Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, Co Founders of Zubair Curve Electrics at Shark Tank India- 4 Show
Two young Kashmiri men’s startup of providing eco-friendly urban transportation solutions may not have won them funding from the judges of Shark Tank India-4, a business reality show on Sony Television, but it won their immense admiration and exposed their successful business model to a larger world.
Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat, co-founders of Curve Electrics, got many heads nodding in appreciation when they said at the show in two years, their startup has helped environment by saving 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
The mission Curve Electrics, launched in the summer of 2023, began with 50 e-bikes in Srinagar from 11 docking stations, in collaboration with the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL). The number of e bikes has since grown up to 150 in Srinagar.
They also provides these services In the neighbouring Ganderbal district’s Central University of Kashmir (CUK), and the Hindu shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani, Tulamulla.
“We have already completed 55,000 rides, 720,000 km and have saved 145 metric tonnes of carbon emissions….it is equivalent to the planting of 7200 trees”, during the last one and a half years, said Sheikh Yameen, Managing Director of Curve Electrics.
At the show, Sheikh Yameen, and Zubair Bhat said though at present their operations are limited to Kashmir Valley, they wanted to expand operations to other mountain towns such as Shimla and Mussoorie.
They also spoke about do business in college campuses across the country. They have shortlisted 1,400 campuses where they can expand their business. The entrepreneurs said that they have devised their bikes, and these are available through a mobile application and the users are not asked for seudirty deposits.
Yameen said, “Shark Tank India gave us an incredible platform to share our dream of revolutionizing urban mobility. Coming from Srinagar, this journey represents not just Curve Electric, but the untapped potential of Kashmiri youth. We’re excited for what lies ahead”
Sheikh Yameen and his friend, Mohsin Bashir are the co-founders of this startup. Yameen had completed his MBA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Kashmir, while his friend Mohsin Bashir was studying Management in the US.
The two pitched their sustainable e-bike service Curve Electric to the panel of ‘sharks’, which included Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, Aman Gupta, Peyush Bansal, and newcomer Kunal Bahl.
Peyush was “very impressed” by the entrepreneurs’ ability to erase all the onboarding issues that customers might have. Vineeta explained, “There is a little complexity here. There is a lot of dependence on governments, and from what I’ve seen in all the other companies, the setting that you have to do with governments and local bodies, becomes a make-or-break situation. Your expansion will not depend on your ambition; it will depend on where you get the local support”.
Yameen nodded in agreement, and said that they haven’t had any losses yet, and have raised a round of investment already, valuing their company at Rs 8.5 crore.
Each of them backed out of the deal, but Peyush bid the founders farewell at a positive note. Addressing Yameen, he said, “It’s like looking at a mirror, you are me. You are saying everything I would have said 10 years back. The detailed customer-focused obsession you have, I have not seen in Shark Tank in four years.” In the end, the two entrepreneurs walked away with no deal, but loads of positive wishes.
Curve Electric’s pitch stood out not just for its business potential but also for the pride it brought to Kashmir. The team’s efforts reflect the entrepreneurial energy brewing in the Valley, proving that innovation knows no boundaries, Sheikh Yameen observed.
He said that the overwhelming response from the sharks and viewers alike has bolstered Curve Electric’s vision and opened doors for new opportunities. By fusing modern solutions with the rich cultural backdrop of Kashmir, the startup is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future, leaving an indelible mark on India’s entrepreneurial landscap
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / January 11th, 2025
In ‘Print and the Urdu Public’, Megan Eaton Robb writes about the impact and role of popular Urdu newspaper Madinah and how it pushed back against censorship.
File photo | Gen. Reginald Dyer | Wikimedia Commons
Madīnah’s community of editors, subeditors, and proprietors illustrate the interconnected network of professionals working on newspapers across North India, with a shared commitment to confounding censorship laws. Editors of Madīnah were products of qasbahs and lived in Bijnor or nearby while employed by the publication. At least one assistant editor, Ḥamīd Ḥasan “Fakīr” Bijnorī (1903–1991), was a relative, having married Majīd Ḥasan’s daughter in the 1910s before he became the editor of Madinah Press’s children’s magazine Ghunchah after 1922. Ḥamīd Ḥasan would later be listed as an assistant editor from 1930 to 1935 and even take over as editor for several months when the need arose in 1945. When a new editor took over the work of Madīnah and was not already resident in Bijnor, he would move into the Ḥasan compound, which acted as the administrative office of the paper. Several small apartments attached to the main verandah, so editors could live in comfort with their families, remaining accessible to the newspaper office while maintaining privacy. Maulānā Majīd Ḥasan’s name, along with the name of the current chief editor, always appeared on the paper’s title page. At any given time there could be up to three editors of the paper, with the chief editor being referred to as “mudīr-i mas’ūl.”
Although Majīd Ḥasan’s proprietorship provided continuity for the newspaper, its different editors influenced the paper’s tone and focus. The turnover between editors could be rapid when legal troubles emerged. For instance, in 1924, when the editor Qāẓī Badrul Ḥasan Jalālī (1891–1956) was prosecuted by the British Raj for an article, he resigned his editorship, but he stepped back into his position once the dust of government scrutiny had settled. If Majīd Ḥasan attracted too much scrutiny from government surveillance, he could retreat from view behind the shadow of his prominent editors, continuing to exert the same influence behind the scenes. This allowed his outfit to survive draconian censorship measures while retaining the continuity essential to the newspaper’s success.
When he launched the newspaper in 1912, Majīd Ḥasan had little local influence. The only person of significance attached to the newspaper initially was a prominent journalist of the period, Nūr ul-Ḥasan Zahīn, who wrote for Ṣaḥīfa as well. Colonial censors initially dismissed Madīnah as a “bigoted Muhammadan organ, inclined to make trouble between Hindus and Muhammadans.” Madīnah first earned the ire of colonial administrators by criticizing the headmaster of Bijnor High School for complying with the British Educational Code. This was only the first of many encounters with censorship legislation.
April 1917 marked the beginning of Editor Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn Shairkoṭī’s tenure, and the newspaper’s shift to publishing more explicitly political, anti-British stances. Shairkoṭī, a novelist as well as a journalist, was born in the Shairkoṭ qasbah of Bijnor in 1888. Initially educated by Maulānā ‘Abdul Qayūm Arshāq and Miyānji Sa‘ad Allah Sahib, he had attended Deoband as a pupil of Maulānā Mahmud ul-Ḥasan Asīr Mālṭā, known as Shaikh ul-Hind. After completing his education at Deoband, Mazh̤ ar ud- Dīn returned to Shairkot, where he worked on the newspaper Dastūr under the management of Ḥakīm Asrār ul-Nabī and on the newspaper Nagīnah.
Maulānā Majīd Ḥasan saw Maz̤har ud-Dīn’s affiliation with the newspaper as the beginning of a new period of commitment to the Muslim community and wrote an illustrious introduction for his new editor. Majīd Ḥasan’s message in his introduction was clear: he had brought in a power player to man the ship of Madīnah, a man who indubitably linked the paper to a network of powerful publications and individuals. The new editor transformed Madīnah into a more explicitly political entity. Maz̤har ud-Dīn associated with prominent political Muslims of the period, including Syed Ḥasan Imām, who presided over the Indian National Congress’s consideration of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in Bombay in 1918. His other associates included Nawab Muḥammad Ismā’il Khān. He was, along with Khalīquzzamān, a key organizer of the UP Muslim League, and a prominent member until 1947; he remained in India after independence.
After the end of World War I in November 1918, discussions of independence and postwar reality in India began in earnest. The state of Islam, and the progress of both national and local branches of organizations such as the Muslim League and Congress, became matters of intense concern. Mohandas Karamchand “Mahātmā” Gāndhī (1869–1948) featured in several articles musing on the way forward for political Muslims. In addition, discussions of the fall out of World War I in Turkey and the caliphate took center stage. Under Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn’s leadership, the newspaper emphasized the connection between the fate of Indian Muslims and of those in Turkey and other nations with significant ties to Islam.
Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn presided over Madīnah’s publication of an article critical of the government’s role in the Jallianwallabagh massacre, which led to a dramatic conflict with the British Raj. In April 1919 Madīnah published an article criticizing Lieutenant Governor Sir Michael O’Dwyer’s (1864–1940) endorsement. Putting Madīnah on the Muslim Map of the actions of Colonel Reginald Dyer, who had overseen the disproportionate response at Jallianwallabagh. The article minced no words:
His honour O’Dwyer’s government of Panjab, from the very beginning, kept as the foundation of its policy a despotic course of action [ . . . ] This was his honor O’Dwyer’s last period of government; therefore it was necessary that he make amends for his past course of actions. This was the time when, instead of extinguishing the fire with the water Of gentleness and kindness, he inflamed the hearts of the ahl-i Punjab. Perhaps it could be said that he did not put out the fire with water, but instead doused it with oil. If that were not the case, then why would he at the conclusion of his reign, give orders that were so repellent, so far from resembling affection that they approximated hate?
It was actually illegal at this point in time to question the motives of the colonial government; thus, the final statement of the quotation accusing O’Dwyer of “hate” fell afoul of censorship laws. The government banned Madīnah from circulating in Punjab as a result of this piece. Mazh̤ arud-Dīn and Majīd Ḥasan’s response was defiant: in August 1919 they renamed the newspaper Yasrab, an Arabic synonym of Madīnah, as a bid to evade censorship.64 On the cover of each issue of Yasrab an Iqbal couplet appeared, a knowing wink to its readership base:
The dust of Madinah is better than both worlds. How wonderful is the city where the beloved is.
Khāk-i yas̱rab az do ‘ālam khūshtar ast Ā’e khunak shahre ke ānjā dilbar ast.
The couplet hinted at the paper Yasrab’s true identity, offered praise for the paper’s unpretentious popularity, and emphasized the link between the newspaper and the city Madīnah. Madīnah’s proprietor and editors were men who wore their few educational laurels lightly. More important than formal education was the ability to use that knowledge in the service of Indians generally and Muslims particularly. Unsurprisingly, the attempt at flouting the circulation ban was quickly detected. The paper reverted back to the title Madīnah after a few weeks, and the ban on circulation was lifted eventually.66 Madīnah was a space offering a figurative point of access to the community of Islam, the qaum, and it was a space increasingly under siege of colonial censorship laws.
Madīnah had been only one of many significant voices in the press commenting on the Jallianwallabagh fiasco. As the UP fortnightly report complained, “[The] occurrences in the Punjab [ . . . ] practically absorbed the entire attention of the press.” Along with Madīnah/Yasrab, the British excluded from Punjab al- Khalīl of Bijnor, The Independent of Allahabad (a Nehru paper), Hamdam and Akhuwat of Lucknow (Farangi Mahalli papers), Swadesh of Gorakhpur, and Amrita bazar patrika of Calcutta. The government demanded securities, or large sums of money as surety against future crimes of sedition, from papers in Bengal, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Madras. Madīnah’s inclusion in this censorship was a testament to its growing influence; its subterfuge demonstrated a growing sense of urgency in its mandate to reach readers and an emerging resolve to flout British restrictions.
In the 1920s, Madīnah focused on coverage of the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress, showing a preference for Congress.
It was per- haps Maz̤har ud-Dīn’s affection for the League that motivated him ultimately to resign from Madīnah in 1921. It is also possible that Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn’s taste for politics pulled him closer to Delhi and toward the League after the political awakening accompanying the Khilafat Movement.
It was common for editors to move around among different qasbah-based newspapers, and after leaving Madīnah, Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn joined Munshī Safīr Aḥmed’s Naginah-based paper Almān as its first editor; he was instrumental in relocating that paper to Delhi. He later became close to the leadership of the All-India Muslim League, including Muḥammad ‘Alī Jinnāh. In the 1930s he founded a paper entitled Vaḥdat (Unity) in order to assist the propagation of Muslim League ideals. When Maulānā Shabbīr Aḥmed ‘Usmānī, a Deobandi who supported the creation of Pakistan, resigned from the pro-Congress Jam‘īat ‘Ulamā and declared his allegiance to the Muslim League and Jinnah, he did so from Mazh̤ ar ud-Dīn’s office. This demonstrated Madīnah was one node in an important network of political power and publishing prestige in this period and had to make considered choices when it came to balancing shifting political alliances.
This excerpt from Print and the Urdu Public: Muslims, Newspapers, and Urban Life in Colonial India has been published with special permission from Oxford Univerity Press.
source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> Page Turner> Book Excerpts / by Megan Eaton Robb /May 15th, 2021
Asma Gulzar (Left) in Indo-Arabic dress with another model
New Delhi :
“Asma Gulzar isn’t just designing clothes—she’s designing her own path. A mind that refuses limits and a heart that thrives on passion. Keep creating, keep inspiring,” reads a social media post from one of the world’s leading fashion designers.
Today, Asma Gulzar is a prominent name in the Indo-fusion fashion space. Her stores in Delhi showcase a blend of Indo-Western and Indo-Arab designs, reflecting her distinctive aesthetic.
Her latest venture is a signature perfume from her brand, launched in Delhi during her annual Dawat-e-Iftar. The event has become one of the capital’s most talked-about Iftar gatherings, attended by eminent citizens, religious leaders, and fashion icons.
Asma Gulzar receiving SMSE award from industrialist Kumarmangalam Birla
“Life is a blessing,” says the celebrity designer, whose journey has been marked by resilience and determination.
Four years ago, Asma was diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness. “I was devastated and kept asking, ‘Why me?’ But soon I gathered myself and decided to face the disease with positivity and mindfulness,” she told Anjali Ada in an interview for Awaz-the Voice.
Following surgery, she underwent treatment for nearly two and a half months. “Initially, a family member would accompany me. Then I decided I must fight it alone.”
Asma Gulzar receiving an award from Dharmendra
She began visiting the hospital by herself. “After each session, I would pack the drip bags attached to my body into a plastic bag and hide it under my dress. From the hospital, I would go straight to my store in a nearby mall,” she recalled.
That same indomitable spirit defines how Asma runs her business today.
Her designs have found their way into Bollywood wardrobes, with celebrities such as Malaika Arora, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Pooja Batra, Celina Jaitly, and Shama Sikander, among others, wearing her creations.
Beyond commercial success, she has earned artistic recognition as well. Many in the industry look up to her for guidance. She has collaborated with international production houses, including serving as lead designer for BollyGoods Edition 2. She also played a key role in the Asian Trunk Show in London and has appeared on BBC London.
Asma Gulzar
For Asma, becoming a designer was never just about formal training at the National Institute of Fashion Technology. “Design is in my blood,” she says.
Growing up in Lucknow, she was particular about what she wore. She would brief the neighbourhood tailor—“Masterji”—in detail about her designs. “I even made him promise not to share my designs with anyone, not even my sister,” she recalls with a smile.
She believes creativity is innate. “You can see it in every corner of my home,” she says.
As a designer, her priority has always been to stand out. Interestingly, during her fashion shows, audiences often end up ordering the outfit she herself is wearing, rather than the ones showcased on models.
Asma Gulzar with actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood
Today, Asma runs a full-fledged business and manages a factory. “I started working at 17 and have been in this field for 20 years. It wasn’t easy,” she says.
She interned with Manish Malhotra, a crucial step in her journey. “In our industry, no matter how many degrees you have, unless you’ve worked with established names, it’s difficult to be taken seriously.”
While she acknowledges that today’s designers benefit from social media and artificial intelligence tools, she has clear advice: “Be original. Never copy designs. Step out of your comfort zone to gain exposure.”
Contrary to common perceptions about Muslim women facing barriers in unconventional careers, Asma says she received unwavering support from her family. “Some relatives and members of the community disapproved of a young Muslim girl taking up fashion and even modelling her own designs. But my family never let that overshadow my ambitions.”
She is the recipient of many awards including the one instituted by ther government for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, and from the bodies which focus of women of substance.
Asma Gulzar with actor Nushrratt Bharuccha
She credits her grandmother for shaping her outlook. “She always told me never to give up. I live by three D’s—Determination, Dedication, and Discipline—and they have guided me throughout.”
Running a factory, she admits, is no easy task for a woman. “I had no prior experience. I started with just a sewing machine in my garage.”
Today, her brand has a global footprint, and she is planning to launch an exclusive menswear line. Her design philosophy remains rooted in her tagline: “Original beauty with elegance and comfort.”
Deeply spiritual, Asma believes her journey has been guided by faith. “God has held my hand through it all,” she says, adding that success is never possible without divine blessings.
See the full Interview:
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Success Story / by Aasha Khosa / April 08th, 2026
Chokapara-Naoda Village (Bilashipara subdivision, Dhubri District), ASSAM :
Moinul Haque at his brick kiln
Moinul Haque of village Bilashipara in Dhubri district of western Assam once lived in appalling poverty and even had to go hungry on many days. Having worked his way to a better life, this man in his late forties is now providing livelihood to 300 families but also ensuring they get basic amenities of life.
Owner of a brick kiln that he set up to address acute poverty in village Takimari, Ranigunj, a Muslim village of Assam
Not only he pays wages to his workers, but he also provides them with the basic facilities of education and health, and he also ensures drinking water, healthcare, and education for the children of brick kiln workers.
In a conversation with Awaz -The Voice, the soft-spoken Moinul Haque alias Baltuk said that as a child he had to work hard to survive.
Brick Kiln owned by Moinul Haque
He was born in Chokapara-Naoda, a backward village in the Lakshiganj area of the Bilashipara subdivision. His father, Sabed Ali, a fish trader, and his mother, Manuwara Bibi, a domestic help, had many dreams for their children yet no means to fulfill them.
Moinul’s parents enrolled him in a nearby government primary school even as the sustenance of a family comprising two sons and four daughters was getting difficult for Sabed Ali.
As luck would have it, Sabed Ali’s health started falling.
“It was difficult for us to support a family of eight and take care of my father. As a result, sometimes we had to go to sleep hungry. One day, I finally dropped out of school due to poverty. I was eight years old.
“I was thinking about how I could support my family. I started baking papad at the street corners and selling them. After making some money, I started selling betel nuts (Tamol) along with papad on a table perched on the roadside,” he said.
Within 3-4 years, he expanded his small shop into a grocery store.
Moinul was just beginning to flourish in his trade when his father, Sabed Ali became paralyzed. Now he got worried about the fate of his family.
However, Moinul kept his focus on business and started trading fish.
An under-construction building in which Moinul Haque is involved in
He bought fish from Hatipota, Tilapara, Shalkocha, and other areas riding an old bicycle in the wee hours of the day. He sold it in Bilashipara and Beltali markets.
He did well and after some time, he expanded trading to sand, stone chips, and timber.
At the age of 20, Moinul got married.
He managed to marry all his sisters within five years. He also worked as an associate of various construction contractors. However, his hunger for success did not end there.
Alongside his business, he also volunteered to get associated with various social activities. He realized that the people of western Assam, especially the Muslims, were backward in many facets of life.
He set up a brick kiln at His enterprise has provided livelihood to about 300 families in the area. Most of these families are economically backward Muslims.
He also provided these families with basic facilities like healthcare, hygienic drinking water, and education.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Malati Sarmar, Bilashipara / March 21st, 2023
Genrobotic Innovations, a company based in Pallippuram, Kerala has been conferred with the Medicall Made in India Innovation 2023 Golden Award for developing the advanced robotic gait trainer G-Gaiter that helps patients recover rapidly from paraplegic disabilities. Afsal Muttikkal, Regional Director, Genrobotics Medical and Mobility received the award from Shyam Vasudevarao, Founder and Director of Forus Health, Renalyx, and Rx DHP.
The company’s flagship medical product, the G-Gaiter is an advanced gait training robot which has earned this prestigious acknowledgement for its unwavering dedication to driving innovation within the health-tech sector. The G-Gaiter’s services are currently accessible in numerous hospitals across Kerala.
Instituted by Chennai-based Medicall Innovation, the award is given for promoting and recognising advanced technological innovations in the healthcare industry.
G-Gaiter assists patients with paraplegic conditions caused by stroke, traumatic spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy to increase their mobility, consistency, and quality of gait pattern.
G-Gaiter’s AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered natural human gait pattern and top-notch rehabilitation functions aim to increase mobility as well as the consistency and quality of gait patterns. It helps patients with paraplegic disorders achieve their goal of re-walking flawlessly.
Taking off as a startup, Genrobotics has displayed innovation in solving different social issues and emerged as one of the most impactful companies through various robotic solutions. It made a big socio-technological impact by developing the world’s first robotic manhole cleaner, ‘Bandicoot’, aimed at phasing out manual scavenging.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / August 24th, 2023
Business leader and social activist Syed Mumtaz was awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in recognition of his contributions to social service, community development, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
The award, instituted by the Sanatan Foundation, honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions toward peace, social harmony, public service, and national unity in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.
The award was presented during a special programme titled “Gandhi Smriti: Our Steps towards Gandhian Principles” held at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Auditorium in Bengaluru. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, attended the event as the chief guest and presented the honour to Syed Mumtaz.
Syed Mumtaz is the Chief Executive Officer of Rug-Rail Components and Systems Private Limited and currently serves as the President of the Karnataka chapter of the RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He is also a member of the organisation’s Central Advisory Committee.
According to the organisers, Mumtaz was chosen for the award in recognition of his sustained efforts toward the betterment of society and his initiatives aimed at empowering youth and entrepreneurs. Through his leadership roles, he has been actively involved in mentoring startups, conducting business workshops, and creating networking and mentorship platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Over the years, Mumtaz has emerged as a prominent voice in promoting inclusive business growth and community-oriented development. His initiatives through RIFA Chamber of Commerce and Industries have focused on encouraging ethical entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for young professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Mumtaz said that success should always contribute toward larger social goals. He noted that he plans to launch more people-centric projects in collaboration with RIFA in the coming months to strengthen community empowerment initiatives.
The organisers stated that the award ceremony aimed to inspire citizens to uphold Gandhian values such as harmony, service, compassion, and national integration. Several social activists, business leaders, community representatives, and dignitaries attended the event.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is regarded as a notable recognition for individuals who work beyond their professional domains to contribute meaningfully to society. This year’s ceremony highlighted the growing role of entrepreneurs and community leaders in addressing social challenges and promoting collective progress.
Syed Mumtaz is an engineering graduate and a distinguished student of Islamia Arabic College, Mansoora in Karnataka. He discharged the duties as unit president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, BTM Layout in Bangalore for one term earlier.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation>Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 15th, 2026
The media is considered a tough profession, and naturally, till few decades ago, very few women were part of it. However, the pioneers, especially among Muslims, whose journeys span television studios, radio booths, conflict zones, and digital platforms, helped turn the narrative on national and local issues. With a growing presence of Muslim women in newsrooms, on TV screens conducting prime-time news debates, as Radio Jockeys, and covering conflicts on the ground, they have empowered the community and made media space more inclusive.
Under its series Parvaz, Awaz-the Voice brings you the stories of ten women from the Indian media who have left a mark in the field. They represent a generation of women who refused to remain confined by convention and instead built identities rooted in excellence and purpose. Here are the top Muslim women media persons:
Yana Mir
Yana Mir has emerged as one of the strongest voices from Kashmir, challenging Pakistan-backed propaganda through journalism, entrepreneurship and advocacy. Educated in Mumbai and rooted in Kashmir, she returned to the Valley in 2020 to report stories often ignored, including the families of policemen killed by terrorists and the silence created by fear.
As CEO of the Real Kashmir Group, she has continued to document change despite threats and pressure.
Her speech at the UK Parliament in 2024 brought international attention when she spoke of feeling free and safe in India. Through her enterprise NourZuw, she also supports Kashmiri artisans and promotes economic self-reliance.
Seema Mustafa
Seema Mustafa stands among India’s most fearless journalists, with a career spanning nearly five decades. Beginning at The Pioneer at just nineteen, she went on to work with leading publications such as The Indian Express, The Telegraph and The Asian Age.
She reported from war zones, including Beirut and Kargil, earning the Prem Bhatia Award. Founder of the digital platform The Citizen, she remains a powerful advocate for independent journalism and women’s voices. As the first elected President of the Editors Guild of India, she reinforced the principle that journalism must question power, not flatter it.
Saima Rahman
Saima Rahman, fondly known as RJ Saima, is one of India’s most loved radio voices.
Raised in Delhi after being born in Nigeria, she developed a passion for language, music and public speaking early in life. Her journey began with All India Radio’s Yuv Vani and blossomed through the iconic show Purani Jeans, where songs, poetry and nostalgia created an emotional bond with listeners.
Through Urdu Ki Paathshala, she has also brought audiences closer to the beauty of the Urdu language and literature. Her voice continues to blend memory, music and social awareness.
Rubika Liyaquat
Rubika Liyaquat has built a strong identity in Indian television journalism through discipline, sharp reporting and composed primetime anchoring. Beginning with field reporting, she worked with networks such as Live India, News24, Zee News and ABP News, steadily rising to national prominence.
Beyond the newsroom, she is recognised for affirming India’s plural social fabric through messages of mutual respect and Hindu-Muslim harmony. Her journey highlights resilience, merit and the importance of coexistence in a polarised age.
Rana Siddiqui Zaman
Rana Siddiqui Zaman broke barriers to become a respected voice in journalism, particularly in cinema, culture and the performing arts. Educated at Aligarh Muslim University, she chose journalism when it was still considered unconventional for women.
Her defining years at The Hindu earned her acclaim for insightful columns and interviews with major artists. After professional setbacks and economic challenges, she reinvented herself and now works with the Children’s Book Trust. Her story is one of courage, reinvention and quiet determination.
Nagma Sahar
Nagma Sahar is widely regarded as one of the most balanced and socially committed voices in television journalism. Born in Patna and educated in Delhi, including studies at JNU, she brought academic depth to her reporting. At NDTV India, she covered major events from the tsunami in Tamil Nadu to elections in Kashmir.
Her show Salaam Zindagi brought issues such as addiction, discrimination and transgender rights into mainstream conversation with empathy and dignity. Her career reflects integrity and meaningful journalism.
Heena Kausar Khan
Heena Kausar Khan has become an important journalistic and literary voice by bringing the inner realities of the Muslim community into mainstream Marathi discourse. Raised in Pune, she started her career with Lokmat before turning to feature writing.
Through platforms like Sadhana Weekly and Loksatta, she explored identity, reform and changing social consciousness. Her books, including Itranama and Ijtihad, have earned acclaim and honours. She continues to advocate humanity, coexistence and nuanced understanding.
Atika Farooqui
Atika Farooqui has enjoyed a distinguished media career spanning more than two decades. Known as a thoughtful host and interviewer, she built her reputation through consistency rather than instant fame.
Working across news and entertainment, she became known for warm, intelligent conversations that focused on creativity and personal journeys rather than sensationalism. A poet and writer fluent in multiple languages, she remains relevant by adapting gracefully from television to the digital era.
Dr. Firdous Khan
Dr Firdous Khan, celebrated as “The Princess of the Isle of Words,” is a scholar, poet, journalist and translator whose work bridges spirituality, literature and media. Associated with the Sufi tradition, she has authored books such as Fahm al-Qur’an and Pioneers of Ganga–Jamuni Culture.
Her career spans Doordarshan, All India Radio and numerous print platforms. Writing in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English, she has earned honours for journalism and literature while promoting harmony, service and the enduring power of words.
Shah Taj Khan
Shah Taj Khan, professionally known as Sheh Taz Begum Khan, is a distinguished Urdu author, journalist, and educator whose career spans more than twenty-five years across print media, broadcasting, literature, and academia.
Based in Pune, she has earned respect in Urdu journalism through roles as reporter, editor, producer, and creative director with organisations such as ETV News, where she helped shape the special bulletin Khas Baat, as well as publications like Nai Duniya Urdu Weekly and Media Star News Feature Agency
She has also made a notable contribution to children’s literature through science-based Urdu books such as Seen se Science and Picnic, praised for making scientific ideas engaging for young readers and supported by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / April 26th, 2026
The Memon community—numbering around four million globally—is widely regarded as a globalised group known for its business acumen, prosperity, patriotism, and pro-development outlook.
These observations were shared by prominent Memon leader Yusuf Abrahani on the occasion of World Memon Day.
The Memons are a close-knit, predominantly Sunni Muslim business community. They trace their origins to Gujarat in India and Sindh in Pakistan. Historically known as maritime traders, they are largely concentrated in Mumbai and Karachi, where they have flourished as entrepreneurs in sectors such as import-export, shipping, and textiles.
The community’s roots go back to the 15th century, when members of the Lohana community in Sindh embraced Islam under the guidance of Syed Yusufuddin Gilani.
Known for their peaceful temperament and adaptability, Memons have built a reputation not only for prosperity but also for their strong commitment to social service.
Yusuf Abrahani, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly and president of the Islam Gymkhana, remains actively engaged in Mumbai’s political, business, and social spheres.
In a special interview with Mansooruddin Faridi, Editor of Awaz-the Voice Urdu, Abrahani noted that the Memon community is spread across the world, with members having migrated from Gujarat to various countries.
Describing the community’s ethos, he said, “Allah has blessed Memons immensely—with wealth, a generous spirit, and grace. Wherever a Memon settles, the first priority is to establish a madrasa, mosque, community hall, and medical dispensary. This tradition continues even today.”
Drawing from his six decades of experience, he added that Memons have established numerous institutions in Mumbai, including hospitals, mosques, madrasas, and charitable facilities.
World Memon Day is observed on April 10, and is marked by extensive charitable activities. Community members visit hospitals, organise welfare programmes for the poor and marginalised—including widows, the visually and physically challenged—and distribute essential supplies.
Abrahani noted that this culture of service has gained further momentum under the leadership of Iqbal Memon. Similar programmes are also organised in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Despite their relatively small population, Memons have achieved notable success in education and economic development. Alongside India, significant Memon populations reside in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sri Lanka.
Honesty and integrity remain the hallmarks of the community, with a strong emphasis on imparting religious and ethical values to younger generations.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa / April 10th, 2026
In an era where corporate success is often measured solely in balance sheets, Hamid Ahmed stands out as a rare blend of business acumen and social commitment—quietly carrying forward the towering legacy of his grandfather, Hakim Abdul Hameed, a visionary who believed that enterprise must serve society.
A young, suave, and dynamic Indian business leader, Ahmed today occupies multiple roles with ease and purpose. As the Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of Hamdard Foods India, and former Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, he represents a new generation of leadership rooted in legacy but driven by innovation.Owing to his leadership acumen and expanding contributions to the service of humanity, he has been featured among the 100 Most Influential Muslims of India in the 2025 list compiled by the Muslim Mirror. The list also features distinguished personalities such as former Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari, noted industrialist Azim Premji, and politician-barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, among several other eminent names.
Born in 1977 in New Delhi, Ahmed’s early education at St. Columba’s School laid the foundation for a disciplined and forward-looking career. He went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi, graduating in 1998, before earning an MBA from London in 2000—equipping himself with a global outlook at a young age.
His association with the Hamdard legacy began early. In 1995, he was appointed as a Trustee of Hamdard Laboratories India by his grandfather. By 2000, he had formally joined the organization, embarking on a professional journey that would span over two decades. When he assumed the role of CEO in 2016, Ahmed brought with him not just experience, but a renewed vision—one that sought to modernize while preserving the ethos of Unani medicine and ethical enterprise.
Under his leadership, Hamdard Foods India has expanded its footprint across both domestic and international markets, strengthening its position in the food and Unani healthcare sectors. His approach combines strategic expansion with a nuanced understanding of regional consumer behavior, reflecting years of hands-on experience across diverse markets.
Yet, Ahmed’s influence extends well beyond boardrooms. His commitment to education is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Jamia Hamdard, an institution founded on the principles of accessible and value-based learning. As Chancellor, he played a key role in reinforcing its academic and institutional growth, ensuring that the university continues to serve as a hub of excellence for students from all backgrounds. Today, Jamia Hamdard has secured a top-tier position among a plethora of private universities, distinguished for its academic excellence, research output, and commitment to holistic education.
He is also the Founder and President of the Unani Drug Manufacturers Association (UDMA), where he has worked to strengthen the traditional medicine sector and advocate for its modernization and global relevance.
Philanthropy remains central to his work. Through the Hamdard National Foundation India and the Hamdard Learning and Welfare Society, Ahmed has championed initiatives focused on education, skill development, employment generation, and the upliftment of economically weaker sections. These efforts echo his grandfather’s philosophy—that business must ultimately serve humanity.
His contributions gained particular prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he led large-scale vaccination drives, organized holistic healthcare camps, and initiated environmental campaigns such as tree plantation drives—demonstrating a hands-on approach to crisis response and community care.
In recognition of his service, he was conferred the Paul Harris Fellow award by the Rotary Club of Delhi South in 2022—an honor reserved for individuals who make significant contributions to society.
Beyond his executive and philanthropic roles, Ahmed has also brought his expertise to the corporate governance space. He has served as a Non-Executive Independent Director on the boards of several prominent companies, including Religare Enterprises Limited, Religare Finvest Limited, Religare Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited, Care Health Insurance Limited, and Religare Broking Limited.
At a time when legacy institutions often struggle to remain relevant, Hamid Ahmed’s journey offers a compelling narrative—of continuity without stagnation, of growth anchored in values, and of a leadership style that sees business not merely as a vehicle for profit, but as a force for social transformation.
On his inclusion in the 100 Most Influential Muslims-2025 list, senior journalist Abdul Bari Masoud engaged Hamid Ahmed in an in-depth conversation for Muslim Mirror, exploring a wide spectrum of issues—from his leadership at Hamdard and vision for the Unani sector to his commitment to education, philanthropy, and inclusive nation-building.
Excerpts from the Interview
Q:To what extent were you inspired by your grandfather, Hakim Abdul Hameed Sahib?
A : Hakim Abdul Hameed Sahib was not only the founder of Hamdard but also a visionary who believed in combining traditional health system with modern scientific approaches. His life’s work was deeply rooted in service to humanity, education, and healthcare. His philanthropic initiatives, like establishing Jamia Hamdard University and other institutions, shows how he linked business success with social responsibility. His vision continues to inspire Hamdard’s focus on blending tradition with innovation. His humility and dedication to public welfare set a self reliant leadership and business model that balances growth with ethical responsibility.
Q:Which aspects of his life and philosophy had the greatest influence on you?
A: His decision to dedicate Hamdard as a charitable institution inspires my own sense of responsibility towards society. His passion for education, his humility and ethics, simplicity and global vision not only motivates me but drives me to spend my energies in the research, innovation and making Hamdard’s every effort relevant to the human beings in everyday life. For me, his life is a compass that shapes my journey into the future.
Q:What made Hamdard diversify into the food sector? And what was the thinking behind this transition?
A: Having Rooh Afza- a beverage stalwart already a household name, diversification into the food sector was a natural extension of consumer trust in Hamdard’s quality and purity. Naturally consumers expected that Hamdard could reach out for their food’s need requirements in the categories of core food and functional foods. This way Hamdard could see the light of faster growth and avenues for ensuring sustainable revenue growth, which helps out our charitable mission requirements. To meet India’s growing demand and global needs of quality foods, we introduced several products in a short span of time like, Milkshakes, Lassi, Juices, Squashes, Coconut Water, Honey, Saffron, Soya Nuggets, Vermicelli, Mustard Oil, Olive Oil and range of Spices.
Q:How do you assess the position of Hamdard Foods India within the current Indian food industry?
A: At Hamdard Foods, we have always believed in blending tradition with innovation. Consumer preferences in India are evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on quality foods and convenience. Our iconic brands like Rooh Afza continue to resonate deeply, but we are also expanding into new product categories that meet modern lifestyles — from ready-to-drink formats to sugar-free variants. Sustainability and quality remain at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to ensuring that every product we deliver carries forward our legacy of trust while embracing the future of the food business.
Q:What are your future plans and long-term ambitions for Hamdard Foods and the broader Hamdard legacy?
A: Hamdard Foods has always stood for trust, tradition, and purity. As we look ahead, our future plans are centered on three pillars: innovation, expansion, and sustainability. We are committed to introducing new product formats that cater to evolving consumer lifestyles, while ensuring that our heritage brands like Rooh Afza continue to remain relevant across generations.
On the global front, we aim to strengthen our presence in international markets, taking the Hamdard legacy of quality to new geographies. At the same time, we are investing in sustainable practices — from responsible sourcing to eco-friendly packaging — so that our growth is aligned with the well-being of both people and the planet.
Our long-term ambition is to ensure that Hamdard remains not just a household name in India, but a global symbol of nutritious food producer imbibing traditions along with innovations. We want the Hamdard legacy to inspire future generations by showing that a company rooted in heritage can thrive in modern times while staying true to its values.
Q:Is there any particular experience or anecdote that significantly shaped your outlook or altered the course of your thinking?
A: One experience that profoundly shaped my outlook was witnessing how Rooh Afza continued to unite generations within families. I recall visiting a household where grandparents, parents, and children all had their own stories tied to the drink — from Ramadan evenings decades ago to modern-day summer gatherings. That moment reminded me that Hamdard is not just about products, but about memories, traditions, and emotional connections.
It strengthens my thinking by reinforcing the idea that our responsibility goes beyond business growth. We are custodians of a legacy that touches lives deeply in personal ways. This realization drives me to ensure that every decision we make — whether it’s innovation, expansion, or sustainability — honors that heritage while preparing the brand for the future. It’s a constant reminder that Hamdard’s strength lies in being timeless yet adaptable.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Interviews> Positive Story / by Abdul Bari Masoud / April 02nd, 2026
Mohammad Sher Khan, a Muslim iron craftsman from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has drawn attention for his innovative Vishwaguru Chulha, a stove designed to cook meals for 25 people within 30 minutes while reducing fuel use and smoke.
Khan, a class 8 dropout, spent 27 years refining the design after observing women spending long hours cooking multiple dishes using large amounts of firewood. His aim was to reduce cooking time and ease the burden on households. He patented the stove in 2017 after testing it in homes and dhabas. More than 10,000 units have been sold.
The stove features a three layer system. The top section bakes items like rotis and bread. The middle section handles frying. The bottom section boils dal and other dishes. This design allows users to prepare multiple items at the same time.
Khan states that the chulha uses around 2 kilograms of firewood compared to nearly 10 kilograms in traditional methods. The design also reduces smoke, improving working conditions in kitchens.
Demand has increased due to disruptions in LPG supply linked to global tensions affecting key shipping routes. Many households and small eateries face rising costs and supply delays. The Vishwaguru Chulha offers an alternative priced at around Rs 10,000.
The innovation highlights how local solutions address everyday challenges. Khan plans to expand reach across homes, eateries, and small businesses, offering a practical option for efficient cooking.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Personality> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 30th, 2026
