the domed mausoleum of the saint-scholar Shaikh Sadaqatullah (known locally as Sadaqatullah Appa), to whom Seethakathi was close, both as disciple and friend. Seethakathi also commissioned the grave of his younger brother Sheikh Ibrahim Marakkayar in Vethalai.
“This mosque has 110 pillars made with stone quarried from the seashore in Valinokkam village. Its style is typical of southern Indian buildings of its time, and is of great interest to researchers because of its unique structure. All the pillars are embellished with floral patterns, and some of them are naturally embedded with seashells,” A.M.M. Kader Bux Hussain Siddiqi Makhdoomi, the town Qazi and ‘Mutawalli’ (administrator) of the Grand Jumma Mosque, told The Hindu.
Blending with locals
According to research by S.M. Hussain Nainar (1899-1963), who was a professor of Arabic, Urdu and Persian at the University of Madras and Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Arabs and Persians had been trading with the Indian peninsula even before the advent of Islam. Over time, the Arab traders settled along the coast of southern India, and with the coming of Islam, became assimilated with the local population. Most Tamil-speaking Muslims in these regions have Arab ancestry.
Islam’s influence in the Deccan has been noted from the end of the 13th Century, but it peaked only after the mid-17th Century, in the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (1658-1707).
Born to Malla Sahib Periya Thambi Marakkayar and Syed Ahmed Nachiyar, as the second of three sons, Seethakathi hailed from Selvarkulam. The Marakkayars (an abbreviated form of Marakala Rayar) were one of the five early Tamil Muslim communities (the others being Sonakar, Labbai, Turki and Rowther) mentioned in historical texts.
The Marakkayar community was known for its maritime trade, and Seethakathi made his fortune in dealing with pepper, rice, pearls and handloom textiles, among other commodities.
Seethakathi was a close friend of Vijaya Raghunatha Thevar, or Kilavan Sethupathi, a loyal vassal of Chokkanatha Nayak, who helped Thirumalai Nayak in his war against the Mysore army.
Sethupathi cut off ties with Madurai in 1792 and built the Ramalinga Vilasam palace to fortify his position in the region. The palace, set in the middle of a moated campus, has a stone tablet that bears Seethakathi’s name.
The title, ‘Vijaya Raghunatha Periya Thambi’, denoted the affection and trust that Seethakathi enjoyed of his royal friend.
Mughal ‘khalifa’ in Bengal
It is also said Shaikh Sadaqatullah’s mention of Seethakathi’s generosity and character to Emperor Aurangzeb resulted in the ‘merchant prince’ being sent to Bengal as the Mughal ‘khalifa’ (regent). However, Seethakathi decided to resign after a while, as the new environment did not suit him.
Seethakathi’s acumen helped him become one of the earliest regional traders to do business with the Dutch and the British in the 17th Century. He is known to have maintained ventures from the Coromandel Coast to Sri Lanka (Ceylon). The British made contact with Seethakathi in the mid-17th Century.
Nainar’s 1953 book Seethakathi Vallal refers to the correspondence, in 1686-1690, between Seethakathi and the British East India Company’s agents William Gyfford and Elihu Yale negotiating trade in pepper and rice. The Dutch, too, interacted with Seethakathi, first as business rivals, and then as collaborators.
Patron of arts
Seethakathi was a generous patron of the arts, with poets like Umaru Pulavar, Padikasu Thambiran and Kandasamy Pulavar among the many supported by him.
Umaru Pulavar wrote the Seera Puranam, a 5,000-stanza verse biography of Prophet Muhammad in Tamil. Nainar’s book also contains two extant literary works about him: Seethakathi Nondi Nadagam (a Tamil mono-drama) and Thirumana Vaazhthu (felicitation written for Seethakathi’s wedding).
“Over time, many myths have become attached to Seethakathi. As archival documents show, he was a successful businessman and ‘rental farmer’ for the powers of the day. More systematic research of old records would help to highlight the role of Tamil Muslims like Seethakathi in Indian history,” said J. Raja Mohamed, historian and former curator of Pudukottai Government Museum.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Tamil Nadu> In Focus / by Nahla Nainar / October 27th, 2023
Amreen Iqbal, founder of Piece of You, is proving that jewellery is more than just an accessory — it’s a timeless connection to life’s milestones
Image: Motivate Media Group/ Supplied
Jewellery is not just about adornment — it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that last forever, says Amreen Iqbal.
For Iqbal, the founder of Piece of You , jewellery is more than just a luxury or a decorative accessory. It’s a reflection of life’s most meaningful moments; a creation of something truly personal and lasting. It’s this deep, emotional connection to jewellery that led her to create Piece of You, a brand that has quickly become the go-to brand in the personalised, bespoke jewellery space.
Like her brand, Iqbal’s journey is a meaningful narrative of passion, perseverance and family. It’s a story that weaves together her roots in a family business, her entrepreneurial spirit and her ‘sparkling’ vision for the future.
Iqbal’s passion for jewellery isn’t just a product of her creativity – it runs in her blood. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the jewellery trade, she was surrounded by the sights and sounds of goldsmiths, diamonds, and the ever-evolving world of high-end craftsmanship. Her father, Firoz Merchant, is the founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, a recognised and trusted name in the industry. Watching him build a brand from the ground up was a formative experience for Iqbal, one that would shape not just her understanding of the jewellery industry, but also her approach to business.
Learning from the best
“I had the privilege of learning under the guidance of my father,” Iqbal reflects. “He has been a true mentor, shaping my understanding of business, not just from a technical perspective, but also in terms of ethics and values. His wisdom and leadership have been instrumental in everything I do today.”
Her father’s influence is evident in how Iqbal runs her business. The commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction are values that Iqbal has carried with her, and they are reflected in every piece of jewellery she creates.
One moment that stands out for Iqbal as a testament to the legacy she’s building is when someone approached her father, and said, “Oh, you’re the father of Amreen?” “That moment is unforgettable for me,” Iqbal reflects. “It was a powerful reminder of the legacy I want to create – not just for myself, but for my parents and my children. I want to be known as a hardworking founder who has made a name for herself in this industry.”
Iqbal’s journey as an entrepreneur didn’t come by chance; it was a deliberate decision to follow her passion for jewellery design and make it her own. After years of crafting bespoke pieces for family and friends, her husband, Amran, encouraged her to take the leap and turn her craft into a business. “It was after the birth of our third child, Omar, that Amran pushed me to pursue my dream,” she explains. “He saw how much joy creating personalised pieces brought me and encouraged me to turn that passion into a brand. He truly believed in me, and that belief made all the difference.”
Piece of you: The birth of a brand
And so, Piece of You was born – an online jewellery brand that offers personalised, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow customers to capture their special moments in a way that’s as unique as they are. The brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces (rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets) are crafted from pure 18-carat gold and adorned with diamonds, pearls and other precious stones.
The idea of personalised jewellery resonated deeply with customers, and the brand quickly gained traction. “I believe there’s something incredibly powerful about jewellery that carries personal significance,” Iqbal shares. “When you wear something that has meaning – whether it’s a name, a date, or a symbol that’s important to you – it becomes so much more than just an accessory. It becomes a part of your story.
“Piece of You is about capturing that personal connection and turning it into something tangible – it’s about being ‘uniquely you’.”
“We are proud to be pioneers in personalised jewellery — a space where others have tried to replicate our success,” Iqbal says with a sense of quiet confidence. “As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we take pride in knowing that others look to us as a models. However, we will always remain distinct – and dare I say, better – than other brands.”
With over 35 years of family experience in the industry, coupled with nearly 20 years of her hands-on expertise working with gold and diamonds, Iqbal has developed a deep understanding of the craft. “Our knowledge and passion for the trade are at the heart of everything we do,” she explains.
Furthermore, the brand’s partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers provides an unmatched competitive edge, with Iqbal’s father playing a critical role in the operations, personally overseeing the manufacturing unit. “His involvement ensures the highest standards of ethics and quality at our factory,” Iqbal notes.
“With our manufacturing unit and the ability to purchase on a large scale through our partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers, we offer accessible luxury that goes beyond competitive prices. This combination gives us a distinct advantage in delivering high-quality, personalised jewellery at unparalleled value, she adds.
But while the brand’s distinctiveness is rooted in its expertise, vision, and commitment to quality, it is the power of social media that has enabled Piece of You to share its story with a global audience, transforming its appeal and growth trajectory.
Leveraging social media
Social media has become a game-changer for many businesses – and Iqbal’s journey with Piece of You was no exception. She knew that connecting with customers online was essential, but it wasn’t until her pieces were worn by influential personalities that her business truly took off.
“Social media has completely transformed the jewellery industry,” Iqbal explains. “When I started Piece of You, I knew that building an online presence was crucial. But it wasn’t until one of the influencers in Dubai wore one of our pieces that things started to take off. The response was overwhelming. It opened the floodgates for brand recognition and allowed us to reach customers we never could have imagined.”
The influencer’s endorsement catapulted the brand into the limelight, bringing Iqbal’s personalised designs to the attention of a wider audience. “It was a turning point for us,” she admits. “The exposure we gained through social media and influencers has been incredible. People loved the idea of personalised jewellery, and when they saw someone they admired wearing our pieces, it gave them the confidence to buy for themselves.”
With the power of platforms like Instagram, Piece of You has rapidly grown its following, reaching customers in the UAE and beyond. “The beauty of social media is that it allows us to connect with people globally,” Iqbal says. “Social media has truly allowed us to connect with people who are passionate about what we do, and it’s helped us tell our story in a more meaningful way.”
Like any entrepreneur, Iqbal faced her share of challenges when launching the brand, but she also had a significant advantage.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have minimal challenges in terms of suppliers and understanding the industry,” she admits. “Having worked in the jewellery business for over 12 years before launching Piece of You, I knew the ins and outs of the trade. However, establishing the brand in the market was a challenge. It’s never easy to carve a niche, especially in a market as competitive as Dubai.”
Despite the challenges, Iqbal’s persistence paid off. The brand is a rising star in the world of personalised jewellery. “Today, I’m proud to see Piece of You’s growth and success,” she says with a smile. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work and love I’ve put into the brand.”
Girl power
As a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Iqbal has encountered her own set of challenges. However, instead of viewing these as setbacks, she embraces them as opportunities to demonstrate her capabilities and create a path for other women to follow in the industry.
“I believe that as women, we all face challenges – especially in industries like gold and diamonds where women are often underrepresented,” she says. “But that is changing rapidly, especially in the UAE, where visionary leaders are empowering women to achieve their dreams. There is a space for everyone to succeed, and talent, drive, and passion are what matter the most.”
“The growth of Piece of You is directly tied to the growth of my entire team,” she adds. “As a leader, I’ve learned that delegation is key. When I first started, I struggled with letting go of control, but over time, I’ve learned that empowering others is essential for the growth of both the business and the people around me.”
Her leadership extends beyond her team to the broader community as well. “One of the things I’m most proud of is how Piece of You is able to give back,” she says. The brand’s ‘One Order = One Meal’ programme, which provides a meal to someone in need for every piece of jewellery sold, is just one example of how Iqbal strives to make a difference. “It’s about more than just making money. It’s about creating something that has meaning, that can help people, and that can make the world a better place.”
As much as she is dedicated to her business, Iqbal’s commitment to her family is equally unwavering. “In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am also a full-time mom to four amazing children, aged two to 12, who need me endlessly,” she says with a smile. “It’s a constant balancing act, but I believe that time management and proper planning are the most important factors when it comes to maintaining balance.”
Iqbal makes it a point to wake up every day at 5:30 am, carving out those extra hours to balance her many roles – both at home and in business. “As my brother, Karim Merchant, MD and CEO of Pure Gold Group, taught me early on, effective time management and planning can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life – business, family, mental health, and more,” she says. “As the saying goes, proper planning prevents poor performance.”
As e-commerce continues to reshape industries across the globe, Iqbal has fully embraced digital transformation, understanding the critical role technology plays in the modern consumer experience.
“E-commerce is definitely the future,” Iqbal says. “The ability to shop for jewellery from anywhere at any time is a game-changer. But what really excites me is how technology is transforming the jewellery shopping experience. Virtual try-ons, AI-assisted design tools, and augmented reality are revolutionising the way customers engage with our products.”
Piece of You was quick to adopt these advancements, offering customers the ability to design their jewellery online, see virtual mock-ups, and even try on pieces virtually before making a purchase. “These technologies are key to ensuring that our customers have a seamless and personalised experience,” Iqbal explains.
“We bring your unique vision to life and ensure it is delivered directly to your preferred location, combining convenience with a truly bespoke experience,” she adds.
Committed to sustainability
In today’s world, consumers are increasingly conscious of the ethical and environmental impact of their purchases. Iqbal has always been committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, working with suppliers who share her values of transparency and ethical practices.
“Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet,” Iqbal says firmly. “At Piece of You, we ensure that all our materials are ethically sourced. I work with trusted suppliers, ensuring that our jewellery meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
As the brand continues to gain recognition, Iqbal is looking forward to expanding its reach even further.
“My goal for Piece of You is to establish ourselves as the world’s leading destination for personalised jewellery,” she reveals. With a growing demand for special-shape diamonds, such as hearts and stars, Iqbal is excited about introducing new designs that will appeal to consumers seeking both timeless elegance and bold individuality.
The future of personalised jewellery looks bright, and Amreen Iqbal is poised to lead the way. “We aim to remain leaders in this space, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead,” she says. “It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to help people express their individuality and create meaningful connections through jewellery.”
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Leadership lessons: Amreen Iqbal’s advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs
Find your passion: Pursue a career or business that truly makes you happy. Your passion will drive you even when times get tough.
Build a strong support system: Having a strong support system at home is essential. Whether it’s your spouse, family, or even house help, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Stay true to your values: Integrity and honesty are everything in business. Never compromise your values, no matter how tempting the shortcut may seem.
Delegate and trust your team: When you empower others, you allow them to help you achieve your vision. Leadership is about bringing out the best in those around you.
Embrace social media and technology: Social media can truly elevate your business. Build a community around your brand, and let your customers become your advocates. Incorporating technology is also key to business success in the digital age.
source: http://www.gulfbusiness.com / Gulf Business / Home> UAE > Dubai / by Neesha Salian / December 26th, 2024
Firoz Merchant (Left) donating the cheque to Khalid Al Olama, Secretary General of the Dubai Charity Association
New Delhi :
Mumbai-born Indian businessman Firoz Merchant has donated AED 1 million (approximately Rs 2.25 crore) to the Dubai Charity Association to support kidney patients and release prisoners.
Firoz, a philanthropist is the founder and chairman of Dubai’s Pure Gold Group. The donation will be used for dialysis at the Dubai Charity Association and his initiative of paying the fines of prisoners who have served their terms in jails and have been languishing as they cannot pay the fines imposed on them.
Khalid Al Olama, Member and Secretary General of the Dubai Charity Association, posted the story about Merchant’s charity on Instagram. He thanked Feroz and said it would be of great help to the kidney patients.
He said, “This donation is not just a financial contribution. It is a symbol of Pure Gold Group’s social responsibility and commitment to community welfare. We are proud of this Group’s collaboration. We are grateful for its continued support for humanitarian work in the UAE. This collaboration allows us to expand healthcare services and help more patients.”
After donating to the Dubai Charity Association, Firoz Merchant said, “I would like to thank the Dubai Charity Association for their continued dedication to humanitarian causes. I believe that everyone has a fundamental right to access the best medical care in the world. I am happy that I could contribute to this community service.”
Firoz Merchant’s social work has made a big difference in the lives of many poor and vulnerable people. Firoz’s ‘Forgotten Society’ initiative has freed more than 20,000 prisoners in the UAE since 2008. For this, he waived the prisoners’ debts and arranged for them to fly back to their countries. In 2024, he gave crores of rupees to free 900 prisoners before Ramadan.
In 2017, he announced to provide an annual sum of US$130,790 to repatriate prisoners from the UAE to their home countries. Feroze is fulfilling his social responsibility by helping the needy in society. Mumbai-born Firoz Merchant is well known for his jewelry business and above all human service in the UAE. Each year before Ramazan, he gets prisoners who are languishing in jails after serving their terms but unable to pay the fines imposed by the Courts on them freed from the UAE’s jails.
Firoz set up ‘The Forgotten Society’ in 2008. Each years the society hands over a cewrtain amount to the UAE government as the cumulative fine amount for the release of prisoners
Merchant had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties and he moved to UAE where he worked and gradually established his business.
Firoz Merchant says he does this to ensure that the prisoners can return to their homes before Ramazan. ‘The Forgotten Society’ arranges tickets for the air travel of prisoners. Firoz Merchant, 66, is the owner ‘Pure Gold Jewellers which he set up in Dubai in 1989. He claims to live up to the name of his business and sell only quality jewelry to his customers.
Firoz Merchant says after becoming a brand and enjoying a monopoly on the jewelry market of Dubai and later Abu Dhabi, he wants to expand globally with his new design jewelry.
All the exquisite gold-diamond designer jewelry of ‘Pure Gold Jewellers’ is available for sale online.
While selling designer jewelry, one day Firoz Merchant thought of freeing the prisoners lodged in various jails who don’t have a relative and resources to pay the fine imposed on them by the court as part of the punishment.
Due to his charity, 700 prisoners were released in 2019 and 900 the next year. Till a year ago his initiative has helped more than 20,000 prisoners.
Merchant says his deed is a message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness during Ramzan.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Awaz The Voice / March 12th, 2025
Padma Shri awardee Iqbal Syed Hasnain’s ‘Fault Lines in the Faith: How Events of 1979 Shaped the Islamic World’ was the topic of an animated discussion at Delhi’s IIC earlier this month.
The ‘Fault Lines in the Faith’ book discussion at IIC | Photo: Heena Fatima | thePrint
New Delhi:
A series of three momentous events irrevocably changed the social, religious, and political fabric of the Islamic world. And they all took place in 1979. This is the central argument of Padma Shri awardee Iqbal Syed Hasnain’s book Fault Lines in the Faith, which became the topic of a lively discussion among academics and history buffs at Delhi’s India International Centre on an early February evening.
Presiding over the panel discussion in IIC’s conference room, Hasnain, who is also an eminent glaciologist, elaborated on the three “fault lines” that sent shockwaves far beyond their immediate contexts.
First, the Islamic Revolution in Iran cleaved the Muslim world along sectarian lines with the establishment of the first Shia state. Second, the siege of Mecca ignited the conservative Sahwa (Islamic awakening) movement in Saudi Arabia, blending Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist ideologies. And third, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan led to the birth of violent extremist groups like al-Qaeda and its offshoots.
“All these three pivotal points led to the surge of fundamentalist or Islamist jihad,” said Hasnain. He added that what began as a “normal struggle between invading forces and local communities” warped from nationalism to a violent ideological shift with devastating repercussions.
Iqbal S Hasnain | Photo: Twitter/@Rupa_Books
Hasnain further elaborated on the global impact of these events by sharing personal anecdotes from his time studying in the UK. He said he encountered strong anti-Western sentiment among students from Middle Eastern countries during his glaciology programme at the University of Manchester in the 1990s.
During Friday prayers in a large hall, he said, student speakers often delivered khutbahs (sermons) against Western culture and American exploitation of their regions, with some even advocating for jihad. As American involvement in the Middle East increased, especially with the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s, this hostility intensified.
pix: amazon.in
During the book discussion, audience members raised questions about Hasnain’s narrative. One participant, Sumanjeet Choudhary, a retired corporate executive, inquired why there wasn’t more opposition to jihadist activities despite Islam’s rich history and the presence of prominent leaders.
Hasnain countered this view with the example of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, who has urged Moroccans worldwide to embrace tolerance and reject Islamist extremism.
“King Mohammed VI came out and he stopped the funding [of madrasas] from Saudi Arabia. He changed the whole narrative in the madrasas,” Hasnain said. He acknowledged, however, that while there is an ongoing debate within Muslim communities and their leadership about how to address extremism, it is “not very visible”.
Ripple effects
Hasnain’s book traces the rise of anti-pluralism, misogyny, and severe intolerance within the Arab world. The 1979 Shia Islamic Revolution in Iran, he said, shook the Sunni Arab world. In response, Saudi Arabia, fearing a Shiite revival, actively promoted puritanical Wahhabi Salafism, a strand of Islam that’s deeply hostile not only to Shias but also to Sunni Sufis. He, however, implicates the West as well. In February 1989, after nearly a decade of occupation, the Soviet army left Afghanistan, leaving behind a fractured nation, where tribal warlords and mujahideen groups engaged in an intense tussle for power. The US, having lost interest, “abandoned” the region, he added, leaving a vacuum for the likes of Osama bin Laden to fill.
Ultimately, Hasnain argues that the events of 1979 triggered a chain reaction, including 9/11, the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the rise of al-Qaeda and ISIS. In 2021, in what seems like an eerie echo of the past, the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leaving it with no democratic foundation and back in the grip of the Taliban.
When a participant asked about the impact of the 1979 events on India, Hasnain answered that the after-effects “were not limited to West Asia”, with radicalisation spreading to all corners of the world. “In India, to some extent, it was [mitigated] because India practiced a more moderate form of Islam , Hanafi Sufi Islam, which emphasised trade,” he added.
However, as more Indians went to work in Saudi Arabia, they were influenced by Salafi ideology, Hasnain said. For instance, those who’d grown up celebrating Eid-e-Milad (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) stopped doing so after stints in Saudi Arabia, where Wahhabis do not observe such festivities.
One of the panel’s members was former Indian ambassador to Qatar KP Fabian. Chiming in, he said that it was important tomonitor developments in Muslim-majority countries, given India’s sizeable Muslim population. There may be political borders but “ideas come without a visa”, he pointed out, and vigilance is essential. He also claimed that Arab countries are keeping an eye on India’s Muslims. “They are watching us,” Fabian said. “They are also discreet.”
(Edited by Asavari Singh)
source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Features> Around Town / by Heena Fatima / pix of book edited – source amazon.in / February 29th, 2024
The school offers short courses in making parottas and other food based on practical training by a professional for a fee and accommodation is arranged for outstation students.
Mohamed Maideen conducting a class on making the Parotta at Success Coaching Centre in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
Suresh Kumar, 44, tosses and shapes a ‘parotta’ patty until the dough billows out like a large handkerchief, as master Mohamed Mohideen looks on, on the premises of Success Coaching Centre on Airport Road. At a live cooking station, another student gets to grips with a wok to cook Indo-Chinese dishes.
“Parotta stalls and noodle shops became a part of Tamil Nadu’s street food culture long ago. But there is a shortage of skilled labour in this field and many eateries have to down shutters when the master cook is unavailable. I began this coaching centre two months ago, because it can help many small businesses grow,” Mr. Mohideen told The Hindu.
For a fee, students can learn parotta making in a seven-day course or Indo-Chinese cooking over 10 days. The school provides the ingredients required for all the classes, besides accommodation for outstation students. Applicants are taught how to make dosa and idli commercially on request.
Mr. Mohideen, a graduate in business administration, comes from a family of parotta makers based near Dindigul and has spent over 15 years in the restaurant trade as a cook and trainer. “When we were growing up, parotta stalls usually functioned from the front of the chef’s homes, and there were very few of them. I used to spend all my free time training under the parotta master. Once a student develops the knack of tossing the dough, he can start learning the other techniques,” he says.
Students are first taught how to knead the dough, made with refined flour (maida), salt, and water. They then learn how to make the ‘salna’ or gravy to go with it.
Tossing the dough patty after pressing it out by hand, is essential to aerating it, said Mr. Mohideen. Students practise for two days with a cloth napkin in front of a mirror before moving on to the real thing.
For Indo-Chinese training, a wok is filled with rock salt that students roast with a heavy ladle on a high flame.
The school has trained over 100 students in the past two months with several queries coming up through social media for parotta classes. Mr. Mohideen takes online lessons. “A huge variety of parottas is made across the world and Tamil Nadu has some 10 versions in vogue,” he says.
Mr. Kumar, who works at a restaurant in Canada, is hoping to better his prospects when he returns with his new skill. “I have been a dishwasher for a long time; making parottas can open the doors for me in my own workplace,” he says.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by Nahla Nainar / May 17th, 2024
Designer bangles made by Afsana Choudhary, 42, of village Salai, Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh, are a rage even among people in foreign lands.
Starting her business small, Afsana has displayed her art of bangle-making in 19 countries, so far. Her business has grown so much that she has appointed her nephew to handle sales.
Afsana Chaudhary’s journey from a school dropout to international fame is a saga of focus and hard work. Her father was an inspector in the Agricultural Mandi Committee and he wanted his daughters to study. He sent both his daughters to a school in Hapur. However, back then society followed strict restrictions on girls’ education.
Afsana had to leave her studies even though she did not want it.
In 2000, “Action India Organization”, an NGO based in Delhi, offered training to women in making designer bangles as part of their campaign to empower rural women through self-reliance.
Some 50 women participated in this three-month course, and Afsana mastered this art. She loved it and soon established herself as a skilled handicraftsman.
In 2001, Afsana put up a stall of her handmade bangles.at the Handicrafts Faire at in Delhi Haat. This was for the first time for her to step out of her home for work.
Her handmade bangles received tremendous appreciation and she hit great sales. This boosted her confidence and she decided to take her art as a full-time business.
Afsana continued working hard to take her art to the global level. She participated in a handicraft exhibition in China in 2014. This was for maiden flight and she said her “happiness knew no bounds.”
Afsana’s handmade bangles being sold at Surajkund Mela
The experience of staying in a five-star hotel in China was unforgettable for her. Her art was highly appreciated there.
Her next international exhibition was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2015. Again, her handcrafted bangles were a rage and she made great sales.
Two years later Afsana expanded her business. She also started making designer necklaces, earrings, eyeglass chains, bracelets, anklets, belts, flower sticks, etc.
Her business had increased in volume and sales.
Afsana never borrowed money from family to set up her business. Whenever she needed money for raw materials, she would take a loan from the NGO and repay it in time.
Soon her turnover was in several lakhs.
Afsana Chaudhary got married in 1997 and has two daughters. Her elder daughter finished her MBA and is working in a high position in a company in Gurugram.
After the business grew, he also included his nephew Savage Ali in his work, so that the businesses could be expanded further.
Afsana Chaudhary’s dream is to make every woman self-reliant. She wants to train women in design and help them launch their businesses.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Dayaram Vashisht, Faridabad, Haryana / February 24th, 2025
Altaf Hussain, Artisan and chief decorator of Ram Leela Utsav
The death of Altaf Hussain, one of the well-known artisans whose family had been involved in decorating the venue of Raas Mela Utsav, a famous cultural event of the city of Cooch Behar of West Bengal is being widely mourned across the state.
Altaf Mian, 70, passed away on Saturday. He was buried in Cooch Bihar, located about 7.5 hours drive from Kolkata.
His family, popularly known as ‘Altaf Mian’, had been organizing the famous ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ of Cooch Behar for a long time.
For forty years, Altaf Hussain was involved in decorating the venue of the Raas Leela Utsav – a play based on the life of Lord Krishna, particularly romantic and naughty interactions with Gopis the local young women, at the Madan Mohan temple every year in November.
Altaf Hussain was famous for designing the archway of the Raas Mela festival.
Even Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep grief over his death.
Altaf Hussain had not been well for two years. For this reason, his son Aminur Hussain take charge of decorating the ‘Ras Leela Utsav’
Work
Altaf Hussain was being treated at MGN Medical College Hospital in Cooch Behar.
As soon as the news of his death came in, a big crowd of his admirers gathered at his house in the Harin Chaura area. Hindus and Muslims, children, old and young alike came to pay their respects. Women were seen weeping.
A pall of gloom fell on the city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joined his admirers in expressing grief and offering condolences to his family.
She also directed the Cooch Behar district administration to bury Altaf Hussain with state dignity.
What is Raas Mela festival?
‘Raas Mela festival’ is an artistic presentation of Lord Krishna’s dance with his consort Radha and gopis of Braj. This dance festival of Radha-Krishna is also mentioned in Bhagwat Purana and Geet Govinda.
The ‘Raas festival’ of Cooch Behar district is quite famous. It lasts a fortnight This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’, which lasts for fifteen to twenty days, starts on 15 November and continues till the first week of December. This ‘Raas Utsav’ is also called ‘Winter Carnival’ in Cooch Behar.
This ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ has been going on in Cooch Behar district for two hundred years. It is said that this happened for the first time during the time of the 17th king of Cooch Behar Harendra Narayan. His descendants celebrated it with pomp and show.
During the time of Raja Madan Mohan, the format of this festival changed. It was during this time that Altaf Hussain’s ancestors were given the responsibility of decorating this festival. For the first time, big arches were erected and this tradition continues.
The attraction of this ‘Raas Mela Utsav’ spread far and wide and people were drawn to see this festival.
So far the Raas Mela Utsav of Cooch Behar was only disrupted twice – in 1912 when cholera disease spread and the second time in 2020 during the Corona pandemic.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Jaynarayan Prasad, Kolkata / March 04th, 2025
The Southern India Plywood Manufacturers’ Association (SIPMA) held its General Body Meeting on February 22, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss key issues affecting the plywood sector.
The meeting, held in Bangalore, focused on crucial matters such as the QCO order, sustainability initiatives, emission norms, and industry standards. Discussions also included labour welfare and modernization efforts aimed at improving productivity in the sector.
A major highlight of the meeting was the election of new office bearers. Dr. Prashant MA was elected as the President of SIPMA. He is currently the Director of AK Apple Ply, a company founded by the late M. Ahmed in 1984. Originally from Kochi, Dr. Prashant has been associated with AK Apple Ply for over three decades, having joined the company in the 1990s. He gained valuable experience under the mentorship of M. Ahmed and played a key role in expanding the company’s operations. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Prashant acknowledged the vision of his late mentor and said he was honored to take on the responsibility of leading SIPMA to serve the plywood industry.
Alongside Dr. Prashant, Jitendra R Patel, Managing Director of Raaj Wood Products in Nelamangala, was elected as Vice President, and K. Hariraya Kamath from Karnataka Plywood in Sullia, Karnataka, was appointed as Secretary.
During the event, SIPMA also recognized the contributions of industry veteran Siraj Bhai of Veneer Mills by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A member of SIPMA since 1980, he has dedicated his career to the growth of the plywood sector and has been actively involved in its development.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / February 25th, 2025
A ‘family get-together’ will be organized at Al Qusais Amity School in Dubai on Saturday, February 15, under the auspices of the UAE ‘Sahebaan’ community.
‘Sahebaan’ is an Urdu-speaking Muslim community from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
This ‘Family Get-Together’ will be held from 4 PM to 11 PM, and several programs will take place during this time, said program organizer and patron H.M. Afroz Assadi.
He stated that a felicitation program will be held to recognize children studying in the UAE who have scored more than 90% marks, as well as those who have achieved success in sports.
The chief guests of the event will be ‘Sahebaan’ community leaders, businessman and Hidayat Group President Hidayatullah Abbas, non-resident businessman, Philanthropist and owner of Nash Engineering Company in Dubai K.S. Nisar Ahmed, along with several other dignitaries.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 12th, 2025
