Category Archives: Women/Girls(since May26-2021)

This young educator is breaking taboos around menstrual hygiene

NEW DELHI :

Farheen Naaz (39), an experienced education professional, calls herself a “menstrual educator by passion.” | Picture by arrangement

The objective of Farheen Naaz’s organisation is to break the taboo that has been built around menstrual hygiene since ages and normalise period talk, which is frequently hushed by elders in most Indian households.

New Delhi :

During the first and second wave of Covid-19, Farheen Naaz was busy distributing relief kits to marginalized communities in New Delhi. The kits however, had only one sanitary napkin packet. One of the women told her there was more than one menstruator in her house. That interaction left her thinking how the menstruation needs were left unaddressed during the pandemic and in ordinary times.

Farheen (39), an experienced education professional, calls herself a “menstrual educator by passion.”

In September 2019, she started We The Change, a women-led Delhi-based not for profit, working towards creating awareness and inculcating correct knowledge about menstrual hygiene amongst the community, including members who do not menstruate. The organisation started with online sessions and talks, soon growing to conducting on-ground drives.

We The Change distributed more than 950 menstrual hygiene kits (containing 50 sanitary pads, 50 disposal bags, two cloth panties and a bar of soap) across India during the pandemic. They plan to double their target and reach out to 2000 menstruators pan India.

“The objective of our organisation is to break the taboo that has been built around it since ages and normalise period talk, which is frequently hushed by elders in most Indian households,” says Farheen. “While this might be a topic that might have been directed towards only adolescent menstruators over time, our organisation has decided to include families of the menstruators as well to create a comfortable and safe space for these conversations.”

Farheen says she realised the problems are far deeper than just not getting access to menstrual products. “Mothers and grandmothers are the main sources of information for many menstruators, and hence they do not get access to the kind of resources and information that they should get,” she says. “Shame makes many menstruators susceptible to harm because they learn taboos and misinformation.”

We The Change initiative has collaborated with Menstrupedia, an educational comic book on menstruation that is used in schools across the country for workshop and training purposes. | Photo by arrangement

Having worked in sectors focusing on institutional education, menstrual education, skill development and social work, she hopes she can bring a significant change in the society and smooth over the differences that exist between different genders, castes and socio-marginalised classes.

“We partner with and train local teachers so that students can come to them with their issues and get information from menstrual health-trained teachers,” she explains. 

We The Change initiative has collaborated with Menstrupedia, an educational comic book on menstruation that is used in schools across the country for workshop and training purposes.The plan is to buy and donate these books to menstruators pan-India, and use this material to train adolescents in menstrual health and menstrual waste management.

Sustainability in menstrual health and hygiene is often talked about. But a majority of women are unable to use sustainable menstrual products due to lack of resources such as clean water and the cost of  these products.

Farheen has come up with a menstrual waste-management project called the #ProjectRedWaste, which is specifically aimed at providing recycled paper bags with a red dot on them to menstruators to safely dispose of menstrual waste, such that sanitation workers also identify these and separately handle them.

Farheen says this work has helped her realise how fixing menstrual issues is central to breaking several societal barriers. A large part of her programme therefore involves education about menstruation, women empowerment, battling transphobia, and inculcating leadership amongst young menstruators. 


Suchitra is an independent journalist working on social justice, focusing primarily on gender justice. She tweets at @Suchitrawrites

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Lead Story / by Suchitra, TwoCircles.net / February 07th, 2022

Convocation 2021: Ahmed Uzair captures KGMU’ s all three Chancellor Heavett and University medals

Convocation 2021:

The convocation ceremony of KGMU will be held on December 17. 42 meritorious people will be awarded with Gold, Bronze and Silver medals.

In this, 24 girls and 18 boys have won medals.

Foundation Day celebrations will be celebrated on 18th December. In this, 90 medals will be awarded to 57 students. In this also the female students continue to dominate. 38 meritorious girl students will be decorated with medals around their necks, while 19 students have succeeded in capturing the medals. In both the ceremonies, 154 medals and prizes will be given to the meritorious.

This information was given by Vice Chancellor Dr. Bipin Puri on Monday.

Name of the three medals for Uzair :
In the Brown Hall, the Vice Chancellor told a press conference that the celebrations would be held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Center. Vice Chancellor Dr. Bipin Puri informed that MBBS student Ahmed Uzair has won the most prestigious Chancellor of KGMU, Hewett and University Gold Medal.

After a long time, a meritorious has captured all the three medals. Uzair will get the maximum 13 gold in the convocation. There will also be a book prize and a silver medal. The Vice-Chancellor said that MBBS student Shivam Singh would be awarded four gold and one silver medal. MBBS student Akanksha Singh will get a gold medal.

Prime Minister can be the chief guest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be the chief guest of the function. The administration has intensified the preparations for his arrival. The Vice Chancellor said that an invitation has been sent to the Prime Minister. There is every chance of them coming. Governor Anandiben Patel will preside over the convocation. He said that Justice Ramesh Sinha of the High Court would be present at the foundation day celebrations.

Two new medals
Medical Dean Dr. Uma Singh informed that two new medals have been started this year. Gold medal has been started in the name of Dr. GK Malik, former Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. Medals are being awarded to the student securing the highest marks in the written paper in Neonatal. Whereas Gold Medal has been started in the memory of Dr. BN Dhawan in the Department of Pharmacology.

Meritorious said:
Work in research
“Hard work never goes in vain,” said Ahmed Uzair, chancellor, Hewett, and university medical laureate. I never studied for a medal. To become a better doctor and researcher, he has worked hard day and night.

It gives great pleasure to receive all three prestigious medals of KGMU. It feels good if you get the fruits of your hard work.

My father Dr. Maulana Mohammad Ansari, mother Dr. Shahla Haleem and maternal grandfather Dr. Abdul Halim are also doctors.

All the members of the house are associated with the service of humanity. That’s why I also have an inclination to become a doctor from the beginning. I am a student of MBBS 2016 batch.

Many research papers have been published till now. That’s why we have to go ahead in the field of research. Under the same, got a job in Drugs Medical School to do research work in neuro surgery. For research area, the company office will have to go to New Jersey, US.

Going into surgery
Dr. RML Mehrotra Memorial Gold Medalist Akanksha Singh said, ‘When I was seven years old, my father Late. The shadow of Mahendra Singh had risen from his head. Mother Rajeshwari Singh is posted in the DRM office. Nana Uma Shankar has retired from RPF. Mother worked hard and taught. I live with family in Alambagh. Brother is an engineer. He says that from the beginning he had dreamed of becoming a doctor. Which is now coming true. My name is in the list of gold medal winners, it is nothing less than a dream for me.

I am the first doctor in the family
Dr. BR Agarwal Memorial Gold Medal winner Dr. Neelam Chauhan said, ‘I had a dream to become a doctor since childhood. I am the first doctor in my family. Mother is a housewife. While the father has retired from the bank. At present, work has to be done by staying in KGMU. In the future, I have to become a plastic surgeon so that the faces of people who have been burnt in the fire can be cured. My husband is also a doctor in KGMU.

Dreamed of becoming a doctor after seeing Aprin and Aala
Dr. TN Chawla Gold Medal Dennistry winner Dr. Neeti Solanki said, ‘I had a dream to become a doctor since childhood. Seeing Aprin and Aala in childhood, he decided to become a doctor. After working hard, I have achieved this position. Some marks could not get admission in MBBS. But got a seat in Dental. Now we have to move forward in the field of dental. I am working in prosthodontistry. I am the first doctor in my house. Mother is a housewife and father is a businessman.

These will be honored on the foundation day
MBBS
Ananya Tripathi, Aviral Dua, Aaradhya Garg, Y Ashutosh Bhardwaj, Ayush Sahu, Sonal Yadav, Nikita Chauhan, Ramji Ballabh, Vidushi Verma, Mishakt Fatima, Anjali Singhal, Guneet Kaur, Anamika Gupta, Deepak Bansal, Aparajita Kulshrestha, Aparna Singh, Lipika Agarwal, Mahima Keshari, Vikram Pal, Sumit Singh, Kaushal Kishore Singh, Priya Gangwar, Anubhav Mukherjee, Pradyut Kumar Amat, Durgeshwari Balaji, Shiva Gupta, Ayesha Khan, Nishant R Subhash, Akanksha, Purvi Gupta, Divyanshu Gupta, Devanshi Katiyar, Girjanand Mishra

BDS
Aastha, Injila Fatima, Neha Rani, Gunjan Mehta, Asmita Dwivedi, Abhinav Kumar, Anamika Verma, Dhrutika Jadhav, Sapna Gautam, Sara Khan, Pallavi, Florence Silo, Akumjuk, Vishal Yadav, Anushka Pandey, Sarah Furkan, Monika Chaudhary, Anshul Agarwal , Rishabh Pandey.

Nursing
Rachna Gangwar, Indravati Singh, Yogesh Kumar Bansal.

source: http://www.jsnewstimes.com / JS Newstimes.com / December 07th, 2021

Hyderabad: Burqa-clad women are the heroes in this boxing academy

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Hyderabad :

Considered to be one of the academy’s finest students, Amena (name changed) makes it a point to train at least for three hours a day. A burqa-clad woman, she resolved to break the shackles of the oppression that is often wrongly associated with the piece of clothing. She is 39-year-old and one of the fifteen women in this boxing school between the ages of 35-50.

Surprisingly enough, both Amena and her 15-year-old son Uzair train together. “The duo gives each other a good fight in the boxing ring,” said their coach Shaikh Aijaz Ahmed.

A national-level gold medalist himself, Aijaz Ahmed set up Golconda Boxing Academy in 2002 at Owaisi playground, Golconda and has been giving free coaching to all. “I believe that women must train for boxing, as it is best for self-defence. I am glad that more women are willing to learn boxing at my academy,” he said.

As many as 150 students are enrolled in the academy as of now. Of them, there are children, young girls and married women.

35-year-old Naseema Begum believes ‘hijab’ is not an excuse to quit learning new things. “It is all about dedication and enthusiasm for learning and productivity,” Begum says. “Even if we don’t participate in any tournaments, it at least keeps us healthy and fit,” said 41-year-old Najma Sultana, who trains with her 6-year-old granddaughter.

Many women prefer to take these classes as a break from their routine and also because the classes are given for free.

Young girls between the ages of 13 – 20, seen in a headscarf, give a tough fight to the boys. Many of them are very keen on taking boxing as their career ahead too. One of them is Afsha Shah, a 14-year-old, who is already making a mark. She took part in the national and state-level games and won prizes. “At times these girls give a tough time to me as well,” Ahmed laughs, saying it also builds their character.

youtube.com / The Siasat Daily

It was Ahmed’s grandfather Subedar Major Shaik Ahmed inspired him to continue the tradition. “My grandfather dreamt of these changes in the community. He was a great boxer and even served the Army. My father Shaik Abdul Gani, participated in national-level tournaments before he retired from the army in 1980. He set up this Golconda Boxing Association in 1990,” Ahmed added.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by Nihad Amin edited by Sruthi Vibhavan / January 21st, 2021

Clinching the Feats

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

In the recently declared board results of senior secondary exams, girls topped the results in all the streams and outshined boys. Dedication and hard work were the common components among all the toppers.    

Adeeba Muzamil has topped the humanities stream with 496 marks. Hailing from the Batamaloo area of Srinagar, her father is a businessman and her mother, a homemaker.

Scoring 99.2% in her exams, she said she didn’t follow any schedule. She said, “I believe if you study for a few hours with concentration that’s better than studying all day. Parents often pressurize their children to study all day but this is not how it works.” 

Her future plans are cracking the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination and want to work hard for it. “My secret to success is hardwork. You set a goal and try to achieve it,” she said.

Studying in Government Girls Higher Secondary Kothi Bagh, she said that her parents have played an important role in her success. Citing the struggles during online classes, she said “I am thankful to my principal and my teachers who never cared about the timing of the class and helped me even after the class.”

Talking about her stream, she said Economics is not easy and difficult as well and teachers have always been supportive.

“I used to make notes on my own. Whatever teachers in online class used to teach me and whatever I understood from the books, I made self-notes and studied from them,” she said.

Apart from studies, her hobbies are book reading and she would play games for recreational activities. William Shakespeare is one of her favorite writers and these days she is exploring other authors as well.  

She believes that parents should not compare their kids with others. “I want to tell parents to stop comparing their children with others as each child is unique and possesses unique qualities. They should support them and believe them. Also, parents should not pressurize their kids to take subjects against their choice,” adding “Children should also take into consideration that if their parents believe them, they should give them something in return. They should make them feel proud.”

Talking about her subject she said, Humanities have good scope as well. She said, “In arts, people can further go for administration. Like society needs doctors and engineers, there is a need for a good administration as well.”

Sahila Nabi, a student of Kothi Bagh has topped the stream of Home Science. By self-study, she has scored 495 out of 500. Being the first person in her family to take home science, she believes the subject has much more to offer than what people think.

She said, “When I chose the subject, some people told me that I have to cook food only but when I explored it, I found it very interesting. It has interesting subjects like Home Management and it can help a person in life. I want to let people know that this subject is no less.”

She has decided to go further in the subject of child development which is one of the subjects of the stream. “I will do Ph. D in the subject and further would take teaching as my career,” she said.

Hailing from Eidgarh, she has received immense support from her family, she said, her father has never put his choices on her and let her do what she wants.

“I was a good student and did well in the 10th class examination. Everybody expected me to take science as there is a notion that a good student always takes science as his or her subject but I had other choices,” she said.

Having attachment with kids, she gives private tuitions to kids at home. In her free time, she paints and also teaches religious studies to children.

While talking about the utilization of time, she said, “Time should be spent on productive things. Excessive use of social media and over-gaming have misguided many youths and left them purposeless.”

From Kashmir Harvard School, Tabinda Jan has topped in Commerce. Hailing from Soura, she has secured 497 marks.

She believes her technique of self-studying keenly has made her successful. “I worked hard with full consistency and dedication. I am thankful to my teachers who provided better study material which really helped me,” she said.

Being an average student, she said motivation from her parents and teachers have made her successful. “I am thankful to my teachers because they motivated me and encouraged me. The internet connection was on and off usually but I had set my mind and thankfully I achieved it,” she said.

Talking about average students, she said, “I have seen average students getting demotivated and bullied. This should not happen. Those who couldn’t pass the exam should take go with positive approach and keep trying.”

Tabinda wants to follow her father’s footsteps and wants to be a Chartered Accountant.

A friendly extrovert girl always socializes and believes that her friends and cousins also played a key role. “One doesn’t have to get glued to the books only. You can maintain your social life as well,” she said.

From the same school –Kashmir Harward, Aroosa Parvaiz has topped in the science stream with 499 marks. Aspiring to be an engineer, she said that she has worked very hard to achieve success. “Sometimes I would study till late night as well because this was a big exam and it demanded so,” she said.

She said it takes her time to grab things so she would give extra time to her studies. “It depends on a person and their concentration level. I take more time to understand things than others,” she said.

While preparing for her exams, she had consulted NCERT books and had taken help from private tuition as well as school teachers.

Talking about herself, she said, “I am a very social person and active on social media but when exams approached, I stopped using all this and started working hard.”

While thanking her teachers, she said that they always helped her regardless of time. “Teachers always helped me when I had doubts and they were always available even at midnight,” she said.  

Recalling her exam time, she said she used to be nervous but her friends, parents and teachers would always calm her down.

In her free time, she reads books, draws and plays other games. “When I am done with my studies, I do these things and when I used to get exhausted while studying, instead of watching TV or net surfing, I would take a nap,” she said.   

source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home / by Insha Latief Khan / February 14th, 2022

Padma Shri award for Najma Akhtar, first woman vice-chancellor of Jamia

NEW DELHI :

First woman vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Najma Akhtar has been selected for the Padma Shri award.

Najma Akhtar, Jamia VC at ceremony.

New Delhi : 

First woman vice-chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Najma Akhtar has been selected for the Padma Shri award. Akhtar will be one of the 28 Indians, who will be conferred with the award in the field of literature and education by President Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremonial function, which is held at Rashtrapati Bhawan every year.

Akhtar (67) who was appointed as Jamia Vice Chancellor (VC) in April 2019, scored a historic double – not only was she the first woman to hold the post, but she was also the first woman to head any central varsity in the national capital. 

She has previously served as the VC of University of Kashmir and headed the department of Educational Administration at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) for 15 years. 
Akhtar said that she is grateful that her work was recognised and thanked both the PM and the President.

“I will accept this award just not for myself, but on behalf of my colleagues. Everyone works hard, but not everyone’s work reaches the recognition they may deserve. I thank the PM and the President for recognising my work, especially, the President, who entrusted me as the first woman VC of the university,” she said.

Besides her, three others from the field of literature and education, from Delhi, have been selected for the award including – Tara Jauhar, J K Bajaj and Dilip Shahani.    

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Delhi / by Express News Service / January 26th, 2022

Junior World No 1 Tasnim Mir wins Iran Fajr International Challenge

Gujarat, INDIA :

The 16-year-old from Gujarat, who became the first Indian woman shuttler to claim the world no. 1 status in u-19 singles, beat second seed Susato 21-11, 11-21, 21-7 in 51 minutes.

India’s Tasnim Mir beat Indonesia’s Yosephine Susanto at the 30th Iran Fajr International Challenge 2022. (Photo | Twitter, @BAI_Media)

Shiraz :

Junior World No 1 Indian shuttler Tasnim Mir on Friday notched a three-game win over Yulia Yosephine Susanto of Indonesia in the final to claim the women’s singles title at the Iran Fajr International Challenge here.

The 16-year-old from Gujarat, who became the first Indian woman shuttler to claim the world no. 1 status in u-19 singles, beat second seed Susato 21-11, 11-21, 21-7 in 51 minutes.

Tasnim, ranked number 404 in the senior world rankings, lagged 1-3 early on but she soon clawed back at 5-5 before reeling off six straight points to create a huge gap, which her rival couldn’t bridge.

The Indonesian came out all cylinders blazing in the second game, jumping to a 9-2 advantage.

She kept moving ahead to roar back into the contest in a jiffy.

In the decider, Tasnim got her bearings back, zooming to 6-1.

She didn’t look back and shut the door on her rival to comfortably pocket the title.

En route to the title, Tasnim defeated Iran’s Nazanin Zamani, Armenia’s Lilit Poghosyan, Iran’s Fatemeh Babaei, India’s Samayara Panwar before outwitting top seed and World Number 71 Martina Repiska in the semifinals.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sports> Cricket / by PTI / February 11th, 2022

Scholarships worth ₹1 cr. given to over 3,600 girls

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Seventeen-year-old Bushra Parveen, Rufiya K. and Mizba are happy that they can now realise their dreams of becoming professionals. These girls are among the 3,613 students who were awarded an educational scholarship by the Bazm-e-Niswan Charitable Trust in Bengaluru on Thursday. These girl students are happy that they can now pursue courses in medicine, engineering and accountancy, which they are aiming for.

The all-woman charitable trust distributed scholarships worth ₹1.32 crore to the 3,613 deserving girls from poorer sections of society. While 1,731 beneficiaries are PU students, 1,722 are pursuing undergraduate courses. As many as 65 are diploma students and 95 post-graduate students.

According to the organisers, the trust, which has been funding the education of poor girl students in 1971, has given scholarships to over 63,000 girls so far. These girls are now successfully qualified as teachers, professors, doctors, lawyers, government officers, business women, engineers, journalists among other professions.

“The purpose is to encourage women from the deprived sections of the community to pursue higher studies. Eligibility for the scholarship is based on academic merit and economic need. Any girl wishing to apply must have scored an average of at least 50 per cent in her exams and must also have documents proving her financial status,” said Husna Sheriff, president of the trust.

“We received 4,505 online applications this year as against 3,200 last year. This 40% increase in the number of applications can be attributed to the fact that many students who had dropped out of their higher education in 2020, came back this year,” Ms Sheriff said.

Pointing out that lakhs of students dropped out of higher education during the pandemic, she said: “Realizing the dire need to support the poor and needy girls, we decided to go ahead with the scholarship program despite many uncertainties.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – February 10th, 2022

Hijab row: Mumbai MLA meets Mandya girl, gifts iPhone

Mandya, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru : 

Karnataka college girl Muskaan Khan who confronted a crowd by raising slogans of “Allah hu Akbar” during protests that broke out on hijab row, continues to be in news.

Congress MLA from Mumbai’s Bandra Zeeshan Siddique came all the way from Maharashtra on Friday and paid visit to Muskan’s residence in Mandya city. The MLA appreciated her “courage”, assured support and gifted her an iPhone and smart watch.

“I came from so far to meet the girl from our community who showed exemplary courage. I am happy for her courageous act,” he stated.

“Today whole of Karnataka, entire country is taking pride of her act. She has shown what is the real power of woman. After seeing her brave act, other women who are being pressurised, subjected to harassment and whoever is meted with injustice, they can also confront such acts,” he asserted.

Her act against those zaalims (cruel people) is commendable, he added.

“Wearing hijab is a constitutional right. One can wear clothes of her choice. You have problem with her hijab or with the fact that she is getting educated,” the Congress MLA said.

“There are crores of brothers behind Muskaan to protect her right of wearing hijab. I felt happy after meeting her family,” he added.

Muskaan Khan, the student of PES College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mandya district was allegedly heckled by a group of students in the college premises for wearing ‘burka’. The group raised slogan of ‘Jai Sriram’ while surrounding and following her. Muskan confronted the crowd with slogan of ‘Allah hu Akbar’. The video is now viral on social media.

Later, she was safely escorted inside the classroom by authorities. Muskaan has later stated that she will abide by the court order and thanked college authorities.

Meanwhile, various Muslim organisations have announced cash reward for her act. Complaint has also been lodged in connection with announcing cash prize to Muskaan.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld / Home> Top Stories / by IANS /Bengaluru, February 11th, 2022

Winners Of World Online Karate Championship

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

The Karatekas of IKA Karate Academy, Mysuru and Kali Warriors Academy, Karnataka, under Pekiti Tirsia Kali India, have bagged various medals in the World Online Karate Championship-2022 organised by Dynamic Shotokan Karate Do Association, World Union of Martial Arts Federations, World Karate Alliance and Evolution of Karate between Jan. 20 and Jan. 25, 2022.

Seen in the picture are (sitting from left):  Raihan (Gold medal), Daniyal (Gold medal), Navanidh Surya (Silver), Saatvik (Silver), Md. Abdul Malik (Gold), Tharun (Bronze) and Abhimaanm (Silver);

Standing from left: Noushin (Gold), S. Pooja (Silver), Diganth (Gold), Sensei Mohamed Saqeeb Ur Rahman and  Sensei Abdul Waseem (Senior Instructors and Head Coaches of IKA), Sempai Lali Vishnu (Instructor and Coach of IKA), Rihaana (Bronze), Poojitha (Silver) and Keerthana (Bronze).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / February 11th, 2022

Eight Muslims Among 119 Honoured with Padma Awards

INDIA :

Winners at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Winners receive awards from President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi :

President Ramnath Kovind on Monday presented civilian awards or Padma awards to 119 personalities at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi. The list includes foreigners, artists, sportspersons, people from film industry, public servants, activists. The awardees also include eight Muslims from different walks of life.

Eminent Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, who passed away in April 2021 of Covid-19 complications, was awarded Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna. Prominent Shia leader and scholar Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, who passed away last year, got Padhma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award.

The Padma Shri list of 102 includes six Muslims. These are Ali Manikfan, Gulfam Ahmed, Lakha Khan and Ghulam Rasool Khan and two from Bangladesh Sanjida Khatun and Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir.

Ali Manikfan has been awarded for hiscontribution at grassroots level innovations in Lakshadweep. He was born in 1938 into an aristocratic family on Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep. Manikfan is multi-talented — marine researcher, ecologist, shipbuilder, agriculturist, and a polyglot.

Gulfam Ahmed hails from Uttar Pradesh and has made contributions in the field of Art. He is a Sarod and Afghani Rabab player and is known for promoting Indo-Afghan cultural relations.

Lakha Khan, 80, who has been conferred with Padma Shri for his contribution in art is a Rajasthan-based musician who plays Sindhi sarangi and sings folk songs. He comes from the Manganiar community among Muslims that is traditionally associated with begging. He was born into the family of musicians and was trained from childhood.

Ghulam Rasool Khan is a handicraft artist from Srinagar, Kashmir. He is working to conserving Jamawar Patchwork, the oldest form of Kashmiri shawl technique. Before getting Padma Shri Khan won the National Award for Textile. Khan has a reputation of creating masterpieces and rare artefacts in the Jamawar craft.

Sanjida Khatun, Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir from Bangladesh have been awarded for their contribution in art and public service respectively.

Snajida Khatun, born in 1933, is musicologist and teaches Bengali literature at the University of Dhaka. She was also one of the founders of Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha that fought Pakistani forces in 1971 Bangladesh war.

Col. Zahir who was a soldier in the Pakistani army rebelled and joined the forces fighting for Bangladesh’s liberation. He defected from the army and moved to India where he became a key person in the rebellion.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion / Home> Big Story> India / by Team Clarion / November 08th, 2021