Category Archives: Business & Economy

Bihar Collective to Release Booklet “Remembering Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar” in Patna on Feb 23

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Patna, BIHAR :

Patna :

In an era of unprecedented majoritarian ascendance and anti-Muslim hatred, Bihar Collective, a platform of intellectuals and activists, has brought out a booklet highlighting the contribution of eminent Muslims in making the modern Bihar in the last 200 years.

The booklet titled Remembering Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar has been compiled and edited by renowned academician and writer Prof. Mohammad Sajjad on the initiative of Bihar Collective.

The booklet will be released at an event in Patna on Saturday (February 23).

On the occasion, a discussion will also be held with Prof Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad; Prof Vivek Kumar, JNU, New Delhi; and Prof Mohammad Sajjad, AMU, Aligarh as panelists.

A Brief about Booklet:


Pre-empting a reasonable question about the title of the booklet, Prof Sajjad, who has compiled and edited it, writes in its preface: “A simple and obvious question that may readily arise is: why only Muslim makers of modern Bihar? Why not others too? This is indeed a valid and pertinent question.”

Responding to the question, he further says: “Candidly put, this is because of an unprecedentedly menacing rise of majoritarianism, bigotry, and anti-Muslim hatred, with open support of the state.

The Muslim identities are ominously threatened. There are also unabated attempts to dilute (or even take away) whatever little accomplishments have been made by the forces of social justice and secularism.

Only the Muslim segment however is threatened by the jingoist, exclusionary, violent nationalists, to be thrown out to another country. As if the other country is a dustbin, owned by these bigots, into which they can throw away everything they dislike! As if only the religious majority constitutes the nation! Notably, these jingoists had aligned with the British and had stayed away from the national movement.”

“Muslim contributions in the nation-making (and in the freedom movement) remain under-acknowledged, forgotten or even omitted. Erasure of their histories and memories seem to have become even more pronounced and vociferous, now, than ever before…The Bihar Collective therefore decided to compile a short profile of these inspiring role models, history-makers…This is small and humble step towards retrieving and restoring the nationalist provincial pantheons bearing Muslim identities,” says Prof Sajjad.

He, however, admits that the list of Muslim heroes of Bihar given in the booklet is not exhaustive as “…many have been left out essentially because of lack of documentations and researches. Not many have left their own accounts/memoirs; the available memoirs/accounts have not written much about all the personalities. In many cases, even otherwise “resourceful” descendants and/or associates of the history-makers have not been able to provide us with adequate (and credible/verifiable) details.”

Prof Sajjad hopes this small exercise may lead to some big academic work on these history-makers. “In short, this kind of venture may be said to be an ongoing exercise. This effort may hope to open up (and obtain) more details about such history-makers and would also get to know about many more of such peoples and processes, we failed to include here in this hastily prepared tiny volume, amidst constraints of resources and time.”

Names of Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar Mentioned in Booklet:
1. Syed Imdad Ali (d.1886]
2. Khuda Bakhsh (1842-1908)
3. Syed Amir Husain (1843-1910)
4. Imdad Imam Asar (1849-1934)
5. Shah Badruddin(1852-??)
6. Syed Ali Bilgrami (1853-1911)
7. Rasheed-un-Nesa (1855-1926)
8. Syed Noorul Huda (1855-1939)
9. Justice Syed Sharfuddin (1856-1921)
10. Shaikh Gulab (1857-1920)
11. Sarfaraz Husain Khan (1860-1931)
12. Maulana Mazharul Haque (1866-1930)
13. Batakh Miyan Ansari (1867-1957)
14. Sir Fakhruddin (1868-1933)
15. Syed Ali Imam (1869-1932)
16. Syed Hasan Imam (1871-1933)
17. Salahuddin Khuda Bakhsh (1875-1931)
18. Shafi Daudi(1875-1949)
19. Khwaja Md. Noor(1875-??)
20. Abdul Wadood (d.1955)
21. Syed Abul Hasan (1878-1960)
22. Sir Sultan Ahmad (1880-1963)
23. Maulana Sajjad (1880-1940)
24. Pir Mohammad Munis (1882-1949)
25. Abdul Bari (1882-1947)
26. Syed Sulaiman Nadvi (1884-1953)
27. Mohammad Yunus (1884-1952)
28. Shah Md. Zubair (1884-1930)
29. Syed Abdul Aziz (1885-1948)
30. Zubaida Begum Daudi (1886-1972)
31. Syed Tafazzul Karim (1886-1964)
32. Mr. Mohammad Shafi (1888-1955)
33. Qazi Ahmad Husain (1889-1961)
34. Dr. Syed Mahmud (1889-1971)
35. Ali Husain Aasim Bihari (1890-1953)
36. Shah Mohammad Umair (1894-1978)
37. Abdul Ahad Mohammad Noor (1894-1975)
38. Hakeem Md. Kabiruddin (1894-1976)
39. Maulana Usman Ghani (1896-1977)
40. Manzoor Ahsan Aijazi (1897-1969)
41. Shah Md Ozair Muni’mi (1899-1961)
42. Maghfur Aijazi (1900-1966)
43. Syed Jafar Imam (1900-1965)
44. Syed Badruddin Ahmad (1901-1983)
45. Mohammad Tahir (1903-???)
46. Syed Jafar Imam (1903-1979)
47. Syed Fida Husain (1904-80)
48. Abdul Qaiyum Ansari (1905-1974)
49. Wajihuddin Minhaji (1907-1984)
50. Syed Md. Aiyub (1910-1964)
51. Abdul Sami Nadvi (1913-????)
52. Abul Hayat Chand (1914-1958)
53. Ahad Fatmi(1915-1980)
54. Zawwar Husain (1916-80)
55. Shafiqullah Ansari (1917-1980)
56. Shah Mushtaq Ahmad (1917-2002)
57. Abdul Ghafoor (1918-2004)
58. Col. Mahboob Ahmad (1920-1992)
59. Taqi Raheem (1920-1999)
60. Zahra Daudi(1923-2003)
61. Shakoor Ahmad (1924-1981)
62. Syed Hasan (1924-2016)
63. Yunus Lohia (1925-2019)
64. Ghulam Sarwar (1926-2004)
65. Syed Shahabuddin (1935-2017)

A Brief about Author:


Prof Mohammad Sajjad teaches late-colonial and post-independent Indian history at the Centre for Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University. He has written several books including Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours; and Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur since 1857.

His articles are published in reputed academic journals from Routledge, Sage, EPW etc. and also in anthologies from the Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.

Bihar Collective:
It is a platform of artists, intellectuals, journalists and activists to promote diversity, pluralism and constitutional values. It aims at bridging the gap between people working in various fields such as media, culture, law, science, arts, human rights, gender equality, films, music, etc.
Email: biharcollective@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biharcollective

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Society / by India Tomorrow / February 21st, 2019

Poland university honours Thumbay founder

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangalore, KARNATAKA / Ajman, Dubai, U.A.E :

Dr Thumbay Moideen was honoured for transforming the Thumbay Group into a global model of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare, education & Research.

In a moment of immense pride and global recognition, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of Thumbay Group, has been conferred his Fifth Honorary Doctorate, this time by the prestigious University of Lublin, Poland.

This accolade reaffirms his unmatched contributions to global healthcare, medical education, and Research for the community development.

The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Dr. Moideen’s extraordinary leadership in establishing the First Private Academic Health Sytem and the region’s largest private medical university — and for transforming Thumbay Group into a global model of purpose-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare, education & Research.

Under his visionary leadership, Thumbay Group has impacted millions across more than 175 nationalities, offering compassionate care, research excellence, and world-class medical training.

The University of Lublin acknowledged Dr. Moideen’s pioneering efforts in integrating innovation with empathy, notably through the Thumbay International Research Grant (TIRG) — an initiative investing AED 3 million annually in areas like cancer immunology, AI in healthcare,precision medicine and many more Area’s of Research.

From a young entrepreneur in Karnataka to being celebrated as the most respected Indian Muslim and leading Beary in the world, Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when faith meets action. Recognized as the leading NRI from Karnataka in the Gulf region, he is admired not just for his accomplishments, but for the values that drive them.

Once someone who measured success through projects and milestones, he has evolved into a changemaker who defines impact by how many lives his work touches.

With this latest recognition, Dr. Moideen joins an elite group of globally honoured visionaries who have reshaped industries while staying rooted in service, humility, and impact.

This doctorate reflects not only his entrepreneurial brilliance but also his enduring belief that health and education are fundamental rights, not privileges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Moideen said: “If our work has empowered others to dream, to heal, to grow, then I consider it a success. It’s no longer about how far I’ve gone, but how many I’ve taken along. I want Thumbay Group to be remembered as a force that empowered the underprivileged, raised the standards of education, healthcare & Research.”

The vision of Thumbay Group is to deliver excellence by building a seamless ecosystem of education, healthcare, and innovation. From its flagship Gulf Medical University to hospitals, labs, rehabilitation centers, and AI-driven research programs, the Group continues its mission of shaping the future of healthcare —the Group plans to Double its Healthcare capacity and expand its all business to grow 5 fold and have a global presence.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> News / by Gulf Today, Staff Reporter / June 18th, 2025

Kashmir’s Saffron queen Noushaba Jeelani evived business by involving women

Business & Economy, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , ,

Pampore, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Noushaba Jeelani

Pampore (Jammu and Kashmir) :

Noushaba Jeelani, popularly known as the ‘Saffron Queen of Kashmir’, has turned a traditional crop into a global sensation, with an aim of women’s empowerment. Her saffron brand ‘Noush’ exports saffron in Europe and the Middle East.

Jeelani involved hundreds of local women in saffron harvesting, packaging, and quality control, turning saffron cultivation into a sustainable livelihood. Her startup has collaborated with global e-commerce platforms and luxury wellness brands, putting Kashmir’s saffron back on the worldwide map.

Speaking to ANI, Noushaba Jeelani said, “We shifted to Saudi Arabia for five years. Seeing a decline in the saffron business, we thought to come back and give a new identity to an already running business. We did a survey and found that people did not know about adulteration.”

She said that the firm has a network of 600 farmers, and growing and sowing are done by women, as the initiative aimed at empowering them.

Discussing the challenges they faced initially, she said the lack of education among people, as they could not differentiate between Kashmiri and foreign saffron.

“We have our in-house production and processing, so quality control is in our hands, so we make sure we give unadulterated saffron. In the survey, the farmers said their monetary return isn’t included in the business. We wanted to show the process to the farmers so they get a return on their money,” she said.

She said, “We want the women who grow and process saffron to feel empowered and build a community. Basic vision is to grow more saffron, we want to take it forward and want more women to join.”

Giving a message to young girls, Jeelani said, “Today, girls are brave and focused. I would say, do what you want and take the first step. You will evolve as you enter the process… Be fearless.”

Her husband, Afan Basu, told ANI, “We took the initiative to support my wife. In families, women control the work of saffron. In parallel to our B2B business, we wanted to have a women-led, women-empowered business. In Kashmir’s culture, women don’t open up to men, so we wanted to build a society of empowered women and transparency from top to bottom.”

Basu is an alumni of the BITS Pilani and he identifies himself as “chief farmer with an experience of six decades.”

On building a Kashmir brand, Basu said, “In India, there are a lot of brands which sell foreign saffron. Here we have the GI tag also, but if you go out of Kashmir and ask for saffron, they will name brands which do not belong to Kashmir… This is our identity, like apples and walnuts.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ANI / June 14th, 2025

UAE-based Indian doctor Shamsheer Vayalil announces Rs 6 crore aid for Air India crash victims

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / Abu Dhabi, U.A.E :

PC: mathrubhumi

Dubai :  

UAE-based Indian doctor and philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has announced Rs 6 crore in financial aid for the families of medical students and doctors affected by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.

The ill-fated aircraft struck the BJ Medical College’s Atulyam hostel complex during lunch hour, reducing student residences and the dining hall to rubble.

All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8(AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed when the London-bound aircraft crashed, moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Announcing the relief from the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, Dr Shamsheer, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings and managing director of VPS Health, said he was deeply shaken when he saw the aftermath of the crash.

As someone who had lived in similar hostels during his medical education at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore and Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai, the images struck a chord, he said.

“I saw the footage from the mess and the hostel, and it truly shook me. It reminded me of the places I once called home, the corridors, the beds, the laughter, the pressure of exams, and the anticipation of a call from family,” he said.

“No one expects a commercial aircraft to come crashing into that world,” he added.

“Those students started the day thinking about lectures, assignments, and patients. Their lives ended in a way none of us could ever imagine. It hit close. Too close,” he said.

Dr Shamsheer’s relief package includes Rs 1 crore for each of the four deceased students’ families, Rs 20 lakh each for five seriously injured students, and Rs 20 lakh each for the families of doctors who lost loved ones.

The financial assistance will be delivered in coordination with the Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College, ensuring that those in need receive support swiftly.

This is not the first time Dr Shamsheer has responded to such a crisis. In 2010, following the Mangalore air crash, he provided financial assistance and employment opportunities to affected families at Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / June 17th, 2025

Anjum Parwez appointed CM’s new ACS as L K Atheeq steps down

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

L K Atheeq (left) and Anjum Parwez

Bengaluru : 

L K Atheeq, a trusted aide of chief minister Siddaramaiah and a 1991-batch IAS officer, has resigned from his post as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the chief minister. He was serving on a contract basis after his superannuation on January 31.

Anjum Parwez, a 1994-batch IAS officer and currently the ACS in the rural development and panchayat raj department, has been appointed as his successor in the chief minister’s office.

Atheeq will continue as chairperson of Bengaluru Business Corridor Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for the Peripheral Ring Road project. Sources indicate he stepped down to spend time with family and pursue personal interests, including motorcycling and poetry. 

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 05th, 2025

At 21, Muskan Begum from Hyderabad becomes licensed commercial pilot

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

At 21, Muskan Begum from Hyderabad becomes licensed commercial pilot

  A 21-year-old from Hyderabad, Muskan Begum.

Hyderabad: 

A 21-year-old from Hyderabad, Muskan Begum, has obtained her commercial pilot licence after completing training in Cape Town, South Africa, becoming one of the youngest from the city to have achieved the feat.

She completed her schooling from Narayana and her intermediate education from Chaitanya before starting her aviation journey. “I did my medicals in Hyderabad and cleared the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) exams from V2 Aviation Academy in Khader Bagh,” she said.

She joined the 4 Aviators Flying School in Cape Town in 2023 after receiving her South African visa. “I completed both my theory and practical exams there, and I was tested with the examiner for my CPL checkride,” she said.

“I’ve flown more than 250 hours and now legally hold a commercial pilot licence,” she told Siasat.com.

Belonging to a middle-class family of seven, Muskan credits her parents for their unwavering support. “My mom does small businesses, and my dad works in Doha, Qatar. Initially, convincing them was a tough task due to the community and irrelevant stereotypes, but in the end, I had their full support,” she said.

“Being a hijabi and getting trained in South Africa was fine with a bit of struggle. But the key was not letting others’ opinions influence me,” she added.

She is currently pursuing instructor training from the same flying school. “I’ll be working here as an instructor to build a good amount of hours and experience,” she said. “So when airline vacancies are available, I can join directly.”

Recalling where it all began, she said, “As a child, I used to see aircraft near the airport. Since then, I imagined myself sitting in the cockpit, flying it by myself.”

“Aviation was a dream at first. Now, it’s everything,” she added further.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Tamreen Sultana / May 06th, 2025

Kalimi’s contributions to Gujarat’s history recounted

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Museums, Libraries (wef. April 16th, 2022), Uniquely Indian Muslim HISTORICAL RECORDS - Sufi Shrines, Dargahs, Tombs, Mughal Mausoleums (wef. December 07th, 2024), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ahmedabad, GUJARAT :

Ahmedabad :

The World Heritage City of Ahmedabad saw many revered men who silently documented the various tales the city’s monuments, structures and literature had to tell. 

One such relentless pursuit was that of publisher, author and a keen student of the medieval history of Gujarat, Shahed Kalimi, who not just ran the nearly-century old Kalim Book Depot but also spent 20 years of voluntary service to set up the library at Sarkhej Roza.

A little over a month after he passed, Kalimi’s contributions to Ahmedabad’s heritage were remembered by academicians, renowned historians and heritage enthusiasts at a remembrance meeting organised in the city on Sunday.

Kalimi was the sole force behind revamping the library at one of the ASI-protected monuments of the Heritage City of Ahmedabad, Sarkhej Roza.

AS Saiyed, President of the Sarkhej Roza Committee, narrated Kalimi’s two decades of voluntary contribution at the Sarkhej Roza and lauded him for his dedication and perseverance. “Kalimi was instrumental in reviving the library at the Sarkhej Roza and setting up a publishing department at the Roza through which many books were translated and published under the aegis of the Sarkhej Roza Committee,” Saiyed said.

During his lifetime, Kalimi had translated nearly 50 books from Urdu, Persian and Arabic, into Gujarati, in a bid to bring forth the little pieces of history about Gujarat to the people here.

In fact, two of his last books – A Bird’s Eye View of Sarkhej Roza and Yaad-e-Ayyam, were released during the remembrance meet.

“Kalimi’s sole aim was to bring forth anecdotes of Gujarat’s history to the state. Being an ardent reader of history himself, he translated many books written about Gujarat and its history, Persian and Arabic to Gujarati. He has translated close to 50 works by now about various aspects of Ahmedabad and Gujarat which the state would have otherwise lost,” said Professor MH Bombaywala, curator and founder, Peer Mohammad Shah Library, one of the oldest in Ahmedabad who was present at the meeting.

Being an ardent enthusiast of medieval history of Gujarat, Kalimi turned his place of work – the Kalim Book Depot – around by diligently sourcing, procuring, even translating if needed to make history books available to people here.

Students of History and even architecture and design often frequented his book store, which was once upon a time, a fulcrum for intellectuals to gather and discuss new, radical ideas through expressions of poetry and Shayari.

The Kalim Book Depot will be a century old in 2026 and till date is known for rare books. “We have retailed the Urdu versions of Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita to people. Father used to procure a series of Urdu books from warehouses of libraries, book exhibitions, flea markets including the Gujari Bazar and wherever he travelled and patiently sorted them, to find the right kind of books for history students and later translate them,” said Mushir Kalimi, Shahed’s son.

“Father’s interest was not in the business but instead in letting the younger generation read and delve into the history about Gujarat to the people of Gujarat by translating works of authors from Persian, Arabic and Urdu languages. Therefore, if he realised someone’s interest in books, he would gift them a second book for free besides the ones they’ve bought,” said Mushir.

Kalimi was working on one of his last books just before he passed — Makbaras and Masjids of Ahmedabad. Mushir along with members of the Sarkhej Roza Committee are working towards publishing the book which will soon be out.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Ahmedabad News / by Niyati Parikh / TNN / March 28th, 2022

Mashoor since 1951: Inside Hyderabad’s beloved Famous Ice Cream

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

Hyderabad, TELANAGANA :

Famous Ice Cream has been cooling Hyderabad for over seven decades- one scoop at a time.

Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan

In a city where history lives in its architecture, language and stories, food, too, becomes heritage. From biryani spots to chai spots, Hyderabad’s culinary map is filled with eateries that have served generations. So, when it comes to summer treats, it is only natural for Hyderabadis to have their favourite spots.

One such spot, quietly holding on to its legacy while serving countless bowls of nostalgia, is Famous Ice Cream, nestled in the grand arches of Moazzam Jahi Market. Established in 1951, this iconic parlour has been cooling Hyderabad for over seven decades- one scoop at a time.

Siasat.com got in conversation with the third-generation torchbearer of the beloved Famous Ice Cream parlour and relived the journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a summer staple of Hyderabad.

Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan

Three generations, one legacy

It all started with Mohammed Haleemuddin, who opened the shop at a time when ice cream was a rare sight in Hyderabad. His decision to set up at Moazzam Jahi Market was a strategic one- its proximity to Abids, which was then considered the city’s most happening area. “While Abids still bustles with activity today, it was the Jubilee Hills and Hitech City of the 1950s,” says Mohammed Mazhar, manager at Famous Ice Cream.

The parlour was passed down from Haleemuddin to his son Mohammed Azeemuddin, who poured his heart and soul into making Famous Ice Cream a big brand. Up until 2015, Azeem sustained the business and passed it down to his son, Mohammed Asimuddin, who continues to run the parlour with the same sincerity.

While generations changed, Famous Ice Cream did not change its legacy of keeping things fresh and natural.

Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan

The charm of hand-churned ice cream

At a time when summer menus are filled with sundaes and fancy gelatos, Famous Ice Cream sticks to its roots, and that is exactly what keeps the crowd coming. Their hand-churned ice creams, made from seasonal fruits, cream and milk, are still the star of the show.

“In the early years, we served only fruit-based ice creams. Mango, of course, was and still is the best-selling flavour. Over time, the menu expanded to include various flavours like butterscotch, pista, and chocolate in ice cream bricks, cones and sundaes,” Mazhar tells Siasat.com.

But, the soul of the parlour remains in its rustic, fruit-forward offerings. Today, the hand-churned flavours include mango, chikoo, musk melon, custard apple, jamun, lychee, strawberry and more.

Hand churning machine at Famous Ice Cream (Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan)

Hyderabad’s favourite scoop

Ask around, and you will hear stories of people making detours and patiently waiting on the white antique chairs for their scoop of nostalgia. At Moazzam Jahi Market, it is common to see grandparents introducing their grandkids to the same ice cream flavour they once enjoyed as children.

Furthermore, notable names are also fans of this parlour. “The Siasat family and the Farooqui family have been our regular patrons for decades, and they order from us for every important function”, he said.

There is a story behind the name, too. While no one knows exactly why it was named Famous, the reason has always been clear. “People used to call our ice cream ‘mashoor’, which means famous in Urdu,” says Mazhar, “and the name just stuck”.

A glimpse inside Famous Ice Cream’s freezer (Image Source: Siasat.com/ Bushra Khan)

Famous Ice Cream’s competition?

“There is no competition,” says Mazhar with a smile. While this can be mistaken for arrogance, it is actually a quiet assurance that comes from decades of trust and consistency.

Over the years, many ice cream parlours have sprouted in Moazzam Jahi Market, hoping to tap into the same footfall and nostalgia, but Famous Ice Cream remains unfazed. “Our customers know the difference. They come here for the taste, the memories and because they trust what goes in their bowl,” he says.

Famous Ice Cream is a testament to the fact that legacy and simplicity always stand the test of time.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Lifestyle / by Bushra Khan / April 17th, 2025

‘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

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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