Category Archives: Science & Technology

Hakim Abdul Hameed: Visionary who turned medicine into a mission

DELHI :

Hakim Abdul Hameed and campus of Jamia Hamdard

Life should be significant, not merely long. While some people make their lives significant by amassing wealth, others contribute to society and future generations. Hakim Abdul Hameed was one such rare individual. He is the founder of Jamia Hamdard, a deemed-to-be University located in South Delhi, which is celebrating its Foundation Day on September 14.

Abdul Hameed was born in Delhi on September 14, 1908. His life story is not merely that of a physician but of a man who transformed a family legacy of medicine into a vast movement encompassing education, research, healthcare, and public service.

His family was deeply involved in medicine and social service; his father, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed, had established ‘Hamdard Dawakhana’ in 1906. ‘Hamdard’ in Urdu means one who empathises with others’ pain. This very sentiment became the guiding principle of Hakim Abdul Hameed’s entire life. He inherited not just a business from his father, but a responsibility. He strived to build Hamdard into an institution that would benefit every stratum of society.

Hakim Abdul Hameed was a practitioner of Unani medicine, yet his vision extended far beyond the treatment of the human body. He understood that for Unani medicine to be passed on to the coming generations, it required systematic teaching, rigorous research, and incorporating modern scientific methods.

He believed that tradition and modern science were not at odds; rather, by preserving the valuable aspects of ancient medical systems, they could be further fortified through scientific inquiry and research. This vision changed him into a pivotal pillar of Unani medicine.

The year 1947 was exceptionally difficult for the country. Partition had impacted millions and created an atmosphere rife with mistrust, violence, and uncertainty. Yet, even amidst such turmoil, Hakim Abdul Hameed was contemplating the establishment of institutions for the India of the future. It was during this period that he founded the Hamdard Charitable Trust and resolved to dedicate Hamdard’s earnings to the service of society. This decision speaks volumes about his character; he viewed wealth not as something to be hoarded for personal gain, but as a trust held for the benefit of society.

Subsequently, he established more institutions — the Hamdard Tibbi College and the Indian Institute of Islamic Studies in 1963; the Hamdard National Foundation in 1964, and the Hamdard College of Pharmacy in 1972.

Gradually, other institutions such as the Hamdard Education Society, Hamdard Public School, Ghalib Academy, and the Hamdard Institute of Historical Research were also added to this fold. He sought to create a comprehensive system where pharmacy, education, history, culture, and research could flourish alongside medical treatment.

The culmination of Hakim Abdul Hameed’s long-standing efforts came in 1989, when the institutions he had established were amalgamated into one to grant ‘Jamia Hamdard’ the status of a to-be Deemed University. This marked a significant achievement, realising a dream and the hard work of decades. He became its founding Chancellor. Hamdard’s own funds and his personal resources played a major role in establishing this university.

Today, it is important to remember that Jamia Hamdard was not backed by government machinery or a corporate conglomerate. Behind it lay the conviction of a single individual who believed that education could be the greatest service to society.

To remember Hakim Abdul Hameed merely as a builder of institutions would be to diminish his true stature. He was, first and foremost, a physician; understanding others’ pain was intrinsic to his nature. In his view, treating a sick person and providing a poor child with the opportunity to study were acts stemming from the same spirit of compassion, and he strove throughout his life to improve the human condition.

The body is healed through medicine, while the mind is nurtured through education. Hakim Sahib regarded both as integral parts of a singular mission of social service. Perhaps this is why the institutions he founded accorded equal importance to the humanities, history, and culture alongside hospitals and medical education.

Hakim Abdul Hameed’s contributions were recognised both within the country and across the globe. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1965 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. In 1983, the then Soviet Union honoured him with the Avicenna Award. During the final years of his life, he also served as the Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

However, considering his personality, it seems likely that he derived greater satisfaction from helping a needy person receive medical treatment or enabling a poor student’s education than from these accolades. For him, achievement was not merely about receiving awards but about making a difference in someone else’s life.

Hakim Abdul Hameed passed away in 1999, yet his work did not end with his departure. Even today, thousands of students study in the institutions he established, patients receive treatment in his hospitals, and the work of research and education continues to flourish.

The Jamia Hamdard campus is more than just a cluster of buildings; it stands as a testament to the idea that if an individual rises above personal interests to think about society, they can achieve a great deal for future generations. Hakim Sahib established these institutions much like a wise person plants a tree—knowing full well that while he might not live to sit in its shade, others certainly will. This was the most beautiful aspect of his life.

Today, the greatest challenge facing everyone associated with his institutions is ensuring that his legacy is not confined merely to names and monuments. The very meaning of ‘Hamdard’ is to understand the pain of others and strive to alleviate it. Hakim Abdul Hameed’s life teaches us that a person’s true legacy lies in the institutions and ideas that others carry forward long after they are gone. This is the legacy Hakim Abdul Hameed left behind. Carrying it forward is not just a matter of honour; it is our responsibility.

Author Prof. (Dr) M. Afshar Alam, is a Former Vice-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Personality-News / by M Afshar Alam / September 13th, 2026

Dr. Roshan Jahan Sheikh: Turning Adversity into an Extraordinary Journey of Courage

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA:

Dr.Roshan Shaikh’s extraordinary journey from double amputation,a financially struggling family to becoming an MBBS doctor, MD Pathologist, motivational speaker, award-winning personality.

Dr. Roshan  Sheikh is now the eminent name of the field of education and source of inspiration for thousands of students.She specially invited to Moulana Ajmal’s education institute,Assam, Shaheen group of Institutions, Bidar, Karnataka, Anjuman E Islam Mumbai ,and other dozens of prestigious institutes of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Born in Mumbai to a family where her father worked as a vegetable vendor, Roshan Jahan dreamed of becoming a doctor. Her life changed dramatically when she was in XIth grade a tragic train accident resulted in the amputation of both her legs. She remained bedridden for more than three months, but the tragedy could not break her determination.

Her mother, who had studied only up to the fourth standard, became her strongest pillar of support. She took Roshan to school in a wheelchair whenever practical classes and examinations required her presence. Despite severe physical and financial difficulties, Roshan completed Class 12 with impressive marks and secured third rank in the handicapped category in the state medical entrance examination.

However, her struggle continued when she was denied medical admission because her disability was assessed at 96 percent, while prevailing regulations restricted admission for candidates considered more than 70 per cent disabled. Determined to realise her dream, she approached the Bombay High Court in 2011 with the support of orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Sanjay Kotharia and advocate P.B. Patil, who fought her case without charging a fee. The court recognised her capabilities and allowed her to pursue medical education.

Roshan subsequently secured admission to KEM Medical College, Mumbai. Medical education was challenging, involving practical work, emergencies, movement between buildings and long working hours. Yet she completed her MBBS in 2016 and later earned her MD in Pathology in 2021 from Mumbai.

Several people also supported her during this journey. Congress MLA Amin Patel helped finance her medical education, while BJP MP Kirit Somaiya supported her when she faced difficulties in pursuing postgraduate studies. Her case also contributed to changes that enabled her to continue her higher medical education.

After completing her MD, Roshan worked as a Consultant Pathologist and Cytopathologist. On 28 October 2022 she married to Mumbai based Buisnessman Salman Abdul Latif and became mother in 2026.

She also became a motivational speaker, travelling to educational institutions in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other states and inspiring thousands of students with her life story. She is currently at home, taking care of her three-month-old baby girl, while remaining socially active and sharing her old and new posts and videos.

Her achievements have earned her several prestigious honours, including the Hindustan Times Women of the Year Award (2018) at the national level. Other recognitions include the Shoorveer Award, Bharat Prerna Award, Award for Bravery and Courage from the Bombay High Court, Inqulab Award, Galli News Griffin Award for Women Impact, Cavinkare Ability Award, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, Sahas Ability Award, Microsoft Bravery Award and SABAL Award from Tata, among others.

Her personal life has also entered a new chapter. Around three years ago, she married Mumbai-based handsome businessman Salman Abdul Latif. Despite her high level of disability, she successfully went through pregnancy and became a mother to a baby girl three months ago.

Dr. Roshan Jahan Sheikh has transformed adversity into purpose. Her life stands as a powerful message that physical limitations need not limit human dreams, and that courage, education and determination can turn seemingly impossible goals into reality.

Speaking to Muslim Mirror Roshan says, “Life may knock you down and may even try to break you, but getting back on your feet is in your hands. If I can overcome such a great storm and become an MD doctor, then you too can fulfil every dream you have. Keep faith in Allah and move forward,” Dr. Roshan Jahan Jawwad Sheikh said.

She further advised people not to dwell on what they have lost or what they do not have. “Do not focus on what is gone or what you do not have. Instead, put all your strength into what remains and into what you can become,” she said.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Imran Inamdar / September 08th, 2026

From a Small Village in Bihar to the Stars: ISRO Scientist Imtiaz Ahmed’s Journey

Rewda Village (Darbhanga District) BIHAR :

Darbhanga (Bihar):

A young scientist from a small village in Bihar has become part of India’s growing space legacy. Imtiaz Ahmed, hailing from Rewda village in Darbhanga district, has earned recognition across the country for his role in one of ISRO’s most important recent missions.

Ahmed was a key contributor to ISRO’s GISAT-1 geostationary imaging satellite mission, which successfully placed the GISAT-1 satellite into orbit. The satellite holds a special distinction. It is India’s first geostationary earth observation satellite designed to provide continuous imaging of the Indian subcontinent.

The satellite is expected to play a critical role in monitoring weather patterns, agricultural conditions, and natural disasters. Scientists and observers say Ahmed’s contribution to the mission was both substantial and well-executed.

Ahmed comes from a family with a strong tradition of serving the nation. His father is a retired soldier who served in the Indian Army. The family’s story now carries a new chapter. Where the father wore a uniform to guard the country’s borders, the son now works in the space sector to advance its frontiers.

His journey from Rewda, a small and relatively unknown village, to the corridors of India’s premier space agency reflects both personal dedication and academic discipline. Those who know Ahmed describe him as focused and committed from an early stage in his education.

The Muslim community across Bihar and beyond has expressed pride in Ahmed’s achievement. His success has drawn attention to the potential that exists in smaller towns and rural areas, where talent often goes unrecognised without the right opportunities and determination.

Ahmed’s work on the GISAT-1 mission stands as a reminder that scientific contribution to national progress comes from every corner of the country. The team at Imtiaz Ahmed’s community extends its sincere salute to a scientist who has honoured both his roots and his nation through hard work and excellence in space research.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report/ by Radiance News Bureau / September 07th, 2026

Dr Syed Abdullah and his team save nine newborns from NICU fire

Akashwani Chowk, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, MAHARASHTRA :

Dr. Syed Abdullah (extreme right) and his team of heroes of the Asian Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

As devotees across the country were celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna in the early hours of Friday, nine newborn babies at a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar faced a terrifying fight for survival.

At around 2:30 a.m., a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Asian Hospital in the Akashwani area on Jalna Road after an apparent short circuit in an air-conditioner. Within minutes, thick smoke filled the NICU and flames began spreading rapidly, trapping nine newborns inside.

Among them was a premature baby on a ventilator.

In those critical moments, Resident Medical Officer Dr Syed Abdullah and a team of nurses sprang into action. Risking their own lives, they carried the babies out of the smoke-filled NICU, one by one, and ensured that the critically ill infant continued receiving artificial ventilation during the rescue.

“The situation was very difficult. Initially, we thought there was a minor gas leak. But the moment a spark fell from the AC, we immediately tried to move the warmer aside, because the baby on the ventilator was right underneath it. That baby was very serious; it was a preterm baby,” Dr Abdullah recalled.

He said the situation deteriorated within seconds.

“We had just gone to move the warmer when the fire spread very rapidly. After that, the sisters immediately started picking up the babies and evacuating them. The baby on the ventilator had to be given artificial respiration through an Ambu bag. A nurse held one baby in her hand and also managed the other baby from the ventilator, while I was Ambu-bagging it. In this way, we safely evacuated all the babies.”

At one point, Dr Abdullah also attempted to pull the ventilator out of the danger zone. But the equipment was locked in place, while the flames continued to spread.

“After evacuating all the babies, I also wanted to save the ventilator, because a ventilator is a very expensive machine. So, I tried to pull the ventilator, but it was locked. The fire was continuously growing, and because of that, I had to leave the ventilator and rush to save another baby,” he said.

For the medical team, however, saving the babies was the only priority.

“I am happy that we succeeded in saving those babies. I never thought I would face such a situation in so few years of my service. By the grace and mercy of Allah, everything concluded safely and the condition of all the patients is now excellent and stable. All the babies have been safely shifted to Ghati and other hospitals,” Dr Abdullah said.

Nurses Turned Rescuers

The rescue was a collective effort. Nurses Kalpana Nalawade, Surekha Chavan (Mavshi), Rekha Ragade, Sandhya Jadhav and Archana Bhalerao joined Dr Abdullah in evacuating the newborns as smoke and flames spread through the NICU.

The warmer carrying the critically ill baby could not be moved because it was locked. With the fire intensifying, there was no time to wait. The nurses began lifting the babies in their arms and carrying them to safety.

For nurse Rekha Ragade, the incident remains etched in her memory.

“I was on duty as usual. I was checking what each baby needed; all this work was going on. Suddenly, I saw some colleagues running towards a corner of the NICU. What do I see? Smoke was coming out from there. By the time I saw it, a spark fell and the AC instantly caught fire,” she recalled.

For a moment, fear overwhelmed her. But the instinct to protect the newborns quickly took over.

“Seeing that sight, I too was scared for a moment, but I quickly composed myself and with the help of my colleagues, brought the children out. There was fear in my heart. My hands and legs had gone numb from panic. But we risked our lives and saved the lives of the babies,” she said.

Then came a deeply personal thought.

“I also have three children. As a mother, I only knew one thing: all those nine children are mine, and I have to get them out.”

58 Patients on the Floor

The fire broke out on a floor where 58 patients were present, including the nine newborns in the NICU, 36 patients in the general ward and 13 patients in special rooms.

The hospital alerted the fire brigade and police immediately. However, before emergency personnel arrived, doctors and nurses had already managed to bring the fire largely under control using fire extinguishers.

The nine newborns were subsequently shifted by ambulance to other hospitals for continued medical care. Four were admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital (Ghati), three to MGM Hospital, one to Muskaan Children’s Clinic in Azad Chowk and one to Day Care Hospital.

All nine babies are reported to be safe and in stable condition.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Fazal Pathan / September 07th, 2026

Dr. Zaki Ahmad Siddiqui Takes Charge of RRIUM, New Delhi

NEW DELHI :

Senior Unani physician, researcher and administrator with nearly three decades of experience assumes new responsibility

New Delhi:

Following the retirement of Dr. Ziaul Haq Siddiqui, Dr. Zaki Ahmad Siddiqui has taken charge of the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), New Delhi, under the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

All senior officers and staff of the institute, were present on the occasion. Dr. Zia’s long and dedicated services were acknowledged, while Dr. Zaki Ahmad Siddiqui was congratulated and extended best wishes on assuming his new responsibility.

Dr. Zaki Ahmad Siddiqui is a senior Unani physician, researcher and administrator with nearly three decades of experience in clinical research, drug standardisation, policy implementation and institutional administration in the AYUSH sector. He obtained his BUMS from A & U Tibbia College, University of Delhi, and MD (Moalijat) from Jamia Tibbia, Deoband.

Dr. Zaki began his professional career in 1996 as a Research Officer with CCRUM. During his nearly three decades of service, he has held various important responsibilities in research, clinical services, policy and administration. A significant part of his career, around 20 years, was spent at CCRUM Headquarters and the Ministry of AYUSH, where he handled important responsibilities relating to research, policy, administration and regulatory matters.

During his tenure in the Education Policy Section of the Ministry of AYUSH, he was associated with important policy and administrative matters concerning Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical colleges.

From 2020 to 2022, Dr. Siddiqui served as In-charge of the Drug Standardisation Research Unit (DSRU), CCRUM, New Delhi, where he contributed to strengthening research and activities related to the standardisation of Unani medicines.

From 2022 to 2025, he headed the Unani Medical Centre at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, contributing to the delivery and strengthening of Unani clinical services in a major tertiary-care hospital.

In December 2025, Dr. Siddiqui was promoted to the post of Deputy Director and was entrusted with the responsibility of RRIUM, Mumbai. Subsequently, in April 2026, he was assigned the responsibility of Assistant Director, Hakim Ajmal Khan Institute for Literary & Historical Research in Unani Medicine (HAKILHRUM), New Delhi.

With his extensive experience in clinical care, research, drug standardisation and institutional administration, Dr. Siddiqui’s new responsibility at RRIUM, New Delhi is expected to further strengthen the institute’s research activities, Unani clinical services, drug standardisation and administrative functioning.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 31st, 2026

All India Unani Tibbi Congress Tamil Nadu Reorganised, Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed Elected State President

TAMILNADU :

Chennai:

The All India Unani Tibbi Congress (AIUTC) Tamil Nadu has announced its reorganisation with the aim of making the organisation more active. Professor Mushtaq Ahmed expressed happiness while approving all the elected office-bearers of the AIUTC Tamil Nadu, and hoped that the current team would carry out its duties well, keeping in view the aims and objectives of the Tibbi Congress.

It may be noted that, apart from Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed as State President and Dr. S.K.L. Hamiduddin as General Secretary of the AIUTC Tamil Nadu, Dr. Rafiuddin was elected Vice President, Hakim Nasiruddin Ahmed as Provincial Convener, and Dr. Imtiaz Basha as Secretary.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News>Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 27th, 2026

AMU Professor Mohammad Mobin Receives Prestigious Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Aligarh :

Professor Mohammad Mobin, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred the prestigious Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award for 2025 by the Indian Chemical Society (ICS), recognising his contributions to research, development and innovation in Chemical Sciences and Engineering.

The honour marks a significant achievement in Professor Mobin’s academic career and reflects his sustained efforts towards advancing scientific research and translating innovation into meaningful technological and societal applications.

In a communication dated August 14, 2026, Prof. G. D. Yadav, President, Indian Chemical Society, conveyed the Society’s appreciation of Professor Mobin’s distinguished professional accomplishments, which have enhanced the stature of Chemical Sciences and Engineering and contributed to the advancement of Indian chemical and allied industries and society.

As part of the recognition, Professor Mobin has been invited to deliver the Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award Endowment Lecture at the 63rd Annual Convention of Chemists (ACC 2026) of the Indian Chemical Society from December 14–16 at Graphic Era University, Dehradun.

Professor Mobin is presently serving as Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Srinagar on deputation from AMU. His academic and research contributions span Chemical Sciences and Engineering, with particular emphasis on Materials and Corrosion, research innovation and technological development.

The Indian Chemical Society, one of India’s leading professional bodies in chemical sciences, has played a vital role in promoting chemical research, technology and industry while fostering collaboration among academia, research institutions and industry.

The Professor B.P. Verma Memorial Award adds another distinguished recognition to Professor Mobin’s achievements and brings pride to AMU and the wider academic and scientific community.

source: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in / India Education Diary / Home> Educational News> University News / by iednewsdesk / August 17th, 2026

AMU JNMC Residents Win Two Session Best Awards at International Public Health Conference

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Aligarh:

Two residents of the Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), received Session Best Awards at the 12th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH) 2026, held in Bali, Indonesia. The residents participated in the conference virtually.

Dr. Syed Sohaib Hashmi, Senior Resident, received the award for his presentation, Immune Status and Its Clinico-Epidemiological Correlates Among Adults Living with HIV, conducted under the guidance of Prof. Mohammad Athar Ansari. The study examined immune status among adults living with HIV and factors influencing immune recovery.

Dr. Mohammad Bilal, Junior Resident-3, received the second Session Best Award for his presentation, Weight Gain and MUAC Recovery Following Nutrition Education of Primary Caregivers in Moderately Malnourished Children Aged 6–59 Months: A Community-Based Quasi-Experimental Study from North India, under the guidance of Dr. Ali Jafar Abedi. The study evaluated the impact of nutrition education of primary caregivers on weight gain and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) recovery among moderately malnourished children.

Prof. Uzma Eram, Chairperson, Department of Community Medicine, along with Prof. Saira Mehnaz and other senior faculty members, congratulated the residents and appreciated their contribution to public health research and academic excellence.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / August 12th, 2026

Meet Dr. Azizuddin Khan: IIT Prof Recommended for J.C. Bose Fellowship

Mahinpura (Bahraich District) UTTAR PRADESH / Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

An Inspiring Journey of IIT Bombay Professor Dr. Azizuddin Khan from a Small Town in Bahraich to Global Recognition in Science and Research

In a landmark achievement for Indian Science and Research, Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan, eminent Psychologist, Neuroscientist and Psychophysiologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), has been recommended for the prestigious J.C. Bose Fellowship (ANRF J.C. Bose Grant).

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) recommended the honour in recognition of Dr. Azizuddin Khan’s outstanding scientific research, innovation and contributions aimed at improving human well-being in August 2026. 

The J.C. Bose Fellowship is one of India’s prestigious recognitions for active senior scientists and engineers who have made outstanding contributions to science, engineering, medicine and related fields. The fellowship provides research support to enable distinguished scientists to continue advanced research and mentor the next generation of researchers.

From a Small Town to IIT

Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan hails from Mahinpurwa, a small town in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. After completing his early education at a local inter college, he chose psychology as his field of study despite family expectations.

He secured first position in his undergraduate studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) & subsequently completed his M.A. in Clinical Psychology. He later earned his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from IIT Kanpur, which laid the foundation for his distinguished research career.

Distinguished Research at IIT Bombay

Prof. Khan has been associated with IIT Bombay for nearly two decades and currently serves as an India Value Chair Professor. He is among the leading researchers associated with the Psychophysiology Laboratory.

He is also associated with important research initiatives including the Sunita Sanghi Centre for Ageing & Neurodegenerative Diseases (SCAN), Koita Centre for Digital Health (KCDH) and the IIT Bombay-FedEx ALFA Centre.

He has played an important role in developing an advanced Psychophysiology Laboratory at IIT Bombay, where researchers use technologies such as EEG, Eye Tracking, Event-Related Potentials (ERP), Neurofeedback and other modern neuroscientific techniques to study the human brain, cognition and behaviour.

Diverse and Human-Centred Research

Prof. Khan’s research is closely connected with real-life human challenges. His major areas of research include:

  • Dyslexia and Reading Disorders
  • Autism and ADHD
  • Memory and Prospective Memory
  • Attention, cognition and brain processes
  • Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Psychological stress and depression
  • Brain activity during Urdu, Hindi and bilingual reading
  • Urdu script and its processing in the human brain
  • Artificial Intelligence and mental health
  • Human psychology under extreme environmental conditions

Through his multidisciplinary research, he has contributed significantly to the fields of psychology, psychophysiology and neuroscience. 

Technology-Based Research for Dyslexia

One of the most significant areas of Prof. Khan’s research is dyslexia. He has contributed to the development of ‘Brainu’, a screening application designed to facilitate the early identification of children who may have reading difficulties.

The application uses engaging, game-based activities to assess certain reading-related abilities and help identify children who may require further assessment or support.

He has also worked on innovative Haptic Belt/Bracelet technology, which uses specific vibrations to help children recognise and experience the correct sounds associated with letters and words.

Such technology has the potential to support children learning Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Arabic and English, particularly those experiencing difficulties in reading and phonological processing.

Pioneering Research on the Urdu Script

Another distinctive area of Prof. Khan’s research is the neural processing of the Urdu script. His research examines how the human brain processes Urdu text written from right to left while simultaneously dealing with numbers written from left to right.

Using Eye Tracking and EEG technologies, he has investigated the cognitive and neural processes involved in Urdu and bilingual reading. His work has contributed to the scientific understanding of how multilingual readers process different writing systems. 

Research in Antarctica

Prof. Khan has also participated in India’s Antarctic research programme, where he studied human psychology under extremely cold and isolated environmental conditions.

His research examined aspects such as memory, mental health, emotional well-being and behavioural changes among people living and working in extreme environments. He has also undertaken research related to self-awareness in penguins, attracting attention within the scientific community.

Representing India on the Global Research Platform

Prof. Khan has represented India at numerous international academic and scientific forums. He has presented his research in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Finland, Spain, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries.

His academic contribution includes more than 200 research publications, several international book chapters, patents and research projects. He has also guided numerous Ph.D. scholars, many of whom are today working as professors and researchers at leading IITs, NITs and universities in India and abroad.

An Inspiring Message for Young Students

According to Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan, success depends not merely on intelligence but on hard work, curiosity, perseverance, patience and a continuous desire to learn. 

His own journey demonstrates that a student from a small town can achieve global recognition through education, determination and sustained research.

A Matter of Pride for the Nation

The recommendation of Prof. Dr. Azizuddin Khan for the J.C. Bose Fellowship is not only a personal achievement but also a matter of pride for the Indian scientific community, IIT Bombay, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and the residents of Bahraich.

His continuing work in psychology, neuroscience, education, mental health and artificial intelligence is expected to open new avenues of research and contribute to improving the lives of children, students and society at large.

[The writer, Akhlaq Shaikh, is a Career Counsellor, Mumbai. He alsow writes for Urdu Daily Inquilab.]

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by Akhlaque (Akhlaq) Shaikh / August 18th, 2026

From Chikkamagaluru to NASA: Awais Ahmed Leads India’s Private Space Journey

Aldur (Chikkamagaluru District), KARNATAKA :

Chikkamagaluru:

Awais Ahmed, a young entrepreneur from Aldur in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, has emerged as one of India’s leading figures in the private space sector after his company, Pixxel Space Technologies, became the first Indian space start-up to secure a NASA contract for supplying hyperspectral Earth observation data.

The 28-year-old founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Bengaluru-based company attributes his journey to a childhood shaped by curiosity, encouragement from his parents and a lifelong fascination with space science.

Growing up in Aldur, Awais spent hours reading children’s science encyclopaedias on planets, nebulae, black holes and the solar system. His father, Nadeem Ahmed, who runs a pharmacy in the town, regularly bought him science books from local libraries and bookshops. His mother, Ghazala Tashfeen, also encouraged him to pursue the subject that interested him most.

After completing his schooling in Aldur and Sangameshwar Pete, he moved to Mangaluru for pre-university education before joining BITS Pilani, Rajasthan, where he studied mathematics and manufacturing engineering. During his engineering years, he participated in a student satellite programme alongside ISRO scientists, an experience that deepened his interest in satellite technology.

A defining moment came in 2017 when Awais led Hyperloop India at the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition in Los Angeles. The team qualified among the finalists and presented its project before visiting SpaceX facilities. Meeting Elon Musk and witnessing private space innovation strengthened his resolve to build a career in space technology.

Before completing his degree in 2019, Awais founded Pixxel Space Technologies. The company has launched nine hyperspectral satellites, including six in 2025. The satellites collect detailed Earth observation data that supports agriculture, environmental monitoring, energy and natural resource management through advanced imaging technology.

Awais said the company has raised ₹960 crore from investors. He credited policy support for private participation in India’s space sector for helping young companies grow. Today, Pixxel employs 275 people, with most of its workforce based in India and others working in the United States and Europe.

His father recalled the family’s sacrifices to support his education, including taking education loans and pledging gold. He said watching his son’s dedication and achievements has filled the family with pride. Awais, who is now married to a doctor, continues to pursue his goal of building space technology that serves humanity while contributing to India’s growing presence in the global space industry.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Personality> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / July 20th, 2026