Dr Hafsa Banu Abid, a professional dentist at Al Qurm, Sultanate of Oman, who runs a dental clinic, ‘White Smile Dental Specialty Clinic’, is the daughter of Sheikh Zainul Abid and Haseena Banu, who hails from Attavar, Mangaluru. She happens to be the wife of Dr Ejaz Salim Khan from Thiruvananthapuram, India and is a lot more than what her practice demands.
She has an artistic approach to everything in life, including the intricate tasks of her profession, and has conjured up something artistically special for Oman’s 49th National Day.
An ex-student of Indian School Muscat, Dr Hafsa did her degree in dentistry from Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte in Mangaluru. Dr Hafsa creates unique artworks with nails and strings and is the only artist of her kind in Oman as well as the GCC region.
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With scores of tiny nails mounted onto a wooden frame, Dr. Hafsa creates magical images with colored nylon threads by weaving them in varied patterns with dexterous movements of her fingers.
Last year, she presented a black and white portrait of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to the Diwan of Royal Court, which acknowledged her effort with a reward. This year, too, she has created something special, which will be presented to the Diwan to mark the 49th National Day. She, however, wishes to keep the creation under wraps until it is presented.
Passionate about art since childhood, Dr. Hafsa says that she nurtured this talent all by herself, without any formal training, although ‘nail art’, as she calls it, has been practiced since many years across the world.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat (SP) / November 08th, 2019
Mangaluru-based author Harsha Shankar Bhat’s book ‘Navaithi of Bhatkal’ was launched on Sunday February 14 at Bhatkal’s historic site ‘Nawje Fatar’, Mushma Street, where the author shared her impressions quoting a language is like a window. When we peek and see what is inside, the people inside the window will open the door when they see us outside. The Nawayati people opened the door of the house for me, took me inside and informed me about their language.
Addressing the Nawayath community, she said that we should be proud of our language, the Nawayath community has its own culture, the people here are mostly educated and the way of life is different from others. Nawayath is a community that goes to any corner of the world, wherever they go to earn money, they come back to Bhatkal, spend their money here, build their house here, this is what makes a community strong. She said, “I became interested in learning about the Nawayati language when my father told me that the Muslims of Bhatkal have a different Konkani language.
“After researching how Bhatkal’s Nawayati is spoken, what are the rules of Nawayati language, I have penned a book and opened a window for people, which will help more people to come forward,” she added.
On the occasion, she recited the poem ‘Apauta Amka Gaon Ya’ in her melodic voice, which was written by the well-known Nawayati poet Shabbir Baida.
Addressing the welcome speech, Gurudat Bantawal, said, “After every 15 km there is a slight change in the language. He said that no matter how many languages ??are spoken in India, there is a similarity in all languages. According to him, the language spoken by the Nawayath people is called Nawayati. The language spoken by the people in Gujarat is Gujarati, the language of the people living in Punjab is Punjabi, the language of the Kashmir people is Kashmiri. The language of the people where they live is named after their respective area. Similarly, the language spoken in Konkan areas is called Konkani.
He gave a brief introduction of ‘Vishwa Konkani Kendra’, and said that through this center established in 2009, research is being done in different languages ??of Konkani and those who do research on Konkani language, Konkani people or Konkani society are given fellowships.
The book ‘Navaiti of Bhatkal’ was launched by the president of Nawayath Mehfil, Jan Abdul Rahman Mohtasham. Maulana Ilyas Jakti Nadvi, Pradeep Pai and Atiqur Rahman Muniri, who were present as guests expressed their views on the occasion.
The programme, organized jointly by Nawayath Mehfil, Sunshine Sports Center and Vishwa Konkani Kendra, began with the recitation of Holy Quran in Nawayati and Kannada translation, followed by Naat. Sunshine’s anthem was also sung on the occasion and well-known Nawayati poet Samiullah Barmawar recited a poem of his own. Vishwa Konkani Kendra’s president Waman Shenai presided over the function. Atiqur Rahman Shabandari compered the programme.
Qamar Sada, Maulana Abdul Aleem Qasmi, Sunshine Sports Center general secretary Qaisar Mohtasham, Siddique Ismail, Jafar Mohtasham, K V Kharvi, Vasant Kharvi, Pooja V Naik, Zubair Jukaku, and many others were present onstage.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Media Release / February 15th, 2021
The annual social gathering of Anjuman Boys’ High School (ABHS) was celebrated on the Anjumanbad campus, Bhatkal. During the event, the ‘Viqaur-e-Anjuman’ Gold Medal award was presented to the outstanding student for the year 2023-24.
The ‘Viquar-e-Anjuman’ award was conferred to Mohammed Mohtesham S/o Mohammed Sajid Mohtesham. Mohammed Tanoof S/o Mohammed Taha Channa, and Mohammed Afeef S/o Rayees Farooqi, were awarded the Silver Medal as the runners-up for ‘Viqaur-e-Anjuman.’
The Chief Guest of the function, Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Imam and Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of the world. He highlighted the significance of the current educational period in students’ lives and urged them to recognize its importance.
Maulana also encouraged students to strive for excellence and continuous improvement, stressing the need for them to nurture big dreams and envision a future where they can make a positive impact on society. He recommended that students delve into the biographies of great personalities who have achieved remarkable success in their lives.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Usman Ubaid Jubapau, a Chartered Accountant, emphasized the pivotal roles of communication and technology in today’s world. He expressed the opinion that social media should not be merely used for entertainment but should serve as a platform for “edutainment” or “informatainment,” promoting knowledge acquisition.
Mr. Jubapau advised parents not to impose their ambitions on their children but rather allow them to make choices for themselves. Addressing the management, he highlighted the rapid advancements in technology and emphasized the need for staying updated. Mr. Jubapau also recommended the implementation of career counseling and guidance programs and workshops for students to enhance their career prospects. He stressed the importance of regularly conducting such sessions for the betterment of students’ future careers.
In the morning session, Maulana Syed Salik Barmawar Nadvi, Teacher of Jamia Islamia, was present as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. Meanwhile, several students were awarded trophies, certificates, and cash prizes for their performance and achievements in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities during the academic year.
The program, presided over by the Vice-president of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, Mohammed Sadique Pillore, commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Abubaker Siddique Ruknuddin, followed by a Naat sung by Mohammed Jukaku. Maulana Abdul Hafeez Miftahi welcomed the guests, Ahmed Arif Akrami introduced the guests, and Headmaster Abdullah Umer Ruknuddin presented their school’s annual report. Jareer Hassan Shoupa delivered the vote of thanks.
On the dais, Chief Qazi Martkazi Khaleefa Jamaatul Muslimeen Bhatkal, Maulana Khaja Mohinuddin Akrami Madni, Additional Secretary Ishaque Shabandri, Secretary School Board Sadullah Ruknuddin, and many others were present.
source: http://www.sahilonline.org / Sahil Online / Home> Coastal News / by SO News Service / December 31st, 2023
Mohammad Afzal, senior Congress leader, distinguished journalist, former Rajya Sabha MP and presently vice chairman of Delhi’s Urdu Academy has been appointed India’s ambassador to Angola by the President of India APJ Abdul Kalam. He will take up his new assignment soon.
Angola is one of the 30 odd countries of the African continent and is situated in northwest part of the Atlantic coast. Area-wise it is a fairly large country, almost double the size of Pakistan but populationwise a small country, with a total population of 12 or 13 million only. After Nigeria, it is the second largest petroleum producing country of Africa. Petroleum was discovered recently in this country and after that its progress has been rapid. The country is also famous for its diamond and copper mines and almost 10 percent of the world’s diamond is found in Angola.
Born in Delhi in January 1952, Afzal received his education at Delhi’s Anglo-Arabic Higher Secondary School, thereafter at Delhi College (now Zakir Husain College), Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University. He is a fearless and principled journalist and as chief editor of widely circulated Urdu weekly Akhbar-e Nau he gave a new direction to Urdu journalism. He was elected president of All India Urdu Editors Conference, member of All India Newspapers Editors Conference, Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers Federation and Legislatures of India. He was also appointed member of National Integration Council. He has written nearly five thousand articles and write-ups, interviewed a large number of political leaders and important personalities which is a record in Urdu journalism. As a journalist he visited more than 25 countries of the world including Japan, Jordan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Hong Kong, Namibia, Tanzania and Thailand in addition to USA, Russia and almost all countries of Europe and wrote a number of travelogues.
He started his journalistic career from the Urdu weekly Nai Duniya and thereafter started his own weekly Akhbar-e Nau which soon became popular.
Elected to Rajya Sabha in 1990, he worked as an active member and raised his voice for the promotion of Urdu language and Urdu journalism. Whether it was enactment of TADA or innocent people arrested under TADA, repression in Kashmir, disappearance of voters’ name from voters lists, he strongly raised all these matters in Parliament.
He also served as member of many standing committees of Parliament, advisory committee of ministry of Information and Broadcasting for Urdu programmes and as a member of delegations of prime ministers and Presidents to foreign countries.
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette Online / Home / Jyly 11-15, 2005
They say success is not just about what one achieves, but about the hurdles one overcomes along the way. This thought resonates powerfully with the life story of Ghulam Nabi Tantray — an educationist, sports enthusiast, and social worker.
Tantray’s upbringing was rooted in simplicity, honesty, and service. After completing his primary education in Ayathmulla and higher secondary schooling in Bandipora, he went on to earn a degree in humanities from Sopore.
Later, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Kashmir, paving the way for his professional journey.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray ((extreme right) receiving an award
At the age of 26, Tantray started working as a government contractor, a profession he continued until 2003. But as he often recalls, something inside him was always drawn towards education and youth development.
Answering that inner calling, he set up a B.Ed. College in Bandipora — a turning point in his life and the lives of many young students in the region.
The college didn’t just offer degrees; it provided direction to hundreds of students from North Kashmir and beyond, helping them acquire skills and confidence to become self-reliant.
Nabi was born in a modest family and he rose from the remote village of Ajar in Bandipora to become a respected name in the educational and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Believing in holistic development, Tantray also invested his energy in sports. In 2014, he was part of the Indian martial arts team that represented the country in an international event in Iran.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray in his office
His passion saw him take up leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of the Kickboxing Federation of India and State Vice President of the Rugby Association of J&K.
He organized several national-level sports events in Bandipora and even arranged accommodations for outstation players. It was under his mentorship that young Tajamul Islam, now a global name in kickboxing, began her journey.
In 2015, Tantray leaped forward by establishing Doon International School in Chowadhi, Jammu. What started as a dream to provide modern education rooted in Indian ethos has today grown into one of the top educational institutions in the region.
As Chairman, Tantray ensures that the school offers more than just academics. From inclusive classrooms and a focus on mental well-being to a pollution-free environment and innovative learning spaces, Doon International School reflects his vision of shaping compassionate and capable citizens.
“We wanted to build not just a school, but a place where excellence and values go hand in hand,” Tantray told Awaz-The Voice.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray receiving an award
Over the years, Tantray’s work has received widespread appreciation. He has been honoured with Rashtriya Gaurav Award, International Education and Leadership Award, and Cyber MediaGlobal Achievers Award, presented by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE.
He also received recognition from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his contribution to education in J&K.
In 2023, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by the University of South America — a rare recognition that acknowledges his work in the fields of education and social service.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tantray came forward to support the district administration in Bandipora, providing essential aid to the underprivileged. He also played a vital role in relief work during the devastating floods in Kashmir.
Despite the accolades, Tantray remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to support families in need in his native village Ajar, mentor youth from remote areas, and innovate within the education sector through DIS Jammu.
His life is more than just a personal success story. It’s a reflection of how belief, purpose, and action — when combined — can bring about meaningful change in society.
As Jammu and Kashmir strive to build a better future through education and opportunity, the journey of Ghulam Nabi Tantray stands as a shining example of how one individual can become a force of transformation.
In every student who dares to dream, in every teacher who stands firm, and in every child who walks into Doon International School with hope — there echoes the spirit of Ghulam Nabi Tantray.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Danish Ali, Jammu / June 29th, 2025
Senior journalist M.I. Zahir receiving the SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 at Pink City Press Club. Jaipur.
Jaipur :
In a grand ceremony held at the Press Club Auditorium in Jaipur, 20 leading journalists from across India were honored with the “SatyaMev Indian Media Warrior Award 2025” for their fearless, unbiased, and committed contributions to journalism. Among the awardees was M.I. Zahir, a distinguished journalist from Rajasthan known for his excellence in investigative and creative journalism at the national level.
Zahir is Deputy News Editor of Rajasthan Patrika, Jodhpur edition. Known for his multilingual expertise in journalism, poetry, and authorship, Zahir has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards in recent years. He was recently honoured with the Global Tanveer Phool Award and Saadat Saeed Award for his literary contributions.
In journalism, Zahir has been recognized with the Rajasthan Association of North America Award (Calgary, Canada), the Jhabarmal Sharma National Journalism Award jointly presented by Rajasthan Patrika and Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism (Bhopal), the Jam-e-Jahan Numa Award from West Bengal Urdu Academy, the Manik Alankaran Honor, and the Minister Durgadas Award from the Marwari state.
His work has also been profiled in essays and interviews by renowned literary and media personalities, including author Salma Sanam from Karnataka, writer Shamim Anbar from Kolkata, and poet Syed Naveed Jafri from Hyderabad.
Veteran journalist Kalyan Singh Kothari was conferred with the “Pooran Rao Smriti Lifetime Achievement Award 2025” in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Indian journalism.
Other recipients of the Indian Media Warrior Award 2025 included:
Dinesh Joshi from Jodhpur
From Jaipur: Mini Mala Sharma, Monika Sharma, Arpita Mathur, Vivekanand Sharma, and Mukesh Mishra
From Chhattisgarh: Mukesh Chandrakar (posthumously), Ashok Rajpurohit
Bilal M. Jafri from Bengaluru
Kiran Kaur from Delhi
From Noida: Vikas Poorwal, Deepti Mishra
From Patna: Dr. Dharab Kumar, Naveen Rastogi, Badri Prasad Yadav
Aariz Hasnain from Bihar
Ejaz Ahmad Dar from Jammu & Kashmir
The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including senior RSS leader Ram Prasad Bhai Saheb, General Manager of Kiran Company Ayodhya Prasad Gaur, social worker Satish Samraiwala, former IFS Gauri Shankar Gupta, former IPS Ashok Gupta, former Rajasthan Minister Ram Singh, and Ram Pratap Bhat (alias Prakash Nath), President of All India Bhat Foundation.
Speaking at the event, senior journalist Nirmala Rao said, “Every year, we honour 20 courageous journalists who stand firm for truth and principles.” The event concluded with her vote of thanks. Nirbhaya Rao served as the host for the evening.
Also present were several eminent writers and journalists, including Sunny Sebastian, Mohammad Fahad, and author Dr. Satya Narayan.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News / by admin india tomorrow / June 24th, 2025
Glowing tributes were paid at the passing away of Syed Kalim Akhtar, who was recognized as a historian and researcher engaged in documenting and studying Bhopal’s history and military past, by a number of social, educational and cultural organisations of the town.
The various organisations including Jamiat-e-Ulama, Madhya Pradesh Unit, Iqbal Library’s executive board and et al held separate condolence meetings to mourn the loss of the departed soul wherein his head and heart qualities were recalled and lauded.
Kalim Akhtar left for his heavenly abode last week after battling cancer and other diseases.He was in his late seventies and is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son and hordes of admirers to mourn his loss.
He expressed interest in how the Bhopal army during the Nawab rule before India’s Independence collaborated with the British during major global conflicts, emphasizing the historical significance of these collaborations through his research of Persian and Urdu records. He was an active member of the Bhopal History Forum.
Promoted cultural heritage
His work in education and his historical insights suggests that Kalim Akhtar played a significant role in promoting educational excellence and cultural heritage in Bhopal, contributing positively to his community.
He was vice-chairman of the Bhopal-based Iqbal Library’s executive board which was established in 1939 in the city. He was also associated with AMP (Association of Muslim Professionals) as theZonal Head – Central India for AMP NGO Connect.
Kalim Akhtar reflected his lifelong mission to ensure that Muslim children not only received education but excelled in it, becoming torch-bearer of a bright and inclusive culture. He was actively involved in various initiatives to establish and support educational institutions, particularly those that could uplift under-represented sections of society.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rehan, Assistant Librarian in the Bhopal-based Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghrahlaya, in his obituary note paid rich accolades to Kalim Akhtar said his talent wasrecognized in the literary world as a refined essayist and eloquent speaker. His writings glistened with deep research, unwavering honesty and an elegant simplicity that made complex truths accessible. He did not merely write for appreciation; he wrote to awaken, he added.
Education was his heartbeat
Beyond his literary pursuits, education was his heartbeat. He was deeply concerned with the progress of Muslim youth and the need for structured, ethical, and empowering education within the community. He believed that true empowerment lies in knowledge and moral grounding, Rehan opined.
Despite his immense knowledge, Kalim Akhtar remained deeply humble, accessible, and warm-hearted. He had an unmistakable affection for children and youth — always encouraging, always guiding. He was a silent architect of hope, working quietly behind the scenes to strengthen the moral and intellectual spine of the next generation. The passing away of this gentleman is a loss to Bhopal’s cultural and intellectual ecosystem, to its educational landscape, and to all those who believe in the power of thought and service, he stated.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin india tomorrow / by Pervez Bari / June 24th, 2025
Two students of the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), have successfully qualified the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2024, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
Prof Mohd Hasan, Director of the Academy informed that the selected candidates are Shahid Ali Mansuri, who secured Rank 178, and Vishal Bhushan, who secured Rank 229 in the coveted examination.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon and Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof M. Mohsin Khan congratulated the successful candidates and expressed hope for continued improvement in RCA’s results in the coming years. The Registrar, Mohammad Imran (IPS), also congratulated them on this achievement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 25th, 2025
Daniyal Ali, a Class X student of Aligarh Muslim University ABK High School, has brought laurels to the institution by successfully completing the prestigious AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme, a fully-funded, six-week experiential learning initiative organised by AFS India in collaboration with British Petroleum (BP).
AMU ABK High School Student Excels in National AFS Innovators 2025 Exchange Programme
Chosen from among the top 50 students nationwide in a highly competitive selection process, Daniyal completed five weeks of virtual sessions covering global themes such as STEM, sustainability, leadership, gender equality, and intercultural understanding. The programme culminated in a week-long residential workshop held from June 17 to 24 at FLAME University, Pune, and Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur.
Representing AMU ABK High School, Daniyal showcased local traditions during the Cultural Night, leaving a strong impression on peers from across the country.
A highlight of the experience was the Group Capstone Project on “Sustainable Urban Innovation,” which won the second prize among all participating teams. The project has been approved by BP India for future development, and Daniyal’s team was invited to present their solution at BP’s corporate headquarters in Mumbai, offering them valuable exposure to professional innovation platforms.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniyal expressed gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he received, emphasising the programme’s role in broadening his academic perspective and strengthening his resolve to contribute to positive societal change.
Dr. Samina, Principal of AMU ABK High School, congratulated Daniyal on his achievement and said, “We are extremely proud of Daniyal and the dedication shown by his parents and our staff. We are especially grateful to Ibn Sina Academy and all the mentors who guided him on this path. The school remains committed to creating such empowering opportunities that promote global citizenship, excellence, and lifelong learning.”
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025
Anisha Ansar Ansari being felicitated at Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce
Pune:
Anisha Ansar Ansari, a student of Pune College of Arts, Science, and Commerce (Pune-1 campus), has achieved remarkable success by securing a scholarship worth approximately ₹17 lakh for pursuing a B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.
Anisha completed her 11th and 12th grades at Pune College. At a time when most students are caught up in the race for NEET and JEE, Anisha made a bold decision to pursue pure sciences. The scholarship includes 100% tuition fee waiver (approximately ₹13.9 lakh), 100% residential facility coverage (approximately ₹3.2 lakh). This make total scholarship value: ₹17.1 lakh.
Coming from a middle-class family, with her father working as a helper in a company, this achievement marks not only an academic milestone but also a promising economic future for Anisha.
Principal Dr. Iqbal N. Shaikh, Vice Principal Prof. Imtiyaz Agha, and faculty members Prof. Khalid Patel, Prof. Saleem Muniyar, Prof. Syed Javed, and Prof. Mohammad Sami congratulated Anisha wholeheartedly and stated that she has become a shining example for other students.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 27th, 2025
