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

Where guns used to roar earlier, now ‘Shafqat Aamna’ has become an IAS

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Adhakparia Village (East Champaran District), BIHAR :

Motihari: 

A village in East Champaran which was infamous for guns being pulled out on trivial matters and for fights, the village where last year a sarpanch was not only strangled by fearless criminals but also shot dead, now this same village will be known for the stories of Shafqat Amna becoming an IAS.  

Shafqat Amna, daughter of retired teacher Mohammad Zafir Alam of Adhakparia village of East Champaran, has not only brought glory to her family by securing 186th rank in the UPSC Civil Services exam, but has also shown a path to lakhs of Muslim girls with the light of education. 

The whole village is rejoicing at Shafqat’s success. 65-year-old Zafir is not tired of thanking people for this success. 

In an exclusive conversation with BeyondHeadlines, Zafir Alam says, ‘We would like my daughter to work as an honest servant. She should strive for peace and prosperity in the society. And most importantly, she should take today’s new generation forward in the field of education.’

Let us tell you that Zafir Alam has retired as a teacher from an Urdu middle school in Agarwa village near Motihari. 

24-year-old Shafqat Amna says in an exclusive interview with BeyondHeadlines that the backwardness of the village and the lack of infrastructure always bothered me. That is why since childhood I wanted to live among the people and do something for them so that I could change their thinking and circumstances. My father, sensing this desire of mine, inspired me to join the civil service. 

Aamna says that my first choice is IAS and I am hopeful that I will definitely get IAS Insha Allah. 

When asked what will you do first after becoming an IAS? 

In response to this question, Aamna says that my first effort will be that whichever district I go to, I will first try to focus on education in the village. Since my father was a teacher, I understand the politics of teachers very well. I will inspire them to teach children honestly, away from that politics.  

What if I get IPS instead of IAS? 

On this question, Aamna pauses for a while and then after thinking says – I am hopeful that I will get IAS and I have not thought of anything else apart from this. But still if I get IPS instead of IAS then first of all I will pay special attention to law and order. I will try to maintain communal harmony in my district at all costs. I will try my best that there is never any fight or quarrel in my district, there is always mutual harmony.

When asked about preparing for civil services, Aamna says that, I would definitely like to tell those who want to join civil services that they should not start preparing for it suddenly, but first understand the syllabus well. If possible, try to take guidance from an IAS or IPS. Then start preparing for it thoughtfully with full courage and passion. Try to study smartly instead of studying like donkeys.

However, she also says that everyone’s way of preparing is different. The positive thing for me was that I had read NCERT books properly in school itself. So all the concepts were clear. I studied Geography very well in graduation as well. And yes, during my entire studies, I always had the habit of making short notes. These notes were very useful in my preparation. I paid full attention to its revision. Apart from that, I participated a lot in test series. 

Let us tell you that Shafqat Amna passed 10th from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Bettiah, West Champaran. Then she went to Bokaro for 12th, passed 12th from DPS there. After that, circumstances became such that she had to return to the village. Here she got a BA Honors degree in Geography from a college of Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Motihari. After that, she came to Delhi in 2016 to prepare for civil services. Here she prepared by staying in the residential coaching of Jamia Millia Islamia and after failing twice, she succeeded this time in the third attempt.

Apart from her parents, Shafqat Amna’s family also has three sisters and a brother. Her younger sister is pursuing BA LLB from Jamia Millia Islamia. Her two elder sisters have completed B.Ed and are currently living with their mother in the village. 

Aamna says that the situation at home was never good. My father was the only breadwinner in the house. But he never neglected our education. Whatever I am today is because of my father. 

What would you like to say to the girls of the country? 

On this question, Aamna says that I would like to say that it is very important for you to get educated. And never underestimate yourself. Your hard work, your efforts can change your fate. But yes, for success you will have to make your own policy and your own routing. You will have to decide for yourself what things matter in your life…

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / April 06th, 2019

I had confidence in myself and kept working hard, that is why today I am an IAS…

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Videos, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chhatabad Village (Dhanbad District), JHARKHAND :

Everything cannot always be in your hands. But working hard to achieve something is definitely in your hands. Rena Jameel also had to work hard, and today she has become an IAS because of her hard work. 

Born in Chhatabad village of Katras area of ​​Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, Rena Jamil has secured 380th rank in the UPSC Civil Service Examination this time. Whereas in the year 2016 examination, she had secured 882 rank.

Rena Jameel says that she got Indian Information Service in 2016. But she had dreams of becoming an IAS. It was also necessary to join training. That is why she gave UPSC again in 2017 along with training, but failed in the prelims itself. Still, I did not give up. I took a few days off and prepared. And as a result, I got 380 rank and now I have become an IAS.

Rena Jamil, UPSC Rank -380

Rena Jameel’s father Mohammad Jameel Ansari has retired from Tata Company. He was a mechanical engineer in Tata. While mother Naseem Ara is a home maker. She has four siblings. Elder brother Raunak Jameel Ansari is in Indian Revenue Service. He had secured 763 rank in 2014. Younger brother is an engineer and is currently working with Prasar Bharati. While younger sister is doing her masters and is preparing for admission in PhD. 

Rena studied in Urdu medium from Chhatabad Urdu Middle School till class 8. Then she completed her 10th and 12th from the same school. After that she did BSc in Zoology from S.S.L.N.T. Mahila Mahavidyalaya and M.Sc from P.K. Roy Memorial College. After this she also did B.Ed.  

Rena says, Ammi was always motivating for me. She never made me do household chores, rather she always insisted on studying. However, all this was not so easy for me. Just to study in college, I had to travel about 50 kilometers every day. Sometimes by bus, sometimes by auto or sometimes by walking for hours… I would leave in the morning and reach home only at night.

When asked that now you are an IAS, what will be your first task in the district you go to after training, Rena says that every district has its own problems. But my special focus will be on education and health sector. Because my experience with both these sectors has been very bad. I would not want that in my district someone loses his life due to health service and someone’s daughter’s education gets interrupted just because the college is very far away.  

Rena Jameel loves Urdu poetry. She has been reading Faiz, Ghalib and Iqbal in particular. The special thing is that Rena herself has written about 50 poems so far. All these poems are in Urdu language. 

What was the reason that made you decide that I have to join the civil service? 

In response to this question, Rena says that, generally, there is not much focus on the education of girls in our society. Even if the family is educating them, the only purpose is that they will get married in a good family. I also had many friends who were very sharp in studies, but somewhere they could not study further. Could not go ahead. Due to family pressure or other reasons. Many were not sent to college only because the distance to the college was too much, but in my case my family was a little supportive. In such a situation, I started thinking that I have to do something that becomes an example for others. Such people should listen to me who educate their girls only for marriages or do not educate them at all. Then I decided that I have to do something big so that I can become an inspiration for girls.  

How and where did you prepare for the exam? 

On this, Rena Jameel says that in 2014, my elder brother succeeded in this exam. I came to Jamia on his guidance. Before this, I had read NCERT thoroughly. I also used to read newspapers regularly. I took Zoology for this exam because I had done BSc and MSc in this subject. 

In a long conversation, Rena tells about her struggles that there were many ups and downs in my life journey. I could not succeed even after reaching the mains twice. I succeeded the third time but did not get what I wanted. Despite this, I had confidence in myself and kept working towards my goal. Today I am successful because of this. Although I was happy with this service too, but it was not my aim or goal. That is why I kept preparing along with the service. I only wanted to become an IAS and I became one.

What message would you like to give to those preparing for UPSC? 

On this question, Rena says that many things are not in your hands. Only hard work is in your hands. And yes! The fruit of hard work is always sweet. I also faced many problems. I also failed. All things kept happening with me. But I kept working hard continuously. I will tell you the same thing that always think about fulfilling your dreams. If I had not done this, then I would definitely not have been an IAS. I would have been doing the service of 2016. Therefore, patience is very important for success in this exam. 

Also I would like to say that you must read newspapers because it is important to read people’s thoughts, it helps you to develop your own thoughts. And yes! You should always keep your resources limited. If you keep yourself busy reading everything then you will never be able to complete your syllabus. Whatever you read, read it with all your heart and give it enough time. 

What would you like to say to the youth of the country, especially the girls of your community? 

On this, Rena says that education is everything today. So pay attention to education at all costs. Never shy away from working hard. If I can do it, then believe me anyone can do it. But for this you will have to come forward and work hard.  

She especially tells girls that you need to come forward and work hard. It is also the responsibility of the society to stop looking at girls with narrow mindedness. Rather, they should be encouraged. Girls have a lot of talent. If we just become a little open minded, they will go far ahead. It is also the responsibility of girls to work hard and fulfill their dreams… and yes, the dreams should be a little big. 

source: http://www.beyondheadlines.in / Beyond Headlines / Home> India> Real Heroes / by Afroz Alam Sahil, Beyond Headlines / June 19th, 2019

Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away

Royal Families, PreIndependence -Descendants (wef. Jan 02nd,2022), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Sahebzadi Basheerunnisa Begum, the last surviving heiress of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away (Image: IANS)


Last surviving offspring of Hyderabad Nizam passes away

Sahebzadi Basheerunnisa Begum, the last surviving heiress of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last ruler of erstwhile Hyderabad State, passed away on Tuesday. She was 93.

She breathed her last at her home in Purani Haveli on Tuesday morning. She is survived by her only daughter Rasheedunnisa Begum.

Nizam’s grandson and president of Nizam Family Welfare Association Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, told IANS “It’s a big loss to the family as Sahebzadi Basheerunnissa Begum Saheba was an epitome of Hyderabadi culture, tradition, and values,”.

She was buried at the Dargah Hazrat Yahiya Pasha in the old city of Hyderabad. Many members of the Nizam’s family participated in the funeral.

Basheerunnissa Begum was married to Nawab Kazim Yar Jung, better recognized as Ali Pasha, he passed away in 1998.

Mir Osman Ali Khan was featured on the cover of ‘TIME – The Weekly Magazine’ along with other princely state rulers, he was also declared the world’s richest man of his time, his net worth was equal to America’s economy at that time. He died in 1967.

The last Nizam had refused to accede to India after the country’s independence on August 15, 1947. He wanted to remain an independent state or join Pakistan.

The princely state ultimately merged with the Indian Union in September 1948 after an operation by the Indian Army. 

source: http://www.thestatsman.com / The Statesman / Home> India / by SNS, New Delhi / July 28th, 2020

NEET (UG) 2025: 472 Students of Al-Ameen Mission Qualify for Free Medical Seats in Government Medical Colleges Across West Bengal

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Khalatpur Village (Howrah), WEST BENGAL :

M. Nurul Islam with some of the future doctors at Al Ameen Mission Khalatpur campus

M. Nurul Islam is a proud man as 472 students of Al Ameen Mission have qualified for free medical seats in government medical colleges across West Bengal through NEET (UG) 2025.

Muslims remain one of the most disadvantaged communities in India. In West Bengal—among the more underdeveloped states—their educational and socio-economic struggles are even more pronounced. Districts like Murshidabad and Malda, with significant Muslim populations, rank among the most backward in the country.

When the NEET results were announced, 154 students from Murshidabad and 77 from Malda scored above 500 marks, making them eligible for free medical education in the state’s government colleges.

What stands out is the socio-economic background of these students. Of the 472 successful candidates, 278 (59%) come from modest backgrounds: 194 (41%) belong to middle and upper-middle-income families, 152 (32%) to lower-middle-income groups, and 126 (27%) are from poor and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

The success of these students reflects not only academic excellence but also the transformative impact of Al Ameen Mission in empowering underprivileged communities through education.

“This year’s exam was comparatively tougher than in previous years, but by the grace of Allah, our students performed even better,” said M. Nurul Islam, founder general secretary of Al Ameen Mission, while speaking to Muslim Mirror.

Nurul Islam, the visionary general secretary of Al-Ameen Mission—often referred to as the Sir Syed of West Bengal—is widely recognized among the 100 most influential Indian Muslims. He pioneered an educational movement aimed at uplifting underprivileged Muslim students in West Bengal, significantly increasing their representation in medical colleges, even exceeding their population proportion in the state.

Born in 1959 in the small village of Khalatpur in Howrah district, Nurul Islam came from a humble background. His passion for education and community service became the foundation of a lifelong mission. In 1986, while he was a student, he started a hostel with just seven students inside the madrasa building. This initiative was sustained by a grassroots campaign—collecting a fistful of rice from every household in the village. In January 1987, this effort took shape as Al-Ameen Mission.

Today, the Mission has 77 branches across 23 districts of West Bengal, housing nearly 23,000 residential students. Over 49,000 students have passed from Al Ameen Mission, which follows the WBBSE, WBHSE, and CBSE curricula. In 2015, the West Bengal government honored M Nurul Islam with the Banga Bhushan Award for its contributions to education.

The Mission also engages in charitable work, offering financial aid and scholarships to unemployed Muslims. Under Nurul Islam’s leadership, it has become a beacon of holistic education, blending academic excellence with Islamic ethical values. The institution has produced hundreds of successful NEET and JEE candidates, changing the lives of many.

Nurul Islam’s resolute commitment to education and empowerment continues to inspire generations, reshaping the future of Muslim youth in Bengal and beyond.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirro / Home> Education> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Jasmine Nehar / June 25th, 2025

Adiba Anam becomes Maharashtra’s first Muslim woman IAS officer, daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver

Amazing Feats, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yavatmal Town, MAHARASHTRA :

Adiba Aman in the centre.

New Delhi :

 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the results of the 2024 Civil Services Examination on April 22, with 1009 candidates clearing one of India’s most competitive exams. Among them, Adiba Anam has made history by becoming the first Muslim woman from Maharashtra to be selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Hailing from Kalam Chowk in Yavatmal, a small town in eastern Maharashtra, Anam secured an all-India rank of 142. Her achievement has been widely hailed as a breakthrough for both women and minorities in the state. Her father, Ashfaq Ahmed, earns a living by driving an auto-rickshaw.

Raised in modest circumstances, Anam completed her schooling in Urdu medium from a local Zilla Parishad school. Despite limited resources, she consistently excelled academically—scoring 94% in her Urdu board exams and 92% in 12th grade with a science stream.

Speaking to India Tomorrow, Anam recounted her journey through UPSC. Her first attempt in 2021 ended at the preliminary stage. Undeterred, she progressed to the mains in her second attempt, and finally, in her fourth attempt, clinched success with a rank likely to earn her an IAS cadre.

“My parents never asked me to give up on my education. There were people who suggested I take up a small job to ease our financial burden, but my parents never let those voices affect me,” she said.

Anam noted the social barriers women often face in her community. “Yes, girls do face restrictions. But these challenges only overpower us if we allow ourselves to feel weak. Once we build our mental strength, those obstacles lose their power,” she said. Her message to young women: “Stay mentally strong. Chase your dreams with courage and determination.”

Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Anam couldn’t clear the NEET exam. It was then that her uncle, Nizamuddin Sheikh—a local NGO secretary in Yavatmal—encouraged her to consider civil services as a way to serve the public.

Adiba Anam draws inspiration from the poetry of Allama Iqbal. Two couplets, in particular, fuel her determination:

“Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai, ” meaning, “Elevate your selfhood to such heights that even destiny, before shaping your fate, is compelled to ask you: ‘Tell me, what is it that you desire?’”

This powerful verse emphasizes self-empowerment, urging individuals to strengthen their character and willpower to such an extent that even fate bows before their determination.

“Amal se zindagi banti hai jannat bhi jahannam bhi, Yeh khaaki apni fitrat mein na noori hai na naari hai.” This translates in English as “Through actions, life can become either a paradise or a hell. This being (the human) made of dust is by nature neither angelic nor demonic.”

The couplet underscores the idea that our actions determine the quality and direction of our lives. Human beings are not inherently good (like angels) or evil (like demons); it is their actions (amal) that shape their destiny and define their identity.

Explaining the two couplets, she said, “These lines remind me of the power of action. If you just sit still, nothing will change. But if you act, if you try to change your situation, something will definitely happen,” she said.

Anam’s journey—from a small-town Urdu-medium student to a future IAS officer—stands as a powerful story of resilience, ambition, and the transformative potential of education.

Here is the list of 26 Muslim candidates who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year, with their ranks written in front of their names.

•             Iram Chaudhary – Rank 40

•             Farkhanda Quraishi – Rank 67

•             Mohammad Muneeb Bhatt – Rank 131

•             Adiba Anam Ashfaq Ahmed – Rank 142

•             Wasim ur Rehman – Rank 281

•             Md. Nayab Anjum – Rank 292

•             Mohammad Haris Mir – Rank 314

•             Mohammad Shaukat Azeem – Rank 345

•             Alifa Khan – Rank 417

•             Nadia Abdul Rashid – Rank 429

•             Najma Salam – Rank 442

•             Shakeel Ahmed – Rank 506

•             Shah Mohammad Imran Mohammad Irfan – Rank 553

•             Mohammad Aftab Alam – Rank 560

•             Mohsina Bano – Rank 585

•             Syed Mohammad Arif Moin – Rank 594

•             Ghulam Haider – Rank 633

•             Hasan Khan – Rank 643

•             Ghanchi Gajala Mohammad Hanif – Rank 660

•             Mohammad Salah T.A. – Rank 711

•             Sadaf Malik – Rank 742

•             Yasir Ahmed Bhatti – Rank 768

•             Javed Mev – Rank 815

•             Nazeer Ahmed Bijran – Rank 847

•             Arshad Aziz Quresh – Rank 993

•             Iqbal Ahmed – Rank 998

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Mohammad Akram / April 2025

Kashmir’s Saffron queen Noushaba Jeelani evived business by involving women

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Pampore, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Noushaba Jeelani

Pampore (Jammu and Kashmir) :

Noushaba Jeelani, popularly known as the ‘Saffron Queen of Kashmir’, has turned a traditional crop into a global sensation, with an aim of women’s empowerment. Her saffron brand ‘Noush’ exports saffron in Europe and the Middle East.

Jeelani involved hundreds of local women in saffron harvesting, packaging, and quality control, turning saffron cultivation into a sustainable livelihood. Her startup has collaborated with global e-commerce platforms and luxury wellness brands, putting Kashmir’s saffron back on the worldwide map.

Speaking to ANI, Noushaba Jeelani said, “We shifted to Saudi Arabia for five years. Seeing a decline in the saffron business, we thought to come back and give a new identity to an already running business. We did a survey and found that people did not know about adulteration.”

She said that the firm has a network of 600 farmers, and growing and sowing are done by women, as the initiative aimed at empowering them.

Discussing the challenges they faced initially, she said the lack of education among people, as they could not differentiate between Kashmiri and foreign saffron.

“We have our in-house production and processing, so quality control is in our hands, so we make sure we give unadulterated saffron. In the survey, the farmers said their monetary return isn’t included in the business. We wanted to show the process to the farmers so they get a return on their money,” she said.

She said, “We want the women who grow and process saffron to feel empowered and build a community. Basic vision is to grow more saffron, we want to take it forward and want more women to join.”

Giving a message to young girls, Jeelani said, “Today, girls are brave and focused. I would say, do what you want and take the first step. You will evolve as you enter the process… Be fearless.”

Her husband, Afan Basu, told ANI, “We took the initiative to support my wife. In families, women control the work of saffron. In parallel to our B2B business, we wanted to have a women-led, women-empowered business. In Kashmir’s culture, women don’t open up to men, so we wanted to build a society of empowered women and transparency from top to bottom.”

Basu is an alumni of the BITS Pilani and he identifies himself as “chief farmer with an experience of six decades.”

On building a Kashmir brand, Basu said, “In India, there are a lot of brands which sell foreign saffron. Here we have the GI tag also, but if you go out of Kashmir and ask for saffron, they will name brands which do not belong to Kashmir… This is our identity, like apples and walnuts.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ANI / June 14th, 2025

Nabila Cracks TNPSC Group I Services Exam, Turns Cumbum’s Pride

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cumbum (Theni District), TAMIL NADU :

A Nabila, native of Cumbum in Theni district made the town proud in cracking the TNPSC Group I services exam in getting a posting as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes). Her alma mater Al Azhar Matriculation Higher Secondary School correspondent Nainar Mohamed and principal Ahamed Meeran felicitated for her achievement and presented a memento. Also present is her mom and husband Mohamed Afzal.

“Consistent effort and simple strategy is the mantra for success,” said 28-year-old A. Nabila, who cracked the TNPSC Group I services exam with 27th rank for the position as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes).

Hailing from Cumbum, a picturesque town nestled in the backdrops of Western Ghats known for its serene atmosphere, vibrant culture and rich history in Theni district, the enterprising young woman is on cloud nine thereby bringing laurels to her hometown.

To be precise, she brought to the fore that there is no shortcut for victory, be it course or career. In fact, she has proved that more than hard work, smart work will definitely fetch fruitful results. Giving useful tips in a lucid style to government job aspirants through a YouTube channel (Geethasamy Publishers), she made it clear that candidates must make it a point to complete question papers within the timeframe more importantly legibly while ensuring neat presentation.

Great to infer that the promising young woman had earlier cleared Group II services to become the State topper to join the subordinate services in the Tamil Nadu Agri and Farmers Welfare department at the Secretariat. Even while serving, she had a vision to scale new heights as to the inspiring words of American General and Diplomat Colin Powell – There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. Undoubtedly, she romped home to victory through dedication and determination.

Armed with her BSc (2014-2018 batch) from Madurai Agriculture College and Research Institute (a constituent college under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), she prepared for the competitive exams soon after her graduation without any second thought with a firm belief to excel in her vision.

Lady luck failed to smile at her in her first attempt in 2019.After getting into wedlock, she took a break only to continue her TNPSC Group II exam in 2022 and emerged successful. She dedicated her success to her parents, in-laws, brother Faizal and more particularly her hubby Mohammed Afzal while not to speak of her director and the faculty at the coaching institute. Her dad, A Ahamed Kabeer, is serving as Sanitary Inspector at Bodinayakanur Municipality.

At an event held yesterday, Cumbum Al Azhar Matriculation Higher Secondary School correspondent Nainar Mohamed and principal Ahamed Meeran felicitated Nabila for her achievement and presented a memento. Later, she addressed the students narrating the road she had travelled to be what she is now and urged them to have an ambition in life to reach dizzy heights in their chosen line of interest.

It is learnt that Nabila had her schooling from LKG to 8th at Cumbum Al Azhar Matriculation Higher Secondary School and continued her 9th and 10th at Theni MelaPettai Hindu Nadar Uravinmurai Saraswathy school and completed her Plus One and Plus Two at Tiruchengode Vidyaa Vikas school.

Quite encouraging to witness many female candidates from the rural background cracking UPSC civil services and TNPSC exams.

[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Muslims World> Asia / by M Rafi Ahmed / June 20th, 2025

Taxi Driver’s Daughter Iqra Wins Gold Medal in Maharashtra Medical Exams

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nashik, MAHARASHTRA :

A Muslim girl from Nashik tops the university in audiology and speech therapy, thanks to hard work, parental support and help from MESCO Educational Trust

New Delhi / Mumbai :

A young Muslim girl from a low-income family in Nashi has brought pride to her community by topping her university exams. Ansari Iqra Marzban, daughter of a taxi driver, secured the highest marks in the audiology and speech therapy course at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). She was awarded the gold medal for her outstanding performance.

“I had never imagined I would be the university topper. It’s only because of my parents’ duas (prayers) and the help I received that I reached here,” Iqra told Clarion India over the phone.

Iqra comes from a simple home where her father, Marzban Ansari, drives a taxi to support the family. Despite financial struggles, Iqra worked hard and refused to give up on her dream of becoming a medical professional.

She completed her SSC from Anjuman Islam Begum Sharifa Kalsekar Girls English High School and her HSC from Peace Science College in Dadar. Though she failed to clear the NET entrance exam on her first try, she did not lose hope. On her second attempt, she scored 486 marks and gained admission to Topiwala National Medical College (Nair Hospital) in Mumbai.

Her father was overcome with emotion when he learned of her success.

“I had tears in my eyes when I heard she topped the university. We couldn’t afford the course, but Iqra insisted on continuing her education. She’s our pride,” he said.

Iqra’s achievement also shows the silent but strong role of Muslim organisations that help students in need. After getting admission, Iqra faced a major problem — a lack of funds for her studies. That is when MESCO Educational Trust came forward and paid for all her education expenses.

“I had lost hope, but when MESCO came forward, it felt like Allah had opened a door for me,” Iqra said with emotion.

A MESCO official said, “Iqra is one of hundreds of students we help every year. Her achievement proves that with a little help, our children can do wonders.”

Iqra scored 950 out of 1,200 marks in her first and second semester exams — the highest in the state. She received the gold medal and praise from her teachers and classmates alike.

Dr Shaikh Aamir, a faculty member at Nair Hospital, said, “Iqra is a dedicated and humble student. Despite all odds, she kept performing well in class and in exams. We’re proud to have her.”

Iqra’s story is important at a time when Muslims often face discrimination or are shown negatively. Her success proves that Muslim girls can do well when they get the right support.

Iqra had a message for other girls facing struggles: “Don’t give up. Work hard, pray regularly, and look for help from the right places. Allah will make a way.”

She also said more awareness is needed about support systems in the Muslim community. “Many people don’t even know that groups like MESCO are ready to help. Our people should come forward and ask for help when needed,” she added.

Prof Azra Fatima, a social activist and educationist, praised Iqra’s success. “Iqra’s victory is a strong reply to those who say Muslim girls are not interested in education. It’s not interest that’s lacking, it’s opportunity.”

Now, Iqra plans to continue studying and work in speech therapy to help children with speech problems. But for many, her biggest achievement is the inspiration she gives to other Muslim girls.

“We didn’t have money, but we had faith. And today that faith has brought us respect,” said her father.

Iqra’s gold medal is more than a personal victory. It is proof of what Muslim youth can achieve with faith, family support, and community help.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Bin Ismail / June 19th, 2025

Lubna Naseer Creates History with First Gold for J&K at National Taekwondo Championship

Sports, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Churmujroo Village (Beerwah, Budgam), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Photo Credit: X.Com

Budgam/Dehradun :

In a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Lubna Naseer, a young Taekwondo athlete from Churmujura village in Beerwah, Budgam, has clinched the first-ever gold medal for the Union Territory at the 4th Cadet & Junior National Taekwondo Championship 2025, held in Dehradun, reported the Brighter Kashmir.

Representing the Khelo India Taekwondo Centre under the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, Lubna showcased an exceptional performance, defeating top contenders from Gujarat, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. In the finals, she delivered a clean sweep against Haryana, securing a flawless victory that highlighted her dominance on the national stage.

Lubna’s journey to the top was anything but easy. Battling a recent injury, she continued training under the dedicated mentorship of her coach, Rohit Sharma. Her perseverance and resilience have earned her praise from sports officials and admiration from across the region.

“This gold medal is not just mine—it belongs to my coach, my parents, my school, and the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” Lubna said, dedicating her win to everyone who supported her.

Looking ahead, the young athlete now aims to represent India in the Asian Games, the World Junior Championships, and eventually, the Olympics. Lubna has also appealed for enhanced sports infrastructure in Budgam, urging authorities to invest in the potential of Kashmiri youth.

Her victory not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Valley. Lubna Naseer is now a beacon of hope and pride for Jammu and Kashmir, symbolizing what determination and support can achieve.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 12th, 2025

Barakah NEET Academy’s first batch clears NEET Exam; several qualify for Govt MBBS seats

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru: 

Barakah NEET Academy, a Mangaluru-based coaching institution, has announced that all 32 students from its first batch have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) this year.

According to the academy, 25% of the students have qualified for government MBBS seats, while others have secured eligibility for courses like BDS, BAMS, and other medical programs.

Kausar, a student of the academy, scored 502 marks and emerged as the batch topper. In total, eight students have scored above 460 marks, qualifying for government medical colleges.

The institution, which offers residential NEET coaching along with an Islamic learning environment, said it aims to support students with focused academic guidance and preparation for medical entrance exams.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / June 15th, 2025