Aisha, a student of Barakah Degree College, has secured the fifth rank in the B.A. stream of Mangalore University.
Aisha is the daughter of Ashraf Ali and Ramlath. She is married to Althaf Umar and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in English Literature at Mangalore University.
Following the announcement of the results, the management, Principal and staff of Barakah International School and College visited Aisha at her residence and honoured her for the achievement. They congratulated her and wished her success in her future academic pursuits.
Barakah International School and College, located in Adyar, offers education from Pre-KG to degree level. The institution has been recording notable academic results and its students have been receiving recognition in both academic and non-academic fields.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / March 06th, 2026
The family of Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the Ashoka University professor whose social media post on Operation Sindoor set off a storm, footprint on Indian history stretches back to the medieval period.
Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad, his father Raja Mohd Amir Mohd Khan (centre) and brother Rajkumar Amir Hasan Khan. Image courtesy: Mahmudabad Estate
The Supreme Court on March 16 closed the case against Prof Ali Khan Mahmudabad, the Ashoka University historian and columnist, after the Haryana government declined to grant sanction for his prosecution for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, a decision the court had itself nudged the state towards in an earlier order.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi had, in its order of January 6, asked the Haryana government to consider refusing sanction as a “one-time magnanimity.” The state obliged, bringing to an end a case that had drawn global attention to questions of free speech and academic freedom in India.
The matter had originated in a social media post made by Prof Mahmudabad in connection with Operation Sindoor of 2025. It snowballed rapidly after he received summons from the Haryana State Women’s Commission on May 12, 2025. The Supreme Court had granted him interim bail on May 21.
The man behind the case
Prof Mahmudabad holds a doctorate and a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and teaches history and political science at Ashoka University. Also known by his courtesy title “Raja of Mahmudabad,” he is the latest in a long and storied line – a family whose footprint on Indian history stretches back to the medieval period.
During the Nawabi rule in Awadh and later under the British, the Rajas of Mahmudabad were among the largest Taluqdars, or feudal landholders, of the region, controlling over 400 villages and extensive urban properties across Lucknow, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Nainital.
The family’s most visible legacy is the Mahmudabad Fort in Sitapur, a 19th century structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style that counts among the largest private residences in the world. It has hosted royalty, diplomats, political leaders and intellectuals from across the globe. Its library holds thousands of rare books and manuscripts in English, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic – including handwritten copies of the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata, some dating to the 16th century.
The fort’s kitchens, too, have kept alive culinary traditions that have largely disappeared elsewhere. The original mud fort on the site was set ablaze by the British during the Revolt of 1857 and later rebuilt.
The family’s syncretic character runs deep. Its charitable endowments include temples, one gifted to the Udasin Sect founded by Sri Chand, son of Guru Nanak, replicas of the Muslim shrines of Najaf and Karbala in Iraq and a caravanserai built to shelter travellers.
Revolt of 1857 and after
The family’s political legacy is equally significant. During the Revolt of 1857, Muqim-ud-Daula Raja Nawab Ali Khan commanded several thousand rebel troops before being killed by British forces – the same forces that burned down his 16th century fort. His role has been documented in historical accounts of the period and in the Urdu novel “Aghaz-e-Sahar” by Khan Mahbub Tarzi, translated into English by Prof Mahmudabad himself under the title “The Break of Dawn.”
His son, Amir-ud-Daula Raja Sir Mohammad Amir Hasan Khan, served on the Legislative Council of the Lieutenant Governor of the North Western Provinces. Lucknow’s Amir-ud-Daula Public Library and Amir-ud-Daula Islamia Degree College are named after him.
Amir-ud-Daula Raja Sir Mohd Amir Hasan Khan. Image courtesy: Mahmudabad Estate
His son, Prof Mahmudabad’s great-grandfather Maharaja Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan was a pioneer of education who played a central role in establishing both Lucknow University and the Aligarh Muslim University, serving as the latter’s first Vice-Chancellor from 1920 to 1923. A residential hostel, Mahmudabad House, in Aligarh Muslim University’s Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall is named after him. He also served as the Home Member of the Governor of UP’s Executive Council.
Mahmudabad House in Lucknow. Image courtesy: Mahmudabad Estate
A close friend of Motilal Nehru, he was instrumental in the signing of the Lucknow Pact of 1916 and served on the Imperial Legislative Council, the Council of State and the United Provinces Legislative Council. Lucknow’s Butler Palace, named after former UP Governor Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, was built by him.
Maharaja Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan
Prof Mahmudabad’s father, Raja Mohammad Amir Mohammad Khan, was also a Cambridge graduate and an occasional professor of astrophysics at Imperial College London and the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge. He was elected twice to the UP Legislative Assembly on a Congress ticket, in 1985 and 1989.
When he passed away in October 2023, thousands joined his funeral procession across religious lines, and schools, markets and commercial establishments across the area shut down in mourning.
A vindication, and a reminder
Prof Mahmudabad’s Lucknow home, Mahmudabad House – part of the historic Qaiserbagh Palace complex – continues to serve as a gathering place for intellectual and cultural exchange, much as the family’s spaces have for centuries.
The closure of his case, then, is more than a personal reprieve. Coming at a time of heightened scrutiny over free expression in India, it is being seen as a reaffirmation, however fragile, of the right to speak, question and dissent.
(Aman Alam is a student Barrister at the University of London and an Advocate in the Supreme Court. He has been a former Law Clerk-cum-Research Associate to a Supreme Court judge. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland)
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Aman Alam, Guest Contributor March 27th, 2026
From a tailor’s household to national achievement, Dr Afrah Ansari’s success inspires Muslim students across India, proving that patience, sacrifice and hard work can overcome every difficulty in education and life
Bhiwandi :
In a moment of joy and pride for the Muslim community, Dr Afrah Wasim Ansari from Bhiwandi in Maharashtra has secured the 231st rank in the All India PG NET examination. This is the first time a student from the city has reached such a level in the medical field.
Her achievement has been described as “historic” by teachers and community leaders, with celebrations spreading in Bhiwandi’s educational and social circles.
Dr Afrah began her early studies at Aqsa Girls High School, where she was always among the brightest students. She later joined MES Junior College, excelling in all disciplines. Preparing at CCPT Institute in Milind, she earned admission to Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, purely on merit.
Throughout her studies she was a topper many times. Her consistent success has now culminated in this national rank, making her a role model for young Muslims across the country.
Dr Afrah belongs to a modest family. Her father, Wasim Moinuddin Ansari, is a tailor by profession and is popularly known as Wasim Master. Despite financial challenges, he and his wife worked tirelessly to educate their children.
Speaking to reporters, Wasim Master said: “I never dreamed that my three children would become doctors and one a chartered accountant. But by the grace of Allah, the prayers of my parents and the support of friends, I am seeing this day.”
He credited much of the family’s success to his late father, Moinuddin Samiuddin, who served as a teacher in Swat district of Allahabad for nearly five decades. Samiuddin was respected for his knowledge of Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, English, Latin and other languages.
Dr Afrah is not the only achiever in the family. Her elder sister, Dr Zara, is pursuing MS in Gynecology at Neeraj Government Medical College after completing her MBBS. Her younger sister, Fariza Ansari, is a final-year Chartered Accountancy student. The youngest brother, Muhammad Ayan, is entering the final stage of BDS admission this year after scoring excellent marks in NET.
The parents proudly note that none of their children took private tuition until the tenth grade, relying instead on discipline, self-study and guidance from their father.
Local teachers, students and community leaders have hailed Dr Afrah’s achievement as an inspiration.
One of her former teachers at Aqsa Girls High School said: “Afrah was always hardworking and respectful. She showed that when girls from our community get proper guidance, they can shine at the highest level.”
A student from MES Junior College added: “Her success gives us courage. It tells us that if she can do it with limited resources, we too can aim high.”
Dr Afrah’s success has brought immense pride to Bhiwandi, a city that has often struggled with lack of educational opportunities. Her achievement is now being spoken of as a milestone for the entire Muslim community.
A local community elder remarked: “This is living proof that lack of money cannot stop talent. Dr Afrah has shown that courage and determination are stronger than circumstances.”
As celebrations continue, Dr Afrah’s name is being remembered as an example of how sacrifice, patience and faith can transform dreams into reality.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> India> Indian Muslim / by Team Clarion / August 27th, 2025
Prof Md Imtaiyaz Hassan of Jamia Millia Islamia has received a research grant of Rs 8.05 crore from the Department of Biotechnology for a major study on cancer cachexia among Indian patients. Prof Md Imtaiyaz Hassan will lead the project focusing on head and neck cancer, where the condition affects a large share of patients.
Cancer cachexia causes severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue. It affects nearly 70 percent of patients with head and neck cancer and reduces quality of life. Prof Md Imtaiyaz Hassan and his team aim to examine the causes of this condition and improve methods for early detection and management.
The study will use advanced scientific methods such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, DNA repair studies, and neurobehavioural assessment. These approaches will help identify biological markers and support the development of targeted treatments.
Prof Md Imtaiyaz Hassan said the project addresses a major gap in understanding cancer related complications in India. He stated that the research will focus on improving patient outcomes through precise medical approaches.
The team will validate findings through laboratory studies involving cell lines, animal models, and patient derived samples. This step aims to ensure practical use of results in clinical settings.
The project includes collaboration with leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, University of Mysore, HCG Cancer Hospital, and the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology.
The university said the grant strengthens its position in biomedical research. The work led by Prof Md Imtaiyaz Hassan is expected to contribute to better understanding and treatment of cancer related weight loss in India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / March 23rd, 2026
More than the hard work of Irfan Ahmed Lone, a visually challenged person from Bandipora, Kashmir, who cleared the UPSC examination for the Indian Civil Services as a blind candidate with 957th rank, his father’s vision and ambition contributed to his success.
His father was a casual worker with the local government department, earning Rs 3,000, when he decided to admit his son into the Government-run National Institute for the Visually Impaired, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
“Back then, it was a very bold decision, more so when he was hard pressed for money,” A neighbour told the visiting media persons who swarmed at the family’s house in Manzpora, Naidkhai, Bandipora after the news broke out.
Irfan Ahmed Lone with reporter Danish Ali
Today, Irfan’s father earns about Rs 9000, and for this reason, his son worked soon after his studies while continuing to prepare for the UPSC examinations.
Irfan’s biggest test in life began at the age of five when, in two freak accidents, he lost his eyesight and was declared 100 per cent blind.
As if this wasn’t enough, he lost his mother to a brain haemorrhage, soon after. This devastating phase deeply affected his family, but instead of giving up, they chose to fight back.
Irfan’s father enrolled him in a special school in Dehradun for visually-impaired students. There, Irfan not only received an education but also developed a positive outlook on life.
In 2016, he passed his 12th grade with 91% marks. This proved to be the turning point in his life. He secured admission to Hindu College, Delhi University, where he pursued Political Science. Later, he completed his post-graduation in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
source: youtube.com
Irfan
Irfan worked with Punjab National Bank to make ends meet. Later, he was selected as an Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. Though he changed jobs, he continued his preparations for the UPSC examination.- Assistant Administrative Officer –
By clearing the UPSC examination, Irfan Lone also brought pride to his district, Bandipora, as he became the first one from the areas that are closer to the Line of Control with Pakistan and are considered backward.
His success has fueled many a dream across India, and especially in Kashmir.
Irfan believes that success requires not just hard work but also smart strategy. He advises young aspirants to avoid distractions like social media to stay focused. According to him, strong determination and consistency are the keys to success.
He often motivates others through poetry:
I cannot stop now,
I still have miles to go,
Through storms and scorching sun,
I must keep moving forward.
Irfan credits his father for his success. He says his father has been the biggest pillar, providing him with much-needed strength. He says his father denied all comforts of life and prioritised his children’s education. His siblings also stood by him.
Ifran’s message to the youth is: Reaching great heights is not the real achievement, Staying there is true success.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Danish Ali / March 24th, 2026
Mohammed Umair, an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as a Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Aligarh Muslim University:
Mohammed Umair, an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as a Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Congratulating him on the achievement, members of the AMU fraternity noted that Umair’s achievement stands as an inspiration for students, reaffirming AMU’s legacy of nurturing talent that contributes to national institutions of excellence like ISRO.
Early Education
Umair’s academic journey is closely associated with AMU, where he spent over two decades of his education.
Umair began his schooling at Abdullah School, followed by STS School (Minto Circle), and later completed his senior secondary education from Sayyed Hamid Senior Secondary School, all associated with the university.
Higher Studies
Umair later pursued B.Arch and subsequently completed his Master of Planning (M.Plan) from AMU.
After completing his postgraduation, he qualified for the Ph.D. programme at IIT Roorkee. During his doctoral studies, he successfully cleared the ISRO examination, reflecting his dedication, perseverance, and strong academic foundation.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education and Career / by ummid.com news network / March 18th, 2026
Pramod Nagar Village (Jampui Jala Block), TRIPURA :
Taslima Akhtar overcomes severe disability and poverty to score 80 per cent in Madhyamik; Tripura police inspector Ajit Debbarma visits her with an offer of full support
Agartala :
Seventeen-year-old Taslima Akhtar can only see. She cannot speak and cannot hear. Born deaf and dumb, with her right hand also disabled, she understands the world through signs and expressions, and responds with quiet strength.
Despite these challenges, Taslima has shown remarkable academic ability. She scored 80 per cent in her Madhyamik examination, surprising many in her remote village.
Taslima belongs to Pramod Nagar village in the tribal-majority Jampui Jala Block of Tripura. Her father, Syed Ali, is a daily-wage labourer. The family lives in deep poverty and does not have a strong permanent house.
In such conditions, her academic success has become a source of hope for the entire family.
“She has always been good in studies,” her father said. “We are poor people, but she never gave up. She writes with her left hand and studies on her own.”
Because her right hand is disabled, Taslima writes using her left hand. Without any special tutor or extra coaching, she managed to secure 80 per cent in her board examination.
Now she is preparing to appear for the Higher Secondary examination under the Tripura Board, which begins on the 25th of this month.
Police Officer Visits to Encourage
When news of her struggle and achievement reached local authorities, Officer-in-Charge and Inspector Ajit Debbarma of Bishramganj police station visited her home.
Debbarma is known locally for his humanitarian work. After hearing about the bright but underprivileged Muslim girl, he decided to meet her personally.
He brought fruits, nutritious food items and educational materials for Taslima. He also provided some financial assistance to support her studies.
Speaking during the visit, Debbarma said, “Her intelligence and courage have deeply moved me. She has achieved 80 per cent despite so many hardships. I am confident she can score 95 per cent in Higher Secondary.”
He added, “We will support her at every stage, including college admission. I have given my personal phone number to her father. They can contact me whenever they need help.”
Social Media Praise
The gesture of a tribal police officer supporting a poor, disabled Muslim girl has been widely appreciated on social media.
Residents said the visit has sent a positive message. One villager said, “In times when society often talks about division, this kind of support gives hope.”
For Taslima, the path is still difficult. Yet her determination remains firm. Through her eyes and her effort, she continues to move forward, turning silence and darkness into strength through education.
Her father looked at her with pride and said softly, “She cannot speak, but her results speak for her.”
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home / by Team Clarion / February 27th, 2026
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) Monday March 23, 2026 declared the result of the 12th Inter 2026 board exam along with the full list of toppers.
As per the BSEB 12th List of Toppers 2026 released today, as many as 05 Muslims from different colleges of Bihar have been named among the toppers.
Education Minister Sunil Kumar declared the 12th Inter 2026 results of Science, Commerce and Arts streams at a specially convened press conference 1.30 pm.
During the press conference the list of toppers was also made public. In a landmark performance, out of the total 26 Top 5 Rankers across the 3 streams, 19 are female students.
Overall, 5,16,928 students got 1st division, 5,11,744 students got 2nd division, and 82,425 passed with 3rd division, a statement issued by BSEB said.
The Bihar board had conducted the Intermediate examinations at 1,762 centres for 13,17,846 students from February 2 to 13, 2026, as per the board exam time table.
5 Muslims Among 12th Toppers
Among the five Muslims who have secured their place in the 2026 List of BSEB Inter Toppers 04 are girls. Following is the list of their names and ranks in the state merit list along with percentage obtained, stream and districts they belong.
Mohammed Lucky Ansari (2nd Rank, 95.6%, Arts Stream, Purniya)
Nasreen Perveen (3rd Rank, 95.4%, Arts Stream, West Champaran)
Shaziya Ansari (3rd Rank, 95.4%, Arts Stream, Nalanda)
Bibi Asrana (5th Rank, 95%, Arts Stream, Areria)
Sana Parveen (1st Rank, 93.2%, Commerce Stream, West Champaran)
Bihar Inter Result 2026: Full List of Toppers
Following is the stream-wise lists of BSEB 12th Toppers 2026.
BSEB 12th Topper List 2026 Science Stream
Rank
Name
District
Marks
1
Aditya Prakash Aman
Samastipur
96.2
2
Sakshi Kumari
Sitamarhi
95.8
2
Sapna Kumari
Nawada
95.8
3
Anamika Kumari
Begusarai
95.6
4
Satyam Kumar
Darbhanga
95.2
5
Palak Kumari
Muzaffarpur
95
What is remarkable is that Bihar 12th topper Sakshi Kumari comes from a very modest family, and her father runs a small milk parlor in Majorganj.
BSEB 12th Topper List 2026 Arts Stream
Rank
Name
District
Marks
1
Nishu Kumari
Gaya
95.8
2
Siddhi Shiksha
Sitamarhi
95.6
2
Chandradeep Kumar
Lakhisarai
95.6
2
Mohammed Lucky Ansari
Purnea
95.6
3
Nasreen Praveen
West Champaran
95.4
3
Shazia Ansari
Nalanda
95.4
3
Nishu Kumari
Darbhanga
95.4
3
Adarsh
Saharsa
95.4
4
Amrita Kumari
Siwan
95.2
4
Sweety Kumari
Darbhanga
95.2
5
Bibi Asarana
Araria
95
5
Roshni Kumari
Saran
95
5
Manish Kumar
Darbhanga
95
BSEB 12th Topper List 2026 Commerce Stream
Rank
Name
Points
Percent
1
Aanchal Kumari
466
93.2
1
Sana Parveen
466
93.2
2
Shivani Kumari
465
93
3
Ujala Kumari
464
92.8
4
Srishti Kumari
463
92.6
5
Akanksha Srivastava
463
92.4
Steps to check Bihar Board Class 12 Result 2026
Go to the official website: “results.biharboardonline.com”
Click on the link for “BSEB Inter Result 2026” on the homepage.
Enter your Roll Code and Roll Number, then click on the submit button.
Your result will appear on the screen.
Download it and take a printout for future reference.
Meanwhile, the BSEB Chairman said that students who did not pass or are dissatisfied with their results can apply for re-evaluation from March 25 to April 2, 2026.
The Bihar board has a history of declaring Classes 10 and 12 results in record time. BSEB 12th Inter exams last year was held from Feb 1 to 15, 2025, and the result was announced on March 26, 2025.
Before announcing the 12th result, the board had also released Answer Keys. This is also a first of its kind initiative by a state board in India.
The Intermediate or Class 12 Exam in the year 2025 was conducted by the Bihar Board of Secondary Education (BSEB) from February 01 to 15, 2025. The result of the Bihar Class 12 board exam declared on March 26, 2025.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com news network / March 23rd, 2026
MBBS graduate Dr. A R Rajah Mohaideen secured AIR 7 in UPSC CSE 2025 after three attempts. His journey from Covid-19 hospital wards to civil services reflects purpose, learning, and a wider vision for public health.
When the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 results were declared, A R Rajah Mohaideen was not anxiously refreshing a results page like thousands of other aspirants. Instead, he was at the mosque in Jamia Millia Islamia, attending the Friday afternoon prayer during the holy month of Ramzan.
When he returned to his room at the university’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), a friend delivered the news that would change everything: he had secured All India Rank 7 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
The 26-year-old doctor from Chennai had hoped to find his name somewhere on the list. A single-digit rank was far beyond what he had imagined.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the soon-to-become officer shared details about his life, preparation, struggles, and victory.
GROWING UP IN AN ACADEMIC HOUSEHOLD
Rajah Mohaideen was born in Chengalpattu in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu and raised in Chennai. Education formed the foundation of his upbringing.
Both his parents serve in Tamil Nadu’s government education system. His mother is the principal of R K Nagar Government Arts and Science College in Chennai, while his father heads a Government Teachers’ Training College in Varathanadu near Thanjavur.
An only child, he grew up in an environment where academic pursuit was natural. His schooling took place in the DAV Group of Schools in Gopalapuram, Chennai, where he studied science subjects including physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.
He later joined Government Cuddalore Medical College (Rajah Muthiah Medical College) under Annamalai University in 2016 and graduated with an MBBS degree in 2022.
“I wasn’t a topper. In school I was maybe third or fourth in class,” he recalled. “I was among the top 10 or 20 per cent, but never the absolute topper.”
THE PANDEMIC THAT CHANGED HIS CAREER PATH
For most of his early life, Rajah Mohaideen had one clear ambition: becoming a doctor. But his final year internship coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, placing him directly on the medical frontlines. Hospitals were struggling with shortages of oxygen, equipment and protective gear.
During that time, he also observed another set of professionals working intensely behind the scenes: civil servants coordinating supplies, hospital infrastructure and emergency responses.
One particular incident stayed with him. Sanitation workers in his government hospital lacked proper masks. When the local IAS officer visited and heard the concern, N95 masks were quickly arranged.
“I saw how important the administration’s role was,” Rajah told Indian Masterminds. “As a doctor I could serve patients individually. But as a public servant, I felt I could serve a much wider section of people.”
That moment reshaped his career direction. By the time he graduated in 2022, he had decided to prepare for the Civil Services Examination.
THE LONG PREPARATION JOURNEY
Rajah Mohaideen’s UPSC journey stretched across three attempts. His first attempt ended at the Preliminary stage. The setback meant starting the entire process again.
In 2023, he moved from Chennai to Delhi and joined Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy, entering an environment where the exam dominates everyday life.
The transition brought new challenges such as language differences, unfamiliar surroundings, and adjusting to North India.
“Initially there was hesitation to interact because of the language barrier. But I learned Hindi gradually and made many friends,” he said.
These friendships soon became a support system during preparation.
A STRATEGY BUILT ON TARGETS, NOT TIMETABLES
Instead of rigid daily schedules, Rajah Mohaideen structured his preparation around clear targets.
“The key is not a fixed timetable but fixed goals,” he said. “For example, finishing a subject in a week or a month. If you miss a day, you put in double the effort the next day and reach the target.”
His preparation included structured mock tests such as Prelims programmes, along with continuous revision and answer-writing practice. He chose Anthropology as his optional subject, a crucial component of the UPSC Mains examination. His mentor, senior IPS officer Mahesh M. Bhagwat, also played a crucial role in preparing him for his personality development round.
By CSE 2025, his third attempt, he cleared Prelims, Mains, and the Interview for the first time, securing AIR 7.
MUSIC: THE QUIET COMPANION IN A DEMANDING JOURNEY
Beyond books and mock tests, another part of Rajah Mohaideen’s life played a key role in keeping him balanced — music.
He has been trained in Carnatic music since childhood, first learning the electronic keyboard and later becoming a vocalist. He has also played instruments such as the kazoo and cajon, and enjoys composing jingles on the keyboard.
“When I felt stressed, I sang or played the keyboard. It calmed my nerves,” he told Indian Masterminds.
Music had been a constant presence throughout his life. In school and college he was part of bands and even served as a cultural secretary during medical college.
INSPIRATION FROM THE HEALTH SECTOR
Rajah Mohaideen’s interest in governance was also shaped by his interaction with senior administrators in the health system.
During his internship, he was part of a student delegation that met Tamil Nadu’s former Health Secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan regarding stipend issues faced by interns.
The experience left a deep impression.
“He listened patiently to our concerns and mediated with the administration to resolve them. I realised how much impact someone in that position can have,” Rajah said.
The encounter strengthened his interest in public administration, particularly in the health sector.
MANAGING ISOLATION AND SELF-DOUBT
Preparing for UPSC meant watching many of his medical college friends move ahead with postgraduate degrees and careers. At times, the contrast created uncertainty.
“I saw my friends getting into PG, completing their courses, and working as medical officers. Sometimes I felt I wasn’t doing anything substantial yet,” he admitted.
Staying connected with friends helped him stay grounded. One close friend working as a medical officer in a Primary Health Centre in Ooty often discussed real healthcare challenges with him.
These conversations kept him connected to the ground realities of public health.
AN ATTEMPT TO STAY CONNECTED TO HOME
The UPSC journey demanded sacrifices. He missed family gatherings and friends’ weddings, while many of his medical college peers moved ahead with postgraduate degrees and professional careers. For several years, his own path remained uncertain.
Support from his family and a Tamil Nadu government scholarship for civil services preparation helped sustain him through this period.
Living in Delhi meant long stretches away from Chennai, with visits home limited to a few days at a time. Small routines helped him stay connected to familiar comforts, such as occasional visits to Andhra Bhawan for South Indian flavours like gunpowder and ghee.
These reminders of home offered a brief pause amid the demanding preparation schedule.
A MESSAGE FOR ASPIRANTS
Looking back at the long preparation journey, Rajah Mohaideen believes that aspirants must not forget the reason that brought them to civil services.
“You should always remember the dream that made you start preparing,” he said. “Sometimes people forget the dream and only chase success in prelims or mains.”
He also emphasises mental well-being during preparation.
“Taking care of mental health is very important. Keep your friends and family close. UPSC can be isolating, so finding the right balance is essential.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With AIR 7 in UPSC CSE 2025, Rajah Mohaideen has opted for the Indian Administrative Service and hopes to serve in his home state of Tamil Nadu, though he remains ready to work anywhere in the country.
For a young doctor who once imagined his future inside hospital wards, the goal has expanded far beyond that.
The ambition now is to shape systems that influence healthcare, governance and public welfare, not just for individual patients, but for entire communities.
source: http://www.indianmasterminds.com / Indian Masterminds / Home> Features> UPSC Stories / by Bhakti Kothari / March 08th, 2026
Professor Dr. Zeenat Kausar breathed her last at 12:10 am on March 16, returning to her Creator. She had served for a long time at the International Islamic University Malaysia. Her death is not only a loss for academic circles but also a great loss for the entire Muslim Ummah.
Dr. Zeenat Kausar taught at the International Islamic University Malaysia, in the Department of Political Science from 1990 to 2006 and later taught at Qatar University, in the Department of International Affairs from 2007-2009.
A leading figure in faith-based women’s intellectual struggle, Dr. Zeenat Kausar completed her Master’s degree in 1986 and her PhD in 1991 from Aligarh Muslim University. At international conferences, she frequently spoke as a keynote speaker, presenting Islam and its perspectives on women in a highly effective and engaging manner, leaving a strong impression even on people of other faiths. Her book, Islamic Feminism: A Critique (Islam Vs Feminism: Emancipation, Liberation and the Development of Women) is widely known.
She had deep interest and expertise in various academic fields, including Islamic and Western political thought, feminism and its Islamic critique, modernity, development studies, and globalisation.
Professor Zeenat Kausar used to contribute her thought-provoking articles to Radiance Viewsweekly, especially when the magazine requested her to write articles for its Special issues.
Her recently completed book is about Dr. Wan Azizah, the wife of Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She had also requested Dato Iqbal to arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister’s wife. In this book, Dr. Wan Azizah’s personality is portrayed in detail – as a homemaker, a mother, a party leader, a political activist who helped realise the dreams of her imprisoned husband (when Anwar Ibrahim was Deputy Prime Minister), and a woman of struggle. Sadly, she passed away before her wish to meet Dr. Wan Azizah could be fulfilled.
Professor Dr. Tamim Usama mentioned that Dr. Zeenat was writing a detailed article on “Women’s Empowerment in Islam.”
The distinguished scholar’s husband, Professor Muhammad Mumtaz Ali, is himself a prominent scholar associated with the Department of Revealed Knowledge at the International Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. When her body was placed in the room and colleagues stood around her, Professor Dr. Mumtaz Ali, spoke emotionally. He said: “It had not even been a month since our marriage. We were standing at a railway station. I had to leave for a training camp organised by the Jamaat. I told my wife, Dr. Zeenat: From this station, two trains are departing in different directions. One goes towards our home, and the other is the one I must take for social and missionary work. You may board whichever train you prefer.”
“Without a moment’s hesitation, she said: I will travel with you on the train that is going for the work of faith and Dawah.”
He further added: “From that day on, throughout our 46 years of married life, she remained my support and strength. Her thoughts and writings were a source of awakening for society. She was a practical example of the freedom that Islam envisions for women. She always had a thirst for knowledge, read extensively, and expressed her ideas in very simple language. As a wife, as the mother of my children, and as a thinker beneficial to society, she lived a meaningful life. I request all of you to pray for her success in the Hereafter.”
Thus, Dr. Mumtaz Ali concluded his brief yet deeply moving words about his wife, Professor Dr. Zeenat Kausar.
May Almighty Allah accept her good deeds and grant her the highest place in Jannat al-Firdaus. Aameen.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Obiturary / by Radiance News Bureau / March 17th, 2026
