Muhammad Ashif Karnire, CEO of Saudi Arabia-based Expertise Contracting Company Limited, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Global Beary of Business Youth Icon’ award at the Beary Mela 2025. The event was held on Sunday at the Etisalat Academy Grounds under the auspices of the Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), UAE.
Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Indian Ambassador to Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, State Hajj Minister Rahim Khan, Bengaluru Shanthi Nagar MLA NA Haris. Vice-President of the Government’s Non-Resident Indian Directorate Dr. Aarti Krishna, social worker Dr. Ronald Colaco, Thumbay Group founder president Dr. Thumbay Moideen, renowned non-resident Indian businessman and CEO of Al Muzain, Saudi Arabia, Zakaria Jokatte, Expertise Contracting Limited Director K.S. Sheikh Karnire, UAE Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) UAE Unit President Hidayat Addoor and others were present on the occasion.
The award recognized Muhammad Ashif Karnire’s exceptional contributions to the industry and his outstanding achievements. Karnire, who heads the prestigious Expertise company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, had previously been honoured in 2021 by Dr. Ausaf Saeed, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, for his community services and professional excellence.
Founded in 2008, Expertise is a leading industrial services provider in Saudi Arabia, employing over 15,000 professionals and operating more than 7,500 pieces of equipment. The company serves a wide range of industries, including petrochemicals, oil and gas, fertilizers, steel, cement, water treatment, and power generation. Headquartered in Jubail Industrial City, Expertise has established a strong presence with branches across Saudi Arabia.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 14th, 2025
India’s first Net-Zero (on-site solar energy) Retail Experience Centre, curated by Bearys Innomark, has set a new benchmark in sustainable architecture and green innovation. The project, which houses the globally renowned furniture brand MillerKnoll, is a testament to Bearys’ longstanding commitment to eco-friendly development and responsible urban design.
The launch event, attended by industry leaders, architects, project management consultants (PMCs), and clients, marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable commercial spaces. The occasion was graced by Chief Guests N A Haris Nalapad, MLA of Shanthinagar and Chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Kartik Shethia, Managing Director for APMEA, International Contract, MillerKnoll, Syed Mohamed Beary, Founder & CMD, Bearys Group and Mazhar Beary Executive Director, Business Development & Retail, Bearys Group. Their presence highlighted the importance of sustainable infrastructure in shaping the future of urban development.
For decades, Bearys has been at the forefront of green building initiatives, blending innovation with environmental responsibility.
The MillerKnoll Experience Centre is a reflection of this ethos, demonstrating how cutting-edge design can coexist with sustainability. With on-site solar energy ensuring a Net-Zero footprint, the space is more than just a retail hub—it is a model for the future of responsible commercial development.
The event was not just about unveiling a new retail space but reinforcing a collective vision for a greener tomorrow. By championing sustainable design, Bearys continues to inspire the industry, proving that business growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, the group said in a press statement.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / February 15th, 2025
Developed by KMC Mangalore team led by Dr. Haroon, Dr. Sameena, Dr. Chiranjith
Mangalore:
A patent application for a groundbreaking medical device, Device for Monitoring Gynaecological Disorders, has been officially published, marking a significant achievement for the team of doctors and student inventors from Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Mangalore.
The device is designed to enhance early detection and diagnosis of gynaecological disorders. It incorporates a flexible probe, a rotational brush for effective sampling, and an enzyme-coated detection system, improving precision and efficiency in clinical examinations.
The innovation is credited to Dr. Haroon H, Dr. Sameena H, and Dr. Chiranjit Ghosh from MIT, along with student inventors Krisha Janaswamy, Shashank Sanjay, Adithya Harikrishnan Namboothiri, and Shubham Bhusari.
The official Twitter handle of KMC Mangalore also recognized the accomplishment, congratulating the team for their work in medical innovation.
Dr. Haroon is son of M. Hussain and late Akhila Begum from Arehalli village in Hassan while Dr. Sameena Haroon is daughter of KA Sadiq and Maimoona.
In a remarkable display of innovation, 12-year-old Abdullah Imran Mangalgeri from Solapur has converted a regular bicycle into a hybrid model that runs on battery and solar power, eliminating the need for pedaling.
A Class 7 student of M.A. Pangal Anglo-Urdu High School & Junior College of Arts and Science, Abdullah received the bicycle as a prize for excelling in a district-level speech competition on ethics. Instead of using it conventionally, he invested ₹9,000 and spent six months modifying it into a three-mode bicycle that can be powered by pedaling, a rechargeable battery (lasting up to 25 km), or solar energy (for continuous daytime use).
Abdullah incorporated a solar panel, battery, voice controller, speedometer, central lock system, GPS, and a network controller, giving his bicycle features akin to modern e-vehicles. His passion for science and innovation has driven him to attempt similar experiments in the past, including efforts to create a solar-powered air cooler.
Expressing gratitude for his success, Abdullah stated, “I love inventing. My next project is a solar-powered motorcycle.”
Recognizing his achievement, the school organized a felicitation event where Principal Dr. Haroon Rashid Bagban lauded his potential, calling him a bright mind with a promising future.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 03rd, 2025
Shakeela Bano’s journey from a housewife to an entrepreneurial inspiration in her village, Katsil in Sakaldiha Tehsil, is one that exemplifies the power of determination. Faced with the challenges of a sudden job loss of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to turn adversity into opportunity by starting a home-based rug weaving business.
What began as a way to support her family has now evolved into a flourishing self-help group that is helping many women in her village achieve financial independence and self-reliance.
Shakeela’s Journey
“My husband used to work on a power loom in Varanasi, but during the pandemic-induced lockdown, he became unemployed. The challenges of running the family became significant. I was already running the ‘Hariom Self-Help Group’ in the village. I held meetings with the women in the group and got their consent to start rug weaving. After 20-22 days, we made our first income. After deducting expenses, each person received Rs 2,000,” Shakeela, the president of the group, told TwoCircles.net.
Young girls and women weaving carpet in Shakeela Bano’s house
From then on, they worked with even more enthusiasm. Now, each woman member earns Rs 4,000-5,000 per month. The raw material for making one rug costs Rs 400. It involves labor costs another Rs 400. “We make 60-70 rugs and 150-170 mats per month, and each rug sells for Rs 1,100 rupees,” she said.
In a region where unemployment and lack of opportunity have been longstanding issues, Shakeela’s determination to succeed sparked a change. Her initiative not only transformed her own life but also empowered others around her, especially women, by providing them with meaningful work that helped them earn an income, gain confidence, and become self-reliant.
Today, Shakeela’s business is a model of success, and her group has expanded to include men as well, offering them a chance to work alongside women in the rug weaving business.
Hand products – carpets and rugs, on display in the Kastil village exhibition
New Opportunities for Local Women, Youth
With timely payments, local women and unemployed young men started flocking to Shakeela’s center. Initially, she had set up only two machines, but now, with two sets of 10 machines each, rug weaving work is progressing rapidly. She said she has recently purchased land and plans to install rug weaving machines there as well after arranging funds for the same.
Shakeela, a graduate and also a BC Sakhi or Bank Sakhi, further said, “Just 10 days ago, a district-level village industry exhibition was organised in the Niyamatabad development block by the district administration, where mats worth Rs 5,000 were sold. There is a high demand for small hand-woven mats that are sold for Rs 100-120 in local markets and district-level exhibitions. In addition to making mats here, women from half a dozen nearby villages are taking raw material and weaving mats at home to become self-reliant.”
Chameli Devi, who is associated with the Nai Bazar Chameli Devi Self-Help Group and works in rug weaving, first learned weaving at Shakeela’s workshop. After learning there, she set up three machines at home to weave mats. “I get raw materials from Shakeela didi (sister). After delivering the finished products to the traders, payment is made immediately. The better income from rug weaving is opening doors to prosperity,” she said.
Shakeela depositing the money of the women of the group in the bank branch located in Nai Bazar.
Support Systems, Market Integration
The availability of banking facilities and having a savings account for village dwellers is considered an essential indicator of development in rural economy. The women involved in the group deposit the income and savings from rug weaving in a newly established bank in the local market.
Shakeela also provides them with loans at low interest rates for their self-employment and necessary expenses.
Shakeela’s husband, Raju Ansari, said they procure raw materials from Saiyadraja town, 10 kilometers from the Katsil village, without paying any sum in advance. “Anyone interested in making rugs can get raw materials and receive payment after delivering the finished products. From here, the rugs are sent to Bhadohi. They are then exported from Bhadohi to Gulf countries, Turkey, the United States, Russia and Europe,” he said. The easy sale of products has boosted the pace of work and increased the enthusiasm of the workers. Due to rug weaving, the unemployment rate among the youth in his village has reduced.
Chandauli District Magistrate Nikhil T Funde buying doormat from Shakeela Bano’s stall in the exhibition
Traders from the carpet city of Bhadohi send raw materials to be woven into carpets (rugs) by village workers. This not only increases employment opportunities in the villages but also reduces the time required to complete the goods. The finished rugs are brought to Bhadohi, where they are given a final touch in factories before being prepared for the international market, where they are called carpets.
At the district-level village industry exhibition, Chandauli District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde appreciated Shakeela’s home-based industry initiative and appealed to people, “The women, men and youth of the district can also earn a better income through self-employment and small industries and provide employment to others. The Government of Uttar Pradesh and the district administration are ready to offer all possible support.”
(Pavan Kumar Maurya is an independent journalist. He tweets at @pavanmaurya17)
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Art-Culture> India News>India Politics> Indian Muslim / by Pavan Kumar Maurya, TwoCircles.net / February 22nd, 2025
Member of Parliament Tariq Anwar speaking at the first year celebration of Sahyog credit co-operative society in Abul Fazal Enclave, Jamia Nagar, on February 23, 2025.
New Delhi :
Delhi’s Jamia Nagar-based Sahyog Credit Cooperative Society Ltd celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, offering a comprehensive range of services, including Daily Deposit Accounts where daily wage earners and small businesses can deposit a minimum of Rs. 100 daily at their doorsteps, and providing interest-free loans and financial assistance ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh under various personal consumption, consumer, and commercial loan schemes.
Sahyog is working under the nationwide Sahulat Microfinance Society, a game-changing initiative in the interest-free finance sector that operates in 13 states and has 130 branches serving 3.5 lakh members across the country.
Its first annual programme was held at Milli Model School in Okhla, New Delhi, with Congress MP Tariq Anwar speaking as the chief guest and attended by various local dignitaries and prominent personalities.
Sahulat’s Groundbreaking Work in Microfinance: A Beacon of Hope for Low-Income Families
Speaking at the event, Usama Khan, CEO of Sahulat Microfinance Society, highlighted the organization’s 14-year history of providing interest-free microfinance services across India. He shared that Sahulat currently has 63 registered interest-free credit cooperative societies affiliated with it, operating 121 branches across 13 states. These branches serve nearly 3.5 lakh members, with the number steadily increasing.
Usama further detailed its impressive figures, including annual deposits of approximately Rs. 1460 crores and annual loan disbursements of around Rs. 625 crores, both of which are doubling every year.
Emphasizing that Sahyog’s success is built on the strong foundation of Sahulat’s 14 years of experience, Usama said, “Sahyog’s journey is not just one year; it is backed by the proven track record of Sahulat’s nationwide operations.”
“Credit cooperative societies worldwide are supply-side models,” Usama said. “Similarly, Sahulat-affiliated societies help low-income individuals save a small portion of their income, whether from daily wages, small businesses, or other livelihoods, which, over time, can accumulate and be used for essential needs.”
Assuring the audience, Usama stressed that the foundations of Sahyog and other affiliated societies are robust, adhering to both Indian regulations and international microfinance standards. He also praised Sahyog’s office bearers, including President Shamsuz Zoha and Vice President, as trustworthy persons.
Defining Sahyog, Usama Khan explained that the society is registered under the Delhi Cooperative Societies Act as a credit cooperative society. It offers thrift schemes to its members, mobilizes deposits, and provides interest-free loans and financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000 to meet the various consumption and business needs of small-income individuals in the Jamia Nagar locality, regardless of caste, class, or religion. Usama highlighted that Sahyog primarily serves small-scale businessmen and low-income people in areas such as Zakir Nagar, Batla House, Abul Fazal, Okhla Vihar, and Shaheen Bagh.
Usama further detailed Sahyog’s services, including the Daily Deposits Account. This initiative allows daily depositors, such as daily wage earners, shopkeepers, street vendors, and auto and cab drivers, to make deposits without leaving their workplaces or shops. Sahyog’s staff collects deposits directly from members’ homes, doorsteps, shops, or other locations, starting with a minimum of Rs. 100. Under this scheme, daily wage earners and small shop owners can deposit a minimum of Rs. 100 daily at their doorsteps. The service also provides e-receipts (via SMS) and passbooks for members.
For salaried individuals, working women, and both skilled and unskilled professionals, Sahyog offers a Saving Account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200. This account is designed to cater to their future needs and is supported by deposit collection both in the field and at the branch office.
Micro Finance institution Backed by Strong Islamic Interest-free norms
Speaking about Sahyog’s interest-free loan offerings, Usama Khan outlined three types of loan schemes: Demand Loan, Consumer Murabaha Financing, and Commercial Murabaha Financing. He explained that the Demand Loan is specifically designed for consumption purposes, such as personal use, with a maximum tenure of 12 to 18 months. Under this scheme, Sahyog charges no interest or profit, not even based on depositor profits or institutional standards. Instead, the society only applies a minimal surcharge of 1-2%, covering the actual costs of office maintenance, such as doorstep collections, record keeping, and expenses related to core banking software and office staff.
Usama emphasized that Sahyog, as a non-banking institution, operates with core banking software to ensure transparency and efficiency in its operations.
Addressing concerns regarding the minimal surcharge being equated with interest, Usama firmly stated that all of Sahyog’s schemes strictly adhere to Islamic teachings, reinforcing the society’s commitment to providing interest-free financial services.
Usama made a heartfelt appeal to marginalized and low-income people, encouraging them to save and invest in the scheme to meet their daily needs. He also urged the affluent members of society to contribute resources and support this initiative to uplift those in need.
Sahyog: Expansion Plans and Promising Future
In a conversation with Indiatomorrow.net, Sahyog Vice President Abdul Mannan clarified that the society does not charge interest or fixed percentage fees on loans. Instead, it only recovers the actual costs associated with services like doorstep collections, office maintenance, and software upkeep. These costs are minimal, typically ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 per loan of 20-50 thousand. He also shared that Sahyog’s Jamia Nagar branch has been operating smoothly, with 750 members joining within its first year. The members have shown great cooperation, with loan repayments being made responsibly. Abdul Mannan revealed plans to expand Sahyog’s branches in different areas of Delhi and aimed to increase the membership to 1,000 by 2025.
Regarding the Consumer Murabaha Financing scheme, Abdul Mannan explained that it allows Sahyog to provide durable products to members for consumption. The loan repayment period ranges from 3 to 18 months, with amounts between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1 lakh. For example, if a member wants to purchase a refrigerator priced at Rs. 20,000, Sahyog buys the refrigerator at that price, and then negotiates a one-time profit share with the seller. The member then repays the exact Rs. 20,000 in easy instalments. Abdul Mannan emphasized that this profit is in compliance with Islamic teachings.
Abdul Mannan also introduced the upcoming Commercial Murabaha Financing scheme, which will provide commercial products to members. Loans for these products will range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. Members can also invest in one-time shares up to Rs. 50,000 and make time-bound savings of up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Moreover, the Sahyog official mentioned the Haj and Umrah Account, which allows individuals planning to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to open an account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200 per day or Rs. 5,000 per month. The term period for this account can range from 1 to 5 years, depending on the member’s needs.
Lauding Sahulat and Sahyog’s services for their focus on human care and the empowerment of low-income individuals, MP Tariq Anwar praised the society’s constructive work, highlighting its crucial impact on society. He commended the society’s interest-free loan schemes and financing programmes as a significant and commendable effort to assist those in need.
The MP said, “India is still not a developed country. We are still struggling to reach that goal. Even after 75 years of independence, our dream of a developed nation remains distant. It is a sad fact that around 90% of the population in this country is either poor or below the poverty line. Nearly 80 crore people depend on government rations or food.”
Urging people to work together and support initiatives like Sahyog to help elevate the country from poverty, Tariq Anwar emphasized the importance of cooperation. He reminded the audience that the cooperative movement in India began even before independence and has since become an integral part of the nation’s structure, with cooperatives playing key roles in different sectors including agriculture.
Lauding the progress of Sahulat and Sahyog, Prof. D.K. Dhusia, Head of the Department of Commerce and Business Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, stated that microfinance is synonymous with empowerment. He emphasized that microfinance is particularly beneficial for small-scale businesses, noting that these cooperative societies operate interest-free, in alignment with Islamic banking principles that also function on a zero-interest basis. He highlighted that microfinance societies play a vital role in empowering low-income groups within society.
During the event, Dr. Majid Ahmed Talikoti, a renowned surgeon and chairman of the 600-bed Medicant Hospital and Research Centre in Bokaro, Jharkhand, made a significant announcement. He pledged to offer free OPD treatments to all members of Sahyog and provided a 50% discount on cancer treatments. Dr. Talikoti also committed to extending full support and assistance to Sahyog’s members at his hospital.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Economy / by Anwarulhaq Baig / February 24th, 2025
Ali and Anand Kannan displaying HookoluPay at Advantage Assam conclave
People in India’s northeast can get set for a new UPI (Unified Payment Interface) experience. The new UPI service, HookoluPay, has received a license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as a digital payment platform using local languages of the Northeast region.
It’s likely to be launched by May or June.
Developed as part of a startup initiative by Assam-based entrepreneur Aziz Ali, HookoluPay is likely to help users with most of the local dialects available in the northeast region apart from English and Hindi.The
Ali, a B.Com graduate and an MBA has also kept the option of offline payment in HookoluPay because most places in the northeast still lack high-speed data.HookoluPay is set to break the existing language barrier with the existing UPI services.
“I have started working on HookoluPay in 2018. We got the license from the RBI and the NPCI in November last year. Once launched, HookoluPay will help users in India’s northeastern states with their own languages and dialects.
“While India is on the path of digital transformation, one must keep in mind that 60 percent of the people are still not included in the financial services. In many places, particularly in the hilly regions of the northeast people still use cash.
Ali and Anand Kannan displaying HookoluPay at Advantage Assam conclave
“Although there are UPI services like the GPay, PhonePe, PayTm, etc, most of them have English or Hindi language options. HookoluPay will have services in most of the dialects that are available in the region,” said Ali while talking to Awaz-The Voice.
Ali, who had set up a stall at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit to showcase the product, received large-scale encouragement from the visitors. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the stall put up by Ali and appreciated the initiative.
The Prime Minister reportedly asked Ali to take the new UPI service to every nook and corner of the country, mostly in India’s northeast where there is still a lack of digital payment services.
“Our main focus behind developing this new payment gateway is to bring more financial inclusion in the rural areas,” said Ali who is the founder of HookolyPay. Ali is a native of Jeypore near Naharkatiya in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. HookolyPay is a locally developed Fintech startup based in Assam.
An advertisement of the HookoluPay
m Ali’s partner and Co-founder of HookoluPay, Anand Kannan said that HookolyPay can be used for institutions, small enterprises, businesses for governments, travel, etc.
“Like any other payment gateway like GPay, PhonePe, PayTm, it can be used anywhere and by anyone. We are going to launch it pan India but our focus area will be Assam and Northeastern states as we are a startup from this region,” Kannan said.
“At present, we have the options of Hindi, English, Assamese, Mizo, and some other languages but more languages are being added so that it becomes user-friendly to the people,” said Ali.
This will help digital payments in India’s northeast, said Ali.
“Our stall was visited by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India during his visit to the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 24 evening. The Prime Minister’s words are very encouraging for us,” said Ali while adding that they are also taking this new UPI service to seven other countries which include Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, etc.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Karabi Sharma, Guwahati / March 01st, 2025
First Female’ Truck Driver Of Kashmir Breaks Stereotypes
Pulwama, Kashmir :
In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, 37-year-old Rabiya Yaseen from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has emerged as the region’s first female truck driver, breaking societal barriers and challenging gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
A resident of Wakharwan, Rabiya’s journey began with her passion for driving light motor vehicles, which soon led her to obtain a heavy motor vehicle license. Now, she drives her own truck across India, covering long distances and earning her livelihood through her unconventional career choice.
Supported unconditionally by her family, especially her husband Mohammad Imtiyaz and mother-in-law Shehnaza Begum, Rabiya has faced numerous challenges but remained steadfast. “It was tough to step into this profession, but we all stood by her,” Shehnaza stated, emphasizing the importance of family encouragement in breaking societal norms.
For the past three years, Rabiya has been on the road, navigating highways across the country and proving that women can excel in any field when given the right opportunities. Her inspiring journey stands as a testament to the evolving role of women in Kashmir and serves as motivation for others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 26th, 2025
Marui Village (Nawada District), BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :
A young Jamal who met Gandhi in 1947 later shaped Kolkata’s hospitality scene and contributed to renowned chains like Arsalan and Mezban.
A scholar of Sanskrit, he is a well-known figure in the city’s literary circles. However, despite his generous donation of 15 katthas of land for a government hospital, the Bihar government has yet to honor the donors, leaving his legacy unacknowledged.
Primary Health Centre in Marui, Nawada and Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’
Kolkata:
In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant Prafulla Sarkar Street, Jamal Ahmed, the 98-year-old hotelier and poet, sits in the backroom of Aliah Hotel, his voice resonating with the same intensity as the lively street outside.
Jamal Ahmed, a nonagenarian, is known in the city as a poet and a concerned citizen. But the 98-year-old is also a philanthropist. He has donated 15 Katthas of land in his native village in Bihar for a government hospital, which last year became operational.
A Philanthropic Legacy: Land Donation for a Government Hospital in Bihar
“The land (in Marui village, Nawada district) was the costliest in the adjoining areas. But my father, who decided to donate it to the government to build a hospital there, did not hesitate,” informed Firdaus Jamal, son of Jamal Ahmed.
The market rate for land in Marui village is at least Rs 20 lakhs per kattha. In Bihar’s Nawada district, one kattha of land is equivalent to 3 decimals.
“I had told my mother that one day there will be a hospital in your name. So I had to do it,” Jamal Ahmed told eNewsroom. The family proposed the name of the hospital as QZJ Government Hospital, incorporating the names of Jamal and his parents. There is a board at the hospital where Jamal Ahmed Jamal’s name as the donor is mentioned. However, the Bihar government has yet to adopt the name suggested by the donors’ family.
The 20-bed primary hospital is now operational.
Poet Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’ | eNewsroom
When donating, I did not make any demands, such as asking for government jobs for my family members or insisting that a doctor from my family should practice here,” he said.
“I demand that either the Bihar Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) or the Health Minister inaugurate the hospital,” the donor added.
Jamal Ahmed, a multifaceted personality, knows five languages and completed his Master’s in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his Bachelor’s in Science (BSc) from Patna University. He frequently uses Sanskrit shlokas in his poetry. Much of his poetry focuses on communal harmony in the country.
A major event in his life was meeting the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on August 13, 1947 in Kolkata.
A Life of Literature and Peace: Jamal Ahmed’s Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi
“I was just 18 years old, but Gandhiji was desperately seeking peace for the country. When I heard that Gandhiji was in Kolkata and my uncle, Kareem Sahab, was going to meet him, I joined my uncle and reached Beleghata,” recalled the nonagenarian, quickly adding that he has no picture with Gandhiji.
“In my brief interaction, I requested Gandhiji for peace in the country and to stop the riots. Gandhiji replied that he came to Kolkata for this very purpose and would be traveling to other parts of the country for the same reason.”
The well-known hotelier has great command over recipes and dishes. “I have helped several hotel outlets in Kolkata and abroad set up their centers. Some of them are now big names, like Arsalan and Mezban.”
Jamal Ahmed’s sons run several hotels in Kolkata, including the famous Arafat Hotel on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which is managed by Firdaus Jamal.
Aliah Hotel on Prafulla Sarkar Street—where Jamal Ahmed feels he gains the wings to fly.
Preserving Harmony Through Poetry: The ‘Tatkal’ Poet’s Message for Unity
But in Kolkata’s literary circles, ‘Jamal’ is known for his ‘Tatkal’ poetry. A ‘Tatkal’ poet is one who can deliver a poem instantly, depending on the situation.
“I was very young when I met Gandhiji, and still, I recited a poem for him:
Andhi Tawaf Karti Hai, Gandhi Ki, Aye Jamal. Ye To Bhanwar Se Laye Hain Kashti Nikal Ke
(The storm circles around Gandhi, O Jamal. He is the one who has brought the boat out of the whirlpool.)”
The poet ‘Jamal’, an Acharya in Sanskrit often uses the couplet to promote communal harmony.
Yem niza pro weti ganna laguchetshaam udarnaam chatrinantu, washudhew kutumbakam.
A rough translation of this Sanskrit couplet is:
“This is ours, that is yours—those who think this way have small hearts. But for the great ones, the entire world is one.”
He also mentioned that the shloka is written at the entrance of the old Parliament building’s gate. Eleven members of Parliament, including Maulana Azad, had agreed to imprint it there.
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Art & Culture> Bengal / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 19th, 2025
A one-day national seminar titled “The Linguistic Relationship Between Unani Medicine and Urdu” was organized by the All India Unani Tibbi Conference at the Committee Room of Nehru Guest House, Jamia Millia Islamia.
Delivering the presidential address at the inaugural session, Professor Akhtarul Wasey stated that Unani medicine and Urdu share an ancient relationship; it is not just a method of treatment but also a cultural attitude. Chief Guest Professor Khalid Mahmood emphasized that numerous vivid traces of this relationship can be found in Urdu language and particularly in poetry, which help in understanding the mutual connection between Unani medicine and Urdu. Former Head of the Urdu Department at Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Ahmed Mahfooz, remarked that classical Urdu literature frequently references Unani medicine, and multiple instances of adaptation and benefit can be observed within it.
Objective of the Seminar
The seminar aimed to highlight the historical and linguistic connection between Unani medicine and the Urdu language to strengthen its scholarly tradition and explore possibilities for its promotion through Urdu. Speakers shed light on the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu traditions of Unani medicine and emphasized that Urdu has played a crucial role in making Unani medicine accessible to the masses.
Dr. Khalid Siddiqui, General Secretary of the All India Unani Tibbi Conference and the convener of the seminar, warmly welcomed all attendees and delegates.
Hakim Fakhr Alam elaborated on the objectives of the seminar.
Sessions & Discussions
Various sessions of the seminar featured research papers on the historical texts of Unani medicine, medical literature in Urdu, and its academic and research significance in the modern era. The speakers recommended further systematic organization and digitization of classical and contemporary Unani medical literature in Urdu to ensure that future generations can benefit from this valuable knowledge. Dr. Shahnawaz Fayyaz moderated the inaugural session.
First Session:
Chaired by Professor Badarudduja Khan and Dr. Mohammad Mohsin
Papers presented by: Professor Ashhar Qadeer, Dr. Afsahul Kalam, Dr. Mustahsan Faizur Rahman Aqdas, Dr. Umair Manzar, Dr. Mohammad Muqeem, Dr. Shahnawaz Fayyaz, Dr. Asad Faisal Farooqi
Second Session:
Chaired by Hakim Ashhar Qadeer, Dr. Shabbir Ahmad, Dr. Shah Alam
Papers presented by: Dr. Ahmad Saeed, Hakim Fakhr Alam, Professor Abdul Haleem, Hakim Nazish Ehtesham Azmi, Hakim Misbahuddin Azhar, Dr. Safiur Rahman, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr. Amanullah
Conclusion
In the concluding session, the organisers expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and esteemed guests for making the seminar a success. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such academic gatherings in the future to further the promotion of Unani medicine and the Urdu language.
The seminar witnessed the participation of students and faculty members from Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, and Delhi University.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Community News / by The Milli Gazette Online / February 18th, 2025
