Joygram Village (North 24 Parganas District), WEST BENGAL :
Kutubuddin Ali Molla in research lab
Kolkata:
A young researcher from West Bengal beat poverty to bag the Young Scientist Award 2013-14 of India. The Young Botanist Kutubuddin Ali Molla, who hails from a very poor family in North 24 Parganas district received the honour for his research on “Development of Transgenic Rice Plants for Sheath Blight Resistance”.
The young scientist was felicitated on February 7, 2014 at Jammu University by Vice President of India Hamid Ansari with a cheque of Rs 25000 and an Award Certificate in the field of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences.
Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Governor of Jammu Kashmir N N Vhora, Former CM of J&K Dr. Farooq Abdullah were also present in this award ceremony.
Kutubuddin is currently posted as a scientist trainee at National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad.
Originally from a remote village of Joygram in North 24 Parganas, Kutubuddin Ali Molla, his father Illias Molla is a farmer and Grandfather Nasim Molla was a Maulana and social worker.
With only three Bighaa of agricultural land in a joint family, Illias Molla was not able to fulfill all the needs of the family; his eldest brother Yusuf Molla, however, financially supported his bright nephew in times of economic-crunch.
Kutubuddin Ali Molla taking award from VP Hamid Ansari at Jammu University.
As a young boy, he Kutubuddin also helped his father in the agricultural fields and learnt several things about paddy cultivation that developed his interest for becoming an agricultural scientist. Stricken by poverty, his father told him, he will not stop him from studying, but he is not in a condition to financially support him and hence he would need to manage the expenses from somewhere.
After completing his senior secondary from Joygram JN High School, Kutub took admission at City College in Kolkata in B.Sc (Honours) in Botany. As the college was about 60 KM from his village, he shifted to a hostel near the college on a nominal fees of Rs 50.
Kutub is very grateful to his Professor in college Dr Argha Hait, who helped in several ways. After graduating with first class, he took admission for post-graduation in Calcutta University, which he completed with first class and ranked third.
All these while, he gave private tuitions to support the expenses of his study and staying in Kolkata. Meanwhile, he also cleared the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), GATE, ICAR (NET) and ARS tests.
Kutubuddin Ali Molla
He took admission in Phd under the Dr Karabi Dutta in 2009 in Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology. He did his PhD research (PhD award still awaited) on transgenic rice and published a research article in a Research Journal of the British Society on `Molecular Plant Pathology’ in 2013 that attracted the attention of the agricultural scientists in the country.
He then participated in All India Young Scientist Award Competition and was selected for the Best Young Scientist Award of India in the field of agriculture for 2013-14.
Speaking to TCN over phone from Hyderabad, Kutubuddin thanked the Almighty Allah for the honour and hoped that his research in agricultural yields good result in paddy cultivation.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net / March 19th, 2014
Jharkhand is one of the youngest Indian states, located in eastern India, and is also known as the tribal homeland. Since its inception, it has seen good growth, but the teething problems posed their own challenges. During these exciting times, some individuals have made significant contributions to society.
We, at Awaz-The Voice, bring to you stories of such unsung heroes from the length and breadth of India. Here are stories of ten extraordinary Muslim personalities of Jharkhand, who made a lot of difference to the lives of people and thereby helped state’s growth:
Dr Sajid Hussain
Dr Sajid Hussain left a prestigious research career to build a brighter future for the children of Chitarpur village in Ramgarh. His model, ‘Schoologium’, is redefining education across India.
Sajid explains, “Just as our body needs exercise to stay fit, the brain too needs regular practical workouts to stay active.” At Schoologium, children don’t just study from textbooks — they learn through touch, smell, taste, and experience. It’s learning through interaction and imagination — reminiscent of Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of Shantiniketan.
Sajid worked as a scientist at the National Aerospace Laboratories. But his exposure to premier institutions in India and abroad revealed a painful truth — rural children do not lag because of a lack of intelligence, but because they lack access to quality educational tools.
Determined to bridge this gap, Sajid resigned from his government job in 2012 and returned to his village. That’s where Schoologium was born — the name itself blending “school” and “gymnasium.”
Sattar Khalifa
Sattar Khalifa, better known as Painter Jilani, has brought hope to the people of Palamu, a division in Jharkhand that lags in development and where people face economic deprivation.
In college, Jilani always dreamed of serving people. A painter by profession, Jilani channels his earnings into helping the needy. “Art is my tool, service is my purpose,” he says.
His reputation made sure that even during the peak of Naxal and extremist dominance, Jilani travelled fearlessly between Bishrampur and Daltonganj, through a Naxal-dominated area.
For the poor, Dalits, Mahadalits, and marginalised communities of Palamu and Garhwa, Jilani is a symbol of assurance. From securing ration cards and pensions to arranging drinking water and hospital aid, he is always there.
Mohammad Minhaj
Mohammad Minhaj’s calm countenance hides the fire inside his mind that has driven him to serve society for over four decades. Mihaj has changed many lives in Ranchi’s slums. He ensures the people living in slums get education, health services, and social rights.
His journey began in 1982, when Ranchi was rapidly expanding, but its slums remained shrouded in neglect. Daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers, and working-class families struggled each day just to earn enough for two meals. For them, education was a distant dream. That was when Minhaj decided to step in and make a difference in many lives.
Muzaffar Hussain
Muzaffar Hussain’s dream is simple yet profound — no one in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana should sleep hungry. In this remote region, poverty isn’t just a condition — it’s a living reality. The six districts of Pakur, Godda, Sahebganj, Dumka, Jamtara, and Deoghar carry a long and painful history of deprivation, now slowly being rewritten.
A study claims that 82 percent of Santhal people live in extreme poverty, with most owning no land. In the middle of this harsh reality stands Muzaffar Hussain of Pakur, whose battle began even before the Right to Food Act was passed in 2013. Today, while the Act exists on paper, the real task is ensuring food reaches the truly needy — a task Muzaffar has made his life’s purpose. His efforts have borne fruit: around 600–700 families now have ration cards and receive regular supplies of food grains.
Ibrar Ahmad
In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, its lanes, neighbourhoods, and beyond, one name that resonates hope is that of Ibrar Ahmad. Once employed in a bank and associated with the cultural organisation IPTA, Ibrar has been engaged in improving the lives of people around for over three decades. He is known as the person who steps in when a child drops out of school for want of fees, where poor patients wander helplessly for treatment, or where communal tension threatens to tear society apart.
Ibrar Ahmad has consistently reached out to children and youth. As President of Anjuman Islamia Ranchi, he arranged scholarships for poor children, launched talent shows and quiz competitions, ensuring that education went beyond textbooks to build both confidence and skills.
Dr. Shahnawaz Qureshi
The Quraish Academy of Ranchi has produced doctors, engineers, teachers, software developers, and many other bright minds. Located close to Ranchi’s iconic Albert Ekka Chowk is Gudri Qureshi Mohalla, officially declared a slum by the municipal corporation, where the founder of this academy, Dr Shahnawaz Qureshi, was born.
Whether through journalism or social service, Dr Qureshi changed not just the image of his locality but also the mindset of its people.
In 1993, while working with the National Literacy Mission, Dr. Qureshi established a night school in his own neighbourhood. After long days of labour, elderly men and women would gather after evening prayers, notebooks and pens in hand. The sight of wrinkled fingers tracing letters under the dim glow of a kerosene lamp became a symbol of hope and awakening. The classes were free, and the locals provided fuel for the lamps.
Mukhtar Alam Khan
Mukhtar Alam Khan’s efforts have transformed the image of Azad Basti in Jamshedpur, which was once a notorious place. It was once associated with crime, fear, and a negative image—much like Dhanbad’s Wasseypur. Mukhtar is among the few locals who brought about a positive change in this area. Today, Azad Basti’s name is taken with pride.
On any given day, Mukhtar and his team could be seen arranging blood and medicines for patients, feeding the hungry, or supporting children in education and competitive exams.
Tanveer Ahmad
In 2010, when areas like Islam Nagar and Baba Khatal in Ranchi were demolished under encroachment drives, hundreds of families were rendered homeless. The greatest sufferers were children, as some missed their exams, and others dropped out of school permanently.
In this situation, Tanveer Ahmad decided to extend a helping hand to the suffering children.
He thought, if circumstances had taken schools away from them, why not return education to them, as friends. This idea marked the beginning of a journey—from friendship to education.
Tanveer Ahmad says, “Our mission is to reach underprivileged children in Ranchi and Jharkhand who are drifting away from mainstream education. We believe education is the key that can transform their future.”
When one hears the name Ranchi, images of lush greenery, hills, and a rapidly developing city often come to mind. But hidden behind this image lies another reality—a large section of the city’s population lives in slums and makeshift settlements.
Anwarul Haq
Anwarul Haq, a resident of Chadri village in Kanke block, has launched a unique initiative that is changing the lives of children who would otherwise lag due to poverty. By day, he teaches football, and by night, he tutors children. In just three years, his efforts have transformed the lives of many children for whom both education and sports were once a distant luxury.
It all began when Anwarul Haq, a sports teacher at a residential girls’ school in Ranchi, decided to go beyond his job to make a difference. He was disturbed by the condition of children in his and neighbouring villages. Most children were from families surviving on daily wages, skipped school, and some fell into bad company. He had a plan up his sleeve to change their lives by imparting education and sports training to the underprivileged children.
SyedTariq Alam
Syed Tariq Alam has been quietly transforming lives, supporting poor and underprivileged families through education, employment, and social welfare in the Kolhan region of Jamshedpur.
His efforts have been focused on Kapali, a small township just 20 kilometres from Jamshedpur — the industrial hub of eastern India. Jamshedpur draws thousands of laborers from across the country, many of whom settle in Kapali where living costs are lower. While these workers find temporary employment in the steel city, the jobs are often low-paying and unstable.
This insecurity directly affects their children’s education, leading to high dropout rates in Kapali and nearby areas. It was this grim reality that moved Syed Tariq Alam deeply. Determined to bring change, he embarked on a mission that has now become a beacon of hope for thousands.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in /Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Aasha Khosa / October 26th, 2025
Tamkeen Fatima, a past student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as Scientist ‘B’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Aligarh Muslim University:
Tamkeen Fatima, a past student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been selected as Scientist ‘B’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Tamkeen Fatima is a recent M.Tech. graduate from the Department of Computer Engineering. Her selection came through a highly competitive process comprising academic performance, GATE score and interview.
Tamkeen completed her M.Tech. (Computer Science & Engineering) in 2025 with an outstanding CPI of 9.944, securing the top rank in her class.
She also completed her B.Tech. from AMU in 2023 and qualified UG-NET (JRF) 2024 in Computer Science with an All-India Rank 2 (99.9933 percentile) in her very first attempt.
“A Consistent Performer”
Tamkeen is a Second Year student pursuing M. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering at the Department of Computer Engineering, Z.H. College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University.
She completed her B Tech from AMU in 2023 with 9.703 CPI. She has been a consistent recipient of Merit Scholarships from class X onwards, including UP STSE, University Merit Financial Award (AMU), and GATE scholarship.
During her B Tech, Fatima participated in research internship programmes at ISRO, McMaster University, Toronto, Canada (Mitacs GRI), and The Fields Institute, Toronto, Canada (Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Programme). She has also published a research paper in ACM Conference Proceedings.
Recognising her academic excellence and research potential, she was selected as Assistant Professor (Contractual) through the Local Selection Committee and joined the Department of Computer Engineering, AMU in August 2025.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Career / by Ummid.com news network / November 01st, 2025
Dr. Waliur Rahman, an alumnus of the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been named for the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar 2025, announced by the Government of India on October 26, 2025.
Currently serving as Scientist-E at the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, Dr. Rahman has been recognised for his outstanding contributions in the field of isotope geochemistry and Antarctic climate research.
A distinguished earth scientist, Dr. Rahman’s research spans a wide range of topics, including Antarctic climate variability through ice core records, trace element and isotope studies in oceans, paleo-oceanography using radiogenic and stable isotopes, and Himalayan weathering and erosion processes. His pioneering work in developing non-traditional isotope measurements has contributed significantly to understanding global climatic and oceanic processes.
Dr. Rahman earned his B.Sc. (Geology Hons.) and M.Sc. (Applied Geology) degrees from Aligarh Muslim University in 2002 and 2004 respectively, and later obtained his Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
His illustrious career includes research fellowships and international recognition such as the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships (Germany), the Certificate of Merit in Polar Science and Technology (2019), the Young Researcher Award (2021) from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the National Geoscience Award (2023) from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
Dr. Rahman has authored over 50 peer-reviewed research papers in leading international journals including Nature Communications, Geophysical Research Letters, Marine Chemistry, and Science of the Total Environment. His contributions have enhanced India’s global standing in the fields of Antarctic and oceanic research.
Congratulating Dr. Rahman on his achievement, AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon said that the university takes pride in its alumni who continue to bring laurels to their alma mater through excellence in research and national service, and Dr Rahman’s achievement will work as an impetus for young students who wish to make a career in the field of earth sciences.
source: http://www.amu.ac.in / Aligarh Muslim University / Home> AMU News / by Public Relations Office / October 07th, 2025
Chhattisgarh, the youngest of Indian states, is a repository of culture and antiquity and also home to spirited people. Some of them have set the trends and become changemakers. Here, we present 10 Changemakers from Chhattisgarh, whose work, grit and initiatives not only set examples for their state but also changed the lives of millions.
These 10 personalities are establishing benchmarks across art, politics, education, science, health and social servicein the state.
Karan Khan: Superstar of Chhattisgarhi Cinema
Karan Khan is a superstar of the Chhattisgarhi cinema, popularly known as “Chhollywood.” His work extends beyond feature films into music albums, video songs and live cultural events. In recent years, he has appeared in hundreds of Chhattisgarhi songs and albums, many of which have gone viral on YouTube and other platforms, such as the “Ditto Karan Khan Mona Sen” album.
Born Syed Tahir Ali, Karan Khan worked from cinema and music to broaden his reach and fan base. He has been a strong advocate of raising production quality in the regional films. His upcoming filmis being shot on an Arri Alexa—a professional-grade camera rarely seen in Chhattisgarhi productions, which usually face limited budgets and access to high-end technology. Khan strikes a balance between tradition and contemporary presentation to meet the expectations of changing audiences.
Mir Ali Mir: Poetic genius
When you hear the lines “Nanda jahi ka re… kamra au khumari, araitutari…” one name instantly comes to mind: Mir Ali Mir. His real name is Syed Ayyub Ali Mir, but in the world of literature, he is popularlyknown as Mir Ali Mir. Famous for expressing deep thoughts about life in simple words, his ghazals portray love, longing and life’s contradictions, while his Chhattisgarhi compositions are steeped in the fragrance of folk life.
Chhattisgarh has always been fertile ground for literature, art and culture, and Meer Ali Meer carries this legacy forward. His writings strengthen the pride of the Chhattisgarhi language and give voice to the pain, struggles and sensitivities of common people. Born on 15March 1953 in Kawardha, Meer Ali Meer enriched the Chhattisgarhi language and gave it a new identity.He is not only a poet but also an indefatigable promoter of Chhattisgarhi literature, actively working to connect younger generations with the region’s poetry and verse.
Aijaz Dhebar: transforming Raipur
The story of Chhattisgarh’s transformation is incomplete without the mention of Aijaz Dhebar’s name. He is more than just the mayor of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh; he is a symbol of struggle, commitment and secular politics.
Born in a modest Muslim family in Maulana Abdul Rauf Ward of the Old Raipur, Dhebar helped run his household while pursuing his education. “My circumstances didn’t hold me back; they propelled me forward,” he often says. In January 2020, he was elected Mayor of Raipur Municipal Corporation, defeating his opponent, Mrityunjay Dubey. “I never considered myself a representative of just one religion,” he says. Recognising his leadership, he was appointed National Vice-President of the All India Mayors Council—the first mayor from Chhattisgarh to hold this post. His message to youth: “Don’t waste your energy on hatred and negativity. Politics and society today need constructive, innovative young people.”
Dr.Saleem Raj: Restructuring Waqf Board
Dr.Saleem Raj stands tall among a few who have played a crucial role in Chhattisgarh’s minority politics and social reform movement. A long-time member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Raj serves as Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, a position with cabinet rank.
His rise is not just a story of political success but of a man determined to transform religious institutions from centres of controversy into engines of social and national development. “Religious institutions should be partners in the nation’s progress, not centres of disputes,” he often says. Raj joined the BJP in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving at district, state and national levels in the party’s Minority Morcha. From 2016 to 2020, he chaired the state Minority Morcha, earning a reputation for Muslim outreach and consensus-building.
Tauqeer Raja: Accessible Politician
Tauqeer Raja embodies a rare blend of political activism, entrepreneurship, sportsmanship and cultural pursuit—serving as a model of dedication in Chhattisgarh’s public life. He is widely recognised as the BJP’s state spokesperson, a sharp debater, a successful entrepreneur, a sports and music enthusiast, and a committed social worker.
What sets him apart is his ability to pursue society, politics and business with equal commitment. He focuses on issues likeeducation, healthcare and employment, with special attention to integrating youth into the mainstream. Born on 15 September 1973 into a modest family, Raza displayed leadership qualities from an early age, excelling in studies as well as sports and cultural activities. Today, he is actively involved in all three fields and is known for his approachable nature—equally accessible to the public and party workers.
Dr Shams Parvez: Keeping air clean
Professor Dr Shams Parvez guides students and the public with an approach that blends scientific rigour with social responsibility. An expert in air pollution, environmental health and chemistry, Dr Parvez is one of the few scientists in Chhattisgarh to link academic research with societal needs.
His extensive studies on changing air quality in Raipur and surrounding areas have given policymakers a solid scientific basis for interventions. Defined by simplicity, rigour and dedication to students, he is a key figure in Chhattisgarh’s academic landscape for environmental protection. His research has been published in numerous national and international journals, informing state environmental policies and public health programmes. Collaborations with prestigious institutions such as NASA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences reflect the high quality of his work, through which he has led multimillion-dollar projects.
Dr Abbas Naqvi: Building a Medical Centre with a Human Touch
Dr Abbas Naqvi is a prominent name in Raipur’s healthcare sector. He is not just any other doctor but is known for his unmatched dedication, honesty and an unshakeable spirit of service. Dr Naqvi is among a select few who take their profession not just as a career but as a means to serve society.
In 2004, Dr Naqvi founded Ramkrishna Hospital, which has become one of Chhattisgarh’s leading multi-speciality healthcare centres. He currently serves as Director and Consultant in the Department of Medicine. Patients know him as a sensitive human being. Born and raised in Raipur, he chose to return to his hometown after completing his medical education rather than seek opportunities in larger cities. He treats thousands of patients daily using a blend of modern technology and empathy and compassion.
Mohsin Ali Suhail: Positive Reporting
Amid a changing media landscape, Hajji Dr Mohsin Ali Suhail has preserved the dignity, integrity and responsibility of the profession of journalism. He is one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected journalists, known for fearless, people-centred reporting and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Suhail hopes the next generation of reporters will retain honesty and care for depth in their stories. His advice: “Don’t just chase breaking news. Dig deep into society’s roots. Journalism means bringing change, and change comes only when we show the truth.”
Born on 7 May 1953, Suhail displayed curiosity and social awareness from an early age. He recalls deciding as a child that he would speak up whenever his village faced problems.
Shamsad Begum: Chhattisgarh’s Women Commando
Padma Shri awardee Shamsad Begum is living proof of how a woman’s determination can transform an entire community. With unwavering honesty and a focus on inclusion, she has built one of India’s most inspiring grassroots networks, empowering thousands of women in Chhattisgarh to live safer, more self-reliant lives. She is the driving force behind the women’s commando movement.
Her journey began in the small town of Balod, where she witnessed firsthand the obstacles women faced. “If I ever get the chance, I will work for women’s education and empowerment,” she resolved. Coming from a modest family, she drew inspiration from her mother, Aamna Bee, who balanced work and education to ensure all six of her children studied. Her impact was nationally recognised when she was included in the list of 100 Muslim women honoured for their role in India’s development.
Faisal Rizvi: A Lawyer with an Unyielding Sense of Justice
Faisal Rizvi has made his nameas a leading criminal lawyer in Raipur. His arguments, cross-examination skills and strong command of legal intricacies have made him one of Chhattisgarh’s most respected legal figures.
From a young age, Rizvi displayed keen observation and a natural inclination towards law, with a deep interest in social issues and legal awareness. Understanding the importance of nurturing the next generation of lawyers, he has distributed more than10,000 books on the Indian Penal Code and Constitution to law students in memory of his father. Born into a cultured, educated family, Rizvi completed his LL.B. from CLC College, Raipur in 1995 and later earned an LL.M. During his studies, he immersed himself in judicial perspectives, constitutional principles and the workings of society and administration.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / posted by Aasha Khosa / October 05th, 2025
It was a cold day in February 2016. A woman from a small town of Uttar Pradesh received her Ph.D. at the 63rd Annual Convocation of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh. She was the first from her clan to have taken admission to AMU in 2003. Her parents never attended college; her four brothers took up family businesses at a younger age. The woman in the discussion is me. I am Mahino Fatima, a Muslim girl from a backward caste who became a scientist against all odds.
pix: heritagetimes.in / Dr. Mahino Fatima
Friends, relatives, and peers celebrated my becoming a scientist as a consequence of my hard work and perseverance. In my heart of hearts, I knew this day has not come only because of me; I was grateful for the privilege of education that I was born with.
Most importantly, I should not forget Fatima Sheikh. If not for her, I would never have become a scientist. Lakhs of women who are successful because of education would have remained illiterate but for Fatima Sheikh’s pioneering work.
How can I, a woman, forget that my foremothers were not allowed to learn how to write? How can I, a backward caste woman, forget that my forefathers were not allowed to receive an education? Today, when we look at our curriculum, we find that women scientists, economists, philosophers, and intellectuals are negligible in comparison to men. Famous philosopher, Jaques Derrida, once remarked that no woman was a philosopher. His observation was true, but he did not delve into the reason. How can a woman become a philosopher when men for centuries controlled the development of her intellectual capacities in the name of culture?
In our society, men would not let women learn the art of writing for the fear that if literate these women would communicate to ‘lovers’ through letters. Bibi Ashraf, a late 19th-century educationist, recalled how she was not allowed to learn reading and writing like male members of her family. She secretly learned to write. The secret came out when during the revolt of 1857; she had to write a letter to her father and uncle. Instead of receiving accolades, she was abhorred by men in her family. Her uncle was furious and made her take an oath that she would never write a letter to a man. Similar was the story of Rassundari Devi, who secretly learned writing by stealing books from her son. How do we expect women scientists in such a society? Still, a large section of our society would not let women study more than what is needed in the ‘marriage market’.
In this society, Fatima Sheikh, along with Savitribai Phule, started a school for girls in 1848. Yes, 1848. 26 years before Sheikh Abdullah, who later founded a women’s college at Aligarh, and 32 years before Begum Rukaiya Sakhawat, doyen of women education, were born, Fatima had started a girls’ school and taught herself. Today, that small classroom of 9 girls has prepared lakhs of educated women.
Today women are asking for gender parity in opportunities and pay scales. Thanks to Fatima, women today are educated to understand their worth and assert their rights.
Fatima was a pioneer; she was followed by Begum Rukaiya, Begum Wahid, Muhammadi Begum. A revolution starts with an idea. Fatima’s was the idea that put women of India in general and Muslim women in particular, on the march to empowerment through education.
Today, I thank Fatima for making me a scientist. Nobody knows how many bright women before 1848 had been deprived of education and were not allowed to dream of becoming a scientist. But, we surely know that after 1848, women have slowly entered different fields through education and are today competing with men to have their rightful place in the books, laboratories, and society.
(Author is a neurobiologist with her major research on depression and Alzheimer’s)
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mahino Fatima / Saquib Salim / January 09th, 2022
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
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
