A meeting of minds: Riyaz Shaik with Yaqeen Sikander, Research Scholar in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul – exchanging ideas on mental health and human resilience.
In the heart of Istanbul, where East meets West, a young Kashmiri psychologist has been quietly shaping the future of mental health. Yaqeen Sikander, a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University, is not just a therapist; he is a bridge between cultures, faiths, and healing traditions.
The Journey of a Psychologist
Born in Kashmir and trained across continents, Sikander has dedicated his career to exploring the intersections of science, psychology, and spirituality. His work spans clinical therapy, psychometric testing, disaster psychology, and Islamic integrated psychotherapy.
“Healing is not just about the mind; it’s about restoring meaning, faith, and hope,” he often tells his students and clients.
Healing Amidst Disaster
When the devastating 2023 earthquakes struck Türkiye, Sikander rushed into the disaster zones of Adıyaman.
He offered psychological first aid to survivors.
Designed relaxation posters for children in refugee camps.
Guided families through grief and trauma recovery.
His reflections were later published in TRT World, where he described meeting a young man who had lost 229 members of his extended family – a haunting reminder of the depth of human suffering, and the urgent need for psychological care in crises.
Teaching & Workshops
In September 2024, Bengaluru, India hosted a 5-day workshop led by Sikander on Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP).
The event brought together psychiatrists, counsellors, and students from across India, eager to learn how faith and therapy can complement each other in healing.
A New Face of Global Psychology
Certified TIIP practitioner
Advocate for refugee mental health
Trainer in self-care and stress management
Speaker in international forums on trauma psychology
From Kashmir to Istanbul, from classrooms to crisis zones, Sikander has become a global voice for compassionate psychology.
Special Note
“It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Yaqeen Sikander, Research Scholar in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul. His insightful sessions on mental health were highly beneficial and inspiring. Wishing him continued success and barakah in his academic and professional journey. May Allah SWT bless his efforts, Ameen.”
The Special Edition of Spot News Vijayawada celebrated Yaqeen Sikander not only as a scholar but also as a humanitarian – an individual proving that psychology is not confined to textbooks but is lived, felt, and shared in the deepest struggles of human life.
“Minds can heal. Nations can rise again. But it begins with care,” says Sikander.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Radiance Special Correspondent / Radiance News Bureau / September 23rd, 2025
Kadamba Village (Kalia, Bardhaman District), WEST BENGAL / Cambridge, U. K :
Dr. Matiar Rahman, Scientists, Cambridge University, The UK
Dr. Matiar Rahman, a Bengali researcher at Cambridge University, is hailed as the “father of the artificial leaf”. He received this title for his pioneering innovation of a device that converts sunlight into liquid fuel while reducing carbon emissions.
Explaining his work, Rahman told the media: “Carbon dioxide is vital for photosynthesis in plants, but in excess it becomes dangerous—it’s one of the chief drivers of global warming. Humanity now faces both a climate crisis and an energy crisis. Fossil fuels are depleting fast. Our research aims to address both challenges at once.”
Many believe this breakthrough could play a decisive role in safeguarding Earth’s fragile environment. Yet, behind this extraordinary success lies a story of hardship, persistence, and unwavering determination.
Dr. Rahman was born into a lower-middle-class family where survival often outweighed comfort. His father worked either as a low-paid employee or as a daily labourer, while his mother managed the household. As a child, he often walked barefoot to school, studied from borrowed books, and read by the dim glow of a kerosene lamp in a house without electricity. There were days when the family survived on a single meal.
In his village, pursuing science was seen as impractical. Neighbours would often remark: “Study science and you’ll end up jobless.” Affording higher education was a formidable hurdle, and to continue his studies, Matiar took up tutoring and part-time jobs. Despite financial strain and social discouragement, he refused to give up.
Excelling at a government university in India, he won a scholarship that paved the way for studies abroad. Eventually, he secured admission into Cambridge University for research. But life overseas was far from easy. He struggled with a new language, culture, and climate, and at times also faced racial prejudice. Yet he endured with quiet resilience.
Through all these adversities, he continued his research and achieved a breakthrough: the development of the “artificial leaf,” a device that captures sunlight to generate renewable fuel. His life affirms a timeless truth: poverty cannot stop a dreamer who dares to dream. His story is not just one of scientific achievement but also an inspiration to countless young dreamers across the globe.
Human civilization now stands at a crossroads. Carbon dioxide levels are soaring, global warming is intensifying, summers are lengthening, glaciers are retreating, biodiversity is collapsing, and ecosystems are at risk. The greatest challenge of our era is to avert environmental catastrophe. Scientists worldwide are racing against time to find solutions, and among them is Bengali researcher Dr. Matiar Rahman, whose work offers fresh hope.
Alongside fellow scientist Subhajit Bhattacharya at Cambridge, Dr. Rahman has successfully created an Artificial Leaf that produces liquid fuel and oxygen using only sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Their research was published in Nature Energy, a leading sub-journal of Nature.
A native of Kadamba village in Kalna, Bardhaman district, and an alumnus of Jadavpur University, Dr. Rahman now works under Professor Erwin Reisner, a Cambridge professor and Fellow of St. John’s College.
After schooling at Ambika Kalna Maharaja High School, he earned a Chemistry degree from Jadavpur University, completed his Master’s at IIT Madras, pursued his PhD at the University of Bern in Switzerland, and later joined Cambridge as a Marie Curie Fellow. Today, he is a Senior Scientist with the same university.
Discussing his breakthrough, Dr. Rahman explains: “Converting CO₂ into fuel usually requires huge amounts of energy, often from fossil fuels. But our method uses sunlight alone.” With atmospheric CO₂ now averaging around 424 ppm, he warns: “Unless we reduce this excess, global warming cannot be controlled. Our solution is to convert atmospheric CO₂ into fuel, offering an alternative to fossil fuels while ensuring net-zero emissions.”
The device mimics photosynthesis in nature. Just as leaves use sunlight, water, and CO₂ to produce sugar and oxygen, the artificial leaf uses sunlight and CO₂-dissolved water to produce liquid fuels—such as ethanol and propanol—alongside oxygen.
It consists of two core components: one side has a solar cell and a bimetallic catalyst that captures solar energy and breaks down CO₂ into fuel molecules, while the other side uses nanomaterials to split water into oxygen. Both processes run simultaneously, keeping the system electron-neutral. Simply immerse the device in CO₂-mixed water and expose it to sunlight, and it starts working.
Unlike earlier global attempts that required large amounts of external energy, often fossil-based, Dr. Rahman’s system relies directly on solar power. For the first time, scientists have produced multi-carbon liquid fuels through artificial photosynthesis, earning them publication in Nature. Dr. Rahman is the paper’s first author, with Professor Reisner as principal investigator.
From a modest village school in Bengal to a pioneering laboratory in Cambridge, Matiar Rahman’s journey shows how dedication can change destinies. Reflecting on his path, he says: “At every stage—school, college, university, research—you must prepare yourself well. Step by step, nothing is impossible.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Changemaker / by Debkishore Chakraborty, Kolkata / September 09th, 2025
Dr. Abdullah receives the Outstanding Community Service Award in Washington, DC
Aligarh:
Dr. Abdullah, one of the eminent alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred with the Outstanding Community Service Award 2025 by the National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA), Washington, DC. This prestigious recognition was presented during the 79th Independence Day celebrations of India, honouring Dr. Abdullah’s lifelong dedication to education, social welfare, and cultural advancement.
A highly respected community leader in the United States, Dr. Abdullah has devoted his life to championing causes that uplift the underserved and to promote cultural harmony. For decades, he has worked with passion to advance education, build stronger social bonds, and create pathways for collective progress.
Recognising his extraordinary contributions, NCAIA leaders commended his ability to inspire and mobilise people, calling his service “a true embodiment of the spirit of volunteerism and leadership that NCAIA seeks to promote.”
“His selfless dedication has touched countless lives and continues to leave a profound impact,” remarked Anjana Bordoloi, President of NCAIA.
Deeply connected to his alma mater, Dr. Abdullah has always acknowledged AMU as the foundation of his values, vision, and commitment to service. His contributions stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of AMU alumni who continue to shape communities and institutions across the globe.
On behalf of Aligarh Muslim University and the AMU Alumni Affairs Committee, heartiest congratulations are extended to Dr. Abdullah on this well-deserved honour, said Prof Sartaj Tabbasum Chairman AAAC.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / September 16th, 2025
Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Saturday held a condolence meeting at the Medical Education Unit (MEU) to pay tribute to Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi, Ex-Principal, Dean, GMC Srinagar who passed away early morning on Saturday.
As per a statement issued here, the meeting was attended by faculty members, administrative staff, medical superintendents, and paramedical staff, all of whom came together to mourn the loss of a respected figure in the medical community. Prof. Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi did his MBBS and M.S. (General Surgery) from Government Medical College, Srinagar and then completed his super-specialization (MCh) in Cardio-vascular Thorasic Surgery (CVTS) from CMC Vellore. He was amongst the first few CVTS surgeons of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi joined as a faculty member in Government Medical College, Srinagar in 1981 and became Head of the Department, Surgery. In February 2005 he was appointed as Principal/Dean, GMC, Sgr. and continued till May, 2006.
While paying rich tributes to Prof. Naqashbandi, Principal/Dean (Dr.) Iffat Hassan highlighted his significant impact on the institution and the medical field. Dr. Iffat’s words reflected the esteem in which Prof. Naqashbandi was held by his peers and students.
Prof. Dr. Iqbal Saleem, Head of the Department Surgery expressed his heartfelt condolences and reminisced about Prof. Naqashbandi’s dedication to his work and his mentorship.
Prof. Sabiya Majeed, Head of the Department of Biochemistry, and Prof. Dr. Afroz Khan also paid tribute to his legacy, emphasizing the lasting impact of his work on the medical community. Various other faculty members also spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to the departed soul.
As a mark of respect, the attendees observed two minutes of silence to honour Prof. Naqashbandi’s memory. This moment of reflection allowed everyone to pay their respects and reflect on the contributions of the departed soul. The meeting extended its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of Prof. Naqashbandi during this difficult time.
source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home> City / by RK News / September 14th, 2025
Rajasthan is known for its sandy deserts, historical monuments, especially forts, vibrant culture, and above all, its brave people, some of whom are inspiring others and changing society for the better. Under our series ‘The Changemakers’, Awaz-The Voice, brings you ten such personalities of Rajasthan, who have done extraordinary and pioneering work. Batool Begum: A living legacy of musical heritage.
Batool Begum: Woman who took traditional music to the world
One name that resonates in the streets of Jaipur is that of Batool Begum. Born in Kerap village of Nagaur district, Rajasthan, this extraordinary singer is a living legacy of Indian classical music. Batool developed a deep passion for music in her childhood. Despite facing social and economic challenges, she continued her singing.
Her melodious voice and her passion for music not only earned her recognition as an artist but also proved that talent can break all barriers. Her art is a source of inspiration for her community and the entire Rajasthan.
Abdul Salam Johar: A lac bangle maker who received global recognition
The vibrant spirit of India’s Pink City, Jaipur, doesn’t only emanate from its colours and people but also from the traditional handicrafts that are made and sold here. Bangles worth lakhs are made in these streets, which are a symbol of the traditional beauty and hard work of thousands of its people.
Abdul Salam Johar is one such artist who not only preserved the traditional art of the State but also brought about a social change in a major way. Coming from the Manihar community, Johar was born in a family with little means, but his dreams were extraordinary. Seeing the struggles of his grandfather Hafiz Mohammad Ismail and parents Haji Abdul Aziz and Hajjan Qamar Jahan, he made hard work, dedication, and social service the main mantra of his life.
He began his journey from his ancestral shop ‘Indian Kangan and Colour Store’ located in Tripolia Bazaar of Jaipur, and today his wares are being sold under brands ‘Johar Design’, ‘Johar King’ and ‘Indian Crafts’ in the global markets. He is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a social reformer who took his community and traditional art to new heights.
Abdul Latif ‘Arco’: A confluence of business and social service
Abdul Latif, who lives in Chini ki Burj in the capital Jaipur, and is known as ‘Arko’ in Rajasthan, is one such special personality. Born in a small village of Chomu in 1946, Abdul Latif’s father, Rahmatullah, and mother, Hafijan, taught him hard work, honesty, and the passion to help people, which became the basis of his life.
His company, Abdul Razzaq & Company (ARCO), is today a big name for social service along with electric motors, fans, and coolers. Apart from this, his hotel, ARCO Palace, is a symbol of his hard work and foresight. Abdul Latif’s story is not just of a businessman, but of a person who chose to work as a changemaker by combining his business and social responsibilities.
Qazi Nishat Hussain: A new voice breaking stereotypes
The voice rising from a small office located in the narrow streets of Johri Bazaar in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is today inspiring society to change. This voice is of Nishat Hussain, Rajasthan’s first Muslim female Qazi, social worker, and a strong advocate of the rights of Muslim women.
Her life journey is an example of courage, struggle, and change, which not only made thousands of women aware but also gave them a new direction to live.
Born in Sitabari Mohalla of Karauli district, Nishat’s childhood was spent in an environment of communal harmony. His family was the only Muslim family in the neighbourhood. There were three temples in front of her house. She says, “We did not know who was a Hindu and who was a Muslim.” In a backward area like Karauli, where girls’ education was not given importance, Nishat created history. She became the first Muslim girl in the district to pass the tenth standard, that too as the only Muslim student among 1200 girls. Today, she has become a torchbearer of the rights of Muslim women.
Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and Ruby Khan: An Inspiring couple in social service
An inspirational couple, Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and his wife Ruby Khan, hail from Jaipur. Captain Mirza is the first Muslim pilot of Rajasthan and has been operating national and international flights for the last 25 years. At the same time, his wife Ruby is an active social worker and politician.
Both believe that if one wants to bring change in society, then he has to take the initiative. Together, they had organised medical camps, documentation camps, free ration distribution, and offered financial help to families in the marriage of their daughters. The couple is an epitome of change brought about by spirited people.
Dr. Arif Khan: The village scientist who created history
Thirty-four years ago, a child was born in the small village of Masani in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. Today, he is Dr. Arif Khan, a scientist who has brought laurels to India. In his village, most of the people toiled in the fields. His father, Advocate Farid Khan, wanted his son to become a doctor. His mother and grandfather also had the same dream. But there were few schools in Masani, and the path to making dreams come true was difficult. Still, Arif had a passion to do something extraordinary in his life.
With his hard work and dedication, he became a bio-scientist and brought glory to his family and village. His research on milk and food products brought a wave of change. His story proves that if the intentions are strong, then even a boy from a small village can become a scientist and make the country feel proud.
Mainuna Nargis: First Shia Muslim woman in art conservation
In a vast country like India, art conservation is important since it not only preserves history but also connects future generations to our heritage. Mainuna Nargis, the country’s first and so far the only Shia Muslim woman art conservator, does the same work. Born in Bahjoi, a small town in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, Maimuna’s childhood was ordinary, but her dreams were extraordinary. Rajasthan has now become Mainuna’s second home.
Her father, a Policeman in UP, always encouraged her. After studying Fine Arts from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), she did a diploma in Museology, which became the most decisive turning point in her life. Maimuna’s story is not just of professional success, but a story of passion, struggle, and self-confidence, which revived the broken pieces of history.
Yoga Guru Naeem Khan: Global journey from music to yoga
The life journey of Yoga Guru Naeem Khan, who rose from the streets of Jodhpur, the cultural capital of Rajasthan, to spread his spiritual aura on international platforms, is a unique example. He rose from a common man to a global yoga guru and presented yoga as a universal energy beyond religion, culture, and boundaries.
Naeem Khan was born in a family where music was in every breath. His grandfather, Ustad Umardin Khan, was the court musician of the Jodhpur royal family, while his maternal uncle was Padma Bhushan-awarded Sarod player Ustad Sultan Khan. However, with changing times, that traditional flame of music started to fade. Naeem and his brother got involved in business, but yoga gave Naeem a new direction, and he took it to a global platform.
Syed Anwar Shah: A man who introduced girls to education
Thirty years ago, a dream was born in a small room in Jaipur, which has today become the light of education for thousands of girls. This is the story of Syed Anwar Shah, whom people fondly call Master Anwar Shah. He not only dreamt of his daughter’s education, but also made it a means of progress for the daughters of society.
Today his educational institution, Al-Jamia-tul Alia, is spreading the message of knowledge and Islamic ethics not only in Jaipur, but also in the whole of India and abroad. After completing his M.A. in Public Administration from Rajasthan University in 1980, he dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the service of education. In 1995, when his daughter Alia was born, he decided to set up an institution for the education of girls, which would impart both worldly and divine teachings.
Today, his effort has become a boon for thousands of families.
Padma Shri Shakir Ali: Patron of Miniature Painting
It’s no exaggeration to say that Jaipur is the art capital of Rajasthan. And in the field of miniature painting, the name of Syed Shakir Ali comes to the fore spontaneously. This genre of painting is an identity of the state of Rajasthan.
Padma Shri awardee Syed Shakir Ali is not only a great practitioner of this art, but he is also the guardian of that heritage, which is an integral part of the cultural identity of Rajasthan. Born in 1956 in Jalesar village of Uttar Pradesh, Shakir Ali’s family soon settled in Jaipur, where his art got a new direction.
Today, he has given recognition to this traditional art of Rajasthan not only in India but also on international platforms.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / September 14th, 2025
Dr Hamid Ashraf receives the Prestigious A.R. Seth Award for Research on Gestational Diabetes at the 54th Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESI), held in Kolkata
Aligarh:
Dr Hamid Ashraf, a distinguished faculty member at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been honoured with the prestigious A.R. Seth Award at the 54th Annual Conference of the Endocrine Society of India (ESI), held in Kolkata.
The A.R. Seth Award, among the highest recognitions in Indian endocrinology, is conferred annually on researchers and clinicians for outstanding contributions to the understanding and treatment of hormonal and metabolic disorders.
Dr. Ashraf received the award for his pioneering research on maternal health, particularly on identifying early metabolic markers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). His study revealed an alarming trend of dysglycemia in over 40 percent of pregnant women in the region, highlighting the urgent need for reliable predictive markers to ensure early detection and better fetomaternal outcomes.
“This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to the entire team that made this research possible,” Dr. Ashraf said, acknowledging the support of colleagues from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics at AMU, along with the contributions of students and patients who participated in the study.
Experts at the conference lauded his findings as a significant step in addressing one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / September 10th, 2025
The Aligarh Muslim University community deeply mourned the sad demise of noted cardiothoracic, vascular surgeon and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of AMU, Prof Mohammad Hanif Beg, 69, who took his last breath early morning today in Moradabad.
Extending condolences to the bereaved family of Prof Beg and the AMU fraternity, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Mohammad Gulrez said, “I offer my deepest condolences to Prof Beg’s family and AMU community and pray for the comfort for his loved ones at this difficult time. He was a selfless soul who earned admiration, respect and esteem as a distinguished surgeon and seasoned academic who anchored a number of developmental works at the J N Medical College and the university.”
“At this moment of sorrow and grief, we share the pain of Prof Beg’s family and pray to the Almighty for giving them strength and courage to bear this loss,” he added.
Prof Azam Haseen (Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery) expressed a deep sense of sorrow on his demise and prayed for solace to the bereaved family.
“Prof Beg mentored students with steadfast dedication, inspiring them to achieve their maximum potential. He also guided younger colleagues at key career moments for educational and professional strides,” he added.
Prof Beg served as the Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Chairperson, Department of Surgery, JNMC. He played a key role in the establishment and development of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery and started the Open-Heart-Surgery procedure in 1988 at the JNMC.
Prof Beg completed his MBBS from K G Medical College, Lucknow in 1976 and attended PGIMER Chandigarh for his MS (Surgery) and M Ch (CVTS) from 1980 to 1982. He joined JNMC as a lecturer in 1983 and became Reader in 1988 and Professor in 1993.
Prof Beg is considered a pioneer in performing endoscopy and endoscopic removal of various foreign bodies from aero-digestive tracts since 1983. He has invented many new techniques such as designing of ‘Intercostal Tube drainage System’, which saves precious lives daily.
Prof Beg is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.
source: http://www.amiu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) / Home / by Public Relations Office, AMU / April 06th, 2023
We celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Prof Rais Ahmed, the former head of the Physics Department, Aligarh Muslim University and the person to whom I owe a great deal for starting me off on my career path in plasma physics research.
A one-day memorial cum seminar on Future directions in Physics was held at the University on 5th October 2023 Venue. Prof. Irfan Habib, Prof. of History, AMU, Prof. Siraj Hasan (Former Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Prof. Naresh Dadhich (Former Director, IUCAA), Prof. S. K. Singh (Former VC, HNBU), Prof. Wasi Haider and Prof. Shyam Sunder Agrawal (Director General, KIIT Group of Institutions) spoke on the occasion. I spoke about my association with him and the future of Plasma Physics and Thermonuclear Fusion Research in India.
It was a forenoon in July 1964 when I first met Prof Rais Ahmed, who had become the Head of the Department that very year. I had travelled from Kerala seeking an opportunity to do research. He asked me a few questions on Physics, and I suppose I answered them reasonably well. But then he wanted to know why I wanted to pursue research.
I had rather romantic ideas like research leading to new knowledge and our responsibility to seek pure knowledge etc. It was clear that he did not take me seriously as he went on to say that science is what drives social transformation by changing our perception of our relationship with nature. Another observation was about science leading to technology which improves the quality of life.
Our conversation covered many things. I suppose he was gauging my mind and trying to find what kind of person I was. If it was a test, I passed it as he said that I could join for research. He made sure that I had no preference for Nuclear Physics or Spectroscopy, the areas of ongoing work in the department. He talked to me about Plasma Physics as an emerging field and about the work which was going on in Harwell and Oxford on Thermonuclear Fusion Research.
I did not know about Plasma Physics even at an elementary level. However, I was willing to learn and was asked to talk to Prof. D C Sarkar about the thesis work in more detail. I went through an intense learning programme, primarily reading Physical Review and Review of Scientific Instruments. There was no previous laboratory I could walk into and start work and I had to start from scratch. Looking back, I was taking an enormous risk as I had to build an entire laboratory for me to start the thesis work.
I rigged up a Radiofrequency generator with Japanese power tubes scavenged from the Electrical Engineering Department. Prof Venkateswarlu’s lab was full of microwave equipment, which Rais Sab allowed me to borrow. With all this, I set up an experiment and after a struggle of five years, put together a thesis which got me a degree. Almost immediately he gave me a regular job as a lecturer in the department as some vacancies were due to be filled.
As the Head of the Department, he did much to expand research and teaching in Physics in new areas. As Director of Academic Programmes, he organized the Semester System designed to update courses and provide more rigorous instruction to students. He made an alliance with Uppsala University in Sweden for faculty members to do research there. He arranged for PhD scholars to start teaching postgraduate students.
I recalled my interaction with university life during my eight years there. At first, Aligarh gave me a culture shock. My inability to comprehend Urdu was the first barrier to appreciating the culture. The exalted forms of addressing, and the too formal and exaggerated ‘Tehzeeb’, the gestural ‘adaabs’ strewn around were all alien. The food, though delicious, was completely unfamiliar. But the campus was a dream with beautiful buildings, stately halls, verdant lawns, and lush gardens. The library gave me all the books I wanted to read. The accommodation I got at the Sulaiman Hall was quite adequate. The students from central Travancore preferred this. There was a South Indian mess catering our preferred food. Tea at the Paradise restaurant with friends was fun.
Rais Ahmed had interests ranging from his specialization in Electronics to varied areas of science and education. He published over 100 papers on Electronic Circuit Analysis. Analogue Computers. Speech Recognition and Production, and Creative Teaching of Physics. The work he started in the 1970s on speech perception would eventually become an important branch of artificial intelligence and machine recognition of speech.
I recall a symposium he had organized on higher education, where we were asked to be volunteers to help the organization. The attendees were all academics from Universities and IITs and I was fortunate to listen to many of them. The remarkable skill with which Rais Sab generated consensus on many issues which were debated was an eye-opener for me.
In a department seminar, when his student Moonis Ali spoke on the design of an analogue computer system, some of us, ridiculed the idea calling it a paper machine. Rais Sab defended the presentation vigorously, saying that new ideas were what drove science forward and that they had as much importance in science as building new instruments.
His remarkable organizational skills were brought to bear at the prestigious Annual Meeting on High Energy and Nuclear Physics, sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy. Prof Roy Daniel from TIFR was the coordinator of the meeting, and his being from Kerala, we used to chat about the preparations for the meeting. The participants included bigwigs like Vikram Sarabhai, Prof M G K Menon and Dr Raja Ramanna. The meeting was hailed as very successful thanks to the planning and preparations led by Rais Saheb.
All of us in the department rejoiced when he was made a member of the Science Advisory Committee to the PM, then Mrs Gandhi. After each meeting, he would call all of us to the lawn near the workshop to convey to us the flavour of the meeting. We had the vicarious pleasure of being informed about the thinking in the places of power.
He would call me occasionally to his office to find out how I was doing. In one of these meetings, he advised me to read journals other than those dedicated to pure physics. He cited the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists as an example.
Rais Sab had an abiding faith in Scientific Socialism and felt strongly about the increasing global dominance of the multinationals and about what he saw as a retreat by India from its independent position both in the Economic and Intellectual fields. He had a strong belief that human capital, in the form of expanding knowledge and scientific spirit, held the key to India’s salvation. For this ideal, he worked tirelessly both as an individual and in administrative capacities.
In the 1950’s he was an energetic organizer of the Association of Scientific Workers of India. Once when I asked him about the ethics of unionizing scientific workers, he defended it by saying that collective bargaining need not be about wages and working conditions only. Professional bodies of scientists had a role in influencing public policy.
After I left Aligarh in 1972 to join the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, I had occasional interactions with him. He made me a member of the UGC Committee to visit Marathwada University to make an academic assessment. He funded my proposal to have an orientation programme for university teachers in the emerging field of Plasma Physics.
I had an exciting and eventful life contributing to Plasma Physics in India, right from its inception at the Physical Research Laboratory, during the Plasma Physics Programme and its eventual transformation to the Institute for Plasma Research and when India became a proud partner in the ITER project of building the world’s first Thermonuclear fusion reactor in France. I owe a debt of gratitude to Rais Saheb for initiating me into the research path, which made all this possible.
source: http://www.john-pucadyil.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / by John Pucadyil / October 06th, 2023
Professors Syed Abrar Hasan (center-left) and Shahid Siddiqui (center) receiving the 2019 Advancing Photodynamic Therapy In Rising Nations Award from Dr. Lothar Lilge (left), IPA Past-President, Dr. Tayyaba Hassan (center-right), and IPA President, Dr. Luis Arnaut (right).
Boston, USA :
At the 17th International Photodynamic Association World Congress in Boston, Massachusetts, Professors Shahid Siddiqui and Syed Abrar Hasan, leading an Indian and international team of PDT clinicians and researchers, were honoured as the 2019 recipients of the IPA award for Advancing Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Rising Nations.
The IPA recognizes the joint and considerable efforts of the team over the past three years to establish photodynamic therapy sustainably in the large and growing Indian market. The ‘PDT in India’ initiative is the direct result of the personal efforts, resources and perseverance of Indian Professor Shahid Siddiqui and Professor Syed Abrar Hasan to address the large unmet medical need relating to oral cancer in India. Oral cancer has a high death rate in India, as many people are undiagnosed and do not have access to adequate treatments or healthcare facilities. The Indian contingent of the team include the following clinicians from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University:
Professor Ibne Ahmad
Dr. Kafil Akhtar
Dr. Syed Abrar Hasan
Dr. Bilal Hussain
Dr. Shakir Khan
Professor Satish C. Sharma
Professor Shahid Ali Siddiqui
Dr. Shaista Siddiqui
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From left to right: Dr. Shakir Khan, Dr. Kafil Akhtar, Professor Syed Abrar Hasan, Professor Shahid Siddiqui, Dr. Tayyaba Hassan (IPA Past-President), Dr. Luis Arnaut (IPA President), Dr. Amjad Khan, Dr. Bilal Hussain.
Supporting the Indian clinicians on the team with international PDT expertise are representatives from the University College London, the University of Massachusetts, the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The international contingent of the team includes the following PDT researchers and clinicians:
Dr. Colin Hopper, University College London
Professor Stephen Bown, University College London
Dr. Jonathan P. Celli, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Dr. Filip Cuckov, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Dr. Hui Liu, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Dr. Tayyaba Hasan, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Dr. Amjad Khan, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Dr. Srivalleesha Mallid, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
Mr. Marvin Xavierselvan, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
As a result of this international team effort spanning three years, a robust infrastructure for photodynamic treatment has been built and is being maintained at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh University, India. Along with the development of PDT infrastructure, PDT equipment/supplier access, and extensive clinician training, patient recruitment processes have been successfully established leading to the ability to better meet the large unmet medical needs in the region. Patients treated to date with PDT have experienced excellent outcomes facilitating accelerating patient acceptance and recruitment rates.
IPA World Congress
The Boston World Congress was the 17th conference held by the International Photodynamic Association, marking 34 years of this global meeting. The IPA World Congresses, held every two years, are the leading PDT meetings bringing together members of the global photodynamic community to advance scientific and clinical research relating to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapies. The Boston World Congress was led by Congress Chair and IPA President Dr. Tayyaba Hasan, Professor of Dermatology at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a Professor of Health Sciences and Technology (Harvard-MIT) and had record attendance with representatives from 33 countries. The 2021 IPA World Congress will be hosted in Moscow, Russia and the 2023 IPA World Congress will be held in Shanghai, China.
About Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a combination therapy involving light activated photosensitizers to diagnose and treat various types and stages of cancers and pre-cancers, macular degeneration and multidrug-resistant infections involving bacteria, viruses and fungi. First developed in the 1980s, PDT has demonstrated superior patient outcomes with considerable cost savings. Over the past 30 years, millions of patients globally have been successfully treated with PDT.
About the International Photodynamic Association
The International Photodynamic Association (IPA) was founded in 1986 to support and endorse the scientific advancement and clinical development of photodynamic therapy and photodiagnosis. With members and associates from over 30 countries, the IPA represents a truly global community consisting of prominent international scientists, clinicians and translational researchers, healthcare professionals and students across academic, hospital, government and private sector organizations. The IPA promotes the study of diagnosis and treatment using light-activated photosensitizers and disseminates scientific information to its members, the research community, and to the community at large. The IPA organizes a biennial World Congress around the world, providing members and non-members a unique opportunity to share and learn more about global developments relating specifically to photodynamic therapy and photodiagnosis.
For further information: ipasecretary@internationalphotodynamic.com
source: http://www.globenewswire.com / GlobeNewsWire / Home / by IPA – International Photodynamic Association / July 11th, 2019
Dr. Saima Yunus Khan receiving the Exemplary Peer Reviewer Award from Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha at International Paediatric Dentistry Conference at Siri Lanka
Aligarh:
Dr. Saima Yunus Khan, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Dr. Z.A. Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University, has brought laurels to the institution by receiving the Exemplary Peer Reviewer Award for her outstanding research contribution at the 5th International Conference of the South Asian Association of Paediatric Dentistry held at Colombo Sri Lanka.
She was presented the award by the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha, during the conference’s inaugural ceremony. The event, attended by over 250 delegates from more than 10 countries, showcased global advancements in paediatric dentistry.
Prof. Saima also presented her original evidence-based research and chaired a paper presentation session at the conference. She has previously won several national and international accolades, including being the only Indian recipient of the prestigious and highly competitive IADR John Clarkson Fellowship.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / August 13th, 2025
