Bahri Village (Barpeta District), ASSAM / Florida, U.S.A :
Shakeel Talukdar in front of his aircraft
This is an inspiring story of a young man’s journey from a remote village in Assam to a flying club in the USA. Shakeel Talukdar of the Bahri village in the Barpeta district of western Assam, about 100 km from the capital Guwahati, has realized his childhood dream to touching the skies in a plane bringing glory to his family and people.
His achievement is extraordinary as he didn’t give up his dream of flying even after failing to make it to the the National Defence Academy (NDA), premier Military training institute, and made it happen.
He has been training at the International L3Harris Flying Academy in Florida since August.
His father Abul Kalam Talukdar said, “He had a big dream of flying since childhood. I told him I couldn’t make this dream come true. I asked Shakeel to study other subjects. Shakeel also underwent coaching in Delhi and wrote the examinations for the NDA. Here his dream was shattered as he did not qualify for the medical tests.”
Shakeel Talukdar with his instructor
Shakeel was hugely disappointed and fell into mental depression for some time. “We also felt bad about it,” his father said.
However, Shakeel Talukdar did not give up chasing his dream. He completed his commercial pilot training course. He completed the first phase of training during the holy month of Ramadan 2025 and it was an Eid gift to his parents.
The trainers at the International L3Harris Flying Academy praised Shakeel for his excellent performance. After successfully completing the first phase of training, Shakeel gained confidence. He had reached the threshold of his dreams.
“Shakeel did not break down after failing the medical test at the NDA in Delhi. He then took the pilot examination at the Director of Civil Aviation of India. After passing the examination, he was sent to the US by Air India for training. Shakeel is currently training at the L3Harris Flying Academy and can fly solo,” his father Abul Kalam Talukdar said.
Apart from studying, Shakeel Talukdar has been a sportsperson since childhood. As a child, he played cricket and badminton. He also participated in a national-level badminton tournament held in Hyderabad.
Shakeel Talukdar’s mother said: “As a mother, I am proud of my son’s achievements. We are all happy. Please pray for him. Shakeel tried his best to fulfill his dream. He would sleep only 3-4 hours a day and sit with a laptop or a book in his hand most of the time. He has now been recognised as a pilot. I appeal to everyone to pray for him.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ariful Islam, Guwahati / April 21st, 2025
Kazi Jalil Abbasi was a leader, freedom fighter and politician who witnessed key events of twentieth century–not just as an observer but as someone who took active part in public life, participated in movements and after independence went on to fight elections and become a legislator, minister and Parliamentarian.
When a large number of Muslims from Uttar Pradesh including elite and the community leaders, were leaving the country, he remained committed to his political ideology, kept opposing communalism and led from the front–fighting and raising his voice democratically in independent India.
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland and the most populous state in the country, had been the battleground for Congress and Muslim League before 1947. It had seen competitive communalism, inter-religious tensions and riots. On the ground, situation in UP was complex and different from other states.
Kazi Jalil Abbasi’s autobiography is insightful and reveals a lot about the period and the struggles. Abbasi was born in Bayara in Basti district in1912. He studied in different schools in Gonda, Unnao and Basti before he joined the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from where he was expelled.
All these circumstances, his idealism, role in freedom struggle are part of the book. He was against the political stand of Muslim League. The books also provides information about Congress’ organisation and the politics in UP, its leaders. There are interesting anecdotes about top leaders, ranging from Rafi Ahmad Kidwai to Indira Gandhi.
The autobiography titled ‘Kya Din The!’ was originally published in Urdu.
Arif Ansari has now translated it in English. Ansari is settled in Washington DC. The book that runs into nearly 350 pages is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the era, important events and the post-partition situation in Uttar Pradesh.
The Famous personality of Hyderabad Nawab Wajid Ali Khan Retd. Superintendent of Police Ex AP, son Engr. Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan, grandsons Mohammed Shahzaib Ali Khan, Financial Analyst and Engr. Mohammed Shahwaar Ali Khan, wedding and reception ceremonies were held in accordance with the Hyderabadi culture and traditions at the Shalimar Banquets and Ambiance Banquets both were held in the Chicago America.
On this occasion, many guests attended functions by many friends and dignitaries from different states of India, America, Canada and KSA. Engineer Ameer Mohammed Khan is a well-known Civil Engineer of Indian origin and President of the All-Saints’ High School old students association.
The marriage ceremony of his younger son Mohammed Shahzeab Ali Khan was performed at the Masjid Al Jumma Bolingbrook IL with Zaina Salim, the daughter of prominent American businessman Asif Salim.
Maulana Mufti Qari Arif Kamal read the marriage sermons and prayed for the couples and ummah. While many distinguished guests participated in the wedding reception of eldest son Engr Mohammed Shahwaar Ali Khan, son of Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan. In both the ceremonies, the guests were entertained and served authentic traditional and tasty Hyderabadi foods.
The highlight of Mohammad Shahzeab Ali Khan’s wedding was that there was an opportunity to see an extraordinary glimpse of Hyderabadis civilization in the baraat procession. All the guests were dressed in sherwanis & Turbans in the procession.
The groom was riding a decorated horse and the procession gave an impression of a prince’s marriage procession. In both the ceremonies, special attention was paid to the traditional Hyderabadi culture and together with the participation of the two daughters in laws of Mrs. & Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan, Syeda Urooj Khan the daughter of, Nawab Mir Qutbuddin Ali Khan Saheb and Mr. Asif Saleem Saheb Zaina Saleem.
For the information of It should be noted that Syeda and Urooj Khan is the great granddaughter of His Highness, the HEH the Nizam 7th of Hyderabad Deccan, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Saheb Bahadur.
The Wedding ceremony and the Wedding reception ceremony were attended by the family members of late Muhammad Bin Saeed Bahaman (Super A Class Contractor, Hyderabad), late Nawab Wajid Ali Khan Sahib (former Superintendent of Police, Ex AP) from Hyderabad Deccan.
Among the invitees who attended in these ceremonies were from the different parts of United States of America and Canada were State Senator Ms. Nabila Syed (Illinois), Martin McManamon (Commissioner, Highways Illinois) Haime Fallad (Dy Chief Engineer Metra Rail) Mr. Khokhar (Mayor, Glendale Heights, Illinois), Politicians, CEO’s and the Presidents of several Engineering companies, famous and well-known Doctors, Attorneys, Judges, Businessmen, Industrialists, Chartered Accountants, many of the professional experts from various walks of life participated and expressed good wishes to the two new couples and blessed them with their prayers.
Among those who showered their love and faithfulness on both the Bridegrooms and the Brides. The close relatives who have welcome the guests were Dr. Sultan Sikandar Ali Khan (New York), Advocate Malik Liaquat Ali Khan (California)
Engr. Fazal Mustafa Ali Khan (KSA), Dr. Fazal Sarvari (Chicago) Dr. Muhammad Saifuddin (Chicago) Mr. Muhammad Athar (Chicago), The family members of Nawab Mir Qutbuddin Ali Khan (Chicago), Mr. Asif Salim, (Chicago), Abubakar Bin Mohammad and Umar Bin Mohammad (Builders and Developers Deccan Hi-Tech Constructions, Hyderabad), Dr. Shaheera Khan, Attorney Shahina Khan, Engr Shariq Shaikh, Engr Zubair Ali,(all Chicago). Engr Zaheer Khan (California), Engr Ghouse Khan (Boston), Engr Shujaat Khan (New Jersey), Dr. Fahad Sarvari (Chicago), Engr Shafath Khan (Dallas), Syed Irfan Ahmed (California) and others.
Mrs. & Engr Ameer Mohammed Ali Khan has thanked the guests.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> NRI’s Corner / by News Desk X / June 17th, 2023
Eva Fathima Basheer, a Grade 3 student of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, has been recognised by the India Book of Records for her exceptional feat of reading English storybooks for the longest uninterrupted duration by a child.
At just nine years old, Eva read aloud from six English storybooks for 4 hours, 31 minutes, and 38 seconds without a break. She received the India Book of Records Achievers Award for this accomplishment at a ceremony held on 29 March 2025 at the organisation’s centre in Faridabad, Haryana.
Apart from this record, Eva has excelled in academics, securing gold medals in various national and international Olympiads conducted by reputed institutions. She is also actively involved in extra-curricular and social activities, including cleanliness drives, environmental awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and promoting safety practices.
Eva’s interests extend to writing stories, poems, and articles, as well as drawing and singing.
She hails from Aramboor in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, and currently lives in Sharjah with her parents.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / March 29th, 2025
Ms. Zainab Irfan Sheth, daughter of leading emergency physician of Singapore General Hospital Dr Irfan Abdurrahman Sheth and Muniba Irfan Sheth, a native of Modasa Town of Gujarat State of India, has achieved maximum achievable rank points which are 90/90 in 12th grade exams of Singapore. She is now eligible to get admission in all the faculties including the reputed medical school of Singapore for further studies. May Allah bless her to get more and more success in future endeavours, too.
Ms. Zainab’s maternal uncle Dr Iftekhar Malek, who is a practising doctor in Modasa for many years, says that her achievement is a proud moment for our family as well as for the whole of the Muslim community.
Her other maternal uncles, Dr Shahid Malek and Dr Shakib Malek, are also practising Anaesthetist and Orthopaedic Surgeon respectively, providing services in their fields.
Zainab’s grandfather Late Abdurrahman Sheth, was a famous CA and her grandpa Late Nisharahmed Malek was an educationist associated with various educational institutions in Modasa.
On this occasion of Ms. Zainab’s brilliant success in academics, the whole family is proud and happy, expressing gratitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for the same.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / February 24th, 2025
Thanks to social media, former car driver Rasool Kareem has discovered a completely new calling in Qatar
Rasool Kareem (left) with Qatari cast members of Kareem Time channel. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
When 35-year-old Rasool Kareem set out to support his family by taking up a driver’s job in Doha, Qatar in 2007, little did he realise that his career as a social media star in the Gulf country would literally turn his life around in the most unexpected way.
With a YouTube channel called ‘Kareem Time Official’ that has 1.9 million subscribers and 537,894 followers on Facebook, besides 70,6000 more on his Instagram account, the native of Woraiyur, Tiruchi is a recognised public figure in the Arabian Gulf’s social media space.
Kareem’s work stands out because he makes videos on the life of South Asian (majorly Tamil) expatriate workers in the Gulf, with a cast that is made up of both Qatari and Indian amateur actors.
His content is available in Arabic and Tamil, and uses observational comedy to lampoon people’s foibles, while conveying an underlying serious message.
“It is not right to vilify people or countries blindly. There are good and bad persons in every community, and sometimes comedy becomes the best vehicle to spread tolerance, especially in places that rely on expatriate workers,” says Kareem over a WhatsApp interview call. “Most of my Arabic videos are uploaded on YouTube and Instagram, while the Tamil ones, which I produce with the help of a creative team in Tiruchi, are on Facebook. The comedy skits have slapstick and physical humour to appeal also to viewers who may not know either language,” says Kareem.
A star is born
Like the millions of blue-collar workers who head out to the Arabian Gulf countries in search of work every year, Kareem had a family to support back in Tiruchi. “I haven’t studied much, and spent much of my youth working at odd jobs. Since I was the eldest in my family and needed to support my parents and siblings, my father made me learn driving and got me a visa to work as a chauffeur for a Qatari family. When I had enough in my kitty, I decided to return to Tiruchi for good in 2010,” he recalls.
Kareem’s interest in acting led him to spending a year in Chennai, struggling to get roles in Tamil cinema. “By the end of 2011, I realised that my acting career was a non-starter, so I decided to return to Qatar and become a driver again,” he says.
Migrant workers in Qatar function under the ‘kafala’ (sponsorship) system, where a resident Qatari national is made in charge of the foreign worker’s visa and legal status.
Kareem’s Qatari sponsor (and employer) Naif al-Malki got interested in the driver’s Kollywood audition clips and asked him create something for him. “I sang an Arabic song in my Tamil style, which he uploaded on his Instagram page. We did not expect it to become a viral hit all over the Gulf countries. My first real fans were Arab children, who loved my stuff,” says Kareem.
The song started off his career as a social media star in 2013, as he began to upload videos that were largely mono-acts filmed on his mobile phone, with the active encouragement of al-Malki, who is now his business manager.
Content is king
“I realised that to be taken seriously, one had to pay attention to the content, so I started looking for actors who could join me in my videos,” he says. He found them in Qatar’s amateur theatre circuit and assembled a typical Gulf ‘family’ with his actors. “Today, Khaled al-Rubya, Huda al-Malki, Zahara al- Ansari, Tamim al-Malki and Abu Vinish are all part of Kareem Time videos, along with me. Sometimes we get mistaken for a real family,” he laughs.
Kareem tends to play the driver in most of the skits, but in real life has stopped working as a chauffeur after his social media career took off. “During one vacation, I actually wanted to quit my driver’s job and stay on in India because it was getting difficult to manage content creation with my regular work. But Mr. Naif persuaded me to return to Qatar and develop my social media work, because he felt it had great potential,” says Kareem.
The team shoots three videos per week, and uploads them periodically. “None of us gets paid for the in-house productions. But we allow the actors to state their preferred salary for commercial promotions, which we have started getting from local companies. I use my savings to fund the video production costs,” says Kareem.
For the more sober Tamil content, Kareem tends to highlight the socio-economic dynamics of migrant labourers within their families and society.
The father of two has learned to take the brickbats in his stride. “Thanks to social media, strangers walk up to me and request me for a selfie with their children because they have seen my work online. It’s the best endorsement one could get,” he says.
Kareem and co-star in a scene from his YouTube channel’s skits. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metro Plus / by Nahla Nainar / September 22nd, 2022
Tiruchi, TAMIL NADU / Algharetta (Georgia) U.S.A :
VDart founder Sidd Ahmed on attending the first Lunar New Year gathering at the White House.
Sidd Ahmed, founder of VDart Group, seen at the first ever Lunar New Year reception hosted by the Bidens at the White House in Washington DC on January 26, 2023. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The first ever Lunar New Year reception hosted by the US White House in Washington DC was a memorable occasion for Tiruchi-born Asian-American tech entrepreneur Sidd Ahmed, who was one of the 100 invitees to the formal event held on January 26.
“I’m still a little overwhelmed, because getting an invitation from the President of the United States is a big thing for an ordinary citizen,” says Ahmed over a phone interview. “The programme was meant to celebrate the New Year traditions of people from the Asian-American Pacific-Islander (AAPI) communities. This was one of the ethnic festive celebrations hosted by the White House in recent years, to emphasise the nation’s multiculturalism,” he says.
Ahmed, who founded the VDart Group, a global digital talent management and consultancy based in the US city of Alpharetta, Georgia in 2007, was a rare Indian face among the elite gathering dominated by guests from Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Filipino lineage.
“A majority of the invitees were non-profits [non-governmental organisations]. I represented the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a non-profit that connects minorities [people of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian Pacific, or Asian Indian ethnicity] with US corporations,” says Ahmed.
Dream come true
Along with NMSDC CEO and president Ying McGuire, Ahmed was invited as the head of VDart, one of the best-performing companies of the council’s 13,000 member firms. The company has had a significant corporate presence in Tiruchi since 2010.
“Visiting the White House and simply being in the proximity of President Joe Biden is a huge thing. It was a like a dream come true, listening to President Biden speak and interact with the guests. Imagine an ordinary man coming from Tiruchi like me going to the White House. There may have been many more companies and far more well-read people than me there, but it was such a huge honour,” says Ahmed.
Though a mass shooting incident during a Lunar New Year celebration in California a few days before the White House reception had cast a pall on the nation, the US administration decided to go ahead with the event as planned. “President Joe Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden wanted to show the country’s resilience,” says Ahmed.
He later attended a deferred Lunar New Year celebration hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris at her official residence on January 31.
The guests were free to click innumerable pictures in the grand reception rooms of the White House’s ground floor, once they had completed the mandatory security checks. “The Secret Service and US Marines manning the areas were really polite and hospitable that day, and made the evening more enjoyable,” says Ahmed.
While the excitement has still to die down at home, especially among his relatives in Tiruchi, Ahmed says his mother asked the most pertinent questions. “My family was super excited about the whole thing. But only Mom asked, ’What did the President say?’ and ‘Does he look the same in real life as on TV?’” he laughs.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Nahla Nainar / February 22nd, 2023
Sir Hamid Patel, also known as Mufti Hamid Patel, has been appointed as Interim Chair of Ofsted Board in the United Kingdom
London :
Sir Hamid Patel, also known as Mufti Hamid Patel, has been appointed as Interim Chair of Ofsted Board, short for Office for Standards in Education, in the United Kingdom.
The Ofsted Board oversee the curiculum and teaching practices in all British schools. Hamid Patel has been a member of the Ofsted Board since 2019
The Indian origin British educational and thought leader has been appointed as Education Chair in UK following the exit of Dame Christine Ryan.
Mufti Hamid will hold this position until a substantive Chair is appointed, which will take no longer than five months.
Who is Hamid Patel?
Hamid Patel was born and grown up in Britain. His parents hailed from Bharuch in Gujarat and had migrated to Britain about half a century ago, in late 70s. He comes from a family of 5 – three girls and two boys.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel left school in Blackburn at 16, without himself excelling academically.
A qualifed Mufti and Islamic Scholar, Sir Hamid’s career began as a teacher, though he wanted to become a footballer. In 2010, he became the Chief Executive of Star Academies, formerly known as Tauheedul Education Trust.
Under his leadership, the trust expanded to manage over 34 schools, primarily serving communities in areas with high levels of social deprivation. Many of its schools are rated outstanding by Ofsted and rank high in performance tables.
In 2024, three Star Academy schools were in the top 10 Schools of UK for Progress 8. In 2023, five Star schools were in the top 10 in England for their GCSE performance.
The trust’s Tauheedul Girls’ School in Blackburn was named State Faith Secondary School of the Year 2025 by The Sunday Times.
The Olive School in Bolton ranked sixth highest among primary schools in the North West, while other top-performing schools include The Olive School in Small Heath, The Olive School in Blackburn, and Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy in Birmingham.
While ‘secular’ schools such as Michaela Community School get positive right-wing media coverage, observers have noted that Muslim-run schools — which outnumber other types of schools in the national top ten — fail to get any recognition.
Other Positions Hamid Patel hold
Sir Hamid Patel CBE also served as Vice Chair of the National Institute of Teaching, which promotes standards, innovation, and quality in education.
He is also Chair of the Education Honours Committee and the Confederation of School Trusts driving excellence and collaboration across the sector.
In addition, as an Honorary Professor of Education at Birmingham University, he connects academic research with implementation in schools.
In his early days of career, Sir Hamid also worked with taxi drivers of Asian origin to help them in getting permits and other such work.
Sir Hamid was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) in 2015 for education services, and he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021.
Hamid Patel’s appointment as Ofsted Board Chair, though interim, is hailed. But, the right wing is fuming.
“We’re very lucky to have Sir Hamid on our board – and we’re grateful he’s stepping into this role. He runs some of the best schools in the country, is a brilliant system leader and a very good man”, Rory Gribbell, Director of Strategy and Engagement at Ofsted, wrote.
[With inputs from Islam Channel and BBC Radio]
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United Kingdom / by ummid.com news network / March 17th, 2025
Veteran journalist and writer Jalaluddin Aslam was honored at Ghalib Academy with the release of his selected anthology of essays, Naqd-o-Nazar. The event brought together distinguished scholars, journalists, and literary figures, who acknowledged Aslam’s lifelong dedication to writing and journalism.
Padma Shri awardee Professor Akhtarul Wasey, delivering the presidential address, praised Jalaluddin Aslam’s remarkable contribution to literature and journalism. “He has devoted his entire life to the service of pen and paper. Even in his advanced years, his commitment to writing remains unshaken,” he remarked. Prof. Wasey further emphasized that Naqd-o-Nazar reflects Aslam’s deep thoughts and ideological perspectives and should reach a wider readership.
Renowned journalist Masoom Moradabadi highlighted the humanitarian aspect of Aslam’s life, stating, “The essays in his latest book reflect his deep concern for the nation and community. His life has been marked by selfless service to the needy and deserving.” He underscored that Aslam’s engagement in journalism and literature has always been driven by sincerity rather than financial motives.
Senior journalist Suhail Anjum commended Aslam’s contributions to Urdu language and literature through journalism and writing. “His anthology Naqd-o-Nazar is of archival significance and serves as a valuable resource for researchers,” he stated.
Editor of Urdu Book Review, Mohammad Arif Iqbal, noted that Naqd-o-Nazar contains thought-provoking essays, demonstrating Aslam’s intellectual depth and analytical prowess.
Dr. Syed Ahmed Khan, national president of the Urdu Development Organization, acknowledged Aslam’s silent yet profound contributions to the Urdu language. “Few writers and journalists have served Urdu as selflessly as he has,” he asserted.
Dr. Aqil Ahmed, Secretary of Ghalib Academy, extended his congratulations to the author and urged him to publish his unpublished works as well. Several other prominent figures, including Feroz Hashmi, Javed Rahmani, Dr. Mufti Anwar Javed Dehlvi, and K.L. Narang Saqi, also lauded Aslam’s literary journey.
Among the notable attendees were Maulana Arshad Sirajuddin Maki, Dr. Khurshid Alam, Hakim Aftab Alam, Mohammad Naushad Nadwi, Israr Ahmed Ujini, Danish Rahman, Faizan, Rehan, Zeeshan, Mohammad Owais, Mohammad Hanif, Nadeem Arif, and Mohammad Imran Kannauji.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Abu Zaid.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture> Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / February 20th, 2025
Amreen Iqbal, founder of Piece of You, is proving that jewellery is more than just an accessory — it’s a timeless connection to life’s milestones
Image: Motivate Media Group/ Supplied
Jewellery is not just about adornment — it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that last forever, says Amreen Iqbal.
For Iqbal, the founder of Piece of You , jewellery is more than just a luxury or a decorative accessory. It’s a reflection of life’s most meaningful moments; a creation of something truly personal and lasting. It’s this deep, emotional connection to jewellery that led her to create Piece of You, a brand that has quickly become the go-to brand in the personalised, bespoke jewellery space.
Like her brand, Iqbal’s journey is a meaningful narrative of passion, perseverance and family. It’s a story that weaves together her roots in a family business, her entrepreneurial spirit and her ‘sparkling’ vision for the future.
Iqbal’s passion for jewellery isn’t just a product of her creativity – it runs in her blood. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the jewellery trade, she was surrounded by the sights and sounds of goldsmiths, diamonds, and the ever-evolving world of high-end craftsmanship. Her father, Firoz Merchant, is the founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, a recognised and trusted name in the industry. Watching him build a brand from the ground up was a formative experience for Iqbal, one that would shape not just her understanding of the jewellery industry, but also her approach to business.
Learning from the best
“I had the privilege of learning under the guidance of my father,” Iqbal reflects. “He has been a true mentor, shaping my understanding of business, not just from a technical perspective, but also in terms of ethics and values. His wisdom and leadership have been instrumental in everything I do today.”
Her father’s influence is evident in how Iqbal runs her business. The commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction are values that Iqbal has carried with her, and they are reflected in every piece of jewellery she creates.
One moment that stands out for Iqbal as a testament to the legacy she’s building is when someone approached her father, and said, “Oh, you’re the father of Amreen?” “That moment is unforgettable for me,” Iqbal reflects. “It was a powerful reminder of the legacy I want to create – not just for myself, but for my parents and my children. I want to be known as a hardworking founder who has made a name for herself in this industry.”
Iqbal’s journey as an entrepreneur didn’t come by chance; it was a deliberate decision to follow her passion for jewellery design and make it her own. After years of crafting bespoke pieces for family and friends, her husband, Amran, encouraged her to take the leap and turn her craft into a business. “It was after the birth of our third child, Omar, that Amran pushed me to pursue my dream,” she explains. “He saw how much joy creating personalised pieces brought me and encouraged me to turn that passion into a brand. He truly believed in me, and that belief made all the difference.”
Piece of you: The birth of a brand
And so, Piece of You was born – an online jewellery brand that offers personalised, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow customers to capture their special moments in a way that’s as unique as they are. The brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces (rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets) are crafted from pure 18-carat gold and adorned with diamonds, pearls and other precious stones.
The idea of personalised jewellery resonated deeply with customers, and the brand quickly gained traction. “I believe there’s something incredibly powerful about jewellery that carries personal significance,” Iqbal shares. “When you wear something that has meaning – whether it’s a name, a date, or a symbol that’s important to you – it becomes so much more than just an accessory. It becomes a part of your story.
“Piece of You is about capturing that personal connection and turning it into something tangible – it’s about being ‘uniquely you’.”
“We are proud to be pioneers in personalised jewellery — a space where others have tried to replicate our success,” Iqbal says with a sense of quiet confidence. “As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we take pride in knowing that others look to us as a models. However, we will always remain distinct – and dare I say, better – than other brands.”
With over 35 years of family experience in the industry, coupled with nearly 20 years of her hands-on expertise working with gold and diamonds, Iqbal has developed a deep understanding of the craft. “Our knowledge and passion for the trade are at the heart of everything we do,” she explains.
Furthermore, the brand’s partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers provides an unmatched competitive edge, with Iqbal’s father playing a critical role in the operations, personally overseeing the manufacturing unit. “His involvement ensures the highest standards of ethics and quality at our factory,” Iqbal notes.
“With our manufacturing unit and the ability to purchase on a large scale through our partnership with Pure Gold Jewellers, we offer accessible luxury that goes beyond competitive prices. This combination gives us a distinct advantage in delivering high-quality, personalised jewellery at unparalleled value, she adds.
But while the brand’s distinctiveness is rooted in its expertise, vision, and commitment to quality, it is the power of social media that has enabled Piece of You to share its story with a global audience, transforming its appeal and growth trajectory.
Leveraging social media
Social media has become a game-changer for many businesses – and Iqbal’s journey with Piece of You was no exception. She knew that connecting with customers online was essential, but it wasn’t until her pieces were worn by influential personalities that her business truly took off.
“Social media has completely transformed the jewellery industry,” Iqbal explains. “When I started Piece of You, I knew that building an online presence was crucial. But it wasn’t until one of the influencers in Dubai wore one of our pieces that things started to take off. The response was overwhelming. It opened the floodgates for brand recognition and allowed us to reach customers we never could have imagined.”
The influencer’s endorsement catapulted the brand into the limelight, bringing Iqbal’s personalised designs to the attention of a wider audience. “It was a turning point for us,” she admits. “The exposure we gained through social media and influencers has been incredible. People loved the idea of personalised jewellery, and when they saw someone they admired wearing our pieces, it gave them the confidence to buy for themselves.”
With the power of platforms like Instagram, Piece of You has rapidly grown its following, reaching customers in the UAE and beyond. “The beauty of social media is that it allows us to connect with people globally,” Iqbal says. “Social media has truly allowed us to connect with people who are passionate about what we do, and it’s helped us tell our story in a more meaningful way.”
Like any entrepreneur, Iqbal faced her share of challenges when launching the brand, but she also had a significant advantage.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have minimal challenges in terms of suppliers and understanding the industry,” she admits. “Having worked in the jewellery business for over 12 years before launching Piece of You, I knew the ins and outs of the trade. However, establishing the brand in the market was a challenge. It’s never easy to carve a niche, especially in a market as competitive as Dubai.”
Despite the challenges, Iqbal’s persistence paid off. The brand is a rising star in the world of personalised jewellery. “Today, I’m proud to see Piece of You’s growth and success,” she says with a smile. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work and love I’ve put into the brand.”
Girl power
As a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Iqbal has encountered her own set of challenges. However, instead of viewing these as setbacks, she embraces them as opportunities to demonstrate her capabilities and create a path for other women to follow in the industry.
“I believe that as women, we all face challenges – especially in industries like gold and diamonds where women are often underrepresented,” she says. “But that is changing rapidly, especially in the UAE, where visionary leaders are empowering women to achieve their dreams. There is a space for everyone to succeed, and talent, drive, and passion are what matter the most.”
“The growth of Piece of You is directly tied to the growth of my entire team,” she adds. “As a leader, I’ve learned that delegation is key. When I first started, I struggled with letting go of control, but over time, I’ve learned that empowering others is essential for the growth of both the business and the people around me.”
Her leadership extends beyond her team to the broader community as well. “One of the things I’m most proud of is how Piece of You is able to give back,” she says. The brand’s ‘One Order = One Meal’ programme, which provides a meal to someone in need for every piece of jewellery sold, is just one example of how Iqbal strives to make a difference. “It’s about more than just making money. It’s about creating something that has meaning, that can help people, and that can make the world a better place.”
As much as she is dedicated to her business, Iqbal’s commitment to her family is equally unwavering. “In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am also a full-time mom to four amazing children, aged two to 12, who need me endlessly,” she says with a smile. “It’s a constant balancing act, but I believe that time management and proper planning are the most important factors when it comes to maintaining balance.”
Iqbal makes it a point to wake up every day at 5:30 am, carving out those extra hours to balance her many roles – both at home and in business. “As my brother, Karim Merchant, MD and CEO of Pure Gold Group, taught me early on, effective time management and planning can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life – business, family, mental health, and more,” she says. “As the saying goes, proper planning prevents poor performance.”
As e-commerce continues to reshape industries across the globe, Iqbal has fully embraced digital transformation, understanding the critical role technology plays in the modern consumer experience.
“E-commerce is definitely the future,” Iqbal says. “The ability to shop for jewellery from anywhere at any time is a game-changer. But what really excites me is how technology is transforming the jewellery shopping experience. Virtual try-ons, AI-assisted design tools, and augmented reality are revolutionising the way customers engage with our products.”
Piece of You was quick to adopt these advancements, offering customers the ability to design their jewellery online, see virtual mock-ups, and even try on pieces virtually before making a purchase. “These technologies are key to ensuring that our customers have a seamless and personalised experience,” Iqbal explains.
“We bring your unique vision to life and ensure it is delivered directly to your preferred location, combining convenience with a truly bespoke experience,” she adds.
Committed to sustainability
In today’s world, consumers are increasingly conscious of the ethical and environmental impact of their purchases. Iqbal has always been committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, working with suppliers who share her values of transparency and ethical practices.
“Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet,” Iqbal says firmly. “At Piece of You, we ensure that all our materials are ethically sourced. I work with trusted suppliers, ensuring that our jewellery meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
As the brand continues to gain recognition, Iqbal is looking forward to expanding its reach even further.
“My goal for Piece of You is to establish ourselves as the world’s leading destination for personalised jewellery,” she reveals. With a growing demand for special-shape diamonds, such as hearts and stars, Iqbal is excited about introducing new designs that will appeal to consumers seeking both timeless elegance and bold individuality.
The future of personalised jewellery looks bright, and Amreen Iqbal is poised to lead the way. “We aim to remain leaders in this space, and we’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead,” she says. “It’s an exciting time, and I’m proud to help people express their individuality and create meaningful connections through jewellery.”
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Leadership lessons: Amreen Iqbal’s advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs
Find your passion: Pursue a career or business that truly makes you happy. Your passion will drive you even when times get tough.
Build a strong support system: Having a strong support system at home is essential. Whether it’s your spouse, family, or even house help, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Stay true to your values: Integrity and honesty are everything in business. Never compromise your values, no matter how tempting the shortcut may seem.
Delegate and trust your team: When you empower others, you allow them to help you achieve your vision. Leadership is about bringing out the best in those around you.
Embrace social media and technology: Social media can truly elevate your business. Build a community around your brand, and let your customers become your advocates. Incorporating technology is also key to business success in the digital age.
source: http://www.gulfbusiness.com / Gulf Business / Home> UAE > Dubai / by Neesha Salian / December 26th, 2024
