Literary historian Dr Rakhshanda Jalil has once again reminded Indians that Urdu is deeply rooted in the country’s soil and belongs to all communities, not only Muslims. In a detailed interview with the Indian Express about her new anthology Whose Urdu Is It Anyway?, Jalil traced the rise, decline, and contested identity of Urdu in modern India.
She explained that Urdu developed through centuries of cultural exchange, drawing from Persian, Arabic, Turkic, and local dialects, and eventually became the lingua franca of North India. From courtrooms to markets, it was a language spoken across caste and creed. Yet, political movements in the early twentieth century began to link Hindi with Hindu nationalism, sidelining Urdu and associating it exclusively with Muslims.
Jalil underlined how Partition worsened this perception. With Pakistan adopting Urdu as its national language in 1947, Urdu was treated as “enemy property” in India. This shift, she argued, accelerated the decline of Urdu and restricted its public identity. Today, while the government occasionally honours Urdu writers, stereotypes and misinformation continue to reduce Urdu to a religious marker rather than a shared cultural heritage.
Her anthology features sixteen short stories by non-Muslim Urdu writers such as Krishan Chander, Rajinder Singh Bedi, and Gulzar. The collection challenges the misconception that Urdu belongs only to Muslims. Jalil believes that Urdu is “as Indian as anybody or anything can be regarded as Indian” and insists that the language is willing to belong to anyone who values it.
Despite fears about its future, she remains optimistic. Urdu continues to thrive in poetry, Bollywood lyrics, and growing digital platforms. While fewer people read its script, its cultural resonance persists. Echoing Manto, Jalil recalled his words that no human effort can kill a language. Urdu, she said, will remain part of India’s consciousness for years to come.
Dr Rakhshanda Jalil is a noted literary historian, translator, and cultural commentator with over 25 books to her credit. She is widely recognized for her work on Urdu literature and the Progressive Writers’ Movement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Arts & Culture> Focus> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 29th, 2025
Mumbai Youth Congress member Zeenat Shabrin has been elected the new president of the outfit, becoming the first woman to hold the post after securing the highest 10,076 votes in the recently concluded organisational elections.
The elections for office-bearers in the Congress’s youth wing in Mumbai were conducted between May 16 and June 17 with nine candidates in the fray for the president’s post. The results were announced on Sunday with Shabrin, who secured the maximum 10,076 votes, emerging victorious, a party press release said on Monday.
Indian Youth Congress (IYC) office-bearers are chosen through internal elections rather than nominations.
Shabrin, who hails from a non-political background, said under her leadership, the Congress wing try to become the voice of Mumbai’s youth.
The party statement quoted her as saying, “The Indian Youth Congress has given me, a person from a non-political background, a platform. I thank the Indian National Congress, the Mumbai Congress, the Maharashtra Congress, and the Mumbai Youth Congress family for their guidance and trust. We will work to become the voice of Mumbai’s youth.”
The organisation would continue to fight under the leadership of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib to strengthen the outfit and safeguard democracy and the Constitution, she asserted.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by PTI / posted by Vidushi Gaur / September 22nd, 2025
BanuMushtaq was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several ministers in the state cabinet, among others.
Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the Mysuru Dasara festival.
Mysuru :
The famous Mysuru Dasara festival commenced in the city and palaces on Monday with religious and traditional fervour, with International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the festivities.
Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the festivities during the auspicious “Vrushchika Lagna” by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, amid chanting of Vedic hymns by priests, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills here.
Celebrated as ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival), the 11-day Dasara or ‘Sharan Navaratri’ festivities are expected to be a grand affair this year, showcasing Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with reminiscence of royal pomp and glory.
In the inaugural event, Banu Mushtaq was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, several ministers in the state cabinet, among others.
Earlier, Banu Mushtaq, along with Chief Minister and other dignitaries, visited the Chamundeshwari temple and offered prayers to the goddess, referred to as the “Naada Devate” (state deity), ahead of the inaugural.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> News> India News / by Press Trust of India / September 22nd, 2025
Marium Fatima from Muzaffarpur has created history by becoming Bihar’s first Woman FIDE Master (WFM). The young chess player achieved this milestone after an impressive performance at the Barbera del Valles Open Chess Championship in Barcelona, Spain, where her rating crossed 2100, earning her the FIDE title.
Marium, originally from Chandwara Jamiran Gachi in Muzaffarpur, said she owes her success to her parents and the Bihar Chess Association. She added that her next target is to achieve the Grandmaster norm, which requires a rating of 2400. “There is no Grandmaster from Bihar yet, and I want to be the first to achieve that distinction,” she said.
Her success has been widely celebrated in the state. Director General of Bihar State Sports Authority Ravindran Shankaran congratulated her, while officials from the All Bihar Chess Association and Muzaffarpur Chess Association praised her achievement.
Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, Joint Secretary Nandkishore Srivastava, President Vinay Kumar, and others expressed pride that Marium has brought recognition not only to Bihar but to the entire country.
India has already established itself as a chess powerhouse, producing world-class players such as D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa from Tamil Nadu. With Marium’s breakthrough, Bihar is also carving out its place in the national chess landscape.
There are currently eight Women Grandmasters in India. Marium aspires to become the ninth, while also inspiring the next generation of players from Bihar to pursue the game at the highest level.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 22nd, 2025
Indian racing’s 10-year-old prodigy Atiqa Mir on Sunday created history by becoming the first woman in UAE karting to win a race in the Minimax category.
Indian racing’s 10-year-old prodigy Atiqa Mir on Sunday created history by becoming the first woman in UAE karting to win a race in the Minimax category.
In a competitive field of 14 drivers including seasoned European race winners, Atiqa was the lone female but that was hardly a factor as she completed a commanding victory from pole position in the prestigious DAMC Championship opener at the Dubai Kartdrome.
In the finals, Atiqa kept it clean and within track limits to cross the chequered flag before anyone else.
The win makes her the first ever female to take a pole and a final win in the MiniMax category, marking a perfect start to her Middle Eastern Karting leg.
Recognising her rare talent, Formula 1 had signed her for its F1 Academy DYD program earlier this year, another first for an Indian driver.
“Im so happy with this win. Dubai Kartdrome is where I started karting so this track will always remain close to my heart. I got limited running in preparation for this race, but nonetheless I was still able to be on pace. Big thanks to my sponsors AKCEL Academy for all their support,” said Atiqa.
Fresh off a successful European season, Atiqa was in Dubai for a quick stop and will head to Slovakia next for Champions of the Future Academy Round 4 where she drives for the F1 DYD program.
Atiqa hails from a racing family with her father, Asif Nazir Mir, being a former Formula Asia vice-champion. She idolises reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and her ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / NDTV & NDTV Sports / Home> Sports Home> Other Sports> News / by Press Trust of India / September 14th, 2025
Government Degree College for Women, Khodmukhtar, hosted a special felicitation programme to honour students for their outstanding academic achievements. The event was organised by the Emirate-e-Millat Islamia Education Committee and Bazm-e-Urdu Adab, Jagtial.
The ceremony was presided over by Principal Professor Rama Krishna. Distinguished guests included Muhammad Abdul Bari, President of Emirate-e-Millat Islamia, Liaquat Ali Mohsin, President of Bazm-e-Urdu Adab, and Muhammad Munemuddin, President of the Education Committee.
Eight students who secured first positions in their respective degree courses were awarded medals, mementoes, and certificates. The awardees were Asna Takreem, Shifa Sadaf, Mehdi Falak, Umm Khadija, Aafia Sultana, Zeba Firdous, Nasira Begum, and Samira Sultana.
A speech competition on the topic “Role of Muslims in the Freedom Movement” was also held. Rimsha Fatima won the first prize of Rs. 3000. Samina Sultana secured second place with Rs. 2000, while Samiya Sania took third place with Rs. 1000.
In addition, students Hajra Maheen, Areeba Shahwar, and Nahanaz, who achieved excellent ranks in Urdu in the Telangana State Common Post Graduation Entrance Test, were honoured with shawls, medals, and mementoes.
The event was conducted by Urdu lecturer Qasim Ali. Faculty members Muhammad Abdul Rahim, Yasmin Sultana, Irfana Begum, and Satyam were present, along with Education Committee members Sheikh Naseem Ahmed, Muhammad Sajid Patwari, and Iftikhar Hussain.
The programme highlighted the role of community organisations in encouraging education and celebrating student achievements.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 12th, 2025
The All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) Unit Mangrol, district Baran, Rajasthan, organized the Ideal Teacher Award 2025 to honor the contributions of educators in the community. The event brought together teachers, dignitaries, and residents to recognize the vital role of teachers in shaping students and society.
Applications were invited from educators across schools and madrasas. A seven-member committee evaluated candidates based on moral character, punctuality, religious integrity, contribution to student development, social engagement, and community impact. After a rigorous selection process, ten educators were chosen for recognition. They were awarded certificates, shields, and medals. The awardees included Rafiq Ahmad, Ejaz Hussain, Mohammad Iqbal, Fakhruddin (Siswali), Tarannum Parveen, Mohammad Saleem (Principal, Madrasa Suiwalan), Mohammad Irfan (Anjuman Madrasa), Meraj Ahmad, Wahid Anwar, and Rizwana Kausar.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Tahir Hussain for his decades of service to education. His work was described as leaving a lasting impact on the community and inspiring both teachers and students.
The event was attended by prominent figures including AIITA State President Khalid Akhtar, who spoke on the moral and social responsibilities of teachers, and Media Secretary Dr. Raheem Khan, who encouraged the use of technology in classrooms. State Secretary Yunus Ansari and other guests also expressed appreciation for the teaching community.
The program concluded with words of thanks from Unit Secretary Haider Ali Ansari and Unit President Mohammad Irfan. The ceremony reinforced the value of education and highlighted the role of teachers as community leaders.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 17th, 2025
Fikrokhabar, a news portal based in Bhatkal, has announced its Online Naat Competition 2025, inviting children from coastal Karnataka to take part in the programme during the holy month of Rabi al-Awwal.
The initiative is aimed at celebrating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad by encouraging children to express their devotion through Naat recitation.
According to the organisers, the contest has been designed to nurture both the spiritual and creative growth of children by giving them a platform to present Naats in a digital format. The online mode ensures easy access and wider participation across the region.
The competition is open to boys up to the age of 13 years and girls up to the age of 8 years.
Participants are required to record a video of their recital, which should not exceed three minutes, and submit it through the Google Form link shared by the organisers.
The event has been divided into categories based on age and gender to ensure fair participation.
The organisers said that the programme is not merely a contest but also an opportunity for children to learn more about the life of the Prophet, strengthen their faith, and showcase their talent before a larger audience. It also encourages memorisation and thoughtful reflection on poetic tributes dedicated to the Prophet, fostering deeper appreciation of Islamic teachings.
Parents and guardians interested in registering their children have been asked to get in touch with the coordinators for more details regarding deadlines, judging process and prizes.
Further information can be obtained by contacting +91 9916131111, +91 9620573395 or +91 9108080800.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 05th, 2025
Three siblings from Bhatkal, currently studying in Mangaluru, secured top honours at the State-level Karate Championship held in Moodbidri on September 1, 2025 The event was organised by the Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in association with Swami’s Strength Training and MK Ananthraj College of Physical Education.
Ismail Nameer, a 15-year-old student of Huda Islamia School, Mangaluru, won first place in Kumite (fight).
His younger brother, Hamdan (11 years), a student of Presidency School, Mangaluru, secured first place in Kumite (Fight) and second place in Kata in the under-11 category.
Their sister, Umme Kulsum, also a student of Presidency School, claimed first place in the Fighting category in the under-8 category.
The siblings are children of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin and Nada of Bhatkal, who are presently residing in Mangaluru.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / September 03rd, 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
