The Karnataka government has appointed retired IAS officer L K Atheeq as the financial advisor to chief minister D K Shivakumar. The department of personnel and administrative reforms issued an official notification announcing the appointment. The post carries the salary and benefits equivalent to that of the chief secretary.
Atheeq, who is currently serving as chairman of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, will continue to hold that position concurrently. A 1991-batch IAS officer, he has held several key positions in the state and central governments, including additional chief secretary to the chief minister, finance department, and principal secretary to former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
During his distinguished career, Atheeq served as director in the Prime Minister’s Office, represented India on the board of the World Bank Group in Washington DC, and held leadership roles in rural development, education, health, and governance reforms. He has also served on the boards of several state-run corporations and played a significant role in shaping major national initiatives in education, health, and food security.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru / June 04th, 2026
Emphasizing the importance of education as the foundation for a successful future, deputy director of the Fisheries Department Revathi said that many distinguished personalities in society have achieved success through hard work and education, and today’s children can also attain great heights through dedication and perseverance.
She was speaking at a school book distribution programme organized by the Karavali Minority Fishermen’s Primary Cooperative Society at Bahar-e-Noor Hall on Saturday, where school books were distributed to nearly 1,000 students from economically disadvantaged families.
Revathi stated that education is the greatest gift parents can give their children and stressed that no child should be deprived of learning opportunities due to financial difficulties. She praised the cooperative society for its commitment to social service, noting that it has been carrying out community-oriented activities for the past 24 years without focusing on profit or loss.
Addressing the gathering, Tyagam Harekal, state general secretary of the Physical Education Teachers’ Association, said that it is the true responsibility of every institution to contribute to society from its earnings. He lauded the cooperative society for extending support to underprivileged students irrespective of caste or religion and for encouraging education as a means of nurturing responsible citizens.
The programme was presided over by J Mohammed Isaq, president of the Karavali Minority Fishermen’s Primary Cooperative Society. Vice-president Ahmed Bava Bajal, directors B Ibrahim Khalil, S M Ibrahim, Mohammed Ashraf, M A Gafoor, B Mohammed Shali, S K Ismail, and Anwar A N R, along with chief executive officer D Abdul Latheef, were present on the occasion.
The event commenced with a Quran recitation by Ansar, a student of Harekal Twaiba Madrasa. The programme was compered by the Society’s Advisor Mohammed Mustafa Malar Harekal.
The initiative once again highlighted the cooperative society’s continued commitment to supporting education and empowering students from economically weaker sections of society.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC) / May 23rd, 2026
The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.
Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan (Photo | EPS
Bengaluru :
With members of the Federation of Karnataka State Muslim Organisations set to release a report on the performance of the Congress-led government under Siddaramaiah in implementing promises made in the party manifesto, there is a growing sentiment among sections of the community that the collective Muslim leadership within the government has failed.
Tanveer Ahmed of the organisation said the Congress has been in power for three years, and had released its manifesto in 2023. “We have done research on whether they have fulfilled their manifesto promises,’’ he said.
The report, to be released on Saturday, will include ten points, including the promise to act against organisations spreading communal hatred, take up the cow slaughter law, 4 per cent Muslim reservation (category B) promise, anti-conversion law, budget for minority educational institutions, and other issues. The hijab ban in schools and colleges was also on the agenda, but the State government revoked it this week.
According to Ahmed, these promises were are not fulfilled. Asked if the convention has been organised due to the brouhaha over denial of the Davanagere South bypoll ticket to a Muslim candidate, and the party’s action against Muslim leaders, he said there is no link.
“We have been preparing this report for the past eight months,’’ he said. However, he said the issue could come up during the convention.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders are alleging that this convention is backed by Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and MLC Naseer Ahmed. Post the Davanagere bypolls, Naseer was removed from the post of CM’s political secretary, and a section of leaders had also criticized Zameer Ahmed for not actively campaigning for the party candidate.
Tanveer Ahmed said their convention is not people centric, but focuses on issues. “The collective Muslim leadership has failed. They were elected by the same Muslim community, but have done nothing in return,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 16th, 2026
A group of autorickshaw drivers, vendors and masons under Bijapur Youth Coverage pooled funds and labour to build a house for a destitute widow and her children, supporting families every month through community contributions.
The image on the left shows the old condition of the home , the image on the right is the new house.
Vijayapura :
At a time when many wait for government assistance to change their lives for the better, a group of daily wage workers from Shahapeti in Vijayapura is on a mission — to help the poorest of the poor in society.
Under the banner of Bijapur Youth Coverage, the group, comprising autorickshaw drivers, vegetable vendors, painters, automobile mechanics, carpenters and masons, who struggle to make a modest living themselves, has built a house for a poor Hindu widow, who has been living in a deplorable condition with her three children.
Kasturi Rudagi, a domestic worker from Shahapeti, lost her husband a few years ago. She had been living with her children in a crumbling hut.
“After the death of her husband, Kasturi began working as a domestic help to raise her son and two daughters. Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke that rendered her immobile. This forced her to depend on others for help,” Mehboob Bagwan, a vegetable vendor, said.
Bagwan, who is part of the group, said, “Seeing Kasturi’s plight, we decided to help her. We collected nearly Rs 1.5 lakh, while masons and other construction workers from the group constructed a small house for her. Our efforts have won many hearts.”
Bagwan said Kasturi’s elder son, who is around 14, quit school some time ago and is now working to take care of his mother and sisters, who are studying in a government school.
While masons, centring workers, carpenters and electricians built the house for free, others in the group made donations and raised money for the noble cause, he said.
Members of Bijapur Youth Coverage hand over the house to Kasturi Rudagi
The proposal to build the house was initiated by Fayaz Honnutagi, Babulal Chaudhary, Mateen Meeradhe, Babajan Ukkali, Sadik Chaudhary and Zubair Mogare of the group, Bagwan said. Every month, members contribute Rs 100 each towards a fund set up by the group. It offers financial help to the needy, besides providing groceries to at least five families every month.
“For us, nothing is bigger than humanity. People from all communities are with us. Our members are only rich in heart. We are not doing this for publicity, we only want to do something good for society,” said Fayaz of Bijapur Youth Coverage.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Firoz Rozindar / May 17th, 2026
MLA pays homage at Tipu Tomb, releases Urus Shariff invitation
Mysore/Mysuru:
MLA Tanveer Sait, along with several others observed Tipu Sultan Martyr’s Day at a Fatha Khawni programme organised by Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed Welfare and Urus Committee Secretary Afroz Pasha at Tipu Tomb (Gumbaz), Ganjam in Srirangapatna recently.
Hazarath Moulana Syed Inayathur Rehaman Razvi Saheb, Khateeb-o-Imam of Masjid Aqsa, Tipu Tomb, performed Fatha Khawni while Afroz Pasha and MLA Tanveer Sait spread the Flower Mat (Chadar) on the tombs of Tipu Sultan Shrine and his parents. Moulana Mohd. Inayath Ur Rehaman Razvi read Duwa supplications for the welfare of all.
Afroz Pasha distributed sweets (Tabruk) and felicitated the MLA by offering shawls.
Invitation, posters released
On the occasion, MLA Sait released the invitation and publicity posters of the 234th Annual Sandal Urus Shariff of Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed.
The annual Sandal Urus Shariff will be celebrated on May 16 in city during which a public meeting will be held and a procession will be taken out.
Industrialist M.F. Jamsheed, Senior Congress leader Syed Iqbal, Waseem, Radiulla Khan, Member of the College Development Council of Government Girls’ Pre-University College Khwaja Mohammed Musheer Chishti, Syed Younus, Majeed Ahmed, Afroz Khan and a host of devotees were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>News / May 08th, 2026
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 234th Urs-e-Sharieff of Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed, organised by Hazrath Tipu Sultan Shaheed Wakf Estate, Ganjam in Srirangapatna, will be held on May 16 and 17 at Gumbad-e-Shahi at Ganjam in Srirangapatna.
The Sandal procession will commence from Masjid-e-Ala in Srirangapatna at 3 pm on May 16 and will reach Gumbad-e-Shahi at 5 pm.
Special programmes will be held from 7 pm at Gumbad and will continue the whole night till next morning.
For details, contact Hazarath Tipu Sultan Shaheed Wakf Estate on Ph: 08236-252786 or Mob: 97390-58786, according to a press release.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>In Briefs / May 05th, 2026
Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.
“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle. (Image: X)
Hyderabad:
A royal farman, said to be the second oldest in India — issued by Sultan Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397–1422) in 1406 — will be among close to two lakh manuscripts identified as part of the survey by the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) in Telangana. The GBM is a national initiative by the Union culture ministry to unearth, preserve and digitise India’s massive manuscript heritage.
This decree on Persian‑style handmade paper is 33 x 10 inches in size, with ink and royal‑seal authentication. The document was issued from Gulbarga, which was the seat of power for the Bahmanis before it was shifted to Bidar. The decree grants land as inam to Muhammed Ahmed, Qazi of Kalyani, and bears the distinctive tughra (monogram) and the Bahmani royal seal.
“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle.
Another well‑preserved royal farman is of Emperor Shah Alam II, issued in 1773 AD, appointing Maharaja Narayan Rao Bahadur as official caretaker of the riverbank near Allahabad. Believed to be part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela, the emperor issued clear instructions to officials not to levy fees.
“All expenses for maintaining the site and facilitating the pilgrims’ rituals are to be borne entirely by the Mughal government,” the decree says.
According to the decree, Hindu pilgrims (yatris) arriving from across the subcontinent — especially from Gujarat and Maharashtra — must be allowed to take the sacred bath and holy dip for spiritual purification without any fee or levy. The directive is to be strictly implemented and communicated to the commissioner of police and all present and future officers for perpetual observance.
“This farman illustrates the Later Mughal policy of imperial patronage toward diverse religious practices and underscores the state’s responsibility for safeguarding pilgrimage routes and sacred bathing ghats,” Raqeeb explained.
The cluster centre at the State Archives has identified and completed surveys of 17 institutions and individuals, while surveys for another 42 are underway. It has so far scanned 57,842 documents and exported 29,871 images.
Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.
“At the State Archives alone we have over 1.8 lakh manuscripts, including 668 in book form, 155,000 paper items and 25,000 private collections (paper). Most of these are in Old Persian (Shikista) and cover varied subjects, including graphic pictures of Mansabdari, revenue and military systems of the Mughals in the Deccan region (South India),” Dr Parveen director explained.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Telangana / by Md Nizamuddin / May 03rd, 2026
Bidar Deputy Commissioner R. Ramachandran after felicitating Arbaaz Ahmed of Shaheen College for his NEET success in Bidar. Arbaaz’s father Md. Saleemoddin is seen.
Mohammad Arbaaz Ahmed was in eighth standard when his father suffered a paralytic stroke. He remembers his brothers carrying their father Mohammad Saleemoddin to hospitals in Basava Kalyan and Bidar. Doctors said that it may be a result of an accident or injury in the past. They began a series of treatments, but little came of it.
He lost his job and was barely mobile. His wife started working as a house help to keep the hearth warm. Saleemoddin was a lorry driver handling goods vehicles between Mumbai and Hyderabad. He worked overtime to feed his large family and send his children to school.
But the illness affected the family badly.
This, however, did not deter the children from succeeding in school. His eldest son got into an engineering college, another got into medicine and the third became a dentist.
Arbaaz, who has obtained the 85th rank in the NEET all India rankings and the third rank in the State, says that his brothers who succeed in the face of adversity, inspired him. “My parents also supported me. Four years ago my father suffered a stroke and became bed-ridden for months. But he never asked me to quit studying or take up a job. He nudged me to keep studying so that I could become a doctor and help a lot of people,” Arbaaz told The Hindu .
He says he is likely to be accepted into the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. The studious youth, however, does not want to stop at MBBS. “I want to complete my post-graduation and then, take up research to create low- cost treatment for the poor,’’ he said.
Arbaaz scored 97 % in PU and 92 % in SSLC exams. He joined the Bidar-based Shaheen PU College. The college admitted Arbaaz free, just as it had admitted his two brothers.
“This year, we have admitted 300 students free, against our intake of 1500,” said Abdul Quadeer, secretary of Shaheen PU College that has produced NEET toppers Karthik Reddy and Arbaaz.
Karthik Reddy’s father Rama Reddy is a professor of mechanical engineering in Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Bidar.
His mother Kalpana is a government primary school teacher. “My elder brother is an engineer. He is a student of M.Tech. But I was not sure of what to do after PU. I got interested in medicine after discussing with my friends at the college,’’ he said.
He was a day boarder who chose a semi residential model which meant he went to college at 7 in the morning only to return home at 9 p.m.. He says that he spent the lockdown period solving past question papers. The college staff came home to give the papers and collect the answer sheets every day. “We kept in touch with our teachers via phone and video conference calls,” he said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by B Rishikesh Bahadurdesai / October 20th, 2010
Renowned Islamic scholar, writer, and editor Syed Iqbal Zaheer passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates.
He was widely regarded as a significant contemporary voice in Islamic scholarship, known for his extensive writings, intellectual depth, and commitment to presenting Islam in an accessible yet authentic manner. His passing marks the end of a decades-long contribution to Islamic literature, education, and thought.
Born in 1944 in Hyderabad, India, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was trained as an engineer but went on to establish himself as a prolific author and researcher in Islamic studies. Over the years, he became particularly known for his ability to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with modern intellectual inquiry.
Among his most notable works is Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma‘ani, a fourteen-volume English commentary on the Qur’an, considered one of the most comprehensive original English tafsir works. He was also the author of An Educational Encyclopedia of Islam, a widely regarded reference work aimed at making Islamic knowledge accessible to both adults and children.
In addition to his books, he served for over three decades as the editor of Young Muslim Digest, an English-language Islamic monthly that reached readers across several countries. More than just a magazine, it became a formative intellectual space for generations of young Muslims, many of whom encountered Islamic thought, identity, and contemporary issues through its pages. Its widely read “Letters to the Editor” section, in particular, stood out for its candid, thoughtful, and often deeply nuanced responses, addressing complex personal and theological questions with clarity and balance. Through his editorials, Syed Iqbal Zaheer demonstrated remarkable intellectual depth, engaging with modern challenges while remaining firmly rooted in classical scholarship. For many readers, the magazine was not merely informative but transformative.
Despite his influence, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was known for maintaining a low public profile. He rarely appeared in public or media, preferring to focus on writing, research, and teaching. Those who knew him often highlighted his humility and his emphasis on sincerity in seeking knowledge.
Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to the study of the Qur’an, Arabic language, and Islamic sciences, encouraging generations of readers to pursue knowledge with depth and discipline.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from students, readers, and members of the wider Muslim community, many of whom credit his works for shaping their understanding of Islam.
Syed Iqbal Zaheer is survived by his family and leaves behind a rich intellectual legacy that continues to benefit readers around the world.
